The Storm Approaches

"Pandaria does indeed have many sealed taboos. The Order of the Cloud Serpent holds only some of them; others are guarded by the Golden Lotus and the August Celestials." Taran Zhu gazed at his reflection in the cup. The steeped tea leaves had sunk to the bottom, as though they were the secrets of this land.

Nathanos took another sip of tea. "I can be certain that you have not revealed these taboos to anyone. But what you have hidden did not originate with you. They are creations of your enemies."

Taran Zhu tilted his head. "Our enemies have always wanted to reclaim what belongs to them. And now... there is another thief."

The Witherer nodded. "Garrosh truly is a thief. The Horde he envisions takes whatever it wants."

"Not everyone in the Horde is like that." The Order of the Cloud Serpent master's words piqued the Witherer's interest. "That Vol'jin... he is the best example."

"Do you need to send someone to warn the Golden Lotus and the August Celestials, so they can strengthen their watch over those taboos?"

Before Nathanos could hear Taran Zhu's reply, something caught his attention. When the Witherer turned around, he saw a young monk running toward them in a panic, stumbling and falling once along the way.

What happened now?

"Master!" the monk shouted. "We're finished! We're all finished!"

Taran Zhu slapped the table and rose to his feet, fury flashing in his stern gaze. Monks—especially monks of the Order of the Cloud Serpent—were normally calm and composed. Even in the tense moments before a difficult battle, they should display extraordinary composure. Yet this monk was like a child who had seen a monster, able to see nothing but fear.

The moment he approached, Nathanos frowned and took a step back. At some