Master Snowdrift was a veteran master of the Shado-Pan Monastery, a martial arts grandmaster who dedicated his life to achieving a state of unparalleled physical and spiritual prowess. The entire Shado-Pan respected this Pandaren monk.
Galen also held him in high esteem. The Pandaria of his previous life wasn't as fortunate as it was now. Back then, war had engulfed Pandaria, and the devastating conflict between the Horde and the Alliance had sparked unrest within the solemn Shado-Pan Monastery.
At that time, the Sha of Doubt, the Sha of Hatred, and the Sha of Anger had escaped their prisons, with the Sha of Anger even invading this secluded monastery, persecuting the valiant Shado-Pan defenders.
Guo-Lai and Taran Zhu were directly corrupted, leaving only Master Snowdrift lucid in the entire monastery, guarding his dojo and his disciples.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Snowdrift!"
"Welcome, Emissary of the Celestials! I have heard of your deeds in slaying the Sha of Doubt and the Sha of Despair. You are Pandaria's savior!"
Galen met the portly Master Snowdrift at the Snowdrift Dojo. He appeared older than Taran Zhu, and equally more composed. No wonder Taran Zhu entrusted him with the monastery's affairs when he was away from the Shado-Pan Monastery.
What impressed Galen the most about Master Snowdrift was his saying: "When I was young and inexperienced, I struggled to throw a decent punch. But after years of training, I am now a different person!"
Just as Galen sat down cross-legged, Master Snowdrift loudly instructed: "Flying Snow, Fragrant Lotus, quickly bring tea!"
Hearing this, Galen's back stiffened, and he almost launched an attack, but it was just a conditioned reflex that he quickly suppressed.
However, Galen's strange reaction was keenly noticed by Master Snowdrift.
Damn it, he had leveled up too many alts in the Mists of Pandaria in his previous life, and some phrases were etched into his mind… In some ways, the World of Warcraft had indeed become a small part of his life.
"Hahaha, I tasted my first cup of Pandarian tea with Lorewalker Cho. Today, I must savor the fine tea of the Shado-Pan Monastery!"
Galen chuckled, "Lorewalker Cho said that I appear to be a human on the surface, but in reality, a Pandaren soul resides within my human shell."
"Although Lorewalker Cho was joking, I think he's right. I love Pandaria, I love the Pandaren, I love Pandaren cuisine and architecture, I love the Serpent's Spine, I love everything about the Pandaren!"
Galen's sincere words were filled with emotion and exuberance. Master Snowdrift was moved by the aura emanating from Galen's words, and he smiled as he stroked his mustache with his chubby paw.
"Perhaps this is the fate my master once spoke of, Galen!"
At this moment, two Pandaren loli entered, each holding a tray. They respectfully placed the tea in front of Galen and their master.
"These are Flying Snow and Fragrant Lotus, my two newly accepted disciples. They are very talented, and given time, they will surely become renowned monks of Pandaria!"
Master Snowdrift proudly introduced the two Pandaren loli to Galen.
"One inherited my Raging Fists, and the other practices my Hurricane Kicks. They have already achieved some success!"
Galen looked at the two female Pandaren, who were slightly older than Li Li. For their age, their strength was indeed impressive.
"They are indeed good seedlings. If my children hadn't already become disciples of Master Shangxi at the Temple of the Five Dawns, I might have asked you to help me train them!"
"Temple of the Five Dawns? Shangxi?" Master Snowdrift recalled the various monk orders in Pandaria and realized he had never heard of this temple.
"That is a temple built by Liu Lang and a group of wandering monks on the back of Pan Shen Zhenzi. Master Shangxi is the abbot of the temple."
After a brief introduction, Galen ended the small talk and asked the question he was most concerned about: "I heard at the Ox Temple that the Sha had broken free, but from the current situation, the Shado-Pan Monastery is still operating normally. What's going on?"
A light flashed in Master Snowdrift's eyes, and his amiable gaze turned sharp: "The Sha indeed broke free. Just when the abbot and I thought the situation was beyond redemption, the Venerable Xuen, Chi-Ji, and Yu'lon suddenly descended!"
"With the help of the three Celestials, Abbot Zhu led the Shado-Pan Secret Guard to reseal the Sha of Anger, the Sha of Madness, and the Sha of Hatred."
"However, the abbot was also severely injured by the Sha of Anger in the battle, and he is currently recuperating in the monastery."
Galen finally breathed a sigh of relief. Good news, Taran Zhu spat blood again, and the three Sha didn't die…
Galen still wanted to rely on these emotion Sha transformed from Y'shaarj to cleanse his inner demons and sublimate his soul.
After all, his current demigod power was not cultivated by himself. Although the slow addition of the Heart of Origin prevented his foundation from being unstable, his state of mind had not kept up.
Although Azeroth's recognized cultivation system was different from the ancient cultivation system known to Galen, he still stubbornly wanted to refine his heart.
This was one of his two purposes for coming to Pandaria!
And using the Sha to refine the heart was traceable in Pandaria!
At the Temple of the Jade Serpent, the Sha of Doubt was completely buried. From that day on, the last emperor no longer doubted in his heart. He believed that he would definitely save Pandaria from the Great Sundering, and he became the embodiment of conviction.
At the Temple of the Red Crane, the emperor drove out the despair in his heart. The battle with the Sha of Despair lasted for four days and five nights in the pouring rain. All of Shao Hao's despair was eliminated. From that day on, the emperor finally understood that the future was full of light, and he became the embodiment of hope.
Later, he sought help from the brave and resolute Niuzao and banished his fear, imprisoning it under the earth. Emperor Shao Hao no longer had fear in his heart. He became the embodiment of courage.
Finally, with the help of Xuen and a group of good friends, Shao Hao defeated the Sha of Anger, the Sha of Hatred, and the Sha of Madness, becoming the embodiment of resilience, love, and tranquility.
Y'shaarj was good at manipulating emotions, self-doubt, and self-denial, which was exactly the training that Galen needed, and also the path to demigodhood for Shao Hao. Shao Hao had already told Galen the answer, and Galen only needed to copy it.
Moreover, Galen was different from Shao Hao. Shao Hao had to painstakingly defeat the Sha to become a demigod, and a single mistake could have led to complete defeat, while Galen came to bully the Sha after becoming a demigod, which was simply inhuman.
"Master, can I meet the Celestials and Abbot Zhu?"
"No problem, Galen, please follow me!"
Master Snowdrift led Galen out from the other side of his dojo. Outside was an ancient wooden suspension bridge.
"Galen, beyond the suspension bridge is the Hall of Seals, where the three Celestials are. Abbot Zhu is in the Falling Blossom Grove at the deepest part."
Master Xue Liu stood before the suspension bridge and said to Galen, "These areas are all forbidden grounds of the Shado-Pan. You can reach your destination by following the main road. I won't go any further."
To enter the Kun-Lai Summit, there are three mountain passes. The western one is firmly guarded by the Shado-Pan Monastery. Without the Shado-Pan's permission, no one can enter without authorization.
The eastern side is the territory of the Temple of the White Tiger, governed by the monks of the Temple of the White Tiger.
Whether it's the Shado-Pan Monastery or the Temple of the White Tiger, both are forbidden grounds for ordinary people. Those who aren't affiliated with the Pandaren government can only choose the road located on the southern slope of Kun-Lai Summit to ascend the mountain.
And Brewmoon Festival, located at the foot of the southern Kun-Lai Summit, is a rare bustling market in the Kun-Lai Mountains.
Today, Brewmoon Festival welcomed several outsiders.
Their arrival attracted the attention of many Hozen merchants.
"Is that them?"
"That's right, just as the compatriots in Burlwood described. Two adult Pandaren with a small Pandaren and two large and two small outsiders we've never seen before, that's them!"
"Then what are we waiting for? Go! They're fat sheep!"
The Hozen merchants took out their best goods and swarmed forward!
"Hey! Hey! Slow down, you're stepping on my foot!"
Looking at these little guys, the Windrunner sisters couldn't help but smile wryly.
That's right, this group is Alleria and Sylvanas. They brought the children after finishing their farm study life in the Valley of the Four Winds and followed Elder Zhou Zhuo and Chen north for travel.
Zhou Zhuo led them into the mountains north of the Thunderfoot Farm in the Valley of the Four Winds, crossed the Mistveil Traverse, passed through the interconnected caves of the Ancient Path, and finally arrived at Burlwood in Kun-Lai.
In the Mistsong Tavern on the Mistveil Traverse, they met Madam Goya, the owner of the mysterious organization Black Market. This is a mysterious female Pandaren, the Black Market is her family business, which is said to have existed since the Mogu Dynasty.
Later, during a cave rafting trip on the Ancient Path, they experienced an attack by the Saurok. In Burlwood, they received the warmest welcome.
It was also in that place that Alleria and Sylvanas couldn't resist Legolas and Arathor's requests and bought a large number of local specialties from the Hozen merchants…
The Hozen are unique creatures of Pandaria. Their ancestors were cave dwellers who were transformed by the Mogu using the Titan springs of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. Basically, they have the same origin as the Saurok, both being races modified by the Mogu.
They live on the towering mountains of Pandaria. These simple and small humanoids are humble and shuttle through the winding, wind-swept trails of Kun-Lai, transporting goods.
In addition to their extensive knowledge of the mountains, these superstitious Hozen also believe that only good luck can allow them to pass through the rugged mountain trails smoothly. Hozen like to travel in groups.
There is no absolute leader among them; people like the Traveling Trade Princes are responsible for managing affairs. There is a long-term cooperative relationship between the Hozen and the Shado-Pan. The Shado-Pan escort them on their journeys to avoid encountering predators, bandits, and Hozen attacks on the dangerous mountain roads. In exchange, the Hozen continuously transport goods to the Serpent's Spine for the Shado-Pan.
This ancient trade route, which has lasted for centuries, is called the Silk Road, and is the foundation of the common prosperity of the Hozen and the Shado-Pan.
Although their name also contains the word 'Goblin,' they are almost two completely different species from the Goblins of Azeroth.
The only thing they have in common is that they are both very good at business, but unlike the cunning and shamelessness of Goblin merchants, the Hozen are a kind and honest race. Every business is honest and fair, and they are very hospitable. Anyone who has helped the Hozen will be regarded as their friend.
Brewmoon Festival is a market run by the Hozen. It was originally just a foothold for Hozen merchants. Because of its superior geographical location, the Hozen caravans who love to do business will choose to gather here.
After spending a lot of time, Alleria finally sent the Hozen away, at the cost of contributing thousands of gold coins in purchasing power. Their backpacks were almost filled with Kun-Lai's local specialties.
"These little guys are really too enthusiastic," Elder Chen sighed with lingering fear.
"It's not that they are too enthusiastic, but that your gold coins are too easy to earn!" Zhou Zhuo complained weakly.
Zhou Zhuo was envious. The wealth of Galen's family is too great. These days, they have almost supported most of the Hozen tribe. Brewmoon Festival has become more lively because of their arrival.
"Let's go, let's find a place to fill our stomachs and prepare for the adventure ahead!" Sylvanas interrupted Zhou Zhuo and led the way to an inn.
The group found a place to sit in the inn, and then Zhou Zhuo, as half a host, took it upon himself to start ordering dishes.
"Uncle Zhuo, along the way, I saw many ruins of cities. Were they also Pandaren cities before?" Li Li asked Zhou Zhuo, while teasing her little cloud serpent, about her doubts along the way.
Zhou Zhuo knew the city that Li Li was talking about. It used to be a Mogu fortress in Kun-Lai, but with the demise of the Mogu Empire, it also turned into ruins.
"That was the former city of the Mogu. In fact, Kun-Lai is the place with the most races and the most mixed races in the entire Pandaria."
"Besides us Pandaren, there are also Highland Hozen, Mogu, Yaungol, Jinyu, Hozen, and Sprites living here, and so on."
Of course, most of the Mogu army chose self-sealing when the empire collapsed. Therefore, besides the Pandaren, the most populous in Kun-Lai are the Yaungol.
"Although their cities have been dilapidated, according to ancient legends, the Thunder King did not truly die. The Mogu Empire's army is still waiting for their emperor to be reborn and lead them to conquer Pandaria again and rebuild the Great Mogu Empire!"
"Wow…"
Legolas exclaimed, "Then let the Thunder King, the great demon king, resurrect quickly, and then let Father defeat him!"
"Ah! That's right, that's right! Father is the most amazing!" Legolas and Arathor shouted loudly, not afraid of the world being in chaos.
"Ah, you two, you've really been spoiled by Galen!"
At this moment, a Pandaren wearing a robe entered the inn. After glancing around, he raised his short legs and ran to Zhou Zhuo's side.
"Scholar, there have been strange movements in Kun-Lai recently. Many alien races that have never been seen before have appeared!"