While Andreas successfully embarked on his return journey, the diplomatic mission, burdened with heavy responsibilities, finally saw their hardships come to an end.
Through Shandris' negotiations, the Grummle who had accidentally stumbled into the Night Elf camp agreed to lead them to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, requiring only a "tour guide fee."
Wotta took Shandris's advice and readily agreed to the Grummle's reasonable demand. The affluent Night Elves were not short of funds, and just as Andreas had said, Grummles were entirely different from certain green-skinned shorties; they prided themselves on honest business, and the fee charged was not expensive.
With a guide familiar with the local conditions leading the way, the rest of the journey became much smoother. On the way south to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, Wotta obtained a great deal of information about Pandaria from this small guide, leading him to further appreciate Shandris for facilitating the deal.
Nearly 2,000 years had passed since the various races of Pandaria threw off the yoke of Mogu enslavement. During this long period, many events had unfolded in Pandaria. There were the generational feuds between the Jinyu and the Hozen, the migration of the Yaungol, the Zandalari invasions, the counterattacks of the Mogu, the still-unhealed wounds of the four August Celestials, and the massive invasions of the Mantid that occurred every century.
Among the races that escaped Mogu slavery, the industrious and brave Pandaren gradually became the new masters of Pandaria. Inheriting the legacy of the Mogu Empire, they established the most fertile region, the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, as their administrative center. For over a thousand years, the Pandaren gradually expanded their territory outward.
All lands within the majestic Great Wall—the Serpent's Spine—including Kun-Lai Summit, the Valley of the Four Winds, the Jade Forest, and the Krasarang Wilds, were now marked by their presence. Because they admired the Pandaren's kind yet brave nature, the four August Celestials guided them without reservation, allowing the Pandaren to enter a period of rapid development.
However, crises remained. Although the Mogu had declined following the overthrow of their rule, a dying tiger still commands respect; to suppress Mogu counterattacks, the Pandaren maintained a constant standing military force throughout Pandaria. On the other hand, by inheriting the Mogu Empire's legacy, the Pandaren also inherited their responsibility as Titan-forged creations.
The Mantid, seeking to reclaim the heart of the Old God, launched massive invasions against the Serpent's Spine from the Dread Wastes and the Townlong Steppes every hundred years. Resisting these offensives consumed a significant portion of the Pandaren military strength.
Wotta and the others learned from the Grummle that the leader of the Pandaren was not called a King, but an Emperor. The current Emperor was named Shaohao, a promising and capable monarch widely acclaimed by the people.
"Every generation of Emperor, upon ascending the throne, requests a Jinyu Waterspeaker to prophesy the future of the Pandaren. It is said that when Shaohao took the throne, he saw terrifying visions of the future in the prophecy."
The Grummle, named Lucky Coin, was very talkative during the journey and answered almost every question Shandris asked. However, he did not forget to hawk his wares to the curious Night Elves gathered around him.
"Aside from a few people, no one knows exactly what Shaohao saw in the prophecy. But since his ascension, he has often taken time to travel across the land with his friend, the Monkey King, whom he accidentally met in the Jade Forest. It seems he is searching for something."
"The Monkey King?" Shandris interrupted. "Is he the King of the Hozen?"
Lucky Coin nodded. "Yes. Although the Jinyu and the Hozen are mortal enemies, the Pandaren maintain friendly relations with both sides. It is thanks to their mediation that the Jinyu and the Hozen still barely maintain a level of restraint."
"We're almost there."
Lucky Coin pointed into the distance. A magnificent, open gateway appeared before the Night Elf mission. Behind the gate, golden wheat fields made Shandris gasp in surprise.
"Impossible... it's clearly not harvest season, why..."
Lucky Coin adjusted the brim of his hat and smiled proudly. "This is the greatest gift Pandaria left us. All grain planted within the Vale of Eternal Blossoms can ripen in a single day."
"This power, beyond mortal comprehension, ensures that the people of all races living in Pandaria never go hungry. However... I imagine you Night Elves must have similar techniques? Though perhaps not as exaggerated as ripening in a day."
Wotta smiled noncommittally. With the nourishment of the Well of Eternity, the Night Elves were also not short of food. Controlling more than half the world, the Night Elves wouldn't become greedy over a bit of grain; it was because of this that Lucky Coin didn't bother hiding the wonders of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.
As they approached the Vale, a Cloud Serpent Rider patrolling the sky spotted this group that clearly came from the outside world.
"Greetings, outsiders. Welcome to Pandaria."
A Pandaren rider descended and hovered before the mission. While the Night Elves marveled at the long, powerful three-clawed serpent, the rider scrutinized the group.
"I am Cloud Serpent Rider Li Yang. What business brings you to Pandaria?"
Having finally made contact with the official Pandaren authorities, Wotta felt a heavy burden lift from his heart after the arduous journey.
"Mr. Li Yang, I am Wotta Moonscar. I have come as an ambassador for the Night Elf Resistance, leading this mission to meet your country's... Emperor. I ask that you report our arrival."
"Ambassador?"
A glint of curiosity flashed in Li Yang's eyes. Though he didn't know the situation of this "Resistance," anyone carrying such a title was bound to be of high status.
After quietly observing the members of the mission, Li Yang spoke with some uncertainty. "My apologies, Mr. Ambassador, but your request exceeds my authority. I must report to my superiors first."
"If you don't mind, please rest temporarily at Westwind Village outside the Vale. We will report the visit of the Night Elf mission through the proper channels as quickly as possible. Please wait patiently."
Though worried about the war back home, Wotta had no choice but to follow the host's arrangements. "I understand. What we have come to discuss concerns the Burning Legion; we hope to be summoned by your Emperor as soon as possible."
...
Deep within the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, inside Mogu'shan Palace.
"Night Elves?"
An elderly Pandaren with white hair and beard showed a look of surprise upon hearing the report from the Cloud Serpent Riders.
"They actually risked crossing Zandalari territory to reach Pandaria? Are you certain the Ambassador mentioned the Burning Legion?"
"Yes, Lord Liu Li," Zhou Yun, the Commander of the Cloud Serpent Riders, replied respectfully. "According to the scouts' reports, almost every member of the mission is injured. They must have endured many hardships to arrive safely."
The elderly Pandaren, Liu Li, was the Chief Administrator under the Emperor. His official title in the Pandaren Empire was Chancellor.
Stroking his long beard, Liu Li considered for a moment before speaking. "Regardless of their intent, turning honored guests away from the Vale is not the Pandaren way of hospitality."
"His Majesty is currently in the Krasarang Wilds seeking the wisdom and guidance of Chi-Ji, the Red Crane... Tell you what."
Prime Minister Liu Li turned to a middle-aged Pandaren in official robes. "Lord Zhang Xun, use the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange for the mission to stay at the Shrine of Seven Stars. I will immediately send word to His Majesty."
"Remember, do not neglect our guests. They must have come with great sincerity to risk crossing the treacherous Zandalari mountains to reach Pandaria."