Sien wasn't particularly concerned about the Mogu under his command having their own agendas; the intervention of the Naga was the real reason for his fury.
He knew from the beginning that most of these tribal warlords under him were useless, but he never expected these fools to try and uncover the Thunder King's secrets.
The ancient Mogu Emperor must have left behind a large number of hidden treasures; this was not a rumor, and while those warlords knew about it, Sien naturally understood more than them.
However, ever since he ascended to the throne, Sien had learned things that those minor warlords did not understand.
The Mogu's legacy had been scattered and chaotic since the collapse of their empire, with only a small amount of historical material remaining in Mogu'shan Palace. Although Sien was devoted to martial arts and power, he was not an illiterate or unread idiot. To enhance his own strength, he had frequently consulted historical records concerning the Mogu's inheritance.
However, in a secret collection of books, he discovered a secret about the first Mogu Emperor, Lei Shen, the Thunder King.
The Pandaren of Pandaria all believed that Lei Shen died in a great battle in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, where Lei Shen and his army were defeated by brave Pandaren monks. After that, the Pandaren continuously launched assaults on Mogu rule, hoping to regain their freedom from Mogu enslavement.
Sien scoffed at such legends, and discoveries within Mogu'shan Palace confirmed his thoughts: Lei Shen did not die in the Pandaren rebellion, nor did he even die in Pandaria.
In an ancient era, when the continent was still a single landmass, Lei Shen launched an expedition. The exact location of the expedition is unreliably documented, but historical records state that Lei Shen fell during this expedition.
His sudden death brought an abrupt end to his otherwise flourishing reign. It was precisely because of Lei Shen's unexpected demise that subsequent Mogu Emperors existed; otherwise, how could the throne of this first Mogu Emperor, in the prime of his life, be occupied by others after only a few short years?
As for what Lei Shen left behind, no one knew, and Sien didn't particularly care. But for the Naga to use Mogu artifacts to compel the Mogu to serve them?
"These damnable slithering snakes, I will eradicate them all," Sien's cold voice echoed from within the hall. He looked at the somewhat flustered Mogu outside, "Now, go deal with those outsiders attempting to invade the Vale of Eternal Blossoms! Disobey, and die!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Mogu scrambled to leave, fearing they would be the chicken Sien slaughtered to warn the others.
-----------------
Opportunities for the four August Celestials to reunite were rare, and many Pandaren from Kun-Lai Summit came to witness this grand event. Among them were refugees whose homes had been completely destroyed by Yaungol, Mogu, or Mantid, preparing to head to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms to see if they could find a new way to live.
Within the power imprint of the August Celestials, the ancient magic sealing the Celestial Gate dissipated, and this long-closed portal finally opened to the world.
Arthas stood on a high ground, observing the Pandaren refugees with their families and the Alliance Vanguard preparing for battle. Zhu Talan, standing beside him, said, "We have already chosen our encampment in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. The palace complex outside Mogu'shan Palace has been abandoned by the Mogu for a long time, but it has complete facilities that we can directly utilize."
"What about the Mogu's movements?"
"Scouts from the Golden Lotus reported that they discovered the Mogu constructing many mines in the mountains south of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. However, these mines contain almost no valuable minerals. As for what the Mogu are actually digging for, due to the extremely tight security, they have no way of knowing."
"Still no trace of the Naga?" Arthas asked.
Zhu Talan shook his head helplessly, "No, but we overheard some Mogu generals and warlords indeed mentioning the Naga... Their king, Weapons Master Sien, seems to be extremely furious and is preparing to deal with those involved with the Naga."
This seemed quite normal to Zhu Talan. The Mogu were extremely arrogant and aloof; apart from their own kind, they looked down upon all other races. Even the Zandalar Trolls, who allied with them ten thousand years ago, were treated with considerable indifference and disregard by the Mogu.
Now that the Naga had appeared in the core territory of Mogu rule, it would be strange if Sien, as the Mogu king, weren't enraged.
"It seems we're not the only ones looking for that group of Naga," Arthas said casually, shifting his gaze from the long procession. "Get ready. The Mogu will certainly not sit idly by while we enter the Vale of Eternal Blossoms like this; they will launch an attack sooner or later."
After sending Zhu Talan away, Arthas frowned. He always felt something was strange. These Naga appeared in various parts of Pandaria, but apart from the initial group dealt with by the Alliance Vanguard, they had not found a single Naga since.
Considering their ability to orchestrate things from behind the scenes, it certainly wasn't something a mere few individuals could accomplish; they should have an entire army stationed somewhere in Pandaria.
However, Naga are ultimately not creatures suited for terrestrial life. Therefore, apart from the Jade Forest and Krasarang Wilds, which are rich in waterways and close to the ocean, other regions are either inland, far from the coast, or lack a decent water system.
To sustain an entire organized Naga force, abundant water sources are an indispensable factor. The Naga once stationed in Zangarmarsh almost drained half of Zangarmarsh's water to maintain their required environment.
Kun-Lai Summit and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms clearly did not meet such conditions, and neither the Alliance nor the Pandaren had discovered any conspicuous Naga constructions.
Where exactly were they hiding, and by what means were they compelling so many Mogu to serve them?
Just as Arthas was pondering these strange questions and phenomena, he suddenly detected a familiar magical fluctuation.
Moments later, at an isolated high point on one of the Celestial Gate's watchtowers, Arthas took out a deep-sea crystal with a distinct Naga style.
"Oh my, our new king acts quite swiftly. It seems my incompetent subordinates haven't caused you trouble in Pandaria?" Azshara's enchanting and melodious voice came from the crystal.
"Azshara, your subordinates are almost all dead," Arthas didn't want to listen to Azshara's nonsense. "And it seems you're quite pleased that your Naga died at our hands... The ones who came to Pandaria weren't actually your direct subordinates at all, but rather Old God cultists who had completely pledged themselves to N'Zoth, weren't they?"
Azshara let out a series of delightful, bell-like laughs. If one didn't know about her terrifying serpentine body, anyone would assume the other end of the magic crystal belonged to a young maiden giggling uncontrollably.
Arthas had no fondness for this old hag who had lived for ten thousand years. Although she wasn't truly subservient to N'Zoth, she clearly had other plans.
The laughter gradually subsided, and Azshara's voice became unusually calm, "Quite clever, little king. My time is short. Finish your war games in Pandaria quickly. N'Zoth is not as patient as I am."
After this cryptic statement, Azshara's crystal completely went silent, shattering into a pile of dust.
Arthas tilted his palm slightly, letting the dust slide from his hand, and simultaneously curled his fingers to rub the remaining dust in his palm, his mind racing like lightning.
While Azshara played the role of a riddler, Arthas was not hesitant. After the vanguard established its camp outside Mogu'shan Palace, relying on the Twin Moon Temple, he immediately convened a meeting of high-ranking Alliance officers.
"Azshara's words cannot be fully trusted, but one thing is certain: it benefits her for us to eliminate these Old God worshipers active in Pandaria."
Although it's unclear what Azshara truly intends, she certainly condones and supports the annihilation of N'Zoth's minions, which could very well be beneficial to her schemes.
Uther pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then judged, "Regardless, we must eradicate these remnants of the Old Gods. And since Azshara and N'Zoth are not of one mind, we can still proceed with our original plan."
Shandris, standing nearby, did not think so. As an Elf who had lived for over ten thousand years, she understood Azshara's conduct far better than humans.
Shandris slowly said, "Azshara may be feigning submission to N'Zoth, but in her eyes, we are merely pawns to be used. The goals she achieves through us could very well be worse than those of the Old Gods."
All Elves could not forget the Great Sundering ten thousand years ago; Azshara played a crucial role in it. It could be said that a large part of Azeroth's current crisis is a mess she created.
Arthas strongly agreed with Shandris's view. "Azshara is completely hidden behind the scenes. She is using the banner of N'Zoth to shield herself. Unfortunately, we currently don't have the time or energy to investigate her motives."
Whatever Azshara's schemes, they do not affect the vanguard's objective. They came here to destroy the heart of y'shaarj and further weaken the Old God's power.
And one thing is beyond doubt: Azshara will absolutely not release N'Zoth from his prison. Because once N'Zoth escapes, Azshara will be the first to suffer. N'Zoth will not allow a powerful and disobedient rebel to emerge among his subordinates.
After a concise meeting, the vanguard's high command ultimately decided to first resolve the immediate problem, temporarily setting aside Azshara's matter. At the same time, they arranged for local Alliance members to strengthen their defenses and vigilance, especially in important coastal cities and towns.
"Oh, and one more thing," Arthas considered a problem that had not yet been discussed, "should we inform the Horde about this?"
The members present also fell silent upon hearing this question. Emotionally speaking, except for the Tauren, they almost all harbored deep hatred for the Horde and would love to see the Horde suffer.
However, this matter was not a simple factional conflict. If the Horde were to be infiltrated by Azshara or N'Zoth, the scenario of the Old Horde might reappear.
A group of orcs controlled by the Old Gods is no different from orcs controlled by the Burning Legion's demon blood; in the end, they would still threaten Azeroth.
"We should inform them about this," Uther suggested after a rational analysis. "They are now also a part of Azeroth. Although our positions differ, allowing them to be corrupted by the Old Gods would not benefit us, neither emotionally nor logically."
"No objection."
"Same here."
"Although I can't stand these Horde pigs, Sir Uther is right."
The various voices ultimately converged in one direction, and Arthas also turned his gaze to Shandris, who remained silent.
Noticing Arthas's gaze, Shandris said nothing more, only nodding, "A reasonable suggestion."
There was no other way; besides the Eastern Kingdoms, the Night Elves were the ones with direct conflict with the orcs. They had even lost a revered Demigod in battles with the Horde.
Fortunately, the Night Elves' representative was Shandris Feathermoon. If the commander of this operation had been a Arch Druid, it would likely have taken a lot of effort to get him to overcome his internal reservations.
"Then it's decided. Hamuul, how about the Tauren act as the Alliance's representative to convey this information?"
Arthas looked at Hamuul Runetotem. The wise Tauren elder stood up, clenching his right fist and lightly thumping his chest. "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, the Shu'halo will immediately set about it."
-----------------
In a bustling tavern in Ratchet, Kalimdor, a stout figure, clad in simple cloth, held two crumpled letters in his furry hands—or rather, paws. From the creased pages, it seemed his mood was somewhat sour.
"Hey, dear Chen Shu, by the time you read this letter, I'm already on my way to Ironforge.
"Shen-zin Su is not where I want to be. I've told you and Dad about this for many years.
"I've read every letter you sent back to Wandering Isle, Chen Shu. Those letters have unraveled many secrets that puzzled me for years—but there's still one huge secret without an answer. However, I already know how to find it, so this is what I'm going to do right away.
"I promise this time no one... and nothing will be lost! When I see you and Dad again, you definitely won't believe what I've found!
"—Lili"
Chen Stormstout sighed, "Oh, my goodness... Cheng Bo, how could you be so careless!"
He put both letters away. Besides Lili's, the other was from Lili's father, Cheng Bo, asking him to find Lili.
The legendary Brewmaster slapped his head in annoyance at this moment. "It's all my fault! I shouldn't have mentioned Pandaria in the letters I sent home!"
Old Chen had been traveling the continent since leaving Wandering Isle, and recently he had learned that the Alliance had discovered Pandaria, the true homeland of the Pandaren. So he mentioned it in the letters he mailed home.
He never expected that his niece, Lili Stormstout, after seeing those letters, would secretly board an Alliance merchant ship alone and embark on a journey to find that mysterious continent!
Cheng Bo, worried about his daughter, had no choice. He still had farmland and a brewery that he couldn't leave, so he could only ask Old Chen to bring Lili back—if it was absolutely impossible, then at least go with her to Pandaria.
"Bad luck, bad luck, bad luck!" Old Chen unhappily took a sip of the beer on the bar. The usually crisp and refreshing drink now tasted bitter.
"Hey, what's wrong with you today? You look so down?"
A voice as clear and melodious as an oriole's resounded behind Old Chen. Old Chen sighed again and began to pour out his troubles to the two travel companions he had met on his journey. "My niece ran away from home and went to Ironforge, saying she wants to go all the way to Pandaria."
"Pandaria? Your niece?" The two ranger beauties, whose styles were starkly different from the tavern's, exchanged glances. The High Elf wearing a hood chuckled, "So you're going to bring your niece back?"
Old Chen finished his last sip of beer and said helplessly, "My niece looks quiet, but she's actually as wild and untamed as a runaway dog. Finding her is harder than climbing to the sky, sigh... It seems my travels in Kalimdor are almost over."
"Perfect, we're also planning to take a ship back to the Eastern Kingdoms from here," the Elf pulled down her hood, revealing a delicate face. "It seems we can still travel together, wouldn't you say, Nathanos?"
In the bustling port of Booty Bay, Sylvanas held a schedule she had bought from a Goblin, and said to Chen, who was beside her,
"I've asked around. The next flight to Pandaria is in Stormwind, and it's for the Explorer's League.
If your niece wants to go to Pandaria, she'll most likely have to take this ship."
"Thank you, Windrunner, you've been a great help." Chen wiped the sweat from his face. His fur was good for keeping warm, but it was quite uncomfortable in a tropical area like Stranglethorn Vale.
He looked around, then stopped a Goblin at the port and asked, "How do I get to Stormwind from here?"
The Goblin didn't speak, only stared at Chen, strangely appraising him, then held out his hand, rubbing his thumb and forefinger together.
"Heh," Sylvanas flicked a silver coin imprinted with the Silvermoon City crest to the Goblin, "Now can you tell us?"
"Beautiful elven lady, it's my pleasure to serve you," the Goblin said with a grin, pocketing the silver coin, "Of course, you take a merchant caravan's carriage to Stormwind from here."
"A carriage?" Chen's face was incredulous, his bear-like expression immediately falling, "By Shen-zin Su, that would be the death of me!"
Sylvanas and Nathanos looked at him helplessly. As expected, the Goblin immediately interjected, "If you're hoping for something faster, a Gryphon would be a better choice—and coincidentally, I have a way to get tickets right here, though the price…"
Chen scratched the back of his head with a bear paw. He realized his complaint had shown the Goblin a business opportunity, and now the Goblin was taking advantage of it.
"A Gryphon it is." Sylvanas waved her hand. She didn't care about spending a few more gold coins. On the other hand, taking a merchant caravan's carriage, traveling through Stranglethorn Vale and Duskwood, it would be a question if they could even reach Elwynn Forest in a month.
Moreover, the journey wasn't particularly safe, with Trolls, beasts, and Undead in Duskwood. If anything went wrong, they might not reach Stormwind for several months.
The ship was due to depart in about two weeks, so taking a carriage would definitely be too late, plus they still had to find Lili's whereabouts in Stormwind.
Soon, after paying enough to satisfy the Goblin's appetite, the three boarded a Gryphon bound for Stormwind. However, the Gryphon handler grumbled a few words unhappily when he saw Chen, saying it would exhaust his precious Gryphon.
-----------------
"Wow!"
Walking down the streets of Ironforge, Lili looked around like a curious child. This was the first time she had seen such a bustling city since leaving the Wandering Isle.
Everything was new to her, although the environment here didn't seem to suit a Pandaren—she had already changed into the short clothes she wore during summer on the Wandering Isle, but she was still sweating profusely.
However, the bustling surroundings didn't make Lili forget her plan. She looked left and right, chose a Dwarf uncle who looked very kind, and asked, "Hello, excuse me, does Ironforge have flights to Pandaria?"
"Ironforge, Pandaria, flights?" The Dwarf who was asked first looked at Lili in surprise, then burst out laughing, "Little girl, where are you from?"
"Uh, I'm from the Wandering Isle—"
"The Wandering Isle, that legendary Pandaren island? Old Brann is really lucky today, to actually meet a Pandaren from the Wandering Isle."
The Dwarf stopped by Lili was Brann Bronzebeard. He was currently purchasing some travel supplies because he was about to take the subway from Ironforge to Stormwind, and then a ship from there to Pandaria.
"You've come to the wrong place, little girl—can you tell me your name? I'm Brann Bronzebeard, and I currently work for the Explorer's League." Brann handed his shopping list to a nearby grocer, then looked at Lili.
"Lili Stormstout," Lili said, "You said I came to the wrong place, but I found out at Menethil Harbor that Ironforge has airships to Pandaria?"
Brann explained, "Ironforge Airport does have airships to Pandaria, but currently, they only accept military transport orders. It's not realistic for you to go to Pandaria from Ironforge."
Lili's small face instantly fell. She hadn't expected to encounter a problem on her very first step towards Pandaria.
"However, Stormwind has ships to Pandaria. If you want to go, you can just take the subway from Ironforge."
"Really?! Thank you so much, uncle! Can you tell me where to catch the subway?" Lili's eyes lit up.
Brann said cheerfully, "Of course, and if you can help me with a favor, I can even give you a ship ticket!"
Lili hesitated, "Uh, a favor, will it take up a lot of my time?"
"Of course not, it's just that the Explorer's League is preparing to explore Pandaria, and perhaps a guide could make our expedition in Pandaria go more smoothly!" Brann stated his plan.
"A guide?" Lili sighed, saying with some regret, "This is my first time going to Pandaria too, so I probably can't handle this job."
"It's alright, we can find a local guide once we land. I heard the residents of Pandaria are quite warm and hospitable. I just want to learn some Pandaren knowledge before then—you know, it's not easy to find a traveling Pandaren these days."
Lili thought about it, and it seemed to be true. Among the Pandaren traveling outside the Wandering Isle now, besides herself, there was probably only her uncle, Chen.
But Chen should be in Kalimdor right now, so it would indeed be even harder for the Dwarves to find a Pandaren.
After a brief understanding of her work, Lili gladly accepted Brann's invitation. Brann also considered Lili's age and asked if she needed to hire any guards or bodyguards.
"No need, uncle! Don't let my age fool you, I'm a qualified Monk!"
Lili casually made a few gestures, and light green Chi energy flowed in her palms. Brann looked at this energy with some novelty, "Oh?! What a peculiar power, peaceful and full of life! This is a good aspect for us to understand Pandaren culture!"
Hearing Brann's praise, Lili was a little proud. Ever since she was almost eaten by a tiger during an adventure in the forest, she began to diligently practice the way of the Monk. On her journey from Menethil Harbor to Ironforge, she had also taken on many mercenary tasks, helping local residents fight crocodiles and Gnolls, earning a considerable amount of travel funds.
Brann was very satisfied with his new recruit. "You are now a temporary, unofficial member of the Explorer's League. We will pay you on time with wages and subsidies, oh, and travel expenses for this trip."
"Temporary, unofficial member? Why not a full member?"
Lili didn't care about monetary compensation; instead, she was curious why she was only a temporary member.
"Of course, because full members need to apply and…"
"Then I'll apply!"
"…and pass an exam of history, geography aaaaand-"
"And?"
"MATH!"
"Then forget it, unofficial is fine."