"Get up, no need to kneel. Eliminate those Drogbar, but tie up those who surrender; they still have their uses. Remember to destroy the Worms underground; we don't need any Worms here. Let your Empress decide on leaving a portion behind to manage this place. Remember, do not conflict with the Tauren."
"If they go too far, go find their Chieftain Mela; she is also mine. Go execute the orders. I do not like Worms, understood?"
Arthas's casual sentence decided the fate of these Underground Worms. The territory they excavated would be occupied by the Mantid. They would be exterminated, and not a single worm would be left alive.
Bugs that do not obey him have no reason to exist and can all die. No one likes bugs; women do not like them, and neither does he.
"Yes, Master."
The Mantid scattered, beginning the hunt for the Underground Worms. Since the Mother of Worms was already dead, no matter how powerful these Worms were, it would be useless. They could only ambush unsuspecting civilians in dark corners, but facing the Insectoid Race, who also preferred Life underground, it truly became a case of colleague against colleague.
There is only one type of person in this world whose differences can never be reconciled: competitors. Competitors are rivals. If I eat a little more, you won't just eat a little less, you'll starve to death. So why wouldn't they fight?
Mela, relying on the Aura's blessing and her compensating experience, successfully turned the tables and began suppressing Guldar instead of being suppressed herself. She was not weak; she merely lacked combat experience, and the sudden death of her father combined with being thrust into the Chieftain position had caused immense psychological pressure.
But this was only temporary. Her ability to become the Great Chieftain proved she possessed the necessary capability. If she were incompetent, Arthas would not have supported her. Ultimately, her true potential simply hadn't been fully unlocked yet.
Blocking the somewhat weakened bites, Mela's stamina remained robust. As Tauren are naturally known for their strength, people say tigers and lions are kings, but a crazed wild ox should not be underestimated.
Using her axe to block, she followed through with a kick, pushing Guldar away. It wasn't a full-force kick, just enough to distance him perfectly. She then forcefully swung her Battle-axe backhanded, cleanly severing the head of Guldar before he could react.
Watching the headless corpse stand momentarily, it swayed a few times before collapsing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Mela remained gripping the Battle-axe with both hands, chopping maniacally until Guldar was utterly minced and undeniably dead, only then did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.
She looked at her hands in disbelief. She had actually succeeded in taking revenge! She had personally slain the enemy and avenged her father!
Clap, clap, clap!
Arthas clapped his hands, looking at her with a smile.
"Congratulations on your success, Mela, you did very well. Your father will be proud of you, and you will successfully lead the Highmountain Clan and become a wise Great Chieftain whose name is passed down through generations!"
Whoosh!
Mela rushed over and gave Arthas a huge hug, holding him tightly with all her strength, her voice catching with a slight sob.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Without your help and support, I could not have avenged my father. You helped me, and you helped the entire Highmountain Clan. I will forever remember this kindness. From now on, I am your most loyal Servant, and the Highmountain Clan will pledge allegiance to you."
Maiev felt a pang of jealousy. You're hugging my mate, alright! And it's been long enough, shouldn't you let go now?
Jandice and Vashj stood behind, smiling as they watched the scene unfold. For them, jealousy was nonexistent; instead, they felt happy and proud watching their Master conquer clan after clan. This was the Master they served—powerful enough to inspire confidence, and mature and steady in his methods.
Everything was proceeding step by step; even if small obstacles appeared, he would crush them. This was their Master, a powerful Demigod.
"Alright, clean up, and take Dargul's head with you. Go meet your people and let them remember your strength; you are the Great Chieftain. I will wait for you in Highmountain. I plan to leave after a while. You also have many things to deal with. Take your time, there's no rush; we have plenty of time."
Arthas patted her shoulder. He had successfully learned Skills and completed part of his mission, which was enough.
Moreover, Highmountain produces unique Herbal Medicines and minerals. While agriculture is not highly developed here, it is excellent for livestock farming and breeding.
Every place has its unique advantages, and being adept at uncovering those advantages is what an excellent leader should do.
Mela reluctantly let go, her face still flushed with embarrassment. She had been too bold just now, embracing him impulsively.
"Thank you, Arthas. I couldn't have done any of this without you. I won't disappoint you. I will bring my people back soon. There will be a celebratory bonfire party tonight, and I hope you can attend."
The rest involves hunting down and cleaning up the battlefield. All resisting Drogbar should be killed, while those who surrender can be used as Slaves. Even waste can be utilized; wastefulness is shameful.
Stepping out of the cave, they could still see some pristine white snow outside. Heading southeast from here, there was a Snow Mountain path leading to Stormheim.
That area is the territory where the Vrykul congregate. It features powerful creatures like the Storm Proto-Dragons, as well as wildlife such as Mountain Goats and Snow Leopards. It produces unique Storm Element Herbal Medicines, which are rarely seen elsewhere.
Moreover, this area is very similar to Howling Fjord on the Continent of Northrend. Perhaps ten thousand years ago, these two regions were one, only to be separated by the explosion caused by the Well of Eternity.
Besides the native creatures, there is also the Hall of Valor, a military fortress built by the Chief Titan Keeper Odyn—a stubborn old fool.
Below the Hall of Valor lies the opposite—Helheim, a realm tinged with the colors of the Shadowlands Realm, ruled by Odyn's Adopted Daughter.
If Helya were Cate Blanchett, then there's no way he could let her go. Unfortunately, she isn't, and couldn't be.
Maiev took out a unique Communication Device, a stone similar to a Hearthstone, but imbued with more Natural Energy.
Night Elves do not refrain from using magic entirely, but rather use it as sparingly as possible. This does not mean they are completely ignorant of the Arcane.
"I have already sent a message to Tyrande. If she is willing to see you, she will naturally come. If she doesn't want to see you, then you can only go to Darkshore to find her. She usually spends her time near the World Tree Teldrassil."
Sometimes he truly didn't understand why Elves liked living in Tree Houses. Was it really that comfortable?
This wasn't just Tyrande; she was a Fundamentalist, close to nature, and a Priestess of elune, so living in a tree house was reasonable. His wife, Sylvanas, as a High Elf, also enjoyed living in Tree Houses. She disliked houses built of stone and concrete, preferring to build and live in Tree Houses within a garden.
Arthas didn't object to this, as everyone had their own preferences. Onyxia even liked living near Magma—wasn't that even more excessive than living in a tree house?
Not to mention Queen Azshara, who lives underwater. She is also a legitimate mate, residing in an Undersea City nearly ten thousand meters deep—which is even stranger.
"Thanks. Since we still have time before evening, let's go explore. Work is work, but don't forget to entertain yourself and relax during your leisure time."
Arthas actually really wanted to visit Watcher Isle. It was rumored that all the Wardens there were women, and they were all his Fanatical Followers, willing to bear his children with just a little encouragement.
Sure enough, Fanatical Followers are the most terrifying. Many unreasonable things become perfectly reasonable and undeniably correct when handled by them.
Back then, he was just a Casual Player—neither a Mountain Climber nor a High Mythic+ Pusher. He liked doing quests and enjoying the scenery along the way.
Nothing is more soul-soothing after a long day than admiring the scenery along the way. Riding a Flying Mount, watching the forests rush past below, and flying over snow-covered High Mountains, occasionally startling Mountain Goats and Wild Deer into leaping about—this was a unique experience.
They boarded a luxurious Magic Flying Carpet, a unique product of Suramar City, offering both comfortable seating and distinct elegance. He had to admit, it was quite comfortable. When it came to enjoyment, no one was more proficient than the Highborne; it was as if their inherent genes were dedicated to enjoying Life.
Having Archmage Elisande act as the Driver—such treatment could hardly be found anywhere else in all of Azeroth.
A fragrant breeze wafted past—the scent of Elisande's perfume, clear and elegant, yet subtly stirring a man's primal urges.
"Speaking of which, that is Stormheim. I have an old friend there. I first met her due to a small incident: her subordinates tried to invade Suramar but were repelled by us. After several attempts, she intervened personally."
"We fought, and her strength was considerable, matching mine equally. She is highly skilled in the use of Shadow Magic and harbors an instinctive hatred and resistance toward titan constructs."
"Occasionally, I would go drinking and chatting with her in the wilderness, and I even visited her territory. It was said to be built referencing the Shadowlands, somewhat gloomy and dark, which I didn't particularly like. However, after hearing about her experiences, I felt somewhat relieved; she was merely a pawn used by others."
"I previously heard Her Majesty the Queen say that Master holds the Titans in disdain. When Helya spoke about that Chief Titan Keeper, I realized Master was correct. Everything they do is just imposing their self-righteousness onto others, completely disregarding whether it is truly right, as long as they believe it is."
Looking at the beautiful scenery, resting his head on Vashj's long legs, enjoying Jandice feeding him wine, and listening to Elisande tell stories—everything was wonderful. Not to mention being able to play with Maiev's small hand and tease her until she blushed furiously. Perhaps this was the most comfortable Life imaginable.
Beautiful women accompanying him, traveling the world. Hmm, Jaina and Sylvanas were missing, though. If he wanted to enjoy Life and slack off, someone had to do the work. If he didn't do it, then his wives would have to.
Both women were career-oriented. While they could relax occasionally, if they truly did nothing, there were always things they couldn't let go of.
"The armies you mentioned are called the Kvaldir, correct?"
Maiev was slightly embarrassed and deliberately looked at Elisande to change the subject.
"That's right. They also moonlight as Pirates, and their relationship with the Naga is tense. I believe Vashj knows more about this than I do. They attacked Vashj'ir, attempting to occupy the Kaldorei city."
Elisande gently explained all this. In reality, the relationships involved were somewhat complicated.
She currently operates under the management of Queen Azshara. This has not changed since the Great Sundering in Ancient Times. She and Helya are good friends, but Helya's subordinates are Undead Vrykul living underwater.
The seabed used to be the territory of the Undead Vrykul, but as the Naga appeared and rose to power, the Undersea Vrykul were driven out. The conflict between the two sides is fierce and acute, as both want to claim the seabed for themselves.
However, the ocean is vast enough to hold both races. Yet, after a major war, the Undersea Vrykul were driven into the corners, and the main undersea locations and resources were seized by the Naga.
Helya cannot leave Helheim, and thus cannot provide assistance, only watching as her subordinates and Slaves are steadily defeated. They are now confined to the fringe areas, near Stormheim and also near Borean Tundra.
"That bastard Odyn didn't step forward when the Burning Legion invaded, so he doesn't deserve to be a Keeper. Furthermore, I don't like him. His conduct shows complete contempt for the native creatures of Azeroth; he only trusts his so-called Halls of Valor Army."
"Never mind, let's not talk about this. There's nothing interesting to discuss in the realm of the dead, and I probably won't have a chance to go to the Shadowlands anyway. Tell me about the recent situation in Valsharah. I need to prepare early, as I plan to go there to study for a period of time."
Arthas did not hide the truth. Learning the Way of Nature and aspiring to natural harmony was a good thing, naturally allowing him to connect with the Druids.
Maiev tried to pull her hand away, but he gripped it tightly. After several attempts, their fingers ended up interlaced. She felt a mix of surprise and awkwardness, and could only turn her head away to avoid the man's mischievous grin.
"Although the Druids might be willing to help you, they are currently preoccupied. The Demigod Cenarius has also fallen, so they probably won't have time for you. Furthermore, I heard they recently ran into some trouble, seemingly involving Dream Demons, and many Druids have fallen into an unwakeable Sleep again."
This revealed a crucial piece of information: the Emerald Nightmare!
Azeroth has two Mirror Dimensions: the Emerald Dream, representing Life, and the Shadowlands, representing death.
This place is inherently the nexus of the Six Primal Forces: Light, Shadow, Life, death, Arcane, and Fel Energy. All can be found and successfully wielded here.
The Emerald Dream is vast, reflecting all of Azeroth, but this is only one part of it. The further edges are shrouded in mist and impassable.
The Shadowlands are similar, representing only the power of death. The Shadowlands Realm is just a portion of the Shadowlands; one does not need to enter the Shadowlands Realm to reach the true Shadowlands.
The place where Queen Sylvanas tore apart the helm of domination was actually just a part of the Shadowlands. Calling it the Shadowlands is not wrong, just as both men and women can be referred to as people.
Torches rose across the Highmountain Clan camp in the evening, and Tauren Shamans prayed to the elements, turning the prayers into fireworks that exploded in the sky, celebrating the clan's great victory.
No one had expected things to go so smoothly. They had prepared for sacrifices, but with the allies joining, the forces of just the Highmountain and Rivermane Clans were able to wipe out the Drogbar tribe, which had opposed the Tauren for thousands of years.
Now, except for a few isolated members wandering outside, the Drogbar can no longer form new clans; they are, at best, a disorganized rabble.
During the evening celebration, Mela specifically announced that she would follow the Azeroth Guardians Sect, and recounted Arthas's heroic deeds in saving the world in ancient times, noting that even the ancestor of the Highmountain Clan, Huln, had been saved by him—a debt that could never be repaid.
Furthermore, from this day forward, the Highmountain Tauren would join the Kingdom of Lordaeron Alliance and pledge allegiance to Arthas.
The purpose of the Azeroth Guardians Sect is to protect this world, which does not conflict with the Shamans' belief in the Elements. Whether Elements or Demigods, they are all children nurtured by Azeroth, equivalent to the Tauren's Earth Mother.
With the momentum of the war victory and Mela's identity as Great Chieftain, no Tauren opposed the decision.
Even Advisor Blackhorn expressed approval. Setting aside other facts, having a powerful ally indeed helped the Tauren overcome their difficulties.
Without the harassment from the Drogbar and those annoying Subterranean Worms, everything would get better. They would no longer have to worry every day while planting crops, fearing enemy attacks. Food production would also be guaranteed, and at least they wouldn't starve—these were tangible changes and real benefits.
She originally thought the blessing would disappear, but Mela had been busy all day, leading troops into battle, dueling with Guldar, and then dealing with aftermath issues. After all these exhausting major events, she should have been utterly exhausted.
Yet, she still seemed very energetic, which was enough to prove that the blessing effect was still active and very strong.
Late at night, a figure stealthily entered Arthas's residence and only left just before dawn.
Early the next morning, Mela stood on the viewing platform of Stargazer's Point, watching her Master Arthas depart.
"Master, when will we meet again?"
"You will. Once you have integrated the Highmountain Clans and everything is stable, you can travel to Suramar City and use the local portal to reach the City of Hope in Lordaeron. You will find me there. Afterwards, someone will come to discuss matters with you. While I am away, you must not neglect your martial skills; a warrior must always remain focused. Alright, goodbye."
Arthas waved his hand dashingly and left on Elisande's magic carpet.
Not using a portal, and enjoying the scenery along the way was also nice.
In fact, there were still many things to deal with in Highmountain. The integration of the Tauren clans required handling the Skyhorn and Bloodtotem Clans. The Skyhorn Clan was fighting Harpies, while the Bloodtotem Clan was rebellious. Both needed to be resolved through battle.
These matters would be left to Mela; it was also a test. He had only come to learn the Tauren's unique Endurance Aura, aiming to cure the Nightborne's arcane addiction and help his mate, Queen Azshara, stabilize her form.
Currently, Azshara could not leave the Eternal Palace freely. She worried that if she lost the Old God power maintaining her form, she would completely transform into an ugly Naga. This was unacceptable; she did not want to become a Naga even unto death. Without hatred in her heart, she lacked the resolve to cross the line and become a Naga, so she would not accept becoming an ugly monster. How could she face her mate then?
A woman should present her most beautiful and enchanting side to her mate, not interact with him using her ugliest side. This was Azshara's mindset and the belief she always held.
Watching her Master gradually depart, Mela cheered herself up.
"Master, I definitely won't disappoint you! And when we meet again, I'll give you a surprise."
She placed her hand on her lower abdomen, eagerly anticipating the growth of the new life within.
The Broken Isles are divided into five regions. The northernmost is Highmountain, the southeast is the often thunderous Stormheim, and the direct south is Suramar City, the residence of the Nightborne Fallen Night Elves.
To the southwest is Azsuna, home to one of the ancient Kaldorei libraries and a research center for magical technology. The former empire was incredibly glorious. Although the world was shattered, many things have been preserved and passed down.
If Suramar City was manufacturing, then the elves of the Azsuna region were more like raw material providers.
Even Highborne had to farm and refine materials; there were differences even among the Highborne. There was generally nothing here worth noting. If one wanted to visit, it wasn't impossible; the unique underwater farmlands were a new invention of theirs.
Normal crops must be planted on the ground; this is common sense. Only soil can provide sufficient nutrients for crops to grow to maturity and be harvested.
Most of Azsuna is covered by water, so they built new cities on the water's surface and used magic to lift the Archives Library high up.
Not far across the shore from Azsuna is the Vault of the Wardens. Highborne and Night Elves commoners face each other across the water, maintaining a delicate balance.
To reach Azsuna, they had to pass through Valsharah, which was also their current direction and destination.
From afar, a massive oak tree could be seen, its dense foliage shading a large area. Where birds should have been circling, the tree now looked grey and white, seemingly corrupted by something.
Arthas frowned; the situation seemed unexpected for the first time. Could this be the corruption of the Emerald Nightmare?
Although N'Zoth was dead, and he was the mastermind behind all the conspiracies, this did not mean that the remaining two Old Gods, C'Thun and Yogg-Saron, could not extend their reach into the Emerald Nightmare. They were too deeply bound to Azeroth, and due to the influence of the world soul, they gradually transitioned from being ethereal to being corporeal (flesh-bound), naturally allowing them to invade the Emerald Dream.
Furthermore, one thing was certain: being Flesh-bound was not exclusive to the Old Gods. After absorbing the heart of y'shaarj, he also possessed the abilities of an Old God, or rather, he was a Humanoid Old God.
This ability for the Old Gods to become Flesh-bound was likely granted by the azeroth world-soul—a subtle power, silently resisting the Titans' methods of imprisonment.
Once Flesh-bound, they could escape the Titans' control and order. This was an excellent method, and it could be concealed by the Old Gods and used as a shield. This was a good thing, and a very clever tactic.
Not far ahead, two Ravens hovered in the air. They only spoke when Arthas and his party arrived.
"Welcome, Lord Arthas. I am Leyana, and this is my daughter, Astaria. We represent the Cenarion Circle and await your arrival here."
Her voice sounded like that of a mature woman. Appearance could be faked, but voice could not. This was not the era of voice changers, nor was there Qiaobiluo.
Maiev explained softly, lest Arthas be unaware of the situation.
"Leyana is a High Druid, and the daughter-in-law of Archdruid Fandral Staghelm. Fandral is the Administrator of the Cenarion Circle and Malfurion's partner. Malfurion often sleeps in the Emerald Dream, while Fandral handles the daily work."
"Next to her is Fandral's granddaughter, Astaria. She is also a Druid, who usually resides in Darkshore and comes to Valsharah for training."
Arthas nodded. This was the benefit of having an understanding woman; she wouldn't let him be in an awkward situation.
"Hello. I apologize for the sudden and intrusive visit."
"It is an honor for all Druids that Your Lordship has come. Please follow me."
With a professional leading the way, they realized these woods were an Illusion. If one inadvertently trespassed, they could easily die within.
Druids revere nature, but that doesn't mean they don't kill living things; they eat meat and cut down trees. They advocate for Natural Balance; too many forests isn't good either. Equilibrium is the Way of Nature.
There must be sufficient balance—neither proliferation nor extinction.
Some giant Ancient Trees stood motionless, but if you looked closely, you would find the bark patterns were peculiar because they formed a human face. These Ancient Trees were alive, supposedly descendants of the World Tree.
They possessed Self-Awareness but lacked the power of the World Tree. This was related to Species Degradation—neither entirely good nor entirely bad.
In the lore, the Iron Vrykul were corrupted by the Flesh-bound process, turning into Flesh Giants, then degenerating into Half-Giants, and eventually degenerating into Humans.
Orcs were similar: they degenerated from the Elemental Giant Grond into Magnaron, then from Magnaron into Gronn, then degenerated into Cyclops, Ogre, and finally Orc.
Although it was degeneration, the physical function—from the material of steel and rock to flesh and blood—was certainly a regression.
But in terms of intelligence, the Steel Constructs had no thoughts and no soul; they were just task-executing robots—not robots, but better than robots.
After constant degeneration, they gained a Soul. The difference in Soul could create infinite possibilities, and their Potential would accumulate. Once unearthed, their power would be unimaginable.
However, many Mortal Beings fail to unearth their Potential throughout their lives; this is merely a dream.
"Druids are close to nature; this reputation is certainly well-deserved."
Upon entering, Arthas noticed the strong Natural Aura. It wasn't the stale smell of residual dirt, but very fresh air. Breathing it in made one feel mentally invigorated. The quality was extremely pure, requiring almost no filtration. The higher the quality, the better the resulting effect.
Along the way, they could also see some Grove Wardens casting spells, imparting knowledge to Night Elves commoners, many of whom were still children.
There were also some Dryad fawns hopping and skipping. If they occasionally saw diseased trees, they would cast spells to dispel the ailment, ensuring the normal growth of the forest.
This instantly made his eyes light up. He wasn't coveting the Dryads' bodies, but rather their ability and talent for Purifying Land.
Lordaeron's lost territories were being reclaimed, but many areas were polluted and difficult to restore. Moreover, much of the pollution was source-based, requiring thorough purification of the water sources.
A place without water sources cannot sustain life. Only the Undead can, as they do not need to eat or drink, nor do they need to excrete. They are free from the troubles of living beings, but also lack the joys and potential of living beings.
They arrived beneath the World Tree Shaladrassil, where many Tree Houses had been built. Elves naturally preferred to live in such natural environments.
A tall, long-eared elf was waiting. It seemed that Druids generally had firm and developed muscles, quite unlike their usually delicate High Elf relatives.
"Welcome, Lord Arthas. I am Fandral Staghelm. Your arrival brings great honor to Valsharah."
Although Fandral was heartbroken over the loss of his son and seemed somewhat dazed, he appeared relatively normal.
"Hello, Fandral. Thank you for the Cenarion Circle's contribution to restoring the world. We have also been searching for ways to repair the world. The pain caused by the Burning Legion has lasted for ten thousand years and continues. Previously, they caused immense damage to Mount Hyjal. We did our best, and we defeated them."
"Now we need to repair this scarred world, while also preparing to fight the Burning Legion. You are not alone; the denizens of this world enjoy the world's grace and have an obligation to protect it."
"I came this time to learn the Way of Nature from you, to use it to repair the world. My kingdom, Lordaeron, suffered attacks from the Undead Scourge and the ravages of Demons. Forests have withered, and the land is polluted and uninhabitable. This Corruption is still spreading outward."
"Only Life can fight Death. As a Demigod, I am deeply distressed. There is no time for sorrow now; life must go on. The races who sacrificed themselves for the world, regardless of status, are all heroes of Azeroth. Your son sacrificed himself to protect the world; he is a Hero. If possible, please allow me to pay my respects to him."
Arthas's speech was an art form: first praise, then analysis of the situation and identification of solutions, and finally, a touch of emotion.
The whole speech made people feel comfortable. To refuse him would be to refuse to heal the world's wounds—a transgression against Natural Law!
Leyana, who had reverted from her Raven form to her elf form nearby, looked very emotional. It wasn't worship of Arthas, but hearing a Demigod affirm her husband's sacrifice was a tremendous honor and provided validation.
Astaria was somewhat naive; she only knew her father had gone far, far away, but didn't know where. Now, hearing that her father was a Hero, a trace of pride and arrogance surfaced on the young girl's cheeks.
Fandral hadn't expected Arthas to say that. The sadness in his heart was greatly dispelled, and the usually stern and serious man managed a rare smile.
"Thank you for your affirmation. Your Lordship may go whenever you wish. Please just look for Leyana; she is my daughter-in-law."
"We all learn the Way of Nature from Lord Cenarius. Although I would like to teach Your Lordship, I do not possess that ability. If Your Lordship doesn't mind, I can try to guide you into the Emerald Dream. Lord Cenarius's Spirit is within the Emerald Dream, and learning from him might be more direct and efficient."
He was not lying but speaking truthfully. He was genuinely happy to associate with the Demigod who had affirmed his son's achievements.
In the evening, two unexpected figures appeared outside the door.
Ysera was still considering knocking; it was proper etiquette.
Alexstrasza, however, pushed the door open and went straight in, skipping the knock entirely. She was still brooding over the fact that she had laid so many Dragon Eggs for Arthas; these eggs were difficult to hatch, yet possessed immense potential. If they could be hatched and nurtured, each one would be at least a Great Dragon.
Arthas and Fandral were discussing how to enter the Emerald Dream, and they agreed that the help of Green Dragon Queen Ysera would be greatly beneficial.
As long as the Emerald Dream is involved, Green Dragons are indispensable. Green Dragons have always guarded the Emerald Dream, which is why they often need to fall into slumber.
The Emerald Dream represents life, and the Shadowlands represents death; both realms interwoven with life and death require special methods to enter.
"Your Majesty Ysera, Your Majesty Alexstrasza."
Fandral immediately stood up and bowed with a hand over his chest. Although he was the undisputed authority within the Cenarion Circle, when facing beings of a higher level, he was merely a tiny grain of sand.
Furthermore, the Three-Colored Great Dragons had blessed the former World Tree, granting them longevity, immunity to disease, and the ability to enter the Emerald Dream at will, making them great benefactors.
Arthas nodded to the two queens, took out two cups, poured boiling water into a teapot, and brewed two cups of richly fragrant Black Tea, which he pushed toward them.
"You both came at the perfect time; it was just your turn. Alexstrasza, are you finished with your recent tasks? Actually, you don't need to worry too much; the Gryphon Aviary is very safe, and I will ensure the absolute security of the territory."
Alexstrasza snorted and sat down right next to him. Since they were mates, she wouldn't stand on ceremony. Moreover, he was her only mate now; her previous mates had died, and having only one was an unusual occurrence.
"What are you doing here?"
Fandral's expression was strange. Was there something going on between the Red Dragon Queen and Lord Arthas?
After thinking carefully, he seemed to be relieved. The person in question was a Demigod, so what was strange about that? Although both possessed the strength of a Demigod, when a Dragon Aspect died, they were truly dead, but when a Demigod died, they could still resurrect—that was the difference.
How could a Great Druid who had become self-destructive after his son died be so dramatic as to imagine a truth that was almost spot-on?
Are all Night Elves this gossipy?
"I came to learn the Way of Nature, which will help repair the Scar of the World. It's also very beneficial for us; the sooner the world soul awakens, the sooner it can bestow blessings upon you."
Arthas's words made the Red Dragon Queen ecstatic. The former part was important, but the latter part was even more so.
After losing the Power of the Great Dragons, they had felt lost and helpless and had been constantly searching for a solution. Moreover, Arthas had told them that the Titans were not necessarily good people, but they weren't exactly corrupted either.
If anyone defied their will, they would ruthlessly eliminate all opposition.
They were good, but not overly benevolent.
They needed to learn more about the Titans, and the best way to know all this was to find someone knowledgeable.
Who knows about the Titans' situation?
The answer is no one!
Because the knowledgeable one is not human at all, but a Demon.
Alexstrasza raised her beautiful, willow-shaped eyebrows, her charming face dotted with faint freckles, showcasing this beauty to the extreme. This greatly appealed to a certain person's fetish; no matter what it was—freckles or a beauty mark near the corner of the mouth—as long as it was attractive, everything was acceptable.
"Do you need help?"
"Yes, I happen to need Ysera's help. I want to enter the Emerald Dream; is there a way?"
Since they had come, he wouldn't be polite.
The Administrator of the Emerald Dream, the foster mother of the Demigod Cenarius, the Queen of the Green Dragonflight, Her Majesty Ysera!
She picked up the teacup and drained it. The boiling hot tea had no effect on her whatsoever. The rich tea aroma spread across her taste buds; it was more fragrant and mellow than any tea she had drunk before, lacking bitterness, leaving an endless aftertaste that lingered long after.
"Before, I could send you in directly, but I cannot now. I need to use the power of the World Tree to help you enter, but this method cannot allow you to leave the Emerald Dream. You will need to find a way to exit from within."
"If you cannot find a way out, you will be trapped inside forever. With your current ability, a Druid cannot teach you the Way of Nature. If you can enter the Emerald Dream and find the Demigods, perhaps you will be able to learn it."
"It doesn't necessarily have to be Cenarius. Malygos, Ursoc and Ursol, Agamaggan, or even Aviana can help you. However, you need to be careful; they are currently very volatile and wild. Also, there are some places you must not tread. Even I don't know the full extent of the Emerald Dream; if you cross certain boundaries, even I could get lost in it."
Although Ysera always looked sleepy, for the sake of her brother-in-law, she held nothing back, telling him everything she knew and even her suspicions about what she didn't.
She also didn't hide anything from Fandral, as this Druid was trustworthy and had entered the Emerald Dream to help more than once.
"Finally, you must be careful not to go to the Eye of Ysondre. There are Nightmare Fiends there that make even me feel uneasy. I might not have been afraid before, but now, if I were afflicted by a Nightmare Fiend, I would likely suffer greatly."
"If you are certain, I will have the Druids and Green Dragons prepare the materials for the spell. You just need to wait patiently."
This was the living, breathing Azeroth, not a game. If it were a game, he would likely be running all sorts of quests, fighting monsters, and collecting materials.
If he were just a Common Adventurer, he would inevitably have to run errands and complete quests. But now, he was the Great Demigod, the King of Lordaeron, the husband of Queen Azshara, and the hero who saved the world during the War of the Ancients!
With his status established, plenty of people were willing to run errands for him.
If he still had to personally run quests and errands despite his high position, wouldn't all his struggles have been for nothing?
"No problem, I accept. I must learn the Way of Nature, and I am confident in myself. If there is anything you need me to do, please tell me."
Arthas was full of confidence in himself; as long as someone was willing to teach, he could definitely learn it. He never worried about learning itself, only about lacking the means to access the knowledge.
Alexstrasza looked somewhat worried, a hint of anxiety in her gem-like eyes.
"Are you sure? Nothing can happen to you right now; many people are counting on you."
Seeming slightly flushed from being stared at, she turned her head and snorted, changing the subject to mask her embarrassment.
"I was talking about Jaina and the others. Azshara is also waiting for you, and Tyrande is waiting for you."
"I know. I never do anything without certainty, so don't worry. I cherish my life more than anyone else, and saving the world is my undivided mission. If we are good to the world, the world will reward us in return."
"Think about the Trolls. They were once considered the most powerful creatures on the continent of Azeroth, forming vast empires. This was because they, along with their Loa gods, fought desperately to defeat the Qiraji Empire, preventing the world from being occupied and consumed by those insectoids."
"You saw what happened later: they didn't step forward immediately when foreign enemies invaded, nor did they step forward in the end. If you receive the world's favor but shirk all responsibility, that favor will disappear."
"Cooperation requires mutual contribution, not just constant taking. That is why I must enter the Emerald Dream."
Ysera showed a rare smile, highly appreciating her brother-in-law. In fact, if possible, she would also want to invite him to be her mate. If she could bear Dragon Eggs possessing his genes, it would genuinely be helpful for the Green Dragon Race.
Look at Shandris, that lucky one. She is not only elune's favorite but also the world soul's favorite. If she falls into the water, pufferfish lift her up; when she goes fishing, the waters are guaranteed to be calm; even facing Demons, she can summon the Moon Goddess's power to blast her enemies into dust.
All creatures favor her immensely; even untamable beasts, though they might not obey, would never harm her.
Truly, to bear offspring for such a powerhouse is not a disgrace, but an honor.
The admiration of strength is a gene etched deep into the female soul; it cannot be changed, nor will it change.
After settling the matter, the group dispersed. Those who needed to prepare materials prepared materials, and those who needed to prepare the ritual went to prepare the ritual.
The Red Dragon Queen, however, wanted to leave but was detained.
Looking at the Red Dragon Queen, who had the appearance of a High Elf older sister, Arthas decided it was the perfect time to discuss matters and exchange insights with her.
The night passed without incident.
However, the Red Dragon Queen did not appear the next day, reportedly resting and recovering from injuries. Although her power of governance was gone, the good news was that her recovery ability was still very strong, and she would be fine after a few days of rest.
When Ysera learned of this, she didn't hesitate to tease her sister, Alexstrasza.
Preparing the ritual required several days. During this time, Fandral was also busy with the ceremony, so he let his daughter-in-law and daughter take his place, acting as guides to show Arthas and the others around Valsharah.
Along the way, they occasionally encountered Dryads, and Arthas's gaze never left them.
It must be said that Dryads were quite appealing. Being close to nature, their clothes were woven from unique leaves, making them aesthetically pleasing, neat, and quite beautiful.
Leyana found this slightly odd, though not contemptible; it wasn't a big deal. Because it was not uncommon for Druids to take Dryads as mates. Otherwise, why would so many single female Night Elves join the Sisterhood of Elune?
Moreover, Druid is just a profession with many branches: the two main categories being Druid of the Talon and Druid of the Claw, along with some other minor classifications.
Every Druid can learn Shapeshifting, transforming themselves into animals—Elk, Seal, Great Bear, Raven, and other forms. This sometimes perfectly solves the difficulty of mating with Dryads.
Listening to Leyana's explanation, Arthas exclaimed in wonder; this world truly was marvelous and fantastical.
Well, if Humans and Great Dragons can become mates, then Night Elves and Dryads are nothing surprising. Some people even like the Undead.
"So, what kind of Druids are you and Astaria?"
"We are Druids of the Talon, specializing in healing and reconnaissance. Is Lord Arthas very interested in the Dryad Race? I can introduce you. Astaria, please notify Lady Lunara that we are planning to visit her with Lord Arthas and ask if she is currently in Valsharah."
Arthas scratched his head. He really didn't mean that, and why did it sound like she was pimping?
He was interested in the Dryads because he was observing their purification abilities. As daughters and descendants of Cenarius, they naturally bonded with the earth and forests, possessing agile figures, swift speed, and unique Venom.
Yes, Venom. Dryads are most adept at applying Forest Toxins to enemies, causing them to slow down and suffer chronic death. Their inherent combat style is also powerful, but they are generally peace-loving unless violence is necessary.
"Uh, I only wanted to invite some Dryads to Lordaeron to help me solve the lingering Plague problems left by the Undead Scourge in the kingdom, and to help purify the land. I didn't mean that. Having you two accompany me is enough, there's no need to trouble anyone else."
Leyana's expression changed after hearing this. While her daughter was using a Nature Spell to call, she gritted her teeth and said:
"My Lord, Astaria is still young. If you have needs, you can come to me. I can, but she cannot."
Pfft!
What kind of thought process is this?
Wait, were you even listening to what I was saying?
I was talking about purifying the corruption in Lordaeron. You said I could just come to you—can you purify the Plague?
Arthas fell silent. It seemed they weren't on the same wavelength. He wasn't some scoundrel who lost all reason upon seeing a beautiful woman. Admittedly, Leyana, as a married woman, was very well preserved due to her Druidic connection to nature, appearing only around thirty years old compared to a human.
But he truly didn't mean that, nor did he harbor such intentions.
To prevent him from cheating, Vashj was practically glued to his side, and Maiev was also following close behind. Recently, the two women were always whispering secrets together, and he wondered what they were plotting—surely not against him?
Elisande, that old woman, was also here, hiding using Invisibility. As an Arcane Mage, she wasn't particularly interested in the Way of Nature.
She would rarely come here if it weren't for the matter concerning the entire Nightborne race, and her decision to serve Arthas as her master.
Who has ever seen someone who drills for oil spend every day at a coal mine? It's the same principle.
"Ahem, thank you for your kind offer."
"I'm serious, My Lord. Please rest assured, Lord Fandral would also agree and approve of this matter."
"Alright, I understand. We'll talk about these things later. Let's discuss something else. I noticed the World Tree seems to have some issues. Has anything unusual happened recently?"
Arthas changed the subject. He had still underestimated his own charm, or perhaps he hadn't yet adapted to the customs and rules of this world.
Among the Night Elf community, whether they are Grove Wardens or Magic Dryads, they are very direct in their courtship. If they click, they simply announce they are together; no wedding is needed, just move in and cohabitate.
This doesn't mean they are promiscuous; it just simplifies the marriage process, but the necessary trials still have to be endured.
Feelings are very important; as for wealth and strength, those hardly matter.
A famous example is the son of Cenarius and the daughter of the Earth Elemental Lord, who together birthed the Centaur lineage. Because of their incompatibility, the Centaur were violent, bloodthirsty, and chaotic, resulting in Mortar being chopped up by his own descendants.
Sometimes, you really shouldn't mess around; people die.
Leyana felt a little disappointed. What a pity. If she could have borne the child of a Demigod, her daughter would surely have been happy to have a younger brother or sister.