Broken Isles, Highmountain.
Though it's part of the Broken Isles, its area is as large as half of Lordaeron. However, seawater infiltrates the intertwined mountain ranges, and since there wasn't much concern about whether it was an archipelago or a continent, the term 'Broken Isles' gradually became common.
Led by Elisande, the group departed from Suramar City, using the unique Arcane network to teleport to the edge.
The journey involved constant climbing and descending. If not for the magical flying carpets, relying solely on two legs would have taken at least two or three months to reach their destination.
Wild animals ran everywhere, with the roles of predator and prey switching in an instant. Without the threat of the Burning Legion's return and unaffected by The Maelstrom's violent energy, most of the mountains here were covered in vegetation.
On a distant peak, three Tauren, nearly three meters tall, were waiting.
Upon seeing Elisande, the leading Tauren bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Archmage. I am Heijiao, here to welcome you on the command of Chieftain Mela."
All living in the Broken Isles, there was no reason not to know this neighbor. However, due to the Arcane addiction, the Nightborne would not leave Suramar City, and the Tauren could only trek long distances to trade outside Suramar City.
Arthas glanced at the black-skinned Tauren with some surprise. It wasn't because of his dark skin, but because this fellow wasn't a Tauren at all, but a Dragon!
Black Dragons are, of course, black. Or are they white?
"Thank you. Please lead the way."
Elisande had changed into a conservative court gown. Her previous mage robes had high slits, but now that was not allowed. At least at home or in the Nighthold, she could wear whatever she wanted, but not outside. Only one person could appreciate the beautiful sight.
She had no objection or complaint about this; instead, she smiled knowingly. It seemed her master's possessiveness was still very strong.
Arthas remained silent, merely closing his eyes to rest, feigning sleep on Maiev's lap.
Maiev was also helpless. She had been acting as a guard during this time and wanted to know what this ancient hero intended to do. After putting aside the work of hunting demons, the brief confusion disappeared. Now, her new life was still a bit unfamiliar, but she was content.
Heijiao merely glanced and then averted his gaze. Everyone knew these Elves were extremely extravagant, unlike the Tauren's fighting spirit cultivated in harsh environments.
As for why it was harsh, don't ask!
After about half a day of flying, they finally saw a basin appear among the mountains in the afternoon.
Winding rivers flowed between the mountains, and giant totem poles stood on the cliffs, with unique transports descending.
Below were stone houses built next to vegetable gardens. Strong Tauren carried farm tools, grunting as they tilled the land. Being Tauren, they could directly plow the fields, saving the need for oxen!
That joke was a bit dark.
Suddenly, there was a commotion below, and a piercing alarm sounded.
In the distance, a group of Earth Elemental-like creatures rushed out of a cave, holding various weapons, some even wielding tree trunks as weapons.
Their appearance was somewhat similar to Trolls and Dwarves, with rocky skin and fangs covering their mouths. And indeed, they resembled Kobolds!
Numerous Giant Eagles flew from the peaks, carrying Tauren to join the battle. Below, the main gate opened, and squads of Highmountain Guards also marched out.
The two sides quickly engaged in a chaotic battle, without formation or precise command, each fighting their own way. They found opponents on the chaotic battlefield and fought to the death, killing one enemy before finding another, retreating only when too injured to continue fighting, or simply collapsing if unlucky.
"These Drogbar are plundering our food. Every so often, they come out to raid, and the peace between us has been broken. Please follow me; these battles will subside quickly, and the Chieftain is waiting for you."
Heijiao explained briefly, without much detail. Perhaps there was no logic in battles between races.
Arthas looked at the creatures below, a glint flashing in his eyes.
Maiev, pressing his forehead, naturally saw the man's expression.
"This guy isn't plotting something mischievous again, is he?"
It was no wonder she thought that way, because in Suramar City, she had witnessed how much of a scoundrel Arthas could be.
The unique wooden floor made almost no sound when stepped upon. The architecture was quite large; it was too big for humans, but just right for Tauren.
With guards every five steps, the battle outside did not affect this place; things continued as usual.
After passing through the main gate, the hall inside was very spacious, with a vaulted ceiling about ten meters high, through which sunlight streamed.
A woman, relatively slender compared to the rugged Tauren, stood on the Chieftain's throne, with the Highmountain clan's totem pole on her back. This was an adornment, but could also serve as a weapon in certain situations.
"Greetings, esteemed guests, welcome to Highmountain. I am Chieftain Mela Highmountain."
Elisande bowed slightly, stepped back, and yielded her position, speaking with a touch of pride.
"This is the spouse of Queen Azshara of the Kaldorei Empire, the true form of the ancient hero Ximen Chuixue, the King of the Lordaeron Kingdom, Arthas Menethil, and also the master of all Nightborne in Suramar City."
At these words, even the guards couldn't help but glance over.
Heijiao, standing beside Mela, widened his ox-like eyes, eager to know if this was true or false. This was an ancient hero? He didn't look like one at all!
Mela was also surprised. After a moment of silence, she couldn't help but ask,
"Archmage Elisande, although the return of a hero is an inspiring event, is this truly real?
It is said that no one has ever seen the hero's true face."
Arthas revealed frostmourne. Its runes had been transformed into unique primal energy, capable of absorbing souls and converting them into Anima, or imprisoning souls to serve as temporary vessels.
"Do you recognize this sword?"
Then, with a flick, several giant stones, burning with Fel Energy, fell from the sky outside.
Boom!
The invading Drogbar were instantly crushed into pulp, and unlucky ones on the edge were also knocked into weapons by the shockwave, dying unwillingly.
The giant stones transformed into Infernal, beginning to slaughter the Drogbar according to their master's will. Their crude weapons had no effect on the Infernal, instead causing them to shriek in agony as they burned.
Occasionally, spells would strike their surface, but they vanished without a trace, like mud oxen entering the sea.
Watching the Infernal appear, Heijiao shrieked in surprise.
"It's him, it's him! This is the hero Ximen Chuixue!"
"Please call me Arthas, thank you."
"Alright, Ximen Chuixue!"
Playing with stale memes, are we?
Arthas waved his hand, and Water Elemental servants appeared, followed by Serpent Totem Guards. These iconic abilities were enough to prove his identity.
Unfortunately, these Drogbar did not grant attribute points upon death; they were simply too weak.
"Lord Arthas, Mela Highmountain greets you!"
With that, she knelt on one knee, her tone sincere and tinged with respect.
The ancestor of the Highmountain Tauren, Huln Highmountain, had participated in the War of the Ancients and was resurrected by Arthas after his death in battle, leading to deep gratitude.
After the war, he received the blessing of the demigod Cenarius, settled in the Highmountain area, and also participated in the war against the Black Dragons.
Tales of his heroic deeds always circulated within the clan, familiar to almost every Tauren.
This was why she revered him so much. After confirming the hero's identity, she knew the opportunity for revenge had arrived.
"Rise. We are all members fighting against the Burning Legion and protecting Azeroth. I am a hero, and every soldier and person who participated in the defense is a hero."
"I've come this time with something I need your help with, and to invite you to join the Lordaeron Alliance. As equal partners, you can also enjoy the Alliance's assistance, including combat support, and benefit from smooth trade and supplies."
Arthas walked over and helped her up. His hand was broad and his muscles firm.
This was him being relatively normal; if it were the timeline where he was a beast, he would probably be considering having Mela bear him several children by now.
"Which members have joined the Lordaeron Alliance, if I may ask?"
Despite her admiration for this ancient hero, Mela was not blindly devoted. She was a very rational Tauren, and a highly competent Chieftain.
Just like 'true fans' in modern times who admire female celebrities and their deepfake videos but wouldn't spend a single penny on them.
"Currently, there's the Sisterhood of Elune, the Nightborne of Suramar City, the Naga of the deep seas, the Dragonflights,
Blood Elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, and so on, as well as my Kingdom of Lordaeron."
"I haven't contacted the Cenarion Circle yet, but I will invite them later. Besides that, my kingdom also has some Orcs and Trolls that I plan to accept."
"Alliance members can enjoy free trade with each other and internal conveniences. Gnomes are skilled in precision machinery, with automated farming robots and logging machines. Dwarves excel at forging weapons and armor, their craftsmanship ranking among the top three in Azeroth. Each race possesses unique talents and abilities, and the Alliance can serve as a guarantor, allowing them to put aside hatred, eliminate hostility, and enjoy convenience."
"You can accept the help of Alliance members to make this place more prosperous, more suitable for your people to live, and with magical wards, you will no longer have to worry about external invasions. There are many benefits; you can learn more about them before deciding whether to join."
Arthas cleared his throat and looked at Heijiao.
"Hello, Heijiao, could you bring us some of your local tea or beverage?"
It was then that Heijiao, who had been listening intently, snapped back to attention. He slapped his head, and combined with his Tauren appearance, he looked somewhat rugged and sincere.
Tauren are natural warriors and shamans; most are good-hearted, generally kind and orderly. This isn't absolute, as every race will always have some scoundrels and villains.
Before long, Heijiao personally entered, carrying a tray, and placed down teacups, serving everyone.
"This is Frost Snowberry Tea, unique to the Highmountain snowy peaks. Please enjoy."
After serving the tea, Heijiao returned to stand behind Mela. As a Chieftain's advisor, he had the right to listen in.
The battle outside quickly ended. The Infernal, Water Elementals, and Serpent Guards also disappeared, leaving behind only a large puddle of water and sulfur-smelling boulders on the ground, as if they had never appeared.
The Tauren captain in command came to report the battle results, subconsciously glancing at Arthas. The sudden appearance of the Infernal had truly startled the Highmountain clan; they had thought the Drogbar had summoned them.
Just as he was about to order an encirclement of the Stone Giants, he discovered that the Stone Giants were actually charging into the Drogbar formation. Their rocky bodies blocked most of the damage, and they simply crushed the extremely ferocious enemies to death with their bare hands or trampled them alive, a sight that made even this veteran of a hundred battles feel a wave of nausea and dizziness.
With this one move alone, facing the Highmountain clan would require at least several hundred warriors to fill the gaps.
Mela fell silent after hearing the battle report. When she looked up again, her eyes were filled with reverence rather than mere admiration.
"Lord, please allow me to make a request. After this matter is concluded, I will lead the Highmountain clan to join the Alliance, and I will also persuade the Skyhorn, Rivermane, and Bloodtotem clans to join; they are also a part of the Highmountain Tauren."
He knew it wouldn't be that simple. After demonstrating powerful strength, he gained the opportunity for negotiation, and the next step would be deeper cooperation.
"Please speak. Although I am a demigod, there are some things I cannot do. However, no matter what, I will do my best, so please forgive me for not being able to promise you. Please state what the matter is first."
Arthas did not agree. His style was not to make empty promises, so he would not easily commit.
To become a god, one must always keep their word. What cannot be done simply cannot be done; deception cannot earn respect or trust.
It was precisely these words that made Mela admire him even more, her back straightening with pride.
"My father, Uld, was killed by Dargrul, the leader of the Drogbar, not long ago. Under normal circumstances, he was no match for my father. But Dargrul used the captive Worm Mother, Naraxas, to dig underground tunnels, stole our sacred artifact, the hammer of khaz'goroth, gained its powerful strength, and then treacherously murdered my father during a negotiation, while my father stayed behind to cover the retreat of our people."
"The result..."
Mela's face turned sorrowful and pained as she spoke.
Arthas said nothing, instead sipping his frost fruit tea, waiting for her to continue.
"The result... he killed my father and desecrated his body."
This made Arthas's hand tremble. He looked up in disbelief. Did creatures these days really develop such strange fetishes?
Heijiao, perhaps seeing through his thoughts, added in a booming voice, "Dargrul fed the former High Chieftain's body to the Worm Mother. This is a desecration of the Highmountain clan! And because Miss Mela is young, the Bloodtotem clan does not obey her leadership. The Rivermane clan is willing to accept High Chieftain Mela's leadership, but the Skyhorn clan is unable to send reinforcements due to the Harpies."
Heijiao, perhaps seeing through his thoughts, added in a booming voice, "Dargrul fed the former High Chieftain's body to the Worm Mother. This is a desecration of the Highmountain clan! And because Miss Mela is young, the Bloodtotem clan does not obey her leadership. The Rivermane clan is willing to accept High Chieftain Mela's leadership, but the Skyhorn clan is unable to send reinforcements due to the Harpies."
Good heavens, all sorts of troubles at once.
Four Tauren clans formed the Highmountain Tauren. Now, one clan, worshipping strength, disobeys the young High Chieftain, even intending to rebel and seize the High Chieftain position.
The Rivermane and Skyhorn are willing to comply, but it sounds like the Rivermane clan isn't very strong, and the Skyhorn clan, while stronger, is facing trouble, leaving only the Highmountain clan fighting alone.