Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 142: 41. The Eve of War: Sharpening the Blade, Tempering the Will - Extra Update for Brother "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [1415]

(Additional update for the "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" brother [14/15])
At the northernmost tip of the Nagrand Grassland, on the edge of the island of the Throne of Elements, the world's elemental holy land surrounded by the bright Tiange Lake.

Archbishop Nari, who was in a bad mood because of the invasion of the demonic plague, stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the spirit dragon flying towards the Karabor Temple in the distant sky. Yura and four high-level rangers personally escorted the demon prince captured by the saint to the Karabor Temple, and by the way delivered the saint's order to the city that was destined to be besieged for many days in the upcoming war.

Behind her, Diak'um was listening to the chirping birds of Old Ansu about the battle at Karabor Temple.

After learning that the thousand-year-old veterans under his command had completed the Light Forging at the beginning of the war and defeated the Destroyer's wolf pack in one battle and won a great victory, the saint finally felt relieved.

"Those veterans under your command are terrifying!"

The voice of Ansu God came from the little crow's mouth, with a hint of frightened surprise.

It scolded:

“You must take care of them!

They are different from you. They have been completely brainwashed by the Holy Light, and their minds are full of holy oaths to slaughter demons. I saw with my own eyes that they tied the captured demon-blooded orcs to the gate of Karabor Temple and burned them alive in front of children. They also used fanatical preaching to spread cruel war concepts to the frightened citizens.

They are a group of mad dogs tamed by the Holy Light! And you are their only master!
Damn!

If you let one of them out, I can't believe what kind of bastards they would do without restraint. They are more terrifying than the most brutal demon-blooded orcs."

"There will be a period of frenzy after the Lightforge, which is normal. Don't worry, all the hatred and hostility of my veterans are only directed at the demons. Every one of them has the same supreme desire to protect the people as I do.

They are the truly good people.

As for burning demons
Don't worry, that's the tradition of the Hand of Argus."

Diakum didn't think there was anything wrong with this. He said with a relieved tone:
"With Restalaan and the veterans guarding the Karabor Temple, I can finally stop worrying about the war over there. So this is the only thing left to do."

He looked back at the Elemental Throne behind him, at the five golden rings of the scorching sun that were being blessed and shaped with the assistance of the Elemental Lord. That was the task he had to complete in a hurry.

"But Diak'um, the Dragonroar orcs attacked more than just the Karabor Temple. The Shadowmoon orcs in Shaz'g'ul Fortress were also attacked by the Red Scourge's plague."

Ansu said worriedly:

"Even worse, the Claw Guards who are assisting you in defending Shattrath City have also been infected with the 'degenerative disease'. That plague will also be effective against arakkoa. Terokk has learned the news and is hesitating whether to send more arakkoa to join the battlefield."

"Not yet!"

Diakum waved his hand and said:
"Until I find a way to curb the plague, don't let healthy arakkoa get close to Shattrath. I have no intention of spreading this disaster caused by the demon-blood orcs to more of my companions. If the Claw King truly wants to help, then send the arakkoa into Gorgrond and Tanaan Jungle to attack the demon-blood tribe's baggage.

By the way, send the Arakkoa Assassins into the jungle to find those persecuted Bleeding Hollow Hunters!

Tell them that Jorin Deadeye intends to reorganize the Bleeding Hollow Clan, and let them hide temporarily and wait for the day of the counterattack."

"Ah."

Ansu's little crow nodded. After a moment's silence, it said with a hint of uneasiness that it could not hide:
"Are you sure I can find any information about Rukhmar in the dangerous Evergrowth?"

"She's not there, but I can pretty much guarantee you'll see her again. You have to accept that Rukhmar is dead. She'll eventually be resurrected, but it'll take a long time."

Dick said:
"Don't expect too much of yourself, lest you become insane after despair. Your mental state is already unstable."

"I understand, I understand. I've just been lonely for too long."

Ansu's little crow sighed, then spread its wings and flew away into the clouds of Nagrand. After the little crow left, Nari walked over to Diakam. Seeing the fatigue and worry that Dick couldn't hide on his face, she wanted to liven up the atmosphere and cover up her own worries. She whispered:

“Arantien will be very happy when she receives that demon prince, which means I don’t even need to give her this month’s work allowance.

In fact, I think if we can capture such a demon lord in every battle and give it to the Demon Hunter Master as a 'gift', I can even ask Arantien to 'pay for work' in return, and I am sure that she and the entire Illidari will be happy to make such a deal.

Why aren't you laughing?
I thought of this joke specifically to amuse you."

The Archbishop sighed and reached out to touch the broken breastplate under Diakum's black wolf cloak. Although it was urgently repaired by the crystal craftsmen of Shattrath City after the battle, the hideous scars on the armor still represented the danger of yesterday's battle.

She whispered:

“I know you are very anxious. Seeing Archon Haddon, whom you regard as your father, being tortured by the plague, I am not afraid to bear the pain of torture for someone as sentimental as you.

But don't put too much pressure on yourself. The Great Prophet said that the people can still hold on. With the constant cleansing of the Holy Light, the magic power in the vicious plague is constantly weakened, allowing the people to hold on longer. It will take them at least seven days to enter the final transformation of the Broken.

Until then, there is still hope for those suffering people.”

"Only seven days remain, Nari. If I cannot awaken the Heart of Life in Draenor and cleanse this plague within seven days, our people will enter a tragic decline. The decline of the Broken is irreversible!"

Dick said hoarsely:
"I wouldn't wish this despair on any Draenei, and most importantly, the Defiler has gotten his hands on that damned plague. Do you think it's only going to use it on Draenor?

If the Dark Titan assigns it the task of hunting down the Eredar clan and retrieving the Star Soul fragment, it means that all Eredar clans will suffer such a horrific attack. Whether I can find the antidote will affect not only this world, but all Eredar people.
The fate of all my compatriots who are still moving forward under the protection of their homeland is in my hands.

How can I convince myself of my complacency and weakness?

"But that oath is taken by all of us together. Just because you have a strong desire to make sacrifices doesn't mean we can safely place all our hopes on you."

Nellie shook her head and said:
"As Draka said, if the survival of a civilization rests on the shoulders of one person, then this weak civilization should be destroyed. Just do your best, Diakum. No one will blame you, regardless of whether the mysterious heart of life in this world is willing to bloom for us.

So what if I become a broken one?

The connection with the Holy Light has been cut off, and our noble bodies have been reduced to a humble form. We have experienced despair and can only live in darkness. Will we give up like this?
Will not!
Even the Broken have a desire to return home! Even if all the Eredar are tortured by the plague and become hunched aliens, we will still try our best to use all means to return to our homeland.

I just hope that if I become a broken person, you won’t distance yourself from me.”

"Don't be silly. We appreciate the beauty of the soul. Besides, I won't allow that to happen."

Dick placed Nellie's hand on his heart, enjoying this rare moment of peace by the sunny Tiange Lake.

He looked back at the ring that was being suspended in the air and constantly rotating and shaping by powerful shamans such as Ner'zhul, Gaia'an, and Nobundo with the help of the power of the elemental lords. This artifact was so important that the spirits of the ancestors also appeared above the lake at this moment to pray for its success.

The huge elemental tide before our eyes was rolling in this holy land. The great power from the beginning of creation was compressed by the Titan God-cast runes and poured bit by bit into the holy objects handed down by the Crow People.

This is a process that must not be interrupted.

After returning the ring, Nai Li has been guarding the area with a group of elite rangers. On the shores of Skysong Lake, the ogre wizard leader of the Gorian Empire sent his own Ogron guards with the brave King's Guard, as well as warriors from the clans of Garadar, Burning Blade, Shadowmoon and Garrosh's "Pure Warsong", who also surrounded the area.

Indeed, the shamans of Garadar and the swordmasters of Valhalor do have this artifact to thank for their services.

If they had not transferred their elite troops here to guard the casting of the artifact, the plague detonated by the Shadow Council's scum in two places yesterday would have wiped out their entire army. Now, at least there are still some elite Mag'har orcs left to serve as warriors.

At this time, the warriors guarding here have understood the purpose of the orcs, arakkoa, ogres and draenei joining together to forge the World Ring after hearing the explanation from the elders of each tribe. When the Demonblood Tribe has become the demonic minions of the Burning Legion, when their hometown is under the threat of demonic attacks, and when the hateful warmongers are madly throwing the demonic plague at their own people, possessing such an artifact is undoubtedly the hope of winning.

At this time, it was the final moment for the artifact to absorb the power of the elements, and even the elemental lords were exhausted.

Not to mention the several shamans who presided over the ceremony, who worked non-stop for three days and three nights. Their physical strength, energy and willpower had reached their limits.

When the artifact was not yet fully formed, it was able to stir up visible elemental tides during its rolling. The energy storm formed by the five main rings and thirty secondary rings swirling together even caused the Tiange Lake to continuously surge with tides.

This was enough to make the onlookers realize that the Alliance of K'ure's plan to forge divine artifacts had begun to take shape, and those ambitious people in the crowd, such as the heroine Griselda Blackhand, stared at the elegant and domineering divine rings with shining eyes.

"I heard that when Archon Haddon was personally polishing these Titan-forged runes, he had a vision of what this world looked like at its birth. He even recorded it in his diary, and I've had the pleasure of reading a few pages of it."

Nari looked at the World Ring that was about to take shape and whispered:

"It is said that the Throne of Elements is the remains of the deceased 'Giant of Creation' Grond, and that the elemental lords of this world were formed by the power of the giant, under the pressure of wild life.

Considering that ogres and orcs are the descendants of the giants who continued to split, it is no wonder that the elementals of this world love them.

They are real relatives.”

"That's not the case."

Diakham explained:
"Grond, the colossus of creation, is the condensed divine power of the Protector Aggramar. It is the most orthodox arcane power. After his death, Grond transformed into the remains of the Magnaron. Even if it continued to break and degenerate, it should not be able to turn into flesh and blood. The reason why the Ogron was born and the Ogron evolved into orcs and ogres according to different environments is not just the factor of degeneration.

There is also the erosion and reshaping of rock life by vitality.

Therefore, orcs and ogres are noble lives formed by the fusion of Titan power and the Force of Life. Ogres inherited the power of arcane order, while orcs tend to be on the side of elements. They each have their own blessings.

The true native species of Draenor are the forest elves and the arakkoa.

Both sides have born demigods of the wilderness. The gods of Alankar and the mysterious demigod of the Evergrove are the native gods here.

I hope that when I enter the Evergrove with these artifact rings, I will not be swallowed up by the fanatical and violent life. Look, the red plague spores it continuously releases because of its malice towards life prove that the malice towards life by those plant giants that devoured the world at the time of creation has not disappeared.

You know what, Nellie?

In the darkest trenches of the Zangar Sea in the world of Draenor, there is actually a hidden race. Those ancient abyss walkers are the most orthodox successors of the plant giants, and they can rush out of the ocean and destroy the land at any time.

This world.
Not safe at all!
It is truly dangerous, but the coming of demons and the corruption of the orcs have obscured this."

"Yeah, I feel it too." Nari nodded and said:
"We know so little about this place, but I'm more curious about why you spared Grom's life at the end of your duel yesterday. Is it true, as Yrel said privately, that you gave the demon-blooded orc a chance to live because you felt ashamed of your careless involvement in Mak'gora?"

"No, I went there to kill him."

Dick's eyes sparkled with inquiry as he said:

"Although Grom hasn't yet committed the sin of slaughtering our people, other than being the first to drink the demon's blood and bring about the sin of mass corruption, his obsession with victory and power will eventually lead him down the path of the Destroyer.

That guy is purer than Black Hand, and therefore more dangerous than Black Hand.

I shattered his axe, crushed his heart, and scorched his body. He should have died, but the Slayer elevated him to the 'Chosen', just like the Naaru Lightforged Draenei champions.

I seriously doubt whether the Black Wolf God's actions are consistent with the Burning Legion's attitude towards cannon fodder. That guy may really have his own plans.

Don't worry, although Grom escaped death, his half-demon soul has been burned by me, and simple treatment alone cannot wake him up. He will no longer appear in the war with the Demonblood Tribe.

"Artifact! It's born! The world cheers, the elements roar! The artifact embryo of Draenor is born!"

Ner'zhul's tired and joyful cheers interrupted Dick and Nari's words. They looked up and saw that in the cheers as Ner'zhul knelt on the ground, the thirty-five rings were suspended in the air with their own power in the crisp sounds, flying up and down in a wonderful posture according to the combination of one main ring and six secondary rings.

This power, which originated from the origin of the Draenor world and belonged to the power of order, gathered around the entire Sky Song Lake and released it. The surging water of the lake made the surrounding guards cheer.

Mother Gaiaan came forward with the help of a little orc girl dressed as a shaman, put the rings into a simple wooden box, and handed them to Diakum, who strode forward.

The orc grandmother handed it to the Sentinel. She was very tired. The forging had almost exhausted the legendary shaman's energy.

She panted and begged:

"I have learned about my poor daughter-in-law's experience of being infected with the plague, and I have learned about the fate of my ill-fated grandson who is now in danger. But I also know that your adventure is not only to forge the artifact, but also to awaken the heart of life in Draenor and pray that it will take back the power of punishment.

Saint of the alien race, I know that a strong world should not pin its hopes on one person, but you now truly hold the future of this world in your hands.

Please protect this world as you would your own people, a world worth saving."

"I will, old matron."

Dick looked at the ring in the box, which was shining with elemental light, and whispered:

"I will not only pray to the Heart of Life in Draenor to retract the plague, but if it refuses to return to its rightful path, I will shatter it completely in the name of protection, thus putting an end to the horrific legend of the Red Scourge once and for all!
The army of the wizard leader Mar'gok has crossed the sea to Frostfire Ridge. The Frostwolf Clan, trapped there and tormented by the plague, will soon receive strong reinforcements. You will see your son. Please tell him for me.

The Mag'har orcs will receive a divine ring, and you will choose the wearer.

But whoever holds the ring will be the guardian of Draenor! That person must learn from the disasters of Blackhand and the War Horde and learn to truly lead the orcs."

"Well, please."

Mother Gaiaan bowed to Diakum.

The weakened Nobundo was carried by Maraad. The young shaman was very tired, but he still took out the Kala crystal that had been purified by the rolling elemental power and said:
"In your name, and under your guidance, I have completed my shamanic Trial of the Light. Like other warriors of the Hand of Argus, I will forge this crystal into a weapon.

I will always remember your teachings, Vigilant, and my elements and I will always fight to protect the people!"

"Well done, go and rest. You have completed your duties. Now I will take this final step for you."

Dick patted Nobundo's shoulder and said to Nari and the new recruits:

"You lead Nobundo, Maraad, Yrel, and Eredar back to Shattrath. Blackhand will never let us miss this opportunity to be weak. He will definitely do his best to attack Shattrath and Talador.

There will be an unprecedented war there, but I can't be with you. No matter how difficult the situation is, you must hold on until I come back.

Rexxar, come with me to the wilds of Gorgrond."

"I am coming too!"

Garona suddenly jumped out from Nari's shadow and said:

"My mother sent a letter to me through the Ogre Centurion, asking me to take good care of you on her behalf. You have never been to Gorgrond, but I am very familiar with it."

"I am coming too!"

Maraad handed Nobundo to Eredas, saying:
"We cannot allow you to go alone. Even if we cannot help you fight, we can at least clear the obstacles for you. The elemental changes in Nagrand cannot be hidden from the warlocks of the Shadow Council. Those lackeys will not allow you to complete the forging of the world artifact so smoothly.

You need help.”

"Let them follow you, Diakum."

Nellie says:
"We are enough for Shattrath City. All the warriors here will follow us to defend Shattrath City. This is the first assembled battle of the Alliance of K'ure. We will persist until you return with the hope of healing and victory. We can definitely do it!"

"Then let's set off now."

Diakum couldn't waste any more time. Before leaving, he took one last look at the orcs on the shore carrying the banner of the Pure Warsong Clan. He said:

"Has Garrosh resolved to attack Grommashar?"

"It's not a question of whether he wants to or not."

Nobundo whispered:

"Civil war has broken out in the Warsong clan's ancestral land. Without Grom Hellscream to oversee it, the confrontation between the traditional shamans and the demon-blood orcs is simply unstoppable. I heard from the shamans under Mother Gaiaan that Ner'zhul has sent shamans to secretly contact the shamans of the Warsong clan. If Garrosh doesn't intervene, I'm afraid Grommashar will be completely destroyed in the civil war.

You don't have to worry.

The three warlords of the Daughters of Blackhand were very powerful. They brought a force of nearly two thousand Mag'har warriors to Griselda. After the two sides joined forces, Garrosh had enough military force to support the shamans in Grommash's ancestral land who were preparing to "restore order."

Samuro, acting chieftain of the Burning Blade clan, has agreed to join the Mag'har tribe. He will lead the swordmaster to Tanaan Jungle to harass and cut off the war clan's supply lines.

The orcs saw the outbreak of the plague firsthand, and knowing they had nowhere to turn, they united."

"Ah."

Diakum nodded and reminded Nari:

"Then, in the name of the Alliance of K'ure, we will petition the High Prophet to use the Heart of Rage, one of the Ata'mal crystals, and lend our jewel to Garrosh and his pure Warsong clan. The sooner they resolve the Warsong clan's internal affairs, the more forces they can free up to support the front lines."

“Rather than lending it out for a short period of time.”

Nellie narrowed her eyes and said:

"Why not do a favor and give it directly to Garrosh himself, and take it back after he dies? That rage-inducing crystal is a perfect match for an orc warrior like him, and it can also further bridge the gap between the draenei and orcs.

An orc like him who values his oath as much as his life would never go against his promise, and giving it to him will ensure a smooth recovery."

"Yes, orcs can only live up to 120 years old."

Nobundo said:

"It's just a blink of an eye for us, but it will bring deeper cooperation and friendship between the two tribes. It's a good deal."

"You decide."

Diakum thought for a moment, then took out the Eye of the Storm gem he had been carrying, handed it to Nari, and said:
"This crystal that can manipulate energy can also be used as a magical item. I don't need it anymore. If we want to unite people, we should be more generous. Those crystals are not as useful in this world as these guardian rings. The Draenei can also obtain seven of them, which is more than enough for us."

He said goodbye to Nari and the recruits, called on the Sunwing to carry him into the air, while Rexxar followed behind on a huge Sunraven carrying two recruits.

Above the clouds, Diakum opened the box, took out a main ring and a matching secondary ring, and examined them in his hands. The characters on the panel appeared in a flashing manner (see the chapter remarks, the equipment description will not be included in the main text).

"It's powerful, but not strong enough. It's like an untempered blade, still missing the final step of smelting."

Diakum shook his head. He put the ring forged like the sun back into the box and looked at the Titan-cast runes inlaid on the ring face, which were polished and inlaid with the most authentic Eredar craftsmanship. He knew how much effort all the members of the Alliance of K'ure had put in to forge these things. The ogres and arak men even took out their heirlooms.

This isn't just a box of artifacts.
Just as Mother Gaiaan said, Diakum holds the future of this world in his hands.

Light yet heavy.

"call"

He let out a long sigh, put the box close to his body, and looked at the distant sky of Gorgrond, but his heart was filled with thoughts of his compatriots who were suffering from the plague.

There is a fire burning in the heart of the sentinel.

He'll try to persuade Draenor's Living Heart to help, but if that ancient, savage, malevolent force refuses to see the bigger picture, don't blame me for ending this with the "Fourth Scourge."

Anyway, the old ass guys back then didn't use peaceful means to forge the artifact.

Peace cannot be begged for, not to mention that Dick has a sword in his hand, and the vigilant comes with sincerity. So now, forest elves and your gods, give your answer!
(End of this chapter)