In the very center of the city, in the most conspicuous place, hangs a notice bearing the royal seal.
The proclamation was long, beginning with a lengthy eulogy to Emperor Ata, followed by a brief overview of the progress on the City of the Sky, where the great kingdom of the gods was now within reach.
The gods admired Emperor Ata's mercy and wisdom, and issued a divine decree that Zandalari Empire, regardless of wealth or status, would be chosen to enter the kingdom of the gods, where they would enjoy the same riches and honors, and live forever.
"All those who bear the feathered serpent mark on the back of their right hand are chosen children of the gods. They must hurry to the City of the Sky to ascend to the realm of the gods. To be late is blasphemy, and those who dare to obstruct them will be cursed."
Emperor Ata also comforted his people who had not been chosen, saying that the glory of the gods would soon come upon everyone, and they only needed to wait a little longer.
Most Zandalar are illiterate, so the notices are read aloud by local scholars.
Those who listened to the announcement were all free citizens of the city. They quickly checked their right hands and, sure enough, half of the people found the red feathered god mark on their right hands, and their faces lit up with joy.
Whether or not there were marks, the people knelt on the ground to thank Emperor Ata and the gods for their blessings.
Robbie and Vanessa stayed in this city near the sea for a few days.
This place is home to up to a hundred different races that became extinct in later generations, many of whom are Magical Creatures. Their unique magic piqued Robbie's interest.
Those who weren't kneeling were all foreigners, holding a high status in the city, even surpassing the local lords. Robbie noticed a strange face among the foreigners.
Tall and slender, with fair skin and a handsome face.
Aside from lacking long ears, they resemble the Night Elf race of later times, with narrow eyes that also show some characteristics of the Highborne.
Robbie was secretly surprised and felt it was unbelievable. According to the timeline, there should be no Night Elf race in this era.
Seemingly sensing Robbie's gaze, the man turned around, met Robbie's eyes, and, equally incredulous, walked towards Robbie and Vanessa.
Why do I have this feeling of déjà vu?
The man sized up Robbie and Vanessa, thought carefully for a while, and then suddenly said:
"I lived in the north for a time, where a stunted descendant emerged among the Vrykul. King Ymiron ordered the massacre of these deformed and weak offspring. I helped some of them escape, and I meant no offense. You are very much like them."
Isn't that the origin of humankind?
Robbie didn't explain, but said in a low voice, "I'm Robbie Capor, and who are you?"
The man introduced himself, "My name is Ulda, Moonfolk living in the northern part of the Zandalari Empire."
"The Moon Clan?" Robbie frowned slightly. Could it be related to the Elune?
"We worship the Blue Moon Blue Child, who bestowed upon us knowledge and magic," Ulda said with a smile, his body brimming with powerful magic.
There are actually races that worship the Evil Moon Blue Child? Don't they know that the Blue Child has long been imprisoned in the north by the Elune?
"There's a tavern with really good drinks; let's drink and chat."
Ulda led the way into a lavishly decorated tavern.
Entertainment venues in the Zandalari Empire are scarce, such as taverns and inns, which are mainly for entertaining outsiders. Ulda seems to be a regular here, as a beautiful Zandalar maidservant brings her a jar of fragrant wine.
"The wine in Zandalar is good, but the food is not so great; much of it is made from the flesh of slaves."
Ulda didn't order any food. Instead, she took out a mushroom-like substance from her bosom, Proficiency smeared it with honey, and seemed to be inviting Robbie and the other man to try it.
Robbie and Vanessa dared not try it and quickly took out the magic bread.
Upon seeing the magical bread, Ulda's eyes widened, and she asked, "What kind of food is this? Why is there a faint flow of magic within it?"
"Don't you know that magic can create food and drinks?" Robbie asked, then briefly explained the spellcasting principle of the magic bread.
Ulda listened carefully and tried casting the spell, succeeding successfully. Overjoyed, she exclaimed:
"Thank you both for your generosity. It seems I should also share my research findings."
Ulda was very grateful, and regardless of Robbie's wishes, she said to herself:
"Actually, I am an ancient scholar who has spent the last hundred years studying the bloodlines of the Zandalari Empire." Ulda took a bite of her homemade magical bread.
"Legendary of the Moonfolk, we share a common origin with the Zandalar, being a branch of the Zandalari Empire. Based on my research, the Zandalar once merged with the Man-eating Tusk Clan of the north. These Man-eating Tusk were ferocious and savage creatures that have disappeared from history, but strangely, existing evidence does not support my inference."
Seeing Robbie show some interest, Ulda said enthusiastically:
"The evidence is their appearance. The Ancient Zandalar people resemble us. If they were to merge with the ugly, Man-eating Tusk Clan, their appearance should change drastically, not just gain fangs."
Robbie said seriously, "It's difficult for different races to produce offspring."
Ulda paused, then shrugged and said:
"That's right, this is another area of my research. There is evidence that the Man-eating Tusk Clan and the Zandalar were originally of the same race. They parted ways at a certain time, and then their bloodlines merged again. History is truly amazing."
The constant division and reunification of races is truly a headache, Robbie subtly changed the subject:
What are your thoughts on the oracles of the realm of the gods?
Ulda said nervously:
"To be honest, I sensed danger. Emperor Ata is a madman. He turned my father into Undead creature and is controlling everything from behind the scenes."
"The Zandalari Empire possesses a Dark Scepter capable of protecting the Emperor from harm by his own people. Unfortunately, this scepter has a flaw: Undead magic. Undead creatures are considered living beings, and may even be healthier than when they are alive. The scepter cannot distinguish between those who are harming and those who are not."
Ulda's expression was grim. He whispered, "I suspect that Emperor Ata sacrificed half of his people to some Evil being. I hope my suspicions are wrong."
Robbie and Vanessa's eyes met, and they saw the worry in each other's eyes.
"It seems we must get to the City of the Sky as soon as possible," Robbie said.
"The City of the Sky," Ulda laughed, "That's a joke, you'll find out soon enough."
Those with a mark on their right hand are chosen Zandalar. They bring their own provisions and travel together to the City of the Sky, surrounded by people.
Robbie and Vanessa are distinguished guests from another race and can use the Portal first.
Ulda, always eager for a good time, followed along with Robbie to the City of the Sky.
After passing through the Portal, Robbie looked up at the magnificent city.
The Zandalari Empire's efforts over hundreds of thousands of years, the stairway to the realm of the gods, countless hours of hard work and sweat—the greatest architectural wonder in Azeroth's history.
The City of the Sky, 32,000 meters high.
Robbie gave a wry smile and muttered, "There really is a lie that lasts for a hundred thousand years."
Vanessa gazed up at the city of miracles and said with certainty, "This can't be real."
"That's right, the so-called City of the Sky is only 130 meters high, and its area is about the same as Dazar'alor in later times; the rest is all an illusion."
Robbie used the Eye of C'Thun and saw through everything.
Such a clumsy illusion could not fool the powerful alien race.
They can only fool the honest and simple people of Zandalar.