Deep within the Emerald Nightmare, Malfurion and Xavius walk side by side to the edge of the Erinn Rift.
The Rift of Aln is the abode of Xavius, divided like a coin into two sides: one side being the darkest Nightmare, and the other the most beautiful dream.
At the entrance to the Rift of Aln, Malfurion saw Cenarius. Having absorbed too much Nightmare power, Cenarius's body had swelled up rapidly, becoming like a small mountain. His massive body was black and red, possessing an Evil beauty.
Upon seeing Malfurion, Cenarius said lazily:
"My disciple, you have arrived sooner than I expected. I suspect you must be filled with doubts."
Malfurion said respectfully, "My dear mentor, the Night Elf race face a crucial decision, and I need your guidance."
Cenarius smiled and said:
"Whether to have faith in the Holy Light or continue relying on the Elune is a difficult decision for you. Perhaps you should sink into Nightmares like me, but you are unwilling to accept it."
Cenarius turned to Xavius: "Thank you for allowing me to visit the depths of the Nightmare. In return, I feel obligated to offer you some guidance."
Xavius laughed, "You are much older than Malfurion and me, and have witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations. We need your wisdom."
Cenarius said regretfully, "My knowledge is limited; after all, Azeroth is only so big, and I'm far inferior to some people."
Xavius and Malfurion exchanged glances, almost simultaneously thinking of the same person.
"That's enough of my guidance. You should know what to do," Cenarius said meaningfully.
Xavius frowned deeply and muttered, "I can't do it alone."
Malfurion nodded. "I can't either; we'll have to work together."
Two hands clasped together.
Tyrande, leading a group of Moon Goddess Priest, quickly greeted the guests.
A group of golden Tauren were all bathed in Holy Light.
Tyrande gritted her teeth. The relationship between the Tauren and the Night Elves was originally very close, as evidenced by the Night Elves sharing the Druid's Path with the Tauren.
While the Tauren and Centaurs were locked in a life-or-death struggle, the Night Elves secretly assisted the Tauren on more than one occasion.
Unfortunately, the Tauren later allied with the Horde, and in their struggle for control of Ashenvale, they aided the Orcs Tauren, leading to numerous clashes with the Night Elves.
For this, Malfurion cursed the Tauren for being ungrateful.
Although the Horde has been destroyed and the Orcs have disappeared, Tyrande will never give the Tauren a friendly look, especially since their leader is Magatha Wildtotem.
"Magatha Wildtotem, I think you've gone down the wrong path. Your relatives in Highmountain are being ravaged by Kobolds. You should go and help them."
Magatha's face darkened, and he said in a low voice:
"By the Holy Light, Prophet Velen witnessed a terrible scene. The Green Dragon Queen Ysera is in trouble and has specially sent us to rescue her."
Tyrande laughed heartily, "Are you kidding me? Ysera is Dragon Aspects; there is nothing in this forest that can threaten her."
Magatha whispered, "The prophecy says that Xavius ambushed Ysera."
That's even more impossible.
Tyrande thought to herself, "Ysera manages the Emerald Dream, and Xavius is the Nightmare King. They've lived in peace for ten thousand years."
Dreams and Nightmares are interdependent. Although they appear to be sworn enemies to outsiders and often clash, they actually have a good relationship in private and are familiar with each other's power.
Tyrande's almond-shaped eyes widened as she angrily retorted, "A lame excuse! Val'sharah isn't Ashenvale; it doesn't welcome Tauren."
In order to complete the task assigned by Velen, Magatha lowered his stance:
"Tyrande, we have no intention of engaging in conflict with the Night Elves. Please allow us to remain in the plaza of the Temple of the Moon; we will not leave even for a moment."
Tyrande had a bad feeling about this, and in order not to offend the Holy Light, she agreed.
"Alright, you can only stay in the square for one day."
Ysera dodged the branches, soaring above the forest, pretending to be tracking Lyazos Herin.
This was originally a plan devised with Xavius. At a predetermined location, Xavius would use the Tear of Elune, which he had prepared beforehand, to launch a sneak attack, allowing Ysera to take the opportunity to sink into the depths of the Nightmare.
But the appearance of the Lightforging Tauren made Ysera feel uneasy.
Xavius also noticed this and secretly communicated with Ysera using magic.
"Magatha and his Lightforging Orcs have successfully stalled Tyrande in the Temple of Temple of the Moon. I suspect Velen is hiding nearby."
"What do you think Velen is plotting?" Ysera asked.
"I can't fathom it, but if you're corrupted by the Nightmare power, the Holy Light can slip through your fingers. I've seen those Lightforging Tauren; they're utterly obsessed with the Holy Light. You'll probably end up like that too. Without you, who will control the Emerald Dream? Malfurion? I least want it to be Prophet Velen."
"Perhaps we should change our plans." Ysera's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of apprehension in them.
Xavius hesitated for a moment before saying, "Nythendra, who guards the World Tree, possesses an avatar of Plague to help her delve into the Nightmare. I think she would be willing to offer it up, and we can compensate her later. I can use a branch to slightly alter my appearance and disguise myself as you, though this will take some time."
"You need to hurry, I'll buy you some time," Ysera urged.
To perfect her performance, Ysera would occasionally pause in the treetops, a playful smile on her lips, like a cat toying with a mouse.
Lyasus Herin charged left and right, but couldn't escape Ysera's encirclement and pursuit. Frantic as a headless fly, he shouted:
"The great Nightmare Lord Xavius has taken over this forest. Anyone who enters it will be subjugated by Nightmares. His power will destroy this wretched land!"
Come! Grow! Nightmares will take over this forest!
"My life belongs to the great Xavius."
No one can withstand the power of Xavius.
Ysera sneered, "Too bad you're about to die, little Satyr."
Black Forest suddenly had a miraculous "rebirth," discovering a cave which he hurriedly crawled inside.
Ysera hesitated. It was impossible for her to squeeze into the cave in her current form unless she transformed into human form.
But Ysera is, after all, a Dragon King; how could she be allowed to burrow into a hole like a mouse?
Velen noticed Ysera's expression.
Velen completely sealed his Holy Light, not letting a single ray leak out, and secretly followed Ysera all the way.
Seeing is believing, Velen was not sure if the prophecy would come true; he had to witness it for himself.
Ysera raised her claws, seemingly about to destroy the cave with powerful magic, but hesitated, worried about harming the creatures in the forest.
"If Ysera gives up tracking down Blackwood, won't the prophecy fail?"
Velen would never allow this to happen and knew he had to step in to help.
"Queen Ysera, it's been a long time." Velen emerged from the shadows.
Ysera looked down at Velen, nodded, and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Velen."
"It seems you've run into a little trouble. I wonder if I can help?" Velen asked deliberately.
Ysera whispered, "Blackwood has escaped to a nearby cave. If you can help me catch him and end this, that would be wonderful."
"I'd be happy to help," Velen said with a smile.