Neltharion looked at Rhonin strangely. "Are you saying I don't understand myself?"
If Neltharion hadn't had a relatively good impression of Rhonin, he probably would have turned against him long ago; the Black Dragon King has always had a bad temper.
"Where do you come from? Where are you going? As a Black Dragon, what is the meaning of your existence in this world?"
Rhonin asked slowly and deliberately. This was an ultimate philosophical question. He had once heard a fearless outsider in Dalaran talk about it. Although that outsider was eventually blasted to smithereens by a group of mages, Rhonin was deeply moved by it.
If an ordinary person heard this kind of question, they would mostly just fly into a rage without thinking about the reasoning behind it, just like the group of ordinary people in Dalaran.
But Deathwing was clearly different. As a Black Dragon King with ideals and morality, his thoughts were beyond those of ordinary people. He immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of the topic and pondered for a long time.
"Human, you have successfully attracted me." Neltharion pondered for a long time, seemingly having figured something out. He first looked at Krasus:
"You have completed your mission. My subordinates will now receive you. I wish to speak with this human."
Krasus sighed inwardly, thinking how fortunate it was to have brought Rhonin along, otherwise they would have gained nothing. Now, they could only place their hopes on Rhonin.
Neltharion led Rhonin away, into the depths of the cave.
Krasus looked around and, seeing that none of the young dragons were willing to pay him any attention, could only stay to the side, close Krasus eyes and pretend to sleep, hoping that Rhonin would bring news of his success.
A chilling aura emanated from the dark, gloomy cave.
Neltharion, the Black Dragon King, deliberately chose a relatively secluded small cave. His enormous body occupied almost half of the cave, and the immense pressure he exerted filled Rhonin with immense fear.
Rhonin discovered that his breath carried the aura of the Black Dragon, which made him feel dizzy. Fortunately, the Black Dragon King did not make him feel too uncomfortable and he quickly transformed into human form. The cave became much more spacious.
"Human, you are a wise man, and I am willing to learn from you." Neltharion, in human form, was an imposing middle-aged man with a pair of deep, star-like eyes, exuding a natural kingly aura.
Rhonin decided to tell the truth. He bowed respectfully and said:
"Your Excellency Black Dragon King, this is indeed a very difficult puzzle to explain. Even in a world ten thousand years from now, no one knows the answer. Please forgive my impertinence, but I simply wish to speak with you privately."
Neltharion wasn't angry; he could transform into various creatures to control his nature. Neltharion sighed regretfully, "What a pity. I thought I could gain something. So, human, what do you want to tell me? Krasus must be sent away."
Rhonin had already made up his mind. Persuading Deathwing would be difficult, so he had to take a gamble. He said somewhat nervously, "Actually, I came representing N'Zoth. He's been guiding me from behind the scenes."
Neltharion's brow furrowed deeply, and in an instant he looked like a ferocious demon. "Human, do you know what you're saying? You've actually colluded with the Old Gods! I should have Execute you outright!"
Although Rhonin was afraid, he still mustered his courage and said, "If that's the case, you won't be able to hear the guidance of the Old Gods, or you could call it bewitchment, say whatever you want."
"Not bad." Neltharion sat down, his expression softening. "I'll allow you to do as you please."
Rhonin knew this was a rare opportunity, and he said with great emotion:
"Since I came to this era, I have witnessed countless lies. Respected Black Dragon King, ten thousand years later, people all believe that you created the Demon Soul. Because of your ambition, you caused disaster for the Dragonkin. Only after I witnessed it with my own eyes did I realize that it was all a conspiracy by the Red Dragon Queen."
Neltharion chuckled and said, "That's not surprising. The Red Dragon Queen has always been like this. She's the mother dragon, and I never stoop to her level."
Rhonin desperately wanted to tell Neltharion who had killed Malygos, the Aspect of the Blue, and who had colluded with the Orcs and several Dragon Kings to raise their swords against Deathwing.
"I encountered the Old Gods at this time." Rhonin's expression was extremely humble. "I am but a lowly human, and the years I have existed in this world are less than a fraction of yours. Perhaps I have been misled, perhaps I have been deceived, but I am willing to relay N'Zoth's words to you, and you shall judge for yourself whether they are true or false."
Rhonin successfully shifted the pressure onto Neltharion, Black Dragon King accepted it without a care.
"N'Zoth told me that although the Titans granted the Dragonkin the power of the Dragon Aspects, it was also a constraint. If the Black Dragonflight wants to have a future, or even surpass the Night Elves, they must break free from the shackles imposed on you by the Titans."
Rhonin carefully observed Neltharion's expression. The Black Dragon King remained calm and seemingly unmoved. Rhonin continued, "N'Zoth told me that forging the Demon Soul is one of the few opportunities to break free from your shackles. It cost you some essence, but what you lost was only your chains."
Neltharion listened attentively. In human form, he had become much calmer, less volatile and frenzied. He tilted his head, thought for a moment, and then said:
"Very good, thank you for your help. This means a great deal to me. You can go back now, human, and tell N'Zoth that I am grateful for his help."
Rhonin was somewhat bewildered, not understanding why the Black Dragon King was acting this way. He couldn't be sure whether he had failed or succeeded, but he couldn't disobey a Dragon King's orders, so he hurriedly got up to take his leave.
Upon arriving at the spacious cave, Rhonin saw Krasus, who looked anxious.
"We'll talk about it when we get back."
Rhonin gave him a wink.
Neltharion, in human form, sat deep within the cave, silent for a long time. This was his first time transforming into human form, and he was still unable to fully adapt to this body.
Humans are physically weak, yet their minds are complex. Neltharion tried to think from Rhonin's perspective, and he found that what Rhonin said seemed to be true. Neltharion was confused and didn't know how to deal with it.
Fortunately, he knew who to ask for advice.
Neltharion opened the stone door at the bottom of the cave and passed through the winding cavern, which was full of traps and mechanisms. This was a forbidden area of Neltharion's Lair.
At the very back was a mysterious Portal, Neltharion transformed into the appearance of Highborne.
He slipped through the Portal, and in a flash of light, he appeared in Azshara, the capital of the Night Elves. His destination was the Royal Palace.
When Guards palace guards saw Deathwing, they all shook their heads and sighed. Clearly, these guards were familiar with this mysterious guest. The Black Dragon King's Shapeshifting were not particularly sophisticated. One of the guards shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Lord Prestor has come to visit."
The guards and nobles withdrew one after another. Neltharion walked towards the palace and looked at Queen Azshara on the throne, who was perfect. Neltharion's Arcane Magic was weak, and he still did not know that the person on the throne was just the queen's illusion.
"Neltharion, the Black Dragon King, welcome to the realm of the Night Elves." The Queen's voice remained melodious and beautiful, as flawless as her appearance.
"I hope this time you can ask some profound questions, at least enough to make me think."