Having confirmed that the Dark Cathedral was not Garrosh's doing, the Emissary's mood eased slightly. He simply gave Garrosh a sound beating, leaving him with Hamstring and barely alive.
However, the Emissary remained unwilling to give up, unable to uncover the Blackhand behind it all. Tirion Fordring's life or death was secondary; what mattered was that he had been fooled and his intelligence had been completely crushed. This was the real reason why the Emissary was unwilling to let go.
The Emissary arrived at Vol'jin's camp. At that moment, Vol'jin was discussing with Sylvanas and Eitrigg how to seize the power of the Loa of the Zul'Drak Empire. Upon seeing the Emissary rushing over, looking furious, they all knew that the visitor was up to no good.
The Emissary grabbed Vol'jin by the collar, his expression turning menacing as he questioned:
"Vol'jin, Tirion Fordring died in your camp and was then assassinated in the Dark Cathedral. You are implicated in this. If the killer isn't found, I will hold you accountable."
Vol'jin looked distressed, his fangs trembling. He felt utterly wronged by this undeserved calamity and pleaded anxiously:
"My Emissary calm your anger. I will certainly help you find this person. According to my analysis, the one who killed Tirion Fordring and hired Blightcaller Jim in the Dark Cathedral is very likely the same person!"
The Emissary nodded and released his grip. "Tell me your analysis, who is this murderer?"
Vol'jin's mind raced, realizing that a poor answer could very well cost him his life at the hands of the Emissary.
Sylvanas, who was standing to the side with her head bowed, said softly, "There's no need to find the mastermind behind this. We just need to know who benefits the most from Tirion Fordring's death."
Inspired, Vol'jin quickly replied:
"Yes, yes, the Scourge benefited the most from Tirion Fordring's death. After Tirion Fordring was resurrected and regained the Holy Light, the Scourge deeply resented him. Both events were likely orchestrated by the Scourge."
Before the Emissary could react, Sylvanas continued:
"The Scourge must be the Blackhand behind this, but it wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation of people within the Horde. We must find out who is colluding with the Scourge."
The Emissary narrowed his eyes, revealing a dangerous glint in them. "Who is this person?"
Vol'jin's mouth dropped open, but he didn't know what to say. He suddenly realized something: the Emissary not necessarily need to find the real culprit; he was just eager to save face.
"Perhaps this is a good opportunity to shift the blame onto political enemies."
Thinking of this, Vol'jin analyzed with great seriousness:
"To be able to kill Tirion Fordring so mysteriously within my camp, this person is definitely not simple. He must be deeply entrenched in the Horde, with a complex network of influence and spies planted everywhere. In the entire Horde, there are only two people who could do this."
Eitrigg, who had been silent until now, quickly understood and added, "One is Thrall Savior, and the other is Saurfang the Great."
Sylvanas immediately chimed in, "The Savior Thrall is kind-hearted Justice, taking it upon himself to save all living beings; of course he wouldn't plot to kill Tirion Fordring."
"Saurfang the Great." The Emissary's expression turned solemn.
If it were Saurfang the Great, the Emissary could not act on his own initiative, since Saurfang had a close relationship with the Burning Legion, and the Emissary could not easily execute him.
Vol'jin, with a cunning look on his face, probed insinuatingly, "Dranosh led his army into Northrend but achieved nothing and even clashed with Tirion Fordring."
As the saying goes, public opinion can melt metal; after some analysis, Vol'jin, Eitrigg, Sylvanas quickly concluded that the people who colluded with the Scourge to assassinate Tirion Fordring were Saurfang and his son.
The Emissary was skeptical of this. If he wanted to verify the truth, he only needed to confront Saurfang and his son. With the Emissary's magic, it wouldn't be difficult to determine whether they were lying.
But the Emissary was worried that Saurfang and his son were innocent. If the real culprit couldn't be found, where would his reputation be? So he decided to go along with the misunderstanding and roared:
"Saurfang and his son harbor malicious intentions and conspire with the Scourge. I must make them pay the price."
As long as the problem can be solved and one can vent their anger, what does it matter whether it's the truth or not?
The Emissary messenger came with a vengeance, but left satisfied. Vol'jin and his two companions felt as if they had escaped a calamity, still filled with lingering fear.
In a dangerous and chaotic world like Azeroth, without strength one is at the mercy of others, at their beck and call, with no dignity whatsoever. This only Steadfast the three's resolve to obtain the power of the Loa.
Vol'jin calmed himself down, his thoughts returning to the Zul'Drak Empire, and whispered:
"The power of the Blood Trolls is the mortal enemy of all Loa, but I really can't figure out how Novos obtained the power of the Prophet Saronite. The Drakkari Frost Trolls are a bunch of fools; all they can do is devour the flesh and blood of the Loa. I need to verify my guess."
Eitrigg grinned widely and said nonchalantly, "What's so difficult about that? The Zul'Drak Empire has countless Loa; we can just pick one and eat it."
Sylvanas's expression was cold and authoritative as she said, "Savage Orcs, the power of the Loa is mysterious and unpredictable; it could very well cause your fragile body to explode."
Faced with Sylvanas, Eitrigg felt an instinctive fear and dared not act rashly, so he could only force a smile.
Vol'jin frowned, deep in thought.
"Frost King Malakk has led his people back to Zul'Drak. They are at their weakest now, but also more united than ever. We must find a way to alienate Frost King Malakk from the Priests so that we can take advantage of their weakness."
Sylvanas chuckled, "That's easy. Just one sentence is enough to make those Priests and Frost King Malakk become sworn enemies."
Vol'jin and Eitrigg both looked at Sylvanas, the Dark Lady revealing a cool smile, "It's time for the Zul'Drak Empire to feel the friendship of the Horde."
Although he had returned to the familiar Zul'Drak Royal Palace, Frost King Malakk knew that the crisis facing the Zul'Drak Empire was far from over.
The savage Garrosh was so frightened that he fled to Howling Fjord, but was soon replaced by the old fox Vol'jin.
If life in the snowy mountains hadn't been so harsh, Frost King Malakk would never have confronted Vol'jin head-on. The Drakkari Frost Trolls suffered heavy losses and desperately needed to recuperate; Frost King Malakk needed most was peace.
To the delight of Frost King Malakk, Vol'jin truly brought peace.
First, a messenger conveyed the Horde's goodwill, saying that seeing the Drakkari Frost Trolls living in misery, and even the Frost King Malakk not eating well, Vol'jin offered to provide some food.
After the Battle of the Dark Cathedral, Tirion Fordring's reputation soared, and his prestige surpassed all his former glory. Adventurers eagerly joined the Argent Crusade, and Vol'jin's army now had ample provisions.
Several cartloads of processed meat were delivered to the Royal Palace of the Zul'Drak Empire. Frost King Malakk of Frost was overjoyed to eat fresh meat after a long time and was moved to tears.
Subsequently, Vol'jin personally paid a visit and was naturally warmly welcomed.
Vol'jin, with a sincere expression, said to Frost King Malakk:
"Ten thousand years ago, we Trolls were all one family. When Thrall, the Savior, learned that the Drakkari Frost Trolls were not eating well or staying warm, he was so worried that he couldn't sleep for several nights. He specially sent me to invite the Zul'Drak Empire to join the Horde and fight together to save Azeroth."
"Join the Horde?"
Before the war, the arrogant Frost King Malakk would have refused. However, at this moment, the Zul'Drak Empire is weak and impoverished. If it can bring peace, joining the Horde is not out of the question.
After a moment's thought, Frost King Malakk indicated his willingness to join the Horde.
Vol'jin stroked his fangs and said solemnly:
"The great Savior Thrall has the world in his heart, he wants nothing, except for one small request."