A Request Is No Match for a Provocation

China's philosophical system lies in the unique accumulation of its historical culture. In foreign countries, fire is stolen, while in China, it is drilled out. In foreign countries, the flood is attributed to God's destruction of the world, while in China, it is attributed to Yu the Great's flood control, as well as the stories of Hou Yi Hou Yi and Foolish Old Man mountains.

From the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, then the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the twenty-four dynasties that followed the Qin, Han, and Jin dynasties, these unique stories and historical processes have shaped the uniqueness of China culture. But how could Zul'ra tell these things to people from another world? This world is filled with unstable magic and life, and the development of history never follows any set pattern?

"Tradition is created from nothing, and therefore we can conclude that we change with the passage of time, and the world also changes with the passage of time. How do we adapt to this change? Only by making changes can we survive. The changes we make today will shape our future traditions."

Zul'ra racked his brains trying to figure out the course of history in this world, but he couldn't find a suitable example to prove that history was progressing. Most of the history of this world was stagnant, and there were too many factors that could interfere. The Kaldorei Empire, which had once progressed, was now being used as an example because of its past involvement with the Burning Legion. Using it would only backfire.

"It's like the different tribes in Shu'halo. Each of your tribes has its own unique traditions, which exist because of the tribe's history. So, can those unique traditions be applied to all Shu'halo? Obviously not. Unique traditions belong only to unique tribes." Zul'ra finally decided to use Shu'halo as an example.

"But we are all Shu'halo, we are united, and we respect each other's traditions, while the reforms you propose may cause our traditions to disappear," Magatha Grimtotem argued, pointing out the difference between the two.

"Why... do you think my reform proposals will cause tradition to disappear?" Zul'ra couldn't find any examples of history being progressive, so she turned to other directions for a breakthrough.

"Isn't that so? The reforms you proposed have disrupted our system of bloodline inheritance!" Magatha Grimtotem said, citing an example.

"The reforms I proposed are intended to allow capable and virtuous people to gain everyone's recognition and thus become leaders. Do you and everyone else think that your virtue and ability are insufficient?" Zul'ra had a sudden inspiration and used reverse provocation.

"The system of bloodline inheritance is meant to ensure the stable continuation of our society, but it prevents our social groups from making breakthroughs and progress. The population of these groups is stagnant, and they cannot adopt new technologies. However, if we adopt reforms, we can more effectively promote the cohesion and growth of our groups and create more resources. Isn't that a significant benefit?"

"Or perhaps, are you all worried that you, or your descendants, will be challenged?" Zul'ra unintentionally touched on a certain point.

"That's offensive." Cairne Bloodhoof stood up abruptly; he didn't like this kind of provocation.

"Alright, Trolls, if you can guarantee that your reforms will bring the benefits you claim, and strengthen our people, then I will support you." Magatha Grimtotem looked at the sensitive Cairne Bloodhoof, but was secretly pleased. He spoke to Zul'ra with a serious expression.

"Magatha Grimtotem, are you serious?" Cairne Bloodhoof turned to look at Magatha Grimtotem, who had suddenly changed her tune, and was somewhat surprised.

"For the sake of the community, I can make some concessions," Magatha Grimtotem stated earnestly.

"So, Cairne Bloodhoof, what about you?" Zul'ra asked Cairne Bloodhoof, noticing the change in attitude from the previously strong Magatha Grimtotem.

→

"Zul'ra Jin, I'm waiting for your results." Cairne Bloodhoof didn't have time to argue with Magatha Grimtotem. He keenly sensed that Magatha Grimtotem's attitude was off, but at this moment, he couldn't refute Magatha Grimtotem's decision. Moreover, in his opinion, the reform did have potential. However, he now somewhat disliked the Trolls in front of him.

"Good." Zul'ra was both pleased with the success and annoyed by the worsening relationship with Cairne Bloodhoof. These Tauren were too straightforward. It was a pity she hadn't managed to put on a show of verbal sparring with them. But at least she had successfully achieved her goal!

"So, now that the Shu'halo have reached a consensus, what about the rest of you?" Thrall looked at Zul'ra, who had truly persuaded the Shu'halo, and stood up from his seat, turning to the tribal leaders beside him, asking them to express their opinions.

"If the rights of the Sin'dorei are guaranteed, then Quel'Thalas is willing to submit," Lor'themar declared first. The Sin'dorei's situation was special; they were unable to participate in this reform, and they only wished to become members of the Horde.

"If the Horde can truly gain something, then the Darkspear are willing to submit." Vol'jin followed Lor'themar, making the Darkspear ' stance clear: unlike the Sin'dorei, they did not demand autonomy and decided to closely follow the larger community.

"Warchief, the Forsaken's situation is as unique as the Sin'dorei's; therefore, I demand the same rights as Quel'Thalas." Sylvanas averted her gaze from Magatha Grimtotem, bowed to Thrall, and indicated the Forsaken's demand for autonomy.

Zul'ra looked at Sylvanas, who was also demanding autonomy, and immediately wanted to speak up. However, remembering that she had just offended Cairne Bloodhoof and was now taking a hard line against Sylvanas, she feared it would cause unrest among the Horde members. So she kept quiet. Reform was necessary, but maintaining stability was equally important.

"No, I believe the Forsaken are a completely new race, nothing special. What do you think, Lord Lor'themar?" Magatha Grimtotem spoke directly when Zul'ra was not in a suitable position, seeking Lor'themar's opinion.

"Yes, I agree with Magatha Grimtotem. The Forsaken are a completely new race." Lor'themar's words drew a murderous glare from Sylvanas, but he showed no intention of changing his mind.

Zul'ra's furrowed brows, which had been tightly knit after Sylvanas demanded autonomy, relaxed abruptly under the combined accusations of Magatha Grimtotem and Lor'themar, and a hint of amusement crept into his expression.

"Sylvanas..." Thrall looked at Lor'themar and Magatha Grimtotem, then gazed at Sylvanas with some hesitation. He didn't want to pressure the Horde members too much, but this matter was indeed quite complicated, and the Forsaken were equally complicated.

"I stand by my opinion." Sylvanas withdrew her gaze, which had almost killed Lor'themar, and coldly insisted on her idea. She did not want to give up the independence of the Forsaken and leave the fate of all the Forsaken to be decided by other races.

"Then, I will consider the situation and take your rights into account as appropriate." Thrall carefully chose his words, neither immediately agreeing nor immediately refuting.

"The Forsaken will never forget the Horde's kindness, and we hope you can consider our situation; we are special." Sylvanas, facing Thrall's deliberations, lowered her tone and offered a sincere plea.

"Hmm!" Thrall nodded, indicating that he would consider the Forsaken's special circumstances, but did not give a clear answer.