Jintha'Alor Acquired

Criticism and self-criticism are two excellent things. Although the mindset of the trolls is generally extremely loose, after Zul'ra Jin took the lead with Cook, many trolls began to reflect on themselves, judging whether their performance in battle was up to standard.

Setting aside their own combat assessments, many trolls put a great deal of thought into Zul'ra Jin's speech. It is rare for a troll leader to dare to admit such mistakes; one must know that troll society prioritizes violence above all else. If one loses their majesty, their power and status are quickly challenged. Even Zul'jin would not dare to do such a thing, so why did Zul'ra Jin dare?

Because he dared to set a precedent, Zul'ra Jin successfully attracted the attention of many troll soldiers. Driven by curiosity, these soldiers began to ask their comrades—those who had stood tall like Cook—about it, and in turn, they were influenced by these new ideas. As they delved deeper, Zul'ra Jin's reputation officially spread throughout the army, and the troll military began to slowly transform.

After unleashing a wave of ideological impact on the army, Zul'ra Jin held a discussion with Chieftain Broken-Tooth. With Hex now dead and Jintha'Alor left without a master, he wanted to unite with the Smolderthorn to occupy the city, and Broken-Tooth agreed it was feasible.

As an old rival, Broken-Tooth knew Jintha'Alor very well. Because Hex worshipped Hakkar, she had implemented a reign of terror in Jintha'Alor. Only a few priests belonging to Akil'darah the Eagle Spirit and Shadra the Silk Dancer held any prestige, but those priests were not enough to command the masses. Now was the perfect time to capture Jintha'Alor.

"Attacking Jintha'Alor is imperative, but Chieftain Broken-Tooth, there is one thing I must have you promise me." Zul'ra Jin looked at Broken-Tooth, who understood Jintha'Alor, his eyes steady.

"What do you need me to do?" Broken-Tooth blinked.

"I know the Vilebranch Trolls have done some excessive things to the Smolderthorn, but that was all Hex's conspiracy. I do not want the Smolderthorn tribe to take up their blades against the innocent Vilebranch Trolls because of this." Zul'ra Jin was very serious. Trolls are not only xenophobic but also have a history of cannibalism; they generally have no bottom line, but the population of the Forest Trolls is already dwindling.

After years of suppression by humans and Elves, and having recently joined the Horde only to suffer heavy losses at the hands of the Alliance, the troll population was already scarce. If they were to slaughter each other now, there would be no talk of rising to hegemony—they might as well just wait for death.

"Zul'ra Jin, I must admit, you are very merciful. I agree with your words; the innocent Vilebranch Trolls should not suffer because of Hex, but..." Chieftain Broken-Tooth shifted her gaze slightly.

"I do not need a 'but.' I want your promise, Chieftain Broken-Tooth. I can see that you have great negotiation skills. Some guys among the Vilebranch Trolls deserve to die, but that should not be a loophole for you to exploit." Zul'ra Jin interrupted the female chieftain's attempt to find a workaround. Some Vilebranch deserved death, but that could not be used as a reason to open a cycle of hatred for the Smolderthorn.

"Fine. Your gaze is like a firelight piercing the darkness. I promise: the Smolderthorn tribe will not take revenge on the Vilebranch Trolls within Jintha'Alor or any other forest kin." Hearing Zul'ra Jin's words, Broken-Tooth could only resign herself to nodding.

"Very good. I have long believed that you Smolderthorn are the most pragmatic group among our forest kin. Once we unite as one big family, we will need you for many things. You will be one of the most important parts of the forest family." Zul'ra Jin nodded with slight satisfaction as he listened to Broken-Tooth.

"The Smolderthorn will dedicate everything to the forest family, for the glory of the trolls." Hearing Zul'ra Jin's words, Broken-Tooth could not help but beat her chest in declaration.

"And for our forest family as well." Zul'ra Jin looked at Broken-Tooth, who had successfully stated her position, and nodded in satisfaction.

Soon, the Smolderthorn army was organized. Zul'ra Jin also took the opportunity to learn about this small but tenacious tribe. Having faced the blows of the Alliance and their own kin, they were now reduced to just over 3,500 members. They were relatively thin and small compared to other trolls, but their will was the exact opposite of their physique.

Having survived constant battles, the fewer than 4,000 remaining Smolderthorn were all capable warriors. Upon receiving their chieftain's call, they immediately formed a coalition with the 800 men under Zul'ra Jin's command, and the 4,000 warriors launched an assault on Jintha'Alor.

Jintha'Alor was a golden city built against the mountains. Having just lost its leader, the ancient city quickly collapsed in the face of the 4,000-strong army. The Vilebranch warriors belonging to Hex were killed, and some priests took advantage of the chaos to stage an uprising.

Led by the insurgent priests, the army successfully entered Jintha'Alor. Broken-Tooth also kept her word; she threatened her tribesmen, stating that if they carried out any revenge in the city, it would be a challenge to her authority. Troll society values violence but also respects a strong will, and no Smolderthorn dared to challenge this female chieftain's resolve.

The Smolderthorn tribe kept their promise well, and Zul'ra Jin naturally reciprocated. He implemented a comprehensive martial law in Jintha'Alor, requiring every Vilebranch Troll to spit on the shrine of Hakkar. Those who refused were treated as followers of Hakkar and handed over to the Smolderthorn tribe. Massacres were not allowed, but there were no such restrictions against cultists.

Zul'ra Jin was completely reckless regarding the followers of Hakkar, not fearing to offend the Soulflayer. Hakkar's reputation was already foul; having once enslaved the Gurubashi Empire, it was loathed by all trolls. The Zandalar had even personally contacted the Forest Trolls and Jungle Trolls to destroy its physical form in the present world.

In short, Zul'ra Jin had no fear in ruining the reputation of the Soulflayer. The followers of the Soulflayer were also universally reviled; would they dare to glare at him? If it were to be resurrected in the present world, he would simply go to the Zandalar for reinforcements and call upon all trolls to beat it again.

Under the weight of power, the followers of Hakkar in Jintha'Alor were quickly purged. Zul'ra Jin then had the insurgent priests soothe the hearts of the people, assessed the various situations, and brought Lostro and the others over from Shadra'Alor. When the big guy heard the news, he couldn't even process it.

Originally, Zul'ra Jin's decision had been to return to Zul'Aman immediately after winning over the Smolderthorn. As it turned out, not only had he won over the Smolderthorn, but the once-mighty Jintha'Alor had also fallen at his feet. One had to say, fate is truly mysterious.

Having successfully taken Jintha'Alor, which was an unexpected turn of events, Zul'ra Jin decided to delay his return to Zul'Aman. He began to station himself in Jintha'Alor and spread his ideas to the trolls in the city.

Just like in Zul'Aman, many Vilebranch Trolls felt a sense of emptiness and confusion in their hearts following their defeat and the reign of terror. Zul'ra Jin's new ideas could fill that void, clear away the confusion, and help them find hope.

The Vilebranch Trolls not only accepted Zul'ra Jin's new ideas but adapted to them even better than the Amani trolls. Of course, this was also related to their nature of only respecting strength. After losing to Zul'ra Jin and his army, they recognized that the Amani trolls were their kin and were powerful, making them acceptable.