For Tian Sang, these two different lives were like two mirrors; by comparing them, he could identify many problems he had previously overlooked. This allowed him to learn how to master his own psyche, and the existence of shadow energy pushed his grasp of his own thoughts even further.
With the aid of shadow energy, Tian Sang refined his thoughts, learning to discover and eliminate distracting ideas. He used his subconscious to adjust the balance between body and mind, erasing physical fatigue. As his mental refinement reached this stage, Tian Sang felt that some of his previously blurred memories were suddenly becoming clear.
Nathanos, the human in the Farstriders rumored to have an affair with Sylvanas—his name was Nathanos. Tian Sang clearly remembered his name, though he did not know if the guy he had killed was indeed Nathanos. Regardless, he decided to set that matter aside for now.
Tian Sang clearly recalled the specific timeline of the World of Warcraft Chronicle. Barring any accidents, today was the sixth year after the opening of the Dark Portal, and the Old Horde would be defeated by the end of the year.
"A messy account." Thinking about the progression of the plot, Tian Sang couldn't help but shake his head and began to focus on his cultivation.
By using shadows to refine his thoughts, Tian Sang had accidentally opened the door to his memories, recalling his half-obscured knowledge of the plot. This gave him a sense of reliance for the future, but relying solely on the plot to survive was not enough; strength was the primary capital.
After successfully refining his thoughts, Tian Sang's original visual perception of shadow energy began to fade. Although his eyes could no longer capture shadows, he retained the ability to perceive and command them; he could manipulate shadow energy directly through his intent.
Manipulating shadow energy sounded like an incredibly badass skill, but in reality, it was useless. Before shadow energy was materialized, it possessed no direct lethality, and this energy was considered evil—a perception held even within the culture of the Trolls.
Although shadow energy was evil, there were corresponding ways to use it. Unmaterialized shadow energy lacked direct damage, but it could influence a person's inner heart. Witch Doctor priests, Shadow Hunter, as well as human and Elves priests, were all adept at using this energy to inflict curses and mental trauma upon their enemies.
Being able to directly manipulate shadow energy signified that the magic power within his body was maturing day by day. Tian Sang also began to formally practice Voodoo Magic, brewing Hex Potion from herbs and flesh to extract and apply voodoo energy.
As mentioned before, the energy used by Troll Witch Doctor was extremely broad. Aside from shadows, elements, and herbs, one could also borrow the power of the Loa. Of course, this depended on one's relationship with the Loa one served and whether They were willing to grant their power.
Tian Sang was born under the red flag and firmly believed that if you rely on mountains, they crumble; if you rely on people, they run. Only oneself was truly reliable. He had an innate attitude of keeping a respectful distance from all demons and ghosts. Furthermore, since Snake Goddess Ulatek and the Spirit of the Black Raven Maide had never paid him any mind, he decided not to have too much contact with the Loa.
Not having much contact with the Loa, Tian Sang spent his days absorbing voodoo energy and trying to practice voodoo hexes on some animals and plants. The results were quite good, but he wasn't very satisfied, so he turned his focus back to the application of shadow energy and his spirit.
After using his subconscious to adjust his body and mind and unlocking his memories, Tian Sang hoped to continue exploring deeper applications of the spirit. Thus, he began to spend entire days clearing his mind of distractions, engaging in meditation where he forgot both himself and the world.
In the quiet stone chamber, Tian Sang sat cross-legged on the ground, his body naturally relaxed. His mind was as clear and calm as a pool of water; everything around him was imprinted into his consciousness. Everything was so tranquil, a tranquility that brought joy to the heart.
Just as Tian Sang was immersed in the joy of the serene environment, a breeze suddenly blew into the room, and ripples immediately appeared on the surface of the water. As light and shadow darted through his heart, Tian Sang felt as if his body had been struck by an electric current.
"What do I see?" A voice accompanied by a hissing sound rang out. Tian Sang's eyebrows twitched; in his subconscious, he seemed to see strands of silver scales swimming around him. A silver snake head was looking down at him from above his head.
"A soul that is currently pretending to be enchanted." Wisps of airflow seemed to blow onto the top of his head, causing goosebumps to rise on his back.
"Ulatek, my Goddess, I wonder what guidance you have for me!" Tian Sang felt the "snake" circling his consciousness and looking down at him. After a few quick thoughts, he determined the situation: he was being actively contacted by a Loa.
Snake Goddess Ulatek was a serpentine Loa. Among the Loa worshipped by Trolls, the snake was the most common form, as Trolls held a significant reverence for the mystery and power of snakes. This Snake Goddess was also incredibly mysterious; she was elusive and temperamental, with no dedicated priests, and was mostly worshipped by Witch Doctor alongside other Loa. Tian Sang had prayed to her before but had never received any response. Why was she actively contacting him today?
"Oh, am I your Goddess?" The hissing voice carried a playful tone, but then the voice shifted abruptly, roaring like a giant python opening its maw.
"But why can I not find any place for myself in the depths of your tiny heart?"
"That is because you had never shown me mercy before, and I had only heard of your great name. I knew nothing of your image or your power; the void of what I lacked made my heart...!" Tian Sang felt the creature above his head opening its mouth to strike. His heart was instantly gripped by an atmosphere of fear, and he struggled to explain while bearing the terror.
"Oh!" The silver-scaled giant python listened to Tian Sang's defense, its tone pausing for a moment.
"You have not seen me yet, so that is how it is!"
"..." Tian Sang listened to the shift in the silver-scaled giant snake's tone. While he felt fortunate, he also felt a bit like complaining: Whether I have seen you or not, don't you know that in your own heart?
"Forget it, that is not the reason I came to find you. I came here to deliver a message to you, little Troll." The silver-scaled giant snake shook its head, then lowered its head to Tian Sang's ear, the corners of its mouth curling up as it flicked its tongue.
"..." Tian Sang pursed his lips.
"Far from this city, a massive force is already gathering. A monstrous rage will be poured out upon your people, just as it was at the foot of Alterac back then." The ethereal voice carried a mysterious and pretentious tone.
"And then?" Tian Sang asked, listening to the silver-scaled giant python's whisper in his ear. What year was 'back then,' and what happened at the foot of Alterac that year?
"..." The voice in his ear seemed to stutter.
"Respected Ulatek, are you still there?" Tian Sang listened to the stuttering giant python in his ear and couldn't help but tilt his head. With his consciousness-based vision, he wasn't sure if this entity had left or not. If you're going to leave, at least finish your sentence!
"...You should go and study history properly. In the west of Zul'Aman, those allied forces are already discussing it. They are preparing a large-scale magic to wash the forests outside Zul'Aman with a rain of fire." Ulatek held her breath, trying hard to keep her voice from sounding annoyed.
"Burning Battleaxe Ridge?" Tian Sang's heart skipped a beat. So that's what 'the foot of Alterac' referred to.
"You seem... not afraid?" Ulatek sensed the slight tremor in someone's heart and couldn't help but pause. According to her expectations, this guy should be terrified and then beg her for help!
"Respected Goddess, why should I be afraid?" Tian Sang felt the bewildered snake god beside him and couldn't help but ask in return. If I know the enemy is going to attack, isn't it enough to just tell everyone to run? Why be afraid?
"You want your kin to run away?" Ulatek raised her head, looking down at Tian Sang, seeing through his thoughts at a glance, and continued before he could speak.
"You might be able to escape Battleaxe Ridge, but what about Zul'Aman?"
"Doesn't Zul'Aman have you and the other Loa guarding it? Or do you intend to abandon us?" Hearing Ulatek's seemingly telepathic words, Tian Sang's heart skipped a beat. This Loa seemed to be trying to take advantage of the chaos.