The Horde's strongest High Overlord and Lei Shen's strongest general had both wanted to kill the other at first. Yet after several duels that ended without a victor, the two gradually came to respect one another.
But after Lei Shen realized he could not take the Shado-Pan Garrison by force, he had Shan Bu deploy the Shanze Clan's massive Cloud Serpent force, intending to seize the garrison under the cover of aerial superiority.
As these black-purple Cloud Serpents arrived, they also drove in dark clouds, making the skies above the Shado-Pan Garrison seem like the end of the world amid a thunderstorm.
"The Order of the Cloud Serpent was badly mauled while defending the Gate of the Setting Sun. We simply do not have enough air forces to contend with the Shanze Clan's Mogu." Shado-Pan leader Taran Zhu's expression darkened. If the Shado-Pan Garrison fell and the numerically superior Mogu-Troll coalition landed on the Townlong Steppes, they would be at a disadvantage. Yet the Pandaren's proud Order of the Cloud Serpent had already been severely crippled, forcing them to begin recruiting elite adventurers into its ranks.
At his side, Garrosh Hellscream remained exceptionally calm. He said to Shado-Pan leader Taran Zhu, "I heard from the Blood Elf Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron that the Pandaren Order of the Cloud Serpent is formidable. But Master Taran Zhu, it is time you saw the Horde's air force."
As Orc shamans sounded ancient horns, a massive aerial force rose from the other side of the sky. They were the Horde's Dragonmaw Clan Dragon Rider Corps.
At their head was Dragonmaw Clan Warlord Zaela, riding the Proto-Drake Galakras. Behind her followed Dragon Riders mounted on Black Dragons, Proto-Drakes, Nether Dragons, and Storm Dragons.
Shan Bu, riding the black Cloud Serpent Blackwind, also noticed the Horde