Lifetime Honorary Member?
How did Mekkatorque manage to pull off something similar to Brann's? Did Brann teach him?
Jiang Jie had deep suspicions.
"Master Craftsman, don't councilors have both rights and obligations?" Jiang Jie asked casually, without giving a direct answer.
Jiang Jie had absolutely no interest in fulfilling any obligations.
He can't be tied up in such a small place Gnomeregan!
"Yes, but you are special," Mekkatorque explained. "For over two thousand years, you have been the first non- Gnomes member of the Tinkers' Court, so you are not required to fulfill any obligations, nor do you possess any rights. However, we will fulfill any request you make, as long as it is within our power!"
"Is this your promise, or the promise of the Tinkers' Court?" Jiang Jie asked.
"I think this is the promise of all Gnomes!" Mekkatorque said solemnly.
Jiang Jie smiled.
That's exactly what he was waiting for.
He came to Gnomeregan and did everything for this very sentence.
These words may seem light, but everything Jiang Jie did for Gnomeregan and for the Gnomes is there, and no one can erase it. Moreover, it will slowly spread to Ironforge, Lordaeron, and Stormwind City, reaching the ears of more and more people. Then everyone will know that Jiang Jie is the great benefactor of the Gnomes.
This debt of gratitude can never be fully repaid, so it can only be repaid indefinitely, just like the debt of gratitude humans owed to the High Elf 2800 years ago.
"A Sky City will be built on Teldrassil, the World Tree in Lake Lordamere."
Jiang Jie said, "I hope that city will be a city where magic and technology coexist, City of Wonders unlike any other in this world. Although I possess technological civilization surpassing that of the Gnomes, I cannot perform those delicate tasks. There are many humans on the Fenris Isles, but they can only do the dirty and tiring work; the technical work will have to be done by you. Of course, I will pay them adequately."
"No, no, no, I don't need any reward! Just having your permission to build such a city is the best reward!" Mekkatorque was overjoyed and almost jumped for joy.
He's not stupid.
By participating in the construction of such a City of Wonders, Gnomes would undoubtedly learn a great deal of technology, far superior to what they currently possess. For Gnomes who consider technology their very lifeblood, this would be the greatest reward in itself!
"However..." Mekkatorque hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Well, Gnomeregan has just suffered heavy losses, and we're afraid we can't send any more people for the time being..."
"The foundation of Sky City is still under construction, and the upper part is still a long way off! We probably won't really need you for several months to come." Jiang Jie smiled, understanding Mekkatorque's concerns and dilemma.
"That's wonderful! I will personally lead the best Gnomes technicians to the Fenris Isles!" Mekkatorque assured him.
Jiang Jie smiled, then turned his gaze southward.
He had stayed in Gnomeregan for too long; spring was almost over, so it was time to leave.
"Master Craftsman, there's something I've already mentioned to Prince Brann, and I'd like to tell you about it now."
Jiang Jie pointed to the map on the table, his finger pausing on the Frostmane Troll Fortress not far away:
"The Yetis are not a concern, and while the Rockjaw Trogg cannot be completely eradicated, they lack intelligence and are also not a threat. But the Troll are an intelligent race like us, and tens of thousands of years ago they were the masters of most of Azeroth. The ancient Zandalar Tribe still exists. If someone raises their voice, and if a large number of Troll come to their aid, these Frostmane Troll... can you stop them?"
Leaving Gnomeregan, Jiang Jie traveled through the subway tunnels to Ironforge, and then, with four Pandaren, took the subway to Stormwind City.
Stormwind City in May is neither too hot nor too cold, with a pleasant temperature.
This place is around 40°S latitude, much higher than Dun Morogh, but the temperature is much higher because Stormwind City is located near the sea in a valley.
Facing you is the Elwynn Forest, with an altitude of no more than 50 meters. The forest's self-regulating nature makes this place far more suitable for human habitation Dun Morogh.
It makes sense that the descendants of Thoradin of the Empire of Arathor traveled great distances to build a new city and a new kingdom here.
This land is as fertile as Lordaeron in the north, and just as suitable for industrial and agricultural development. Moreover, because it is near the sea, it is even more suitable for maritime trade.
Since Stormwind City reconstruction, under the rule of King Varian and with the assistance of Regent Bolvar Fordragon, Stormwind City has not only regained its former prosperity but also shown a trend of rivaling Lordaeron.
But there is one difference:
In Lordaeron today, there are few old nobles left. Most of the power is concentrated in the hands of Her Majesty the Queen, the Regent, Marquis Lawrence, and a few Highlord. As long as they are of one mind, the entire country can function without hindrance.
But Stormwind City has a large number of old nobles, including several dukes and even more marquises. The king's power has been divided up, and his orders cannot leave Stormwind City. Local areas are even more independent, with powerful nobles occupying every place. Varian, as king, is actually quite frustrated.
Most importantly, the city has long been secretly manipulated by the Black Dragon and the Twilight's Hammer, and is in danger of collapsing at any moment.
Jiang Jie had no interest in dealing with these matters for the time being, nor could he: both the Black Dragon and the Twilight's Hammer were more troublesome than the Cult of the Damned. Neither the Black Dragon Princess nor the Twilight Prophet were easier to deal with than Kel'Thuzad.
With his current small frame, he can't handle any strenuous activity, so he won't try.
He was going to Duskwood to find Med'an.
However, finding someone in such a vast forest is extremely difficult, especially with the Legendary Undead Meryl Winterstorm by his side. It would be too easy for him to hide, so Jiang Jie had no choice but to seek help.
There was no need to trouble King Varian with such a matter. Jiang Jie was looking for an old acquaintance, General Marcus, the head of the Stormwind City Guard.
After the Battle of Northrend, the Scourge no longer posed a threat to Lordaeron, and General Marcus led his Stormwind City warriors back to his homeland to resume the responsibility of defending Stormwind City.
The city is very prosperous, at least on the surface. Not only can you see humans and Dwarves, but you can even see Goblin.
The four Pandaren quickly went off to find fine wine and food, and incidentally took several money bags containing thousands of gold coins from Jiang Jie.
Jiang Jie then traveled alone through the Dwarven District and the Trade District to Valley of Heroes, where he found General Marcus beneath the majestic Turalyon statue.
Recommended reading: "Yuan Zun" by Tiancan Tudou, and "Da Dao Chao Tian" by Mao Ni.