" Emperor Thaurissan, what are you doing here?" Jiang Jie asked curiously.
Because he saw Emperor Thaurissan, some Dark Iron Miners, and a few others, clearing the entrance to Molten Core, it seemed...
Want to enter Molten Core?
This is quite a large project!
It's basically equivalent to digging a large mine; even with the workload of the Dark Iron Dwarves, it would take several months.
"The Grand Duke."
Emperor Thaurissan greeted Jiang Jie politely upon his arrival, then, without hiding anything, pointed to the Molten Core and said, " The Molten Core was originally a Sulfuron Ore. We've been mining Sulfuron Ore there for hundreds of years. Now that Ragnaros is dead, we plan to resume mining Sulfuron Ore and sell it to other countries in exchange for food and other necessities. You know, the Dark Iron Dwarves only know how to mine and forge; they don't know anything else."
Sulfuron Ore?
Jiang Jie nodded.
I see.
Ragnaros's warhammer, which is over ten meters long, is primarily composed of Sulfuron Ingot.
This is an extremely precious iron ore. Its appearance is related to the ancient gods. It is a mutant product produced by the fusion of the ancient gods' power and the ore. Its value is much higher than that of Arcanite.
Emperor Thaurissan would certainly not give up such a precious mineral.
Mining and forging materials to exchange for necessities—this is what the Dark Iron Dwarves have always done.
Although they are isolated from the outside world, the Dark Iron Dwarves have actually maintained trade relations with nearby towns and places, such as Lakeshire in the Redridge Mountains and certain areas of Loch Modan.
To be honest, while the Dark Iron Dwarves have only so-so relations with all the surrounding factions, they can't really be called enemies, except for Ironforge.
Normal trade can still be guaranteed.
"Grand Duke, at the tripartite meeting, I promised to send five thousand Dark Iron soldiers tomorrow to attack the lower levels of Blackrock Spire. Blackrock Spire was originally built by us, then occupied by the Horde, and now by the Black Dragonflight. They are our enemies, and we will fight with all our might in this battle!"
Emperor Thaurissan patted his chest in assurance, then asked hesitantly, "Grand Duke, Blackrock Spire was built by the Dark Iron Dwarves; it represents centuries of our hard work. Once we defeat the Black Dragonflight, the question of Blackrock Spire's ownership..."
"I will raise this matter with King Varian and King Magni."
Jiang Jie remained noncommittal, saying calmly, "If the Dark Iron Dwarves want to reclaim the Blackrock Spire, they'll probably have to pay an even greater price."
" The Dark Iron Clan is willing to join the Alliance!"
Upon hearing that Jiang Jie hadn't immediately refused, Emperor Thaurissan knew there was hope. Remembering the decision he had discussed with the Queen, he immediately promised, "We are willing to join the Alliance, just like the High Elf!"
"Join the Alliance? The Alliance already has quite a few members. For Dark Iron to join the Alliance would only benefit Dark Iron more than it would the Alliance. This isn't a sacrifice, but a much greater demand."
Jiang Jie looked at Emperor Thaurissan with a half-smile, "Do you think King Varian and King Magni would agree?"
" Magni dotes on his daughter, Moira is currently at the Ironforge Legion's camp. The feud between the Dark Iron and Bronzebeard is centuries old; if the Bronzebeard can coexist peacefully with the Wildhammer, it's not impossible for them to do the same with the Dark Iron. We are willing to relinquish the mining rights to the northern region of Searing Gorge. You know, the yield of Dark Iron, Truesilver, Adamantite, and Thorium in Searing Gorge far exceeds that of the Dun Morogh Mountains and Loch Modan."
Emperor Thaurissan was clearly prepared to Hemorrhage, saying, "As for King Varian, we'll need the Grand Duke's help to persuade him. We're willing to cede the mining rights to the southern region of the Burning Steppes, where the ore reserves are greater than those of the entire Redridge Mountains or the entire Westfall! Of course, we won't trouble the Grand Duke; we're willing to pay a substantial reward."
Jiang Jie raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
Although Stormwind City and Ironforge also have activity in the Burning Steppes and Searing Gorge, these two areas are primarily Dark Iron Dwarves ' territory, aside from the Blackrock Orcs and Troll.
The mining capabilities of the Blackrock Orcs are nowhere near those of the Dark Iron Dwarves.
Half of the mineral resources in two regions are of extremely high value; Ironforge and Stormwind City would probably not refuse such an offer.
The problem is, Stormwind City and Ironforge could simply be attacked and captured!
Although some people will die, given the Bronzebeard Dwarves ' volatile nature and King Varian's current tough stance, they would probably prefer to send troops to attack directly!
However, it's not like we can't discuss it.
After all, sending troops to attack would consume manpower and resources, and countless people would die.
Varian and Magni also had to think about their soldiers.
Moreover, the two countries may not be able to afford the consecutive wars.
Jiang Jie believed that he could still influence the two kings' decisions in this regard.
So, what about the other countries in the Alliance?
"Not enough."
Jiang Jie shook his head and said, " The Alliance isn't just Stormwind City and Ironforge; there are other nations as well. What are the Dark Iron Dwarves willing to offer to persuade the leaders of other nations to join the Alliance, become part of the Alliance, and avoid... being annihilated?"
Their fate was to be annihilated!
Jiang Jie has made his intentions clear.
In the past, Emperor Thaurissan would have definitely lost his temper.
But after Ragnaros's death, Emperor Thaurissan fully understood:
Jiang Jie truly is capable of fighting against the entire Dark Iron Clan single-handedly!
You can't afford to offend someone like that!
"We have amassed a great many precious ores, the total value of which is no less than that of the High Elf 'Sunstrider Vault. We are willing to follow the High Elf and open half of the treasure to contribute to the Alliance's attack on the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj," said Emperor Thaurissan.
"Not enough."
Jiang Jie said calmly, "The situation of the Dark Iron and the High Elf is different. Quel'Thalas was originally part of the Alliance and had no enmity with the Alliance countries; it simply rejoined the Alliance. The Dark Iron has never joined the Alliance, and its relationship with Stormwind City, Ironforge, and Wildhammer is not good. It also has little to no friendship with other countries, so it has to pay a higher price."
Emperor Thaurissan's face was grim.
He clenched his fist.
Although he had expected it, he still underestimated how troublesome Jiang Jie was.
Fortunately, Moira had reminded him and discussed it with him.
Even after paying these prices, it's still not the Dark Iron Dwarves ' bottom line; they can still make concessions.
"So, what are the Grand Duke's thoughts?" Emperor Thaurissan passed the buck to Jiang Jie.
"Actually, the Alliance countries have already prepared enough supplies, so the precious ores you plan to offer won't be of much use."
Jiang Jie turned and looked southwest, towards Ahn'Qiraj: "To attack Ahn'Qiraj, every member of the Alliance will send elite troops. If Dark Iron wants to join the Alliance, it should naturally do its part as well. After this battle, Anvilrage Legion march on Ahn'Qiraj!"
"But we have no boats! Not a single one!"
Emperor Thaurissan was stunned for a moment, then his face darkened even more.
He really didn't want any more Dark Iron Dwarves to suffer losses!
If we were to send troops to attack Ahn'Qiraj, how many more people would die?
Most importantly, if the Anvilrage Legion continues to suffer losses, the military strength of the Dark Iron Clan will be greatly weakened. Even if they join the Alliance, their status will not be high, and they will have little say in the matter!
"It's alright. I've discussed it seriously with Admiral Daelin of Kul Tiras, who is also my father-in-law. Kul Tiras is willing to sell the Dark Iron Clan a sufficient number of warships—the best warships in all of Azeroth!"
Jiang Jie smiled, "And you, all you need to do is offer enough precious ores!"
Thaurissan gritted his teeth.
He finally understood:
So Jiang Jie had been plotting this all along!
Everything is ready; the fox's tail is finally showing!
But could he refuse?
What else could he do for the sake of the Dark Iron?
He's such a frustrated King of Dark Iron!
"Alright, let's talk about something else now."
Jiang Jie took out the Eye of Sulfuras, a smile on his face, "Mr. Roktus Darkbringer of the Thorium Brotherhood seems to have figured out the blueprints to reforge Ragnaros's Warhammer. I'm very interested in that artifact, but unfortunately I don't know how to forge it, nor do I have enough precious ores. Great King of Dark Iron, could you... lend a hand?"