Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis.

Having lived for tens of thousands of years, he had seen too many people blinded by power or prophecy. The humility and foresight of this young human before him revealed a precious quality that was different from Kil'jaeden's lust for power and the blind arrogance of some fanatical believers. At this moment, Prophet Velen was even more certain of his thoughts.

He found him! He found the legendary Son of Light! He found the man destined to defeat Sargeras.

Looking at the old fairy's charlatan-like expression, Rhodes felt like a million grass mud horses were galloping through his mind.

Rhodes: No, what the hell did you find? Don't talk nonsense! Fighting the Burning Legion is Illidan's job, not mine.

However, to be fair, I do have an unshirkable responsibility to fight the Burning Legion, because killing the Burning Legion's high-ranking members will yield equipment and resources, allowing me to obtain more powerful hero units.

However, it's fine if you ask me to slack off a bit during raids, but asking me to be the main DPS is a bit much. I'll wait until I've gathered 10 Archangels, 10 Great Demons, 10 Titans, 10 Behemoths, 10 Phoenixes, and 1 Holy Dragons, and then upgrade these units before I go head-to-head with the Legion!

“Your wisdom is as astonishing as your strength, Lord Rhodes.” Velen nodded slightly.

"Perhaps you are right. Fate is not a single trajectory, but a web woven from countless choices. Whether you are the person prophesied or not, your existence, the power you bring, and the hope of unity you bring are already changing the course of the future. You will be the key to this war."

“I don’t deny that, Your Excellency Prophet. It’s my duty to deal with the Burning Legion. I’ve been fighting against them all along. Kil’jaeden sees me as a thorn in his side,” Rhodes said.

When the Battle of the Sunwell comes, I'll send Kil'jaeden over and kill him too. Prophet Velen will become a very important fighting force.

"In that case, I look forward to cooperating with you and the entire anti-magic forces of Azeroth. I join your alliance on behalf of all the Draenei."

The Draenei have accumulated tens of thousands of years of knowledge and experience fighting the Burning Legion, which we are willing to share with you. At the same time, I sincerely invite you, Lord Rhodes, and all the leaders present.

When it is convenient, please visit our temporary residence… Though it is far less glorious than Shattrath of old, it is still a haven of peace in Draenor… oh, Outland. As for a formal alliance, I will send some Draenei with you to Azeroth.”

“This world is on the verge of collapse. Perhaps you could move to another place to live. Azeroth is vast, and there are many vacant lots on the continent of Kalimdor. You and your people could go there to live,” Rhodes said.

Humans on Kalimdor need to unite with the night elves to fight the Horde, but if the draenei join, the pressure will be greatly reduced.

The Draenei and the Orcs have a deep-seated hatred for each other; the two races are sworn enemies.

“I will seriously consider this proposal. Thank you very much for your invitation, Lord Rhodes,” the prophet Velen nodded and said.

The Draenei do indeed intend to find a new world to live in. Draenor is now shattered and probably won't last many more years. This broken planet will eventually be destroyed, perhaps hundreds of years from now, or perhaps decades from now, but it will come eventually.

“Prophet, once we have safely escorted the warriors of the expeditionary force back to Azeroth and stabilized the situation in the Eastern Kingdoms, I will personally visit you and discuss in detail the specifics of our alliance and joint resistance against the Legion,” Rhodes said.

Prophet Velen smiled and nodded, welcoming Rhodes to Shattrath City.

The atmosphere became more harmonious in the following days. The Draenei and the Alliance mages and paladins began their initial exchanges, and Velen even observed Rhodes' Archangel of Light and Phoenix of Fire with great interest, expressing his admiration for these two sacred life forms unique to Azeroth.

Meanwhile, Rhodes secretly relayed the message of contact with the Draenei to Illidan through Vashj.

Chapter 225 Target Strategy: Dark Temple

A few days later, all the expeditionary squads that had gone out on patrol had returned to Glory Keep. The longing and joy of returning home filled the entire fortress with an atmosphere of excitement and busyness.

Under Rhodes' command and with the assistance of the mages, a large, stable temporary portal was constructed in the fortress square, connecting to a safe zone on the coast of Lordaeron controlled by Rhodes' forces.

Lady Vashj began to help inscribe the complete teleportation runes, assisting the mages in establishing a stable portal. Moments later, the deep blue portal lit up.

The Outland world of Azeroth was reopened. The expeditionary force could hardly believe their eyes. Everyone was incredibly excited, and tears streamed down their faces.

"Heroes of the League, it's time to go home, let's set off!"

"Everyone, enter the portal in an orderly fashion. Do not crowd." General Danas took a deep breath and immediately began directing everyone to enter the portal.

The first to pass through the portal were the Alliance paladins, followed by the blood elf mages. Under Rhodes' command, these Alliance soldiers entered the portal one by one.

A procession of several thousand people filed in.

"I'm home! I can finally go home!"

"Father, Mother...I'm back..."

"Stormwind! My Stormwind! I'm going home, my brother, I'm coming back."

"My warriors, although General Turalyon is no longer with us, I hereby declare in my capacity as the deputy commander that our expedition has come to an end."

"Enter the portal now, we're going home," General Danas ordered the retreat.

Amidst uncontrollable cheers and tears, squads of exhausted but determined expeditionary soldiers, supporting the wounded and carrying their meager belongings, stepped into the portal in an orderly fashion.

What they took away was more than a decade of perseverance and hardship; what they left behind was an empty fortress and endless fantasies about the future of the outer regions.

Darnas Trollbane was among the last to leave. He gripped Rhodes' hand tightly and said, "Grand Marshal Rhodes, we're entrusting this place to you. We'll be waiting for good news from you and Khadgar in Azeroth!"

"Rest assured, General, the Alliance will not forget any hero. You should return to Stormwind first, and then give my regards to King Varian. After I have taken care of some matters, I will personally go to Stormwind to meet with King Varian," Rhodes solemnly promised.

After this trip to Outland, Rhodes still had to rush back to Kalimdor to deal with his father-in-law. After all, the feud between a certain admiral and that scoundrel still needed to be dealt with, and now was not the time to turn against the Horde.

After that, Rhodes planned to go to Stormwind. He used to be a little afraid of a certain little female dragon, but now, haha, that little female dragon should be afraid of me.

Nodding to Rhodes, General Danas stood ramrod straight, gave Rhodes a Union military salute, and then strode confidently into the portal.

After most of the expeditionary force had left, Honor Hold suddenly felt empty. Only a few paladins remained, led by Old Mograine and Dathrohan.

Some blood elf mages have also gathered under Kael'thas's command, along with some rangers who were formerly part of the Windrunner army. These high elves, who followed Alleria into the Dark Portal, have now returned to the prince's side.

Rhonin, the mage of Dalaran, along with Archmage Rhonin and some other high-ranking mages, volunteered to stay and help Rhodes. Next, they will fulfill their agreement with Illidan.

Rhodes, Jaina, Rhonin, Kael'thas, two paladins, and an elite force remained temporarily in Honor Hold.

Next, they will wait for Illidan's arrival, and then they will discuss the matter of the Black Temple together.

Rhodes did not inform the prophet Velen about the takeover of the Dark Temple. Although the Dark Temple is now a den of demons, it was not long ago a sacred site for the Draenei, the Temple of Karabor.

The temple's location is quite unique, and there was a reason why Illidan chose it as his base. It allows him to better extract fel energy and help him execute his subsequent plans. At the same time, closing all the portals in Outland also requires the help of the Black Temple.

Therefore, Rhodes did not intend to involve the Draenei in this battle. After all, once Illidan had taken the Black Temple, he would never return it to the Draenei; instead, he would use it as his own fortress.

The next objective is clear yet dangerous—the Black Temple, and the pit lord Magtheridon who resides within it. Before Illidan arrives, Rhodes needs to unify the internal forces, especially regarding how to confront the temple that was once a sacred site for the Draenei.

Therefore, Rhodes planned to hold a small meeting within the alliance first. Although they had just formed an alliance with the Draenei, the future of their Karabor Temple still had to be handed over to Egg.

"The Black Temple, before the orcs defiled it and the demons took it over, had a sacred name—the Temple of Karabor." Rhodes stood before the simple war sand table, pointing to the model representing the temple, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally lingering briefly on Kael'thas and Rhonin's faces.

"It is a symbol of the Draenei faith, carrying countless prayers and glories of the Draenei."

Old Mograine frowned, Ashbringer propped up on the ground, radiating a gentle yet resolute holy light: "Since it is a holy site, after we freed it from the demons, shouldn't we... return it to the Draenei? Prophet Velen is a respectable elder."

Over the past few days, he had had a good conversation with the prophet Velen and learned from the Drailey people the true origin of the Ashbringer in his possession.

The crystals embedded in it came from the Draenei, from the holy Naaru. Moreover, the prophet Velen only took a few days to give the old Mograine and all the paladins present a new understanding of the Holy Light. Therefore, many of the paladins present had great respect for this Draenei prophet of the Holy Light.

These words resonated with many people, especially paladins and priests, whose doctrine of the Holy Light gave them a natural affinity for "returning things to their rightful owners."

Dathrohan nodded in agreement; everyone agreed that even if the Black Temple were seized, it should be returned to the Draenei.

However, Rhodes slowly shook his head. "I understand your feelings, but unfortunately, not now, at least not until the threat of the Burning Legion is completely defeated."

No one asked any further questions, but waited for Rhodes to continue. Rhodes's prestige made these people listen to him without questioning him first.

After all, if Rhodes hadn't told them, none of the people present would have known that the Dark Temple was once the Karabor Temple, a sacred site for the Draenei.

"First, Illidan needs it. The Black Temple is in a special location, with powerful energy channels beneath it. It is crucial for Illidan's plan to sever the stable connection between Outland and the Twisting Nether and to establish a base to counter the Burning Legion. We need Illidan's power to restrain or even weaken the Burning Legion. This is the big picture."

"Secondly, even if we reclaim the temple now and hand it over to the Draenei, can they hold it with their current strength?"

While Magtheridon is our current target, Outland is fraught with danger, surrounded by orcs, demons, and other unknown threats. Pushing the draenei to the forefront would make them targets, not protect them, but harm them. Furthermore, the draenei don't know how to close the portals opened by the Burning Legion's Claw Offices; only Illidan could do that.

Prince Kael'thas and the group of blood elf mages nodded, agreeing with Rhodes's statement.

"Marshal Rhodes is right. Emotions cannot override reality. The Temple of Karabor is now a strategic location for dealing with the Burning Legion, not just a religious relic."

Its value lies in its military and energy significance; until we possess the power to completely purify and absolutely protect it, it is a wiser choice to entrust it to a powerful… 'ally.'

Archmage Rhonin nodded in agreement: "Our primary objective now is to eliminate Magtheridon and weaken the Legion's influence in Outland."

As for the ownership of the temple… it can be negotiated by all parties after the war, but only if we win this war.”

The mages of Dalaran were more aware of the Burning Legion's threat than anyone else, and Illidan, who could freely manipulate portals and even use fel energy, was definitely the best choice.

“I understand, Ashbringer will fight for you.” Old Mograine sighed.

"But the Holy Light teaches us justice and wisdom, and sometimes we have to make difficult choices in order to achieve final victory."

But… how are we to explain this to the prophet Velen? We can't lie to him if he asks.”

"After this war is over, I will personally explain the pros and cons to the Prophet. I believe that with the Prophet's wisdom and deep hatred for the Legion, he will understand our choice."

"What the Draenei need most right now is to recuperate and have stable allies, not an empty temple they cannot defend and that could bring disaster," Rhodes said.

The temple has not yet been conquered, so it is not the time to discuss its ownership. Once the Dark Temple is captured, Rhodes will personally visit Velen.

Everyone nodded in agreement with Rhodes's plan.

Just as internal opinions were beginning to reach a consensus, the sky outside the fortress suddenly darkened, and a powerful surge of fel energy, accompanied by the sound of flapping wings, approached from afar.

"Lord Illidan, he has arrived," Lady Vashj's hoarse voice rang out.

Rhodes nodded and led everyone out of the hall to the fortress's plaza. In the sky, Illidan Stormrage spread his enormous demonic wings and hovered in mid-air.

“I have come as promised, Rhodes.”

Chapter 226 Exorcism Technique, The Broken One's Thoughts of Returning to Draenei

Illidan's arrival was accompanied by a suffocating fel energy pressure. His enormous demonic wings slowly folded, and his eyes, burning with eerie green flames, swept over the Alliance and Blood Elf elites gathered in the square, finally settling on Rhodes.

"It seems you're ready, Rhodes."

“Of course,” Rhodes said with a smile, looking at Illidan in the sky.

I have to say, Illidan's entrance was quite impressive. When will I get myself a pair of wings?

Illidan slowly descended, his fel-flame-infused gaze sweeping over everyone present before lingering on Rhodes for a moment before speaking. "Well then, it's time to get down to business. That fool Magtheridon has been occupying my 'new home' for far too long."

During this time, Illidan was exploring Outland in search of a new stronghold of his own and finally settled on the Black Temple. Some information from the Watchers also gave Rhodes some understanding of the Black Temple.

Meanwhile, before attacking the Black Temple, a group of strangely-looking Broken approached Illidan. The leader of them was Amal, who expressed his willingness to lead a large number of Broken to join Illidan in attacking the Black Temple.

“Matheridon is not alone. He controls a large army of fel orcs, as well as various demon guards and hellfire. The temple itself has a complex structure, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. We need a clear plan,” Rhodes said.

Actually, the person who initially carried out the creation of the Fel Orcs was Matheridon, not Illidan. Illidan simply discovered Matheridon's potential.

The blood of the Abyss Lords possesses incredibly powerful effects. Although Matheridon's blood is not as potent as Mannonos's, this Abyss Lord is still formidable.

“We need a detailed plan, and I’d like to hear your opinion,” Illidan said.

On his way here, he had already learned some information from Vashj and that the Black Temple, the territory he had his eye on, belonged to the Draenei.

This is a rather troublesome problem. He wants to see what Rhodes thinks. Although Rhodes has agreed to help him, it is unknown how long it will take to defeat the Burning Legion. He may occupy this place for hundreds or even thousands of years, not just a few years.

“You know that place better, Illidan. You decide on the main attack direction, and we'll coordinate,” Rhodes said.