Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis.

And why choose this guy? However, Illidan still showed the proper attitude and respect for a demigod-level being.

He bowed slightly to Rhodes, performing a very standard mage salute.

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Great Demigod, I am Illidan Stormrage, brother of Malfurion."

“Hello, Illidan, nice to meet you, I am Rhodes,” Rhodes said with a smile.

“Illidan, we have something to entrust to you this time,” Malfurion said after the two exchanged greetings.

"Malfurion." Illidan's voice returned to normal, lacking the softness he had shown when facing Tyrande, and instead carrying a deliberate flatness, even a hint of stiffness. Clearly, the two brothers were not on good terms.

“Oh? ‘You need to discuss something with me’? And ‘you need my help’?” Illidan’s voice rose slightly at the end.

“My dear brother, and this newly ascended demigod, what wind blew you out of the peaceful forest and suddenly remembered me, your ‘misguided’ younger brother who only knows how to pursue arcane arts?”

“Illidan, you haven’t seen Malfurion for over a decade. Shouldn’t brothers talk to each other more?”

"And this time, Rios has something very important to tell you. Could you please speak to me properly for my sake?" Tyrande, standing to the side, sighed helplessly.

Illidan doesn't listen to anyone except Tyrande. If Tyrande asks for something, Illidan will do everything in his power to do it without a single complaint.

"Sorry, my attitude was a bit rude just now, Tyrande. Malfurion, what do you need my help with?" Illidan's expression immediately brightened as he looked at Malfurion and gave a cold snort.

Rhodes stood there speechless. What a troubled youth! Illidan at this stage was a hothead, and he portrayed the character perfectly.

Although you are extremely intelligent, you are far too inept at interpersonal relationships. Your elder brother at least protected you for 1 years. If it weren't for your elder brother and sister-in-law mediating, you would have been executed long ago for what you did.

Malfurion's worst attitude towards you was simply expulsion. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Malfurion was trapped in the Emerald Nightmare during the Black Temple arc in the original timeline, this older brother might have even gone to rescue his younger brother.

Illidan only had two things on his mind: chasing Tyrande, dealing with Sargeras, and destroying the Burning Legion.

Malfurion frowned, suppressing his anger: "Illidan! This is not the time for argument! Please listen carefully to what I have to say."

The fluctuations in the Well of Eternity are extremely unusual, even disturbing and corrupting the Emerald Dream! We suspect... we suspect that Queen Azshara and her advisors are conducting an extremely dangerous ritual that could bring disaster!

Rhodes will accompany you to the capital. He will be in the open, while you need to investigate what happened in the shadows.

"Important matter? The 'anomaly' of the Well of Eternity? Malfurion, when did you start caring about courtly and arcane affairs? Or is it that this newly crowned demigod has become interested in the power of the Well of Eternity?" His words were clearly barbed.

"As for disasters? It's just your usual natural warning rhetoric again," Illidan scoffed.

Tyrande couldn't help but speak up, realizing that getting Malfurion to persuade his brother was harder than climbing to heaven, and that she was the only one who could do it: "Illidan, it's not only druids who can sense the anomaly."

The sisters of the Temple of the Moon also sensed the unease emanating from Elune. The recent agitation of the well's energy had even affected the prayers of some lower-ranking priests.

This is no ordinary matter. I hope you can put aside some unnecessary prejudices and cooperate fully with the Wilderness Demigod. I beg you, is that alright?

Hearing Tyrande say the same thing, Illidan's momentum weakened slightly for a moment, but he remained stubborn: "Tyrande, the Temple of the Moon's perception may just be affected by fluctuations in natural energy... The court's arcanists are capable of controlling everything."

Since learning the power of magic, Illidan believed that magic was the ultimate mystery of this world, that magic could control everything, and that these so-called demigods were nothing more than more powerful beings. All the Highborne mages thought so, and the Highborne had become arrogant to an insurmountable degree.

"Control over everything? That's ridiculous, Illidan Stormrage. Does your so-called 'control' include using a green, destructive, and corrosive evil energy that burns like a living thing?" Rhodes scoffed.

"What?" Illidan whirled around, his pupils shrinking. "Green...burning energy? What do you mean?"

To be honest, he had been feeling a sense of unease lately, but he still believed that everything was under control and that the green energy was part of the magic.

“Fel energy,” Rhodes uttered the word.

"A twisted power from the Twisted Void, a completely chaotic and corrupted power fueled by life and soul."

About ten months ago, in Azshara’s palace, I witnessed Xavius—your queen’s chief advisor—use it. I think you’ve heard about that duel, the duel between the queen’s advisor and Xavius, and the golden giant.

Now, the energy fluctuations of the Well of Eternity have been mixed with a similar aura. Although it is concealed by the brilliance of arcane magic, it cannot be hidden from beings sensitive to the essence of life. Rhodes released a slight trace of the life pressure belonging to a demigod, not to oppress, but to confirm his perception.

Lidan was struck as if by a heavy blow, and his expression changed slightly.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to refute, but fragments involuntarily flashed through his mind: the cold and unfamiliar guards recently added to certain areas deep within the palace; the deep gazes occasionally revealed by Savas and a large number of high elf mages, which made even an arcane genius like him feel uneasy.

And the faint, unsettling "power" he sensed several times when he was extremely close to the core area... These details, which he had deliberately ignored or categorized as "the unknown realm of profound arcane magic," were now linked together by Rhodes' words, pointing to a possibility that sent chills down his spine.

The Highborne mages seem to be up to something dangerous.

“We need to know the truth, Illidan,” Malfurion seized the opportunity, his tone urgent but sincere.

"Not to oppose the Queen or arcane arts, but to ensure that our people are not drawn into an unimaginable catastrophe."

"Alright, I understand. I will cooperate with Lord Rhodes, and I will also investigate privately. Hopefully, we are overthinking it."

After finishing their business, Illidan started trying to curry favor with Tyrande, but neither Tyrande nor Malfurion were in the mood at the time.

The two simply left Illidan aside, then walked away hand in hand. Illidan's face turned ashen, and he glared at his departing brother through gritted teeth.

A few days later, Rhodes used his superior teleportation magic to take Illidan away from the demigod's abode and teleport him to Azshara's capital city.

After more than half a year, he returned to this place once again. The royal city was as prosperous as ever, but Rhodes could clearly feel the fluctuations of fel energy just by standing at the door.

Chapter 363 Azshara and Sargeras persuade Rhodes to embrace fel energy

Upon receiving news of Rhodes' return, Queen Azshara readily dispatched a welcoming party to greet him. Before his departure, Rhodes had been a close confidant of the Queen, so Azshara greatly desired that he share this honor with her and receive the gift from the great god Sargeras.

Inside Azshara's palace, on a perfectly constructed teleportation platform, Queen Azshara, dressed in a magnificent gown, knelt before a gigantic illusion.

"I report to the great Supreme Being, the great Lord Sargeras. My advisor Rhodes has returned to the capital, the being with the power of the Holy Light that you have long desired to see."

“Very well. I am very concerned about the one who defeated my Dreadlord and the Pit Lord. The fact that he was able to comprehend the Holy Light on his own shows that he is a talent. However, the Holy Light is false. They are nothing but the lackeys of the Shadow. Only Chaos Fel Energy is the truth of everything,” said Sargeras’s giant phantom.

Rhodes had previously defeated Xavius ​​and then eliminated a decapitation squad that Sargeras had specifically sent out, which made Sargeras look at this powerful astral traveler with new respect.

When the Burning Legion was conquering the universe, it wasn't without encountering beings like the Naaru who comprehended the Holy Light on their own without guidance from the beings of the Holy Light.

However, those beings who have comprehended the Holy Light are not immune to aligning themselves with evil energy. All things in this world can be embraced by evil energy; as long as you are a living being and you are willing, you can gain the favor of evil energy.

However, if the righteous energy of holy light is transformed into evil energy, the opponent will become even more powerful.

Rhodes's Holy Light power is a force that Sargeras greatly fears. If the Burning Legion's high command can reach Azeroth, then naturally there is no need to fear this being with the Holy Light power. What he fears is that Rhodes will destroy the teleportation array, preventing the Burning Legion from descending upon Azeroth.

Moreover, these beings wielding the power of the Holy Light are likely to attract another group of beings—the Holy Light Legion, which has always been at odds with the Burning Legion.

Sargeras had previously planned to carry out a decapitation strike, sending his two most powerful subordinates to Azeroth to kill the being named Rhodes, along with several hundred elite demons.

However, the result was very disappointing. Now, as long as this being named Rhodes comes before him, Sargeras is confident that he can use his powerful fel energy to make him submit.

“Great Supreme God, Great Lord Sargeras, I will help you persuade Rhodes. He is a reasonable man. Although he possesses the power of the Holy Light, he does not reject other powers. After witnessing your greatness and your lofty ideals, he will surely make the right choice,” Azshara said.

"Then I'll leave this matter to you, but I'd prefer you bring him here to me, and I'll personally persuade him."

"By the way, how's the matter I asked you to investigate going? Have you made any new discoveries?" Sargeras's voice came again.

About six months ago, the demons of the Burning Legion sensed an extremely primal life energy. The surge of that primal life force was likely the awakening of an ancient and powerful being in Azeroth. Would this powerful being affect the Legion's conquest plans?

“Lord Sargeras, I have been following up and investigating this matter, and I have already gathered some intelligence,” Azshara said.

"Really? You already have the results. Then tell me what exactly happened, and whether it will affect the Legion's arrival or my arrival in Azeroth?" Sargeras asked.

“Great Sargeras, according to our investigation and on-site exploration, it appears that a new Wild Demigod has been born in Azeroth. This newborn Wild Demigod engaged in a fierce battle with four other Wild Demigods, destroying the surrounding terrain and leaving behind a large amount of life force.” Azshara dared not be negligent in the slightest and immediately revealed all the information she knew.

Although Azshara initially desired to become Sargeras's wife and queen of the Burning Legion upon first learning of his existence, her subsequent interactions with the Dark Titan have led her to feel both admiration and, more importantly, fear. At this moment, she finally understands the difference between mortals and true gods.

Although she was the queen of the night elves and didn't even care about the wild demigods, she was still far behind them in terms of life level.

Not to mention Sargeras, who is on a cosmic level and can shatter a planet with a single sword strike. Therefore, she doesn't even dare to think about becoming Sargeras's wife, the queen of the Burning Legion, for fear of offending this great and supreme god.

“Because of the Wilderness Demigods, you mean the manifestation of life energy, right? I understand that. Do you know any specific information about this mysterious demigod? His strength should be much greater than the other Wilderness Demigods, and he might become an obstacle for me to enter the world of Azeroth,” Sargeras said.

Azeroth is unlike any other planet that needs to be conquered. This planet has a World Soul and a Planet Soul. If one can obtain the World Soul, one's Dark Pantheon will gain a third member, a third member besides the Death Titan Argus. Perhaps in the future, one can even persuade Aggramar, one's brothers, to return and join one's great cause.

Therefore, Sargeras was personally involved in the conquest of Azeroth, and even the entire Legion was sent in and out by elites, all to ensure that nothing went wrong. It was necessary to figure out why a being with terrifying life force would be born at this critical juncture.

"I'm sorry, great Lord Sargeras, I'm currently investigating this matter."

But as you know about the Wild Demigod, ordinary night elves don't really like high elves, and the Wild Demigod never mentions this newborn demigod.

However, based on leaked intelligence, it is speculated to be a powerful dragon, somewhat resembling a cloud dragon, but possessing the aura of a primordial dragon. "Azshara said with some trepidation.

Sargeras remained silent for a moment, his fiery eyes in the illusion narrowing slightly, as if scrutinizing Azshara's words.

"The aura of the progenitor dragon... a remnant of Galakrond's bloodline?"

Azeroth really keeps giving me 'surprises'.

However, a newly born Wilderness Demigod, no matter how powerful, is nothing more than a parasite on the planet's surface and cannot stop the torrent of the legion's arrival.

“Azshara, continue to keep watch, but don’t overdo it. When the portal is fully secured and I myself set foot on Azeroth, all obstacles will turn to ashes,” Sargeras said.

Once his true form steps into Azeroth, all obstacles will vanish, and no one will be able to stop him.

"Your will will be fulfilled, great Sargeras." Azshara bowed her head deeply, but a chill involuntarily crept into her heart.

Sargeras turned his gaze back to Azshara: "As for that Rhodes... bring him to me as soon as possible. I look forward to speaking with this 'Holy Light user'."

Remember, Azshara, you have embarked on the path to immortality and the pinnacle of power. I will grant you unimaginable strength; do not disappoint me.

If you handle this matter well, you will continue to rule this world after I conquer it; if you handle it poorly, you know the consequences.

“Yes, great Lord Sargeras, I will arrange it immediately. I will certainly persuade Rhodes,” Azshara replied respectfully.

The illusion faded, and Sargeras's figure disappeared into the surging fel magic circle. Azshara slowly stood up, her long dress trailing on the ground. The queen's sweat had soaked through her clothes, her entire back was wet. Only when she was truly facing Sargeras could she feel that terrifying pressure.

Azshara turned to look at the bustling royal city outside the palace, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

She still yearned for Sargeras's power and promises, but as her contact with him deepened, her initial pure worship of the "Supreme God" was mixed with more and more doubts and fears.

Sargeras's tone revealed a ruthless will to destroy all things and a naked possessiveness of the Azerothian world-soul.

Could their own ideas, the ideas of the Highborne, truly be realized? Would Sargeras really grant them the power to ascend unharmed, allowing the entire race to ascend?

“Your Majesty,” a maid’s voice rang out from outside the hall, “Lord Rhodes has arrived in the outer hall and awaits your summons.”

Azshara took a deep breath, quickly adjusted her expression, and put on her signature, haughty, and perfect smile again.

“Bring him to see me, in the Moonlight Garden.”

Located on the upper level of the palace, the Moonlight Garden is an open-air courtyard maintained by magic, planted with glowing, luminous plants. In the center is a small fountain with a portion of the Well of Eternity flowing from it, the water shimmering with a soft arcane glow. This is usually where Azshara meets with close advisors or has private conversations.

As Rhodes entered the garden led by his maid, Azshara stood with her back to him by the fountain, seemingly admiring the interplay of water and moonlight.

More than half a year had passed since they last met, and the Night Elf Queen's charm was still breathtaking. However, Rhodes keenly sensed that compared to half a year ago, the arrogance on the queen's body had dissipated considerably.

She must have suffered a major blow. It seems that the proud queen has already met that true god. However, as long as Sargeras doesn't enter Azeroth, Rhodes can have some fun with him. The fel energy that Azeroth needs still requires Sargeras to provide it.

“Rhodes, my advisor, welcome back.” Azshara turned around, smiling and making a welcoming gesture.

“It has been a long time since we last met, and I have missed Your Majesty dearly.” Rhodes bowed.