Lin Mo's identity as a Wild Demigod was, of course, not real; it was merely a facade he meticulously crafted to deceive Malfurion.
With his abilities, forcibly entering Nordasir to seize what he desired, or quietly sneaking in to steal a branch, would be child's play.
But doing so would inevitably create animosity with the Night Elves—one of Azeroth's oldest and most powerful factions.
Actually, even if he truly offended them, it wouldn't be a big deal for a Dragon God.
However, when he thought of Elune, who stood behind Tyrande—a being of "Greater Divinity" level—he reconsidered.
He didn't want that crazy woman to transform into the "Moonlit War Goddess" and then rush to Northrend to slaughter his followers for fun.
(Tyrande and her husband)
Lin Mo dismissed the idea of brute force and chose a more intelligent approach: "outsmarting."
He used the "Life" primal force he seized from Matos to carefully conceal his aura, simulating the form of a Wild Demigod.
Donning this facade, he could legitimately step into Nordasir—the Night Elves' sacred land.
But this was only the first step.
Malfurion would never easily hand over the sacred relic that sustained his people's power and immortality to a stranger—no matter how noble their identity appeared.
Indeed, upon hearing Lin Mo's request, Malfurion's brow immediately furrowed.
Doubt flickered in his emerald eyes, and after a moment of silence, he asked in a deep voice, full of caution:
"Nordasir carries the blessings of the Dragon Aspects and is the foundation of the Kaldorei. Lin Mo, why do you wish to take a branch from it?"
Lin Mo immediately presented his well-conceived argument, his deep voice echoing leisurely by the Well of Eternity: "For Northrend, Archdruid."
"The land there is cold and barren, and living beings constantly endure the torment of hunger and severe cold."
"I wish to establish a sanctuary of life there, and with the power of Nordasir, allow life to persist and multiply, reducing their suffering."
His answer carried a grand sense of compassion, which was the second step of his deception plan—attempting to appeal to the other party's empathy to quickly build trust.
However, Tyrande's clear, cold voice immediately spoke up, her sharp, knife-like gaze fixed on Lin Mo: "A sanctuary? Lin Mo, your vision truly moves me."
"But have you considered that Northrend's severe cold is inherently part of its natural law?"
"All things have their own way of survival. How can we ensure that forceful intervention won't cause a greater imbalance? What exactly do you mean by 'sanctuary'?"
Her questions hit the mark, clearly well-thought-out while waiting for Malfurion, and her words were sharp and merciless.
Malfurion also slowly shook his head, echoing in a deep voice: "The High Priestess is absolutely right."
"The power of life is strong, but Northrend's foundation is the natural cycle of frost and winter. Forcibly reversing it could have unpredictable consequences."
Lin Mo's massive body leaned slightly forward, and the "distress" in his eyes appropriately deepened: "I understand your concerns."
"But please think of those living beings! It is now Northrend's brief summer, a time when all things should be reviving, yet it remains lifeless. Animals huddle, life withers. This is by no means the balance of nature!"
He threw out the third step of his leverage, saying half-truthfully: "I perceive that a Loa of the Ice Troll is secretly twisting the pulse of the seasons, suppressing the resurgence of life!"
"I do not seek to erase winter, but to combat this distortion and restore Northrend's rightful natural cycle!"
Changing his tone, he added a "sincere" proposal: "If this endeavor succeeds, Northrend will no longer be solely harsh cold."
"There are abundant underground minerals, rare herbs, and unique resources there."
"The wisdom and skills of the Kaldorei are renowned throughout the world; perhaps then, we can open a trade route, benefiting both sides."
Tyrande's expression remained stern: "Your proposal sounds very tempting, Lin Mo."
"But what I need are not empty promises, but concrete assurances. Without proof that what you say is true, I regret that I cannot accept."
Malfurion's attitude, however, showed a slight change; his gaze shifted between his beloved and Lin Mo, revealing clear hesitation: "Suffering living beings—it is indeed heartbreaking."
"But Tyrande is right, we need more conclusive evidence to support your claims."
Seeing the time was ripe, Lin Mo solemnly raised his dragon head.
"Please see." A verdant green crystal appeared in his front claw, radiating immense life energy and a sacred aura. This was the unique imprint of Freya, the Life-Binder.
"This is a 'token' given to me by Freya, the Life-Binder."
Lin Mo was certain this was the final step to successful deception.
"To prove my words, and even more, to ease your mind," Lin Mo's voice carried an undeniable solemnity, "I once traveled to Ulduar to meet this benevolent Keeper; this is her acknowledgment and reciprocation for the help I provided!"
This was not a lie; Lin Mo merely omitted the specific details of the "help."
Tyrande's gaze instantly locked onto the token, carefully sensing the power and sacred aura within the crystal, and the frost on her face finally thawed.
She looked at Malfurion, awaiting her beloved's judgment.
Malfurion took the crystal, carefully felt the gentle yet immense natural energy within it, and after careful discernment, slowly nodded: "This is indeed Lady Freya's token."
His voice was low and slow, carrying the relief of making a major decision, "Her approval, I cannot ignore. For the suffering beings of Northrend—I can agree to give you a branch of Nordasir."
But his tone suddenly shifted, looking directly at Lin Mo, his voice becoming as firm as iron:
"However! The Kaldorei will dispatch a team of their most experienced Druids to accompany you to Northrend!"
"They will supervise the guidance and application of the branch's power throughout the process, ensuring it is used for the promised sanctuary construction, and guaranteeing that the entire process will not cause irreversible damage to Northrend's natural foundation!"
"This is our bottom line."
Malfurion's gaze was firm, and the conditions he proposed were non-negotiable.
Lin Mo had already anticipated the conditions the Archdruid might propose; unconditional would certainly be good, but sending a team of Druids to permanently supervise?
This was even better than having no conditions!
Druid Malfurion Stormrage could be successfully persuaded by his speech coupled with Freya's "token."
A mere few weaker Druids, wouldn't they be easy to fool?
Moreover, Druids are one of the best farming professions in fantasy worlds, if not the best.
With their help, the barbaric Ice Trolls would surely master farming techniques more quickly.
Compared to the risk of completely falling out with the entire Night Elves and even the Moon Goddess Elune, the cost of this "deception" was completely acceptable.
After a moment of "contemplation," Lin Mo raised his head again, the "distress" in his eyes replaced by a "solemnity" tinged with understanding and compromise.
He nodded slightly, his deep voice echoing, carrying a hint of "having to yield for the greater good":
"I understand the Archdruid's concerns."
"The well-being of living beings is paramount, and necessary supervision is to ensure power is not abused, and even more, for the long-term balance of nature. The wisdom and experience of the Kaldorei Druids are precisely what I lack. Having them accompany and supervise will better ensure that the sanctuary's establishment aligns with the way of nature."
"It seems I have no reason to refuse this condition."
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