The Stormstout Brewery was located in the southern part of the Valley of the Four Winds. Logically speaking, given the peace-loving nature of the Pandaren, there was no way a major brewery could simply go out of business. They would have to visit the actual site to understand what was going on.
The Halfhill Market was the most crucial gathering point in the entire Valley of the Four Winds, serving as both an agricultural trade hub and a social center. Farmers and merchants from across the valley and surrounding regions brought their respective produce and goods here to sell. The market offered a massive variety of items, with the most eye-catching being the premium agricultural seeds, spanning all sorts of vegetables, melons, and fruits.
Furthermore, powerful monks were stationed here to discipline anyone attempting to cause trouble. Offenders were disarmed and detained for a set duration. In severe cases, a public referendum tribunal would be held to execute the criminal. Peace did not equate to pedantry, let alone a strict refusal to take life when necessary.
"There's a massive market down below!"
Jaina spotted the Halfhill Market from a distance. Even from afar, one could feel the bustling atmosphere. Moreover, quite a few Pandaren troops were loading supplies onto vehicles along the perimeter, utilizing highly traditional flatbed carts. There wasn't a single trace of high technology; everything retained the most traditional methods.
Had the Alliance not entered Pandaria, the locals would likely have continued living in this primitive fashion indefinitely. It wasn't that they lacked the capacity to innovate, but rather that they lacked the specific talent to develop it. Everything was kept basic and functional; as long as it worked, they would keep using it without seeking change.
"That should be the Halfhill Market. There are quite a few culinary masters over there. Come, let's go take a look."
Arthas was also highly intrigued by the location. At this stage, aside from his women, fine food was one of his primary interests. Though with Azshara watching him intently, it felt somewhat unusual; it seemed highly improbable for this former Queen to completely settle into the role of a quiet housewife.
"Freshly steamed shumai! Get them while they're hot!"
"Sweet potato soup! Delicious and healthy!"
"Kung Fu barbecue, a whole new flavor!"
The market sat upon the mountainside, extending all the way from the base to the upper slopes. A distinct, antique Eastern ambiance washed over them, and ancient inns could be seen situated further up, making it feel as though they had stepped back into a bygone era. The sole distinction was that humans had been replaced by Pandaren and various exotic native creatures.
Because Arthas and his party looked entirely different from the indigenous species of Pandaria, they were stopped upon reaching the market entrance.
Helya stepped forward and produced the letter provided by the Abbot of the Temple of the Jade Serpent, her eyes devoid of emotion.
"We are the diplomatic envoy of the Lordaeron Empire, here to tour the continent of Pandaria. Do not obstruct us in any manner, or you shall bear full responsibility for any conflict that ensues. Given that we have just arrived and have already eliminated a Sha for you, you should harbor gratitude rather than suspicion!"
The Pandaren guards wielded iron pitchforks that looked as though they were primarily used for farmwork. Utilizing them as actual weapons was somewhat amusing, yet it perfectly matched the local climate—devoid of major conflicts and overly protected, resulting in this state of affairs.
"Honored guests, please wait a moment. I shall go inform the Mayor."
Shortly after, a Pandaren matron clad in a pink gown approached, her fur elegantly styled into a refined, aristocratic updo. The facial structures of the Pandaren were generally similar; while not strictly breathtaking by conventional standards, they were certainly far from unappealing, maintaining a solid baseline of visual presentation.
"Greetings. I am Gina Mudclaw, the Mayor of Halfhill Market. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. We have already heard of the incident at the Temple of the Jade Serpent; we are deeply grateful for your assistance. Please step inside, and I shall act as your guide."
Gina served as the quartermaster for the Tillers, through whom one could acquire unique kite mounts. If one had to name a prominent feature of Pandaria, it would undoubtedly be these distinctive mounts. From kites woven out of bamboo poles to floating discs reinforced with Titan technology, they all possessed immense collector's value.
"Greetings, Gina. We appreciate the assistance. You may address me as Arthas, and these are my wives."
Arthas proactively extended his hand. Toward amicable individuals, he never showed hostility. Everything was reciprocal; if people treated him well, he returned the gesture. If they treated him poorly, why should he show them any courtesy?
"Ah, I shall address you as Your Majesty instead."
Gina harbored no doubts regarding the validity of his words. Before a powerhouse of transcendent strength, whether the speaker told the truth or a falsehood ceased to matter. Even though he appeared unremarkable on the surface, she could intuitively register his immense power. In fact, it was highly probable that should he desire it, the entire Halfhill Market could be leveled to the ground instantly!
In the distance, the carp in the fishing ponds began leaping clear out of the water, as though sensing the arrival of a divine entity of nature, driven by an instinctual desire to draw close. This biological impulse was cleanly etched into their very souls, acting as a pure reflex.
Looking up at the canopies, the branches were packed with birds. Even the most elusive and easily startled avian species remained perched on the treetops, pausing to observe the group intently. Even the localized flora seemed to exhibit accelerated growth—a natural law that true deities carried inherently.
Every single sign indicated that this King of Lordaeron was profoundly unique. He had to be treated with the utmost respect; if they angered him, the consequences would be severe.
As the party entered the market, they encountered mostly Pandaren, alongside factions of Jinyu and Grummles—all native inhabitants of Pandaria. The Pandaren were the most numerous, and food stalls lined the paths, with most culinary masters setting up their cooking stations outdoors beneath simple canopies to shield against the elements.
Outside the stalls sat traditional wooden tables paired with long benches. There were no formal storefronts or enclosures, yet the view looked out over exceptionally fertile farmlands and a gently flowing, pristine river, exuding an exquisite pastoral charm.
"I heard that the Halfhill Market is a gathering place for culinary excellence. We shall sample the stalls one by one. Our sole purpose for this visit is to sightsee and enjoy fine food, with no ulterior motives. Simply ensure we eat and drink well."
Noticing the tense demeanor of the Pandaren matron, Arthas offered a gentle explanation out of benevolence. His current strength no longer required the support of falsehoods, nor did he deign to lie. Whatever he intended to do, he stated directly; what must be done would be done.
If a spouse is on her monthly cycle and cannot share a bed, well, that is a physical reality that truly cannot be altered.
The taut strings in Gina's mind finally loosened slightly, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her absolute greatest fear was inadvertently provoking such individuals over some trivial misunderstanding, which could bring a catastrophic lesson upon the entire Halfhill Market, potentially leading to its eradication.
"Understood. When it comes to culinary delights, Your Majesty has truly come to the right place. The Valley of the Four Winds has enjoyed peace for millennia, consistently serving as the primary breadbasket for the entire continent of Pandaria. Major orders like the Golden Lotus and the Shado-Pan, who are responsible for securing our borders and repelling invaders, place their supply orders right here."
"Our Halfhill Market boasts numerous master chefs, each specializing in distinct culinary arts. Currently, there are six prominent traditions: the Way of the Grill, the Way of the Pot, the Way of the Steamer, the Way of the Wok, the Way of the Oven, and the Way of the Brew. I wonder which delicacy Your Majesty would care to sample first?"
When the topic shifted to cooking, Gina became entirely animated. Traveling all this way just to sample their cuisine? This brought immense prestige to their region; she hadn't expected the reputation of the Valley of the Four Winds to spread beyond the mists of Pandaria. Although the seas were shrouded in dense fog, it wasn't as though no one had ever left or returned; a low probability didn't mean it never occurred.
The most reliable method of travel remained boarding the Great Turtle, Shen-zin Su; that was the most stable approach, though its trajectory remained unfixed—sometimes taking a year, sometimes several years. It depended entirely on fate and luck.
"Let us begin with the Way of the Grill then. Actually, never mind—bring a few selections from every single tradition and serve them over there. Standing on higher ground offers a broader view, and the scenery is much better."
Arthas pointed toward an open clearing situated further up the slope. No tables or chairs were set up there, but it was undeniably an excellent vantage point to view the landscape. In the extreme distance, continuous mountain ranges could be seen, which would typically be the primary zones for daily objectives.
Hunting Hozen, clearing Virmen—it was always an endless cycle of fighting and slaying, collecting minor salvaged materials, and turning them in. At worst, it involved diving for pearls in the ponds down the mountain or engaging in a spot of fishing.
"Understood. I shall have someone arrange it immediately. Fine cooking requires time; perhaps you would care to sample our unique Four Winds Tea while you wait?"
Gina nodded, gesturing to a nearby Pandaren to convey the orders, before offering a polite invitation with a warm smile.
The fact that the other party was willing to converse amicably was the best possible outcome. The absolute worst scenario involved a figure of immense power who chose to be entirely unreasonable; that was a true nightmare to manage.
The Pandaren, who were inherently averse to conflict, were more than happy to welcome friendly guests. As the saying went: When friends arrive, there is fine wine; when enemies come, there are pitchforks. It simply came down to whether they had to drive them through you or not.
In the blink of an eye, Onyxia was already holding a bowl and eating heartily. The aroma was somewhat peculiar, yet she appeared to be enjoying it immensely. Beside her, the Red Dragon Queen Alexstrasza sniffed the air curiosity. In her capacity as Queen, what exquisite treasures had she not encountered? Yet in the realm of culinary arts, her experiences were remarkably sparse, even bordering on impoverished.
Back when she was imprisoned within Grim Batol fortress, she had essentially been coaxed by fine food, subsequently producing numerous dragon eggs with Arthas. Those eggs were currently housed within the gryphon roost awaiting incubation. Strictly speaking, they were his offspring; though their latent talent might not be exceptionally high in the future, they would serve perfectly well as solid, reliable administrative cadres.
Having connections was one thing, but one couldn't simply refrain from working because of them. They were his children after all, even if there happened to be quite a massive number of them all at once.
"Onyxia, what is that you're eating?"
"Stinky tofu! It's actually incredibly delicious. It smells a bit strange, but it tastes absolutely phenomenal—very savory."
Onyxia spoke while chewing on a piece of stinky tofu. This particular snack was excellent and wonderfully flavorful; when paired with chili flakes, a single bite delivered a perfect blend of savory and spicy, elevating the flavor of the tofu to an entirely different level. It was thoroughly addictive.
Since they were out on vacation, they were determined to eat well, drink well, and enjoy themselves. While the entertainment options were still being determined, this place was the literal headquarters of fine food, so abstaining from eating was out of the question.
"Oh? Is it free?"
Ysera inquired from the side. A moment ago, she had looked as though she was about to close her eyes and drift off to sleep, but now her eyes shone with an eager light. As for how she had ended up with Arthas, the details remained somewhat vague; she had simply accompanied him on missions, and things had naturally progressed to their logical conclusion.
One was a philanderer, while the other was entirely amenable; it was simply a natural culmination of events.
As for the pregnancies, it merely proved that Arthas possessed exceptional vitality and peerless capability; otherwise, why would every single spouse by his side be expecting?
"It only cost a couple of copper coins. Mm, it really is delicious; would you care for a bite?"
With those words, Onyxia fed a piece of stinky tofu directly to Ysera's lips. By traditional lineage, the five Great Aspects shared a sworn bond, addressing one another as brothers and sisters. She technically should address Ysera as an aunt, but such protocols were acknowledged entirely at one's discretion.
Currently, they were all spouses of Arthas, making them sisters in essence. Addressing her as an aunt would be somewhat inappropriate, as he wasn't exactly driven by an aunt complex.
"It is indeed excellent, very flavorful. I shall have a bowl as well."
Ysera didn't stand on ceremony; her personality was precisely like this—demanding whatever she desired and stating her thoughts directly without considering other factors. Among the five Aspects, everyone assumed the Black Dragons were the premier shock troops, but in truth, Ysera was the one who charged forward recklessly, utilizing a combat style that traded injuries for lethal blows.
Having set her sights on Arthas, she had simply chosen to be with him without excessive words. As for the matter of bearing children, she hadn't expected to succeed so easily. Since she was pregnant, she would simply give birth; the concept of termination didn't exist in her lexicon.
"Bring a portion for me as well."
Alexstrasza was no longer drowsy either. Although pregnancy typically induced immense fatigue, the presence of exceptional delicacies naturally dispelled her sleepiness.
Before long, even before the main course had been served, the ladies had already dispersed to forage for food on their own. They were accompanied by several handmaidens illusioned into Night Elf and Blood Elf forms, strolling through the market.
Any merchants harboring intentions of overcharging immediately abandoned the notion upon seeing the towering, heavily armored Naga Royal Guards who accompanied them, their faces grim and imposing. Had this not been the Halfhill Market under Pandaren protection, they likely would have fled out of sheer terror.
The presence of the guards was incredibly intimidating, capable of silencing a crying child on the spot.
Although the outing had originally been intended for the core wives, Shandris had managed to slip away to join them at some point. She had initially gone to deliver materials, but the moment she heard reports of exceptional food, she had immediately rushed back.
As her biological mother, Tyrande was exceptionally indulgent toward this daughter. During standard operations, covert protection was always arranged around her, never intervening unless she encountered genuine peril—a policy designed specifically to forge Shandris's independent capabilities.
Li Li, upon arriving here, felt as though she had returned to her own home, running wild alongside Shandris as they sampled absolutely everything they could get their hands on.
The two possessed massive appetites, eating continuously as they walked, trying anything novel and passing anything unpalatable to the Naga guards behind them to finish.
Even Queen Azshara joined in, accompanying Shandris as they indulged themselves; she had remained constrained for far too long, and wished to experience a moment of unbridled indulgence.
"Husband, do we need to invite Princess Tess and the others over?" Jaina nudged him from the side, a playful spark in her eyes. "Gilneas has been eager to see Tess wed to you; that way, Gilneas can ensure its survival to the greatest possible extent, while silencing their internal nobility. Stormwind is also angling for a political marriage, but since they lack a princess of their own, they've put forth Bolvar's daughter, Taelia. Well? Are you pleased internally?"
Jaina naturally favored a quiet and tranquil existence; unless absolutely necessary, she preferred to stay clear of direct governance. It was simply that her husband disdained managing administrative affairs, forcing her, as his wife, to assume the responsibility, as the work ultimately required someone to execute it.
"There are actually such prospects?"
Arthas blinked his eyes. Was this turning into a literal collection project?
"And what of Kul Tiras?" Jaina added. "Drustvar has been heavily corrupted by incursions from the forces of the Shadowlands. After you assisted in eliminating Gorak Tul, Lucille, the sole heir of House Waycrest, has been inquiring about you quite frequently!"