One mountain is higher than another mountain

  Amon had been trekking through the dense mountains and forests for three days. During this time, every time he rested, he would practice the air element divine technique as instructed by the old madman. With his experience in learning water element divine techniques and with the help of that staff, Amon quickly grasped the low-level air element divine technique. Then, when practicing, he no longer used the staff to take shortcuts, relying solely on his own divine power to cast, which made it much more difficult.

  Xue Dingyuan never walked by himself. When Ah Meng was in a hurry, he would be fast asleep in his leather bag. He only ate one meal a day, at dusk, but it had to be specially prepared by Ah Meng. Ah Meng knew the cat's temper well and always let him eat first before eating himself. Xue Dingyuan seemed very pleased with this arrangement.

  The deeper they walked into the mountains, the air grew increasingly humid. Although the changes along the way were extremely subtle, Amun, who was well-versed in various low-level water elemental spells and was currently practicing wind elemental spells, still keenly sensed it.

  The terrain of the Douke Town area needs to be introduced. Its northern part is the Assyrian Plateau, which is majestic and dangerous, extremely desolate. The eastern part is also a steep mountain with lush vegetation. The southwest side is relatively low-lying plains. Winds from the southwest direction blow directly across the plain, resulting in little rainfall, so the southern part of the town forms a dry Syrian desert. The sea breeze meets the mountain range in the northeast direction, forming convection and heavy rainfall, which also breeds the Youdi River.

  The terrain in the mountains is treacherous and not suitable for human habitation, and the black fire forest and the Syrian Desert are also unsuitable for building cities. Du Ke Town is located on the edge of this transitional zone, at the foot of the southeastern mountain range, with streams available for drinking water and not too arid, but the land is quite barren.

  Amon walked east, the terrain getting higher and higher, right in the area where the sea breeze came in and was blocked by the half-mountain to form a convection zone. From small to large, Amon rarely saw rain, but encountered several rains one after another. Sometimes the rain was like flying silk, dense and tangled, blowing into people's collars with the wind. Sometimes the rain was like a pouring scoop, with visibility unclear in all directions, and the ground was unusually slippery underfoot.

  Walking in the mountains and forests in the rain is very dangerous, not only are there no roads, but also one careless step could lead to a fall off a cliff, and even the body might not be found. Almon should have stopped and waited for the rain to stop, but the rain kept coming and going, so Almon had to keep walking in the rain. As soon as Xue Dingyan got rained on, he started sneezing, it didn't seem like a cold, just an unhappy look.

  Amon didn't want to risk his life, but he had another way. Every time the sky floated with rain threads, he would use his staff. The light rain was blown away by the wind and scattered, while the heavy rain condensed into a water curtain and poured down around him. Amon's body remained dry and clean, and the road under his feet could be seen clearly. If other divine masters saw Amon using both water and air elements at the same time just to walk in the rain, they would probably vomit blood again!

  Is it worth the trouble for a noble mage to venture out in the rain? Even if they must go out, can't they ride in a comfortable carriage? If not, can't they wear waterproof cloaks and boots, and have sturdy servants hold large umbrellas for them? Magical power is exhaustible and needs rest to recover, just like ordinary people's physical strength will be depleted. Moreover, it's more exhausting than ordinary people doing physical labor. Noble mages wouldn't bother themselves with such troubles.

  If they knew what kind of staff Ah Mon was using, they would probably not only spit blood but also faint. With the help of this staff, Ah Mon could travel through the deep mountains in the rain and cast two divine techniques at the same time. At first, he didn't take it as a practice, just to avoid the rain, because Old Crazy told him not to use special divine stones when practicing normally.

  Water and wind are not summoned by him, but the natural power between heaven and earth is operating. Amun suddenly remembered what the old madman said before he left: "When you practice these two elemental magic, don't pursue how high-level they are, but pay attention to how to fight against, utilize and protect yourself in front of nature. If you can control a drop of water, you should learn how to make this drop of water not be scattered in the river."

  Amon seemed to have found another way of practicing his divine art, not summoning the wind and rain, but facing their power, using his divine art to adapt to it, allowing himself to move through it without getting wet, thanks to that staff.

  Amun trudged through the dense forest, carrying a heavy iron staff and a lazy fat cat on his back. He walked alone for three days and nights, in uncertain weather, and even cast two spells at once to avoid the rain when it poured down. This was an extreme test of physical strength, mental endurance, and magical power, its intensity probably surpassing any military march on the continent.

  Although his body was dry, in the wet and slippery mountains, he sometimes had to climb rocks and sometimes swing a knife to cut out a road, requiring high coordination of strength, agility and endurance. This is actually one of the best physical exercises, just not combat skills on the battlefield. Along the way, he also encountered several fierce beasts in the deep mountains, and Amun discovered that it was not him who needed to be afraid, swinging his iron branch lightly a few times, those seemingly ferocious wild beasts all ran away.

  Ah Mon didn't go hunting or chasing after prey, he remembered the old madman's words and walked east for three days to a high slope, looking around in all directions, then furrowed his brow with some hesitation. The old madman told him to climb to the highest peak within sight on the third day, it was clear that there were two mountains, one left and one right, he had seen them yesterday, and estimated that after walking for another two days, looking around in all directions, the highest point would still be these two mountains.

  However, he couldn't tell which mountain was higher because of the angle. Looking up only saw the misty clouds shrouding the summit. On the right was a steep peak, with strange rocks and cliffs standing upright, feeling slightly higher, but Amun found it difficult to climb. The terrain on the right was magnificent, with continuous undulations at high places, not just one mountain, but a plateau of stacked peaks.

  Which way to go? Ah Meng was hesitating, Xue Ding suddenly stretched out a lazy waist, jumped out of the skin pocket, and ran down the right slope with small steps. This lazy cat actually walked by itself, Ah Meng hurriedly chased after it, almost slipping on the wet moss that made it hard to stand, he shouted while chasing: "Xue Ding, where are you going?"

  The cat didn't run far, it stopped in a mountain valley and raised its front paws to point upwards, meowing softly. Amun followed the direction of the cat's paw and looked over, surprisingly finding a narrow winding path through the trees leading up the mountain. Xue Dingyuan was clearly trying to show him the way, but the fact that there really was a road in the mountains made Amun feel very strange.

  Amon discovered footprints, someone had just passed by here a few days ago, the thick soles were barefoot, it should be a caveman, this place might lead to a larger caveman tribe. Amon has been trying to avoid encountering cavemen all the way, but Xue Dingyan actually let him walk in this direction.

  Amun couldn't negotiate with the cat either, so he carefully examined the footprints nearby again. To his surprise, there were two rows of shoe prints! One row was wearing shoes made of mountain hemp, with a slightly rough floral pattern woven very densely. The other person was wearing leather boots with teeth on the sole.

  These boots are waterproof and anti-slip, very suitable for walking on this mountain road, but generally only people with status can afford to wear them. From the footprints, it can be seen that the tread of the boots has been worn very flat, indicating that these are old boots. This line of footprints looks like the latest one, and the person who walked here is probably less than a day ago. Could there be someone else coming here besides the cave-dwelling savages? This place is deep in the mountains, far from any town or human habitation!

  "Xue Dingyuan, are we really going this way? There seems to be a tribe of cave dwellers on this mountain, and there are also strange footprints that someone else has just walked through. If we encounter them, I don't know what kind of trouble we'll get into," Ah Meng said to the cat in a deliberating tone.

  Xue Dingyuan twisted his neck, turned back to glance at Ah Meng with an expression as if despising a useless coward, then squatted there staring at the mountain road. Ah Meng understood that Xue Dingyuan wanted him to climb this mountain, so he picked up Xue Dingyuan and put him in his leather pouch, walking towards the high mountain on the right front with his staff.

  When Amun picked up Xue Dingyuan, he had a feeling that this lazy and greedy fat cat, which had been well-fed for three days, had actually become a bit thinner, and its fur was cleaner than before. When it jumped out of the pocket just now, its body shape seemed to have a few points of agility and flexibility that a cat should have.

  ……

  Just as Armon was climbing up the mountain path, a group of noble and dignified people arrived in Duketown. It's rare for such esteemed individuals from afar to visit this harsh and inhospitable mining area, but recently it has been bustling with activity. Rod Dick had left less than three months ago, and now Fermian Shao Mo, the governor of Xuya City-State, had also arrived.

  The post road through the Black Fire Forest can only accommodate single-horse carriages passing in opposite directions. Xiao Mo rode a luxurious double-horse carriage, and everyone else had to dodge into the bushes by the side of the road to make way for it. Riding such a carriage on an official post road was absolutely a symbol of status and identity; ordinary people, no matter how rich they were, would not be allowed to pass through the checkpoints at the post stations.

  But this time, Xiao Mo's carriage was just the first to open the way at the front, with the town of Du Ke's ceremonial officer Xiao Gu and Xiao Mo's assistant Mo Dun accompanying him. The second carriage was occupied by Miser Lander, an envoy sent by King Hatti, who was an official in the Ministry of Law and Politics of the Kingdom of Hatti and also a fifth-level divine master. He was not a big shot in the capital, but as a special envoy to the city-state of Syria, he seemed very noble, and all local officials along the way had to be careful to serve him.

  The last carriage was wide and comfortable, made of the finest cedar wood, but without too much luxurious decoration. The canopy was plain in color, with only a symbol of the Enlil temple on top. That was Groteus' carriage, where High Priest Kausman sat beside Groteus. There were also cavalry guards at the front and back of the procession, which had never been seen before on the Black Fire Forest Road.

  Randir was delighted, even a little proud, with a sense of satisfaction like a dragon entering the sea. As the imperial envoy of the capital, his status was indeed extraordinary. He had only come to Duketown to punish a miner, but unexpectedly, the great wizard Galen followed him. Who could have such an entourage? With Galen's arrival, the governor of Xuya City-State, Xiao Mo, also came along, and everyone seemed to be serving him alone.

  The dark forest may be eerie and desolate, but Lander is in full bloom.

  Xiao Guo, sitting in the first car, was also delighted. The "illness" of this priest had completely recovered, and his complexion looked more spirited than usual, with a hint of radiance. This trip to the city-state was very rewarding, and he even had the opportunity to curry favor with Lord Landil from the royal capital. Although Lord Landil spoke with arrogance, they still chatted a lot about the local customs and products, especially showing great interest in the divine stone, and also revealing a hint of appreciation for him.

  Most importantly, he asked clearly about Lord Randel's intention - it turned out that he was here to punish Armon and behead the child in public! Since Ma Qi went missing, Xiao Ke had been unable to eat or sleep well, Armon became a thorn in his eye and a stab in his heart but he didn't dare to provoke him again. Now everything is settled, and no need for him to take action.

  Lord Lander had a few points of appreciation for him, especially when Xiao Gu told Lord Lander that Ah Mon had an Azure Water Heart in his hand. Lord Lander's eyes lit up and asked: "Xiao Gu, what do you think should be done with Ah Mon's legacy?"

  The king's order was only to behead Amun in public, but it didn't say anything about confiscating his property. What property could a small town miner have that would be worth confiscating? Even the royal Ministry of Justice wouldn't think of such things, yet here I heard such good news from Xiao Gu.

  Ah-Mong's "inheritance" should naturally go to his father. However, Xiao blinked and said: "The taxes that Ah-Mong should have paid for this batch of divine stones were all paid by me. This batch of divine stones should be confiscated by the town's temple, and Youlan Water Heart must be presented to you, sir. It is the will of the gods! It is only right that you punish his wickedness."

  Randir nodded in satisfaction: "Xiao Gu, you're just a small town's ritual officer and secretary, it's really a waste of your talent!" --- It was this sentence that made Xiao Gu so excited that he didn't sleep well all night yesterday.

  With the swift horse messenger, Dasiti Town Mayor received the news early in the morning and rang the bell of Mu Yun Temple, gathering the townspeople to line up on both sides of the post road on the east side of the town to welcome them. They sprinkled water and flower petals on the road surface. Since it was urgent around Douke Town, they couldn't pick that many fresh flowers, so they also sprinkled a lot of fresh tender leaves as decorations, which looked pretty good too.

  Xiao Gu sat in the governor's carriage as they entered Duke Town, feeling a bit dizzy and even thinking that the townspeople and the mayor of Dasti were welcoming him. After the dignitaries rested in the temple's conference hall, the maid brought up fine wine and snacks, and after listening to half a day of flattery and praise, Randel asked haughtily: "Where is the miner named Armon in your town? Bring him to the temple gate immediately, gather all the townspeople, I want to publicly punish him!"

  When he arrived, his mood was good, but the smoky and dusty environment of Duketown made Lander unbearable. He didn't have Rod Dick's good patience, and he wanted to leave as soon as he came. He just wanted to hurry up and finish his work, get the benefits, and return to Syaria City-State to enjoy the fine wine, food, and women prepared by Xiao Mozhou, and he didn't even want to stay in Duketown for one night.

  At these words, Dartis was stunned for a moment before answering: "Amon? He left Douke Town three days ago. According to the kingdom's decree, I sent him away in public."

  "What?! That miner escaped! Xiao Gu introduced me to the laws here, and I know that miners in Du Ke Town are not allowed to leave without permission. What's going on here?! Are you intentionally making things difficult for me? I've come with a royal decree from the capital!" Randel's voice immediately rose by eight degrees, looking somewhat flustered.

  Xiao Gu's face also turned black, and in a moment of urgency, he actually shouted at Dasiti: "What are you doing? Letting Amun run away?"

  Dast's heart secretly thought that this clerk must have taken the wrong medicine, and he stared at him, saying: "Xiao Gu, did you hear it wrong? I sent Amun away from Du Ke Town according to the kingdom's decree, not because he ran away himself." Then, in a flustered tone, he said to Landil: "Sir, I'm really sorry! I didn't know you'd come for Amun, and this is what happened..."

  Dast spoke of events three days past and finished by saying, "Every man in the village can prove it, except for Xiao Gu who was absent due to illness, that's just how things happened."

  Randir asked in surprise: "Ordinance? What ordinance? I've never heard of it."

  Dast handed over a parchment scroll with both hands respectfully: "This is the kingdom's decree, please take a look."

  Thirty years ago, Randel was not born yet, so he had never heard of this decree. After staring at it for half a day, he asked in confusion: "Who is Bell?"

  "Huh, the evil great magician Bell?" Goro suddenly stretched out his hand and took over the sheepskin scroll, nodded and said: "Hmm... it's indeed this decree! I personally delivered it here thirty years ago, when I was still a priest of the Syah God Temple, Dasuti's father was the mayor of this town."

  Xiao Mozhou asked curiously: "Respected great divine master, may I take a look at this decree?"

  Ge Lie casually tossed the sheepskin scroll to him and said, "Don't you believe my words? Go back and have your clerk check in the archives, there's also a copy."

  Xiao Mo also looked at it for half a day, and finally asked the most critical question: "Dast, can you tell me why suddenly execute an order that no one has paid attention to in thirty years?"

  **

  Character Introduction in this Chapter——

  Misere Landill: An official of the Ministry of Justice in the Kingdom of Hatti, a fifth-level divine spellcaster, and an envoy sent by the capital to publicly punish Amun.

  **