The first volume of flood 057, a home flowing with milk and honey

  A land flowing with milk and honey

  Pei Li murmured, "Although the cave-dwelling savages are not as robust and powerful as the highland giants, I've heard they're extremely agile and nimble. Some of their larger tribes are skilled in craftsmanship, born to be artisans, which would be very useful for building a city-state. Having one more hand prepared will give us one more usable chess piece in the future. This Mei Dansuo should take note. Who would have thought we'd gain something unexpected here?"

  Princess Xiao Yan and Pei Li were chatting privately, while in another courtyard of the town, two other people were also discussing secretly. Jie Kai said to Feng Yu Wang Zi: "Your Highness, don't you think this matter is a bit strange?"

  Feng Niu nodded and said, "The materials that the Giant Tribe wants are for moving house, which means they have planned to migrate long ago. These people have endless strength and can carry heavy goods through the deep mountains. They besieged Princess Xiao Yan, asking the town for these things, and it seems that Her Highness has been aware of their intentions all along."

  Gaius thought for a moment and said, "Yucil led the crowd to take the blame and accepted Princess Xiaoyan's task. This scene was like it was arranged in advance... Your Highness, do you think we should send someone to follow those Highland Giants and see where they move to and what their intentions are?"

  Feng Niu shook his head and said, "They left long ago. It's impossible to catch up with them in the deep mountains and high plateaus. We just need to do our own things well, no matter what others are plotting. ... Jie Kai, I know you're guessing something in your heart, but just think about it, don't say it out loud."

  Seeing the prince's expression, Jie Kai smiled wryly and said: "Then I won't say more, Your Highness has a number in mind, it's not good to make a fuss about things that don't exist... This time the princess was able to escape smoothly, or rather we didn't get involved in the chaos, all thanks to one person's credit."

  Feng Niu also smiled: "The mayor of Akkad Town, Diqi Zhou, is indeed a talent. It can be seen that Princess Xiao wants to win him over. In any case, we should thank him properly. I will go to the city-state of Kish and recommend this person to the lord of the city, appointing him as the deputy director of the Ministry of Finance. Although I cannot directly assign tasks to the officials of the city-state, making a recommendation for such a position should be no problem."

  "Then you're not going to visit the battlefield at Yubu River?"

  Feng Niu: "The battlefield is over there, it's fine to go anytime, since the identity has been made public, let's deal with the things at hand first, escort the princess back to the imperial capital, she also needs to pass through Kish City-State. Looking at the princess' intention, it's possible that she wants to invite Di Qi to her own territory city-state to handle government affairs, and I will promote him in my hometown city-state, Di Qi himself should be more willing."

  He furrowed his brow and continued, "Those two warriors, Maidensuo and Armon, are truly brave and skilled. They've traveled a longer distance than us, yet they can still arrive at the designated location in time, even in the dark of night. We shouldn't underestimate them. After all, we have fought side by side before, so this is a good opportunity to show our appreciation for the people. Let's invite them to dinner today."

  Jie Kai nodded and said: "Alright, I'll order someone to prepare dinner immediately, then send someone to invite them."

  Prince Feng New suddenly seemed to remember something and said: "Not long ago, I heard the news from the city-state of Uruk that a magician killed the descendants of Humbaba while crossing the river. Gilgamesh and Enkidu used this as an excuse to kill Humbaba. You immediately secretly send someone to ride a fast horse to the city-state of Uruk, find the boatman at the time and ask privately - what does the magic wand of that magician look like? Is it a branch?"

  "Can it be that you suspect Armand of being the magician?"

  Feng Niu explained: "Under the leadership of this powerful divine master, we successfully crossed the plateau at night. What about them? This is just my intuition, I think Amun might be that magician, as for the fact, it will be clear after asking."

  Jie Kai: "If it's really him, are you going to expose his identity?"

  Feng Niu shook his head and said, "I'm just curious, as long as I have a plan in mind. He took action on the ferry to save people, Gilgamesh didn't make things difficult for him, and this time in Akkad Town it was also to cooperate with us to rescue Princess Xian, why should we make things difficult for him?"

  ……

  Amon and Medanzo returned to the inn, telling each other about their meeting with Princess Xiao Yan. They were both relieved that their identities as magicians had not been exposed. Amon smiled at Medanzo and said: "I'm glad to see you recovering from your pain and becoming so excited and passionate again. Congratulations on regaining your noble status... but you look a bit lovesick, the way you kept gazing into Princess Xiao Yan's eyes was quite improper."

  Moyan Zuo replied somewhat awkwardly: "Amon God, what are you talking about? I just admire and worship Xiaojing Princess, from now on, she is my idol."

  "Alright, very well, you can follow your idol back to Balen City the day after tomorrow."

  "Ahmon, you are the only god I have. My feelings for Princess Xiaoyan are merely those of admiration and respect. Of course, I will follow your guidance and accompany you on your journey."

  Amon: "I understand what you're thinking, the princess is indeed charming and has repaid you. It's only natural that you'd be willing to serve her. This time it's not you who wants to leave, but me letting you follow the princess back to the capital. Originally we were supposed to part ways after crossing the Yuboti River, I brought you along because I was worried something would happen to you. Now I can finally rest at ease."

  I will teach you the path of cultivation from now on, and with your noble status, it may be more convenient for you to cultivate. You can go back to the imperial capital first and handle your own affairs before coming to find me in Lin Ke's tribe. Let's set a deadline, which is today one year later, meet at Lin Ke's tribe."

  Two men were discussing the time and place of their next meeting, when someone outside announced: "His Highness Prince Feng Yu invites the two brave warriors to dinner." Mei Danzuo asked in a low voice: "The prince is inviting us to dinner, are we going?" Ah Meng replied: "We fought shoulder to shoulder together, eating a meal together is nothing, let's go, we'll go eat."

  ……

  That night, Ahmon taught Medanzo the follow-up content of cultivating the power of both sides to the extreme, until the sixth-level divine technique and the sixth-level physical technique were all cultivated to the peak. Then he left Akato Town. At tonight's dinner, Prince Fengyu asked them where they were going. Medanzo said that he would follow the princess back to the imperial capital, while Ahmon said that he had something to do in a distant place and had already delayed it, so he had to set off immediately.

  Amon took advantage of the night to leave the town and head in the direction of the Youdi River to the west. He walked on the mountain road for half a day, making sure no one was following him before turning north, traversing the mountains and gradually ascending higher, until he returned to the place where the Giant Highlanders tribe was located.

  This road is extremely rugged and circuitous, Amun hastened as fast as possible, until the next afternoon before arriving at the highland plain where he had negotiated with Yucel. The snow leopard skin tent was gone, and there was no one in sight on all sides. Where was the tribe of Highland Giants?

  Amon looked around and saw faint black smoke rising from behind the distant mountains, in three different directions. The Giant Tribe had indeed burned down their own village, but which one was Yinnana waiting for him in? Just as Amon was hesitating, he suddenly heard a string of silvery laughter coming from behind him.

  Yin Nanna's voice said from a distance: "My little Ah Meng, handsome hunter, brave hero, you are indeed trustworthy and have found your way here as promised."

  Ah Mon had been unfolding his divine technique to detect any movement around him, but he didn't notice Yun Nan's arrival at all, which meant that Yun Nan's divine technique was far superior to his. Ah Mon turned around, and Yun Nan stood a dozen steps away with a hint of a smile on her face. Her long hair cascaded down, and she wore a golden long gown that shimmered like starlight and water, wrapping around her beautiful body in a captivating way.

  Amun grasped his staff and bowed to her, saying: "You said you would come back for me, and indeed you have."

  Yin Nanna covered her mouth: "Oh, Ah Meng, you're my lifesaver, why are you speaking to me with such respect? Don't you recognize Yin Nanna anymore?... I find it strange, how did you get involved in this mess with Princess Xiao Jing?"

  Amon said bluntly, "Rescuing Princess Xiao Yan is not a matter of having me or not, the princess herself has a way to escape. But I once saw you and Gilgamesh leave together in the same car, thinking that you were his fiancée - Princess Xiao Yan."

  Yin Nanna let out a delighted giggle, her skirt fluttering like flowers in the wind: "So that's how it is! My little Ah Mon, you're really too adorable. Everyone always asks for my salvation, but no one has ever saved me before. You're the first person to say and actually do it, even if it was a misunderstanding. I'm thrilled, this feeling won't be forgotten."

  "Ah, no," Amun hastened to explain. "You've also helped me before. Enki knows I'm a magician, but he said it's under your protection that I can safely pass through the Uruk city-state, making up for my losses on the ferry, without any trouble."

  He spoke with a serious expression and didn't approach Yun Nana. Yun Nana put away her smile, looked at him and let out a soft sigh: "Looking at you, it seems like you already know my identity."

  Amun replied reverently: "Yes, I guessed it, but I wanted to ask you in person - are you the former guardian deity of Duke Town, Mu Yun Goddess?"

  Yin Nanna looked at him expressionlessly for a long time, gradually revealing a smile: "My little Ah Mon, you are really a clever lamb, how did you guess?... I am not only the former guardian deity of Du Ke Town, but also the current guardian deity of the people of Du Ke Town. You are the lost sheep in my flock, and finally found by me."

  Amon said, "I've seen your statue since I was a child, but when I saw you in person, I didn't think of it and didn't dare to think of it. In the temple of Akkad town, I occasionally saw your statue again, and suddenly realized why I felt familiar with you at first. Later, I knew that you were not Princess Xiaoyan, so I guessed that you might be the goddess Mu Yun, but this conclusion was too shocking, and without your personal confirmation, I didn't dare to believe it."

  Yin Nanna smiled and nodded: "Now that you've confirmed it, why don't you pay respects to the Guardian Deity?"

  Ah Mon didn't immediately kneel down, thought for a moment and asked: "Du Ke Town is already gone, this may not be your fault, but I have a question."

  Yin Nanna hesitated for a moment: "Then go ahead and ask"

  Amun: "May I ask if the divine decree that nearly chopped off one of my fingers was left by you?"

  Yin Nanna replied calmly, "It was I who left it behind, the guardian deity of Du Ke Town. Du Ke Town is my divine domain, and although deities can see everything clearly, they cannot always pay attention to every person and every matter in their divine domain at all times. You almost got your finger chopped off in front of my temple, but I only found out about it afterwards... How, do you bear a grudge against me because of this?"

  Ammon asked again: "Since the divine spirit can see clearly, do you know what I am thinking?"

  Yin Nanna looked at him, her eyes seeming to grow more interested, still calm and replied: "As a divine spirit, I am clear about your joys and sorrows, every emotion hidden in your heart; also clear about your physical reactions, even the slightest trace. I can see if you are lying, but I cannot directly know what you are thinking. To show loyalty to the guardian god, tell me yourself."

  Amon replied, "I do not resent you, on the contrary, I pay homage to you for this divine revelation, because someone has explained to me the origin of the divine spirit. Otherwise, Duke Town would no longer exist, why should I still kneel down to a guardian god who did not protect the townspeople?" As he spoke, he knelt down and bowed his head to kiss the mud on the ground, which was the most solemn ceremony in the Heavenly Axis Continent. When Amon's drunkard father took him to the temple to pay respects to the goddess Mu Yun, they also performed this ritual.

  Yin Nanna's expression was slightly awkward, changing subtly several times before finally revealing a charming smile. She walked over, stretched out her hand to help Amun up from the ground, and naturally wrapped her arm around his, with her soft and elastic chest pressed against his arm, just like they had strolled together on the prairie before.

  The goddess smiled and said, "My Amun, this is not a temple, nor are there others around us. You don't need to pay homage to me like that. We used to walk arm in arm, didn't it feel good? Let's just pretend you're still the hunter from the mountains and I'm still the shepherdess slave girl."

  Who says it's not good? It's fine, really good. Amun wrapped his arm around Yinnana and said: "But you're a goddess after all, I find it unbelievable." If others saw this scene, they would be shocked to the point of dropping their jaws. Amun had a goddess in his arms, speaking calmly. Even Gilgamesh, that earth-shaking hero, didn't have such an aura, but Amun was just a ordinary young man from the countryside.

  Yin Nanna was very satisfied with Amun's behavior, and she mischievously rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, pointing ahead and saying: "You still pay homage to me, so I am still the guardian deity of you and your people. I called you here today because there is something important I want to tell you. Look at what that is."

  As her fingers pointed, Xuanyu's jade finger stirred the air a few times, Ah Meng sensed a strong surge of magical power fluctuations. Not far away, on the empty ground, a twisted light appeared in a strange space, with shadows constantly flashing inside.

  Floodwaters, a vast expanse of water converging into a rolling muddy current, overflowing hills, plains, and deserts. This is a miniature display of the terrain, judging from the surrounding mountains exposed above the water's surface, it is the landscape around Duketown. The scene in the light and shadow is obviously accelerated, the floodwaters are rushing to gradually calm down, forming a huge lake around Duketown.

  The water surface gradually receded, and the wet muddy ground in the high places was exposed. The mud swamp was everywhere. Du Ke Town no longer existed. In the black fire forest to the west, strange rocks, shrubs, and ponds were scattered among a large area of marshes, making it impossible to pass through. The water retreated to a certain extent and then stopped retreating quickly, because it often rained in the sky, and the climate had changed.

  To the north of this vast swamp is the Syr Darya Highlands, to the east are the towering mountains of the Yubari River Valley, still a natural barrier. The Yubari River has a tributary that was cut off by a landslide in the flood and flows south through the swamp into the Syr Darya Desert, gathering at low-lying areas into a large inland lake. South of this lake is still the desolate Gobi Desert, overlooking the Empire of Egu and the Kingdom of Balen from afar.

  To the north of the lake, more and more grass grew out, and patches of grasslands like isolated islands appeared in the marsh. Looking around, it was still a desperate land surrounded by marshes. However, near the Yu Di River valley with towering mountains, patches of fertile land like isolated islands had emerged from the water surface. The changing light and shadow stopped here, which should be the current actual terrain.

  Yin Nanna snapped her fingers and the image disappeared. She held one of Amun's arms in her bosom and asked, "Did you see what that was?"

  Amon came back to his senses from the astonishing divine scene, took a deep breath and replied: "After the flood, the terrain and landforms around Deke Town."

  Yin Nanna nodded and said: "It's your hometown now, it's still slowly changing. In two or three years, a vast fertile land surrounded by mountains, plateaus, swamps, and deserts will be formed there. It is still a swamp now, and large troops cannot enter. Only near the Yu Di River Valley, there are a few pieces of fertile land that have emerged from the water, where seeds can be sown to establish villages and towns. ... Ah Meng, do you know where those plateau giants went? What did Princess Xiao Qing send them to do again?"

  Amon suddenly realized: "I understand, they crossed the plateau, crossed the Yu Di River, and passed through the mountains to get there, seeking a fertile land to establish a new home. Princess Xiao let them surrender to the Kingdom of Balen, and build the Temple of Malduk in their new home, this is expanding territory within the Hatti Kingdom."

  Yin Nanna added with great satisfaction: "This is the only way to enter that fertile land at present. The Highland Giant Tribe can carry heavy supplies through the mountains and valleys, fearless of danger, and arrive first in a desolate wilderness isolated from the world, quietly establishing villages, and may even establish city-states in the future."

  "Indeed, a true princess of the kingdom, so farsighted," Ahmon exclaimed. "But doesn't she fear stirring up trouble with the Hittite Kingdom by doing this?"

  Yoon Nana said with deep meaning: "If the conflict is inevitable, it's better to prepare early. No matter which country enters that place, there will be a long and difficult supply line. Whoever occupies the place first will have a great advantage... Ahmon, don't you want to return home and rebuild your homeland? It will be a fertile land flowing with milk and honey."