Thank you

  That night, after the grand banquet was over, Roddick was tired and stayed in the backyard of the temple to rest. The so-called temple is not just a hall, it is the largest building complex in the city-state, with many courtyards and garden-style buildings behind it for the priests to live in.

  Lord Julian, without declining the labor, took advantage of the opportunity when everyone was present, and after dispersing the banquet, he privately summoned several people again, including the oldest priest of the Cape Temple, Fayol-Judah, the secretary of Roddick, Obama, the current head of the Linton family, and Hillary, Obama's youngest brother.

  It's an honor to be summoned by Lord Julian alone, and the content of the conversation is not publicly disclosed. It has something to do with Amun. Julian asked the oldest priest who was present when Nero's will was read for the first time? He inquired about Fayol-Juda's experience reporting to Roddick, carefully comparing what Amun said to him in his heart to see if there were any discrepancies. If Amun mentioned twice how he obtained Nero's legacy and there are differences in what he said, it is worth suspecting.

  Fayer said, "I think that outsider is not simple at all. He has been staying in the inn for several days and could have delivered the staff to Lord Dick's mansion at any time. Instead, he chose to intercept the city lord's carriage on the day of the monthly temple festival, which shows his deep mind. I suspect he didn't tell the whole truth and must have seen or taken something else from Lord Nero's will."

  Julian murmured without changing his expression, "Do you think this matter should be investigated thoroughly? He's not from Egu, and if he really knew something he shouldn't have known, spreading it in a foreign land would be troublesome."

  Fayer-Juda had his own mind, and upon hearing this, he couldn't help but think to himself. He fawned and said: "The best way is of course to ask him personally, or make it so that he can never speak again. However, doing so must not be made public, otherwise it will affect the reputation of Lord City and yours."

  Julian glanced at Fayer and changed the subject, asking: "I'm just asking, I don't mean to do anything. But didn't Obama-Linton and Hillary-Linton have a problem with Ammon?"

  Fawley-Jude nodded: "Yes, they once suggested to the Lord of the City that Amun be imprisoned and interrogated, but were rebuked by Lord Dick."

  Julian smiled: "Lord Dick is wise and should rebuke such an impudent and foolish suggestion. How can we let the Lord of the City ruin his reputation? As a ruler, credibility among the people is priceless, only then can orders be carried out...Faylor, you may withdraw, let Obama and Hillary come in. I will stay in Haicheng for a long time, and many things may need your help in the future."

  Faylor nodded repeatedly: "It's Judah's honor to serve you, sir!"

  Julian then summoned the two nephews of the Linton family, chatted with them about some irrelevant trivial matters in the eyes of outsiders, expressed condolences to the Lintons and congratulated them on finally obtaining their ancestors' relics after more than 30 years. He also made many comments about what happened during the day, naturally mentioning that outsider Ammon - who left immediately after receiving a generous gift.

  At night, after drinking a lot of wine, the Lington brothers became more and more excited as they spoke. They thought that Armon was unable to open the space ring himself and didn't dare to easily find a great divine magician for help, so he came to Haicheng City-State to return the staff. Niro must have mentioned something else in his message in the mountain cave, but that cunning outsider didn't say it. He really should be detained and interrogated clearly, unfortunately, the city lord wouldn't allow it.

  Julian smiled wryly and said, "The lord's decision is very wise and reasonable. You absolutely should not be rude to Amun publicly. However, the detailed last words of Emperor Nero in the mountain cave really should be investigated clearly. That is what your ancestors left behind, you have the right to ask. But the lord has already given orders that some things must not be leaked out. My opinion is completely consistent with Lord Dick's."

  The brothers seemed to have thought of something, exchanged a glance with each other, and then chatted for a while before bidding farewell and leaving.

  After the departure of the Linton brothers, Julian called his trusted aide, Vitru, who was also a high-ranking priest of the Isis Temple and a sixth-level divine master. The two conspired for a long time, with Vitru's face grave and nodding repeatedly. Julian finally said: "When dealing with that Amun, we must be careful. He can bring his staff thousands of miles across the desert to safely arrive at the Sea Cliff City-State, at least he is a mid-level warrior, I can see that he has learned martial arts."

  Vitru: "Not too many people can be involved in this matter, I'll take a few elite warriors with me, and choose from among your personal bodyguards. You will stay in the city-state for the time being and not go out, give those warriors who are following to protect you a few days off, it won't arouse suspicion."

  Julian's entourage on this tour of the city-state included not only two divine magic users, but also a personal bodyguard of twelve warriors. As an eighth-level grand divine magic user and a high-ranking official traveling along the imperial highway with reception arrangements at every stop, he didn't need such protection, but it was necessary for the Isis Temple's High Priestess to have the proper pomp and ceremony.

  The great wizard thought for a moment and said, "Then let Haim take the lead. He is only one small step away from becoming a 7th-level Grand Warrior. If he succeeds in this matter, I will find an opportunity to promote him to replace Gabriel's position after we return. Gabriel has become Maria's right-hand man, wholeheartedly protecting the Holy Maiden. The one who should have been sent out from the Isis Temple is actually her!... Let's not talk about these things for now, let's discuss your plans instead."

  Vitru said, "Haiwen is your guard captain, of course he's absolutely trustworthy. Let him lead the team and choose three more warriors. With me following behind, there will be no problem at all. Moreover, Haiwen was a hunter by birth and learned many skills in the Isis Temple, exceling in tracking and assassination. No matter where Amun goes or how hidden his tracks are, he won't be able to escape."

  Julian nodded in great satisfaction and then cautiously reminded, "Haiwen has also undergone the second awakening of power, mastered low-level divine techniques, and can use intermediate scrolls. It's no problem to act with you together. But you can't underestimate the enemy either, Amun has a large number of scrolls in his hand, be careful not to let him make a desperate struggle, beware of those scrolls."

  Vitru said strangely: "He's not a divine spellcaster, having scrolls is useless."

  Julian shook his head, "How can you be certain there isn't a divine manipulator behind him? If he's an intermediate warrior, it's possible that after undergoing the second level of power awakening, he could use low-level divine magic with auxiliary surnames, and also use intermediate scrolls."

  Haiwen was taken aback: "Sir, you suspect him of being a magician?"

  Julian said calmly, "Being cautious never hurts, and whether it's true or not, you'll find out when you take action. There are three scrolls here, one high-level scroll and two mid-level scrolls. You take them, and give one of the mid-level scrolls to Haiwen, just in case."

  Wei Zhuo hastily declined: "These scrolls are very precious, sir, you'd better keep them yourself, we dare not use them arbitrarily."

  Julian insisted, "It's best not to use them if possible, I don't want to waste them on Amun either. Let you bring them just in case. Besides, even if we do use these few scrolls, it doesn't matter, Amun has more scrolls on him, as long as we take him down, we won't be at a disadvantage no matter what."

  Vitru took down the scroll and asked: "Are there any other orders, sir?"

  Julian flashed a cold smile: "If Haeun tracks down Amun, you might as well leak the message to Obama-Lington, but don't let Obama know who sent it. I think they'll go after him too."

  "Sir, what do you mean? Didn't you want to keep it strictly confidential?"

  Julian replied, "Of course, it must be kept strictly confidential. What you're doing can't be discovered by others. But in case something goes wrong, such as the noise from using the scroll is too loud and someone accidentally discovers it, someone has to take the blame, right? Even if someone investigates, they will only find that Obama secretly tracked Amun."

  "Great, sir! You're absolutely right!"

  Julian instructed, "I will give the guards a day off tomorrow morning and let them relax in the city-state. As for you, I will send you back to Dreamflight to report and take care of some matters, and also deliver a secret letter to the other two high priests. After leaving the city, you will meet with Haimen and take care of Amun's affairs."

  Lord Julian suddenly received the order from the Holy Maiden to stay in Cape City for a year, and since he hadn't made any preparations beforehand, he sent Vitru back to Dreamflight the next day to report and take care of some matters, as well as retrieve some items. Vitru set off early in the morning. The kind Lord Julian also gave his personal guards, who had been by his side since the beginning of the year, a break, allowing them to roam freely around the city-state.

  Lord Roddick, who had been away for a long time, finally returned to the mansion, and his attendants and clerks also returned one after another. When Aristotle entered the gate, he was stopped by a doorman, who said to him with great respect: "Sir, Mr. Ammon entrusted me yesterday when he left that I must hand this over to you."

  The doorman handed over a box made of coconut shell, exquisitely carved, which Amun had bought as a trinket on his stroll through the streets a few days ago. The lid was sealed with glue and it wasn't clear what was inside; a small knife would be needed to cut open the seal. Amun hadn't recognized Aristotle, but as he left, he left him something, which surprised Aristotle, who hurried back to his room and opened the box.

  In the box, a divine stone with a rippling water-like luster lay quietly, which was exactly the extremely precious Azure Water Heart. Picking up this blue divine stone, there was also a small note underneath, written with a brief line of words: "Thank you!"

  Seeing this, Aristotle understood that Armand had already recognized him and left the azure aquamarine and the note when he departed, thanking Aristotle for his rescue back then.

  Aristotle's expression was complex, and he suddenly stomped his foot and turned to leave, going straight to the backyard to request an audience with Lord Dick. He was well aware that the lord had been tired for the past few days and had just lain down to rest, and also knew that Amun had left yesterday and should have already left the city far behind. Originally intending to wait until Lord Dick woke up to report some matters, but seeing the things Amun had left behind, he didn't want to wait any longer.

  If it weren't for his most trusted aide, Lord Dick would have blown up in anger, and the servants wouldn't have dared to report it. But Aristotle suddenly requesting an audience under these circumstances must be something important, so Lord Dick got dressed and sat down in his bedroom, calling Aristotle in.

  Aristotle entered the door and first expressed his apologies, then put the small box on the case and opened it: "Lord of the city, take a look, this is what Amun entrusted to the doorman when he left."

  Roddy Dick's eyes fell on the pale blue water at once, and he was startled. He picked up the paper again and looked at it, asking in great perplexity: "Sir, what is the meaning of this?"

  Aristotle sighed, "The lord of the city probably doesn't remember, that Amun used to be a miner in Du Ke Town, it was him who excavated the Tears of the Gods! He also served as the maid of the Holy Maiden for three days. He thanked me because I had saved him when he was in Du Ke Town, I mentioned this to you before. That child has grown up now and is almost unrecognizable, but he recognizes me."

  He briefly recounted the events of that year, and Lord Roddick widened his eyes and said: "What a wonderful coincidence! I heard that Ducktown was destroyed by floods, but this Armon is still alive. It's really the blessing of the gods! When he first extracted the tears of the gods, it was also the blessing of the goddess Isis. Why didn't this child tell us about his past? If I had known, I should have thanked him even more!"

  "Aristides: 'He does not say, either because he has some misgivings or because he is unwilling to recall the disasters of his homeland. But this child is like a divine messenger for you; it was he who unearthed the tears of the gods and today it is he who returns the sceptre of the chief deity of the city. Such a person, you must take great care to protect, think about all that he has brought you.'"

  "Roddy looked up and said: "What do you mean by that? Has something happened?"

  "Aristotle hesitated and said: 'To be honest, I'm not quite sure what will happen either. It's just a personal suspicion, and it's not convenient to say it out loud, but seeing this thing, I have to say it, otherwise, I won't be able to sleep. Lord Julian secretly met with several people last night, and I'm afraid it has something to do with Armon. As for the specifics, you can ask Judas, and it's best to also ask Lord Julian himself. I hope nothing happens that will damage your reputation or betray the favor of the gods, but perhaps this is just my overthinking!'"

  Rodick's expression turned solemn, and he waved his hand: "You go out first, and call Fayol-Judas."

  Fawler-Judas was surprised to be summoned by Lord Dick in the bedroom, and after he paid his respects, Lord Dick asked directly: "What did Lord Julian say when he summoned you last night?"

  Fawkes didn't dare to hide anything from him, and reported the private meeting with Julian in detail, recounting every sentence of their conversation, except for the part where he spoke ill of Armon. He carefully explained: "Lord City Master, it was you who entrusted me with arranging all aspects of Julian's daily life and satisfying his various requests to the best of my ability. I think Julian is very distrustful of Armon, but I also advised him not to do anything that would harm your reputation, Lord City Master."

  Rodick nodded solemnly: "I understand. Inform the guards to prepare the horses. I will go see Lord Julian."

  Julian was sleeping soundly when he was awakened by his servant, and just as he was about to get angry, he heard that it was Lord Dick who had come to visit urgently, so he put on his clothes to receive the guest. In the reception room, after sending everyone else away, Rod Dick asked straightforwardly: "Great God of Magic, do you want to pursue the departed Amun? Is there anything I can help with?"

  Julian was taken aback by the question, but immediately smiled and said: "Dick, in your city-state, everything is indeed under control! But I'm curious, why did you ask such a thing? Are you suspecting me of something?"

  Rod-Dick hastily shook his head and said, "I dare not, I dare not. Whatever Lord Julian does, there must be a reason for it, and I should provide assistance. It's just that I want to say one thing, if harming Armon will damage the reputation of the city-state, the temple, and your lordship, it would be a loss."

  Julian surprisingly still managed to smile, and with a smile, he added: "This will be extremely damaging to your reputation as the lord of the city. I understand this point, of course. So please rest assured that no matter what happens, the situation you are worried about will not occur. Can I make such a promise?"

  Rodrik remained silent, and Julian said with a hint of a smile: "Lord Dick, I have been ordered to stay in Cape City for a year to supervise and guide the temple affairs here. I'd like to ask you one thing, just a hypothesis - between me and a foreign hunter, whose will would you uphold?"

  Rod Dick lowered his head and said, "Why ask such a question, of course it's you, noble Julian-sama, this doesn't even need to be said... Actually, I've always had a hope, hoping that you could become the High Priest of Cape City, and the staff just happens to return at this time, symbolizing the will of the gods!"

  Rhod-Dick suddenly mentioned this, which made Julian somewhat taken aback. He chuckled and said: "After coming here for just a few days, especially after seeing the relics of Emperor Nero, I have come to realize that being the High Priest here is not much different from being the High Priestess of the Isis Temple. But I am also helpless in this matter, it's not something I can decide on my own, it requires the order of the Isis Temple and the approval of Egypfaro, so it's useless for you to ask me personally, even if I'm willing, I won't be able to agree."

  Lord Dick raised his head and said, "As long as you are willing, sir. I hope Dick has not been impolite in any way. If that day really comes, everything in the Cape City State will still need your strong support."

  Julian's smile grew thicker: "So Dick City Lord values me so much, and is willing to let go of the main god officer's power position. Julian was a bit surprised... Since that's the case, why must we still talk about mutual suspicion? I promise to City Lord, absolutely will not do anything to harm the city-state and your reputation, but there are two things I also want to remind you privately."

  Roddy: "You go ahead!"

  （）