Volume 4: The War of the Gods 143, Summon all the most beautiful girls

  He actually mentioned that name again, which had not been brought up for a long time. Maria's long eyelashes trembled slightly as she withdrew her gaze and looked at the desktop in front of her, asking softly: "How did you understand?"

  Amon replied, "It's just a simple truth that I've personally verified. When I lost the power to command thousands of soldiers, I didn't feel like I'd lost anything, and I didn't even think about it! But over this period of time, I've been constantly thinking about the power I lost, because the path I'm pursuing is so difficult, yet it never belonged to me in the first place. I'm not trying to regain that power, nor am I giving up on it - whether or not I possess it won't change anything. The person sitting in front of you is still me, Amon, just as I would be regardless of whether or not I was a great general of the empire!"

  Maria smiled: "You finally really understand, this is not a test of your strength, the power and magic you once had are precisely today's troubles. Just like ordinary pancakes, they haven't changed, but can someone who has tasted all the delicacies still enjoy its flavor? And delicacies are still delicacies, it doesn't mean giving up!"

  Amun also smiled: "Listening to your words, you should already have the eighth-level achievement, congratulations! Can I ask a few questions? In the scriptures of the Isis Temple, I didn't see any records about it. Is there another great warrior or great mage who also faced this test when advancing from level seven to level eight?"

  Maria thought for a moment and replied, "Indeed, there is no clear record, but such situations may occur. A 7th-level great warrior who has cultivated to the peak of power may sometimes feel as weak as a newborn baby, as if they need to grow again to gain powerful strength, and some people will advance to become an 8th-level great warrior. Some 7th-level divine art practitioners who have cultivated to the peak of their realm may feel that the growth of their divine power is unbearable, so that they cannot adapt, and there is a period of time when they cannot use divine arts. It's not happening on everyone, the duration and form of manifestation are also different, like your situation, I've never heard of it before."

  It's no wonder that the old madman would leave a message like that in the Earth's Pupil. Amun asked curiously, "What led to this? Why isn't it recorded in the classics?"

  Maria furrowed her brow slightly, thinking for a moment before responding: "The number of great warriors or great mages is extremely small to begin with, and this situation may not necessarily occur. Moreover, the forms in which they appear are different. The scriptures of the Isis Temple mention some, but they are not very clear. The archives of the Egu God Academy have more relevant records. When a great mage or warrior's power is troubled, they generally will not openly let others know, and will only pray to the gods or seek help from a trustworthy high priest in private."

  "Some people think it's a test of the gods, while others believe that after expanding their powers, they look down on the gods and their faith is shaken, leading to punishment from the gods. However, so far, the most authoritative view is that there was an error or deviation in cultivation. After all, at this level, there are not many systematic experiences that can be completely referenced, and many are individual explorations."

  Amon involuntarily leaned forward, very interested and asked: "When this happens, how should we generally help them?"

  Maria: "There is no fixed rule, and everyone's situation is different. If the Grand Warrior feels weak, persisting in the most basic training, just like a newborn or reborn growth, according to some people's descriptions, it's as if there is a seed sprouting inside the body, acquiring a brand new bloodline, at this time they will be promoted to 8th level Grand Warrior, but more people only recover their strength and do not get promoted."

  As for the great divine magicians, they often seek help from gods in prayer and reflect on whether their faith is shaken. Generally, they will close the door to thank guests and meditate quietly, and the result is usually one of these two. The Egur Divine Magic Academy occasionally holds a private ceremony to help them recover their strength.

  The main purpose of this ritual is to make them feel the gaze of the gods, to make their faith pure and firm, and not to despise the gods due to the expansion of power. It has no fixed form, varies from person to person, neither like the initial awakening of power nor like the second awakening of power for great warriors, only a great divine master who has had such an experience can provide guidance."

  Amun nodded thoughtfully and said a sentence: "The reawakening of power."

  Maria also nodded and said, "Have you given a special name to this ritual? Do I need to hold such a ritual for you?" She spoke while looking at Amun with a hint of a smile, implying that she had also experienced something similar but had successfully passed the test to become an eighth-level divine spellcaster.

  Amun stood up and bowed: "I don't know how to express my gratitude. If there was such a ceremony, you have already held it for me just now."

  Maria blinked her eyes and looked like a little girl with some coquetry: "Amon, how can you thank me?"

  This sentence made Amun speechless, as if it was one of the most difficult questions in the world. How could he thank her? Maria had done too much for Amun, not only saving his life by the Roni River and bringing him back to the Isis Temple to provide shelter, but also guiding him to find his tribe in Du Ke Town, teaching him martial arts, recommending him as a legion commander, and grasping an opportunity that seemed impossible to fulfill his wish. Amun had built incredible achievements through his own efforts, but all of this would have been unimaginable without Maria's help and guidance.

  He stood there for half a day before answering: "I don't know how to thank you, without you, I wouldn't have everything today. But what else can I do for you except sitting here and staring at you?"

  As the guardian saint of the Isis Temple, Maria had everything that could be possessed in terms of wealth and power. In the Empire of Egu, she only needed to salute the gods and pharaohs on her own initiative, and her status was equal to that of the Imperial Chancellor, the Chief High Priest of the Empire, and the Dean of the Imperial Academy of Magic. What Amun could give her, Maria already had; what Maria didn't have, Amun couldn't give her either - she was a benefactor he could never repay.

  Maria rarely joked with Armon, but he replied so seriously and solemnly that the two fell silent again. Armon stood up, Maria sat down, their eyes locked in a gaze. After a while, Maria spoke softly: "I understand your strength, your will is almost perfect, but I see your weakness in your eyes. If you didn't have this weakness, you might become truly perfect and strong."

  Weakness? At this moment, Armon's eyes only had Maria's reflection! He lowered his eyelids again and said: "Perhaps it is the imperfections that make life truly perfect."

  Maria looked at him, wanting to say something but finally smiled and didn't pursue the topic. She slightly raised the corner of her mouth and said: "You haven't answered my question yet, how should I thank you?"

  Amon also smiled: "I really don't know how to thank you, Saintess. If there's anything you'd like me to do, just let me know and I won't hesitate!"

  Maria blinked: "Oh? In that case, I'd like to ask General for something."

  Ammon was taken aback: "What do you want? Whatever I have, I can give it to you."

  Maria looked up at the mural on the ceiling and said slowly: "You just came to Eg when you returned Nero's belongings. However, Nero's will was not strictly enforced, and he mentioned one thing in his will, allowing the person who returned the belongings to read a private note of his.

  "After you arrived at the Temple of Isis, I had someone investigate and found that you didn't see it back then. Later, I ordered someone to send that notebook to Dreamflight, and Nero specified the content as an introduction to a scroll called 'Destruction Storm'. Nero once created a legendary Destruction Storm, Amun. Please tell me, is it in your hands?"

  Amon nodded helplessly and said, "Yes, this scroll has been with me through countless dangers."

  Maria stretched out a hand across the table: "That's what I want, give it to me now!"

  "Ah Meng asked inexplicably: 'What do you want it for?'"

  Maria's smile turned a bit sly: "General, you made such a resolute promise just now. When I really want something, why are you hesitating? Give it to me first and then tell me the reason. Take it out, you must be carrying it with you."

  Amon reached into his clothes, pulled out a small gray scroll from under his right ribcage, and carefully placed it on Maria's desk. Then he didn't retreat, but instead leaned against the table, looking at Maria: "Now, Saintess, you can tell me why you wanted this scroll, and how did you know I would definitely bring it with me?"

  Maria picked up the most precious and dangerous scroll in the world, gently stroking it as she replied: "It's not that I need it, but you no longer need it! I've looked into this scroll's detailed introduction, and it's not opened with magical power, but rather with a vow to dedicate one's life. The person using it only needs to possess mid-tier divine technique achievements, which is precisely the only scroll you can currently use; why wouldn't you bring it with you? Today, you came to see me, I can sense the hidden anxiety in your heart; only by handing it over to me can you truly be freed from your troubles."

  "Please take this scroll and seal it in the Temple of Isis," Ah Mon said with a sigh.

  Maria suddenly burst out laughing, she waved her hand and took out another identical gray scroll from thin air, throwing it to Amun: "Thank you for giving me such a precious thing, I'll also give you a gift in return."

  Amon caught it, his face pale with shock: "Destruction Storm! You also have one?!... Hmm, something doesn't feel right!" It was Amon who had faced Maria and thrown out the Destruction Storm, but instead of dodging or retreating, he stretched out his hand to catch it. If it were a different situation, he would probably have fled long ago.

  Maria smiled and said, "Did you notice anything wrong? This scroll is indeed the Destruction Storm, with exactly the same material and craftsmanship, but it was not written successfully. When it's opened, it's just a blank sheet. When it explodes, everyone within its attack range will feel the tug and fluctuation of life force, but they won't be harmed."

  "A fake! Who would create such a scroll?"

  Maria shook her head and said, "It's already quite difficult to process a scroll like this. A long time ago, the Isis Temple gathered a group of great mages to try to create a Destruction Storm, but they failed many times and ultimately didn't succeed, leaving behind only this nearly blank scroll. This kind of blank scroll has been used to make several scrolls, which are the foundation for processing the Destruction Storm, but it can't successfully condense magical power to complete the writing, and every time it gets halfway through, it's damaged, even causing energy explosions that lead to serious casualties, so they had no choice but to give up.

  This last blank scroll is still precious, theoretically it can continue to forge the true Destruction Storm, but in my opinion, there's no need for that. You are the only one in this world who possesses the true Destruction Storm, so you can sense that something is off, but can others tell? Even if they can tell and suspect that it's fake, who would dare to make a bet on that?

  I know that the true destructive storm is in your hands, and there must be others who are clear about this. The power of this scroll does not lie in your use of it, but in people knowing that you possess it. If one day you really use it, it's just a choice of what kind of way to self-destruct, I never want to see that day. Now do you understand why I'm doing this?

  Ah Meng finally thoroughly understood Maria's intention, and couldn't help but want to hold her hand, but didn't actually reach out his hand, just standing in front of the table gazing at her. The two were only a little over three feet apart, their breathing could feel each other's presence. Maria looked up at Ah Meng, suddenly lowered her eyelashes and said another sentence: "Why do you have to live like this now? Maybe it's time to settle down, actually..."

  Amun interrupted her: "I'm still very young, I don't want to talk about these things!"

  At this time, Gabriel reported loudly outside the door: "Your Highness, the Lord of Meng Fei Si City is seeking an audience with you to discuss the guard matters of the Blessing Ceremony."

  Maria let out a soft sigh and put away the destructive storm, raising her tone to answer sternly: "Let him in, it just so happens that General Amun is also here."

  After bidding farewell to Maria, Amun left the temple with Daya, the lord of the city, and returned to his temporary residence in Dreamflight City. He immediately summoned Medanzo and instructed him to return to their territory to take care of something. Amun had finally decided to let Moses and the others depart; nominally they were Amun's slaves, sent by the great general to open up another territory.

  This group of people had to pass through the border checkpoint of Egypt, and Amun did not send anyone to escort them. He only gave Moses a letter of introduction, allowing him to lead his people back home on their own. Amun also ordered Medanzer and Link to secretly follow them. If they encountered any unexpected danger, they would quietly resolve it without revealing themselves. When these people encountered obstacles, Medanzer and Link could appear in a timely manner under the name of the Arroch ambassador, providing guidance with confidence and courage.

  This journey of ten thousand miles, first to cross the Egu territory, also has monsters roaming the desert, jungle, wilderness, and swamp, which is also a test of will and faith. Under normal circumstances, the main dangers encountered on this trip should be in the deserts and swamps outside the Egu territory, while walking between city-states within the Egu territory can take official roads. For convenience, Amun handed over several precious artifacts to Maidan Zuo and Lin Ke, including the crystal flying arrow, the pursuit of death lamp, and the puppet eye mirror.

  Mai Dangzo left Dreamflight that afternoon, and Moses and the others brought their families with them, with dozens of cars and a large amount of living supplies. The speed on the road won't be too fast, and it will take at least several months to reach Duke Plain.

  Mai Dangzo left, and John felt bored. Amun usually stayed in his room reading various classics and rarely went out, so even his personal bodyguard couldn't go out to have fun. Amun noticed this and asked John with a smile during dinner that night: "Before going to He Lie Shan, you always lived in Meng Fei Si. Where did you usually go at night to have fun? Since there's nothing else to do, why not take me along to experience it?"

  John was overjoyed and laughed: "General, I've been waiting for you to say that! Just follow me, and I'll treat you tonight!"

  Amon changed into comfortable casual clothes and followed John out, deliberately not bringing his guards, with John driving himself to a very prosperous street area in the west of the city. This place is relatively far from the temple, but close to the commercial center. John stopped the car in front of a magnificent courtyard gate, Amon's expression looked a bit strange, and this was actually the most luxurious brothel in Dream Flying City.

  Armon knew this place, and he had walked past the door of this brothel with Iso before. He even mentioned that it only served nobles, and Sir Theo was so rich but couldn't go in to have fun, which was one of his regrets in life. At that time, Theo wasn't a noble yet, nor was Armon, but Armon had never been to any brothel, so he didn't have much to regret.

  As soon as John saw Ah Meng's expression, he laughed and grabbed his arm, whispering: "Ah Meng God, you should experience the world more, to know that life is not just about cultivation or fighting. As a young and handsome Grand General of the Empire, you should come to places like this more often!"

  Without saying a word, Ammon was dragged inside, and John obviously knew the place like the back of his hand, even the pimps here knew him. As soon as he entered, he ordered the brothel's attendants to take away the carriage, then yelled loudly for someone to arrange the best fragrant room for him, everything had to be top-notch, no matter how much money was spent.

  They entered a separate small fragrant hall, the so-called small hall area was absolutely not small, with spacious large sofas, and on the table in front of them were fine wines and delicacies. In front of the table there was a pool of water, which was surprisingly warm water, and flower petals were scattered on top. After sitting down, someone played musical instruments, the orchestra performed behind a screen wall, unable to see the situation in the hall.

  John sat down and ordered his attendants to bring all the best girls here, to perform a song and dance on the carpet in front of the pool, so that General Amun could appreciate them. If Amun fancied one or several of them, he would keep them to accompany him for wine.

  Time was not long, came a dozen or so beautiful girls, across the pool in the hall light singing and dancing. They wore clothes very "interesting", all bare midriff and breast binding, full chest only covered the highest point of the two points, but in front of the chest hanging a string of beaded metal pendant, collision issued a pleasant sound. Skirt cut open many strips, waist twisting and turning exposed slender legs. This half-covered half-exposed, is more heart-moving ambiguous temptation.

  They wore few clothes on their bodies, but they insisted on wearing a veil. This veil couldn't hide their faces because it was almost transparent, decorated with sparkling things that made the girls' faces more charming and alluring as they swayed their bodies in seductive poses, while softly reciting noble poems that stirred up lustful thoughts.

  Amun was unfamiliar with this scene, but his performance in any situation was about the same. This nineteen-year-old boy never wasted food and drink. When he saw the fine wine and delicacies on the table, he started eating and drinking very seriously, savoring slowly and occasionally taking a sip of wine. Occasionally, when he heard the girls singing certain lines of poetry that were quite good, Amun would look up and glance at them before continuing to eat and drink with his head down.

  John, on the other hand, was watching with great interest, holding his wine glass and tapping his leg, even using his fingers to tap out the rhythm on the cup. When the song ended, John turned around and asked, "General, which ones have you taken a liking to? Let them walk across the pool."

  Here, the rules are very particular. If a guest wants some of the girls to stay behind, the girls need to walk over from the pool and come in front of the guests completely soaked. This is considered an intentionally arranged romantic or erotic atmosphere. And then there are those impatient guests who, when the girls enter the pool, take off their outer garments and jump into the water to frolic.

  Ammon was taken aback, put down his cup and looked up at John: "You deal with it yourself, I don't have anyone who wants to stay."

  John scratched the back of his head and smiled slyly, saying: "Your vision is so high that I admire you!" Then he waved his hand at the girls facing him by the pool and said: "All of you stay here and keep me company!"

  The girls were originally very disappointed, but when they heard this, they all giggled and jumped into the pool, splashing water flowers everywhere.

  Ah Mon and John sat on either side, with a screen that could be used to separate them in the middle of their reclining chairs. The long and wide reclining chair was very spacious, it would not be a problem even if it were used as a bed, but these dozen or so girls all ran to John's side, squeezed tightly together and still couldn't sit down completely, with two of them simply sitting on John's legs, yet they all stole glances at Ah Mon with curious eyes.

  This young man was robust and handsome, in fact the girls would rather accompany him, but Amun didn't take a liking to any of them, making people feel somewhat angry. Amun however remained expressionless, sitting there still drinking and eating, using his small knife to scrape the meat off the bones very cleanly. This made the girls very puzzled, if you want to eat then go to a restaurant, spending so much money here just to eat?

  John took one look at the scene and immediately bellowed: "Bring your boss, Dilland!"

  Before long, the madam of the brothel came in and when she saw a dozen or so girls surrounding John drinking, her heart sank. Dillard had known this John for some time, years ago John hadn't been afraid to start fights here, he had even injured several young nobles after getting drunk, and almost destroyed one of the small halls of the brothel.

  "What's this old man doing here again? It's really annoying! The boss asked cautiously: "So it was Mr. John who came, welcome! Is there anything that doesn't satisfy you? Are there any instructions?"

  John picked up the two wet girls on his legs and patted the table, saying: "Of course not satisfied, do you see that side? That is my noblest friend, and the vision is also the highest. Hurry up and call all your best girls!"