Moses and other people could not pass through the city of Marduk controlled by Yusier. They had been wandering in the mountains looking at the fertile plains for several months, constantly migrating from one place to another, looking for water and food in the mountains. It was very hard.
From the ferry of the Eudi River controlled by the city-state of Kish in the Kingdom of Baron to the city of Marduk, a road had already appeared at this time. Many expectant explorers came to this brand-new city-state in a steady stream, looking for wealth and dreams. There are also many businessmen who organize convoys to send supplies and transport back the special products of the Duke Plain. Although the journey is difficult, it is very profitable.
The Duke Plain is like a new unknown world bestowed by the gods, full of challenges and opportunities, and people come here to find hope. I don’t know when there was a legend: wanderers who have nothing may even own a city-state in the Duke Plain, and they can obtain wealth comparable to that of a king, and they may even receive the blessings of the gods in the future. Of course, the migrants from the Kingdom of Baron all chose the city-state of Marduk, and the caravans went further. They crossed the trails trodden by horses and pedestrians in the wasteland and did business with the city of Salem.
The city of Salem conducted trade with the Kingdom of Baron through the city of Marduk, which was the result of Medanzuo's negotiation with Yusier, which was beneficial to the development of the two city-states. At present, the biggest enemy of Salem City is the Assyrians in the north. If the Assyrians advance from north to south and occupy the entire Duk Plain, it will be difficult for Marduk City to gain a foothold. The two city-states are closely related.
Ussier also doesn't want to be an enemy of Salem City, he is very happy to see a barrier in the center of the Duk Plain to block the strong enemies in the north, so that he can have more time to manage Marduk City stably.
The refined iron and leather goods produced in Salem City are also the materials needed by the Baron Kingdom, not to mention the sacred stone. Amon passed on the miner skills in Duke Town to Link, and Link passed it on to the cavemen in the tribe. Now there are a group of excellent craftsmen in Salem City, who can not only smelt ore but also create various exquisite utensils .
However, there are restrictions on trade between the Kingdom of Baron and Salem City. For example, products such as refined iron can only be transported from the Duke Plain, and are not allowed to be transported in. Important strategic materials such as weapons, armor, and war horses are not allowed. Sold to Salem City.
If Salem City needs these things, it must either build them by itself, or they can only obtain them from other means. Amon opened another business route in the Black Fire Swamp, of course, to solve this problem. However, even if the long commercial road is opened, it cannot meet the urgent needs. The city of Salem is short of manpower and there are still many things to do, and it is impossible to build all the war preparation materials.
Before the road to the Blackfyre Swamp was opened, Medanzo came up with another idea to carry out a trade similar to smuggling. Mei Danzuo was originally from smuggling horse leather billets, and he is very familiar with instructing people to do this business.
Entering the wilderness to explore and hunt is full of dangers, so it is natural to carry weapons, armor, and horses. The personal equipment of those expedition teams and wandering hunters who go deep into the wilderness are not within the restrictions on trade. But a set of excellent weapons, armor and war horses is by no means affordable for ordinary people. Many expedition teams carry simple weapons and walk into the wilderness together to try their luck.
A business house in Marduk City provided loans to these people, and the borrowed money was used to purchase war horses and weapons and equipment designated by the business house. Who will borrow the money and how will it be repaid in the future? There is no need to worry about this. After entering the wilderness, someone will buy their weapons and war horses, and the price will be very high. After repaying the loan of the business, they can make a fortune, so there is no need to venture into the wilderness.
It is normal for explorers to lose their weapons and war horses in the wilderness jungle. Sometimes it is because of the dangerous roads, sometimes because of encountering ferocious beasts, and sometimes even their own lives will be lost. If the expedition failed and "luckily" escaped back, he could earn a fortune by returning the loan in the commercial bank, and then continue to borrow money to buy equipment before setting off. It was through this method that Medanzuo allowed Salem City to obtain a steady stream of strategic materials.
Borrowing in commercial banks calculates the interest according to the time. The wandering explorers who smuggle materials through this method will not be able to earn money if the travel time is too long, so they must strive to go and return as quickly as possible Go several times to fight for more profits.
The owner of the firm who did this business in Marduk City was also an old friend, that is, Lescott Lee, a wealthy businessman from the city-state of Uruk. He not only made money through borrowing money, but also sold various strategic materials. He organized caravans from all over the Kingdom of Baron to transport them to Marduk City, and he cooperated happily with Medanzo.
Because Lescott-Lee's business was doing well, it shipped a lot of supplies, attracted customers, and paid a lot of taxes, which promoted the prosperity and development of Marduk City and was praised by the city lord Ussier many times. When Lescott-Lee came to Marduk City to inspect his firm, Lord Ussier specially invited the rich businessman to a banquet, and said that he would report Lescott-Lee's achievements to the kingdom, maybe he could get A title of nobility, as long as he continues to contribute to Marduk City.
On the high slopes of the mountain, caravans and explorers can be seen passing through the city of Marduk and the city of Salem, but Moses and others are unable to move forward. They are bound by an oracle: Except for Marduk, They are not allowed to build idols of any other gods.
But they believe in their only god, and accept the guidance of Arhat to get here through all kinds of difficulties and dangers. Moses and the people are naturally unwilling to accept this condition.
At the beginning, they prayed to the gods all night, and then heard the voice of the angel. Medanzo told them that this was the test of the gods, the last hurdle they had to overcome before returning home. The gods gave them confidence and courage, and now they need to use their wisdom and strength to solve the problem. The implication is that Arhat will not take them there directly. This time, the clansmen need to find a way to tide over the difficulties.
what can we do about it? From the top of the mountain, you can see the boundless plain of Duk, but the city of Marduk is in front of you, and the Syrian desert is thousands of miles away. The food carried in Moses' space magic weapon has been exhausted, and Arhat no longer performs miracles. They can only pick wild fruits and catch prey in the mountains to satisfy their hunger.
The miners in Duke Town chased prey and water sources in the mountains. When spring came, they finally stopped their tired footsteps and found a valley where they could stop at the edge of the mountains. There is a thin clear spring on the hillside, forming a meandering mountain stream passing through a valley sheltered from the wind and facing the sun. Moses took out the grain seeds he carried with him, and ordered the people to reclaim the land by the mountain stream to plant crops, and built simple huts to live at the foot of the mountain.
The tribe guards the field from being trampled by wild animals, and they take turns to hunt in the nearby mountains. The seeds have just broken through the soil and germinated, and there is still a long time before the harvest. Every day, they have to go to the mountain stream to fetch water for irrigation and go hunting in the mountains to obtain food. Life is very difficult. Hardship comes second, and the most torturous feeling is the feeling of hopelessness.
A tribe said to Moses: "You let us reclaim the fields and build thatched huts. Do you want to settle here? Look around, there are barren hills with no people inhabited. Not far from the mountains is a vast desert. We only guard a small road. Living in this barren valley, we can only build the simplest huts. If this is the case, why not stay in Amon’s territory? Why did we leave in the first place? We have gone through hardships, and what we want is not today’s result !"
Moses replied: "This is only a place for us to stop temporarily. Spring has come, and we must sow in autumn to reap. With food, we can go further in the next winter."
Some clansmen asked again: "For the time being? But how long are we going to hang around here? Where is the God who guides us?"
Moses persuaded: "This is God's test for us. We have to overcome the difficulties by ourselves. Sowing seeds here is for future harvest, and building houses is for everyone to rest better. When we embark on the journey again, we will There will be a better hope and future."
Everyone asked, "Then can you tell us how long we are going to stay here?"
Moses didn't answer this question, because he didn't know the answer himself. He just leaned on the iron staff and said: "Look at the ground under your feet, the broken malt is full of vitality, and look at the clouds in the sky, the changing patterns are always So beautiful and magical. If there is hope in my heart, even the sun on the desert will always be so bright."
In fact, Moses himself could have quietly bypassed Marduk City and entered the Duk Plain. After crossing the Red Sea, he already had the seventh-level achievement of one body with two sides. Although Amon has not yet given him the guidance of the original power, Moses is already a great magician and great warrior, and he can go anywhere he wants. But Moses did not abandon his people, he was their leader, and he wanted to fulfill his promise.
At this moment, Yusier sent someone to find them again. Yusier's messenger told Moses: "The great god Marduk sent down an oracle again. You are all the best craftsmen on the continent. If you are willing to live in Marduk City, and swear to believe in Marduk God forever, and will have a happy and prosperous life. There are comfortable houses and beautiful girls in Marduk City. Craftsman workshops have been prepared for you, and there are fine wines on the workbench. "
Moses refused the request, but some people were secretly tempted. Instead of waiting aimlessly here, it would be better to go to Marduk City to live a comfortable life. It's just that it's difficult to face Arhat's guidance, but the gods have already said that they need to find a way to overcome the difficulties by themselves. If this is the case, can they also accept Ussier's conditions
If you give up persistence, the benefits are in front of you, and they have suffered enough for long enough. Moses noticed the thoughts of many tribesmen, and he was also trying to get out of the predicament. He sent twelve judges to climb various high slopes near the Duke Plain to observe the terrain and check if there were any secret passages to pass through, and then returned to the station to discuss Countermeasures.
After the twelve judges left, Moses alone climbed up the highest mountain next to the station, which is called Mount Sinai. Moses prayed on the top of Mount Sinai for three days and three nights. He called in his heart: "Araha, my only God! Please give us real guidance. I don't ask you to move mountains and fill seas so that we can go directly to our hometown. I just want to ask you to point out the right beliefs, how to keep us from getting lost in the journey."
Three days passed, and there was no sound on Mount Sinai. Moses was worried about the situation of his people, and finally prepared to go back, and stood up with a long sigh. He was about to go down the mountain with his iron staff, when he suddenly heard Arhat's voice again: "Moses, you could have already passed through Marduk, why are you still here?"
Moses turned sharply and knelt down, prostrated to the gods he could not see in the void, and said: "My God, you have finally spoken! Marduk sent down an oracle, asking us to swear that we will not build for gods other than him. God statue, this oath blocked the footsteps of the clansmen."
Aroha asked rhetorically, "Did I ask you to build a statue for me? If you really wanted to build a statue for me, what would it look like?"
Moses was stunned, and it took a long time before he suddenly realized: "I understand what you mean, not building statues will not shake our faith."
Arhaha asked again: "Then why haven't you led your people into the Duk Plain yet? Marduk City is not an obstacle."
Moses sighed: "But the clansmen don't understand this, and even I'm not sure. It's disrespectful to you to agree to such a condition. The clansmen are afraid of losing God's guidance and even being retaliated by you. My God! You really don't want to show your face to the people, don't you want us to build a statue for you?"
A Luoha replied: "Yes, I just gave you a promise to let you strengthen your inner beliefs. You don't need or allow you to build a statue for me. If you see my face one day, it is also something you must strictly abide by." It’s a secret. Because from the very beginning, I have made such an agreement with my tribe. Today I will make these agreements clear, and you will take them back and announce them to them.”
Moses nodded quickly and said, "Okay, please make a covenant with me and my tribe."
A Luoha solemnly said: "Besides me, you must not have other gods! Otherwise, you will lose my guidance. This is the first agreement. You cannot build tangible statues for gods. If so, the people of later generations may Will forget the guidance of faith, just pray to the idol on the altar, this is the second agreement. These two agreements are enough to get you out of the current predicament, this is my request and my promise."
Moses kissed the dirt and said, "Thank you, my God!"
A Luoha said again: "Don't act in my name. Everyone should be responsible for their own choices. This is the third agreement. The clansmen work very hard. After six days of work, they should have a rest day, and they should not be forced to work again. , this is the fourth agreement. Respect your parents and never forget who brought you into this world and gave you life, this is the fifth agreement."
Moses prostrated himself on the ground and replied, "I have written all these down."
Arhat went on to say: "I have given you the guidance of strength. At the same time, you must also understand the various trials in this world. The question of fate runs through it all the way. After returning to your hometown, there are five warnings. You must not kill innocent people, and you must not kill innocent people for money. or selfish desires to deprive others of their lives; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not give false testimony to frame others; do not embezzle things that do not belong to you. You must remember these agreements, the city-state of Salem has reserved the land and mines of your ancestors for you , you must live in harmony with the people there, and don’t take everything there for granted just because of my promise.”
Moses kept the words of Arhat in his heart. These were the ten agreements made by God with him and the people of his tribe, which were later called the Ten Commandments. After saying this, A Luoha ordered again: "You tell my people about my agreement. If they are willing to abide by it, then I will fulfill the promise and continue to guide them. After all this is done, you will come to see me on Mount Sinai .”
Moses walked down Mount Sinai with the agreement with Arhat, passed the spring where the stream originated on the mountainside, and galloped along the mountain stream with brisk steps. He couldn't wait to tell the good news to his tribe. When he came to the place where the tribe lived, it was already dark, but the scene in front of him surprised him.
Several large fires were lit next to the open space in the middle of the hut. This place was originally used as a wheat field after the autumn harvest, but now there is a shining golden bull in the center of the open space. Some people were dancing around the bull, and some people lined up in a circle and prayed to the bull.
Moses asked, "What are you doing! Where did this golden bull come from?"
This question carries magical powers, and has the power to shock the soul and wake people up from stupor. The dancing people stopped, and the praying people also stood up, all showing confusion, panic, and unwillingness. Joshua flashed out from the shadow of the hut, grabbed Moses by the sleeve and said, "You are finally back! Great things have happened here in the past three days, and a god has performed miracles." He told the story in a low voice —
The twelve judges who protected the tribe left the camp, and Moses, the leader, also climbed Mount Sinai. The tribe seemed to have lost their backbone, and even the sound of the wind blowing through the treetops at night became so terrifying, and spent their days in fear and anxiety. first night. In fact, most of them are very strong, comparable to the soldiers of any regular legion on the road, but for the first time in a long time, they lost the protection of a stronger force, and they were a little panicked for a while.
On the first day after Moses left, a disturbing situation emerged. The prey in the nearby mountains disappeared without a trace. The tribesmen who went hunting in the mountains did not even catch a rabbit, and all returned empty-handed. For the first time, everyone went to bed hungry. The provisions they had carried had been consumed, and the last batch had been sown as seed.
The clansmen fell asleep in hunger and restlessness, and that night, whether they were awake or asleep, they all heard a voice from nowhere, as if it sounded directly in their minds: "Duke Do you want to save yourself from a miserable fate? I am the great god Bakri, and I am here to guide you back to the happy homeland of your dreams."