Chapter 3: Formal Logic in Theology - Syllogism (Part One)
Fayol left, and after a while, Amon also left home; he went to find the old madman. Amon was still a child, feeling an indescribable sense of grievance in his heart, yet he could not say anything to his drunken father. Listening to the old madman's rambling nonsense was also a form of relaxation and comfort.
Thus, Amon went alone each time, always during the bright moonlit nights. At first, he truly could not endure the almost bone-chilling cold, but after each bath, sitting by the spring for a while, a wave of warmth would fill his entire body, making him feel very comfortable, to the point of wanting to moan softly. Amon grew fond of this sensation; whenever he felt unhappy, he would always come to the cold spring.
Rod-Dick was exceptionally excited, even ecstatic; he had indeed successfully obtained the Tears of the Gods. How wise, illustrious, and fortunate he was! Amid the praises of his subordinates and servants, including Fayol, he held his wine glass and felt somewhat lightheaded. Rod-Dick had not actually experienced the dream that the goddess Isis had supposedly guided him in; it was a fabrication of his own. Yet now, he could not help but think that he had truly received guidance and favor from the goddess Isis in the unseen realm
Xiao Gu concurrently serves as the secretary for both Duku Town and the temple, responsible for writing and registration tasks, recording the taxes paid by the townspeople each year as well as the offerings made to the temple. The position of secretary is regarded as higher than that of an ordinary civilian, qualifying as a form of low nobility. Additionally, Xiao Gu is a priest of the temple, which elevates his status beyond that of a typical secretary, making him the second most important figure in the town
Fayol was in high spirits and quite pleased. Rod-Dick rewarded the craftsman with thirty gold coins, each weighing one zhu, which made the bag feel heavy. However, what he placed on the child's workbench were thirty silver coins, similar in size to the gold coins, but each weighing only half a zhu, worth only one and a half gold coins, with the remainder all belonging to him
In addition to the post roads where city-state warriors are stationed every thirty miles, people rarely venture into the depths of the Blackfire Jungle. The strange and intricate shrubs and scattered rocks can completely obscure visibility over a very short distance, making it appear filled with unfathomable dangers
As Xiao Gu spoke, he looked at Amon like a cold eagle gazing at a trembling rabbit, even though Amon bit his lip and did not shiver—he had long found this child displeasing. Doke Town produced an endless supply of divine stones, symbolizing boundless wealth, yet only four people in this small town could write: Dasti, Xiao Gu, the old madman Nietzsche, and this child Amon
The people in the square only saw Lord Xiao Gu and Lord Dasti whispering to each other for a moment, and then they saw Xiao Gu turn around and raise his voice, saying: "The miner's son, Amon, has violated the time-honored oracle of Dook Town. Without the grace and blessing of Goddess Mu Yun, he unlawfully opened the core of the mine and extracted a divine stone. I verified this last night, and it was his father who admitted it in person... The esteemed Lord Dasti has arrived. What do you all think should be done with him?" Then they saw Xiao Gu turn around and raise his voice again, saying: "The miner's son, Amon, has violated the time-honored oracle of Dook Town. Without the grace and blessing of Goddess Mu Yun, he unlawfully opened the core of the mine and extracted a divine stone. I verified this last night, and it was his father who admitted it in person... The esteemed Lord Dasti has arrived. What do you all think should be done with him?"
Rod Dick did not keep the Tear of the Gods in his possession, but promptly sent it to Gabriel. He was well aware that many would vie for this Tear, and securing the approval of the Temple of Isis as soon as possible was of utmost importance. He planned to leave Dook Town immediately the next day, wishing to avoid any unforeseen complications. However, Gabriel informed him that Aiko-Maria was ill and would need to rest in the town for at least three more days, and could not undertake the arduous journey across the desert immediately.
Xiao Gu was taken aback for a moment, then nodded respectfully and said: "Understood, I will proceed as you instructed. However, there is one matter that must be addressed, as someone has violated the dignity of the divine..."
One should not underestimate a secretary, for he possesses the ability to read and write. In both Hatti and Egypt, typically only the nobility had the means to learn writing. A chief secretary like Fayyāl-Yahūda of Rod-Dik could almost stand on equal footing with a noble such as Mayor Dastī of the Hatti kingdom, even though he is merely a staff member
Xiao Gu hurriedly descended the steps and bowed respectfully to the esteemed High Priest and Lord, saying: "Noble High Priest and Lord, someone has desecrated our guardian deity, the great Mu Yun goddess. " Then, lowering his voice, he continued, "Mayor, you may not be aware, but someone in the town has unearthed a legendary Tear of the Gods, yet it has not been submitted and was privately offered to Lord Rod-Dick. As you know, even if it is an offering, it should be made by you or me..." Mayor, you may not be aware, but someone in the town has unearthed a legendary Tear of the Gods, yet it has not been submitted and was privately offered to Lord Rod-Dick. As you know, even if it is an offering, it should be made by you or me..."
Fayol acted according to his instructions, and when the Tears of the Gods first appeared, he immediately took them away to present them in the name of the goddess Isis. This approach could save a great deal of trouble; such an important item, once extracted, would be difficult to reclaim if submitted to the city-state of Syria according to local regulations. Although, with Dick's identity and appropriate threats, it might not be impossible to obtain, there is no guarantee of success.
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As for Mayor Dasti, Rod-Dick certainly needs to compensate him well, as they will have dealings in the future and cannot afford to lose this friend. Regarding who the miner that extracted the divine stone is and what he received, Rod-Dick no longer concerns himself with it. He has already tasked Fayol with the matter, generously providing thirty gold coins, and Fayol has accomplished it, which is sufficient.
The method has been taught; whether one can achieve it without harming the body, and whether one can endure the biting cold, all depends on Amon himself. Amon once asked what benefits there are to bathing in that cold spring. The old madman smiled and replied with two words—sobering up
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The house was filled with a foul smell of wine and the smoke from the fire, and Fayol did not wish to linger for even a moment longer. He hurriedly left with the Tears of the Gods. Fayol was exceptionally curious about this legendary symbol of divine favor, almost unable to resist the urge to hold it in his hands and examine its wonders closely. He even wanted to place it in his own pouch, but of course, he dared not do so. He could only hold the golden box containing the Tears of the Gods with utmost respect and caution.
The water of the cold spring possesses another unique quality; although it is extremely cold, it can cleanse a person exceptionally well, leaving not a trace of dust on the body
Character List of This Chapter
People made way for Dasti as he walked, grumbling, "Xiao Gu, why are you ringing the bell so early to summon everyone for *tu* *shu*? Lord Dick is still in town; are you not afraid of disturbing the esteemed guest?"
Dasti quickly interrupted him in a low voice: "Xiao Gu, let's not mention this matter! Lord Dick wants that Tear of the Gods, and he is staying in the town. Can you and I stop him? However, we have not submitted it to the city-state as required. If someone investigates, who will take responsibility? The miners who extracted it voluntarily offered it to the goddess Isis, and Lord Dick will testify to avoid trouble for you and me. Rest assured, Lord Dick's gift will be delivered to your home tonight, and it will not disappoint you... Is there anything else?"
This shrub is no more than two people high, yet its branches are extremely hard. When cutting it down, one must use high-quality machetes and axes. The charcoal produced from it is the best fuel for smelting iron ingots. This area is known as the Black Fire Jungle, located along the essential route from Duke Town to the city-state of Xuya, and the post road of Xuya also passes through here
Mayor Dusty, enjoying a sumptuous breakfast surrounded by four servants, was quite displeased by the sound of the bell. Who was disturbing his comfortable leisure? In Dook Town, only two individuals were qualified to ring the bell of the Temple of Goddess Mu Yun to summon the faithful. Dusty was the chief priest of the town and also the nominal high priest of the Mu Yun deity, but the specific affairs of the temple were managed by Priest Marco Rob - Xiao Gu.
Dasti can only write the cuneiform script used in the regions of Hatti, Babylon, and Assyria, which was originally carved into clay tablets with a stylus. However, Xiaogu is capable of writing in two types of scripts; in addition to cuneiform, he also writes in the script used by the Aegean Empire, which is written with a pen on papyrus. All of this was taught to him by the old madman, but now the old madman has also taught both types of writing to Amon
Fayol, however, was not concerned that Lord Dick would blame him. The noble Lord Dick would never lower himself to visit the filthy and humble home of a miner and stand before that fireplace. The fact that he had sent his secretary to visit in person was already an honor for this family. He had completed his mission as instructed by Lord Dick and had fortunately obtained the Tears of the Gods. Lord Dick would only be surprised and might even reward him; he would not pursue trivial matters at all, for he understood that lord very well.
Aristotle: A young wandering sage from a distant continent, a follower and advisor of Rod-Dick
Upon obtaining the Tears of the Gods, the first thing he did was kneel in prayer, praising the great deities. He then bestowed three divine stones upon Fajol and sent a generous gift to Mayor Dasti. The reason for such a lavish reward is surely known to Mayor Dasti.
Duke is merely a small town, and it is neither possible nor necessary to have so many noble officials. Mayor Dasti certainly does not wish for too many people to share power here, so the simpler the matters, the better. According to the city-state's regulations, a secretary is required, and a priest to oversee temple affairs is also necessary, so let Xiaogu serve in both roles. Moreover, Dasti is aware that the lord of the city-state of Surya has a favorable impression of Xiaogu, or more precisely, has accepted bribes from Xiaogu. According to the city-state's regulations, a secretary is required, and a priest to oversee temple affairs is also necessary, so let Xiaogu serve in both roles. Moreover, Dasti is aware that the lord of the city-state of Surya has a favorable impression of Xiaogu, or more precisely, has accepted bribes from Xiaogu
The human heart is truly remarkable. Not long ago, Rod Dick was drinking and complaining, secretly thinking that it was better to pray to the miners than to the deities. Now that he has truly obtained the Tears of the Gods, he has forgotten the miners who extracted them, and cannot help but believe that he has indeed received the favor of the divine, making his prayers of gratitude to the goddess Isis seem so sincere
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Amon once wanted to take his alcoholic father to the cold spring for a bath, but the old madman glared and said: "Do you want to take your old man's life? He cannot endure it; only you can go. Do not tell anyone else!"
He stayed at the old madman's house for about half an hour, and then quietly went to the west side of the town. To the west of Doke Town lies a range of hills covered with dark green strange rocks. In the nearer areas, there are a few grassy slopes suitable for grazing a small number of sheep, but as one goes further, the terrain becomes treacherous. The strange rocks, though not tall, are bizarre, resembling a dense jungle of devils, with the shrubs growing on them resembling disheveled human hair.
In the Kingdom of Hatti, there are certainly those who desire the Tears of the Gods. Even within the Empire of Egypt, the candidates for the position of High Priestess selected by various city-states are not limited to just Aiko - Maria; this itself is a contest for interests. However, how could the humble miners who extract the Tears of the Gods refuse the noble will of Rod - Di hetushu .com .com K, offering it as a tribute to the goddess Isis? Everything appears to be quite natural.
Ironically, since the Horus Temple was rebuilt in the town, in order to save manpower and centralize power, Mayor Dasti still personally serves as the High Priest of the temple, while the priest and secretary responsible for the specific affairs of the Horus Temple remains Xiao Gu.
Early the next morning, as the townspeople had just risen from their slumber, the smoke from every household wafted into the air. They heard the sound of the bell from the Mu Yun Temple at the northern end of the town, signaling the gathering of all the residents for a meeting
Dasti furrowed his brow but remained silent, only managing to present an air of authority. He felt a strong aversion to Xiao Gu complicating matters at this time, yet he found himself powerless to stop it. When it comes to the topic of blaspheming the divine, everyone must tread carefully; he could not allow Xiao Gu to seize any leverage against him. Moreover, this was indeed a long-standing rule in Duku Town, concerning the dignity of the guardian deity. He pondered to himself—what exactly does Xiao Gu intend to achieve with this matter? Is it directed at me?
However, the old madman had told Amon that in a certain hidden place within the Black Fire Jungle, there was a cold spring. The water was icy and piercing, yet it could refine and purify a person's body. Bathing in that cold spring for an extended period could strengthen the body and enhance reflexes. However, it was essential to follow the method taught by the old madman; otherwise, not only would there be no benefits, but one would also risk having the cold air invade the body, leaving hidden ailments that could be fatal once they manifested.
Mayor Dasti donned his splendid attire and, accompanied by his servants, was the last to arrive at the square in front of the Temple of Goddess Mu Yun. By that time, a large circle had already formed among the people, with Amon and his father standing at the forefront, heads bowed, while Xiao Gu faced the crowd from the high steps of the temple.
Marco Robber - Xiao Gu: The scribe of Doke Town, as well as the priest and scribe of the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Mu Yun in the town, is proficient in both knife script and pen script, and has mastered the corresponding divine writing methods
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Fayol also encountered the Tears of the Gods for the first time, having never even heard of them before. Rod-Dick informed him that it appeared to be a pale golden, translucent divine stone, which he had seen and obtained at Amon's home