Chapter 1384: Chapter 82: Canaan’s Foster Father (Part 3)
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For all glory, majesty, power, authority, and might belong to you from ancient times, to now, and forevermore!
Their covenant reverberated through the heavens, also absorbed by the Holy Covenant and Holy Cabinet, transforming into a proof of trust between man and God.
Ultimately, the shimmering golden flames coalesced into a staff, landing in Luo En’s hand.
It was the key to open the Holy Cabinet, also the symbol of the Shepherd.
From this moment, he would lead this flock of “lambs” to break free from Egyptian bondage and return to the Promised Land—Canaan.
Of course, the prerequisite is that those who swore must uphold the covenant they verbally promised.
Regardless of whether they are Gods or men.
Luo En recalled the ten commandments inscribed on the clay tablet, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
Then, he turned around, raised the staff in his hand, and mused:
“Our Savior has already shown us the path of righteousness. Come, everyone, I will lead you home!”
“King of Kings, God of All Gods, Most Holy of Holies, our supreme Heavenly Father Yi Le, Holy, Holy, Holy!”
Like seeing dawn breaking from darkness, the Canaanites cheered excitedly, shouldered their packs, and, with families in tow, followed the guiding Shepherd, officially embarking on the journey home.
Meanwhile, unnamed calamities spread throughout Egypt.
At first, the waters of the Nile River turned blood-red, fish and shrimp died en masse, rendering the water undrinkable and unfit for irrigation;
Then, frogs, lice, flies, locusts, and other unclean creatures covered the entire land of Egypt, entering homes, palaces, and even upon people, spreading disease, destroying crops and food;
Soon after, livestock diseases, hail, boils, and various disasters ensued, making the Egyptians miserable, unable to farm, build, or labor.
A large number of Canaanites seized the opportunity to break free from Egyptian overseers’ control, following divine guidance to join the ranks of Prophet Moses.
Consequently, the number of refugees increased dramatically, reaching several hundred thousand.
But the mass exodus of slaves eventually attracted the Egyptians’ attention.
Just as they were preparing to organize troops to chase and capture these runaway slaves, an unusual darkness descended, preventing Egyptians from seeing each other. Panic ensued, and no one dared to rise and leave to pursue.
The Netherworld Snake Apophis, affected by this, saw an increase in divine authority and became even more brutal.
After warring with this nemesis for three days and nights, the Sun God Ra finally spread sunlight again over the land of Egypt.
As reports of the Canaanites’ mass exodus spread, Pharaoh Ramses II was enraged, immediately assembling his army to give chase.
At this moment, the Canaanites’ fleeing group reached the edge of the Red Sea.
Seeing the approaching pursuers, the refugees trembled in fear, their eyes, whether obscure or transient, focused on the Shepherd.
They were merely accomplices; this was the perpetrator.
If they surrendered now, they might not be punished.
Perhaps if they captured him, they might even receive rewards.
Hearing the increasingly noisy discussions among the crowd, Luo En shook his head, raised the staff, and gently swung it over the sea surface.
Instantly, the sea, stretching over ten thousand meters, parted as if by invisible hands, revealing an expansive seabed.
Seeing this scene, the hundreds of thousands of Canaanites were visibly shocked and quickly dismissed their treacherous intentions, rushing into the seabed of the Red Sea, crossing to the other side as fast as they could.
Luo En did not stop them, coldly watching until the last person passed, then stepped forward, crossing through the Red Sea himself.
Subsequently, the surging water lost its support and crashed down, engulfing the thousands of Egyptian soldiers that had pursued.
Watching the rolling sea and their cutoff pursuers, the Canaanites, who had narrowly escaped, excitedly cheered, some even kneeling to kiss the ground.
Luo En leaned on his staff, smiling as he persuaded the celebrating Canaanites:
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the Sinai Peninsula. We have not yet completely escaped Egypt’s control. To truly return home, we must finish the journey ahead.”
Given that this Prophet seemed truly endowed with Divine Power and indeed led them away from their pursuers, the people agreed, dutifully following behind the Shepherd.
Indeed, Father God Yi Le is merciful.
Considering they were a large, undisciplined crowd with no combat experience, the Heavenly Father cared for their weaknesses, fearing they might lose heart at the sight of enemies. Therefore, He forewarned of dangers, guiding them on detours, leading them with daytime clouds and nighttime fire to ensure their safety day and night.
But soon, new problems arose.
The refugees complained of their hunger and thirst, and Luo En quickly responded to their requests.
During the day, he struck rocks with his staff to bring forth water, and at night, he prayed to the Deities for a food called “Mana.”
Mana fell with the dew in the camp at night, resembling small white frost-like objects. Its form was like coriander seeds, or pearls, and was white. The Canaanites collected the Mana, grinding or pounding it, cooking it in pots, or baking it into cakes that tasted like fresh oil.
From that day on, the refugees lived without fear of hunger or thirst.
Unfortunately, they lost their way in the wilderness.
No matter how far they traveled by day or how they changed directions, they would wake up back at the starting point.
Furthermore, the rise and fall of the sun and moon were dozens of times faster than they remembered, as if they were in a time labyrinth they could never escape.