Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 349: Thank You, Brother Yan

Zhao Changhe did not reply immediately. He observed the path of the lightning.

The martial artists of this world were unlikely to be knowledgeable of insulation and conductivity. Ancient people certainly were ignorant of such things, after all, and while martial artists who studied nature or the five elements might have some awareness of such concepts, someone like Blood Demon Hand Yan Que likely was not in that group. It was simply a wonder as to what ideas he might have come up with.

For example, wood was an insulator. However, as trees contained water, ancient people were much more likely to believe that trees were conductive. They probably never even entertained the thought that if the water in the tree was removed, it could be used to protect against lightning. At least, Yan Que probably would not think of such a method.

In fact, Zhao Changhe had already seen scattered pieces of wood far down the path, along with long-dead corpses. This showed that someone had tried using wood for protection but was electrocuted because the wood they used contained water. Seeing this, those who managed to reach this area later on were led to abandon the thought of using wood.

Nearby, there was a thick wooden board half-carved but discarded. It seemed that someone started carving but stopped after seeing the tragic fate of those who had gone before them.

The cracked and shattered wood on the road also indicates another problem. Conductivity alone might not be the only concern. It’s likely that the lightning unleashes an impact force that easily shatters wood.

That means that martial arts needs to be integrated with the solution. For instance, I probably have to carve a thick wooden board and use true qi to evaporate the water within. While holding it up to protect myself, I’m supposed to use true qi to prevent the wood from breaking. This approach should allow me to cross the path.

Actually, there is a more direct method. If Dragon Bird is willing, then it can float above me and absorb the lightning for me. However, I doubt Dragon Bird would agree, and using an external divine artifact will probably not be acknowledged as a fair solution by the Heavenly Tome.

Cui Wenjing suggested that he tame Dragon Bird, but Zhao Changhe had still not attempted to do so. It was not because he did not want to, but he had no idea how. He could not just grab Dragon Bird and ask it, “Hey, will you accept me as your master?” Besides, he felt that he could not defeat Dragon Bird and would just end up being chased and attacked by it.

In short, this entire environment was naturally created by the Heavenly Tome. It was not some kind of sadistic trial designed to make people suffer, but simply a test. The problem had to be solvable given a decent foundation in martial arts and the right method. It could not be that difficult.

Zhao Changhe nonchalantly picked up the half-carved thick wooden board beside him, drew his sword and began carving it slowly. He said, “I think we can try using this...”

Yan Que sneered. “Someone already died using that. Go ahead if you want to try.”

Zhao Changhe pretended to just notice and made himself look slightly embarrassed. “Ah... That does seem to be the case... Well, do you have any ideas?”

Yan Que pointed to a large stone slab nearby. “I’ll cut that slab out from the mountain wall. Lifting it above our heads should protect us from lightning. But I only have a single life, so I don’t dare to try it just like that.”

Zhao Changhe chuckled. “You aren’t expecting me to try it then, are you? Are you taking me for a fool, brother Yan?”

Yan Que shook his head and said, “I am not stupid. My point is, it would be much more stable if we did not have to hold it up with our hands. In other words, we can try supporting the slab up with true qi from a distance. But you and I both know that our individual strength is not enough to hold such a heavy slab with just true qi while traveling such a long distance.”

Zhao Changhe understood. “So, you mean that we go together?”

“Exactly, that’s why I said that I haven’t got any helpers. Others aren’t even able to project their true qi, let alone hold something like that up for such a long time,” explained Yan Que. “This method should be stable. Are you willing to give it a try?”

This approach was indeed more stable. As long as they did not touch it with their hands, there would not be any major problems, and the stone slab would not be easily broken.

However, am I really supposed to just trust you and stand so close to you with both of my hands raised while I project my true qi? Even if I don’t die from the lightning, I’d probably die at your hands first.

Zhao Changhe smiled slyly. “Brother Yan, do you trust me that much?”

Yan Que sighed and said. “Deceit and treachery among individuals often prevent things that can be accomplished... This golden page, whatever it is, is likely testing us, and I believe that it wants to test unity and cooperation, hence this final path.”

Zhao Changhe almost laughed out loud. “That makes sense. You’re quite insightful.”

Yan Que said, “If I’m right, then the only solution is for the two of us to hold the slab together. This is likely what the page wants to see. So I suggest that we put aside our schemes and truly cooperate just this one time. What do you think?”

Zhao Changhe pondered for a moment, seemingly moved. “The rumors say that you’re cruel and ruthless. I never expected you to have such a broad mind.”

“Cruelty and ruthlessness do not conflict with one’s ability to cooperate. What conflicts with cooperation is deceit and dishonesty, and I believe that I don’t have such a reputation. And neither do you, brother Wang.”

“Indeed.” Zhao Changhe strapped the wooden board to his back and smiled. “Then let’s go.”

Yan Que looked curiously at the wooden board on his back, which resembled a turtle shell. “Brother Wang, I told you that thing is useless.”

“Better to be prepared,” Zhao Changhe said. He then bent down and easily lifted the stone slab, tossing it up and catching it with one hand. “Let’s go.”

Seeing Zhao Changhe handle the stone slab as if it were as light as the piece of wood on his back, Yan Que’s eyes flashed with surprise.

What incredible strength! Wang Daozhong truly is worthy of his reputation.

“You’re really straightforward. It’s a pleasure to have such a cooperative partner,” Yan Que said as he moved to stand at Zhao Changhe’s left side. Both of them extended their right hands, projecting their true qi to lift the stone slab slightly off the ground.

His choice of position was interesting. With both of them using their right hands to lift the slab, standing at Zhao Changhe’s left side placed him at a disadvantage. In this way, “Wang Daozhong” could still attack him with his left hand, and he would be harder for him to defend. It appeared that he wanted to alleviate Wang Daozhong’s doubts.

Zhao Changhe felt a sense of relief. “Brother Yan, you’re quite considerate. Alright, let’s go!”

The two of them moved together, carefully lifting the stone slab into the lightning-filled area.

Sure enough, the lightning struck the stone slab, but it did not reach underneath. The slab was as solid as Mount Tai.

However, Zhao Changhe found the lifting quite strenuous. His ability to project true qi was not as stable and long-lasting as Yan Que’s. He was barely managing to keep up, relying on his endurance from the Six Harmonies Art. While this lifting did not test his strength, it was still exhausting.

On the bright side, this was some good training for his true qi projection, and it was valuable for increasing his mastery of the Crane Controlling Art.

Throughout his journey, Zhao Changhe felt like he was continuously training all of the techniques he’d learned. He even considered returning for further practice in the future...

Wait, if I acquire the page of the Heavenly Tome, won’t I be able to train like this anytime? I mean, the golden page I have can basically give me a VR experience now. What if I unseal it further?

At this moment, he kept his spiritual sense up, keenly aware of Yan Que’s every move beside him. Everything about Yan Que, down to the smallest detail, was clear as the moon’s reflection on still water to him.

Yan Que really was behaving honestly, just walking slowly by his side.

Zhao Changhe smiled slightly, knowing when the real action would begin.

There’s no way he’s actually willing to share the page with me. When we reach the page, that’s when he’ll attack.

Zhao Changhe was not sure if the blind woman would act against Yan Que. She might only target the gods or demons, so it was likely that he would have to handle the humans himself.

He and Yan Que walked slowly alongside each other, each with his ulterior motives. The end of the path of lightning neared, with the mountain peak now just a dozen or so zhang away. The golden page floated in mid-air, exuding a captivating aura of the Heavenly Dao, vast and mysterious.

Yan Que’s eyes narrowed, and Zhao Changhe could almost feel his muscles gradually tensing and his energy flow changing.

For someone like Yan Que, standing on the left or right made no difference at all.

Boom!

Zhao Changhe stepped forward, then suddenly retreated, leaving the stone slab’s protection.

At that moment, a blood-red light shot out from Yan Que’s left hand, aimed precisely where Zhao Changhe had been standing. By moving away, Zhao Changhe avoided the sneak attack.

In the next instant, Zhao Changhe raised the wooden board on his back to shield himself and quickly retreated back into the path of lightning.

Yan Que, whose sneak attack missed, was dumbfounded.

He had anticipated “Wang Daozhong” to make a move, but that move had to be rushing forward, not retreating.

He actually retreated into the path of lightning? Does he want to die?

With the wooden board held over his head, Zhao Changhe found that it indeed provided complete protection. He did not even need to prop it up with true qi; he could simply hold it up with his hands. True qi protected the board, and the lightning strikes did it no harm. His arrangement was as stable as a rock.

Yan Que was baffled. Why is his wooden board able to stop the lightning?

Pursuing Zhao Changhe was not an option. Yan Que knew that supporting the stone slab alone for such a long distance was beyond his capabilities. Otherwise, he would have long gone through the path and would not have hesitated at the entrance for so long. Returning to chase Zhao Changhe and then coming back for the page would be too exhausting. Yan Que made a prompt decision and ignored his former “partner.” He rushed forward the last couple of zhang to grab the page.

Just as he was about to touch the page, Zhao Changhe, who Yan Que believed had retreated, abruptly turned back, throwing his sword straight at Yan Que’s back!

Yan Que was prepared, and his hand glowed with a blood-red light as he struck the sword.

The air suddenly froze for a moment.

Lightning struck the sword, sending electric currents straight through Yan Que’s hand and into his body.

Yan Que convulsed and screamed in pain, dropping the stone slab onto his own head with a thud.

Zhao Changhe dashed by like smoke, unleashing a Heavenly Sea-Suppressing Palm. He created a powerful blast of wind that struck Yan Que’s side from a distance.

Yan Que’s muscles were temporarily paralyzed by the lightning and he could not defend himself. He took the hit, spitting blood as he stumbled back.

Zhao Changhe snatched the golden page and ran back while holding the wooden board over his head. “Thank you, brother Yan. The assistance was much appreciated.”