Chapter 349: Many Thanks, Brother Yan

Chapter 349: Many Thanks, Brother Yan

Zhao Changhe did not reply at once, merely studying the Thunder Path before him.

He wondered whether the martial artists of this world understood insulation and conduction... The ancients certainly did not; those who studied nature or the five elements might have some inkling, but a man like Yan Que, the Blood Demon Hand, was probably not of that ilk. What scheme could he possibly devise?

For instance, wood was theoretically an insulator... but since trees contain moisture, the ancients believed wood conducted electricity. It would never occur to them that drying the wood could render it protective against lightning—at least, Yan Que would not think of it.

In fact, Zhao Changhe had already spotted scattered wooden fragments further down the path, alongside long-dead skeletons. Someone had tried using wood for protection, but the damp planks had conducted the current, electrocuting them. Later observers, seeing this, abandoned the idea.

There was even a half-carved thick plank discarded nearby—likely someone had started shaping it, then saw the predecessor’s grim fate and gave up.

Moreover, the cracked and splintered boards on the path revealed another issue: conductivity alone might not be the whole problem. This lightning likely carried a concussive force, easily shattering mere wood.

Thus, martial arts must be combined with the approach—for example, taking a thick plank, using true qi to slowly evaporate its moisture, and while raising it for protection, reinforcing it with true qi to prevent shattering. This path could likely be traversed in such a manner.

There was also a more direct method, if only the Green Sparrow were willing... It could float above and devour the lightning without needing his hand to touch it. But of course, the Green Sparrow would not agree. Besides, using an external divine artifact to cheat might not be recognized by the Heavenly Book.

Cui Wenjing had suggested he tame the Green Sparrow, but he had yet to act—not from lack of desire, but from lack of means. He could hardly grab the bird and ask, “Hey, will you acknowledge me as your master?” If it came to a fight, he suspected he could not even defeat the Green Sparrow; being chased and slashed by it would be ridiculous...

Forget it, let’s set that aside.

In any case, this entire environment was formed by the natural emanations of the Heavenly Book’s various intents. It was not a deliberate trial, not designed to vex people... With a decent martial foundation and the right approach, the problem could be solved. It truly was not that difficult.

Zhao Changhe calmly picked up the half-carved thick plank, drew his sword, and began leisurely shaping it, saying, “I think this might work...”

Yan Que sneered, “Someone already died using that on the road. If you want to try, go ahead.”

Zhao Changhe feigned surprise, wincing, “Tsk... so that’s the case... Then what does Brother Yan suggest?”

Yan Que pointed to a large stone slab nearby: “I cut this from the cliff face. Lifting it to shield our heads should protect us from the lightning. But I only have one life, so I dare not test it lightly.”

Zhao Changhe chuckled, “Surely you don’t mean for me to test it? Are you taking me for a fool?”

Yan Que shook his head, “How could I dare deceive Brother Wang... What I mean is, if we could avoid holding it by hand, it would be much safer. That is, using true qi to levitate the slab from a distance. But Brother Wang must know that with our individual strength, sustaining such a heavy slab with external true qi for a short time is possible, but for such a long path, it would be beyond us.”

Zhao Changhe understood: “So we do it together?”

“Exactly. That’s why I said others lack the strength—they can barely project true qi, let alone sustain such a long lift.” Yan Que said, “This method should be stable. Would Brother Wang care to try?”

The method was indeed stable—no hand contact meant no issues, and the slab would not easily shatter.

But who would dare squeeze in beside you, both hands raised, true qi flowing, only to die not by lightning but by your hand?

Zhao Changhe gave a wry smile: “Brother Yan trusts me that much?”

Yan Que sighed, “All this mutual deceit prevents what should be accomplished from being done... This golden page—what is it? If it tests people, I suspect one of its trials is unity and cooperation, hence this final path.”

Zhao Changhe nearly laughed aloud: “Reasonable. Brother Yan has given it much thought.”

Yan Que continued, “If my guess is right, then two people lifting the slab together is the only solution, and the one this page wishes to see. So I suggest Brother Wang set aside all schemes and truly cooperate in good faith. What do you say?”

Zhao Changhe pondered a moment, seeming moved: “The world says Brother Yan is cruel and vicious, but I never expected such breadth of mind.”

“Cruelty and cooperation are not at odds; what conflicts is treachery and faithlessness. I have no bad reputation on that front... and neither does Brother Wang.”

“True.” Zhao Changhe strapped the plank to his back like a shell and laughed, “Then let’s begin.”

Yan Que eyed the plank strapped to him like a turtle shell with curiosity: “Brother Wang, I told you that thing is useless.”

“Better safe than sorry.” Zhao Changhe bent, lifted the stone slab, tossed it lightly into the air, caught it with one hand, and said, “Let’s go.”

Seeing Zhao Changhe handle the slab as if it were a mere chip of wood, Yan Que’s eyes flickered with renewed astonishment.

What immense strength! The Prince of Langya, Wang Daozhong, truly lived up to his reputation.

“Brother Wang is refreshing—such a partner makes it interesting.” Yan Que did not hesitate, standing to Zhao Changhe’s left. Together, they extended their right hands, projecting true qi to lift the slab an inch.

His positioning was clever: both using right hands, standing on the left put him at a disadvantage—Wang Daozhong could attack him with his left hand, while he was less able to retaliate. This gesture also allayed Wang Daozhong’s suspicions.

Zhao Changhe was greatly pleased: “Brother Yan is honorable. Let’s go!”

The two squeezed together, carefully lifting the slab as they entered the thunder.

True enough, lightning crackled against the slab but did not conduct down; it stood as steady as Mount Tai.

In truth, Zhao Changhe found the lifting exhausting. His true qi projection was far from Yan Que’s steady, enduring level—he was barely managing. Fortunately, the Six Harmonies Divine Art excelled in sustained endurance, and this lift did not test intensity, so he could still put up a front.

It even trained his true qi projection, valuable for honing the Crane Control Technique.

Throughout this journey, he had been repeatedly refining his various skills. Zhao Changhe almost wished he could come again... Wait, if he claimed the Heavenly Book, could he train with it at will? Given how the gold foil had previously unlocked to the point of VR simulations, what might further unlocking bring?

Even now, his spiritual perception and keen senses mirrored every movement of Yan Que beside him like moonlight on water, clear in his heart.

Yan Que made no move, walking slowly and obediently.

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly. He knew when the move would come.

Damn “shared page”—when they reached the page, that would be the moment of ambush. No need to think twice.

Zhao Changhe could not be sure if the Blind Woman would act against this man; she might only target divine or demonic beings. He could not rely on her too much; he had to handle this himself.

The two walked slowly, each harboring their own schemes. The several-li Thunder Path was nearing its end. The mountaintop lay just over ten zhang ahead, where a single golden silk page floated in midair, exuding an intoxicating, profound aura of the Heavenly Dao—vast and mysterious.

Yan Que’s eyes narrowed. Zhao Changhe could almost feel his muscles tensing, the shift in his qi flow.

Whether standing left or right made no difference to a man of Yan Que’s caliber.

“Thud!” Zhao Changhe stepped forward, then abruptly retreated, leaving the slab’s protective range.

At that very moment, a blood light shot stealthily from Yan Que’s left hand. Zhao Changhe’s retreat dodged the ambush perfectly.

The next instant, the plank on his back shielded him from above as he swiftly retreated back into the Thunder Path.

Yan Que, his strike hitting empty air, stared in disbelief.

He had anticipated that the Prince of Langya would make a move, but he had calculated the lead for a forward charge—not a retreat!

Retreating into the Thunder Path? Are you out of your mind?

Yet the plank held above his head was utterly unharmed. He didn’t even need to levitate it; his hand directly supported it, true qi reinforcing the wood as lightning struck, steady as a rock.

Strange—how was this man’s plank non-conductive?

Should he chase? Alone, levitating the stone slab, he could not sustain it for such a long path—otherwise, he would have entered long ago instead of hesitating outside. Chasing and then returning for the page would exhaust his strength. Yan Que made a snap decision: ignore Zhao Changhe’s retreat, dash forward several zhang, and reach for the page.

Just as his hand was about to touch it, the “Prince of Langya,” who seemed to be fleeing with the plank, suddenly turned back, hurling his sword straight at Yan Que’s back!

Yan Que was prepared. A blood light flared in his hand as he turned and slapped the sword blade.

The air froze for an instant.

Lightning struck the sword, electricity racing up to his palm.

Yan Que convulsed, screaming in agony. The stone slab slipped from his grip and crashed onto his head with a dull thud.

Zhao Changhe swept past like smoke, delivering a “Heaven-Shaking Sea-Calming Palm” that blasted toward Yan Que’s side from several feet away, fully avoiding the lightning.

Electrocuted and helpless, Yan Que took the full force, spitting blood as he staggered back.

Zhao Changhe snatched the golden page, still holding the plank above him, and scurried back in a flash: “Many thanks for the escort, Brother Yan. Much obliged.”