Entering The Valley
Yan Ge said, “You didn’t sleep much last night. Rest for a while, lean on my shoulder.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded and closed his eyes, leaning against Yan Ge.
Huang Shuya whispered to Pei Jinde, “Why are they still sitting?”
“Be patient,” Pei Jinde said, his gaze filled with deep contemplation as he observed Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, speculating about their identities. These two young individuals were incredibly composed and stood out among the younger generation of martial artists. Although they possessed formidable martial skills, they might not be from the martial world. Otherwise, they would have heard of them before.
Meanwhile, Fang Ling and Fang Jie grew impatient as well, but seeing Elder Yingzun closing his eyes to rest, they didn’t dare to disturb him. They played and laughed from nearby. Among the people at the edge of the Thunder Valley, apart from Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and the unconscious Yan Jin, they were probably the only ones at ease.
As the sun gradually moved towards the west, more and more people gathered at the edge of the Thunder Valley, numbering over a thousand. The number of people struck by lightning also increased.
Yan Ge had become numb to the scene below and no longer paid attention. Bored, he plucked a blade of grass and intended to flick Huangfu Yuchen with it, but he hesitated, not wanting to disturb his rest. Instead, he skillfully weaved the grass into a butterfly and handed it to Fang Ling, while the grasshopper was given to Fang Jie.
Delighted by the gifts, the two siblings obediently moved away to play elsewhere.
After awhile, Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes and glanced at the sky, estimating that there were still about two hours until sunset.
Yan Ge handed him the grass ring and said, “Here, it’s for you.”
Huangfu Yuchen hooked his lips, accepting the ring and actually putting it on his finger.
Yan Ge reached out to take it back. “Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Huangfu Yuchen moved his hand behind his back. “Who cares?”
Yan Ge let it go and brushed off the grass on his clothes. “Are we ready to go?”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “You carry Yan Jin.” He instructed Yan Ge to bend down, placing Yan Jin on his back. Then he used a piece of cloth to wrap Yan Jin securely, tying it in front of Yan Ge’s chest. With one of Yan Ge’s scarves, he looped it around Yan Jin’s neck, securing the ends on Yan Ge’s shoulders to ensure Yan Jin’s comfort during any vigorous movements.
Seeing them finally making a move, Huang Shuya knocked her numb leg and nudged Pei Jinde.
To prevent others from overhearing important information, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had been communicating through voice transmission.
“Zirui, the lightning strikes in the valley haven’t completely ceased. It seems we can only rely on our reflexes to avoid the lightning strikes from underground,” Yan Ge said.
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “I have a plan.”
Yan Ge smiled. “Finally going to share it? I’m listening.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “After observing for a long time yesterday, I accidentally discovered that no two lightning bolts strike simultaneously. This difference is extremely subtle, only discernible to individuals with our visual acuity and keen perception. Others might find it difficult to notice. Therefore, I have a rather unusual conjecture. The previous lightning strikes were so dense because they were pursuing a specific target. If I’m not mistaken, they were chasing after the Zhantian Vine.”
Yan Ge was taken aback, but he didn’t show it on his face, signaling with his eyes for Huangfu Yuchen to continue speaking.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Zhong Xie mentioned that the subsequent thunder strikes after the lightning stopped were residual strikes, but that’s not entirely accurate. I believe that the so-called ‘residual thunder strikes’ are actually attacks from the Zhantian Vine.”
Yan Ge was surprised, “But as far as I know, the Zhantian Vine doesn’t have the ability to create thunder and lightning.” When he obtained the Zhantian Vine from the system, the system didn’t mention anything about lightning power, and it couldn’t have hidden this information from him.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “This is just my speculation after observing for a long time. Everyone assumes that since the Zhantian Vine is a plant, it must live on the surface. However, in my opinion, the Zhantian Vine can also burrow into the ground or even live underground. Therefore, there is only one way to catch it. I will lure it out, and when the lightning strikes, you attack with all your might—”
“No!” Yan Ge’s face turned pale. He finally understood what Huangfu Yuchen was planning. Huangfu Yuchen’s method was essentially sacrificing himself. The Zhantian Vine was important to him and Yan Jin, but Huangfu Yuchen was equally important to him. He couldn’t sacrifice his loved one for the sake of the Zhantian Vine. The thunder strikes in the Thunder Valley were no joke. Even though he and Huangfu Yuchen had made progress in their cultivation, if they were hit, they would undoubtedly be severely injured or worse.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled lightly and rubbed his face with his thumb. “Do you think I would do something without confidence? We will be together forever, and I won’t let anything happen to myself. When the time comes, I will circulate my true essence to resist the thunder strikes—”
Panic engulfed Yan Ge’s heart, and he couldn’t listen to what Huangfu Yuchen was saying. He shook his head repeatedly, “No, no, no! We can think of other ways. You once said that once you have obtained something, you don’t want to lose it. I feel the same way, I don’t want to lose you. Absolutely not…” He pulled Huangfu Yuchen back, as if by doing so, he could make him give up his idea.
“Baby!” Huangfu Yuchen held onto him tightly, imprisoning him in his embrace. “Calm down! We have to do this. Maybe after dark, the thunder will continue to descend, and we only have two hours. If we can’t get the Zhantian Vine today, we’ll have to wait another three days, and Yan Jin might not be able to wait that long. I won’t let anything happen to you!”
Yan Ge took a deep breath. “Fine, let’s go down. But my cultivation is higher than yours, so I’ll be the one to attract the thunder.”
Huangfu Yuchen teased him, making him smile, “Are you teasing me on purpose? We’re both in the late stage of the Enlightenment realm.”
“Who’s teasing you!” Yan Ge’s face turned serious, “I started cultivating earlier than you, and my realm is more stable than yours. That’s just a fact, okay?”
“Don’t be silly,” Huangfu Yuchen remained unfazed, “I started martial arts training at the age of four. Do you think your physical strength can surpass mine? Baby, be rational.”
Their actions were so conspicuous, and their frequent eye contact was a clear sign they were communicating using voice transmission. More and more people started to become suspicious of them.
Pei Jinde approached, cheerfully saying, “Why not share what you know with everyone and discuss it together? Many hands make light work.”
Yan Ge smiled and looked at him, his gaze seemingly passing over the bodies of the fallen black-clad men on the ground, conveying an unmistakable warning.
Pei Jinde’s smile stiffened, and he forced out a laugh, shutting his mouth.
“Are they also going down?” Fang Ling asked in surprise, looking at Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen.
Fang Jie replied, “It seems so.”
“But…” Fang Ling had a fondness for both Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, taking a step forward as if wanting to run over and persuade them.
Elder Yingzun smiled faintly and said, “No one can stop them.”
“Baby, you will face as much pressure from the Zhantian Vine as I do,” Huangfu Yuchen patiently explained to Yan Ge. “As long as you deal with the vine quickly, its lightning strikes won’t be able to harm me anymore. I believe you won’t let anything happen to me. Do you believe in me?” Huangfu Yuchen stared at him, the tenderness in his eyes melting Yan Ge’s heart.
Yan Ge stared at him for a long time, then suddenly laughed. Yes, he should trust Huangfu Yuchen, and he should trust himself as well. No matter what happens, they will face it together.
Yan Ge slapped his hand hard, causing Huangfu Yuchen to wince in pain. Yan Ge also winced.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him helplessly and said seriously, “Once I restrain the Zhantian Vine, you attack the underground with full force. Even if you can’t kill it, you must injure it and quickly feed its essence to Yan Jin.”
Yan Ge nodded. At this point, there was no point in saying anything more.
“Let’s go, time is running out,” Huangfu Yuchen said, looking at the sky.
The two of them leaped towards the bottom of the valley.
“Should we follow them?” Huang Shuya asked her husband quietly.
Pei Jinde clenched his teeth and said, “Yes, if we wait for them to obtain the Zhantian Vine before trying to snatch it, there will be too many people vying for it. It’s better to take a chance now.”
“I’ll follow your lead,” Huang Shuya said, trustingly.
With the lightening gone, the gray-robed old man grew anxious again. “Elder brother?”
The black-robed old man remained expressionless, uttering just one word, “Wait.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s intention was to lure out the Zhantian Vine, unlike others who hesitated and acted cautiously. He gathered some true essence at the soles of his feet and walked toward the valley at a normal pace.
Yan Ge followed closely behind, his gaze fixed on Huangfu Yuchen’s back. Both palms were facing the ground, and he was ready to attack. A few drops of sweat trickled down his forehead and slowly slid down his cheeks.
“Zirui, I’m right behind you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Yan Ge’s voice resonated in Huangfu Yuchen’s mind, and he smiled faintly. “I believe in you.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s composed demeanor caught everyone’s attention, and they all unconsciously walked to the edge of the cliff, observing the scene below.
“Ah!” A scream came from ahead.
“Let’s go over there!” Huangfu Yuchen said to Yan Ge, displaying his lightness technique as he flew towards the direction of the sound.
Yan Ge followed closely behind.
Pei Jinde was bewildered and astonished, “Why did they specifically rush towards the location of the lightning strikes?”
Huang Shuya couldn’t comprehend it either, so she didn’t dwell on it. “Should we follow or not?”
Pei Jinde hesitated for a while, unable to make up his mind. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “I think they’ve gone mad. Wife, in life, we often have to learn when to let go. I suggest we don’t follow them. Otherwise, I’m worried…”
Huang Shuya smiled and shook her head. “No need to say more, I understand. Then let’s go up. Actually, if we seriously think about it, with our current skills, we can already live a a carefree life. Isn’t that right?”
The two of them smiled with relief, turned around in unison, and climbed up the cliff.
The people on the cliff burst into laughter, exclaiming, “If you’re afraid of death, then don’t come!”
Entering The Valley
Yan Ge said, “You didn’t sleep much last night. Rest for a while, lean on my shoulder.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded and closed his eyes, leaning against Yan Ge.
Huang Shuya whispered to Pei Jinde, “Why are they still sitting?”
“Be patient,” Pei Jinde said, his gaze filled with deep contemplation as he observed Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, speculating about their identities. These two young individuals were incredibly composed and stood out among the younger generation of martial artists. Although they possessed formidable martial skills, they might not be from the martial world. Otherwise, they would have heard of them before.
Meanwhile, Fang Ling and Fang Jie grew impatient as well, but seeing Elder Yingzun closing his eyes to rest, they didn’t dare to disturb him. They played and laughed from nearby. Among the people at the edge of the Thunder Valley, apart from Yan Ge, Huangfu Yuchen, and the unconscious Yan Jin, they were probably the only ones at ease.
As the sun gradually moved towards the west, more and more people gathered at the edge of the Thunder Valley, numbering over a thousand. The number of people struck by lightning also increased.
Yan Ge had become numb to the scene below and no longer paid attention. Bored, he plucked a blade of grass and intended to flick Huangfu Yuchen with it, but he hesitated, not wanting to disturb his rest. Instead, he skillfully weaved the grass into a butterfly and handed it to Fang Ling, while the grasshopper was given to Fang Jie.
Delighted by the gifts, the two siblings obediently moved away to play elsewhere.
After awhile, Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes and glanced at the sky, estimating that there were still about two hours until sunset.
Yan Ge handed him the grass ring and said, “Here, it’s for you.”
Huangfu Yuchen hooked his lips, accepting the ring and actually putting it on his finger.
Yan Ge reached out to take it back. “Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Huangfu Yuchen moved his hand behind his back. “Who cares?”
Yan Ge let it go and brushed off the grass on his clothes. “Are we ready to go?”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “You carry Yan Jin.” He instructed Yan Ge to bend down, placing Yan Jin on his back. Then he used a piece of cloth to wrap Yan Jin securely, tying it in front of Yan Ge’s chest. With one of Yan Ge’s scarves, he looped it around Yan Jin’s neck, securing the ends on Yan Ge’s shoulders to ensure Yan Jin’s comfort during any vigorous movements.
Seeing them finally making a move, Huang Shuya knocked her numb leg and nudged Pei Jinde.
To prevent others from overhearing important information, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had been communicating through voice transmission.
“Zirui, the lightning strikes in the valley haven’t completely ceased. It seems we can only rely on our reflexes to avoid the lightning strikes from underground,” Yan Ge said.
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “I have a plan.”
Yan Ge smiled. “Finally going to share it? I’m listening.”
Huangfu Yuchen said, “After observing for a long time yesterday, I accidentally discovered that no two lightning bolts strike simultaneously. This difference is extremely subtle, only discernible to individuals with our visual acuity and keen perception. Others might find it difficult to notice. Therefore, I have a rather unusual conjecture. The previous lightning strikes were so dense because they were pursuing a specific target. If I’m not mistaken, they were chasing after the Zhantian Vine.”
Yan Ge was taken aback, but he didn’t show it on his face, signaling with his eyes for Huangfu Yuchen to continue speaking.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Zhong Xie mentioned that the subsequent thunder strikes after the lightning stopped were residual strikes, but that’s not entirely accurate. I believe that the so-called ‘residual thunder strikes’ are actually attacks from the Zhantian Vine.”
Yan Ge was surprised, “But as far as I know, the Zhantian Vine doesn’t have the ability to create thunder and lightning.” When he obtained the Zhantian Vine from the system, the system didn’t mention anything about lightning power, and it couldn’t have hidden this information from him.
Huangfu Yuchen continued, “This is just my speculation after observing for a long time. Everyone assumes that since the Zhantian Vine is a plant, it must live on the surface. However, in my opinion, the Zhantian Vine can also burrow into the ground or even live underground. Therefore, there is only one way to catch it. I will lure it out, and when the lightning strikes, you attack with all your might—”
“No!” Yan Ge’s face turned pale. He finally understood what Huangfu Yuchen was planning. Huangfu Yuchen’s method was essentially sacrificing himself. The Zhantian Vine was important to him and Yan Jin, but Huangfu Yuchen was equally important to him. He couldn’t sacrifice his loved one for the sake of the Zhantian Vine. The thunder strikes in the Thunder Valley were no joke. Even though he and Huangfu Yuchen had made progress in their cultivation, if they were hit, they would undoubtedly be severely injured or worse.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled lightly and rubbed his face with his thumb. “Do you think I would do something without confidence? We will be together forever, and I won’t let anything happen to myself. When the time comes, I will circulate my true essence to resist the thunder strikes—”
Panic engulfed Yan Ge’s heart, and he couldn’t listen to what Huangfu Yuchen was saying. He shook his head repeatedly, “No, no, no! We can think of other ways. You once said that once you have obtained something, you don’t want to lose it. I feel the same way, I don’t want to lose you. Absolutely not…” He pulled Huangfu Yuchen back, as if by doing so, he could make him give up his idea.
“Baby!” Huangfu Yuchen held onto him tightly, imprisoning him in his embrace. “Calm down! We have to do this. Maybe after dark, the thunder will continue to descend, and we only have two hours. If we can’t get the Zhantian Vine today, we’ll have to wait another three days, and Yan Jin might not be able to wait that long. I won’t let anything happen to you!”
Yan Ge took a deep breath. “Fine, let’s go down. But my cultivation is higher than yours, so I’ll be the one to attract the thunder.”
Huangfu Yuchen teased him, making him smile, “Are you teasing me on purpose? We’re both in the late stage of the Enlightenment realm.”
“Who’s teasing you!” Yan Ge’s face turned serious, “I started cultivating earlier than you, and my realm is more stable than yours. That’s just a fact, okay?”
“Don’t be silly,” Huangfu Yuchen remained unfazed, “I started martial arts training at the age of four. Do you think your physical strength can surpass mine? Baby, be rational.”
Their actions were so conspicuous, and their frequent eye contact was a clear sign they were communicating using voice transmission. More and more people started to become suspicious of them.
Pei Jinde approached, cheerfully saying, “Why not share what you know with everyone and discuss it together? Many hands make light work.”
Yan Ge smiled and looked at him, his gaze seemingly passing over the bodies of the fallen black-clad men on the ground, conveying an unmistakable warning.
Pei Jinde’s smile stiffened, and he forced out a laugh, shutting his mouth.
“Are they also going down?” Fang Ling asked in surprise, looking at Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen.
Fang Jie replied, “It seems so.”
“But…” Fang Ling had a fondness for both Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, taking a step forward as if wanting to run over and persuade them.
Elder Yingzun smiled faintly and said, “No one can stop them.”
“Baby, you will face as much pressure from the Zhantian Vine as I do,” Huangfu Yuchen patiently explained to Yan Ge. “As long as you deal with the vine quickly, its lightning strikes won’t be able to harm me anymore. I believe you won’t let anything happen to me. Do you believe in me?” Huangfu Yuchen stared at him, the tenderness in his eyes melting Yan Ge’s heart.
Yan Ge stared at him for a long time, then suddenly laughed. Yes, he should trust Huangfu Yuchen, and he should trust himself as well. No matter what happens, they will face it together.
Yan Ge slapped his hand hard, causing Huangfu Yuchen to wince in pain. Yan Ge also winced.
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him helplessly and said seriously, “Once I restrain the Zhantian Vine, you attack the underground with full force. Even if you can’t kill it, you must injure it and quickly feed its essence to Yan Jin.”
Yan Ge nodded. At this point, there was no point in saying anything more.
“Let’s go, time is running out,” Huangfu Yuchen said, looking at the sky.
The two of them leaped towards the bottom of the valley.
“Should we follow them?” Huang Shuya asked her husband quietly.
Pei Jinde clenched his teeth and said, “Yes, if we wait for them to obtain the Zhantian Vine before trying to snatch it, there will be too many people vying for it. It’s better to take a chance now.”
“I’ll follow your lead,” Huang Shuya said, trustingly.
With the lightening gone, the gray-robed old man grew anxious again. “Elder brother?”
The black-robed old man remained expressionless, uttering just one word, “Wait.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s intention was to lure out the Zhantian Vine, unlike others who hesitated and acted cautiously. He gathered some true essence at the soles of his feet and walked toward the valley at a normal pace.
Yan Ge followed closely behind, his gaze fixed on Huangfu Yuchen’s back. Both palms were facing the ground, and he was ready to attack. A few drops of sweat trickled down his forehead and slowly slid down his cheeks.
“Zirui, I’m right behind you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Yan Ge’s voice resonated in Huangfu Yuchen’s mind, and he smiled faintly. “I believe in you.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s composed demeanor caught everyone’s attention, and they all unconsciously walked to the edge of the cliff, observing the scene below.
“Ah!” A scream came from ahead.
“Let’s go over there!” Huangfu Yuchen said to Yan Ge, displaying his lightness technique as he flew towards the direction of the sound.
Yan Ge followed closely behind.
Pei Jinde was bewildered and astonished, “Why did they specifically rush towards the location of the lightning strikes?”
Huang Shuya couldn’t comprehend it either, so she didn’t dwell on it. “Should we follow or not?”
Pei Jinde hesitated for a while, unable to make up his mind. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “I think they’ve gone mad. Wife, in life, we often have to learn when to let go. I suggest we don’t follow them. Otherwise, I’m worried…”
Huang Shuya smiled and shook her head. “No need to say more, I understand. Then let’s go up. Actually, if we seriously think about it, with our current skills, we can already live a a carefree life. Isn’t that right?”
The two of them smiled with relief, turned around in unison, and climbed up the cliff.
The people on the cliff burst into laughter, exclaiming, “If you’re afraid of death, then don’t come!”
