I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 282 Obtaining the "Thunderbolt Talisman"

Li Wei began to help Zhang Wanqing analyze how to travel back.

"In Wanqing, no, Su Qimeng's time-travel story, she choked to death on a steamed bun. Her death was a violent one. During her burial, lightning struck her coffin, and she seemed to be sucked up into the sky, thus traveling to the present day. Meanwhile, in the present day, Zhang Wanqing also choked on food but survived, and was rushed to the hospital. As she entered the hospital, another circle of light appeared from the sky, and Su Qimeng fell, landing squarely on Zhang Wanqing's body.

Therefore, extreme natural phenomena such as thunder and lightning strikes may be one of the key conditions for triggering space-time rifts. This setting is similar to an "accidental trigger" time travel mechanism, that is, under specific natural conditions, the space-time rift accidentally opens, thus enabling time travel.

However, Wanqing had tried this method before and failed, which means that extreme natural phenomena are only one of the conditions for traveling back. There is another one that has been overlooked. That is, Su Qimeng died an untimely death. So the question is, we definitely cannot let Wanqing die an untimely death, absolutely not."

Li Wei and Fu Siyuan faced a huge challenge: how to help Zhang Wanqing complete her journey through time without killing her. Although Zhang Wanqing longed to return to ancient times, Li Wei and Fu Siyuan knew that allowing her to experience death again would not only harm her but also bring unpredictable consequences. If the journey failed, Zhang Wanqing might die.

Li Wei and Fu Siyuan sat in a dimly lit room, surrounded by ancient books, modern scientific tomes, and notebooks. The air was thick with the scent of paper and ink. They had been researching for days and nights, trying to unravel the mystery of Zhang Wanqing's time travel. Zhang Wanqing's first time travel had baffled them: she had choked to death on a steamed bun, but during her burial, a lightning bolt struck her coffin, sending her to the present day. This bizarre experience led them to realize that the trigger for time travel might not be death itself, but the energy of lightning.

"Do you think the energy of lightning is the key?" Li Wei rubbed his red eyes and looked up at Fu Siyuan.

Fu Siyuan nodded, his expression serious: "I feel the same way. The energy of lightning is extremely powerful. Perhaps it is the real power that opens the rift in time and space."

"But we can't let her die again." Li Wei's voice was filled with worry. "We have to find a safe way to harness the energy of lightning without hurting her."

Fu Siyuan sighed: "This is indeed a difficult problem. We need to start from both ancient books and modern science to see if there are any clues."

They first searched through a large number of ancient books, hoping to find some records about lightning and space-time cracks. In an ancient Taoist text, they found a shocking description:

"The power of heavenly thunder can break through the vastness. The talisman can guide it and connect the past and the present."

This passage illuminated their vision. Could there truly be a spell that could channel the energy of lightning, thereby opening a rift in space and time? Further research revealed that this spell, known as the "Lightning Inducing Talisman," was an extremely rare and dangerous one. It was said to be able to direct the energy of lightning during a thunderstorm to a specific object without harming the user.

"This is incredible!" Li Wei said excitedly, "If we can find this kind of talisman, maybe we can send her back safely."

Fu Siyuan frowned. "This spell sounds very dangerous. Ancient texts say that if you're not careful, not only will you be unable to cross, you might even get burned."

"But we have no choice," Li Wei said firmly. "This is the only viable method at the moment."

To ensure safety, they decided to conduct research from a modern scientific perspective. They consulted extensive literature on lightning and electromagnetism, trying to find a scientific explanation. In a monograph on electromagnetism, they discovered an intriguing theory: lightning energy can be guided and controlled through specific conductors and insulating materials.

"This is similar to the talismans in ancient books," said Fu Siyuan. "The talismans may be a kind of ancient conductor that can guide the energy of lightning."

They decided to combine ancient texts with modern scientific theories to devise a method that would both safely and effectively channel lightning energy. They prepared the necessary materials for the talisman: a sheet of yellow paper, cinnabar, a peachwood sword, and some special herbs. They also prepared some modern insulating materials to ensure Zhang Wanqing's safety while using the talisman.

To ensure the correct use of the talisman, they decided to search for a successor. After some inquiries, they learned that there was a Taoist priest living in seclusion in the mountains outside the city. He claimed to be the successor of the "Thunder-Inducing Talisman." So, they took Zhang Wanqing with them and embarked on a journey to find the Taoist priest.

The mountain road was rugged, and they passed through dense forests and crossed turbulent streams, and finally found the Taoist priest in a dilapidated Taoist temple. The Taoist priest looked very old, but his eyes were sharp, giving people an unfathomable feeling.

"Are you here to ask for the 'Thunder-Attracting Talisman'?" the Taoist asked straight to the point.

"Yes," Li Wei replied respectfully, "We hope to use it to help our friends travel through time and space."

The Taoist priest did not show any surprise.

"Why aren't you surprised?" Li Wei asked.

"Why do you say that? Because I believe it. Since there is such a thing as the 'Thunder Attracting Talisman', it must have a place to be used. Since I know what it is used for, I naturally know what you are going to do with it." The Taoist laughed.

"Yeah, why didn't I think of this, haha..." Li Wei also laughed.

The Taoist nodded, pulled out a worn book of talismans from his bosom, and handed it to Li Wei: "This book records the production and use of the 'Thunder Inducing Talisman'. But you must know that this is an extremely dangerous thing. If you are not careful, the consequences will be disastrous."

"We will be careful." Fu Siyuan took the talisman book and said solemnly.

The Taoist priest pulled out a piece of yellow paper with intricate talismans drawn on it. "This is the 'Thunder Attracting Talisman' I've prepared. You can use it during a thunderstorm, but be sure to follow the instructions in the book."

"Thank you." Zhang Wanqing said gratefully, "We will be careful."

Armed with the talisman and talisman book given by the Taoist priest, they returned to the city. After receiving the talisman, they now monitored the weather forecast, anticipating the arrival of extreme weather with thunder and lightning. They also needed to find a suitable location for this journey.

They decided they needed to find a spot prone to lightning strikes to ensure a successful first try, as talismans couldn't be reused. Should they find an open area in the suburbs, as Zhang Wanqing had done before, or a spot that could attract lightning? Li Wei and Fu Siyuan were both pondering this question.