He changed Tiwat

Xiao pressed his hand down and shook his head slightly.

Han Fulai helped him share the "karmic burden," which was practically a matter of life and death together. If Han Fulai hadn't opened the jade shield for him and helped him share the mental erosion, Xiao would at least be seriously injured now.

To achieve the feat of dispelling the rain clouds, Xiao used himself as a spear, and Han Fulai used himself as a shield as well.

A friendship forged in life and death needs no thanks.

Xiao glanced at Shen He, who was still sitting cross-legged and gathering strength not far away, and said to Han Fulai, "You should learn the 'Binding Spirit True Seal' from her later; it will benefit you."

Shen He used to cultivate his mind and suppress his killing intent by using the "Binding Spirit True Seal". This is the orthodox Taoist method. The Yaksha clan is different from other Liyue Taoist lineages and is closer to the Buddhist lineage. They also use supernatural powers rather than Taoist arts in battle. However, Han Fulai is human, so he should be able to learn Taoist methods.

Han Fulai nodded, a slight bitterness rising in his heart. Of course he wanted to learn too; who wouldn't want to learn cultivation?—but he just didn't have the time!

Now that he's in this position, things are always hectic, and even taking a break is a rare treat, let alone cultivating... He can only hope that after weathering this storm and the political situation in Liyue stabilizes, he'll have time to cultivate.

Xiao thought for a moment and then said, "This rain came suddenly, or perhaps it was man-made. I just sensed a familiar presence."

Human intervention? Han Fulai's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly asked, "Could it be some kind of sea demon?"

He was actually quite suspicious of this sudden downpour. Putting aside the accuracy of Galcha and Patrick's "weather forecasts," based on his knowledge, there was always a build-up period before rain. But this rain clearly started without warning, which was indeed unusual.

Speaking of "artificial rain"... Han Fulai recalled two formidable enemies he had faced before—the "Vortex Demon God" Oser, and Oser's wife, "the lingering power of the vortex" Ba Che.

The sea demons and their retinues all have the ability to control celestial phenomena and create storms. Could this rain be one of them?

But Ausel has already been sealed away by the Emperor, and Ba Che was even torn apart by Shen He... Who else could do such a thing?

Xiao frowned: "I can't be sure either, the aura is ambiguous... but if it's the work of a demon god, I should be able to sense it, and the Emperor also..."

During his previous battle with Oser, Xiao had already sensed a familiar aura from the Demon God War. Moreover, if it were truly the Demon God causing trouble, the Rock Lord should have made some arrangements; among the many immortals of Liyue, he shouldn't be the only one present.

He came this time purely to help his friend Han Fulai; the Emperor had not given him any prior instructions.

For a moment, both of them fell silent.

Han Fulai finally shook his head. There was no need to think about things he couldn't understand right now. In any case, the rain had stopped, and flood control was the more important thing. Besides, he knew that Xiao had just exhausted himself, and he was only staying put because he was worried about Xiao's condition.

He forced a smile and said, "Anyway, thank you for your help, Xiao. Go back and rest. A-He is here, so everything will be fine."

Xiao knew that staying wouldn't be of much help, so he might as well go back to cultivate and suppress the mental erosion. He nodded, raised his arm, and extended a fist toward Han Fulai.

Han Fulai was stunned for a moment, then raised his fist and lightly touched it with Xiao's.

Men don't need many words; a small gesture is enough for them to understand each other.

"Be careful." Xiao finished speaking and his figure disappeared.

On the Guiliyuan embankment, morale was soaring, and the dawn of victory was in sight, with everyone feeling incredibly excited.

To use Shiyun's words in her article, these people "have hope in their hearts and light in their eyes."

The ancients said, "Strike while the iron is hot." In war, a highly motivated army can often overcome difficulties and achieve final victory.

The same applies to flood control and disaster relief.

Within half an hour, the "filter trench" that Han Fulai had ordered to be dug was completed, and the workers quickly plugged the previous piping points. The water level of the Bishui River did not rise and remained at a height of 17.22 meters. All the news that came back to Han Fulai was good news, which boosted his spirits and brought a smile to his face.

But a few minutes later, a message made him stop laughing.

"Reporting to Commander Han, the No. 1 and No. 2 dikes have experienced 'dropping'."

The so-called "collapse" is caused by hidden dangers in the dike body. After being soaked by water during the flood season, the shear strength of the dike is weakened, and the top of the dike or local areas on the inner and outer slopes of the dike suddenly collapse.

This collapse will form pits of varying shapes, sizes, and depths, much like animal dens.

The appearance of a "collapse" indicates that part of the dam has been eroded and hollowed out by the water flow, and the underlying soil layer can no longer support the weight of the dam itself, so a part of the dam has collapsed.

If this situation continues, it could easily lead to the overall collapse of the dam, causing a breach.

The problem is that the No. 1 and No. 2 dikes were reinforced with concrete by Han Fulai with all his might.

The No. 1 and No. 2 dikes are located on the northwest side of Guiliyuan, and are the sections of the dikes that face the greatest pressure from floods. Han Fulai not only used the power of the Salt God to strengthen the dikes, but also ordered the soldiers to build "breakwaters" with wooden piles on these two sections. Theoretically, these two dikes are the strongest dikes on Guiliyuan.

The biggest problem turned out to be in the most solid part?

This doesn't make sense!

Why is this happening?

Regardless of the reason, the priority now is to carry out the rescue. Han Fulai steadied himself and shouted, "Two teams from dike number four will come to support dikes number one and two. Also, send two teams from dikes number five and six. At the same time, notify the reserve workers to carry soil bags to the dikes!"

The workers had just finished repairing the "filter channel" and should be resting now, but there was really no time for them to catch their breath. Every minute of delay would increase the danger to the dike.

There aren't many good ways to deal with "sinkholes." The only solution is to manually remove the loose soil from the sinkhole, drain the water, and then backfill it with compacted clay. This is equivalent to repairing a dam.

Repairing a dike under the impact of a flood peak is a very dangerous task, especially backfilling the outer slope facing the water. Not only are the workers repairing the dike at risk of being swept away by the water, but the repair process may also touch the weak parts of the dike, causing a secondary accident.

However, none of these dangers are as great as the danger of a complete breach of the dike.

Therefore, Han Fulai decided to personally lead people to repair the dike, and was also mentally prepared for the possibility of someone sacrificing their life.

Just as Han Fulai was urgently directing preparations for the rescue, Shen He's voice came from the side: "I'll go."

Han Fulai turned his head and saw Shen He standing up from the ground, his icy eyes shining brightly, and he already holding the Disaster Relief Spear in his hand.

Her expression was calm, without joy or sorrow, which was a manifestation of the "perfect and sudden cessation and contemplation" state under the blessing of the Calming Spear.

Han Fulai was surprised and then delighted, "Ahe, you've completed your 'Frosty Sky Technique'?"

"Mm." Shen He nodded gently.

There was still a quarter of an hour left before the hour she had mentioned, but Shen He's training was already complete—she was even stronger than before, or perhaps her desire to help her beloved had unleashed even greater potential.

“Okay, let’s go together.” Han Fulai extended his hand to Shen He.

Shen He grasped his hand and leaped into the water.

The moment the toes touched the water's surface, the turbulent waves suddenly stopped.

Shen He and Han Fulai walked hand in hand on the water, their steps light and graceful, like a divine couple.

Behind them, a passage formed of frozen ice appeared.

It's definitely faster to run straight across the water than to go around the dam on land.

Shen He kept moving, chanting the incantation: "The Supreme Purity floats above the void, the Three Heavens' Precious Divine Talisman. The sun shines with five rays, the Azure Emperor is round and eternal. Holding the register, ascend to the Supreme Brightness, receive the talisman in the Golden Flower Tower. The five internal organs are planted with jade roots, the soul and spirit are condensed and harmonized. The void is clear and mysterious, the Qi flows and gives birth to clarity. With stillness and harmony, wondrous clarity and awakening, the mysterious breath naturally leads to longevity."

Countless silver-white talismans emerged from the void as Shen He performed her incantation, swirling around her. Han Fulai, who was beside her, felt a chilling aura emanating from the hand Shen He held, as if he had been doused with ice water from head to toe. The manic thoughts that had been temporarily suppressed by Xiao's supernatural powers vanished instantly.

Several talismans forming ice feathers appeared around him, seemingly as a protective barrier.

This is the special effect of Shen He's "Frosty Sky Technique". This technique can not only be used by Shen He herself to enhance the power of ice magic, but also to protect the people around her, exorcise evil spirits, and protect their lives.

Before long, the two arrived at the two large dikes northwest of Guiliyuan.

From here, you can see soldiers on the two dikes rushing to fill the collapsed sections with soil. However, filling the outer slope with soil is like throwing stones into the sea; they are washed away by the water in no time.

Shen He finally released Han Fulai's hand, holding a gun in one hand and making a hand seal with the other, while lightly stepping on the ground.

Centered on where she stood, a yin-yang symbol suddenly appeared—"Dongguan" means Taiji.

Han Fulai closed his eyes and silently recited, "The rock is drawn together by the six directions to form bones." When he opened his eyes again, his pupils were golden.

The divine and celestial power from the Rock Demon God flowed into the Tai Chi pattern beneath Shen He's feet, guided by Han Fulai.

Meanwhile, Shen He's "Summoning Generals with Spiritual Might" spell also took effect. This time, she didn't need any incantations; she simply made hand seals and pointed her fingers, and ice puppets were generated from the talismans surrounding her—not one, but two!

Two ice golems circled around her several times like a yin-yang symbol before suddenly disappearing into the ice beneath her feet.

Shen He's eyes shone brightly, and he drew three marks on the ice with his toes, which were the "Qian" trigram from the Eight Trigrams.

"When you tread on frost, it becomes solid ice; the yin begins to congeal. Gradually follow its path, and you will reach solid ice."

"All things are one, the ancestor of the Great Dao, supreme in the vast void, pervading all! 'The Great Cavern of Frosty Clouds'!"

When the Qian trigram is associated with the Dui and Kan trigrams, it freezes into ice upon encountering cold.

The "Great Cave Miro Venerable Dharma" and the "Frosty Sky Technique" were combined into one, and a silver-gray wall several miles long emerged from the water, with rock as its bone and ice as its flesh, forming a long dike that was as solid as a rock!

Chapter 391 How About Dying for Your Society? [4k]

This is a real "hand-made dam"!

With the combined efforts of Han Fulai and Shen He, a new embankment was built in front of the Guiliyuan Dam.

A sturdy ice wall stood before everyone, its exposed portion reaching a height of three zhang (approximately 10 meters), resembling a majestic mountain range. The surging floodwaters of the Bishui River crashed against the ice wall, producing only countless splashes and foams, much like a wooden battering ram striking a modern fortress made of reinforced concrete, only to shatter itself.

Shen He stood atop the icy dike, her hands forming hand seals, her robes fluttering like a goddess descending to earth. The Calamity-Suppressing Spear hovered before her, radiating a chilling light like a cold star in the twilight.

Han Fulai didn't know any immortal hand seals and couldn't project the same professional image as Shen He, so he simply stood with his hands behind his back beside Shen He. But today, in order to give a pep talk in front of everyone, he changed into a Liyue robe made of quite nice material, with a white front and black piping, which was a matching set with Shen He's.

Furthermore, with the ice feather talismans given to him by Shen He surrounding him, he also had the air of a celestial being standing next to Shen He, this "goddess," making him quite presentable.

Seeing this extraordinary sight, the soldiers and workers on the Guiliyuan Dam were dumbfounded—the immortals had already done a great job dispelling the rain clouds, but what's with you two rubbing the dam with your hands? You're immortals too, aren't you?

For a time, cries of "Lord Han" and "Fairy Crane" rose and fell.

Although the people of Liyue rarely see real immortals, those who possess the Vision of Gods always do.

Although holders of the Eye of God like Xingqiu and Chongyun can use their magical powers to do many things that ordinary people cannot, such as summoning water swords or condensing ice swords, these are all within the imagination of ordinary people.

The fact that Han Fulai and Shen He could create a thousand-meter-long dam by reciting a few incantations is far beyond the imagination of ordinary people. It is definitely not something that ordinary holders of the Eye of God can do. In fact, the legendary True Lord of Yixiao Daotian supporting Tianheng Mountain with his body seems to be comparable.

Some even drew parallels to the legendary Rock King Emperor, who supposedly created the Lonely Cloud Pavilion by throwing down a rock spear, and thus felt even more awe for Han Fulai's title as "successor of the Emperor."

Only some soldiers who had participated in the Battle of Bache and witnessed Shenhe's freezing tsunami knew that these two were not actually immortals. But even if they weren't immortals, they were more like them—who cares if they were immortals or not? They could do such exaggerated things, so what's wrong with calling them "divine beings" or "fairies"?

Han Fulai felt a secret sense of satisfaction as he listened to the cheers of the crowd on the embankment.

In fact, if neither of them had possessed the power of the remnants of a demon god, even if it were a true immortal like Shen He's master, True Lord Liuyun, they wouldn't have been able to "rub the dike by hand" like this.

There is still a vast chasm between demons and immortals. Immortals who wish to use this level of power usually resort to forbidden techniques, which may very well come at the cost of their lives, just like the True Lord Yixiao Daotian in the past.

Using "Word of Power" to manipulate the power of heaven and earth to create ice walls is something that can be done with Celestial Talismans. However, to make the ice walls cover an area of ​​several thousand meters and maintain their strength and existence continuously, even the Celestials of Liyue would have to gather the power of multiple Celestials to form a united front—just like how multiple Celestials lay in wait in the shadows to prepare to fight the enemy together during the Battle of Bacha, because a single Celestial could not withstand the tsunami unleashed by Bacha.

The two of them unleashed a demonic power on the level of moving mountains and overturning seas, which would even amaze a celestial being like Xiao.

Of course, the two of them only possess a portion of the remnants of the demon god, and are not considered true demon god power. At least, this ice wall cannot exist permanently like the rock spear of Guyun Pavilion. If Shen He is not continuously infusing power to maintain it, this ice wall will collapse on its own in a few minutes.

Ultimately, "hand-built dams" can only be used as an emergency measure. Otherwise, Han Fulai would have already called Shen He over to help build the dam, and there would have been no need to go through the trouble of hiring experts and recruiting workers...

Shen He has been accumulating power for about three hours since morning, and the ice wall can also last for about three hours. The exact time depends on how long Shen He can hold on, but it will not exceed her power-accumulating time.

However, being able to hold out for three more hours at the peak of the floodwaters is already quite an achievement.

As Galcha and his colleagues said, this flood peak is "slender and pointed," and although it came on strong, it lacked momentum and the highest water level would not last long. If they can hold on for another three hours, or six hours, the water level may have receded by nightfall, at least to the level that the original levee can support.

Even if the water doesn't recede after Shenhe's ice wall ends, it doesn't matter, because the Liyue soldiers and civilians on the levee aren't there to be mere spectators during these precious few hours.

Han Fulai didn't enjoy the cheers for long before returning to the dike to direct everyone to begin repairing it.

With Shenhe acting as an ice wall to block the flood, there is no need to worry about it being washed away by the water flow, and the emergency repair work can proceed smoothly.

The previous piping openings and "dropping pits" can be plugged as soon as possible, and the cracks that have appeared due to flood erosion and the damaged wooden pile "breakwaters" can also be repaired as soon as possible.

Before nightfall, they needed to make the dike truly impregnable.

Under Han Fulai's command, various emergency repair projects were carried out in full swing, and the dike was bustling with activity.

Imagine when we're old, we can brag to our younger generations, "We were part of the flood relief efforts in Guiliyuan back then! Ever heard of immortals? I saw one twice in one day!" That will make us even more energetic when we're working.

Although victory is in sight, Han Fulai still feels somewhat uneasy.

This unease stems not only from the possibly "man-made" rainfall that just occurred, but also from the "dropping points" on the No. 1 and No. 2 dikes, as well as the newly appeared piping outlets at the bottom of the dikes.

Previously, due to the floodwaters, Han Fulai hadn't been able to investigate the problems in detail, but now that he was leading people to repair the dikes, he could see the issues.

Don't be fooled by the fact that concrete is much stronger than ordinary soil; the problem actually came from the concrete he mixed by hand!

The places where the hidden dangers appeared were all the cracks and loopholes that he had repaired with the power of the Salt God.

Moreover, the problem was surprisingly scientific: he found some brine at the damaged part of the dam—chloride salts caused the concrete to lose strength.

Concrete itself does have excellent compressive strength and durability, and its waterproof performance after solidification is also quite good. However, in actual building use, the strength of concrete is easily affected by environmental factors.

In modern times, one of the key projects in the maintenance of seawalls is to check the surface coating and seepage prevention treatment of the seawalls, because seawater soaking can erode concrete.

If concrete is thrown into seawater without any anti-seepage coating, the chloride ions in the seawater will react chemically with the main component of the concrete, namely "cement". The cement gel contains potassium ions, sodium ions, calcium ions, etc., which react with chloride ions to produce substances such as potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride.

These substances accelerate the expansion of tiny pores in concrete, reducing its waterproofing and seepage prevention properties. They also cause the cement gel to expand, significantly altering the internal microstructure of the concrete, affecting its strength, and ultimately reducing the overall shear strength of the embankment.

Those "collapses" were caused by the decrease in the shear strength of the embankment.

To put it simply, the problem with the Guiliyuan levee was that the concrete swelled up from being soaked in seawater and cracked.

But the problem is that Bishui River is a freshwater river!

Where does this brine, or seawater, that corrodes the concrete come from?