Chapter 86 - 78: Gyroscope
In a high-altitude environment, atmospheric and partial pressures of oxygen gradually decrease. The supply of oxygen is hindered, leading to an increase in anaerobic metabolism in brain cells and a decrease in ATP production. The dysfunction of sodium ion pumps in brain cell membranes causes retention of sodium and water within the cells, leading to cytotoxic cerebral edema. If not rescued in time, it could turn into a vicious cycle of *brain hypoxia, cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral circulation disorder, difficulty in oxygen diffusion, and further brain hypoxia*.
Li Ang thought silently. High-altitude cerebral edema is common among those who rapidly ascend to altitudes above 4,000 meters. Initially, it presents with severe headaches, vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, and slow reactions, and can progress to coma if severe.
The elevation of Chang’an is around 400 to 700 meters, while Qinling Taibai Mountain is indeed about 3,700 meters high. However, the two places are two hundred li apart. It’s impossible that the tattooed Han man climbed Taibai Mountain, developed high-altitude sickness, and then was transported back here by a galloping horse.
If it’s not a high mountain or plateau, then it must be a low-pressure, low-oxygen environment with similar conditions.
For example, an artificially created low-pressure chamber, or being carried rapidly into the air using a Flying Sword—this could also trigger high-altitude cerebral edema.
However, Pu Liuxuan once mentioned that high above the surface, the Heaven and Earth Gang Wind existed, constantly tearing and ravaging without a moment’s pause. The higher one goes, the more dangerous the Heaven and Earth Gang Wind becomes.
Even armor made of Fine Steel, if thrown into the upper Gang Wind Layer, would be shredded to pulp in the blink of an eye.
The tattooed Han man’s body showed no obvious external injuries. It was likely not caused by rapid ascension.
An Alien? Magic? Or something else...
After pondering for a moment, Li Ang did not delve deeper—Jiao Cheng and the others remained silent, clearly hiding secrets and unwilling to answer.
"The ice is here!"
Di Wu, accompanied by others, brought over blocks of ice and a wooden barrel.