Chapter 306

Chu Caiwei pursed her lips, and her bright almond-shaped eyes followed that figure. Until he threw himself into the golden alms bowl, the big-eyed beauty still couldn't get rid of the scene just now.

"How awesome …" she thought.

"Prince Xu is really a god." The warlocks in white exclaimed from the bottom of their hearts.

For them, such a way of showing his divinity in front of the people was a little too fashionable and innovative, which had a huge impact on their hearts.

In contrast, Senior Brother Yang, who could only repeatedly say "there is no such person in the world", seemed very inferior.

Thinking of this, the warlocks in white and Chu Caiwei subconsciously looked at Yang Qianhuan, only to see that Senior Brother Yang's whole body was convulsing.

"It turns out that it can be like this … It turns out that it can be like this … In the eyes of countless people in the capital, in the eyes of high-ranking officials and dignitaries in Daibun, it's like drinking boldly, reciting poems boldly, and fighting bravely.

"Why do I feel that my brain is trembling when I just put myself in his shoes? This is the extreme I pursue, this is the feeling I want, but I didn't expect that he could achieve it so easily …

"No, this was my chance, my chance. The Supervisor always … always … misled me."

On the roof of the restaurant outside, Chu Yuanzhen sighed and said, "Awesome, really awesome. This eye-catching skill is unprecedented. Even if I became the top scholar in the past, I still couldn't compare with him."

"Amitabha, that's why I say your excellency Xu is a wonderful person." Hengy Yuan said with a smile.

A person with Xu daren's personality was far more interesting than a rigid scholar. He was also much easier to get along with than a martial artist who would draw his sword at the slightest disagreement.

This was probably the reason why the top courtesans of the Musical House liked him so much. In addition to coveting his poems, his personality was also attractive to women.

"He went in."

In the crowded crowd, some people pointed at the "picture" projected in the air. At the foot of the towering mountain, a man in a cloak appeared.

…

"I give myself 99 points for this pretentiousness. One point is a little embarrassing … However, as long as I pretend not to be embarrassed, then it will be a 100 points golden inlaid jade … It feels good to be a delusional person occasionally …" Xu Qi 'an summarized the operation of the show of divinity just now and looked around.

This world seemed to be real. Perhaps it was real. He had arrived at a small world created by a great Buddhist divine ability.

The Buddhist gate was towering, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a paradise.

The faintly discernible Sanskrit chants drifted into one's ears, unconsciously calming one's mood. It made one abandon all the worries of the mortal world, leaving only peace and joy in one's heart.

In front of him was a winding stone staircase, extending into the depths of the clouds.

Xu Qi 'an spread out his thoughts and sensed for a moment, but he did not detect any signs of life. There were no moths, birds, or beasts.

"The little monk Jing Si sits on the mountain, so it should not be the first test. right."

"Xu" Zhou said with.

After walking calmly for a quarter of an hour, Xu Qi 'an saw a small stone tablet by the side of the stone steps. On the tablet was engraved: "Eight Sufferings!"

After walking for 15 minutes, Xu Qi 'an saw a small stone tablet beside the stone steps. "Eight Hardships!"

"The Eight Hardships of Life are birth, old age, illness, death, separation from love, resentment, unattainable, and the Five Yin Blazing …"

Master Du 'e's compassionate voice sounded and echoed in the ears of the audience. "The first stage is the Eight Hardships Array. Only those with a strong mind are qualified to climb the mountain and continue to accept the Buddhist Dharma test. "

On the Eight Trigrams Platform, the Yuanjing Emperor, who was dressed in a Daoist robe, stood at the edge and looked down at the square. He said in a deep voice, "I've heard of this array. Supervisor, how powerful is this Eight Hardships Array?"

"It's not a matter of power. It's an array formation that's especially torturous." The Supervisor drank some wine and explained to the Yuanjing Emperor.

"If a child enters the Eight Hardships Array, he can easily come out. The more experienced a person is, the harder it is to break the array. In Buddhism, the Eight Hardships Array is used by monks to hone their mental state.

"Some people have experienced the test and their mental state has become more perfect. Some people have fallen into the Eight Hardships and their Buddhist hearts have been shattered. "

The Yuanjing Emperor was shocked. "Even the eminent monks of the Buddhist Sect are like this, let alone him."

The Supervisor smiled. "How can it be so easy to win against the Buddhist Sect? There are only a handful of people in the capital who can survive the Eight Hardships Array."

The Yuanjing Emperor frowned when he heard that.

There were only a handful of people in the capital who could survive the Eight Hardships Array. He did not think that Xu Qi 'an was one of them. It had nothing to do with talent. It had to do with one's temperament, comprehension, and the system.

How would Warrior face the Eight Hardships Array that Buddhist monks used to hone their Buddhist hearts?

If Buddhism was particular about a thorough Bodhi Heart, then Warrior would have no taboos. His heart was turbid.

"If we lose this battle, the alliance that used to be on equal footing will be tilted …" Yuan Jing Di thought.

This was what he was most worried about. Compared to twenty years ago, Daibun's national strength was much weaker. It could no longer be compared to the Buddhist Sect in the West.

But this was a tacit understanding, and no one would say it out loud. If they lost this battle, it would be recorded in the history books. It would be the same as putting the matter in the light.

When the future generations studied this period of history, they would think that during Yuan Jing's later years, Daibun's national strength was weak. As an Emperor, he was not the one who could revive the country, but a muddle-headed Emperor.

"We can't lose. We have to win no matter what. We have three chances. If Xu Qi 'an loses, Supervisor, you'd better choose a capable person," the Yuanjing Emperor said.

…

"It's such a terrifying array?"

Chu Yuanzhen was shocked after listening to Hengy Yuan's explanation.

"With Xu Ningyan's temperament, I'm afraid he won't be able to pass the test of the Eight Distresses Array," Chu Yuanzhen said.

"Maybe you should be more confident and remove the 'I'm afraid'." Hengy Yuan said helplessly.

"The Eight Distresses Array is used by monks who practice Zen to train their Buddhist hearts. If a monk falls into it, his mind will be broken. If it's serious, he will go crazy and lose his mind."

"This …" Chu Yuanzhen's expression changed. "The Buddhists are too vicious. Are they trying to destroy Xu Ningyan?"

Hengy Yuan said, "There's another use for the Eight Distresses Array …"

…

"There's no Qi movement and no danger feedback. The Eight Distresses Array won't attack me." Xu Qi 'an stood by the stone tablet and did not take a step forward.

'Whatever, I'll break the array first.'

Xu Qi 'an stepped onto the stone steps and entered the array. In an instant, the scenery in front of him changed. Buddha Mountain and the steps faded and darkness covered his vision.

"Wa wa …"

He then heard the cries of a baby. The cries tore through the darkness. He saw white walls, white bedsheets, and people in white uniforms.

A nurse was holding a newborn baby and was wiping his body.

On the bed was a pale woman who was sweating profusely. She had delicate features and was very familiar.

"Mom …"

Xu Qi 'an subconsciously shouted.

This was not the birth of Xu Qi 'an from Daibun. It was the birth of Xu Qi' an who grew up under the red flag and was born in the new China.

The child grew up slowly. After experiencing the happiest childhood, he was forced to go to school. Day after day, year after year, he went to school. The heavy workload dominated his youth.

Finally, he graduated and grew up. He planned to enter society.

At that moment, his parents, who were obviously old, patted him on the shoulder and said shamefully, "You finally graduated from the police academy. We can't give you anything. You have to work hard. You have to buy a house, a car, and a wife. You have to rely on yourself."

When he entered the company, he worked day and night. In order to save enough for the down payment of a house, he worked so hard that he finally made the down payment for a house.

The problem was that he had no money to renovate it …

Xu Qi 'an learned from his mistakes and left the unit to go into business. His business failed and he began a ten-year struggle.

After ten years, he finally had a well-renovated house and some savings. It was time to start a family.

At that time, his father fell ill … A serious illness almost made him bankrupt. His father's health collapsed and he was responsible for supporting the two old people.

For this, his girlfriend of many years left him.

'Shouldn't I be drunk and dead by now …' He wanted to laugh at himself, but his heart was especially heavy.

The scene changed. He finally got married before he was forty, and he married a pretty good wife. The next year, their child was born. The couple had a big fight because they wanted their child to go to a better school.

From then on, they lived for their child, raised him, and paid for him to go to school. Until one day, the child said, "Mom, Dad, I'm getting married, but I want a house. My wife doesn't want to live with you.

"Oh, before that, you have to prepare a dowry of hundreds of thousands. Use Dad's pension."

Alright, they lived frugally and provided most of their life's savings to pay the mortgage for the child. Wasn't that what people lived for?

Thus, their son got married, got a house, and began his life. Then, their grandson was born. His wife was taken away because she had to take care of their son and daughter-in-law and take care of the child.

Xu Qi 'an began a life of widowhood …

At the end of his life, he laid on a sickbed and ended his life. Before he left, he only had an equally old wife by his side.

At that moment, Xu Qi 'an actually felt relaxed, as if he could finally rest.

One reincarnation ended, and the second reincarnation began.

From birth to death, he had been a social animal all his life. He had been working hard to "live." When he was young, he was burdened with heavy schoolwork. When he was young, he fought for his future. When he was middle-aged, he fought for his children. When he was old, he still fought for his children.

Apart from his carefree childhood, he only felt true "freedom" when he breathed his last. He felt like he had been relieved of all his burdens.

"Is this the eight sufferings of life? Birth, aging, illness, death, separation from love, resentment, unattainable, overflowing with Yin … What's the meaning of such a life? My life isn't like this. It shouldn't be like this."

In the reincarnation after reincarnation, Xu Qi 'an's desire to escape into Buddhism grew stronger. There was a voice in his heart that kept saying, "Rest, rest. There's no meaning in such a life."

"Let go of everything, and you'll be free."

"No, no, there's something wrong with my will …" He immediately realized that there was something wrong with his thoughts. It was as if he had schizophrenia.

One tempted him to escape into Buddhism and seek freedom. The other was firm in his beliefs and thoughts.

The two consciousnesses collided in his body. Xu Qi 'an clutched his head in pain.

"Think of something else. Think of Fu Xiang's snow-white butt."

…

All of his actions fell into the eyes of the spectators outside. Countless people were on tenterhooks for him.

"What's going on? Why does he look like he's in pain? But nothing happened. "

The Eight Sufferings Formation worked on the soul. Outsiders could not peek into Xu Qi 'an's spiritual world, so they could not empathize with him.

"… This is only the first stage, and that person is already in so much pain. How is he going to climb the mountain? "

A Jianghu person heard this and lamented, "It's obvious who's better. I'm afraid this battle is going to be difficult."

They did not understand what the Eight Sufferings Formation was. They only saw Xu Qi 'an enter the "painting scroll" and start to climb the mountain. In the end, he only took a few steps and he became like this.

It was disappointing.

In the pergola where the royal family was, Pan Juan's fists were clenched tightly. Her entire body was tense. She stared at Xu Qi 'an without blinking, fully displaying the nervousness in her heart.

Huaiqing held the teacup in her hand and did not put it down.

"Mother, Big Brother seems to be in pain." Xu Lingyue said with a sobbing tone.

Aunt quickly looked at her husband. Seeing his gloomy face, she immediately did not dare to ask. She comforted him softly, "It's okay, it's okay. Your big brother has always been promising. He wasn't even afraid of the tens of thousands of rebels in Yunzhou. Why would he be afraid of these bald donkeys?"

"Uncle, what's wrong with my big brother?" Xu Lingyin pointed to the sky.

"It's okay."

Wei Yuan's tone was calm, but the veins on the back of his hand that was grabbing the armrest were bulging. His body unconsciously leaned forward, his eyes staring at the "painting scroll" the whole time.

"Eight Sufferings Formation!"

Grand Chief Wang Zhenwen snorted coldly, "This formation is used by Buddhist monks to train their Buddhist hearts. If a martial artist falls into it and is unable to break through the formation, his state of mind will be broken and he will become a cripple. If he can pass through the formation safely, it means that he has Buddhist nature. You should take the opportunity to bring him into Buddhism.

"Dhu Lohan, good move. You're humiliating Daibun like this. Aren't you afraid of Daibun's millions of elite soldiers?"

As the Grand Chief of Daibun, Wang Zhenwen was the one in charge when the Emperor was not around.

He had a wide range of knowledge and mature political tactics. In a few words, he revealed Dhu Lohan's plan.

Great Master Du 'e chanted the name of Buddha and said happily, "Isn't it a good fortune to convert to Buddhism?"

Only then did Chu Yuanzhen know the other purpose of the Eight Sufferings Formation. He also understood why Number Six, Hengy Yuan, wanted to say something but hesitated.

Dhu Lohan's plan was indeed a little sinister.

The first test was to test his Buddhist nature. If he did not have Buddhist nature, Xu Qi 'an would be destroyed and the Buddhists would win. If he had Buddhist nature, there would be a few more tests waiting for him to enter Buddhism. That way, not only would the Buddhists win, but they would also slap Daibun in the face.

The person sent to fight would eventually become a disciple of the Buddhists. That slap would be too ruthless.

In the various pergolas, the expressions of the high-ranking officials and dignitaries changed. The noble ladies and young ladies who were just watching the show also put away their playful attitude and stopped talking and laughing.

Pan Fan suddenly became nervous. He widened his peach blossom eyes and said anxiously, "Huaiqing, Huaiqing, the Grand Chief said that if I don't break the formation, I'll be a cripple. If I break the formation, I'll become a monk. What should I do?"

Huai Qing's beautiful brows knit together tightly. Even though she was experienced and knowledgeable, her cultivation was barely passable. The current situation had exceeded the scope of her ability.

"Do you want to be a cripple or a monk?" Huaiqing asked.

"I …" Pan Fan opened his mouth but did not say the answer in his heart.

The high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the pergolas were not the only ones who were angry. The surrounding commoners were also furious. In Daibun, the commoners living in the capital were the proudest. This was because they lived in the core city of the Imperial Court and had the pride of a large country's commoners.

Due to Jingsi and Jingchen's' provocation 'during this period of time, the commoners in the capital had long been resentful. Today, the Celestial Commissioner had agreed to fight the Buddhists. Before daybreak, the place was filled with commoners.

"They're going too far. The Imperial Court is actually weak. The Buddhists have trampled on us time and time again, but those experts haven't said a word."

Gazes focused on Xu Qi 'an. They were nervous as they held their breaths.

Aunt suddenly heard a crack. It turned out that her husband had crushed the armrest of her chair.

Her exquisite brows furrowed tightly as she said in annoyance, "Why did they choose Ningyan to fight? W-what should we do?"

In order to build a foundation for his nephew, her husband had painstakingly nurtured him for 20 years. If it was really as that person said — that he would be crippled if he didn't break the formation — then her husband's 20 years of nurturing would be destroyed.

Breaking the formation wasn't a good thing either. Xu Ningyan was the only son of the eldest branch, and he had become a monk …

Aunt turned around and glanced at her son and daughter. Xu Xinnian's brows were tightly furrowed. Xu Lingyue bit her lip, her pretty face filled with worry.

…

"There's still a third way to break this formation."

Amidst the pain of schizophrenia, a thought entered Xu Qi 'an's mind. It was Monk Shen Shu's voice.

"Don't respond. Don't think about things related to me. Just listen to me. This formation was used by Buddhist cultivators to hone their mental state. There would be two outcomes for those who entered the formation: their mental state would become more and more clear, or their mental state would shatter.

"If a non-Buddhist can survive the Eight Distresses Formation, it means that they possess Buddhist nature."

No wonder I had the idea of escaping into Buddhism. The Buddhists are trying to destroy my heart … He thought as he endured the twisted mental pain.

Monk Shen Shu's thought came again. "Other than the two above, there's another way: use the power of all living beings to break the formation!"

Xu Qi 'an waited for a while. Monk Shen Shu did not speak anymore. Out of caution, he did not call out to Shen Shu in his mind.

Using the power of all living beings to break the formation … What did this mean? The eight distresses of life required the power of all living beings to break it? But where would I get the power of all living beings? This was clearly not an ability that a Warrior should have …

The cycle continued. The Eight Distresses Formation "corroded" Xu Qi 'an's mental state. What was worse was that the idea of escaping into Buddhism did not intensify. Instead, the collision of the two personalities caused his mental state to become even more distorted.

This meant that Xu Qi 'an really did not have Buddhist nature. If he could not break the formation, what awaited him was the shattering of his mental state.

Xu Qi 'an examined all of his techniques. Heaven and Earth Single Strike, Heart Sword, Lion's Roar, Face Changing Technique, Nurturing Will … Hmm?

Nurturing Will?

The Nurturing Sword Will that Chu Yuanzhen taught him was to use one's own emotions as power and infuse it into the sword.

My current mood is indeed terrible, but it is not enough to break the Eight Distresses Formation … But, from another perspective, why must I use my own emotions?

Why not try to borrow other people's emotions? Nurturing Sword Will with other people's emotions.

As soon as this idea arose, it could not be stopped.

He closed his eyes and used the secret technique that Chu Yuanzhen taught him to sense his emotions. However, the target was changed from himself to the outside world.

What was surprising was that he could actually sense the emotions of the outside world. They were the emotions of the people in the capital … These emotions were an ocean, and they were mainly nervous and angry.

Are you angry too?

Then lend me your strength.

Xu Qi 'an was immersed in the ocean of emotions, absorbing the angry emotions. Gradually, an intense and boundless anger rose from the bottom of his heart.

It was like a raging tide, like thunder, like raging fire.

He subconsciously pressed on the scabbard, as if he was going to pull out his sword.

"Not enough, still not enough …"

…

Mount Qingyun, Yunlu Academy.

The Quasi-sage statue suddenly shook, and a noble aura rushed to the sky.

A red wooden box hanging above the Quasi-sage statue trembled. It was unknown what was sealed inside, but it seemed like it was about to break out of the box.

Light flickered, and Dean Zhao Shou appeared in the temple, staring at the mahogany box in bewilderment.

Then, three Light flickered, and Li Mubai and the other two Confucian scholars rushed over to check the situation.

"What's going on, why is the Quasi-sage statue moving again …"

Li Mubai's voice suddenly stopped. He stared at the mahogany box in disbelief and stammered, "What, what's wrong with it?"

Dean Zhao Shou said faintly, "Someone has affected the power of all living beings, and it has awakened."

The three Confucian scholars looked at Zhao Shou as if they were looking at a madman.

Zhao Shou ignored them and bowed. "Seniors, please be quiet."

The three Confucian scholars seemed to wake up from a dream and bowed one after another. "Seniors, please be quiet."

The mahogany box's trembling weakened and slowly calmed down.

…

"He's going to pull out his sword!" someone shouted hoarsely.

Among the onlookers, some people were relieved because Xu Qi 'an finally made a move and was no longer immersed in pain. This made them feel reassured.

It was good that he had a countermeasure, but what they were most afraid of was losing without any resistance.

Wei Yuan was stunned. He did not understand Xu Qi 'an's actions.

He was not the only one. Anyone who had some understanding of the Eight Distresses Formation could not understand Xu Qi 'an's intentions.

The Eight Distresses Formation was not an enemy, so what was the point of pulling out his sword?

Was he going to cut himself?

"Father, what is he trying to do?" Miss Wang asked softly.

"He can't do anything." Wang Shoufu shook his head and said disappointedly, "The best outcome is that he withstands the Eight Distresses Formation … I really don't know why the Supervisor chose him."

On the tall building, the Yuanjing Emperor said in a deep voice, "Supervisor, is this the person you want to choose?"

In his opinion, Xu Qi 'an's actions were no different from a cornered dog jumping over a wall.

"Your Majesty … You didn't feel anything?"

The Supervisor looked at him with an unconcealable disappointment in her eyes.

Lian Fan said loudly, "Pull out the sword, pull out the sword."

Just as she finished shouting, she was stopped by Chen Fei who reprimanded her, "You're being too noisy. That's not proper."

"Why isn't he pulling out the sword? Quick, pull out the sword."

At this moment, someone shouted from the crowd.

"Pull out the sword!"

Immediately, someone else echoed.

More and more people echoed, and the shouts became louder and louder. In the end, the sound of "pulling out the sword" could be heard.

"Pull out the sword, pull out the sword …"

The shouts were like a tidal wave.

…

"Enough!"

And so, Xu Qi 'an pulled out the sword.

Clang …

In the peaceful Buddhist Realm, a blinding light suddenly rushed out. It was like the morning sun that broke through the darkness, like the light that split the chaos.

This beam of light did not contain Xu Qi 'an's power, but the power of thousands of people in the capital. It was the power of unity.

Crack!

The stone tablet with the words "Eight Distresses" was full of cracks, and then with a "bang", it shattered.

Rumble …

The entire Buddha Mountain shook at this moment, as if it was about to collapse.

This slash was aimed at the Eight Distresses Formation. The power of the Eight Distresses Formation originated from this Buddhist Realm.

Therefore, this slash was aimed at the power of this Buddhist Realm.

"Crack!"

There was another crisp sound, but it did not come from Buddha Mountain. It came from the outside world.

Master Du 'e lowered his head in shock and saw a crack in the golden alms bowl.

"The golden alms bowl has cracked, the golden alms bowl has cracked."

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The young girl's scream echoed.

Upon hearing the shout, the dignitaries in the awnings subconsciously lowered their heads and looked at the golden alms bowl. They realized that there was indeed a crack.

"What? The golden alms bowl has cracked?"

The people and the people in the martial arts world outside could not see the golden alms bowl, or they could not see it clearly. For a moment, they were anxious and wanted to verify it.

"Is it really cracked? Is the golden alms bowl really cracked? I can't see clearly. "

The few people standing in front of them tiptoed and kept pushing the people around them to adjust their positions. Finally, they saw the golden alms bowl beside Dhu Lohan.

When they looked closely, they saw a crack on the surface of the golden alms bowl.

"It's really cracked. The golden alms bowl has really cracked."

Along with this voice, a wild wave of cheers sounded, each louder than the last.

"Stupid bald donkey, aren't you very domineering? Hmph, do you really think that there's no one in Daibun?"

"Hurry up and go back to the Western Region. Capital is not a place for you to flaunt your strength."

That was truly an uproar.

The people were busy talking and laughing, while the people in the martial arts world were focused on Xu Qi 'an.

At some point in time, another talented young man had appeared in Capital. They had never heard of his name before.

…

On the roof of the Stargazing Tower, the Yuanjing Emperor, who was looking down at the cheering people, smiled.

"Not bad!"

He praised in satisfaction and then asked, "Supervisor, what was that slash just now?"

When did Xu Qi 'an become so powerful?

The Supervisor ignored him.

In the pergola, Miss Wang pursed her lips and looked at Wang Zhenwen, the Grand Secretary, and said in a low voice, "Father, didn't you say that he would definitely lose? Didn't you say that he would have to go through the Eight Hardships Array, only …"

"Alright, alright!"

Wang Shoufu hurriedly waved his hand and interrupted, "I admit that I made a mistake. Are you satisfied now?"

Although that was what he said, he didn't look angry.

He took a sip of tea in a relaxed manner and said, "Wei Yuan has gained another strong general."

At this time, his tone was a little depressed.

In the night watchman area, Wei Yuan exhaled softly and touched Xu Lingyin's head. He said calmly, "This slash was normal, not bad.

"But, if it were you, could you break the array with one slash?"

The Jinluo people lowered their heads in shame.

The martial arts fanatic Yang Yan could not help but ask, "How did he do it?"

Wei Yuan's expression froze for a moment, but he recovered in an instant. He still said calmly, "When he comes out, you can ask him yourself."

Duke Wei had known about it a long time ago. No wonder he had been so calm … The golden gongs came to a realization.

The happiest one was still Xu Pingzhi. He could not hide his smile, which was completely different from his previous state.

"Not bad," the old auntie muttered.

This lecher was indeed powerful. She had to admit that.

On the roof of the restaurant, Hengy Yuan sighed and said, "What an unbelievable slash. How did your excellency Xu do it?"

After saying that, he turned to look at Chu Yuanzhen, only to find that Number Four was in a daze. He muttered, "How is this possible, how is this possible …"

It was as if he had gone crazy.

How strong was the impact that your excellency Xu's slash had on Number Four?

Hengy Yuan was stunned.

At this moment, Master Du 'e's voice sounded, and everyone heard it clearly.

"The Eight Hardships Array is only the first stage. The second stage is called the Vajra Array. I saw that Silver Gong was exhausted after using that slash. Does he still have the strength to pass the second stage? "

Hearing that, everyone immediately raised their heads and looked at the "painting".

Xu Qi 'an sat on the stone steps, panting heavily. His face was pale.

Even ordinary people who did not know how to cultivate could tell that Xu Qi 'an was in a bad state.

That made them realize that it was too early to be happy. They had only passed one stage, and they were at the foot of the mountain, still far from the peak.