The power of all living beings

Chu Caiwei pursed her lips, her bright almond-shaped eyes following the figure until he threw the golden bowl into the bowl. The big-eyed beauty still couldn't shake off the scene from before.

How impressive!

"Young Master Xu is simply a divine being!" The white-robed Warlock exclaimed in genuine amazement.

This kind of public display of power was too fashionable and innovative for them, and it had a huge impact on their inner world.

Compared to him, Senior Brother Yang, who only ever repeats the phrase "There is no one like me in this world," seems quite Lower Vehicle.

Thinking of this, the white-robed Warlock and Chu Caiwei subconsciously looked at Yang Qianhuan, only to see that Senior Brother Yang was convulsing.

"So this is how it can be done! So this is how it can be done!" In the eyes of countless ordinary people in the capital, and in the eyes of the high-ranking officials and nobles of the Great Feng, they drank wine with gusto, recited poems with gusto, and accepted challenges with magnanimity.

"Why do I feel my brain trembling just by immersing myself in it? This is the ultimate experience I've been pursuing, this is the feeling I want, but he achieved it so easily."

"No, this was supposed to be my chance, my chance! Old Supervisor... you ruined me!"

On the rooftop of the surrounding restaurant, Chu Yuanzhen sighed, "Impressive, truly impressive. This skill at attracting attention is unparalleled. Even if I had become the top scholar in the imperial examination back then, I wouldn't have achieved such glory."

"Amitabha, that's why I say Lord Xu is a remarkable person," Hengyuan said with a smile.

A person with a personality like Lord Xu is far more interesting than a rigid scholar, and much easier to get along with than a warrior who would draw his sword at the slightest disagreement.

This is probably why the Imperial Academy of Music loved him so much; besides being captivated by his poetry, his charming personality was also a factor.

He went inside.

Amid the throng of people, some pointed to the "scroll" projected in mid-air, where a man in a cloak appeared at the foot of a majestic mountain.

I'd give myself a 99 out of 100 for that show of bravado, just one point short of being a little awkward. But as long as I pretend not to be embarrassed, it's a perfect 100. It feels pretty good to be a little dramatic sometimes. Xu Qi'an summarized his impressive display of power while looking around.

This world seemed real, or perhaps it was real; he had arrived in a small world created by the great Divine Ability of Buddhist School.

The Buddhist School is majestic and towering, shrouded in mist, like a fairyland.

The faint chanting of Buddhist hymns reached my ears, bringing an unconscious sense of peace and allowing me to let go of all worldly troubles, leaving behind tranquility and joy in my heart.

Before us lies a winding stone staircase, stretching into the depths of the clouds and mist.

Xu Qi'an let his thoughts wander and sensed for a moment, but he did not detect any signs of life; insects, birds, and beasts had vanished.

"The young monk Jingsi is sitting on the mountainside; he shouldn't be the first hurdle. What is the first hurdle?"

Filled with doubt, he began climbing the mountain.

After walking calmly for a quarter of an hour, Xu Qi'an saw a small stone tablet beside the stone steps, inscribed with the words: "Eight Sufferings!"

"The eight sufferings of life are: birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, encountering those one hates, not getting what one desires, and the burning of the five aggregates."

Master Du'e's compassionate voice rang out, echoing in the audience's ears. "This first trial is the Eight Sufferings Formation. Only those with steadfast minds are qualified to climb the mountain and continue to undergo the tests of the Dharma."

On the Eight Trigrams Platform, Emperor Yuanjing, dressed in a Daoist robe, stood at the edge, overlooking the square, and said in a deep voice, "I have heard of this formation. Supervisor, how powerful is this Eight Sufferings Formation?"

"It's not a matter of its power; it's the kind of formation that's particularly grueling," the supervisor explained to Emperor Yuanjing, sipping his wine.

"If a young child enters the Eight Sufferings Formation, he can easily get out. The more experienced a person is, the more difficult it is to break through the formation. In Buddhist School, the Eight Sufferings Formation is used by monks to temper their State of Mind."

Some people have weathered the trials and their State of Mind have become more fulfilled. Others, however, have fallen into the eight sufferings and their Buddhist hearts have been shattered.

Emperor Yuanjing was immediately taken aback. "If even a high-ranking Buddhist School monk is like this, what about him?"

The supervisor smiled and said, "It's not so easy to win a battle against Buddhist School. Just the Eight Sufferings Formation alone—there are very few people in the capital who can survive it safely."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanjing frowned.

In the capital, only a handful of people can survive the Eight Sufferings Formation. He doesn't believe that Xu Qi'an is among those "few." This has nothing to do with talent; it's related to temperament, comprehension, and the system itself.

How can a martial artist face the Eight Sufferings Formation used by Buddhist School monks to temper their minds?

If Buddhist School emphasizes a clear and enlightened Bodhi mind, then a martial artist is unrestrained and has a muddled mind.

"If we lose this battle, the original equal alliance will be tilted," Emperor Yuanjing thought to himself.

This was what worried him most. Compared to twenty years ago, the Great Feng Kingdom had weakened drastically and was no longer comparable to the Buddhist School of the Western Regions.

But this is an unspoken understanding, and no one will say it. However, if they lose this contest of wits, and it's recorded in history, it's as if the matter has been brought into the open.

When later generations study this period of history, they will think that in the later years of Emperor Yuanjing's reign, the power of the Great Feng Dynasty was weak, and that he was not a ruler who could restore the dynasty, but rather a foolish and incompetent emperor.

"We cannot lose. We must win no matter what. We have three chances. If Xu Qi'an loses, you, the Supervisor, had better choose a capable person." Emperor Yuanjing said, word by word.

"Such a terrifying formation?"

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback after hearing Hengyuan's explanation.

"Given Xu Ningyan's temperament, I'm afraid he won't pass the test of the Eight Sufferings Formation," Chu Yuanzhen pondered.

"Perhaps you should be more confident and remove the 'I'm afraid'," Hengyuan said helplessly.

"These Eight Sufferings Formations are used by highly accomplished Zen monks to temper their Buddhist hearts. If a martial monk falls into them, at best his State of Mind will be shattered, and at worst he will go mad and lose his reason."

Chu Yuanzhen's expression changed slightly. "Isn't the Buddhist School far too vicious? Do they want to ruin Xu Ningyan?"

Hengyuan said in a deep voice, "The Eight Sufferings Formation has another function."

"There are no fluctuations in energy, no danger signals, the Eight Sufferings Formation won't attack me." Xu Qi'an stood by the stone tablet, not taking a step forward for a long time.

Never mind, let's break through the formation first.

Xu Qi'an stepped onto the stone steps and entered the formation. In an instant, the scenery before his eyes changed. The Buddha Mountain faded away, the steps faded away, and darkness obscured his vision.

"Wow!"

He immediately heard the sound of a baby crying, the cry tearing through the darkness, and he saw white walls, white sheets, and a crowd of people in white uniforms.

A nurse held the newborn baby and gently wiped his body.

Lying on the bed was a woman, pale-faced and drenched in sweat. Her features were delicate and she was very familiar.

"Mom"

Subconsciously, Xu Qi'an called out.

This is not the birthplace of Xu Qi'an Great Feng, but the birthplace of Xu Qi'an who grew up under the red flag and was born in the new China.

As the child grew up, after experiencing the happiest part of his childhood, he was forced to go to school. Day after day, year after year, he went to school, and the heavy workload dominated his youth.

Finally, I graduated, grew up, and prepared to enter society.

At this moment, his parents, who were clearly getting old, patted him on the shoulder and said with shame, "You've finally graduated. Your parents can't give you anything. You have to work hard yourself to buy a house, a car, and get married. It's up to you."

He joined the company and worked day and night. In order to save enough for a down payment on a house, he studied diligently and finally made the down payment on a house.

Another problem arose: no money for renovations.

After much painful reflection, Xu Qi'an left his job and went into business. His business failed, and he began a decade-long struggle.

Ten years later, he finally had a nicely furnished house and some savings; it was time to start a family.

At this time, his father fell ill. A serious illness nearly bankrupted him, and his father's health collapsed, leaving him to take care of his two elderly parents.

As a result, his girlfriend of many years left him.

"Shouldn't I have died from drunkenness by now?" He wanted to laugh at himself, but his heart felt incredibly heavy.

The scene shifts, and he finally gets married before he turns forty, marrying a fairly good wife. The following year, their child is born, and the couple has a big fight over how to get their child into a better school.

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

"Oh, before that, you'll need to prepare several hundred thousand for the bride price. We'll use Dad's pension."

Okay, then let's tighten our belts, use most of our life savings to pay off the mortgage for the kids. Isn't that what life is all about?

So, the son got married, had a house, and began his life. Then, the grandson was born, and the old woman was taken away to take care of her son and daughter-in-law and the child.

Xu Qi'an began his life as a widow.

In the final moments of his life, he lay on his sickbed, ending his days with only his equally aged wife by his side.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an felt a sense of relief, as if he could finally rest.

One cycle ends, and the second cycle begins.

From birth to death, he was a corporate slave his whole life, always striving to "live." In his youth, he carried heavy academic burdens; in his early years, he fought for his future; in middle age, he struggled for his children; and in his old age, he was still struggling for his children.

Aside from his carefree childhood, he was truly "free" only when he breathed his last, feeling as if all his burdens had been lifted.

"Is this what the eight sufferings of life are: birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, encountering those one hates, not getting what one desires, and the burning of the five aggregates? What is the meaning of such a life? My life should not be like this, it shouldn't be like this."

In each cycle of reincarnation, Xu Qi'an's desire to become a monk grew stronger, and a voice in his heart kept saying, "Rest, rest, this kind of life is meaningless."

Let go of all this, and you will be free.

"No, no, something's wrong with my will." He immediately realized that his thinking was flawed, as if he had developed schizophrenia.

One tempted him to enter a monastery and seek freedom, while the other remained steadfast in his own beliefs and ideas.

Two opposing consciousnesses collided within his body, Xu Qi'an clutched his head in agony.

"Think about something else, think about Fuxiang's snow-white buttocks."

His every move was observed by onlookers, and countless people were on tenterhooks for him.

"What's wrong? You seem to be in a lot of pain? But nothing has happened."

The Eight Sufferings Formation works on the mind; outsiders cannot see into Xu Qi'an's spiritual world, and therefore cannot empathize with him.

"This is only the first hurdle, and that person is already in so much pain. How can they possibly climb the mountain?"

Upon hearing this, a martial arts expert remarked, "The difference in skill is immediately apparent; this duel is likely to end in disaster."

They didn't understand what the Eight Sufferings Formation was; they only saw Xu Qi'an enter the "scroll" and begin climbing the mountain, only to end up like this after just a few steps.

Disappointing.

Inside the pavilion where the royal family was staying, Biao Biao clenched her fists, her whole body tense, staring intently at Xu Qi'an, fully demonstrating her inner nervousness.

Huaiqing held the teacup tightly, never putting it down.

"Mother, my eldest brother seems to be in a lot of pain," Xu Lingyue said, her voice trembling with tears.

The aunt quickly looked at her husband, and seeing his face ashen, she dared not ask any more questions. She whispered to comfort him, "It's alright, it's alright. Your elder brother has always been a capable man. He wasn't afraid of tens of thousands of rebels in Yunzhou, so why would he be afraid of these few bald monks?"

"Uncle, what happened to my older brother?" Xu Lingyin pointed to the sky.

"Fine."

Wei Yuan spoke calmly, but the veins on the back of his hand gripping the armrest bulged, and his body leaned forward unconsciously, his eyes fixed on the "scroll" without ever looking away.

"Eight Suffering Formations!"

Grand Secretary Wang Zhenwen sneered, "This formation is used by Buddhist School monks to temper their Buddhist hearts. If a martial artist is trapped in it and cannot break the formation, their State of Mind will be shattered and they will be like a cripple. If they pass through the formation safely, it means that they possess Buddhist nature. You can take this opportunity to convert them into Buddhist School."

"Du'e Luohan, what a clever trick! To so blatantly humiliate my Great Feng, are you truly unafraid of my million Great Feng troops?"

As the Grand Secretary of the Great Feng, Wang Zhenwen was the one in charge when the emperor was absent.

He possessed broad knowledge and sophisticated political skills, and in just a few words, he revealed the Arhat's scheme.

Master Du'e chanted the Buddha's name, his tone serene. "Taking refuge in Buddhist School is indeed a blessing."

Chu Yuanzhen then realized another function of the Eight Sufferings Formation, and understood why Hengyuan, number six, had hesitated to speak earlier.

The Arhat's scheme was indeed rather insidious.

The first test is to assess one's Buddha-nature. If there is no Buddha-nature, Xu Qi'an is ruined, and Buddhist School wins. If there is Buddha-nature, there are several more tests waiting for him, and he will be converted into a monk. In this way, Buddhist School will not only win, but also severely humiliate Great Feng.

The person sent out to fight the demons ended up becoming a Buddhist School disciple; that's a really harsh slap in the face.

Inside the various pavilions, the high-ranking officials and nobles immediately changed color. The wealthy ladies and young women who had originally just been watching the spectacle also abandoned their playful attitude and stopped talking and laughing.

Biao Biao tensed up immediately, her slightly upturned peach blossom eyes widening as she anxiously exclaimed, "Huaiqing, Huaiqing, the Grand Secretary said that if we don't break the formation, this dog servant will be crippled; if we do break the formation, this dog servant will become a monk! What should we do?"

Huaiqing frowned. Although she was knowledgeable and learned, her cultivation was mediocre, and the current situation was beyond her capabilities.

"So, do you want to be crippled, or become a monk?" Huaiqing retorted.

I opened my mouth, but didn't say the answer in my heart.

The anger wasn't limited to the high-ranking officials and nobles in the pavilion; it also extended to the common people who gathered around. In the Great Feng, the people living in the capital were the most proud, because they resided in the core city of the imperial court and possessed the pride of citizens of a great nation.

Because of Jingsi and Jingchen's "provocations" during this period, the people of the capital had long harbored resentment. Today, the Bureau of Astronomy agreed to a contest of magic with the Buddhist School sect, and before dawn, the place was already crowded with onlookers.

"This is outrageous! The imperial court is so weak, allowing the Buddhist School sect to bully us time and again, and those masters remain completely silent."

All eyes were fixed on Xu Qi'an, filled with tension and holding their breath.

Suddenly, the aunt heard a "crack" sound; it turned out that her husband had crushed the armrest of the chair.

Her delicate brows furrowed, and she said in frustration, "Why did I choose Ningyan to compete? What should I do?"

The husband had painstakingly nurtured his nephew for twenty years to lay a solid foundation for his education. If, as that old man said, the nephew would be ruined if the formation wasn't broken, then the husband's twenty years of training would be wasted.

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

The aunt glanced back at her son and daughter. Xu Xinnian frowned, while Xu Lingyue bit her lip, her pretty face filled with worry.

There is a third way to break this formation.

Amidst the agonizing pain of a split personality, a thought entered Xu Qi'an's mind—the voice of the monk Shenshu.

"Do not respond, do not think about anything related to me, just listen to me. This formation is used by Buddhist School practitioners to temper their State of Mind. Those who enter the formation will have two outcomes: their State of Mind will become more clear, or their State of Mind will be shattered."

"If someone who is not Buddhist School can survive the Eight Sufferings, it means they possess Buddha-nature."

No wonder I had the idea of becoming a monk; Buddhist School is trying to destroy my heart. He thought to himself as he endured the torment of his twisted mind.

The monk Shenshu's thoughts returned. "Besides the two methods mentioned above, there is another way: break the formation with the power of all living beings!"

Xu Qi'an waited for a moment, and when the monk Shenshu stopped speaking, out of caution, he did not call out to Shenshu in his mind.

What does "using the power of all living beings to break the formation" mean? Life is full of suffering, so it requires the power of all living beings to overcome it? But where would I get the power of all living beings? This is clearly not an ability a martial artist should possess.

The cycle of reincarnation continues, and the Eight Sufferings Formation is "corroding" Xu Qi'an's spirit. Worse still, his desire to become a monk has not intensified; instead, the clash between his two "personalities" is making his mind increasingly distorted.

This means that Xu Qi'an truly lacks Buddhist nature; if he cannot break the formation, what awaits him is a shattered State of Mind.

Xu Qi'an examined all his techniques: Heaven and Earth Slash, Heart Sword, Lion's Roar, Face Changing Technique, and Mind Cultivation. Hmm?

Cultivating the mind?

Chu Yuanzhen taught him the art of sword cultivation, which uses one's own emotions as power, infusing them into the sword and unleashing them.

My emotions are indeed terrible right now, but not enough to break through the Eightfold Suffering Formation. However, if I look at it another way, why should I let my emotions get the better of me?

Why not try borrowing other people's emotions? Use other people's emotions to nurture your sword intent.

The thought had barely formed when it became unstoppable.

He closed his eyes and used the secret technique taught by Chu Yuanzhen to sense emotions, only this time the object of his perception changed from himself to the outside world.

To his surprise, he actually sensed the emotions from the outside world—emotions from the onlookers in the capital. These emotions were like an ocean, dominated by tension and anger.

Are you angry too?

Then lend me your power.

Xu Qi'an was immersed in a sea of emotions, absorbing his anger. Gradually, an intense and boundless rage rose from the depths of his heart.

Like a raging tide, like thunder, like a raging fire.

He unconsciously pressed down on the scabbard, as if to draw his sword.

"Not enough, not enough."

Clear Cloud Mountain, Cloud Deer Academy.

The statue of the Second Sage suddenly trembled, and a surge of righteous energy rose into the sky.

A red wooden box hanging above the statue of the Second Saint trembled, as if something sealed inside was about to break free.

As the light flickered, Dean Zhao Shou appeared inside the temple, staring at the mahogany box with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

Immediately afterwards, three beams of clear light flashed, and the three great Confucian scholars Li Mubai, arrived to investigate the situation.

"What's going on? Why is the statue of the Second Saint moving again?"

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

Dean Zhao Shou said quietly, "Someone has stirred the power of all living beings, and it has been revived."

The three Confucian scholars stared at Zhao Shou as if he were a madman.

Zhao Shou ignored them and bowed respectfully, saying, "Please be quiet, seniors."

The three esteemed scholars, as if waking from a dream, bowed and said, "Please be quiet, seniors."

The tremors of the rosewood box subsided and gradually returned to calm.

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

Among the onlookers, some felt relieved, because Xu Qi'an had finally made a move and was no longer immersed in pain, which reassured them.

Having countermeasures is good; what's worst is losing without any resistance.

Wei Yuan was taken aback, somewhat puzzled by Xu Qi'an's actions.

Not only him, but anyone who had any understanding of the Eight Sufferings Formation couldn't understand Xu Qi'an's intentions.

The Eight Sufferings Formation is not the enemy; what use is drawing your sword?

Should I cut myself off?

"Father, what does he want to do?" Miss Wang asked in a low voice.

"There's nothing we can do." Grand Secretary Wang shook his head, disappointed. "The best outcome would be for him to withstand the Eight Sufferings Formation. I really don't know why the Supervisor chose him."

High above, Emperor Yuanjing said in a deep voice, "Supervisor, is this the person you chose?"

In his view, Xu Qi'an's behavior was no different from a cornered dog jumping over a wall.

"Your Majesty, you didn't feel anything?"

The supervisor looked at him, his eyes filled with undisguised disappointment.

Biao Biao shouted loudly, "Draw your sword! Draw your sword!"

She had barely finished shouting when Consort Chen stopped her, scolding, "Such a noisy outburst is unbecoming."

"Why aren't you drawing your sword? Draw it now!"

At that moment, someone among the crowd on the outskirts shouted.

"Draw your sword!"

Immediately, others echoed this sentiment.

More and more people joined in, the shouts grew louder and louder, until finally, the sound of "swords being drawn" filled the air.

"Draw your sword! Draw your sword!"

The sound was like a tidal wave.

"Enough!"

So, Xu Qi'an drew his sword.

Clang.

In the peaceful Buddhist realm, a blinding light suddenly burst forth, like the rising sun breaking through the darkness, like light cleaving through chaos.

This light did not condense Xu Qi'an's power, but rather the power of thousands upon thousands of Beijing residents, a power of unity and concerted effort.

Click!

The stone tablet inscribed with "Eight Sufferings" was covered in cracks, and then shattered with a "bang".

Rumble.

The entire city of Foshan trembled at that moment, as if it were about to collapse.

This strike severed the Eight Sufferings Formation. The power of the Eight Sufferings Formation originated from this Buddhist realm.

Therefore, this strike severed the power of this Buddhist realm.

"Click!"

Another crisp sound rang out, but this time it didn't come from Foshan; it came from outside.

Master Du'e looked down in astonishment and saw that the golden bowl had cracked open.

"The golden bowl is cracked! The golden bowl is cracked!"

Biao Biao stood up screaming "Ahhh!" while pointing at the golden bowl and stomping her feet incessantly.

The girl's screams echoed.

Upon hearing the woman's shout, the dignitaries in the various pavilions instinctively looked down at the golden bowl and discovered that it was indeed cracked.

"What? The golden bowl is cracked?"

The common people and martial arts practitioners on the outskirts couldn't see the golden bowl, or couldn't see it clearly, and were extremely anxious, eager to find out:

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

The martial arts practitioners at the front stood on tiptoe, constantly shoving those around them to adjust their positions, and finally saw the golden alms bowl next to the Arhat Du'e.

Upon closer inspection, a crack appeared on the surface of the golden bowl.

"It's really cracked, the golden bowl is really cracked."

Accompanied by this sound, a frenzied cheer erupted, wave after wave.

"You stinking bald monk, weren't you so arrogant? Hmph, do you really think there's no one in my Great Feng?"

"Get back to the Western Regions! The capital is not a place for you to swagger around."

This was a truly Human Cauldron.

While the common people were busy making threats and having fun, the people in the martial arts world were focused on Xu Qi'an.

At some point, a young man of extraordinary talent emerged in the capital, whose name had never been heard of before.

Emperor Yuanjing, standing atop the Star-Gazing Tower, looked down at his people, who were cheering and jubilant, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Not bad!"

He gave a satisfied compliment, then asked, "Supervisor, what happened with that stab just now?"

When did Xu Qi'an become so powerful?

The supervisor ignored him.

Inside the pavilion, Miss Wang pursed her lips, looked at Grand Secretary Wang Zhenwen, and whispered, "Father, didn't you say he was doomed to lose? Didn't you say we had to pass through the Eight Sufferings Formation, only..."

"Alright, alright!"

The Grand Secretary Wang hurriedly waved his hand to interrupt, "Father admits he made a mistake, are you satisfied now?"

That's what he said, but he didn't seem angry.

He took a sip of tea with a relaxed air and said, "Wei Yuan has gained another valiant general."

Only then did his tone become somewhat frustrated.

In the Nightwatchers's quarters, Wei Yuan let out a soft breath, patted Xu Lingyin's head, and said calmly, "This strike was decent, nothing special."

"However, if it were you, could you break through the formation with a single strike?"

The men with golden gongs lowered their heads in shame.

Martial arts fanatic Yang Yan couldn't help but ask, "How did he do that?"

Wei Yuan's expression froze slightly, but he quickly recovered, his tone remaining calm and confident. "Wait until he comes out, then ask him yourself."

Duke Wei already knew, no wonder he remained so calm. The men with the golden gongs suddenly understood.

The happiest person was Xu Pingzhi, who grinned from ear to ear, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor.

"Not bad," the old lady muttered.

That lecherous man is indeed formidable; she has to admit that.

On the rooftop of the restaurant, Hengyuan sighed, "An unbelievable strike! How did Lord Xu manage that?"

Having said that, he turned to look at Chu Yuanzhen, only to find Number Four staring blankly, muttering, "How is this possible? How is this possible?"

He seemed to have gone mad.

What kind of powerful impact did Lord Xu's strike just now have on Number Four?

Hengyuan was stunned.

At this moment, Master Du'e's voice rang out, each word clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"The Eight Sufferings Formation is only the first level; the second level is called the Vajra Formation. This humble monk observed that after this Silver Gong unleashed his first strike, he was exhausted and weak. Does he still have the strength to pass the second level?"

Upon hearing the sound, everyone immediately looked up at the "scroll".

Xu Qi'an sat on the stone steps, panting heavily, his face deathly pale.

Even an ordinary person who doesn't understand cultivation could see that Xu Qi'an was in poor condition.

This made them realize they had been too happy too soon; they had only just passed one hurdle and were at the foot of the mountain, still far from the summit.

P. S.: Sorry, I'm going to sleep now after writing this.

I was so sleepy, I lay down to rest for a bit, but I overslept. That's why I said don't wait.

I've tried my best. I'm going to take a nap. Tonight, I'll still write two chapters, or one long chapter.