Chapter 310 Five Swords Alliance, Snow Mountain Hunt, Li Xian's Home Ground, Astounding All the Prodigies
The next day.
Li Xian internally cultivated his five internal organs, accumulating proficiency in the Five Internal Organs' Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Meridian to [2869/24000 Great Completion]. However, due to his seclusion in an inn, he had nowhere to practice his spear skills, and thus his [Broken Demon Spear] remained stagnant.
The Qi Lake ripples, nourishing the internal Qi. It circulates and flows throughout the body, regulating the physical and mental well-being.
Li Xian, having finally found some free time, had already investigated the matter of "Morning Dew" and recalled yesterday's temple fair, where numerous prodigies gathered, displaying a multitude of extraordinary moves and feats. He couldn't help but reflect on his own martial arts, examining its strengths and weaknesses:
Yihe Manor possesses Qingfeng Leg, Sifang Fist, Biluo Palm, Haomiao Leg, Daluo Saber Technique, Zongyun Hand, and Canyang Shuixue Sword. All are either basic or incomplete; once mastered, they can be used freely and at will. The Canyang Shuixue Sword remains their trump card to this day.
Other martial arts styles include: Iron Copper Body, Thunder Finger, Seven Star Step, Five Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Scripture, Avoiding Jade True Skill, Xun Wind Breath, Blood Spitting Manual... Many martial arts have different effects.
The Hualongmen Water Altar contains: Flying Snake Hand, Broken Demon Spear, and Five Elements Mystic Escape. Li Xian has been diligent and hardworking, and his foundation is already quite profound. Although his martial arts are mixed and incomplete, and of varying quality, he has mastered them all and achieved proficiency.
The Jade-Avoiding True Skill and the Wind Breathing Technique both originated from the Nangong family. The Jade-Avoiding True Skill is of extremely high quality, and its health-preserving effects are extraordinary. Immortal Li has already mastered the first level of the Jade-Avoiding True Skill, but if he wants to achieve mastery, he will need more time and effort. He has also made some progress in the Wind Breathing Technique.
Li Xian thought to himself, "My martial arts are diverse and come from many different schools. Compared with the disciples of prestigious schools, my weakness is that there is little resonance between my martial arts, and I do not form a school. Although I have many martial arts that have reached the pinnacle, they are like adding one to one to get two. If they were to form a school, they could add one to one to get five, six, or even seven or eight. The subtle effects of this cannot be compensated by quantity. But I do not need to favor one over the other. Because I have many martial arts that have reached the pinnacle, my internal energy is more abundant."
"If we're talking purely about internal energy... I shouldn't be bad. I've been feeling uneasy ever since I went into the mountains to hunt the snow foxes, and I don't know why. I suppose it's because I'm burdened with all sorts of debts. And now I'm entangled with the Flower Cage Sect and the Candle Sect."
"Furthermore, the situation in Flying Dragon City is still unclear. Disciples from five famous sword sects—Li Mountain, Jiu Mountain, Hu Mountain, Yang Mountain, and Yue Mountain—have gathered here. Whether it's a coincidence or something else, I really don't know the details. Hmm... If it doesn't interfere with my plans, I really don't need to know."
"But in the end... it's best not to use Li Xian and Hua Wucuo's identities for now. The former has revealed our whereabouts, and the latter is a flower thief. If they are revealed, wouldn't those self-proclaimed young heroes from prestigious families become my enemies and kill me? I need to use another identity to obtain the Morning Dew safely before we can talk about anything else."
Li Xian boiled the vapors and purified his breath, exhaling pure air. White mist swirled around him, washing away all impurities from his face. A handsome, flawless face was reflected in the bronze mirror. He simply tied his long hair with a bamboo hairpin, his bearing impeccable, the gold markings around the red mole between his brows appearing even more mysterious.
Anyone who sees this face once will never forget it.
Li Xian pondered, “Many parties have gathered in Flying Dragon City, and there are undercurrents beneath the surface. I have recently seen quite a few people wearing masks and unwilling to show their faces. I can also follow their example and use masks to hide my face and conceal my true identity.”
Once outside the city, they sought out masks and other items. Flying Dragon City was a bustling place with a diverse population, and there were various shops along the streets selling all sorts of things, including arrows, weapons, boots, masks, and straw hats.
Li Xianxing entered the shop. He selected a "white mask," a mask without a nose or mouth, revealing only his eyes. It was securely worn and unlikely to fall off while running or hunting.
Li Xian tried on the mask once or twice and was quite satisfied. Looking in the mirror, although the mask completely covered her features, her temperament and charm were hard to conceal. Her eyes were deep yet clear, youthful yet composed, and her brows were as proud as swords. Perhaps it was her nature, or perhaps she had been corrupted by the Flower Cage Sect, but there was also a hint of flirtatiousness and alluring charm in her eyes.
The mask was made of excellent animal hide, capable of protecting the face. It was rather expensive, costing a full tael of silver. Li Xian, lacking sufficient funds, pawned it with other items. Wearing the mask, he strolled through the streets, occasionally attracting sidelong glances, but none found it strange.
With everything prepared, Li Xian returned to the inn, retrieved the "Peach Blossom Bow," and equipped it with a dozen or so wooden arrows. He then set off towards the snow-capped mountains.
Flying Dragon City is situated on high ground, with snow-capped mountains to the east, their slopes covered in a blanket of white, creating a complex terrain. Among these mountains are numerous wild animals, including bears, wolves, wild boars, and snow leopards. Lord He, a lifelong hunter, organizes a winter hunt every year in these snow-covered mountains.
Li Xian headed east, a dagger at his waist, a longbow slung across his back, and the Ghost Python Spear concealed in his sleeve. He walked briskly, chest out, his long hair neatly trimmed, exuding an imposing aura. Reaching the east gate, he found the wind and snow particularly fierce that day; the wind howled and the snow raged outside the gate, making travel unwise.
Li Xian lightly touched his mask, thinking to himself, "Today I'll go and investigate first. Even if I can't hunt the 'Snow Mountain Spirit Fox,' I can still hunt some beasts to sell for money. I'm currently penniless and have no money left, so I can't even stay in Flying Dragon City anymore."
Seeing a small shop selling hot food by the roadside, I asked for a bowl of hot tea. After drinking it, I felt warm all over. I walked out of the city gate and headed east along the road for more than ten miles, where there were few people around.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves rang out. Several fine horses galloped towards them. Li Xian dodged to the side and saw Zhou Shijie, Gu Nianjun, Yang Wentian, Wang Dezhong, and several others. They were riding horses with bows at their sides, dressed in splendid clothes, and displaying youthful vigor as they rode at full speed.
It turns out that at last night's banquet, many outstanding individuals became friends. After hearing about the deeds of "Morning Dew," they were all secretly moved and, having had such an opportunity, decided not to leave with regrets. They decided to go hunting in the mountains together and show off their skills once again.
Gu Nianjun, dashing and spirited, rode a magnificent brown horse, his bearing extraordinary. Beside him, Mu Hongchou rode a white horse, galloping alongside, kicking up snowflakes. The two chatted and laughed, their ages similar, sharing many topics. Gu Nianjun suddenly noticed a man by the roadside, thinking, "At this time of year, those hunting in the mountains are either hunters or here for the morning dew." He was tall and straight, his long hair flowing in the wind, and though masked, he possessed an air of refined elegance. She couldn't help but glance at him a few more times, and when their eyes met, her curiosity grew.
The horse galloped swiftly, passing by in the blink of an eye. Mu Hongchou asked, "Sister Gu, what are you looking at?"
Gu Nianjun said, "It's nothing." There were more than ten people on this trip. They traveled more than thirty miles and arrived at the foot of a mountain. Zhou Shijie pulled on the reins and gave a soft "whoosh." His horse stopped immediately with its hind legs standing on its hind legs and its front legs hanging in the air. He pointed to the high place and said, "We've arrived. This is Snow Dragon Mountain. I heard that the last time there were traces of the Snow Mountain Spirit Fox, it was on this mountain."
Yang Wentian said, "The road ahead is winding; let's get out of the ground and walk."
The group of elite warriors dismounted and tied their horses to the roadside. Each took down their bows, arrows, water pouches, flesh-shrinking bags, and other items. Mu Hongchou and Gu Nianjun waited a moment, stopped their horses, and seeing the winding mountain path and the tangled trees, they also dismounted to retrieve their belongings.
Gu Nianjun said, "I heard from City Lord He that this mountain is fraught with danger. Although we are martial artists, we must not be careless. We should not venture too far into it rashly."
Yue Kai laughed and said, "Miss Gu is joking. Ordinary tigers, wolves, bears and leopards, how could they possibly hurt us?" Mu Hongchou said, "Sister Gu is kindly telling you to be careful, so just listen to her. If you really get hurt, don't cry to your clanswoman."
Everyone laughed upon hearing this. It turned out that at last night's banquet, Yue Kai was having a great time when he was suddenly called back by his elder sister, who was both a clansman and a fellow disciple. Feeling humiliated, Yue Kai tried to argue, but was reprimanded on the spot by his sister. Mu Hongchou and the others used this to mock him, showing their close relationship.
Yue Kai was speechless.
Wang Dezhong shook the snow off his shoulders and said, "To be honest, I only found out last night that my arrival in Flying Dragon City was not a coincidence."
Mu Hongchou said, "Yes. My Hushan Sword Sect, Brother Wang's Jiushan Sword Sect, Brother Hua of Lishan Sword Sect, Brother Yue of Yueshan Sword Sect, Brother Zhou of Yangshan Sword Sect... all come from sword sects. I originally thought that with the gathering of powerful figures in Feilong City, it would not be surprising to meet here. It was all a coincidence, a predestined fate. Who knew there was another reason behind it? It turns out that the five major sword sects actually intend to join forces and have come to Feilong City to discuss this matter."
Zhou Ting of the Yangshan Sword Sect laughed and said, "Indeed, I was secretly amazed when I saw your talents yesterday. We are all skilled in swordsmanship, and our moves are all about the same. How come we suddenly met so many like-minded people in one day? Hahaha, now that I think about it, it all makes sense."
Yang Wentian laughed and said, "In that case, I am superfluous."
Zhou Shijie laughed and said, "You can't say that. If it weren't for Brother Yang's mediation, yesterday's temple fair, with its grand scale, would have inevitably seen clashes and conflicts arising from the youthful vigor of the participants, especially since they all come from the same sword sect and are all ambitious young talents." It was precisely because of a mediator like Brother Yang, who mediated and maintained order, that things were so important. In a broader sense, this matter... forming an alliance with the five major sword sects is truly a good thing.
Although he praised Yang Wentian, he was actually praising himself, which seemed rather self-aggrandizing. Yang Wentian humbly smiled and said, "I, Yang Wentian, am not good with words. Brother Zhou is too kind. If we really want to talk about it, it should be Brother Zhou who mediates."
Everyone agreed and laughed, "Yes, if it weren't for Brother Zhou's mediation, we might not be so close."
Gu Nianjun chuckled, thinking to herself, "Zhou Shijie's ability to put on a show of power is quite impressive. Putting on a show of power is a skill in itself, and I admire that about him."
Zhou Shijie hurriedly said, "You flatter me, you flatter me." He wiped away his cold sweat, but felt quite grateful. Wang Dezhong said, "Speaking of which, when I went back last night, I told my father about this matter. He was very pleased and told me to have more contact with you all. He also told me that if I had the ability, I could bring some of my fellow disciples along for a trip."
The five major sword sects—Li Mountain, Jiu Mountain, Hu Mountain, Yue Mountain, and Yang Mountain—had long heard of each other, and their intention to join forces was not something that could be done overnight. However, given their five locations in five different regions, forming an alliance required considering the interests and reputation of all five. Therefore, they specifically chose 'Flying Dragon City' to gather and discuss the alliance.
Flying Dragon City is located quite far, some distance from all five major sword sects. This demonstrates the sincerity of the five sects' alliance, and since they are all in guest territory, they don't need to worry about the host-guest relationship. Lord He of Flying Dragon City is renowned for his virtuous character and good reputation, and his Worry-Relieving Pavilion specializes in resolving disputes in the martial arts world.
If there are any disagreements, they can seek mediation from City Lord He. Therefore, it was agreed that they would meet in Flying Dragon City.
Yue Kai said, "Oh? What a coincidence! My sect also asked me to bring my junior brothers and sisters here to broaden their horizons and make friends with outstanding talents from other sects. But I'm hesitant because I'm afraid of spoiling your fun." Zhou Ting of Yangshan Sword Sect and Hua Wu of Lishan Sword Sect both nodded in agreement.
The group exchanged glances and burst into laughter. They called out towards the distance, "Junior brothers and sisters, come here!"
Then the sound of horses' hooves could be heard in the distance, and a group of spirited young men and women rode towards them. It turned out that... the five major sword sects, in order to promote an alliance, were encouraging their disciples to make friends with each other. Yue Kai, Zhou Ting, Hua Wu, Wang Dezhong, and Mu Hongchou had reported on the temple fair to their sect elders last night, and all parties shared similar thoughts, using this opportunity to allow the younger generation of their sects to make friends in advance.
They all came to this hunt with the mission of promoting friendship among the five major sword sects.
However, fearing that rushing things might taint their friendship, they unanimously decided to send their fellow disciples ahead to the foot of Snow Dragon Mountain. They would then use this opportunity to introduce each other and allow the friendship to develop naturally.
Since everyone shared the same goal, there was no need to hide anything. Yue Kai said, "Everyone, this is Junior Sister Luo Feiyan, who has just entered the sect. But her strength and ability are quite strong, so you should not underestimate her."
A white horse approached. The woman on horseback, her long hair tied up, bowed and said, "Good morning, fellow disciples!"
Luo Feiyan comes from the Luo family of Xiucheng in Qiongtianfu. She is quite talented and joined the Yueshan Sword Sect a few months ago. She is quite strong and is highly regarded.
Upon seeing that it was a woman, Mu Hongchou and Gu Nianjun both smiled and said, "Junior Sister Luo!"
Dozens of young talents were already gathered at the foot of the mountain. Because the "Morning Dew" ceremony restricts participants to those who have reached adulthood, everyone here was a young disciple of the sword sect, with the older ones being in their teens or twenties, and the younger ones only in their early teens.
The Lake Mountain Sword Sect is mostly composed of women, all of whom are of superior appearance. Their laughter is melodious and pleasant to the ear.
Zhou Shijie and Gu Nianjun were surprised that yesterday's temple fair had led to an alliance among the five sects. They both felt it was of extraordinary significance and were overjoyed, and they met with many of the young disciples from the sword sects.
Zhou Shijie joked, "With all of us gathered like this, there are more people than beasts. What's the point of hunting?"
The Xuelong Mountains stretch endlessly, their terrain both precipitous and wondrous. Looking out into the distance, they are majestic and imposing, so grand that even hundreds, let alone dozens, would hardly make a ripple. The group chatted and got to know each other, their enthusiasm like a bonfire, rising higher and higher, blazing brightly.
Wang Dezhong said, "How could we not hit it? Not only can we hit it, we'll have a good competition!" Yang Wentian said, "Compete in what way... compete in who can hunt the Snow Mountain Fox?"
Wang Dezhong said, "This matter is too much about fate, it's pointless to compete. Why not compete first to see who can hunt the best game?" Mu Hongchou raised her delicate eyebrows and said proudly, "We need to add another condition: martial arts cannot be used, only archery."
Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and Hua Wu said, "It seems that Sister Mu is quite confident in her archery skills." Mu Hongchou replied, "Of course, I learned to shoot arrows before I could walk at the age of three."
Zhou Shijie waved his fan and said, "Who here isn't like this? Before learning martial arts, who doesn't learn etiquette, archery, and literature..." Mu Hongchou confidently replied, "So what if we are? Humph, my archery skills are superb, do you think I'm afraid of you?" With that, she quickly drew her bow and shot. The arrow flew from the bowstring, accurately stringing together seven leaves and embedding them in the tree trunk.
Gu Nianjun chuckled and said, "Alright, we'll know who's stronger and who's weaker after a comparison."
After a brief conversation, their enthusiasm burning brightly, the group wiped their bows, prepared their arrows, and eagerly prepared to try their skills. They agreed on a meeting point and then ventured deep into the snow-capped mountains, each relying on their own abilities to hunt their prey.
...
...
On the other hand...
While Gu Nianjun and the others were chatting and laughing, Li Xian had already stepped into the mountain through the snow. The wind and snow howled, blowing her long hair wildly. Her mask was securely fastened, preventing it from being blown off by the wind and snow.
Li Xian used the characteristics of "Snow Treading" and "Lightness Technique" to walk on the snow without leaving a trace, moving lightly as he searched for beasts in the mountains and forests. He observed the tracks in the snow and searched for animal tracks, and soon discovered the tracks of a snow bear. Following the tracks, he found a bear den. The snow bear was about two zhang tall, with white fur like needles and sharp fangs, and was lying in the den, fast asleep.
Li Xian thought to himself, "This bear is huge, so hunting it won't be difficult for me. But I don't have a flesh-shrinking pouch, so it's not convenient for me to carry it with me. I'll let it live a little longer and find the Snow Mountain Fox first!"
Knowing that snow bears are extremely valuable and snow mountain foxes are elusive, it was not something that could be achieved overnight. So he plucked a lock of hair, placed it at the entrance of the cave, and it took root, allowing him to observe the movements inside.
Li Xian bypassed the snow bear's cave and quietly took another path, soon coming upon a cold spring. The spring gurgled like music, and Li Xian, feeling thirsty, scooped up the water and drank it down. It was quite sweet and refreshing, and his spirits were instantly lifted.
The snow mountain foxes are elusive and their presence is unpredictable; whether they can be found depends on luck. Li Xian, however, remained calm and searched along the mountain path. He employed his hunting skills, listening for clues and making connections. With his keen eyesight and exceptional tracking abilities, he spotted several snow tigers and snow leopards within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
He stealthily infiltrated the area, sketching simple designs on animal hides as he passed. Then, using his abilities in feng shui observation and the Five Elements Mystic Escape, he ascertained the terrain, the possible distribution of animals, and ruled out the location of the Snow Mountain Spirit Fox.
By proceeding cautiously step by step, we will surely find the fox spirit's trail.
However, the snow-capped mountains were vast and complex, and it was no easy task to complete them in a day. Li Xian searched for half a day without finding any clues, but he had already eliminated one area, and it was getting late. He was not in a hurry and decided to head back home first and then search slowly.
Li Xian thought to himself, "Since I've come all this way, I can't leave empty-handed. I'll hunt some animals along the way to exchange for money, and then gradually pursue my goals." He turned back the way he came.
Wild beasts are easy to hunt in the Snow Dragon Mountains, but snow beasts are hard to find. This area is covered in snow all year round, and is covered by ice and snow for most of the year. The special climate, terrain and wind have fostered a great number of exotic beasts.
Those with snow-white fur are known as "Snow" beasts. These beasts are larger, with snow covering their entire bodies, making them easier to hide in the snow. Furthermore, their strength, vitality, and destructive power should not be underestimated.
Li Xian darted through the forest, his eyes never daring to look beyond wild boars and pheasants. He had no intention of "shrinking his sack," determined to hunt only three: a snow bear, a snow tiger, and a snow ape.
Li Xian already knew the whereabouts of the "snow bear," and while hiking, he had also discovered some clues about snow tigers and snow apes, vaguely knowing their general location, but he did not follow the trail. On his return journey, he decided to hunt them down. The snow tiger was enormous, with white fur all over its body, blending into the snow. It was cunning and knew how to ambush prey from the snow.
When attacked, they become adept at burrowing into the snow to escape. If they cannot be killed with an arrow, the snow tiger will flee swiftly and become difficult to find again in a short time.
Li Xian first found the location of the snow tiger's tracks he had discovered earlier, and using this place as a base, he began to trace the trail from the beginning. After following for a while, he indeed made a discovery.
Seeing some very faint footprints in the ground and smelling a faint scent of blood, he thought to himself, "This snow tiger is injured. It must have been targeted by some genius. The snow here is up to my ankles, but these footprints are extremely faint, which shows that the person who hunted the tiger has a very powerful lightness skill."
"Although he hit the snow tiger with his arrow, he did not kill it. It was a real pity that the snow tiger escaped. Since you are not capable of shooting tigers in the mountains, then I will do it."
Li Xianfeng was radiant and made no attempt to conceal his abilities. He quickly tracked after them. He had double pupils and exceptionally sharp eyesight; although Xuehu was skilled at concealment, he could not escape Li Xianfeng's observation.
They quickly reached a remote, mountainous area. The surroundings were covered in snow and relatively open. Wang Dezhong crawled on the snow, quietly moving towards the southeast.
He and the other talented individuals agreed to a hunting contest, purely based on their archery skills. Wang Dezhong, with his discerning eye, knew that ten wild beasts could hardly compare to one snow beast. Therefore, he made hunting the snow beast his top priority. After searching for half a day, he finally found a snow tiger.
He saw that the tiger was quite majestic, its eyes revealing cunning. Its intelligence was considerable, and he couldn't resist the urge to secretly shoot it. However, although his archery skills were excellent, he underestimated the snow beast's abilities. The arrow hit its mark, but caused no pain or itch.
Snow Tiger immediately went into hiding.
Wang Dezhong finally found the snow tiger again and learned that it was resting in the snow in the southeast. He was secretly excited: "If I can hunt this tiger, I will be no weaker than anyone else, and I will even be better than many of them!"
He secretly calculated the distance: "The snow tiger's skin is thick and its flesh is tough and slippery, capable of deflecting force and providing protection. Its vitality is extremely strong. It won't be easy for me to kill it using only archery. Before, I was more than nine hundred feet away from it and couldn't shoot it. Now I'm closer, only three hundred feet away. I must kill it with one arrow!"
Wang Dezhong crawled forward stealthily, waiting until he was within three hundred zhang. He then nocked his bow, aimed, and fired an arrow. The arrow was powerful, and he was certain it would kill with a single shot. Suddenly, he saw another arrow coming from afar, which knocked his bow and arrow away.
Wang Dezhong was taken aback. Following the trail, he saw a man holding a red bow with a golden string, standing on a small, elevated slope about two miles away, looking in his direction.
Wang Dezhong's heart skipped a beat: "He shot down my arrow from two miles away? This archery skill... is simply unbelievable!! Or is he using some other method?" He stared intently and saw that Li Xian was wearing a mask, so his face was not clear. But he was tall and straight, standing proudly in the snow, with long hair flying in the wind, and was not to be underestimated.
“If you want to have an archery contest, fine, I’ll oblige. Let’s see who can kill the snow tiger first!” Wang Dezhong refused to admit defeat and drew his bow again, shooting at the snow tiger. This time, he was more confident, and his archery skills were several times stronger.
With a "thud".
As expected, the arrow was once again shot down from mid-air. The white-faced man with the red bow arrived later, several miles away, and struck down the arrow.
Wang Dezhong suddenly felt a chill run through his body, as if the swirling snow was blowing into his heart. Even using internal energy, it would be extremely difficult to do this. Moreover, the arrow contained no internal energy; the mysterious archer shot it down purely with archery skills.
He looked back, and the figure remained motionless, raising his index finger, indicating that he should let the other arrow pass. Wang Dezhong gritted his teeth, utterly disbelieving that anyone possessed such exquisite archery skills, and how could he allow anyone to provoke him? He immediately drew his bow and shot again, incorporating all the archery skills he had ever possessed into this shot.
After the arrow left the bowstring, it spun and swirled, suddenly turning left and right with unpredictable speed. Wang Dezhong immediately turned around to observe.
The pale-faced man with the red bow slowly drew back the string. The string was taut like a full moon, and he released it. The movement was simple and unadorned, yet it contained a completely different meaning. The wooden arrow followed, shooting down Wang Dezhong's flying arrow once more.
Wang Dezhong trembled all over, bewildered, shocked, frustrated, and horrified. He suddenly felt that his archery skills were ridiculous and childish, and he was so ashamed that he lost all his spirits. For a moment, he even had the absurd idea of abandoning his bow and running away.
Seeing that Wang Dezhong had given up the fight, Li Xian drew his bow again and, from several miles away, shot and killed the snow tiger with a single arrow. Wang Dezhong watched as the arrow flew through a beautiful arc, killing the snow tiger with the slightest miss, and was still reeling from the afterglow for a long time.
Li Xian approached, hoisted the snow tiger onto his shoulder, and left. Wang Dezhong stood there dumbfounded, watching him go. He opened his mouth several times as if to speak, but only shock remained on his lips.
He was exceptionally talented from a young age, mastering martial arts and other skills very quickly, often surpassing his peers by a wide margin. But now, for the first time, he felt the presence of an insurmountable barrier.
It's bottomless!
(End of this chapter)
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