The upper segment of Middle Peak belongs to the Great Elder's residence and is a forbidden area for Inner Sect disciples. After all, all four peaks are reserved solely for Foundation experts.
Inner Sect disciples like Nightcrypt are restricted to the area defined by the hand's back.
As for the upper segment, ordinary elders and Dharma Protectors aren't even allowed entry.
This is one reason why Nightcrypt, impersonating someone he's not, can't even approach the relics, and why he desires to enter the Foundation. Only then can he choose one of the four peaks.
"Establishing the Foundation is the first step," thought Yan Xiaobao. "I will choose Middle Peak, then move to the second step, becoming a Dharma Protector. Unfortunately, I can only pretend I'm at the Mortal-Dao Foundation. Reaching Earthstring Foundation Establishment would be a step too far. Otherwise, I could become an elder.
