Deep within the heart of the sect, beyond the Inner Gates and far from the bustling lives of the disciples, lies a place shrouded in mystery and awe—the Forbidden Place (禁地, Jìndì). This area, often found in the secluded "back" of the sect, is where the true essence of the sect's power resides. It is a realm reserved for only the most revered figures and the most potent forces of the sect's legacy.
The Forbidden Place is a sacred and perilous land, guarded heavily by both natural formations and sect laws. No disciple dares to enter without explicit permission; even the most honored Elders tread carefully in this hallowed ground. It is an area steeped in the most potent spiritual aura, a place where the energy is so thick it permeates the air, vibrating with ancient power and secrets untold.
These sacred grounds often include dense spiritual veins, powerful formation arrays, and rare, potent herbs that flourish under the unique conditions. The air is thick with spiritual qi (灵气, língqì), making it an ideal place for high-level cultivation, but its very richness can be overwhelming, even dangerous, to those who are unworthy or unprepared.
The Realm of Ancestors and Patriarchs
Residing within the Forbidden Place are the most venerable beings of the sect—the Ancestors (祖师, zǔshī) and the previous Patriarchs or Sect Masters (宗主, zōngzhǔ). These mighty cultivators, some of whom have transcended the normal limitations of lifespan through profound techniques, remain in secluded cultivation, often pursuing the final stages of their path or guarding the sect from unseen threats.
These Ancestors are rarely seen by common disciples; their names are whispered with reverence and fear, as legends of their exploits are passed down from generation to generation. It is said that their very presence stabilizes the sect's spiritual veins, enhancing the cultivation of all who reside within the sect's boundaries.
The Purpose of the Forbidden Place
The Forbidden Place serves multiple crucial roles within the sect. Beyond being a residence for the Ancestors, it is also a vault of knowledge and power, housing ancient scrolls, relics, and spiritual weapons passed down through the ages. These treasures are kept under the watchful eyes of powerful formation arrays, protected by the will of the sect itself.
The Forbidden Place is often used as a sanctuary in times of crisis. When the sect faces an external threat too great for its current strength, it is here that the last line of defense is formed. The Ancestors, awakened from their meditations, may intervene with overwhelming force, turning the tide of battle with powers that defy the natural order.
The Price of Trespassing
The rules surrounding the Forbidden Place are clear: trespassers face dire consequences. Disciples who mistakenly or foolishly enter these grounds without permission often pay with their lives, their bodies and souls consumed by the protective arrays that guard these sacred lands. Even Core Disciples and Elders must bow to the strict protocols, requesting permission through formal channels and often requiring a direct escort to pass.
Legends tell of daring souls who sought to enter the Forbidden Place in pursuit of forbidden knowledge or rare treasures. These tales usually end in tragedy, serving as stark reminders of the boundaries set by the sect. For those within the sect, the Forbidden Place is both a symbol of the sect's ultimate strength and a warning of the consequences of hubris.