Forbidden Grounds

The old woman looked at Lu Li, a glint flashing through her cloudy eyes.

"Forbidden grounds?"

She shook her head, her tone calm.

"You're only an outer disciple right now. You can only enter the outer perimeter of the forbidden grounds."

"What's in the outer perimeter?"

"Poisonous insects, poisonous herbs, toxic mist, and some records of poisons collected by the Miao Poison Sect over the generations."

The old woman rose and walked to the entrance of the main hall, gazing at the clouds and mist outside.

"If you want to enter the depths of the forbidden grounds, you'll first have to become a core disciple."

Lu Li nodded.

Earning merit to rank up was the most common mechanic in games.

The Miao Poison Sect's disciples were divided into three ranks: outer disciples, inner disciples, and core disciples. Each rank had different privileges. Outer disciples could only enter the outer perimeter of the forbidden grounds, inner disciples could enter its core, and only core disciples could enter its depths.

The Qiongqi token was deep within the forbidden grounds. He had to find a way to become a core disciple.

"Elder, does the Miao Poison Sect need help with anything right now?"

The old woman glanced back at him, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

"You've got some sense, at least."

She returned to her seat and beckoned.

"Sit. Let's talk."

Lu Li sat across from her and waited for her to speak.

"The Miao Poison Sect has run into some trouble recently."

The old woman's tone remained even, but Lu Li could hear the chill in her words.

"The Gu Insect Stockade in the Southern Wasteland has been getting restless lately."

"Gu Insect Stockade?"

"You passed through the Gu Insect Stockade during the Three Trials, didn't you?"

Lu Li nodded.