Strict rules of the academy

Evening fell upon the Liuguang Sect Academy. The courtyard, usually echoing only with the wind and chants of discipline, was now alive with the collective murmurs of gathered disciples. Every single student had been summoned....not for battle, not for training...but for something far more dreadful...

The Rules.

The very foundation of the Academy's discipline....the 1204 sacred rules.....passed down through generations.

Tonight, the first 25 rules were to be revealed. The disciples would be required to strictly obey them for one week. Next week, another 25. And so it would continue, until all 1204 carved their way into memory and conduct.

A stern instructor unfurled a massive scroll....so long it stretched across an entire line of disciples.

The scroll passed directly in front of Yu Sui.

His soul nearly left his body as it did.

The disciples gasped, eyes widening. The scroll looked more like a heavenly scripture descending from the skies, ready to shatter all mortal peace.

Then, a voice boomed like thunder across the peaks.

"This special sect of ours is known not only for martial might but for the highest forms of war artistry and spiritual music. These 1204 rules forge a discipline unmatched across all realms, refining those gifted with such arts into true masters."

The teacher's voice grew louder....commanding.

"Let the rules be read!"

A Fifth-Class Instructor stepped forward and began reading in a voice cold as steel:

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1. Mispronunciation of a mantra is a crime.

Punishment: Entire day of meditation in icy water.

2. Disrespecting any talisman is considered spiritual impurity.

Punishment: Three days of silence and penance.

3. Lying to an instructor is forbidden.

Punishment: Archery practice after every class.

4. Magical experiments at night are prohibited.

Punishment: One week of library cleaning.

5. No one may inspect another's spiritual energy without permission.

Punishment: Midnight watch in the Spirit Testing Grounds.

6. Ancient scriptures can only be touched after passing three-tiered trials.

7. No physical fights within the Sect boundaries.

Punishment: Both must meditate in cold water for five hours, in solitude.

8. Curse or dark arts may only be practiced at senior levels.

9. At least one session of Silent Meditation is mandatory each week.

10. Touching sacred emblems with unwashed hands demands a full day of shrine-cleaning duty.

11. Turning one's back on the statues of sages is strictly forbidden.

12. On every full moon, students must hike to the mountain peak for introspection.

13. Public displays of affection or romantic bonding beyond friendship are forbidden.

For male-female divisions, it is mandatory.

Punishment: Purification water bath and written apology.

14. Faking miracles is strictly prohibited.

15. Understanding the essence of a mantra before casting it is mandatory.

16. Experiments on sensitive spirits are forbidden.

17. Communing with spirits is allowed only after reaching Fifth Level.

18. Promoting rebellious or anti-sect thoughts is a grave offense.

19. Skipping the Week of Silence Vow results in a three-day fast.

20. Mentioning blood sacrifice or self-sacrifice rituals is banned.

21. Dishonor to the Sect's banner is treated as a national offense.

22. Stealing another disciple's spiritual energy is a heinous crime.

23. Every month, students must face one "Fear Trial".....a confrontation with an unknown fear.

24. Concealing a method of soul-binding is punishable by expulsion.

25. Half-bowing before the Grandmaster is insulting.

Bow fully.....or do not bow at all.

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By the time the fifth rule was read, many students were already on the verge of tears.

Yu Sui…

His dreams of a carefree life in the academy were already being buried under this scroll.

His inner joy had officially passed away.

But as chaos spread in the expressions of the gathered students, one figure remained still....cold, composed, unshaken....like a statue carved from ice.

Mo Yan.

The rules meant nothing to him.

There was only one thing that affected him in this world

Yu Sui.

Everything else?

He treated like laws of stone...strict, unbending, absolute.

Since childhood, Mo Yan had practiced martial arts relentlessly....not for glory, not for power, but to protect Yu Sui from every possible danger. He was so skilled, he could block an attack even with closed eyes. Discipline was his second religion. His first devotion… was Yu Sui.