Love Beyond Limits

Chapter 2: Hidden Mission

Cloud Recesses is the official residence of the Lan Sect. It is located in the remote mountainous area outside of the city of Gusu Region, a place Jin Ling never visited in his sixteen years of existence. The only thing he knew about the place was from the books that he read and the words of the civilians he met. He knew it was not in its original state anymore after it was attacked by the Wen Clan and the place was renovated with the help of Jin Guangyao.

From the entrance, they were already greeted by a small peak of the famous rock wall, or everyone known as the "Wall of Discipline". Just seeing each encryption in person, in that rock wall is already overwhelming for newcomers but what transcribed behind those 4000 rules was more intimidating to ponder upon. All rules written on it have a story to tell, each of them was formulated to touch a certain aspect of the Lan Clan's history that may or may not be good in nature.

"The Wall of Discipline is so big." Chao Xing was amazed. Like Jin Ling, it is also Chao Xing's first time visiting Cloud Recesses so it was a sight to see.

"Just seeing the encryptions gives me shivers. How does the Lan Clan survive with all these rules?" Jin Ling mumbled but loud enough to be heard by Wei Wuxian who was observing their reactions all this time.

"Exactly my reaction when I first arrived here." Wei Wuxian joined.

"I think it's natural to react the way we did." Jin Wumei said. "The Wall of Discipline is what Cloud Recesses is well known for, a symbol of their history and endeavours."

"That rock wall screams constrain." Wei Wuxian replied. "Freedom was forcefully taken away from you the moment you step inside. It's like there's a silent voice whispering to you, instilling to your mind and body that this is a MUST thing to do, the RIGHT thing to do. All actions and steps were very calculated, words were very limited, and unnecessary thoughts were forbidden." Wei Wuxian said in one breath with a little nod in between.

"But practically speaking, it is so impossible to follow all those rules unless you are Lan Zhan so let me give you a tip as your kind senior who already experienced the cruelty... I mean the lecture of the Lan." the Senior added proudly.

All the participants of Lanling Jin's ears are set to Wei Wuxian. They were eager to know what grand teachings he would give to his juniors. "There is one general rule for you to survive your six-month stay here in Cloud Recesses. A very very vital rule that you need to take into consideration if you don't want to suffer in this place."

"What is it, Senior Wei?" Chao Xing asked curiously.

Wei Wuxian proudly smiled "Make sure... you will not get caught." he said and for some reason, everyone nodded in agreement except for Jin Wumei and Jin Ling who thought it's already pretty obvious.

"You should be careful as enforcers are active day and night. Usually, they are in rotation and any direct Lan members can enforce but only the elders can give punishment. If they saw you disobeying the rules then be prepared for punishment. You only just need to copy all the thousand rules by hand, be beaten a thousand times with a wooden plank if the infringement is severe enough or do handstands while writing the rules again." He cited one by one.

"You sound like someone who is a veteran of those punishments." A voice interrupted. "Oh yeah, most of the rules around the three thousand were created because of your mischief." Two familiar junior Lan disciples approached the group and greeted everyone. It was Lan Jingyi who spoke. "So, if there's someone to blame for why the Wall of Discipline grew that big then isn't it you Senior Wei? Right, Sizhui?"

Lan Sizhui smiled back, "Senior Wei was a really influential individual back then, we heard stories about what you did during your stay in this place" he said. "Anyway, we were informed that you're coming but we are not aware that you have already arrived. Did you come together with the Jin Clan representatives?" he asked politely.