Chereads / The Dark Crown / Chapter 5 - The Absolute Rules

Chapter 5 - The Absolute Rules

Under Xiao Cuo Cuo's watchful eye, the young Shadow Wolves learned the ancient art of communicating with these mythical creatures. They approached with caution, their hearts open and their spirits calm, inviting the beasts to come forth and choose them. It was a silent dance, one of respect and understanding that transcended the boundaries of language. The air was filled with the scents of the earth and the whispers of leaves as the beasts emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and power.

The first rule was clear: once a companion had chosen you, the bond was unbreakable. They would be by your side through every battle, every victory, and every defeat. Their lives would be intertwined, and their fates forever linked. It was a commitment not to be taken lightly, and the gravity of it was etched into the faces of those who waited anxiously to be chosen.

The second rule was one of survival. Disturb a beast at your own peril. The creatures of the elemental realms were not pets to be played with. They were ancient spirits with the power to level mountains and split seas. Their temperaments were as volatile as the elements they embodied, and to draw their wrath was to invite destruction. The Shadow Wolves knew that to live in harmony with such power, they must treat the beasts with the same respect they would give to the gods themselves.

The third rule was one of kindness. Xiao Cuo Cuo was a firm believer that the bonds formed with their elemental companions would be the key to their victory. They were not just weapons to be wielded but partners in the dance of fate. Each member was taught to communicate with their beasts, to understand their needs and fears, and to offer comfort and care in the darkest of moments. It was a bond that went beyond mere friendship, a connection that transcended time and space.

The fourth rule was one of sacrifice. The Shadow Wolves were taught that their beasts would give their all for them, and in return, they must be willing to lay down their lives for their companions. It was a bond forged in blood and fire, one that demanded the ultimate commitment from both human and spirit.

The fifth rule was one of unity. The beasts of the Wildlife Department were not just tools or companions; they were extensions of the Shadow Wolves' own spirits. To harm one was to harm oneself, and to protect them was to protect the very essence of the clan.

The sixth and final rule was the most critical of all. It was whispered only among the highest-ranked members of the clan, a secret guarded more fiercely than the Pavilion's own walls. It was the rule that bound them all to the whispers of destiny and the will of the gods: The Shadow Wolves must never betray their kin or their beasts. Their loyalty was absolute, their trust unwavering. To break this rule was to invite the wrath of the elements themselves, a fate worse than any enemy's blade.

The Intelligence Department was a shadowy realm within the Red Moon Pavilion, where whispers of the kingdom's secrets mingled with the cries of the wind spirits that danced through the corridors. Here, the whispers of destiny were dissected with surgical precision. The agents of the department, known as the Whispering Blades, moved through the court and the countryside unseen and unheard, their faces a blur to those they observed. Their eyes were the eyes of the clan, and their ears the ears of their leaders.

The first rule of the Intelligence Department was simple yet crucial: never reveal your true self while gathering information. These agents were masters of disguise, their elemental spirits allowing them to blend into the fabric of society. They could be anyone, anywhere, and their anonymity was their greatest weapon. They listened at keyholes and infiltrated the most secure of places, their very essence shifting to match their surroundings. They were the silent guardians of the Shadow Wolves, their whispers the lifeblood of the clan's strategies.

The second rule was equally important: be decisive with the information you share. In the world of espionage, a careless word could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The Whispering Blades knew that not every piece of information was worth the breath it took to speak it. They sifted through the endless tide of whispers, extracting only the purest gold of knowledge to present to their leaders. They were the filters of the Pavilion, ensuring that no falsehood could misguide Chen Xuan's path.

The third rule of the Intelligence Department was patience. They waited in the shadows for weeks, sometimes a month, to catch the faintest thread of a plot or the hint of a secret alliance. Their patience was as unyielding as the earth itself, for they knew that the most significant revelations often came from the most unexpected sources. The whispers grew quieter as the tension mounted, as if the very air held its breath in anticipation of the secrets they would uncover.

The fourth rule was loyalty. The Whispering Blades were bound by an oath to serve the Shadow Wolves before all others. They were the eyes and ears of the clan, and their allegiance was absolute. The whispers of their hearts were as one with the whispers of destiny that guided Chen Xuan, and they would lay down their lives before they allowed any harm to come to their kin.

The fifth rule was secrecy. The Intelligence Department was a fortress of shadows, its inner workings known only to those within its walls. The whispers of their operations were as fleeting as the shadows themselves, disappearing into the night as soon as they were spoken. The very existence of the Whispering Blades was a secret guarded with their lives, for the knowledge of their presence could lead to the clan's downfall.

The sixth rule was adaptability. As the strings of destiny grew longer, so too did the need for new tactics and strategies. The Intelligence Department was a chameleon, ever-changing to match the shifting landscape of the kingdom's underbelly. They were the unseen hand that steered the course of battles and shaped the strings of fate.

The seventh rule, and perhaps the most feared among them all, was the rule of silence. A Whispering Blade never spoke of their work outside the confines of the Intelligence Department. Their very existence was a secret guarded with their lives, and their lips were sealed by oaths written in blood and bound by the spirits themselves. The whispers of their deeds were meant for the ears of the Shadow Wolves alone, never to be heard by those who would seek to use their knowledge against them.

The Research Department, a bastion of knowledge and discovery, had its own set of sacred edicts. The first rule was to seek truth above all else. The scholars who dwelt within its hallowed halls were relentless in their pursuit of understanding, their minds as sharp as the thunder spirits that crackled in their veins. They were the eyes of the clan, peering into the annals of history and the mysteries of the elemental spirits, seeking to unlock the secrets that could turn the tide of battle.

The second rule was discretion. The knowledge they sought was not always meant for the masses, and they were taught to guard their findings with the same fervor as a warrior would guard their sword. They knew that in the wrong hands, the power of knowledge could be as destructive as the most potent elemental force.

The third rule was collaboration. The scholars of the Research Department were encouraged to share their insights with one another, for they knew that together, they could achieve more than any one of them could alone. Their debates were as fiery as the spirits they studied, but from the crucible of their shared wisdom emerged the most profound discoveries.

The fourth rule was innovation. They were not content to merely study the ancient texts; they sought to push the boundaries of what was possible, to create new spells and artifacts that would enhance the clan's power. Their experiments were the whispers of the future, echoing through the corridors of the Red Moon Pavilion and shaping the destiny of those who walked its hallowed halls.

The fifth rule of the Research Department was caution. For every new discovery, there was the potential for unforeseen consequences. The scholars knew that the line between creation and destruction was a thin one, and they trod it with the care of those who danced on the edge of a volcano. They were the guardians of the clan's knowledge, ensuring that the whispers of their findings did not fall into the wrong hands.

The sixth rule was persistence. In the face of failure, the scholars were taught to stand firm and try again. The whispers of destiny were not always clear, and sometimes the path to power was obscured by the very fabric of reality itself. Yet, they never wavered, their determination as unyielding as the spirits they sought to harness. Each failure was but a stepping stone on the journey to success, and each success brought them one step closer to fulfilling their destiny.

The seventh rule was humility. The Research Department knew that even the brightest mind could be blinded by arrogance. They were reminded daily of their place in the grand tapestry of fate, that their knowledge was a gift to be used in service of the greater good. The whispers of the ancients taught them that true wisdom lay not in the acquisition of power but in the understanding of one's limitations and the willingness to learn from others.

The eighth rule was unity. Each discovery, each piece of knowledge, was a thread in the fabric of the Shadow Wolves' destiny. The scholars understood that their work was but one part of the whole, and they were to support and uphold the efforts of their fellow departments. The Research Department was a cornerstone of the Pavilion, and its members were bound to the clan by ties of friendship and duty that were as unbreakable as the chains of fate.

The ninth rule was secrecy. The whispers of their experiments were not for the uninitiated. They worked in isolation, their findings kept from those who might misuse them. The very air of the Research Department was thick with the scent of mystery and the crackle of elemental spirits. Unless Chen Xuan share the process of the finding to the clan

The tenth rule was respect for the balance. The scholars knew that the power they sought was not theirs to claim but to borrow. They were the caretakers of a fragile equilibrium, and their actions could have consequences that reverberated through the realms. The whispers of the ancients reminded them of the importance of their role, that the pursuit of knowledge was a sacred trust.

The eleventh rule was patience. The secrets of the universe did not reveal themselves overnight, and the scholars knew that true understanding came with time and dedication. They were the gardeners of wisdom, planting the seeds of knowledge and nurturing them with the gentle rains of inquiry until they bore fruit. The whispers of destiny were a slow crescendo, a symphony that built with each new discovery.

Meanwhile the Service Department, the unsung heroes of the Red Moon Pavilion, upheld their duties with unwavering dedication. The first rule of the service department was to serve without question. Bai Ying, their leader, had ingrained in them the importance of their role in the grand scheme of things. Without their tireless efforts, the Pavilion would crumble, and the clan's destined path would falter.

The second rule was to serve with a heart full of gratitude. Each member was taught to see their work not as a chore but as an opportunity to contribute to the clan's success. The whispers of destiny were not just for those who wielded power but for those who made that power possible. The Shadow Wolves knew that every meal they ate, every weapon they held, was a testament to the unseen hands that worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

The third rule of the Service Department was adaptability. The needs of the clan were as varied as the elements themselves, and the servants had to be as fluid as the waters they drew from the well. Whether it was mending clothes, tending to the wounded, or preparing feasts for their celebrations, the Service Department had to be ready for anything. The whispers of destiny were ever-changing, and they had to dance in step with them.

The fourth rule was efficiency. Time was a precious commodity in the Pavilion, the Service Department had to manage resources wisely and ensure that every task was completed with haste without sacrificing quality. It was a delicate balance, like a tightrope walker dancing in a storm. They knew that the fate of battles could hinge on the speed with which they could replenish their clan's strength.

The fifth rule was humility. In a place where power and prestige often went hand in hand, the Service Department was a bastion of selflessness. They were the whispers of the Pavilion's heartbeat, working tirelessly without the need for recognition. They knew that true strength lay not in the hands that swung the sword, but in the hands that held it steady.

The sixth rule was innovation. While the Research Department sought new knowledge, the Service Department sought new ways to apply it. They experimented with cooking techniques that could bolster the clan's physical abilities, and crafted weapons that could harness the power of the elements more effectively. Their creativity was the wind beneath the clan's wings, allowing them to soar where others could only dream.

The seventh rule was perseverance. Like the unyielding spirit of the earth itself, the members of the Service Department never gave up. They worked through the night, their hands calloused and their eyes bloodshot, to ensure that every need was met. The whispers of destiny were not just for those who slept in the comfort of their beds but for those who toiled to maintain that comfort.

The eighth rule was resourcefulness. In a world where elemental power could be the difference between victory and defeat, the Service Department had to make do with what they had. They turned the humblest of materials into weapons of war, the most basic of foods into sustenance that could heal the most grievous of wounds even though they had unlimited material and resources. The whispers of their ingenuity were the whispers of life itself, sustaining the Shadow Wolves in their darkest moments.

The ninth rule was unity. The members of the Service Department were as diverse as the elements they served, each bringing their own unique skills and talents to the table. They were a microcosm of the clan, a reflection of the harmony that could be found in diversity. They worked together seamlessly, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of destiny. They knew that only by standing united could they support the clan in its quest to change the kingdom's fate.

The tenth rule was loyalty. Their dedication to the Shadow Wolves was as steadfast as the mountains that cradled the Red Moon Pavilion. They served not just the clan but the very essence of its destiny. Their whispers of service were the threads that bound the fabric of the clan together, each stitch a testament to their unwavering commitment as they were always appreciated by the other departments for their hard work and dedication to the clan itself.

The eleventh and final rule was discretion. They were the eyes and ears of the Pavilion, privy to the whispers of every department. Yet, they knew when to speak and when to stay silent, their tongues as still as the waters of a moonlit lake. The secrets of the clan were safe with them, and they would protect them with their lives.

The Warrior Department, the very fist of the Shadow Wolves, had its own code of conduct, carved into the very essence of their spirits. The first rule was discipline. They trained their bodies and minds to be as sharp as the swords they wielded, never allowing themselves to falter in the face of adversity. The whispers of their training echoed through the Pavilion's halls, a reminder to all of the price of power.

The second rule was unity. The warriors were taught to fight as one, their spirits entwined like the roots of a mighty tree. They knew that in the heat of battle, they could not rely on their own strength alone, but on the unbreakable bonds they shared with their brethren. The whispers of their camaraderie were the lifeblood of the department, the very air they breathed as they stood shoulder to shoulder.

The third rule was courage. They were the shields that protected the Pavilion's secrets and the swords that cleaved through the shadows of destiny. The warriors faced their fears and doubts with the fiery determination of their volcanic spirits. They knew that fear was the enemy within, and that only by conquering it could they hope to conquer the foes that lay without.

The fourth rule was respect. The warriors of the Shadow Wolves did not seek glory or renown but understood that their strength was a gift to be used in defense of the clan. They treated their adversaries with the respect that all living beings deserve, even in the throes of battle. The whispers of their honor were a beacon that guided them through the fog of war, ensuring that they never strayed from the path of righteousness.

The fifth rule was strategy. Zhou Bai, the Warrior Department's leader, taught them that battles were not won by brute force alone but by the sharpness of the mind. They studied the ancient texts, the whispers of the strategists who had come before, and applied that knowledge to the ever-evolving landscape of combat. Their tactics were as intricate as the swirling patterns of the wind spirits that danced around them, leaving their enemies bewildered and outmatched.

The sixth rule was adaptability. Like the water that shaped the land, the warriors of the Shadow Wolves had to learn to flow with the tides of battle. They were taught to anticipate their enemy's moves, to be as unpredictable as the shifting sands. Their training was not just about memorizing techniques but about understanding the very essence of combat, allowing them to react instinctively to any situation.

The seventh and final rule of the Warrior Department was sacrifice. They knew that their path was not one of ease but of blood and steel. Each member was prepared to lay down their life for the clan, for they understood that the whispers of destiny required a heavy toll. Their spirits were forged in the fires of sacrifice, each battle scar a testament to their unyielding resolve.

The Literally/Record Department, the keeper of the clan's history and communications, had seven sacred rules that guided their every action. The first rule was accuracy. Every word recorded, every message sent, had to be true to the very essence of the event it described. The whispers of the past had to be preserved without distortion, so that future generations could learn from the clan's triumphs and mistakes.

The second rule was brevity. In a world where words could be as powerful as spells, the Record Keepers knew that less was often more. They trimmed the fat from their records, leaving only the bones of truth to be picked clean by the scholars of the Research Department. Their messages were as precise as the strokes of their calligraphy brushes, carrying the weight of destiny in every character.

The third rule was discretion. The Literary/Record Department held the whispers of the entire clan's secrets, and it was their duty to ensure that those whispers stayed within the confines of the Pavilion. They guarded their archives with the vigilance of the mountain spirits themselves, allowing only those with the purest of intentions to gaze upon their sacred texts.

The fourth rule was continuity. The Record Keepers knew that the story of the Shadow Wolves was an ever-unfolding tapestry, and it was their responsibility to ensure that no thread was lost. They maintained meticulous records of births, deaths, battles, and alliances, each entry a stitch in the fabric of the clan's destiny.

The fifth rule was integrity. In a world of whispers and shadows, the truth was often obscured. The Literally/Record Department was the beacon of honesty, never allowing personal biases or political ambition to taint the historical accounts. Their records were the mirror of destiny, reflecting the events as they truly occurred, not as others might wish them to be seen.

The sixth rule was clarity. The whispers of the past had to be as clear as a mountain stream, easily understood by all. The Record Keepers were masters of language and history, translating the complex tapestry of events into a narrative that could be grasped by even the most unlettered of their clan members. They knew that knowledge was power, and that power had to be shared to ensure the clan's continued growth and prosperity.

The final rule of the Literally/Record Department was continuity. The whispers of the past had to be preserved not just for the present but for the future. The Record Keepers were the living bridge between the whispers of destiny that had shaped the Shadow Wolves and the whispers that would guide them in the days to come. Their dedication to their craft was unparalleled, ensuring that the clan's legacy remained untainted by the ravages of time.

The Engineering Department, under the watchful eye of Hong Meng, had thirteen rules that governed their creation of the clan's infrastructure and technological marvels. The first rule was innovation. The whispers of destiny called for a clan that was as adaptable as the very elements they drew their power from. The engineers were tasked with crafting inventions that would allow the Shadow Wolves to tread where others feared to go, to build structures that would stand as monuments to their ingenuity.

The second rule was efficiency. Every stone laid, every beam raised, had to serve a purpose. The whispers of destiny demanded that the clan's resources be used wisely, that the time and labor invested in each project be justified by its contribution to their ultimate goal. The engineers worked tirelessly, ensuring that each creation served not just as a show of power but as a practical tool for their survival and dominance.

The third rule was resilience. The structures they built had to withstand the tests of time and the ravages of war. The whispers of the earth spirits guided their hands as they crafted fortifications that would stand firm against the onslaught of the elements and the fury of their enemies. Their engineering was not just about aesthetics but about creating a bastion that could shield the clan's heart from the storms of fate.

The fourth rule was harmony. The engineers of the Shadow Wolves did not seek to conquer the land but to live in concert with it. Their buildings were not monoliths of steel and stone but grew organically, intertwined with the natural world. The whispers of the forest and the cries of the wind inspired their designs, ensuring that the Pavilion remained a bastion of peace and power amidst the chaos of the kingdom.

The fifth rule was stealth. The clan's very existence was a secret, and their infrastructure had to reflect that. The Engineering Department crafted hidden pathways and secret chambers within their buildings, allowing the Shadow Wolves to move unseen and unheard. Their creations were not just marvels of construction but silent sentinels that guarded the Pavilion's most precious whispers.

The sixth rule was adaptability. Like the water that flows around a rock, the engineers had to be able to change their designs to suit the needs of the clan. They studied the whispers of the elements, learning to harness their power for the greater good. Their buildings shifted and morphed, growing with the Pavilion and adapting to the changing strategies of war and diplomacy.

The seventh rule was simplicity. In a realm where the most complex spells could bring about the most spectacular feats, the Engineering Department knew that sometimes, the most effective solutions were the simplest. They built structures that were as elegant as they were functional, each component serving a clear purpose, and each design a testament to the whispers of their ancestors' wisdom.

The eighth rule was sustainability. The whispers of the ancients taught them that true power was not in consuming the earth but in living in harmony with it. Their buildings were constructed with materials that would not deplete the land and techniques that allowed for regrowth and regeneration. They harnessed the whispers of the wind and the flow of water, using natural energy to sustain the Pavilion's needs.

The ninth rule was defense. The Architecture Department knew that a fortress was only as strong as its weakest point. They designed the Pavilion's layout to be a maze of defenses, with hidden traps and escape routes that could be activated at a moment's notice. Their whispers of protection echoed through the halls, ensuring that every corner was a bastion of security for the Shadow Wolves.

The tenth rule was the fusion of elements. The engineers studied the whispers of the earth, air, water, and fire spirits to create structures that not only withstood the elements but harnessed their power. The Pavilion's walls pulsed with the energy of the earth, its towers breathed with the winds, and its foundations rumbled with the fury of volcanic spirits. Each building was a living testament to the harmony between man and the elements, a symphony of whispers that sang of the clan's dominion over their world.

The eleventh rule was the integration of life. The Architecture Department understood that the Pavilion was not merely a bastion of stone and steel but a living entity. They crafted gardens and waterways that brought the whispers of nature within its walls. The very air was alive with the spirits of the plants and animals they had befriended. Their buildings were not just shelters but sanctuaries that sustained the life that thrived within and around them.

The twelfth rule was the cultivation of the elemental spirits. The whispers of the earth, wind, water, and fire guided the engineers as they built. They designed spaces that resonated with the elemental forces, allowing the spirits to inhabit their structures and grant them a vitality that surpassed mere construction. The Pavilion was a dance of elements, a living, breathing entity that responded to the needs of the Shadow Wolves.

The thirteenth and final rule was the balance of yin and yang. The engineers knew that true power lay not in brute force but in the harmony of opposites. Their designs reflected the whispers of ancient philosophies, ensuring that every structure was a manifestation of the delicate balance between light and dark, male and female, passive and active. The Pavilion's layout was a map of the cosmos itself, a microcosm of the world they sought to protect.

The Architecture Department, the unsung heroes of the Pavilion's might, had eight immutable laws that guided their craft. The first rule was harmony with nature. They believed that the whispers of the elements were not to be dominated, but to be coaxed and integrated into their designs. Their buildings were not mere edifices of power but living entities that breathed in concert with the wind, whispered with the spirits of the earth, and danced with the flames of volcanic fires. The whispers of the natural world were the blueprints for their grand structures, ensuring that every stone and beam was a symphony of balance and strength.

The second rule was simplicity. In a world of intricate spells and grand illusions, they knew that the most enduring beauty was found in the elegance of unadorned forms. Their buildings were not ostentatious displays of wealth but the embodiment of function and grace. Each arch, each column, served a purpose, whispering the story of their creation and the destiny of the Shadow Wolves. The simplicity of their designs was a testament to the clarity of their vision and the purity of their intent.

The third rule was durability. The whispers of the past had taught them that the true measure of a structure was not in its grandeur but in its ability to withstand the ravages of time. They built with materials that would not yield to the march of seasons, crafting every stone and beam to support the weight of generations to come. The Pavilion's walls stood as silent sentinels, whispering the stories of battles and triumphs, each scar a reminder of the clan's unyielding resolve.

The fourth rule was adaptability. Just as the Shadow Wolves had to adapt to the ever-changing whispers of destiny, so too must their fortress. The engineers designed the Pavilion to evolve, to be a living organism that grew and changed with the needs of the clan. Walls could shift and towers could rise, all in the blink of an eye, to meet the challenges that fate might throw their way. It was a testament to the clan's resilience and the whispers of the earth that guided their hands.

The fifth rule was stealth. In the world of shadows, secrets were as important as swords. The Architecture Department crafted hidden chambers and passages within the very fabric of the Pavilion, allowing the clan to move unseen by their enemies. The whispers of the air spirits taught them to create currents that masked the sounds of their movements, turning the very breath of the fortress into a shield of silence.

The sixth rule was the fusion of form and function. Every archway and balcony, every courtyard and garden, served a dual purpose. Their structures whispered of beauty and strength, each curve and line a testament to the clan's mastery over the elements. The Pavilion was not just a fortress but a living embodiment of the Shadow Wolves' spirit, a place where whispers of power and grace intertwined.

The seventh rule was the art of concealment. The architecture was designed to hide the clan's true capabilities. From afar, the Pavilion looked like a serene retreat nestled in the embrace of the mountains. Yet within its walls lay the whispers of ancient battles and the secrets of elemental mastery. It was a place where the clan's enemies would feel at ease until it was too late to flee the shadows that closed in around them.

The eighth and final rule was the unity of the five elements. The buildings themselves were constructed to resonate with the whispers of the earth, wind, water, fire, and metal spirits. This harmony allowed the Pavilion to stand firm against the onslaught of the harshest storms and the fiercest of earthquakes. Each structure whispered the power of the elements, a silent testament to the engineers' deep understanding of the world around them.

The Medical Department, the healers of the Shadow Wolves, had six sacred principles that guided their practice. The first rule was the sanctity of life. They were the guardians of the clan's vitality, their skills whispering the whispers of life into the wounded and the weary. Their healing was not just about mending flesh and bone but about restoring the balance of the spirit.

The second rule was the sharing of knowledge. The whispers of the ancient healers echoed in their minds, reminding them that no one could hold a monopoly on the secrets of the body and spirit. They were teachers as much as they were practitioners, sharing their wisdom with the Research Department and the Warrior Department alike, ensuring that the clan remained strong and vital.

The third rule was the pursuit of innovation. The healers studied the whispers of the natural world, seeking new herbs and techniques to bolster the clan's defenses against illness and injury. Their curiosity knew no bounds, and they often ventured into the most remote regions to uncover forgotten remedies, bringing back whispers of lost lore that could change the course of battles.

The fourth rule was patience. Healing was not a quick fix but a journey, one that required time and understanding. The medical practitioners knew that the whispers of the body spoke in a language that could not be rushed, and that true recovery meant listening to those whispers and nurturing the spirit as well as the flesh. Their dedication to this principle was unwavering, often spending weeks or even months tending to the sick and the injured.

The fifth rule was empathy. The healers of the Medical Department walked the line between life and death, whispering comfort to the souls in their care. They understood that the whispers of pain and fear were as real as any physical wound, and that to truly mend a body, one must also heal the mind.

The sixth and final rule was discretion. The whispers of the sick and the injured often contained the secrets of the clan's soul. The healers knew that their role was to ease suffering, not to spread gossip or manipulate power. They kept the confidences of their patients sacred, their lips sealed by an oath stronger than the bonds of steel. Their loyalty to the Shadow Wolves was absolute, and their dedication to the clan's well-being was whispered in every pulse they felt and every fever they cooled.

In enforcing these rules, Chen Xuan was unyielding. He understood that the whispers of destiny could easily be silenced by discord and betrayal. His eyes, once filled with gentle warmth, could turn to ice when faced with those who threatened the clan's unity. His voice, usually soft and soothing, could become a thunderclap that echoed through the Pavilion's halls, reminding all of their sacred duty.

The clan members took Chen Xuan's warnings to heart. They knew that his threat to break their bones was not an idle one. Each rule was a thread in the tapestry of their destiny, and to sever it was to risk the unraveling of their very existence. The whispers of fear that once surrounded his name had transformed into whispers of respect and admiration. They followed his edicts not out of dread but out of loyalty to the whispers of fate that had brought them together.

The Pavilion buzzed with newfound discipline. Five times a week, the air was thick with the whispers of steel clashing against steel as the Warrior Department practiced their forms. The grounds reverberated with the thud of feet and the grunts of effort as the clan pushed their bodies to the brink of endurance. The smell of sweat and determination filled the air, a potent reminder of the price of power. In the quiet moments between sessions, the whispers of strategy and tactics could be heard, as the various department heads discussed and refined their skills.

Chen Xuan was a constant presence, his sharp eyes under the blindfold scanned the training grounds. His own weekly test was a source of both dread and motivation. The whispers of his expectations were clear: he would not accept anything less than perfection. His tests were not just a measure of physical prowess but a testament to their unity and understanding of the clan's rules. Each member knew that failure meant a transfer to the rigorous training camp, a place where whispers of pain and struggle were as common as breath.

The training camp, nestled in the shadow of the Pavilion, was a place of intense focus. It was where those who faltered went to face their weaknesses, to listen to the whispers of their own hearts and find the strength to overcome them. The camp's regimen was designed to push the limits of the body and mind, a crucible where the clan's future leaders were forged. The days were long, the nights colder, and the training relentless. Yet within its confines, the whispers of camaraderie grew louder than ever.

Those who entered the camp were not just warriors; they were the clan's hope for the future. The instructors, all former members of the Warrior Department, knew that the whispers of doubt and fear had to be drowned out by the roar of determination. They taught not just how to fight, but how to think, how to read the whispers of the wind and the shadows for signs of an unseen enemy. They instilled in the trainees the importance of unity, of each member's role in the grand tapestry of the Shadow Wolves' destiny.