Tian's injuries worsened from constant exhaustion. His frame gaunt, coughs heavy with blood, Yuexin feared he would not last another winter.
But Tian was never idle. If his body failed, he would find another way.
One dawn, while exploring with disciples, he discovered rare herb patches hidden in frost caves: Snowpetal Jade Grass, its essence chilling but soothing veins.
He began experimenting carefully, mixing grounded herbs with faint frost aura. Results surprised even him—the herbs, infused with Frost Manual breathing, stabilized inner cold, preventing veins from shattering outright.
Though far from cure, it kept him alive. He documented everything meticulously, writing recipes inside Frost Manual Appendix.
"Even if I die," he told Yuexin softly one night, as she wept beside him, "future generations may use these herbs and live healthier than I."
Little did he know—his crude notes would one day evolve into one of the Leng Clan's eternal pride: the Frost Herb Codex.
Symbol of Devotion
Yuexin, holding his trembling hand, whispered:
"You've given everything to them… and still you think of passing what little you have left. Tian… you are too stubborn, too selfless."
He smiled faintly, though blood stained his lip. "I am not selfless. I am selfish—for I want our name to last forever. Even if I fall, I want to live on in my children's children."
And Yuexin, tears streaming, embraced him more tightly than ever.
🔥 End of Chapter 40