One evening, elders of Leng Clan gathered in the frost hall. The fire blazed, shadows dancing across carved inscriptions of Frost Manual etched into stone.
The eldest disciple, now weathered with years, stood reluctantly. "Patriarch… we owe you everything. But your body grows weaker each month. We fear… soon you cannot lead."
Silence. Painful, heavy. Tian coughed harshly, Yuexin by his side holding cloth stained with red.
Another spoke with sorrow: "Pass your mantle, Patriarch. Let us protect you, not the other way around."
All gazes turned to his son, Leng Xuan. At fifteen, Xuan had grown into tall youth, powerful spear spirit shining clear. Already Rank 18, his talent outclassed Tian's entire life.
But Tian raised weak hand. His breath rattled. "Not yet. Though my body fails, teachings remain. Without teaching soul, Frost Clan would break. Give me… just a little longer… to refine roots."
Elders bowed heads—tears in eyes, unwilling to disobey.
Later, Yuexin scolded softly, tears trembling: "Why burden longer? Don't you see your body shatters?"
He smiled faintly. "Because my body is already lost. But time left can be carved into their hearts. If I leave before engraving last, heritage weakens. I must finish."
His determination silenced even her grief. That night she wept silently while holding him, knowing nothing could divert his frostbit resolve.
🔥 End of Chapter 48