Snowstorm raged outside Frost Hall, winds like wolves howling. Within, Leng Tian lay on hemp mat, body skeleton-thin, breath shallow.
Beside him sat Yuexin, wiping sweat and blood-drenched lips. Around stood his children, disciples, and clan elders, eyes red, refusing to leave.
He forced eyes open weakly, whispering hoarsely:
"Do not cry. Frost never weeps—it falls quietly, yet it remakes earth."
Turning to his sons and daughters, he rasped last lessons:
"Xuan… lead patiently. Mei… record all. Yu… hide brilliance until clan safe. Yuexin… forgive me, for I leave you this burden…"
She wept uncontrollably, holding his withered hand tight. "You carried everything alone—you need not say sorry."
Tian smiled faintly, though tears leaked from corners of dim eyes. "Then… I go… with no regrets."
Clan Farewell
All members of Leng Clan knelt as one, chanting softly words of Frost Creed: Clan above self. Frost above flame. Roots eternal.
Their voices thundered louder than storm.
Leng Tian exhaled one last shuddering breath… and his body stilled.
The founder of Leng Clan, once useless child mocked by peers, died not weak nor alone—but as Patriarch surrounded by clan that would endure ages.
🔥 End of Chapter 53