The auroras drifted above each winter sky, but Leng Xue did not gaze at them in wonder anymore—he used them as clock, measure of time, of years slowly falling like snowflakes.
From age ten to fifteen, life in Frostpine Stronghold was constant grind.
Discipline, hunting, meditation—it became endless rhythm. Yet within this quiet repetition, Xue's will grew strong.
Daily Training
At dawn, when cousins rushed to spar, eager to show their martial spirits, he knelt in solitude, releasing Frost Veil steady outward, layer after layer. Where they roared in burst flames, he whispered in patience.
By eleven, his Frost Veil could extend across ten full paces, chilling opponents noticeably. By twelve, he developed second technique—a refined Frost Bind, thin strands of cold air coiled like translucent ropes.
It was weak, holding only for seconds, but the clan marveled. "He mirrors Ancestor Tian!" whispers spread. Elders nodded with recognition.
And quietly, the Eternal Tome pulsed within him across the years:
Heritage Confirmed: Second Soul Skill Stabilized. Clan Symbol deepening.
Xue smiled faintly whenever it glowed. Ancestor Tian left nothing wasted. All continues.
Among Cousins
But admiration was mixed with comparison. Cousin Leng Jian reached Rank 15 by thirteen, already rumored to break to Rank 20 before seventeen. He mocked, boasting of offense.
When clan sparred, Jian's icy hammer shattered targets impressively. Xue stood calm, weaving Frost Veil to disrupt footing, yet once hunters shouted "enough!"—everyone forgot Xue's subtlety, remembering Jian's hammer.
But Xue smiled proudly nonetheless. Power without patience burns out. Frost outlasts arrogance.
Still, not all ignored him.
Leng Yan, younger cousin, often trained at his side. Soft-spirited, not strong, but diligent. She once whispered shyly: "If not for your Frost Veil, I would fail hunts. I… thank you, brother Xue."
Those words warmed him deeper than glory ever could. For what good was recognition compared to preserved life?
First Solo Hunt
By fourteen, elders prepared advanced rite—the Solo Hunt. Each aspiring youth faced beast alone, testing survival.
Xue entered snowy woods, spear trembling within frost aura. Hours passed before growl came—from ridge, silverback snow wolf crouched, eyes sharp.
The beast lunged. Memories flared—Leng Tian's first hunt centuries before, falling to wolf's claw, saved by trap. He hissed breath—repeat, but this time with skill.
As wolf struck, he exhaled. Frost Veil exploded wider, halting lunge for crucial fraction. He sidestepped, spear jabbing into flank. The wolf roared, pain twisting body. It swiped back—but Frost Bind coiled across paw, slowing arc. Spear returned, slicing into throat.
Blood filled snow. He stood gasping, chest heaving.
For the first time, he had slain prey alone.
The clan rejoiced. Elders nodded, acknowledging reliability of his frost as not just defense, but as hunting power.
As aurora lit sky that night, he whispered toward stars:
"Ancestor Tian… we are the same, but stronger now. Each cycle grows steadier."
And unseen, Tome glowed faint:
Milestone: Solo Beast Kill achieved. Path Efficiency improved.
🔥 End of Chapter 59