That night, under bright southern moon, Leng Xue climbed academy wall alone, frost mist shimmering like halo. He thought of Frostpine far north, ancestors kneeling around slabs carved by trembling hands. He thought of Yuexin crying, of Tian's death whisper, of second chance given.
He closed eyes, whispering vows to cold wind. "Clan above self. No matter Shrek's training, no matter world's storms, I carry root. This frost not mine—it is Leng Clan's eternal snow. I will endure, so children unborn may walk freer."
Footsteps surprised him—Tang San quietly arrived, carrying faint herb in pouch. He too often trained alone in night. For a breath they did not speak, only gazed at moon. Then Tang San said softly, "We walk different spirits. Yet our purpose feels same—something more than self."
Leng Xue smiled faint. "Roots or frost—we are both only messengers. Destiny burns larger."
They said nothing more, only stood silently until night deepened. It was not friendship yet, not alliance. But it was bond of recognition. Future battles would temper.
The Eternal Tome in his soul gleamed warmly that night: Heritage Vows Renewed. Shared Destiny Bond Deepened.
Leng Xue descended wall quietly, frost footsteps fading. Shrek slept, unaware two boys born same dawn had stood beneath moon, vowing paths that would one day reshape continent.