As caravans neared Heaven Dou City, grandeur grew immense. Stone towers, banners endless, crowds screaming for tournaments that meant national pride. Among them gathered every so‑called genius of empire, youth bursting spectacle. They strutted across inns, sparring flamboyantly for fame.
Shrek's presence drew laughter. Clothes plain, numbers meager. A noble youth strutting under emblem Silk‑Gold Academy sneered, "They admit beggars now? Look at frost skin pale boy—oh! Will he melt in sun?"
Mubai bristled, Hongjun snarled. Before fight erupted, Xue stepped forward and released subtle frost veil. Air instantly chilled across inn square, noble boy's breath frosting visibly despite bright afternoon. Humid air crystallized tiny beads. Boast stuck in his throat as companions shivered.
Xue's voice calm: "Snow does not answer insult. But snow falls regardless." He withdrew veil gently, allowing warmth back.
Crowds murmured, surprise replacing scorn with curiosity. Even nobles exchanged looks. Something about unbroken calm unnerved them.
That night, Rongrong quietly told him, "I hated you once, thought you dull. But in front of their sneers, your smile mocked them more than strike. You truly are… frost brother." He said nothing, only returned faint nod, but inside gratitude flooded.
Tome stirred in his soul quietly as if recording: Continental Awareness Triggered. Frost Reputation Spreading.