But victory always brought enemies. Spirit Hall had watched the tournament carefully. They saw Tang San, they saw Shrek, and they saw those who stood beside them.
One day envoys in golden robes arrived at Frostpine. "The Leng Clan must submit to Spirit Hall's authority," they demanded, "or face consequences."
Leng Xue, older but firm, stepped onto the Frost Wall with his disciples behind him. His voice was calm, yet unyielding.
"The Leng Clan bows to frost alone. We will not kneel."
That night, assassins came.
Leng Xue defended with the Glacial Barrier, shielding his kin as disciples pushed back attackers with spears and inscriptions. The victory was hard, bloody, but it hardened every heart in Frostpine. From that day, the clan trained even harder.
Leng Xue expanded the Frost Codex with his Shrek battle experience. He taught new soul skills designed for teamwork: smaller shields, interconnected veils of frost that several members could use at once.
The Leng Clan became known not only for their defense but also for their unity. Caravans under their banners crossed northern routes without fear. Even Spirit Hall agents began whispering reluctantly: "Destroying them is too costly. Their frost spreads too wide."
The quiet boy once mocked as useless had now forged a clan that even Spirit Hall hesitated to move against.