Enemies did not wait politely. Within a year, rival sect calling themselves "Scarlet Fangs" openly challenged the Leng in market towns, disrupting caravans. Their martial spirits were blood‑fang beasts, fast and vicious, and they thought frost too passive to withstand them.
Leng Zhi answered with calm. He led disciples into border forest where Scarlet Fangs lurked. Battle broke at dusk. Fangs charged, claws ripping trees. His disciples panicked, but he raised hand. "Do not rush. Frost never fears storm."
Everfrost Veil spread broad, dew freezing midair. Claws slowed, breath crystallized. Then Frozen Bind erupted, lacing dozens in icy chains resilient enough to resist even brute snarls. His third skill, Glacial Fortress, encircled disciples, shielding them from feral carnage.
But he did more—he used Frozen Pulse, sending shock through field. Fang spirits staggered, their soul power circulation momentarily stilled. In that brief silence, his disciples surged, spears striking true.
Scarlet Fangs fled humiliated.
From that day, northern tribes called him Everfrost Patriarch. The rival sect declined, while Leng Clan rose stronger. His disciples looked at him with awe, not only for strength, but for patience and courage.
That night, children gathered around Frost Wall where he inscribed again: Frost does not roar, but mountain stands when beast retreats.