Snow howled brutally across Coldwater Village that winter. Winds tore through wooden walls, frost crept across windows, and game grew scarce as beasts burrowed deep in hibernation. Hunger stalked the villagers.
Tian's own family rationed thin soup; his mother shivered nightly, his father grim-jawed with worry.
But each night, even as his stomach clawed in emptiness, Tian dragged his weak frame outside the hut. He knelt beneath the open sky, frost gnawing his skin, and circulated his fragile soul power.
Breaths sharpened into crystalline mist. His blood burned cold, body trembling, yet he continued endlessly. Day after day, week after week, he pushed.
In cold silence he endured — and gradually began to sense change.
The Frost Crystal in his core pulsed steadier, edges sharpening like glass. Soul power still meager, but each wisp more refined, more *pure*.
Where others cultivated with volume, Tian shaped density. His frost grew quieter, heavier, more tenacious.
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### Village Peril
One night, cries suddenly erupted.
A blizzard had blown a tree into one hut, trapping villagers. Others panicked, fearing wolves drawn by the scent of blood.
Weak but desperate, Tian rushed to help. His soul power surged faintly into the Frost Crystal, and for the first time, its chill spread clearly into his limbs. With trembling hands, he froze rope strands together into makeshift brace. Hunters hauled the log free and the family was saved.
Though minor, villagers murmured in awe.
"The boy's frost… it's useful."
"Not bright, not mighty. But reliable."
That word made Tian's lips curl faintly: reliable.
Even a small, reliable strength could save lives.
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### The Quiet Smile
Yuexin, the orphan girl often shunned like him, watched from afar. Her smile was warm, bright against the snow.
"Leng Tian… you're not useless," she whispered softly.
Tian exhaled, frost fogging his eyes. "One day, I'll prove it to all."
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🔥 End of Chapter 5
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