Coldwater's prosperity could not remain hidden. Rumor of Tian's disciples spreading frost, of children walking confidently, reached Stonefang once again.
This time, they came not with dozen, but with scores of men. Several among them bore real rings, real cultivation. Fury burned in their leader's eyes.
"No tricks will save you," he spat at Tian before the assembled villagers. "We end this once and for all. Coldwater belongs under Stonefang's boot."
Fear crackled through villagers. They looked to Tian with desperation. Pale-faced, scarred, body fragile, he still stepped forward.
He turned not to his enemy, but to his disciples. "Form ranks."
Young and old alike obeyed, breath syncing. Frost Veil flared across thirty bodies, overlapping fields layering into wide curtain of cold. Snow glazed soil; Stonefang men slowed mid-stride, caught unprepared by unified aura.
Tian roared, second ability igniting—Frost Bind. Thin threads of ice locked onto their leader's limb. He staggered, momentum broken.
From tree lines, hunters struck, spears plunging, arrows piercing. Children froze ground under enemies' feet. Chaos erupted; Stonefang's men, confident in force, found themselves slowed, slipping, encumbered.
But even unity had limits. The enemy bore greater cultivation. After prolonged clash, Stonefang's leader broke free, striking Tian violently. His body smashed into snow, bones screaming—blood poured from his lips.
Yuexin shrieked, rushing to his side. Disciples panicked.
Tian coughed harshly, clutching her wrist. "Don't… despair. Fight together. Snow never yields."
Inspired, they fought harder.
The battle dragged until at last, Stonefang realized victory cost too severe; ambushes inflicted casualties. Roaring with humiliation, they retreated vowing future vengeance.
Coldwater still stood—but Leng Tian lay shattered.
🔥 End of Chapter 29