Decades deepened his legacy. By age sixty, Leng Zhi no longer frontlined battles. Instead, his disciples—led by niece Leng Yu—took command, using Frost Doctrine to shield caravans, aid armies, and protect villages. Evil sects still challenged, but fell time after time against endless defenses.
Leng Zhi created his final great work: the Everfrost Sutra Codex, inscribed onto dozens of steel‑bound tomes distributed secretly. "If Frostpine ever falls, these books will carry our creed across lands," he explained.
Students wept, realizing their Patriarch prepared for eternity, not self.
He then named Leng Yu as next Patriarch. Standing before Frost Wall, he placed hand on her shoulder. "Clan above self. You understand patience. You endure mockery. You do not chase titles. That is why frost will not fall with you."
Under her, Leng Clan prospered further, becoming stabilizing pillar for whole north. Empires treated them as neutral guardians, refusing to drag them into political games.
And Leng Zhi? He spent twilight years walking valleys, smiling as children practiced verses he wrote. He never called himself hero, but villagers bowed calling him "Ancestor reborn."
In private chambers, Tome glowed quietly, whispering: Cycle Three reaching full bloom. Legacy surpassing previous. Await eventual passage.
Leng Zhi only laughed softly. "Not yet. Frost still watches roots. But when time comes, I will go calmly."
With that, he closed eyes, listened to wind over Frost Wall, and felt peace deeper than any barrier he ever cast.