Under his guidance, Leng Clan transformed.
He introduced structured divisions:
Glacier Guard – defensive formation experts.
Aurora Caravans – merchants carrying inscriptions across empires.
Sutra Keepers – disciples tasked with copying Everfrost Sutra and spreading it across villages.
Soon, even beyond north, small towns displayed Frost Verses on their walls. In marketplaces, commoners quoted simple lines: "Patience is shield; frost never falls." Merchants used Everfrost sigils as guarantees of honesty.
Within Frostpine, daily life echoed discipline. At dawn, thousands recited verses together in square, breath mist forming pale cloud. At night, elders trained children to layer shields together, teaching them to survive even if alone.
Imperial allies noticed. Heaven Dou royalty sent delegation, formally recognizing Leng Clan as "Guardian Sect of the North." Caravans under their flag traveled unmolested, well‑respected.
Leng Zhi himself grew stronger. Meditation at Frost Wall deepened Everfrost Core, awakening seventh ring. His Seventh Skill: Everfrost Avatar allowed him to manifest enormous glacial form, towering like mountain over battlefield. Witnesses swore entire sky dimmed when giant frost avatar appeared once during test.
Whispers grew: "Everfrost Patriarch nears Saint stage."
Leng Zhi, however, whispered to himself before mirror, "Not yet. Frost must not rush spring. Let patience bloom."