Soon after the Stonefang clash, another event shook Tian's heart.
Yuexin, cheeks flushed, pulled him aside one night, words trembling.
"Tian… I… we… a child is coming."
The wind seemed to still. For a heartbeat, Tian's mind froze utterly, then flooded with warmth fiercer than any spirit flame.
A child. His child.
He stared at Yuexin, at her fragile smile, and tears burned his eyes. He had endured mockery, blood, agony — yet here was the true reward. His bloodline would continue. The family he dreamed of was no longer just dream.
He embraced her tightly, whispering hoarsely: "Thank you. This is everything."
Preparations
From then, every day carried new purpose. Tian worked twice as hard hunting, repairing huts, even weaving crude clothes from pelts for the child not yet born. He included his disciples constantly, teaching them more of patience and family.
"It is not for yourself alone you train," he said, voice thick with joy. "It is for those you must protect. For those who come after."
They listened with awe. Even children felt depth behind his words now.
The Birth
Winter returned as Yuexin went into labor. Snow stormed outside, wind howled — but within their hut, warmth glowed from villagers gathered to aid. Hours of cries, tears, and pain filled the night. Then at last, joined with the dawn howl of the north wind, the frail cry of a newborn rang out.
"It's a boy," the elder announced softly, handing the child wrapped in furs.
Tian gazed down at his son, tiny and weak yet screaming to live against the storm.
Tears blurred his vision. He whispered, voice cracked:
"Leng… Xuan. Leng Xuan will be your name. You will not live as useless. You will walk stronger than me."
The first heir of the Leng Clan was born.
🔥 End of Chapter 21