###
It had been several days since Shiv's encounter with the Hu sisters, and while the tension with Hu Jiao'er still lingered, his focus was elsewhere. High Heaven Pavilion was buzzing with rumors about the upcoming **Trial for True Disciples**, a sect-wide competition offering a chance to rise from an Outer Disciple to a **True Disciple**. For most disciples, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For Shiv, with his future knowledge and newfound strength, it was just another step toward his inevitable rise.
Shiv sat in the small, worn-down hut he had called home for far too long. His cultivation had advanced significantly since the fateful day he acquired the **Golden Skeleton**, and with each passing day, he grew more confident in his ability to control his power. Yet, there was always more to learn, more to master. He knew the trial would not be easy. It never had been in the original timeline.
The trial would be a test not only of raw strength but also of endurance, willpower, and intelligence. Disciples from across the sect would be competing, including those who had already made a name for themselves, like the talented **Wei Zhuan**, who had been favored by many elders, and **Su Yan**, the ice-cold beauty whose cultivation was unmatched among the younger generation.
### The Elders' Announcement
A few days later, the day finally arrived. Disciples gathered in droves at the **Contribution Hall**, where the sect elders had called everyone to hear the details of the trial. Shiv stood among them, his eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. He spotted the Hu sisters, standing together as always. Hu Mei'er gave him a small, knowing smile, while Hu Jiao'er remained stoic, her eyes narrowing as she noticed him.
An elder stepped forward, his voice booming across the courtyard. "Disciples of High Heaven Pavilion, the time has come for the annual **Trial of True Disciples**. Only the most capable will ascend to the rank of True Disciple, but be warned: this trial is not for the faint-hearted. You will face both external threats and your fellow disciples."
Shiv listened carefully, though he already knew what to expect. The trial would take place in one of the dangerous regions controlled by the sect, where rogue cultivators and fierce beasts roamed. It was a survival challenge, where only the strongest and smartest would come out on top.
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### The Trial Begins
The trial began the next morning. Shiv, along with hundreds of other disciples, was transported to the **Wilderness Ridge**, a desolate and dangerous area far from the safety of the sect. The air was thick with tension as the disciples were given their final instructions: survive, defeat your opponents, and collect as many **Trial Tokens** as possible. Only those with enough tokens would advance to the next round.
Shiv moved quickly, using his future knowledge to stay ahead of the other disciples. He knew where the most dangerous beasts roamed and where the tokens would likely be hidden. However, his aim wasn't just survival—it was domination.
As he navigated the wilderness, he encountered small groups of disciples already battling beasts and each other. Most of them were unprepared for the ferocity of the trial, falling easily to Shiv's calculated attacks. Each time, he collected their tokens without hesitation, his movements efficient and controlled.
In the depths of the wilderness, Shiv found himself facing one of the **Three Heavenly Beasts**, a creature known as the **Blood-Winged Serpent**. In the original timeline, this beast had nearly killed him, but now, with his enhanced regeneration from the Golden Skeleton and his improved cultivation, he stood tall against it. After an intense battle, Shiv managed to slay the serpent, gaining not only its **Beast Core** but also a rare **Heavenly Herb**, a treasure that would aid him in future cultivation.
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### Ascension to True Disciple
By the end of the trial, Shiv had amassed more tokens than almost any other disciple. As the remaining participants gathered at the designated meeting point, many were bruised, battered, and exhausted. Shiv, however, stood confidently, his presence alone making others step back.
The elder who had spoken before appeared again, his gaze sweeping across the survivors. "Those of you who stand here now have proven your worth. Among you, the most outstanding will be granted the title of **True Disciple** of High Heaven Pavilion."
As expected, Shiv's name was among the first called. The moment he heard it, a wave of satisfaction washed over him. This was just the beginning, but it was a critical step. He was now a True Disciple, with access to the sect's most guarded resources and secrets.
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