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### **
The days after Shiv's return from the Medicine Garden expedition were unusually quiet. Yet, within the sect, tension bubbled beneath the surface. High Heaven Pavilion had been abuzz with the upcoming **Dragon and Phoenix Inheritance Trial**—a rare event whispered about only in legends. Most disciples knew little more than the name of the trial, and even the sect's leadership seemed to know only fragments of the truth.
Shiv, on the other hand, knew more. He had the advantage of his future knowledge, which, though incomplete in some ways, painted a clearer picture of what was to come. But he couldn't let that knowledge show—not yet. In this world, no one could predict the trial's true nature, and he had to play along.
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### **The Uncertainty Among the Disciples**
In the days leading up to the trial, whispers echoed through the sect halls. Disciples spoke in hushed tones, speculating on the nature of the trial. Some believed it would be a simple test of combat prowess; others thought it might be a test of spiritual strength or cultivation techniques. The only certainty was that this trial would be far more dangerous than anything they had faced before.
Shiv kept to himself, absorbing the rumors but remaining distant. He had learned to conceal his true understanding of events. Too many questions could arise if he showed too much confidence about what was coming. Even his interactions with Su Yan were brief, though he often sensed her icy aura close by. She, like many others, had been chosen to participate in the trial.
Despite their lack of communication, Shiv could feel a certain tension in the air whenever Su Yan was near. Her strength had been acknowledged by all, but there was a silent understanding between them that she was a pivotal figure in this trial—just as in his memories.
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### **A Moment of Reflection**
As the trial loomed closer, Shiv found himself seated in meditation, deep in thought. The flow of spiritual energy coursed through his body, but his mind wandered to the upcoming challenge.
**The Dragon and Phoenix Inheritance...** The legendary test of dual cultivation, Yin and Yang, balanced in perfect harmony. He recalled the path that lay ahead: the inevitable encounter with Su Yan, their fates intertwined in ways they had yet to realize. Though Su Yan had no knowledge of the trial's true nature, Shiv knew their connection would become central to passing it.
But Shiv wasn't thinking only of the trial's implications. His mind also dwelled on the power he had only recently begun to master—**the transfer of vital essence**. This newfound ability to transfer lifespan could become a critical tool during the trial, though it was a double-edged sword. While it allowed him to give others vitality, there were risks in using it without caution, especially if used for his own gain. He would need to test it further—and the Dragon and Phoenix Trial might just provide that opportunity.
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### **The Day of the Trial**
The day finally arrived. The sect was buzzing with excitement and fear. The chosen disciples were gathered near the massive portal that shimmered with energy, waiting for the signal to enter. None of them knew what to expect.
Su Yan stood among the gathered disciples, her expression calm and unreadable. Shiv caught her gaze for a brief moment, but neither spoke. He could sense the uncertainty in her, though she hid it well. To everyone around them, this was just another trial—but Shiv knew the deeper truths lurking beneath the surface.
The sect elders gave their final instructions, but their words were vague, leaving much unsaid. Even they were only guessing at the true nature of the inheritance.
As the portal opened, one by one, the disciples entered. Shiv took a deep breath as his turn came, his mind focused. He had seen this before in his memories, but now he was living it. The weight of destiny pressed heavily on his shoulders.
He stepped through the portal.
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### **Entering the Trial Grounds**
The moment Shiv crossed the threshold, the world shifted. The sect, the elders, the disciples—all of it disappeared, replaced by a vast, unfamiliar realm. The sky was an unnatural, swirling mix of red and gold, and the ground beneath his feet pulsed with a strange energy.
Shiv's senses sharpened. This was the trial ground, but it was far more imposing in reality than it had ever seemed in his memories. Spiritual energy filled the air, thick and heavy, like a storm waiting to break.
He scanned the landscape, recognizing the faint glow in the distance that marked the altar—the place where the **Dragon and Phoenix Inheritance** would commence. As before, he would not be alone. Su Yan would arrive soon, and together they would face the true test: **Yin-Yang Joyous Art**, the delicate balance of forces that could either grant them immense power—or consume them entirely.
Shiv's heart pounded in his chest. He had to prepare himself mentally and physically, for what lay ahead was not only a test of strength but of harmony between him and Su Yan.
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