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The air inside High Heaven Pavilion had grown tense. Although the events of the previous days had quieted, Shiv (Yang Kai) knew the uneasy calm was merely the surface of something much more dangerous brewing beneath. He remained focused on his cultivation, absorbing the last bits of energy from the Dragon and Phoenix trial.
Su Yan was seated across from him, meditating quietly, her body glowing faintly as the profound Yin energy circulated through her meridians. The Yin-Yang Joyous Union technique they had shared was deeply intertwined with their connection. They had grown significantly stronger, but Shiv knew that the real challenges were still ahead.
He had sensed subtle shifts in the sect. The elders seemed uneasy, and rumors had begun to spread about Yang Bei, who had grown more ambitious lately. There was something ominous about Yang Bei's presence, something that even Shiv's reincarnated knowledge couldn't fully account for.
Shiv exhaled slowly. He had no intention of playing a hero openly. His power was a tool, and it would remain hidden unless absolutely necessary. While he knew much of what was to come, he also understood the dangers of acting too boldly. His future knowledge was his most valuable weapon, but it was also something that could isolate him if misused.
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### Tensions Rising
The High Heaven Pavilion's disciples had gathered for another round of training. This day was no different from any other in the eyes of most students, but Shiv could feel the undercurrents of unease in the air. He spotted Yang Bei speaking with several other disciples, his voice hushed but his presence domineering.
Shiv had no desire to interfere, not yet. His passive demeanor made him appear like any other disciple, an ordinary cultivator not looking to stand out. But that suited him just fine. Let the events unfold as they must. Eventually, Yang Bei's greed and ambition would tear through the sect like a blade through silk.
For now, Shiv focused on his cultivation, carefully nurturing the power he had gained during the trials. The vital essence within him, a secret bound to his eternal life, was something even more potent than what most martial artists could comprehend. It was this unique advantage that allowed him to remain calm in the face of impending threats. His cultivation was still at **True Element Boundary – Third Stage**, but it wouldn't remain there for long.
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### The Medicine Garden Discovery
One day, while exploring the far edges of High Heaven Pavilion's land, Shiv came across a dense thicket. Deep within the forest, he stumbled upon a place he recognized from his memories—the Medicine Garden. Here, ancient herbs and spiritual treasures thrived in abundance, protected by natural formations. This garden was a treasure trove, hidden from most of the sect members.
As he carefully picked through the garden, Shiv sensed the presence of something greater. His hand brushed against a stalk of rare Moonlight Grass, its silvery glow vibrant even in the dim light of the forest. Other herbs of high medicinal value filled the garden, their scents filling the air with a calming aura.
Shiv was careful not to disturb too much. He harvested only what he needed, knowing that these herbs would greatly benefit his cultivation in the days to come. This was also a critical moment for his development, as these treasures would help him refine his body and boost his strength for the inevitable conflict with Yang Bei.
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### Yang Bei's Shadow
Back at the sect, Yang Bei's influence grew. He moved with the confidence of someone who already saw himself as the sect's future leader. His cultivation had increased dramatically, and he had begun to recruit disciples to his side, offering them promises of power and protection.
The elders of High Heaven Pavilion were slow to act, their vision clouded by internal politics and complacency. Shiv kept to himself, observing the unfolding events with a calculated eye. He knew that the coming conflict would shatter the sect, just as it had in his past life.
The medicine he had harvested from the garden, combined with his natural cultivation abilities, allowed him to reach new heights in his strength. He hadn't yet tested the full extent of his abilities, especially his newfound power to transfer lifespan through sexual intercourse, but he could feel the potential bubbling beneath the surface.
Still, he remained passive, careful not to attract attention to himself. His true strength would only be revealed when absolutely necessary, and he would allow Yang Bei to make the first move. Let the pieces fall into place naturally, Shiv thought. The time would come when he could shape his destiny more forcefully.
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### The Brewing Conflict
Days passed, and the tension in the sect reached a boiling point. The whispers of an impending betrayal grew louder. Yang Bei had been slowly amassing power, pulling weaker disciples into his orbit, promising them protection in exchange for loyalty.
Shiv spent his days in quiet cultivation, perfecting his techniques and nurturing his power. Su Yan, too, grew stronger by his side, though she remained unaware of the storm that was brewing within the sect. Her presence was a calming influence on him, and together, they continued to deepen their bond through cultivation.
Yang Bei, however, had grown too bold. It wasn't long before his ambition led him to act openly against the elders of the sect. Disciples loyal to him began skirmishing with those still devoted to High Heaven Pavilion's leadership. The air was thick with the threat of violence.
Shiv watched from the sidelines, biding his time. He had no intention of standing in the spotlight, not yet. Yang Bei's downfall was inevitable, but the sect's destruction was also on the horizon. He would let fate play its course, all the while preparing for the moment when he would step in and claim his rightful place in the chaos that was about to engulf High Heaven Pavilion.
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