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The once tranquil grounds of High Heaven Pavilion were now teetering on the brink of chaos. Whispers of rebellion had turned into open defiance, as Yang Bei and his faction of loyalists grew bolder by the day. The elders struggled to maintain order, but the divide within the sect had already grown too deep. The power struggle was no longer just an internal matter—it had become a fight for survival.
Shiv (Yang Kai) observed the escalating tension from a distance, his cultivation at the **True Element Boundary – Third Stage** stable, but he knew that soon, he'd have to take action. His role in the unfolding events was to remain passive, letting the original plot of his life play out while biding his time. However, his abilities—especially his power of eternal life—would soon play a pivotal role in the sect's future, as would his growing bond with Su Yan.
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### Yang Bei's Bold Move
The turning point came on a cold, misty morning. Yang Bei had finally decided to make his move. With his cultivation at the **True Element Boundary – Fifth Stage**, he had become a true threat, and his followers had grown more numerous and aggressive. The loyalists of the sect, once a majority, were now fighting to keep control, but their numbers were dwindling.
That morning, Yang Bei and his disciples stormed into the Hall of Elders during a routine meeting, the tension thick in the air as he stood defiantly before them. His voice rang out, full of arrogance and disdain.
"The time for weak leadership is over," Yang Bei declared, his gaze sweeping across the assembled elders and sect disciples. "High Heaven Pavilion deserves a ruler who understands true strength—someone like me."
The hall erupted in chaos. Some disciples cheered for Yang Bei, while others shouted in protest. The elders stood stunned, trying to maintain control, but it was clear that Yang Bei's power had grown too strong.
Shiv watched from the shadows, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. He had known this moment was coming, but now that it had arrived, the tension was palpable. He could feel the energies of the sect shifting as the balance of power teetered on the edge.
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### A Secret Plan
Despite the chaos, Shiv remained patient. He knew that this was just the beginning of the conflict, and while Yang Bei's arrogance was bound to get him into trouble, the situation would not resolve itself easily. In the original timeline, this rebellion had caused significant damage to the sect, and Shiv had no intention of allowing that to happen again.
After the confrontation in the Hall of Elders, Shiv retreated to his private quarters. Su Yan met him there, her expression troubled but composed.
"Yang Kai, this is getting worse by the day," she said quietly. "The sect can't survive this kind of infighting for much longer."
Shiv glanced at her, his gaze thoughtful. "It's out of our hands for now," he said calmly. "But there will be a moment when we can step in. We just have to wait for the right opportunity."
Su Yan frowned but trusted his judgment. "And when that moment comes?"
"Then, we act," Shiv replied, his voice steady. He had no desire to openly oppose Yang Bei—not yet, at least. For now, he would let the plot unfold as it had in the original timeline. But when the time came, he would be ready to intervene, with his power of eternal life giving him an edge no one could predict.
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### The Sect in Peril
As the days passed, the situation in the sect continued to deteriorate. Yang Bei's followers grew bolder, attacking loyalists openly and spreading their influence throughout the ranks. The elders tried to keep order, but it was clear that their authority was slipping away.
The tension finally boiled over one evening when a group of Yang Bei's loyalists ambushed several disciples still loyal to the sect's leadership. The attack was brutal and efficient, leaving several of the sect's promising young disciples gravely injured. It was a clear message: Yang Bei had no intention of playing by the rules anymore.
Shiv knew that this was the beginning of the end for Yang Bei's rebellion. In the original timeline, Yang Bei's arrogance had ultimately led to his downfall, and Shiv had no doubt that the same fate awaited him here. But for now, Shiv would remain passive, letting the original plot play out as it should.
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### Strength Gained from Lifespan Lost
In the midst of the chaos, Shiv began to delve deeper into his abilities. His power of eternal life, while still new and untested, held immense potential. He had discovered a technique that allowed him to convert his lifespan into raw strength—a dangerous but powerful ability that would give him an edge in the coming conflict.
Each time he activated the technique, he could feel his strength growing, but at the cost of his lifespan. It was a delicate balance, and Shiv knew that he couldn't afford to rely on the technique too often. However, in moments of desperation, it would prove to be a valuable tool. The essence of eternal life gave him the ability to recover his lost years, making the trade-off more manageable than it would be for others.
As he continued to cultivate, Shiv also began experimenting with the skill that allowed him to transfer lifespan to others. He had yet to fully test the limits of this ability, but he knew that it could prove invaluable in the future. The skill itself was intimate, requiring a deep connection with the person he transferred his lifespan to, and the act of transferring life force could also replenish his own vitality in certain circumstances.
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### Prelude to Battle
With Yang Bei's rebellion in full swing, it was only a matter of time before the sect's leadership was forced to act. The elders, though weakened by the internal strife, began preparing for the inevitable confrontation. They called upon the sect's strongest disciples to rally behind them, but it was clear that they were outnumbered.
Shiv remained on the sidelines, watching as the pieces fell into place. He had no intention of getting involved until the crucial moment. His future knowledge had allowed him to anticipate these events, but he knew that he couldn't change everything. Some things had to unfold as they were meant to.
Su Yan stayed close by his side during this time, her own cultivation reaching a new peak at the **True Element Boundary – Fourth Stage**. She, too, could feel the coming storm, but like Shiv, she knew that their time to act had not yet arrived.
The sect was on the brink of war, and soon, the final battle would begin.
For now, Shiv waited in the shadows, his strength growing, his power of eternal life and lifespan transfer techniques sharpening with each passing day. When the time came, he would be ready to strike. But until then, he would let Yang Bei dig his own grave.
The rebellion was reaching its climax, and Shiv knew that the sect's fate—and his own—hung in the balance.