Douluo Dalu: Eclipse de Almas

The air in the Gloom Forest remained charged with the strange energy of the recent event. Although the glow of the Divine Eclipse faded, its effects still resonated in the hearts of Xu Tian and Yue Lian. They both knew that what they had just experienced was not just a physical challenge, but a test of fate, a test that tied them together in a way that neither of them had anticipated.

The Guardian of Gloom gestured them towards the stone altar, which now seemed more vibrant than before. "The balance between the Sun and the Moon has been momentarily restored. However, the true challenge is yet to come. The Divine Eclipse is not just a cosmic event; it is a doorway to primordial power. Only those who can understand its essence will be able to unleash the power of the Eclipse."

"And what does that mean?" Yue Lian asked, her tone calm but inquisitive.

"The Eclipse is a cycle," the Guardian explained. "It is a power that, like the Sun and the Moon, oscillates between light and darkness. Only when both aspects are fully understood and accepted will they be able to awaken their true potential. But I warn you: the path you follow does not only put your life at stake, but the balance of the entire continent."

Xu Tian and Yue Lian exchanged glances. Despite the tensions between them, they both knew they had to continue forward, although the idea of ​​having to work as a team was still difficult for them to accept.

Without another word, the Guardian of the Gloom gave them an amulet. "This will be your guide. But remember, the power you seek is not something to be taken lightly. At every step of the way, you will be challenged not only by enemies, but by your own emotions and desires."

With the amulet in hand, both groups began to move forward again, but this time, something had changed. The route to the next destination was uncertain, and the map the Guardian had given them seemed to fade as they went, leaving them with no clear direction. But the amulet, glowing with a faint glow, seemed to point to the next phase of their journey.

As they walked along the paths, the forest began to transform. The vegetation grew denser, and the trees taller, their branches intertwining into a roof that blocked out the sunlight. The air grew colder, and a strange humming sound echoed in the air.

"Something isn't right," Yue Lian said, looking around. "The forest seems to… change."

Xu Tian, ​​like her, felt that something in the atmosphere had become even more oppressive. "I don't like this," he muttered. "We're being watched."

Suddenly, a figure appeared before them. It was tall and skeletal, dressed in a flowing black cloak as if it were made of shadows themselves. The figure walked towards them with a slow gait, but its presence was palpable, as if its very existence caused the light to recede.

"Who are you?" Xu Tian demanded, his tone defiant.

The figure stopped in front of them. "I am the Guardian of the Threshold, protector of the entrance to what lies beyond the Eclipse. If you wish to proceed, you must face the trial of the abyss."

"What trial?" Yue Lian asked, maintaining her calm.

The Guardian of the Threshold extended his hand, and the ground trembled. In the blink of an eye, the landscape completely transformed. In front of them, a gigantic stone door appeared, surrounded by ancient runes that faintly glowed.

"This door will lead you to your final destination," the figure explained. "But you will not be able to cross it without facing your greatest fear, your greatest weakness. The power of the Eclipse can only be obtained by those who are able to master their inner darkness."

"That is nonsense," Xu Tian grumbled. "How can a mere fear stop us?"

"Because true power is not found in the light of the Sun alone," the Guardian of the Threshold said in a deep voice. "The Eclipse is the fusion of light and darkness. If you do not face your shadows, you will never be able to claim true power."

Hearing these words, Yue Lian felt a strange pressure in her chest. The Sun and Moon were not just opposites; they were also manifestations of each other's inner forces. The test they faced was not only a test of strength, but a test of the soul.

"Come forward," the figure said, pointing at the door. "Once you cross, you will each face your own darkness."

---

Both groups walked towards the door. As they crossed it, the world around them began to fade, and the light of the Sun and Moon became distorted. The only thing left was darkness.

Suddenly, Xu Tian found himself on a vast, desolate plain. In front of him, a familiar figure appeared. It was his own reflection, but distorted, shadowy, with a cruel expression on his face.

"You are weak, Xu Tian," his reflection said, its voice laden with contempt. "You are not the chosen one, just a child trying to reach the unattainable."

The figure slowly approached, and Xu Tian felt rage begin to build up inside him. "Shut up!" he shouted, lunging towards his reflection with a strike of his solar energy.

But his reflection easily dodged it, laughing. "You cannot run away from yourself. The Sun cannot shine without shadows. You have clung to your pride and arrogance, but you will never attain true power as long as you continue to ignore your weakness."

Xu Tian felt a chill run down his spine. His reflection was right. In his desire to be the strongest, he had let his pride blind him to his own vulnerability. The thought of not being the best, of not being the absolute leader, was something he had always avoided facing.

"You must let it go," a familiar voice said from the shadows. It was Yue Lian. "Only by facing your own darkness will you be able to master the power of the Eclipse."

Yue Lian's image disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, but her words echoed in Xu Tian's heart. He knew that only by accepting his shadows could he move forward.

With a deep breath, Xu Tian closed his eyes, accepting his fears and weaknesses, and when he opened them again, his reflection had disappeared.