Douluo Dalu: Eclipse de Almas

The peace in the forest was deceptive. Although the battle had ended, Xu Tian and Yue Lian knew that the conflict was only just beginning. Master Yan and his followers would not be the only ones to oppose the Eclipse. Their alliance defied centuries of tradition, and the sects of light and darkness would soon take action.

Yue Lian looked at the horizon, her countenance marked with worry. "This is just the beginning. What we did here is going to resonate across the continent. More will come soon."

Xu Tian sighed, letting the sunlight filter through the leaves as he recharged his strength. "I know. But we can't back down now. If we let fear stop us, then we'll never be able to prove that the Eclipse is possible."

Yue Lian turned to him, her gaze intense. "Xu Tian, ​​do you realize what this means? We're not just fighting people like Yan. We're fighting history, everything the world believes to be true. This could destroy us."

Xu Tian smiled, though his expression showed a trace of tiredness. "If that happens, at least we will know that we tried. I can't imagine a future where we live apart, where our martial souls are seen as enemies. I'd rather risk everything for this opportunity than sit idly by."

Xu Tian's words seemed to ease the tension in Yue Lian a little. Although her heart was still filled with doubt, she couldn't deny the strength of Xu Tian's conviction. There was something about him that made her believe that, perhaps, the impossible was possible.

A New Alliance

As they rested, the sound of cautious footsteps reached them. They both tensed, prepared for a new confrontation, but what they saw left them shocked.

From between the trees emerged a tall figure, dressed in white clothes decorated with golden emblems of the Sun. His silver hair shone in the light of dawn, and his presence radiated an aura of authority and calm.

"Xu Tian," the man said, his voice as serene as a calm river. "I have been following you ever since you left the Celestial Sun Sect. I finally understand why."

"Master Chen," Xu Tian replied, his voice laced with respect and caution. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Master Chen nodded slightly, his gaze shifting from Xu Tian to Yue Lian. "I heard rumors about the Eclipse, but I never imagined they were true. What you have done today is something that will change the course of the world. But it will also attract danger."

"We already know that," Yue Lian interjected, stepping forward. "And we are prepared to face it."

Chen looked at her curiously. "Are you prepared, young Moon Bearer? Because the world will not be kind to you. Those who love the light will not trust you, and those who take refuge in the shadows will call you a traitor."

"Then you will have to get used to it," Yue Lian replied firmly.

Master Chen smiled, as if approving of his determination. "I expected nothing less. However, your path cannot be walked alone. If you truly want to change this world, you will need allies."

"Are you offering us your help?" Xu Tian asked, suspiciously.

"I am offering my advice," Chen corrected. "If you accept, I can guide you to others who share your vision. You are not the only ones who desire change, but finding such people will be difficult. Do you trust me?"

Yue Lian looked at Xu Tian, ​​searching his eyes for an answer. After a moment, he nodded. "We will accept your help. But if you try to betray us…"

"It is not my style," Chen said with a calm smile.

Under Master Chen's guidance, Xu Tian and Yue Lian set out on a journey to the City of a Thousand Shadows, a legendary metropolis where daylight barely touched. According to Chen, there lived a powerful figure known as the Midnight Matriarch, a leader who could be key to forming a strong alliance.

The journey was not without its challenges. Along the way, they faced ambushes from small groups sent by the Silent Lunar Sect, eager to stop them before they reached their destination. But with each battle, Xu Tian and Yue Lian perfected their use of the Eclipse, learning to synchronize their energies in ways they themselves had not thought possible.

On one occasion, while resting by a river, Yue Lian confessed her thoughts. "I can't help but feel like we're walking a tightrope. One misstep, and everything will come crashing down."

"Then don't fall," Xu Tian replied, looking up at the stars. "If we've made it this far, it's because we have something the others don't. It's not just about power. It's our conviction."

"That conviction might not be enough," Yue Lian said softly, though a small smile formed on her lips. "But I must admit that you are good at inspiring others."

When they finally arrived at the City of a Thousand Shadows, they were greeted with an almost oppressive atmosphere. The city was built in a deep valley, surrounded by mountains that blocked out the sunlight. The streets were narrow and lit only by moon crystal lamps, which gave off a pale, cold glow.

"It's… gloomier than I imagined," Xu Tian commented, watching the shadows that seemed to dance in the alleys.

"This city is a haven for exiles and renegades," Chen explained. "Here, light and darkness mix in ways that the rest of the world cannot accept. If anyone can understand the Eclipse, it will be the Matriarch."

But reaching the Matriarch would not be easy. The city was filled with dangerous individuals, and the mere presence of Xu Tian and Yue Lian had already attracted suspicious gazes.

As they made their way through the streets, a hooded figure approached them. "If you seek the Matriarch, you will have to prove your worth," he said in a whisper.

"How?" Xu Tian asked, ready for anything.

"The Shadow Arena," the figure replied. "Only those who survive can earn the right to be heard."

Xu Tian and Yue Lian exchanged a glance. It was not what they had expected, but they had no other choice.