Douluo Dalu: Eclipse de Almas

The illusory images around Xu Tian and Yue Lian began to intensify, trying to entice them with promises of absolute power. However, both of them remained unmoved, their hearts resonating with the clarity of their goals.

Yue Lian took a deep breath, her silver eyes shining with determination as she pointed her bow towards the sky. "I am not interested in being revered. My power is a means to protect those I love, not to impose myself upon them."

Xu Tian nodded, raising his sword firmly. "And I do not seek a throne. My strength is not meant to subdue, but to maintain balance. We will not fall for this illusion."

---

Bibi Dong's Judgement

The illusions instantly dissipated, leaving behind a heavy yet calm air. The magic circle beneath their feet disappeared, and the tower's voice echoed again:

"You have passed the test of ambition. Your will is strong, and your hearts are aligned with the purpose of your power. Step forward."

Bibi Dong watched the two of them with a glint in her eyes, as if their reactions had surprised her. "You have shown something that few can. But make no mistake: this does not mean that you are ready. The trials that await you will be even more difficult."

Yue Lian held her gaze, her stance firm. "Then why are you here? Just to judge us?"

The Empress of the Spirit Hall smiled lightly. "Partly. But I am also here to warn you. The power of the sun and moon is not something that goes unnoticed. There are others who desire it, and some of them will do anything to snatch it away."

Xu Tian frowned, recalling the tower's words about balance. "Who are those 'others'?"

Bibi Dong turned around, her graceful figure casting an imposing shadow. "That's for you to discover for yourselves. For now, continue on your way. But remember: I'll be watching."

---

The Empress disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Xu Tian and Yue Lian alone in the hall. The two exchanged a look filled with determination, aware that their journey was far from over.

"If she's involved, this is much bigger than we thought," Yue Lian said, slinging her bow on her back.

Xu Tian nodded, sheathing his sword. "No matter who tries to stop us. We'll continue on, together."

The door at the back of the hall slowly opened, revealing a path leading into a mist-filled forest. The air was permeated with a different, almost eerie energy.

"Ready for whatever comes next?" Yue Lian asked, a faint smile hiding her worry.

Xu Tian smiled back. "Always."

---

The forest was completely silent, save for the rustling of leaves beneath their feet. However, both of them could sense that they were not alone. The spiritual energy in the air was intense, as if something ancient and powerful inhabited this place.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist. It was a tall man, dressed in dark robes decorated with golden symbols. His long hair fell over his shoulders, and his eyes glowed a deep red.

"You must be the bearers of the sun and moon," he said in a deep voice. "My name is Hu Yan, and I have come to test you."

Xu Tian and Yue Lian exchanged a quick glance, ready to draw their weapons. "Who sent you?" Yue Lian asked, her voice cold but controlled.

Hu Yan smiled, showing a row of perfect teeth. "Let's say I am an envoy of those who wish to ensure that their power does not fall into the wrong hands."

"Then, we'll settle it here and now," Xu Tian said, unsheathing his sword.

Hu Yan chuckled. "That pleases me. But I warn you: it won't be as easy as you think."

---

The Fight Begins

With a swift movement, Hu Yan activated his martial soul – a giant snake with glossy black scales that seemed to absorb the light around it. Three spirit rings appeared behind him, shining with overwhelming power – one yellow, one purple, and one black.

"A Spirit King-level spirit master?" Yue Lian muttered, raising her bow. "This will be tricky."

Xu Tian adjusted his stance, his sword shining with a golden light. "Nothing we can't handle together."

Hu Yan attacked first, his snake lunging towards them with surprising speed. Xu Tian blocked the initial strike with his sword, but the force of the impact sent him back several steps.

"Cover my flank!" Xu Tian shouted as he deflected another attack from the snake.

Yue Lian shot out an arrow charged with lunar energy, which struck the snake in the side, forcing it to retreat momentarily. However, Hu Yan barely seemed to flinch.

"That's all you have?" he sneered, raising a hand and creating a sphere of darkness which he launched towards them.

"Watch out!" Yue Lian exclaimed, pushing Xu Tian out of the way. The sphere exploded upon impact with the ground, leaving a smoking crater.

---

"This can't go on like this," Xu Tian said, standing up. "We need to combine our forces."

Yue Lian nodded, nodding another arrow. "You're right. Let's give it a try."

They both closed their eyes for a moment, allowing their energies to synchronize. Xu Tian channeled the light of the sun into his sword, while Yue Lian imbued her arrow with the energy of the moon.

"Now!" they shouted in unison, launching their attacks simultaneously.

Xu Tian's golden sword sliced ​​through the snake, while Yue Lian's silver arrow struck Hu Yan directly, piercing through his defense.

Hu Yan fell to his knees, panting. "Impressive… it seems they really have potential."

Before they could respond, Hu Yan's body began to fade into the mist, as if he had never been there.

"What was that?" Yue Lian asked, looking around cautiously.

Xu Tian put away his sword, his expression serious. "Whatever it was, it was just the beginning."