Jun Qiguang had lost track of time, enveloped in the dense forest where the sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy overhead. The air was rich with the scent of pine, mingling with the dampness of the earth beneath his feet. Birds had long since quieted, leaving an eerie stillness that only deepened as the day slipped into twilight. When he finally turned back toward Liancheng, the sun had already dipped low, casting a deep orange glow across the horizon.
Liancheng, however, was alive with the spirit of the New Year. The streets were adorned with vibrant lanterns and colorful decorations that looked even more enchanting under the evening sky. The lanterns cast a warm, golden light that danced on the cobblestones, creating a magical ambiance. Despite the hour, the streets were still bustling with people, their laughter and chatter mingling with the occasional burst of fireworks that painted the sky with fleeting splashes of color. The festive atmosphere was palpable, and the town seemed to be brimming with a joyous energy.
Jun Qiguang entered the courtyard of their inn, which was peaceful and serene compared to the lively streets. The courtyard was dimly lit by a few lanterns, their gentle glow illuminating the stone path and casting soft shadows on the walls. The tall trees and well-maintained garden added to the tranquility, providing a welcome contrast to the exuberant celebration outside. Yao Huaijin's room was the only one illuminated, a soft, steady glow escaping from behind the closed shutters. Jun Qiguang, decided against disturbing him and instead quietly entered his own room.
The room was simple yet offered a sense of calm with its clean lines and minimal furnishings—a low bed, a wooden table with a teapot, and a few chairs. The scent of fresh tea leaves filled the air, calming his restless mind. As he prepared for the challenges of the Eclipse Realm, he allowed himself a moment to enjoy the peaceful solitude before the upcoming trial.
The next morning, they set out before dawn. The world was still cloaked in the deep indigo of pre-dawn, the first light of day just beginning to touch the horizon. The air was cool and crisp. Yao Huaijin led the way, his white robes moving fluidly with each step, almost blending with the early morning mist. Jun Qiguang followed closely, his dark robes allowing him to move like a shadow in the still dim light.
The Eclipse Realm was a place of infamy—a realm on the border of the demonic territories, where few dared to tread. It was a place where the natural laws were twisted, and the boundaries between worlds grew thin. The very air felt different, charged with an energy that set one's nerves on edge.
The path leading to the entrance was steep and treacherous, flanked by ancient trees whose roots wound through the rocky terrain like serpents. The wind, which had been a gentle breeze in the town below, now howled through the mountains, carrying with it the distant cries of unseen creatures.
At the summit, only a small group of cultivators had gathered. Unlike the crowded gatherings of the past, only a few dared to venture here, each one emanating a quiet determination. Two masters stood at the forefront, leading a group of young cultivators who, though eager, could not fully hide their apprehension. The masters recognized Yao Huaijin immediately, their eyes narrowing slightly as they exchanged respectful nods, but they made no attempt to engage him in conversation. They seemed to know that Yao Huaijin was not one for idle chatter.
The entrance to the Eclipse Realm appeared as a crack in the fabric of reality itself, a thin, jagged fissure that shimmered with an otherworldly light. It was no grand portal, but rather a subtle, almost fragile-looking tear, just wide enough for a person to pass through. The light it emitted was blindingly bright, almost painful to look at, and the air around it was thick with a crackling energy that made the hair on one's arms stand on end.
The cultivators hesitated, each one weighing the risks and rewards. The stories of those who entered and never returned were well known, and even the bravest among them felt a moment of doubt. Yet, without hesitation, Yao Huaijin stepped forward, his expression unchanging as he passed through the crack. Jun Qiguang followed immediately, his pace steady and unhurried. There was no fear in his heart, only a quiet confidence in his own abilities and a sharp focus on the task ahead.
As soon as Jun Qiguang crossed the threshold, the world around him changed abruptly. The blinding light was replaced by a dense, choking mist that wrapped around him like a shroud. The air was cold and heavy, carrying with it the faint scent of decay and something else—something ancient and malevolent. Visibility was reduced to mere feet, the mist obscuring everything beyond a small radius.
Jun Qiguang remained composed, his breath steady and controlled. The Eclipse Realm was not an unknown entity to him. He had spent time here before, learning its secrets and mapping its dangers. But this was knowledge he kept to himself. There was no need to share it with Yao Huaijin, especially when Yao Huaijin was more than capable of handling whatever might come his way.
"Stay close," Yao Huaijin's voice cut through the mist, steady and authoritative.
Jun Qiguang simply nodded, though he knew Yao Huaijin couldn't see him. There was no hesitation in his movements, no sign of fear or uncertainty. He followed Yao Huaijin with the same calm composure that had guided him through countless other dangers. The mist, thick and disorienting as it was, did little to faze him. He had walked these paths before, and he knew how to navigate the realm's twisted reality.
They moved forward in silence, the only sounds the soft rustling of their robes and the occasional drip of water from unseen sources. The oppressive silence might have unnerved a lesser person, but Jun Qiguang found it oddly comforting. It was a silence that he knew well, one that demanded respect and caution rather than fear.
As they walked, the mist began to thin, revealing their surroundings bit by bit. They found themselves in a valley, surrounded by towering mountains that loomed over them like dark sentinels. The peaks were sharp and jagged, disappearing into thick, swirling clouds that crackled with faint traces of lightning. The sky above was a dull, oppressive gray, the clouds so thick that no sunlight could penetrate. It was a world trapped in eternal twilight, where the distinction between day and night was lost.
The ground was rocky and uneven, littered with sharp stones and twisted roots. The trees that dotted the edges of the valley were ancient and gnarled, their branches twisted into unnatural shapes as though warped by the realm's corrupting influence. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, mingled with the faint, metallic tang of blood. It was a place that exuded danger.
As they surveyed the valley, a sudden scream pierced the air. It was a high-pitched, desperate sound that echoed through the mountains, sending a flock of crows into the sky. The scream was close, just beyond the next line of trees.
Yao Huaijin's gaze flicked toward Jun Qiguang for the briefest of moments before he started toward the sound, his movements swift and determined. Jun Qiguang followed without hesitation, his senses sharp and his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. The Eclipse Realm was full of dangers, but he was more than prepared to face them.