A Western Kid’s Journey into the Eastern Cultivation World

Jack's sword clattered to the ground, his hand going limp in disbelief. Staring back at him from beneath the tattered hood was a face he had thought he'd never see again—Elias, his childhood friend who had disappeared without a trace years ago. But this was no longer the kind - eyed boy he remembered. Elias' skin was deathly pale, and his once - warm brown eyes now glowed with an otherworldly purple light.​"Elias... how?" Jack managed to choke out, his voice trembling.​Elias sneered, a cruel twist to his lips. "Surprised, Jack? You always were so naive. Did you really think I'd just vanish? I was chosen, chosen to wield the power of the Abyssal Eclipse and bring about the end of this pathetic world."​Lyra stepped forward, her dagger still in hand but her posture hesitant. "You're lying. Jack said you were his friend. You wouldn't do this."​Elias' laugh was cold and mocking. "Friendship means nothing in the face of true power. The Abyssal Eclipse showed me the truth, showed me that this world is corrupt and in need of destruction. And I will be the one to deliver it."​With a wave of his hand, Elias summoned a horde of shadowy creatures from the remaining portals. They swarmed towards Jack and his companions, their claws and teeth glinting in the dim light. The Keeper, who had regained consciousness, leaped into action, her ice - blue sword creating a path of frost as she fought off the creatures. Elder Li, weak but determined, raised his staff and sent bolts of golden energy towards Elias, but the dark - magic user merely waved them away with a flick of his wrist.​Jack felt a surge of anger and betrayal welling up inside him. He reached down and picked up his sword, the power of the merged orb and the tome coursing through his veins. "I don't know what happened to you, Elias, but I won't let you destroy the world. I'm going to stop you, no matter what."​Elias' eyes narrowed. "You think you can stop me? You're a fool. But very well, if you insist on fighting, I'll enjoy watching you break."​The two charged towards each other, their weapons clashing with a shower of sparks. Jack could feel the immense power Elias wielded, but he refused to back down. With each strike, he could sense the connection between Elias and the Abyssal Eclipse, a dark link that seemed to draw strength from the chaos and despair around them.​As the battle raged on, Jack noticed something strange. The symbols on the tome were glowing brighter, and the merged orb in his chest was pulsating in a rhythm that matched Elias' attacks. It was as if the power within him was trying to tell him something, a secret that could turn the tide of the battle.​Lyra, meanwhile, was fighting her way towards the portals. She knew that if they could close them, they could cut off Elias' source of power. But the shadowy creatures were relentless, and with each step forward, she was pushed back.​In the heat of the battle, Jack locked eyes with Elias. "There's still good in you, I know it. Please, come back to us."​Elias' expression wavered for a split second, but then it hardened once again. "There is no going back. You will fall, and the Abyssal Eclipse will rise." With that, he unleashed a massive blast of dark energy, aiming straight for Jack.​Jack braced himself, channeling all of his power to create a shield. The energy collided with the shield, pushing him back. But he refused to be defeated. As the shield began to crack, Jack made a decision. He would risk everything to break the connection between Elias and the Abyssal Eclipse, even if it meant sacrificing himself.​