Douluo Dalu: Eclipse de Almas

The door leading out of the Shadow Arena opened with a heavy creak, revealing a long corridor lit by torches with blue flames. The atmosphere was dense, charged with a power that seemed to pierce through the air. Xu Tian and Yue Lian moved forward slowly, still feeling the weight of the trials they had just overcome.

"Who will this Matriarch be?" Yue Lian asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I don't know," Xu Tian replied, his gaze fixed on the hallway. "But if anyone in this city can help us, it will be her."

Master Chen was waiting for them at the end of the hallway, next to a double door of black wood, carved with intricate designs that seemed to represent both light and darkness. His eyes shone calmly, but his tone was serious.

"You have passed the trials," Chen said, bowing his head slightly. "The Matriarch will receive you. But I warn you, she is not an easy woman to convince."

Without further ado, he pushed open the doors, which swung open with a deep echo.

---

The Hall of Midnight

The hall beyond was impressive. It was wide and circular, with a domed ceiling decorated with glowing constellations that seemed to move slowly. In the center of the hall was a throne made of obsidian and mooncrystal, and upon it sat the Matriarch of Midnight.

She was an imposing woman, with an air of authority emanating from her every movement. Her long, pitch-black hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes were a silvery hue that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared look directly at her. She wore a dark cloak with silver details that reflected the light of the stars on the ceiling.

"So you are the ones responsible for this… Eclipse," the Matriarch said, her voice deep and resonant.

Xu Tian and Yue Lian bowed respectfully, but the Matriarch showed no reaction. Her gaze flickered from one to the other, as if she were silently assessing them.

"Why are you here?" he finally asked.

Xu Tian stepped forward. "We seek your support. The Eclipse is not a threat, but an opportunity to prove that light and darkness can coexist. But we cannot do it alone. We need allies."

The Matriarch narrowed her eyes, resting her chin on one hand as she studied him. "And why should I be interested in your cause? For centuries, we have lived in this unstable balance. What makes you think you can change it?"

Yue Lian raised her head, speaking in a firm voice. "Because the current balance is not real. It is an illusion maintained by fear and division. We do not seek to destroy it, but to transform it into something true. You, of all people, should understand that."

The Matriarch smiled slightly, though her expression remained inscrutable. "Interesting. You speak with conviction, but words are not enough to change the world."

She stood up from her throne, her imposing figure eclipsing the light coming from the ceiling. "Prove to me that you can hold that conviction. If you truly believe in your cause, you must be willing to face the most powerful enemies on this continent. Are you prepared to face the Spirit Hall?"

The name of the Spirit Hall struck the room like a bolt of lightning. Xu Tian and Yue Lian exchanged glances; they both knew that this organization was the most powerful and feared in all of Douluo. If they faced them, there would be no turning back.

"The Heavenly Sun Sect and the Silent Lunar Sect already consider us enemies," Xu Tian said, straightening up. "It doesn't matter if the Spirit Hall joins the list. We are ready."

The Matriarch raised an eyebrow, surprised by his straightforward response. "The Spirit Hall is not like those minor sects. It is led by figures like Bibi Dong, whose power surpasses anything they have faced so far. If they wish to face her, they must first gain strength and allies. Fortunately, I know where they can start."

The Matriarch walked towards them, her footsteps echoing in the hall. "On this continent, there are ancient inheritances, powers that have lain dormant for generations. One of them is the legacy of the Sea God Island. If you wish to increase your abilities, you must travel there and overcome the trials that await you."

Xu Tian frowned. "The Sea God Island? I thought it was just a legend."

"Many believe it," the Matriarch replied, with a light smile. "But it is real. If you manage to overcome its trials, you will obtain power that rivals that of the strongest Title Douluo. But be warned: not all who seek such power survive to tell the tale."

As the Matriarch explained more about the island's location and what they might expect there, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a young man with dark blue hair and deep eyes, whose presence radiated serenity and danger at the same time.

"They won't be able to reach the island alone," the young man said, his voice calm but firm. "They will need a guide."

"Tang San?" the Matriarch asked, turning to him.

The young man nodded. "I too am seeking the Sea God's legacy. If they are destined to follow this path, then we will travel together."

Xu Tian looked at Tang San, feeling a strange connection to him. He didn't know who this young man was exactly, but something about his presence told him he would be a crucial ally… or a future rival.

"Then it is decided," the Matriarch declared. "Prepare yourselves. Your journey to Sea God Island will begin at dawn. But remember: this is only the beginning."