Did I Eat The Universe ?

After leaving the Northern Stronghold, messengers swiftly spread the alliance's summons far and wide. In stark contrast to the raging storms and crashing waves of the East Sea, the Southern Region was enveloped by an unyielding sun and swirling sand. In this land of crimson borders, everything appeared ablaze, with every wisp of heat surging like molten lava. Bearing the hope of the alliance, Yun Che set out for the Southern Region, fully aware that his key task was to win over the legendary Flame Devourer—Yan Ji.

Throughout his journey, Yun Che faced the searing trials of the desert. Under the scorching sun and relentless hot winds that whipped fine sand against his face, his resolve never wavered. As he trudged along endless dunes, he constantly recalled the lessons of fierce battle at the Northern Stronghold and silently recited the principles of restraint in his Inner Cosmos, reminding himself that every absorption of power must be precisely calculated. Only with such conviction could he hope to face the onslaught of otherworldly forces without losing himself.

At long last, by the edge of a lava lake, Yun Che beheld a dazzling flash of fire illuminating scarlet rocky cliffs. There, standing with awe-inspiring presence, was Yan Ji—a formidable Devourer surrounded by roaring flames like a burning statue. Her piercing gaze and unwavering resolve seemed to declare her absolute mastery over power. Clad in armor dominated by fiery red and etched with ancient runes that exuded dangerous heat, she embodied the very essence of flame.

Taking a measured step forward, Yun Che saluted her with sincere respect and said, "Yan Ji, I come not to seek confrontation but to forge an alliance. While solitary combat may showcase individual might, only together can we withstand the relentless onslaught of otherworldly forces." Though his tone was gentle, it carried deep conviction.

Yan Ji regarded him coolly, her brows furrowing slightly as she replied dismissively, "Devourers are meant to stand on their own. An alliance is nothing more than a shackle on freedom." Before she could speak further, the flames around her flared violently, scattering sparks. She swiftly assumed an attack stance and unleashed a powerful stream of fire from her hand, hurtling directly toward Yun Che.

Facing this sudden onslaught, Yun Che rapidly activated the principles of his Inner Cosmos and cast his newly mastered "Soul Guardian Incantation." With swift movements of his hands and the rune stone he held, a pale blue energy barrier formed around him—transparent yet unyielding. The flames struck the barrier and were partially repelled, sending up bursts of scorching smoke. Steady in his stance, with determination shining in his eyes, he murmured, "Yan Ji, power without restraint'll only lead to self-destruction. Listen to me—give the alliance a chance, so that together we may repel the enemy."

Yan Ji let out a cold laugh, her eyes sparking with challenge as she responded, "Very well, then prove your words with your strength." With that, she launched her attack by activating the "Flame Purification Array." Flames gathered around her rapidly, coalescing into a blazing ring that swept toward Yun Che, radiating intense fire and rolling heat. The sheer force of the array seemed capable of melting everything in its path—a reminder of the peril inherent in uncontrolled power.

Undeterred by the ferocity of the attack, Yun Che drew a deep breath and countered with his own technique—"Flame Shield." Unlike his previous defensive spells, Flame Shield harnessed the surrounding fire and heat, reforming them into a robust barrier woven from interlaced flames and blue energy. When the Flame Purification Array collided with his shield, the intense heat was immediately converted into a steady, resilient force that both nullified the assault and diminished its destructive impact.

The duel between Yan Ji and Yun Che escalated amid the searing heat and contrasting blue energy. Yan Ji alternated her offense with the Flame Purification Array, her flames dancing at her fingertips with searing power, while under the protection of his shield, Yun Che maintained his Inner Cosmos through the Soul Guardian Incantation and used the Flame Shield to rebound the fire, searching for an opening to counterattack. The interplay of fire and blue light on the scorching dunes created a dynamic symphony of energy, with each clash echoing with precision and determination.

As the battle wore on, Yun Che gradually shifted from defense to offense. He realized that by harnessing the fire produced by Yan Ji's attacks and converting it through his Inner Cosmos, he could turn that fire to his advantage. In a sudden burst, he unleashed a brand-new skill—"Flame Reversal." Clutching his rune stone tightly, blue energy swirled within him as he absorbed the scattered fire energy from Yan Ji's assault. This surge not only triggered a temporary, more potent shield from his Inner Cosmos but, in the very next moment, transformed into a counterattack—a burst of fire directed straight at Yan Ji. The sudden reversal caught her off guard; her eyes widened in shock before she drew a deep breath, steadying herself and adjusting her tactics once more.

Back and forth they traded blows, fire intermingling with blue energy, as the intense Southern sun bore witness to their fierce duel. Yan Ji repeatedly attempted to overwhelm Yun Che with the Flame Purification Array, but he countered with the Flame Shield and, at crucial moments, with Flame Reversal to seize her fire. Every exchange deepened the intensity of their battle, and with every clash, the true meaning of restraint and energy control became clearer.

After nearly thirty minutes of fierce combat, the relentless heat and brilliant fire gradually subsided. Both combatants withdrew to a safe distance. Standing by the edge of the lava lake, Yan Ji's face was still streaked with sweat and embers, while Yun Che panted heavily, yet his eyes shone with unwavering determination. Bathed in the glow of firelight, Yan Ji spoke slowly, her voice carrying a hint of unmasked admiration, "Your 'Flame Reversal' is astonishing. Not only did you withstand the fierce flames, but you also transformed them into a counterattack. This discipline and control are exactly what I need."

Yun Che nodded slightly, his tone calm and resolute, "Yan Ji, I know that devourers often prefer solitary paths, but when faced with the rampant power of the Otherworld, fighting alone won't sustain our world. Only unity can help us harness our power through discipline and truly protect our home."

Yan Ji lowered her gaze and, after a long pause, revealed a rare tenderness, "Perhaps I do need to reconsider my stance. Today's trial has shown me the potential of cooperation. Give me some time, and I'll consider joining you to fight against the dark forces of Oblivion."

After the battle, although the Southern skies remained brightly lit under the scorching sun, the atmosphere between Yun Che and Yan Ji had shifted subtly. Every defensive move and counterattack from Yun Che was not only a display of power but also a message: discipline and wisdom are the true keys to mastering devouring power. And after enduring several reversals, Yan Ji began to understand that solitary strength might not be the best path—unity within the alliance could bring unexpected advantages.

As the flames slowly died down, Yun Che looked at Yan Ji's slightly fatigued yet resolute expression and murmured, "Yan Ji, the path of the alliance may be fraught with challenges, but only by joining forces can we truly change the fate of this world." Yan Ji nodded subtly; though she didn't voice it, her eyes revealed a hint of emotion and contemplation.

At that moment, news from the East Sea arrived via couriers: Long Ze had officially agreed to join the Devourers' Alliance. This development made the trials in both the Southern Region and the East Sea critical catalysts for the alliance's birth. The duel between Yun Che and Yan Ji, intense as it was, confirmed that in extreme environments, discipline and cooperation could temper even the wildest forces and lay a solid foundation for future wars.

On the scarlet, blazing lands of the Southern Region, Yun Che and Yan Ji stood facing each other; their fierce battle had subtly bridged the distance between them. As the last traces of flame faded, they stood side by side by the lava lake, as if witnessing the dawn of future cooperation. This trial not only compelled Yan Ji to reexamine her beliefs but also strengthened Yun Che's resolve to confront future challenges with discipline and wisdom.

As the oppressive heat of the Southern Region gradually abated, Yun Che recorded the insights from this fierce battle and quickly reported the good news back to the Northern Stronghold via his communication device. In that moment, he realized that, although differences still existed between him and Yan Ji, at least she was willing to consider the alliance. For the forthcoming Devourers' Assembly, this was a tremendous encouragement, injecting fresh vitality and hope into the future of the Devourers' Alliance.

The trial under the blazing Southern sun proved to be a critical turning point in the call for allies. The fierce duel between Yun Che and Yan Ji, tempered by fire and refined through discipline, revealed the profound art of controlling and transforming power, while demonstrating to all that unity held boundless potential. With messengers swiftly relaying this news back to the Northern Stronghold, Shuang Yue once again felt the urgency of gathering allies.

Both the trials in the East Sea and the Southern Region, each in their own distinct manner, showcased the potential of the Devourers' Alliance to the world. The fierce battle on that isolated island in the East not only convinced Long Ze of the value of unity but also laid a solid foundation for the upcoming assembly.

As news from the East Sea and the Southern Region gradually converged at the Northern Stronghold, Shuang Yue stood atop the ramparts once more, gazing into the distance. He knew this was only the beginning of the ally-gathering effort—more powerful warriors needed to join, and further trials awaited the devourers.

Back at the Northern Stronghold, Shuang Yue busied himself integrating reports from the East and South while meticulously preparing for the upcoming Devourers' Assembly. Within the stronghold, he established the "Devourers' Oath Formation," an array that combined ancient runes with modern technology, designed to ensure order and prevent internal discord during the assembly. Throughout the stronghold, guards, villagers, and the devourers who'd just fought were all busy preparing for this grand gathering, their faces reflecting determination and hope.

During this process of gathering allies, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che set out for the East Sea and the Southern Region, personally negotiating with powerful warriors in their territories and impressing them with their strength and conviction. The fierce duel amid the turbulent waves in the East and the intense trial in the blazing desert of the South became crucial catalysts for the formation of the alliance. As couriers dashed through snowstorms, amid thunder and raging flames, every battle testified to the devourers' understanding of disciplined power and the vital importance of unity.

That day, the effort to gather allies began to bear fruit. The Northern Stronghold was no longer fighting alone; it'd become the focal point where devourer power from around the world converged. Every letter sent and every battle fought became invaluable resources for future resistance. As preparations for the Devourers' Assembly entered their final stages, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che took on the heavy responsibility of changing the fate of the world, ready to face the epic war that was about to come. In the ice of the North, the flames of unity and wisdom had been quietly kindled, illuminating the path toward a bright future.