Did I Eat The Universe ?

As the assembly progressed into its latter half, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and signs of internal division began to surface. A Devourer named Qian Mo stepped forward, openly challenging Shuang Yue's leadership and the practicality of the alliance. He criticized Shuang Yue for being overly idealistic, asserting that true strength lay in individual power and that the alliance would only weaken the Devourers, rendering them powerless. Qian Mo's tone was passionate, laced with deep frustration, and his words struck a chord with some like-minded individuals. The assembly hall soon split into two factions: one pushing for unity and cooperation, the other staunchly defending personal independence. Sparks of conflict crackled through the room, transforming the once-calm meeting into a heated debate.

Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Shuang Yue knew he had to step in to restore order. He proposed a public contest to showcase his abilities and principles. The rules were straightforward: both sides would demonstrate their skills in "Inner Cosmos capacity control" and restrained energy absorption, with the winner determined by who could best balance control and personal breakthrough. This contest wasn't just a duel between Shuang Yue and Qian Mo—it was a profound clash of opposing ideologies within the group.

On the day of the contest, an ancient and mysterious array was set up in the hall, designed to precisely measure each participant's energy absorption and the strain on their Inner Cosmos. Shuang Yue, clad in a simple yet dignified battle robe, stood at the center of the array. His gaze was steady, and he held a piece of ancient jade—symbolizing restraint and power—lightly in his hand, using it as his medium to harness the laws of the Inner Cosmos. Qian Mo, dressed in a black robe, radiated defiance and arrogance. He was utterly confident that his extreme devouring instincts would make him unbeatable.

As the array's runes glowed to life, Shuang Yue began his demonstration of "Inner Cosmos capacity control." He closed his eyes, his breathing calm and even, as if he had stepped into a realm detached from the outside world. A stream of blue energy flowed rhythmically within him, gradually forming a transparent yet sturdy shield. The array revealed that his Inner Cosmos remained remarkably stable, steadily drawing power through absorption without ever crossing its limits. Many Devourers in the audience nodded in approval, impressed by Shuang Yue's refined and balanced technique—a clear counter to unchecked power.

Then it was Qian Mo's turn. With a loud shout, he began devouring the scattered otherworldly energy around him at a staggering pace, instantly surrounding himself with a swirling wave of dark red energy. The array's readings spiked as his Inner Cosmos load soared. While he could unleash incredible power in a short burst, the data showed it far exceeded safe limits and teetered on the edge of collapse. Qian Mo's approach was ferocious, but it carried an unmistakable air of instability. Whispers rippled through the crowd: "If he keeps this up, he'll destroy himself."

Even as Qian Mo realized his Inner Cosmos was nearing its breaking point, he refused to relent, determined to prove his philosophy through sheer force. Shuang Yue, however, remained composed at the array's center, watching Qian Mo with a steady gaze. He shook his head slightly and said, "Power without restraint will only lead to self-destruction. Only by wielding the Inner Cosmos with wisdom can we sustain it over time." His words, paired with his performance, left many onlookers lost in thought. In the end, the array confirmed that Shuang Yue's load stayed well below the danger zone, while Qian Mo's hovered on the brink of failure. This silent comparison of data stunned every Devourer present.

When the contest concluded, a hush fell over the hall. Some murmured among themselves, others gazed at Shuang Yue with admiration, yet a few still clung to Qian Mo's wild pursuit of freedom. While the contest affirmed Shuang Yue's leadership—blending restraint with wisdom—it also laid bare the deepening divide within the alliance. Some felt Shuang Yue's methods were too cautious, stifling the Devourers' natural drive for ultimate power, while Qian Mo and his supporters argued that only by unleashing their full potential could they become truly unrivaled. The arguments ebbed and flowed, charging the air with tension.

Standing amid the crowd, Shuang Yue's expression remained calm yet resolute. He spoke again: "Today's contest wasn't just a test of strength—it was a challenge to how we survive through unity. My aim has never been to suppress anyone's ambition, but to secure our long-term survival through restraint. The Inner Cosmos is a double-edged sword; only by mastering its limits can we find true protection, not ruin." His tone was gentle, but his words carried a weight that sank into every listener's heart.

As Shuang Yue finished speaking, some in the hall bowed their heads, reflecting on their beliefs, while others held firm, viewing the alliance as a chain on their freedom. Though the debate didn't resolve every disagreement, it exposed the alliance's core issues to all: true unity required the Devourers to move beyond their obsession with individual power and embrace restraint and cooperation.

After the contest and discussions, Shuang Yue gathered all the representatives and stressed that the alliance's future must rest on restraint and wisdom. He suggested forming a core committee, composed of members from all factions, to draft and refine the "Devourers' Code." This code would ensure every member stayed within safe limits when absorbing otherworldly energy. Though the proposal sparked fierce opposition, it gained majority support after heated debate. Qian Mo, still dissatisfied, had to concede that without unity, the alliance's strength would falter, making future battles even tougher.

As the assembly neared its end, preparations for the Devourers' Assembly entered their final phase. The powerful individuals gathered from various regions began to accept the alliance's vision, realizing that only together could they counter the pervasive threat of Oblivion. While internal conflicts lingered, the assembly succeeded in uniting these forces for the first time, setting the stage for the coming war against the otherworldly invasion.

When the meeting concluded, Shuang Yue stepped out of the hall alone, gazing at the alliance flag waving in the night sky. His heart felt both relieved and heavy—relieved that he had laid a foundation for the alliance, heavy with the knowledge that countless challenges lay ahead. Internal strife and external foes would test every Devourer's resolve and wisdom. As he had said during the assembly: "Only by using the Inner Cosmos with restraint and wisdom can we protect our homeland and reshape our fate."

This assembly was more than a clash of power and ideals—it was a new beginning. With the core committee established and the "Devourers' Code" taking shape, the Devourers' Alliance had begun to forge a formidable force from nothing. Differences remained, but all understood that the looming war would demand their collective effort. Only then could they bring true light to this chaotic world. In the darkness, Shuang Yue silently hoped this unity would become the key to altering their destiny, guiding the alliance to victory.