Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Shuang Yue’s Breakthrough and Energy Harmony
After the Northern Stronghold's initial battle drew to a temporary close, the alliance was steeped in a mix of exhaustion and fervor. Though they had successfully repelled the otherworldly creatures surging from the rift and held the defensive line, every member knew this was merely the beginning—the real challenges lay ahead. At this critical juncture, Shuang Yue understood that only by pushing beyond his own limits could he stand invincible on the battlefields to come.
As dusk settled, the dim glow of lanterns illuminated the tents within the stronghold. Shuang Yue sat alone in a corner, the ancient tome detailing the old devouring laws spread before him. The past days' fierce battles and internal debates still echoed in his mind, each clash reinforcing the vital importance of Inner Cosmos restraint. Yet, amidst the rift crisis, he had glimpsed a new secret to his inner power: "internal-external circulation." He realized that by channeling absorbed otherworldly energy through an internal cycle into stable defensive strength, he could not only maintain his Inner Cosmos' stability but also transform that power into an unyielding shield against future assaults.
Closing his eyes, Shuang Yue set aside his tangled thoughts and entered a deep meditative state. In his mind's eye, he envisioned a boundless sea of stars, countless blue lights weaving and pulsing like the endless energy within his Inner Cosmos. He focused on every fleeting moment of energy flow, seeking a balance—a threshold where he could absorb otherworldly energy without overloading his Inner Cosmos. As his meditation deepened, a revelation dawned: otherworldly energy wasn't inherently malevolent; with proper restraint, it could be harnessed into a formidable force for defense and counterattack.
At that moment, a faint alarm sounded from the energy monitoring station outside, signaling a rising surge in the rift's fluctuations. Shuang Yue's heart jolted—he knew this was his chance for a breakthrough. With a deep breath, he snapped out of meditation, his eyes gleaming with resolute blue light, a faint, indescribable smile crossing his face.
"Internal-external circulation… it's about cycling absorbed energy internally, turning pressure into a shield," he murmured. Rising swiftly, he strode to the command center's large screen and directed the technicians to recalibrate the defense system, integrating Inner Cosmos monitoring data with the rift's energy readings. His voice carried not just commands but a strategic vision for the battles ahead.
Under his guidance, the technicians activated a temporary energy feedback system. Combining rune techniques from the ancient texts with modern sensors, it monitored Inner Cosmos strain in real time while automatically adjusting energy absorption levels. Standing atop the high wall, Shuang Yue watched the blue light shield flow within him, his mind racing: as long as this inner power remained in an optimal state, it could become an unbreakable defensive weapon in the next enemy assault.
As the system came online, data from outside the stronghold showed a sharp spike in rift energy, igniting a surge of morale among the defenders. Shuang Yue's pulse quickened—he knew this was a defining moment for future fights. The blue light shield coalesced in his hands once more, and with his newly grasped "Law Rewriting" skill, he redistributed the absorbed energy, evenly converting internal pressure into a counterforce. In that instant, the atmosphere inside and outside the stronghold seemed to freeze, every warrior glimpsing the dawn of hope.
On the front lines, Long Ze, dispatched from the East Sea, had taken his position on the eastern flank. Leading his water unit through a storm of thunder and rain, he summoned waves that paired flawlessly with Shuang Yue's blue shield. Long Ze nodded to Shuang Yue, a sign that their alliance's coordination was growing seamless. On the southern front, Yan Ji commanded her flame unit, erecting a blazing defensive line. Her "Flame Purification Array" held steady, issuing a silent warning to the otherworldly creatures with its searing heat.
As combat data stabilized, Shuang Yue stood on the wall, gazing at the breaking dawn with hope and resolve. He knew this breakthrough wasn't just a personal leap—it was the alliance's firm embrace of restraint and power mastery. This new mastery of internal-external circulation would become a cornerstone for future battles, enabling every member to face Oblivion's schemes and otherworldly invasions with rational precision, turning boundless energy into a steadfast shield for their home.
In the stronghold's meeting room, the core committee gathered representatives to discuss the breakthrough's practical applications. Long Ze, Yan Ji, Xuan Wen, and Xuan Bing—elites from various regions—shared their battlefield insights. Xuan Wen suggested refining the energy feedback system with ancient runes, while Xuan Bing proposed fortifying the stronghold's perimeter with layered defenses. Their ideas resonated like a symphony in Shuang Yue's ears, solidifying his belief that combining their strengths was the key to standing undefeated in larger battles ahead.
With a steady, commanding voice, Shuang Yue declared, "Today's breakthrough marks a new beginning. On the battlefields to come, Oblivion and otherworldly creatures will challenge us relentlessly. Only by wielding our Inner Cosmos with restraint can we meet every test and find breakthroughs amid pressure. Starting now, we'll roll out this system to every unit, ensuring every warrior can perform at their peak in critical moments."
Amid the ice and snow, every Devourer rekindled their faith and hope for the future. The coordinated defenses of the stronghold, East Sea water, and Southern Region flames painted a stirring portrait of battle. Shuang Yue's new skill, "Law Rewriting," born from his Inner Cosmos breakthrough, injected decisive power into the fight. In this moment, he wasn't merely defending the Northern Stronghold—he was forging a new era for the Devourers' Alliance.
As morning light finally banished the night, a brief calm settled over the stronghold, though the scars of battle and lingering energy sparks silently reminded every Devourer: the road ahead remained rugged. Only by breaking through themselves with restraint and wisdom could they safeguard their light in this cataclysm.
This breakthrough, driven by internal-external circulation, not only fortified the Northern Stronghold's defenses but laid a solid foundation for the alliance's future battles. Shuang Yue, Long Ze, Yan Ji, and all the gathered elites gained invaluable experience from this fight. Every detail testified to their understanding of power restraint, and every breakthrough unleashed the Inner Cosmos' limitless potential under strict control. Together, they were amassing an unbreakable force for the ultimate showdown that would decide the world's fate.