Did I Eat The Universe ?

As news of the victorious rift-sealing battle spread across the regions, the Devourers' Alliance's reputation soared. The Northern Stronghold gradually restored order after the intense conflict, and the unyielding resolve forged in that grueling fight inspired more and more powerful individuals to answer Shuang Yue's call. Within the stronghold, soldiers and villagers worked side by side to rebuild the defenses. Yet, as this newfound strength began to take shape, Shuang Yue realized that combat skills and temporary fortifications alone would not suffice against the looming threat of larger otherworldly invasions. The key to the alliance's sustained growth lay in internal discipline and the restrained use of Inner Cosmos power.

To address this, Shuang Yue convened a grand assembly within the Northern Stronghold, inviting representatives from the East Sea, Southern Region, Western Frontier, and neutral territories to gather and discuss the creation of a comprehensive "Devourers' Code." The meeting was held in an ancient stone chamber within the stronghold, its walls etched with weathered yet imposing runes that seemed to whisper the ancients' profound lessons on power. This chamber, once a gathering place for ancient Devourers, now served as a sacred venue for debating the alliance's internal regulations.

As the assembly commenced, Shuang Yue stood at the center of the chamber, his voice steady and commanding: "Fellow Devourers, we gather here today not only to celebrate our victory in sealing the rift but to contemplate how we can maintain the stability and continuity of our power in the future. The Inner Cosmos is undeniably formidable, yet without restraint, it will lead to self-destruction. The ancient texts have long warned that every absorption of otherworldly energy strains the Inner Cosmos; only by keeping this strain within safe limits can we ensure steady growth. Today, we must establish a rigorous set of rules to guarantee that every Devourer wields their power with discipline, so that together we may resist the incursions of Oblivion and the otherworld."

A hush fell over the chamber as his words sank in, each representative's gaze intense with reflection. Xuan Wen, an elder Devourer from the neutral territories, was the first to speak. His voice was measured and insightful: "I have studied the ancient runes for many years and know well that power is not without limits. Every act of energy absorption is akin to a gamble with one's own life. Only by accurately measuring and controlling this power can we prevent the Inner Cosmos from overloading; otherwise, ruin will be our collective fate." His words, steeped in experience, resonated with many in the room.

Next, Xuan Bing, a young warrior from the Western Frontier, rose to his feet, his expression resolute: "I hail from the borderlands, where war and chaos are constant. Unleashing personal power may intimidate foes in the short term, but only through unity and strict adherence to a code can we ensure we do not destroy ourselves with excess. As Shuang Yue has said, every absorption must be precisely calculated; only through restraint can power become our strongest shield." His impassioned words stirred the younger Devourers, their eyes alight with hope for the battles to come.

However, not everyone agreed. A Devourer named Qian Mo retorted with fervor: "We Devourers are born to be unbound! If we shackle ourselves to these rules, how can we ever unlock our true potential? I say, each of us should unleash our inner power to its fullest, to become truly invincible!" His tone brimmed with zeal and confidence, swaying some to question Shuang Yue's proposal.

Shuang Yue responded calmly but firmly: "Qian Mo, the ultimate power you seek will only lead to self-destruction if it exceeds the Inner Cosmos' capacity. The alliance does not aim to restrict your freedom but to ensure that every member can realize their greatest potential within safe bounds. This is not just about individual survival—it is about the future of the entire alliance. Only through restraint and wisdom can we transform every ounce of absorbed energy into a steadfast shield for our homeland."

After a heated debate, the majority of representatives reached a consensus. Most Devourers aligned with Shuang Yue's vision, recognizing that only by strictly controlling the strain on their Inner Cosmos could they ensure the alliance's enduring strength and stability. A core committee was promptly established, composed of Xuan Wen, Xuan Bing, and several other seasoned and insightful Devourers, tasked with drafting and refining the "Devourers' Code" to monitor every member's energy absorption and usage.

As the assembly concluded, a semblance of order returned to the stronghold. Though Qian Mo remained dissatisfied with the rules, the majority had come to understand that for the alliance to endure the fires of future wars, they must first overcome internal discord and embrace restraint and wisdom as shared principles. Messages of recruitment from across the lands arrived via messengers, with Devourers from the East Sea, Southern Region, and even more distant territories pledging to abide by these rules and contribute to the alliance's collective fight.

As night deepened, the stronghold's lanterns cast a somber yet hopeful glow on every face. Shuang Yue stood alone atop the high wall, gazing at the northern horizon soon to be kissed by dawn. His heart held both vigilance for the challenges ahead and unwavering faith in the alliance's unity and disciplined use of power. He whispered to himself, "Today, we have laid the foundation of our alliance. As long as every Devourer strictly controls their Inner Cosmos with restraint, no matter how many formidable foes we face, we will stand together and welcome our victory and light."

The night's discussions and debates, though leaving some in doubt, had illuminated the importance of unity for most. Every representative understood that only by wielding power with restraint could they transform boundless energy into a force to reshape their destiny. The establishment of the core committee would serve as a vital safeguard for the Devourers' Alliance in resisting Oblivion's schemes and countering otherworldly invasions. As the Northern Stronghold gradually returned to calm, the entire alliance emerged from this intense internal deliberation with invaluable experience, ready for the larger battles to come.

When the first rays of dawn pierced the heavy night, every Devourer within and beyond the stronghold stood with renewed resolve, prepared to face the trials ahead. From the wall, Shuang Yue gazed at the brightening sky and murmured to himself, "Only by wielding the Inner Cosmos with restraint and wisdom can we truly protect this world and rewrite the fate of the future." His words drifted like the morning breeze across the stronghold, infusing every member of the Devourers' Alliance with boundless courage and strength.