Did I Eat The Universe ?

Shuang Yue continued along the northern path, stepping into a dark and narrow canyon. A dense fog shrouded the area, absorbing all sound and leaving only an eerie silence and mystery. The canyon walls were covered with ancient inscriptions, densely packed and faintly glowing with a ghostly blue light. Whenever the wind blew, the runes seemed to tremble slightly, as if whispering stories from a distant past.

Moving cautiously, Shuang Yue remained both alert and curious. He knew that this canyon concealed ancient mechanisms and energies from another realm—perhaps even a place where the essence of heaven and earth resonated with his Inner Cosmos. As he ventured deeper, the fog grew thicker, making it nearly impossible to see the path ahead. He halted, focusing his senses. In the distance, a faint mechanical humming and the crisp sound of water droplets hitting stone echoed—signs that a hidden mechanism was about to activate.

Just as he scanned his surroundings, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly broke the silence. A figure emerged from the mist—a scholar clad in azure robes, his face marked with the traces of age. Holding an ancient, yellowed scroll, his eyes were steady and wise, as if he understood every secret buried within the canyon.

Upon seeing Shuang Yue, the scholar gave a slight nod. "Young man, are you also here to seek the mysteries of heaven and earth?"

Shuang Yue bowed slightly and replied, "I am Shuang Yue, newly arrived in the Northern Region. Seeing these ancient inscriptions and mechanisms, I felt there must be great secrets hidden here. May I ask, Senior, do you know what kind of power lies within this place?"

The scholar's expression grew solemn. Stroking the worn pages of his scroll, he spoke softly, "This canyon is one of the ancient forbidden grounds. In the past, a mighty being placed a seal here to contain energies from another realm, restricting their influence within a confined space. However, as the world undergoes upheaval, the seal has begun to weaken. Foreign energies are seeping through, making this place increasingly dangerous."

Shuang Yue nodded, his vigilance heightened. He accompanied the scholar to a stone tablet covered in inscriptions, whose carvings narrated an ancient legend. It told of a powerful devourer who once attempted to reverse the natural order through extreme means—only to meet his own downfall, serving as a cautionary tale for those who followed.

Reading the inscription, Shuang Yue murmured, "Ji Mie… so his name has left its mark even here."

The scholar sighed. "Indeed. Ji Mie sought to control foreign energies, walking the path of extremity. Now, as the rift widens and the balance is disrupted, a catastrophe could be imminent."

Before they could discuss further, a deafening surge of energy erupted from deep within the canyon. The entire space trembled violently. From the thick mist, an overwhelming flood of foreign energy burst forth, bringing with it a bone-chilling cold and an oppressive force that defied resistance.

Shuang Yue's Inner Cosmos wavered instantly. The once orderly arrangement of his ethereal blue stars now spiraled into chaos under the invasion of the foreign energy.

He quickly activated his cultivation technique, struggling to stabilize his Inner Cosmos. But the energy leaking from the rift carried a corrosive nature, distorting his spiritual consciousness.

As Shuang Yue fought to regain control, the scholar's voice rang out urgently. "Be careful! This energy is highly unstable! If we do not seal it in time, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Before the scholar's warning had fully registered, a piercing pillar of light shot out from the rift, hurtling straight toward Shuang Yue. His eyes flashed as he swiftly swung his sword, channeling the sealing techniques he had just learned**, defending against the oncoming force while attempting to suppress the rift**.

The surrounding energy of heaven and earth clashed with the foreign power, creating a dazzling display of intertwining sword light and ancient laws.

Amid the intense battle, the scholar and Shuang Yue fought side by side. The scholar chanted incantations, guiding the chaotic energies into the ancient sealing formations recorded in his scroll. Meanwhile, Shuang Yue concentrated all his Inner Cosmos' power, carefully regulating each energy fluctuation.

Together, they resisted the violent assault of the foreign energy while working to stabilize the rift. After a prolonged struggle, the light pillar finally dimmed, and the energy seeping through the rift was partially sealed.

As the battle subsided, the scholar, breathing heavily, revealed a look of satisfaction. He turned to Shuang Yue and said, "Young man, today you not only managed to stabilize your Inner Cosmos but also demonstrated your ability to harmonize with the essence of heaven and earth. This is a crucial step toward breaking through your current limits."

Shuang Yue withdrew his sword, his expression firm. "I owe much to your guidance, Senior. This trial has taught me that power, without the wisdom to wield it, will only bring ruin. The stability of my Inner Cosmos requires more than just devouring external energies—it must be in harmony with the world itself."

The scholar nodded in agreement. He then took out an ancient jade piece from his robe. The surface of the jade bore intricate inscriptions, resonating faintly with the lingering energy from the rift.

"This jade is a relic from an ancient master, containing the secrets of sealing techniques. If you can master it, your Inner Cosmos will become even more resilient."

Shuang Yue carefully accepted the jade, a deep sense of responsibility stirring within him. He knew this would be a key to his future breakthroughs.

With the foreign energy temporarily sealed, Shuang Yue and the scholar took the opportunity to analyze the inscriptions on the canyon's stone tablets in greater detail. The records revealed unsettling truths—throughout history, foreign energies had repeatedly caused upheavals in the Northern Region, and Ji Mie had been one of the most ambitious devourers who ultimately fell to his own arrogance.

With a serious tone, the scholar remarked, "This serves as both a warning and a guide. Only those with unwavering hearts can avoid being lost in the pursuit of power."

Shuang Yue remained silent for a long time. As he gazed at the now-stabilized energy currents, he whispered, "This trial has deepened my understanding of the Inner Cosmos. Power is vast, but only with a steady mind can one truly control it."

The wind rustled through the canyon, brushing against the inscriptions on the stone walls as if silently affirming his realization.

The scholar patted Shuang Yue's shoulder with a smile. "Young man, what you've gained today will be invaluable in your cultivation journey. But this is only the beginning—there will be even greater trials ahead."

Shuang Yue nodded, his resolve firm. He carefully erased the traces of battle and, after exchanging farewells with the scholar, continued on his path toward his next trial.

Beyond the canyon, the sky gradually cleared. Sunlight pierced through the lingering mist, illuminating a road bathed in the glow of new possibilities.