Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Moonlight, like water, gently sprinkled on every leaf in the Spirit Valley. The entire valley seemed to be coated in a faint silver glow, appearing mysterious and tranquil. Yunxuan and Yaoyue hurried through the depths of the Spirit Valley, their steps light yet steady. The roar behind them and the distant glow of fire announced the approach of the Black Flame Cult.

"Senior, can you resist the people from the Black Flame Sect?" Yao Yue looked back, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

Yun Xuan clenched the star map in his hand, his eyes determined. "She is the guardian of the Spirit Valley and her strength is extraordinary. The most important thing for us now is to quickly unlock the secrets of the star map and live up to her expectations."

Yao Yue nodded and turned her gaze forward. "The two parts of the star map have merged into one. Look, the route above points to the core of the Spirit Valley."

Yunxuan unfolded the star map and discovered that the lines on it were complete, with a faint light extending deep into the Spirit Valley. He sensed a strange force guiding them. "Yes, our destination is just ahead."

The two quickened their pace, following the direction indicated by the star map. As they advanced deeper, the surroundings began to change. The once tranquil and beautiful Spirit Valley was gradually shrouded in a thin layer of mist, through which a faint glow shone, giving it a hazy and mysterious feeling.

"This fog is a bit strange, be careful." Yunxuan reminded, with vigilance in his eyes.

Yao Yue nodded slightly and tightened her grip on the silver blade in her hand. "I feel a strange spiritual power wandering around, as if it's spying on us."

Suddenly, a low, murmuring sound came from all directions, as if countless people were whispering in my ears. The sound was sometimes far away, sometimes near, making me feel uneasy.

"This is an auditory hallucination!" Yao Yue frowned and quickly circulated the spiritual power in her body to resist this strange sound.

Yunxuan also felt the mental shock. He took a deep breath and calmed his mind. "It seems that we have entered the trial ground of Linggu."

At that moment, a blurry figure emerged from the mist ahead. As the figure gradually became clearer, it was Yunxuan's late master. The master's kind face and familiar smile made Yunxuan's heart tremble.

"Master?" Yun Xuan murmured, and his steps stopped involuntarily.

Seeing this, Yaoyue immediately realized that something was wrong. She reached out and grabbed Yunxuan's wrist, saying anxiously, "Yunxuan, this is an illusion, don't be fooled!"

Yunxuan's eyes were a little blurry, but with Yaoyue's reminder, he suddenly woke up, closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and finally dispelled the distracting thoughts in his mind.

"Thank you, Yaoyue. I almost..." he said gratefully.

Yaoyue smiled slightly, "Let's take care of each other and don't be careless."

The two continued on their way, but the visions kept coming. Yaoyue also saw her late sister, and her gentle smile softened her heart. But she quickly realized it was just an illusion and forced herself to look away.

"We can't go on like this. We must find a way to break these illusions." Yaoyue said firmly.

Yunxuan pondered for a moment. "Perhaps, these illusions target our spiritual weaknesses. If we can maintain our faith, we can break through them."

Yaoyue nodded, "Then let's focus on the guidance of the star map and not be distracted."

They closed their eyes and focused their minds on the star map in their hands. A miracle occurred. The map shone with a dazzling light, dispelling the surrounding illusions. The mist gradually dissipated, revealing an ancient stone gate ahead.

"Success!" Yunxuan said happily.

Yao Yue looked at the carvings on the stone gate and exclaimed, "These are ancient runes that record the legend of Linggu."

Yunxuan took a closer look and found a groove in the center of the stone door that matched the shape of the star map. He took out the star map and gently inserted it into the groove.

Rumbling--

The stone door slowly opened, revealing a staircase leading underground. Rich spiritual energy poured out from the cave entrance, as if it were another world.

"Let's go, our answer is down below." Yun Xuan said with a firm look.

Yaoyue smiled slightly, "I am with you."

The two of them slowly descended the stone steps. The surrounding stone walls were inlaid with brilliant night-shining pearls, illuminating the path. After walking for a long time, they arrived at a spacious underground hall. In the center of the hall, a huge spiritual pearl hovered, emitting a soft light.

"Is this the core of the Spirit Valley?" Yao Yue asked softly, her eyes full of shock.

Yunxuan nodded, "It seems that we have found it."

Just as they were about to step forward, they heard hurried footsteps behind them. They quickly turned around and saw the leader of the Black Flame Cult appear at the entrance with a group of men in black.

"Hahaha, thank you so much for helping me find the core of the Spirit Valley." The Black Flame Sect Leader laughed grimly.

Yun Xuan gripped his sword tightly and said coldly, "You actually chased me here!"

Yao Yue also gripped the silver blade tightly, her eyes filled with murderous intent, "Don't even think about succeeding!"

The Black Flame Cult Leader said disdainfully, "Can you two stop me?"

Before he finished speaking, he waved his hand to signal his men to attack. The men in black surged towards the two men like a tide.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue fought side by side, sword flashes and blade shadows intertwined. Their cooperation was seamless, but the enemy was numerous and powerful, and the situation was extremely unfavorable.

"Yunxuan, we can't continue fighting, we must protect the spirit pearl!" Yaoyue said anxiously.

Yunxuan nodded, "You go activate the spirit beads, I'll hold them back!"

"No, let's go together!" Yaoyue said firmly.

At this moment, the spirit pearl suddenly emitted a strong light, and a gentle force enveloped the two of them. The people of the Black Flame Sect were repelled by this force and could not get closer.

"This is..." Yunxuan looked at the spirit bead in surprise.

A familiar voice rang in their ears. It was the voice of the woman in white: "You are the chosen guardians. The power of the Spirit Valley will aid you."

Yao Yue felt the spiritual power in her body rapidly increase, and she said happily: "Senior's power!"

Yunxuan's eyes were determined, "Let's fight them off together!"

The two combined their strength, the power of the Mysterious Spirit fused with the power of the Spirit Valley, unleashing an unprecedented might. Their attack was unstoppable, and the Black Flame Cult's men were steadily defeated.

Seeing the situation was dire, the Black Flame Cult Leader roared angrily, "Impossible! I won't give up!"

He used the forbidden technique of the Black Flame Cult, the air around him became scorching hot, and the black flames swept over like the tentacles of a demon.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue were not afraid at all. They mobilized all their strength to form an indestructible barrier to resist the invasion of black flames.

"This is our last chance!" Yunxuan shouted.

"I understand!" Yaoyue responded.

The two men launched their strongest attack at the same time. The sword light and the blade light merged into a dazzling beam of light, rushing straight towards the Black Flame Leader.

"Ah--" The Black Flame Cult Leader let out a shrill scream as he was hit by the beam of light and disappeared in the blazing light.

With the demise of the Black Flame Cult leader, the remaining Black Flame Cult forces fled, and peace returned to the Spirit Valley.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue breathed a long sigh of relief and smiled at each other.

"It's finally over." Yaoyue said softly, with a relieved smile on her face.

Yunxuan nodded, "Yes, we protected the Spirit Valley and completed our mission."

At this time, the figure of the woman in white reappeared. She looked at the two with a smile, "Your courage and determination are worthy of me entrusting the Heart of Spirit Valley to you."

She stretched out her hand, and the spirit pearl slowly flew towards the two of them and merged into their bodies.

"Senior, this..." Yunxuan was a little confused.

The woman smiled and said, "The Heart of the Spirit Valley has merged with your Mysterious Spirit Seal. It will guide you on your future journey."

Yao Yue said gratefully, "Thank you for your trust, Senior."

The woman nodded. "You have a more important mission. Go, future guardians."

Yunxuan and Yaoyue saluted the woman again, then turned and left. They embarked on a new journey, heading towards an unknown future.

In the night sky, the stars are shining brightly, as if lighting the way for them to move forward.