Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Moonlight still bathed the mountains of Linggu, and the world remained as tranquil as ever. Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood at the edge of the sea of ​​clouds. Having just emerged from the maze of illusions, they appeared slightly exhausted, but their resolve was even stronger. The scenery before them resembled a tranquil and beautiful painting: a clear stream meandered, and tiny specks of starlight shimmered on the water, shimmering against the distant starry sky.

Yunxuan took a deep breath, his gaze still deep and stern. He understood that, despite having passed through the illusory sea of ​​clouds, the trials of the Spirit Valley were not over yet. "The star map's light still leads the way, indicating that the final secret has yet to be revealed," he whispered, gazing at the star map in his hand, his heart filled with both anticipation and vigilance for the unknown.

Yaoyue nodded slightly, the moonlight illuminating her cold features, adding a touch of gentleness. She whispered, "Although we've already passed the initial test, the road ahead may be even more difficult and dangerous."

The two exchanged a smile and continued on their way. As they walked, the scenery around them subtly shifted. The once tranquil valley seemed to awaken, a subtle spiritual energy permeating the air. The surrounding trees swayed gently in the moonlight, whispering the ancient secrets of nature.

Soon, the road ahead was blocked by thick clouds and fog. The clouds and fog rolled and swirled like an endless white ocean, completely obscuring their vision. Faintly, strong fluctuations of spiritual energy could be heard, foreshadowing the arrival of a new test.

"It seems that this is the last barrier." Yao Yue stopped, the silver blade flashed with a cold light, and there was alertness in her eyes.

Yun Xuan gripped his sword tightly, his expression grim. "No matter what obstacles lie ahead, we must get through this cloud."

They stepped into the dense fog. The surrounding scene suddenly shifted dramatically. The clouds surged like living things, enveloping them in a bewildering world. Sometimes the clouds shone with strange illusions, sometimes vanished into nothingness, disrupting their perception.

"This cloud carries a sense of oppression, as if it wants to disrupt our perception." Yun Xuan whispered, his eyes firm, the long sword in his hand flickering slightly.

Yao Yue also felt this unusual power, her eyes solemn, "This place is different from the previous illusion. The power within this cloud and mist is extremely strong. Perhaps this is the core test of the Spirit Valley."

As they advanced, the illusion within the mist gradually became clearer. Ancient buildings loomed in the mist, like memories lost in the torrent of time. Palaces, stone bridges, and courtyards—a fairyland-like scene emerged before them, like relics weathered by time, imbued with a mysterious and timeless aura.

"This is..." Yaoyue's voice was filled with shock. She had never seen such a dreamlike scene before, as if she were in a wonderland that transcended time and space.

Yun Xuan's eyes were fixed on the front, and a sense of familiarity arose in his heart. "These buildings... look like the relics of Linggu in the past."

Just as they were marveling at this, the air around them suddenly grew thicker, and a powerful wave of spiritual energy emanated from the depths of the mist. Immediately, a powerful voice, like thunder, resounded through the heavens and earth: "Intruders, wishing to enter the core of the Spirit Valley, must pass the final test!"

The sound shook everyone's heart, as if the laws of heaven and earth had revived at that moment. Then, a tall figure emerged from the clouds. Clad in silver armor and holding a massive sword, his face stern and majestic, as if he were the master of this world.

"Guardian..." Yunxuan's expression froze. He clearly sensed that the guardian's power far exceeded that of his previous enemies.

"He is more powerful than the previous guardian." Yao Yue whispered, and the silver blade trembled slightly, as if sensing the other party's powerful strength.

The guardian said nothing, and slowly raised the giant sword. The spiritual energy gathered on the sword body and formed a thunder-like sword light, with the power to destroy everything, pointing directly at Yunxuan and Yaoyue.

"Come on!" Yun Xuan roared, instantly swinging his sword. The sword flashed like a rainbow, meeting the fierce sword energy. The two forces collided violently in the air, erupting in a deafening roar. The spiritual energy surged, as if the heavens and the earth were trembling.

Yao Yue refused to be outdone. Her figure was as swift as the wind, and the cold light of the silver blade flashed like lightning as she swung, directly targeting the Guardian's vital points. Her movements were agile and swift, and her attack was fierce, but the Guardian's reaction was equally swift. Every swing of the greatsword brought destructive power, and the air under the sword turned to nothingness.

"What a powerful force!" Yun Xuan was secretly shocked under the opponent's pressure. Although his swordsmanship was sharp, he still felt a great pressure.

"A head-on confrontation won't work. We must find his weakness." Yao Yue said calmly, and the silver blade drew an arc in the air, deftly avoiding the guardian's sword light.

"The intervals between his attacks are extremely short, and we only have one chance." Yun Xuan stared at the guardian's movements, his sword trembling slightly in his hand, ready to seize the opportunity at any time.

Each strike from the guardian was like the fury of thunder, its great sword slicing through the air, its destructive force bearing down on the two. Yunxuan and Yaoyue took every step carefully, coordinating their efforts to find a chance to strike back.

Suddenly, Yaoyue noticed a faint glow from the Guardian's left shoulder. Though faint, it was particularly dazzling in the moonlight. She immediately whispered, "There's a weak spot on his left shoulder!"

Yun Xuan's eyes instantly locked onto the ray of light, knowing this was his only chance. Without hesitation, he swung his sword, its energy thundering straight into the Guardian's left shoulder. The Guardian, sensing danger, quickly swung his sword to block, but was clearly a beat too late.

"Now!" Yun Xuan roared, thrusting his sword fiercely into the Guardian's left shoulder. Instantly, a dazzling light erupted from the Guardian's shoulder, and spiritual energy vibrated violently in the air, seemingly shattering the entire space.

The Guardian roared in a deep roar, its massive form trembling in the light. Yao Yue seized the opportunity to charge forward, her silver blade darting like lightning, striking the Guardian's chest. With this blow, the Guardian was thrown back several feet before dissolving into nothingness in a flash of spiritual light, dissipating into the air.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue breathed lightly, the joy of victory surging in their hearts. They had finally passed the most core trial of the Spirit Valley and stood before the door to the ultimate secret.

"We succeeded." Yao Yue breathed softly, her eyes full of relief.

Yun Xuan's eyes were firm as he nodded slowly, "The true core of the Spirit Valley lies ahead. Our journey will soon yield the final answer."

The night breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness. The mist in the Spirit Valley slowly dissipated before them, revealing a road leading deeper into the depths. The road was sprinkled with starlight, as if it were a passage to an unknown galaxy.

The two exchanged glances, each one's eyes gleaming with determination and anticipation. Although they knew the road ahead was filled with unknowns and challenges, they were undaunted, their resolve unwavering, their determination to see them through to the end.