Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Thick darkness enveloped the earth. Yaoyue and Yunxuan stood on a high cliff, overlooking the mysterious lake below. The lake reflected the starlight, shimmering with faint, lively light, like fragments scattered in the night sky. Their figures appeared blurry and profound in the lake.

"Is that the source of the next ultimate taste?" Yao Yue asked in a low voice, with a hint of hesitation in her voice.

Yunxuan nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a desire to explore. "Yes, but I feel that the atmosphere here is a little strange, as if... something is secretly spying on us."

Yaoyue frowned slightly. She looked up at the lake, feeling a sense of unease. "Yunxuan, perhaps we should be more cautious. I sense a dangerous aura."

"Yaoyue, don't you think every adventure is dangerous? Should we retreat because of it?" Yunxuan said with a firm look in his eyes, holding the Starlight Sword tightly, the light of which seemed particularly bright in the night.

"But impulsiveness doesn't always lead to good results," Yao Yue sighed softly, her eyes revealing a complex mix of emotions. She understood Yun Xuan's personality, his passion and unruliness, but she didn't want him to take too many risks. "Sometimes, prudence is the best option."

Yunxuan smiled slightly and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination: "Yaoyue, we have come this far, I can't stop here. Don't worry, I will protect you."

Yaoyue stared into Yunxuan's eyes, feeling a warmth, and then smiled helplessly: "Okay, since you are so persistent, I will accompany you until the end of the journey."

Just as they made up their minds, ripples suddenly appeared on the lake, spreading outwards. It seemed as if a mysterious force was surging in the center of the lake. Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from all around, as if an invisible blade pierced the air.

"Two mortals, how dare you set foot in my territory? You're quite brave."

Yunxuan and Yaoyue immediately looked around vigilantly. The sound seemed to come from the lake, but they could not find any figure.

"Who is it? Come out!" Yunxuan shouted loudly, the Starlight Sword was already lit, and his eyes were fixed on the lake vigilantly.

Suddenly, a splash of water erupted from the lake. A dark figure slowly rose from the water, like a puff of smoke in the dark night, gradually condensing into a human form, emitting a cold aura. The man's eyes were like deep black holes, staring straight at them with cold murderous intent.

"I am the guardian of this lake, and I am also the guardian of the ultimate taste." His deep voice echoed around the lake like thunder.

"The power of the ultimate taste can only be possessed by those who are truly brave and pure." Yun Xuan said in a deep voice, "If you want to stop us, then try it!"

"Brave? Pure?" The shadow sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm and disdain. "Do you know how heavy the curse behind this power is?"

Yaoyue's heart was shaken, and she immediately grabbed Yunxuan's arm and whispered, "Yunxuan, maybe what he said makes sense. Shouldn't we think about it again?"

"No, Yaoyue." Yunxuan shook his head slowly and looked at the shadow firmly, his eyes not wavering at all. "Our journey is not destined to be smooth. The power of the ultimate taste is our mission. I will get it no matter what!"

"Okay, since that's the case, then I'll see how capable you are!" The black shadow snorted coldly, and his figure turned into a gust of wind in the night, rushing straight towards Yunxuan. The cold air was so cold that it seemed to freeze everything around him.

"Yaoyue, be careful!" Yunxuan swiftly swung the Starlight Sword. The sword's light pierced the darkness like frost and snow, colliding with the shadow's power. A violent tremor echoed in the air, and the lake's water splashed, raising a cloud of icy mist.

"Let me see how long your bravery can last!" There was sarcasm in the black shadow's voice. His figure circled in the air and quickly turned into a vortex, surrounding Yunxuan and Yaoyue.

Yaoyue stood beside Yunxuan, quickly using the power of the wind. She formed a complex gesture with her hands in front of her chest, and a wind barrier rose up, blocking the dark forces invading from all directions.

"Yaoyue, hold on first, I'll break through his defense!" Yunxuan said in a low voice, the Starlight Sword trembling slightly in his hand, as if sensing the determination in his heart.

"Be careful!" Yaoyue's eyes flashed with reluctance and worry, but she chose to trust Yunxuan and silently provided protection for him.

Yunxuan took a deep breath and gathered all his strength. The Starlight Sword suddenly emitted a dazzling light. With his unyielding will, it pierced towards the black shadow like a meteor.

The black shadow sneered, waved his hands, and transformed into countless shadow blades, which attacked Yunxuan densely. The momentum was like a rainbow, like a giant net, trying to bind him tightly.

"See how you break free!" The shadow's voice was filled with arrogance and pride.

"I will not succumb to your restraints!" Yun Xuan roared, his body spinning rapidly, sword light surrounding him, shattering the attacking shadow blades one by one.

"Hmph, struggling is futile." The black shadow sneered, and formed seals with his hands again. The surrounding shadow power quickly condensed and turned into a huge shadow beast. It opened its bloody mouth and pounced towards Yunxuan.

"Yunxuan, be careful!" Yaoyue exclaimed, and her figure instantly appeared in front of Yunxuan. The power of the wind once again formed a shield to block the attack of the giant beast.

"Yaoyue!" Yunxuan's heart tightened, and a trace of anxiety flashed in his eyes. He didn't want Yaoyue to take the risk for him.

"Don't worry, I won't leave you." Yaoyue smiled slightly, her eyes showing determination. She used all her strength to hold up the wind barrier to give Yunxuan a chance to attack.

"Okay, then let's go together!" Yunxuan's eyes became more determined, and the Starlight Sword in his hand emitted a deafening light. He poured all his strength into the sword and swung it out. The sword light was like lightning, piercing the black shadow's chest.

"Ah--!" The black shadow let out a painful roar, his figure began to dissipate, his eyes full of disbelief.

"This... is impossible!" The black shadow's voice gradually became weaker, and finally turned into a wisp of black smoke and dissipated into the air.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood by the lake, breathing lightly, their eyes meeting, theirs filled with relief and understanding. Their hands clasped tightly together, as if at this moment, their hearts had truly resonated.

"We won, but the road ahead is still full of unknowns." Yunxuan whispered, his eyes filled with fearlessness and determination.

"No matter what happens, I will always be by your side." Yaoyue smiled gently, her eyes gentle, and a firm belief in her heart.