Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The lake still shimmered in the night, its shimmering waters seeming to conceal countless secrets. Although Yunxuan and Yaoyue had just triumphed in their battle, their doubts and anxieties only grew deeper.

"What do you think that black shadow was just now?" Yao Yue asked softly, her eyes wandering over the lake, still feeling a lingering fear of the cold and gloomy aura in her heart.

Yun Xuan tightened his grip on the Starlight Sword, a faint glimmer of light emanating from its blade, as if sensing his inner turmoil. "He mentioned the curse of the Ultimate Taste. Perhaps that's what we've been searching for. The Ultimate Taste isn't simply delicious; it holds a deeper secret."

Yaoyue stared at Yunxuan, a trace of worry flashing through her mind: "So, what should we do next? Should we continue the pursuit?"

"Of course!" Yun Xuan's eyes were firm, and a confident smile appeared on his lips. "We have come this far, and we can no longer retreat. The power of the ultimate flavor may make us stronger, and even reveal more secrets of this world."

Yaoyue took a deep breath, her eyes gradually softening. "I know you're eager for adventure, but I also hope we can be more cautious. We need to be prepared to face possible dangers."

Yunxuan nodded to her, grateful for Yaoyue's concern. Although their journey together often clashed due to their different personalities, he understood that Yaoyue's caution was the guarantee of their success.

"Okay, let's take a rest first and then make plans." Yunxuan suggested. After all, they had experienced a fierce battle and both their body and mind needed to recover.

At this moment, ripples began to form on the lake again, as if some mysterious force was calling them. The two of them involuntarily moved closer to the lake, a hint of surprise and suspicion flashing in their eyes.

"Did you hear that?" Yaoyue asked in a low voice.

"I heard some whispers." Yun Xuan nodded slightly, a strong curiosity welling up in his heart, "Is that the lake telling us something?"

The two men crouched down and listened carefully. A faint sound reached their ears, like a distant whisper, faint and indistinct, but their content was indistinguishable. As they listened, their minds gradually immersed themselves in the depths of the lake, as if they could sense a power calling to them.

"This is a call from Zhiwei, perhaps it is the clue for us to move forward." There was a gleam in Yunxuan's eyes, as if he saw new hope.

"But this could also be a trap." Yaoyue's voice was still cautious. She frowned slightly, feeling vaguely uneasy.

"No matter what, we have to give it a try." Yun Xuan's eyes were firm. "How can we know if we don't try?"

He slowly stretched out his hand and gently stroked the surface of the lake. The water rippled gently, reflecting the twinkling starlight. At this moment, a column of water suddenly rushed out from the center of the lake, accompanied by light, and a light figure emerged from the water.

"You are finally here." The light and shadow seemed to be a woman, wearing white flowing clothes, with long hair cascading down like a waterfall. Her face was gentle but with a hint of coldness, as if she was an elf walking out of the lake.

"Who are you?" Yaoyue was shocked and held Yunxuan's hand tightly.

"I am the guardian of the ultimate taste." The woman's voice was like a gentle breeze, carrying a hint of mystery. "You have passed the test and gained the power I guard, but you must also bear the responsibility that comes with it."

"Responsibility?" Yun Xuan asked in confusion, "What exactly is the ultimate taste we are pursuing?"

"The Ultimate Taste is the essence of heaven and earth, carrying ancient powers and secrets. Only those who truly understand its meaning can master its power," the woman said slowly, a profound light glittering in her eyes. "However, this also means you must face more challenges."

Yaoyue's heart tightened: "Can we do this?"

"The choice of your own destiny lies with you." The woman smiled faintly, as if offering them hope. "If you can understand the true meaning of flavor behind delicious food, you will gain supreme power. But if you choose to give up, you will lose everything."

"We will try our best to understand," Yun Xuan said firmly, "We are not afraid of challenges!"

"Very good." The woman nodded and pointed. A strange star map emerged from the rippling lake, shimmering with brilliant light. "This is your guide. The journey ahead will be more difficult, but I believe you will find your own ultimate taste."

At this moment, the air around them suddenly shook, the light and shadow on the lake began to distort, and the woman's figure gradually became blurred, as if she was about to return to the lake.

"Remember, the ultimate taste is not just a necessity for survival, it is also the sublimation of the soul." Her voice was like an echo in their ears, striking the hearts of Yunxuan and Yaoyue.

"Wait, where are you going?" Yunxuan asked anxiously.

"I will return to the lake and protect this power. But I will give you guidance when you need it." The woman's voice gradually faded away, and the lake became as calm as before, as if the light and shadow just now had never appeared.

Yaoyue stared blankly at the lake, her heart in turmoil. After coming to her senses, she turned to Yunxuan and asked, "Should we really continue chasing after this?"

"Yes." Yunxuan's eyes were as firm as the stars, and he held Yaoyue's hand tightly. "In order to understand the true meaning of the ultimate taste, for the future we pursue, we cannot stop."

Yaoyue nodded gently, a determined light in her eyes. They stared at the lake again, a fearless courage igniting in their hearts.

"Let's go, let's start a new journey!" Yunxuan said, the starlight sword in his hand shining with the light of hope.

Along with their vows, a star map began to flash in Yunxuan's mind, guiding their direction. Although the road ahead was still full of unknowns, the seeds of courage and hope had been planted in their hearts, ready to face the next challenge at any time.