Star Journey: Destiny Returns

As dawn broke, a thin mist shrouded the quiet valley, casting a hazy hue over everything. Yunxuan and Yaoyue walked along the mountain path, their steps brisk and steady. After several days of trekking, they finally reached the first destination indicated by the star map—an ancient city hidden among the mountains and forests. Known in countless legends as "Yunya City," this ancient city was said to be the starting point for generations of cultivators seeking the ultimate essence of heaven and earth, and it harbored a mysterious power, inextricably linked to the aura of heaven and earth.

Yunxuan stood before the city gate, gazing at the ancient stone walls. Covered in moss and vines, they looked dilapidated and weathered. However, both sides of the gate were engraved with ancient runes, faintly gleaming with light, as if telling of the former glory of this place.

"Yunya City, this city is surprisingly ancient." Yao Yue sighed softly, her eyes gleaming with wonder and respect. "If the legend is true, this place may indeed contain the 'ultimate taste' we are seeking."

Yunxuan smiled faintly, a hint of adventurous excitement flashing in his eyes. "Since the star map has led us here, it means that this city must contain the clues we need. This is the starting point of our journey, the first step to uncovering the secrets of 'The Ultimate Taste'."

He stepped through the city gates, Yaoyue following closely behind. As soon as they entered, they were greeted by a strong aura of spiritual energy. The ancient city was filled with a desolate atmosphere, but scattered ancient stone carvings and broken murals could still be seen on the streets, each of which exuded a mysterious power that captivated them.

"Everything here is full of spiritual energy, as if the entire city itself is a huge spiritual formation." Yao Yue carefully observed the ruins around her and said in a deep voice.

Yunxuan also noticed something and nodded, "Yes, and the city has a rigorous layout. Every carving and building design has some special purpose, as if it is guiding the flow of some kind of energy." His eyes swept over a broken stone tablet not far away, which was engraved with complex symbols.

Yao Yue walked forward and gently stroked the runes on the stone tablet, sensing a faint lingering spiritual energy. "These symbols look like some kind of ancient inherited text, seemingly recording the story of 'Supreme Taste'."

Yunxuan nodded, his eyes flashing, "Perhaps these symbols record the secret of the ultimate taste, or are clues to the place of ultimate taste." He was about to identify them carefully when he suddenly heard a whisper coming from not far away.

He immediately gestured for silence, and Yaoyue quickly retreated to the side. They held their breath, patiently waiting for the sound to approach. A moment later, several figures gradually appeared at the end of the street. Leading them was a tall, stern-faced man, followed by several followers, each holding a sharp blade and a vigilant expression.

"Outsider?" Yao Yue murmured in a low voice, with doubt in her tone.

Yunxuan frowned slightly, a trace of calm thought in his eyes, "It seems that we are not the only ones interested in this ancient city."

The group had obviously noticed the presence of Yunxuan and Yaoyue. The man in the lead glanced over sharply and said in a cold tone, "Who are you and why are you in Yunya City?"

Yunxuan stepped forward slowly and said calmly, "We are just some travelers, guided here by the star map, looking for clues about the 'Supreme Taste'."

The leading man's eyes flashed with surprise, and he sneered, "Star Map? It seems you've come here for the legend of the ultimate taste. However, the power of the Star Map is not something that everyone can control. You'd better be smart and leave here."

Yao Yue gently grasped the silver blade, a cold light flashing in her eyes, and said without compromise: "Whether we should leave or not, it seems that it is not your decision."

The man's face darkened slightly, his eyes flashing with ill intent. "It seems you're determined to interfere in what's going on here. If that's the case, don't blame us for being rude."

Before he finished speaking, he swung his blade, and his followers rushed forward, gathering their spiritual energy and charging towards Yunxuan and Yaoyue. Yaoyue's eyes turned cold, and she unsheathed her silver blade, slashing at the enemy with a sharp cold gleam. Her movements were swift and precise, instantly forcing the two enemies back. At the same time, Yunxuan also drew his longsword, and the sword energy was like a rainbow, knocking the enemy who rushed towards him back several steps.

The attacks from both sides intertwined in the air, the collision of spiritual energy creating a low rumble, and a surge of spiritual energy suddenly swept through the streets of the ancient city. Although the followers possessed spiritual power, they were gradually suppressed by the combined efforts of Yunxuan and Yaoyue. They all revealed expressions of surprise, having clearly not expected their strength to be so formidable.

"Retreat!" Seeing that the situation was not good, the leading man gave a stern order, and his followers immediately restrained their breath and retreated quickly.

Yun Xuan didn't pursue them. He just stared at their backs coldly, his brows slightly furrowed. "It seems that the secret of this ancient city has not only attracted our attention, but there are also others who are pursuing the power of 'Supreme Taste'."

Yao Yue nodded and said in a deep voice, "They are obviously hostile to us. I'm afraid this journey will not be so peaceful."

Yunxuan sighed softly, but showed no sign of retreating. "No matter what, since the star map has brought us here, we must continue to move forward, no matter how many obstacles there are ahead."

Yao Yue nodded, her eyes becoming more determined. "In that case, let us uncover the secrets of this ancient city."

The two continued walking along the street deeper into the ancient city. The buildings on both sides of the street became increasingly dilapidated, as if the traces of time were becoming more and more profound as they went deeper. Passing several half-collapsed stone bridges and abandoned courtyards, they arrived at a tall tower in the city.

"This tall tower seems to be the center of this ancient city." Yao Yue observed the structure of the tower and found that the tower was also engraved with ancient runes, faintly emitting a faint spiritual energy.

Yunxuan nodded, "Perhaps this is the place the star map points to."

They entered the tower together. The interior was dim and desolate, yet the air was thick with spiritual energy. Climbing the stone steps, they gradually reached the top floor. A faint light shone through the tower's roof, illuminating an altar with several ancient stone slabs placed on it.

Yun Xuan cautiously stepped forward, reaching out to gently touch the stone slab, sensing the powerful spiritual energy within. He whispered, "The words written on these slabs... seem to be about the inheritance of the ultimate taste."

Yao Yue also walked forward and carefully read the words on the stone slab. She found that it was engraved with descriptions of the ultimate taste between heaven and earth. Each part was full of mysterious symbols and lines, as if telling a feeling that transcended the mortal world.

"The ultimate taste is not just a delicious enjoyment, but a unique power between heaven and earth, and the essence condensed from nature." Yaoyue's voice was filled with amazement and her eyes were full of respect.

Yunxuan nodded and continued reading the contents of the slate, noting a mention of a magical fruit called the "Spirit Frost Fruit." It was said that this fruit only grew in the forbidden area of ​​Yunya City, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for years, condensing into a unique power that was one of the "ultimate flavors."

"Spirit Frost Fruit..." Yun Xuan muttered, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "This is the first 'ultimate taste' that the star map has led us to."

Yao Yue's eyes were solemn. "However, the forbidden land has always been a dangerous place. Not only is the spiritual energy there rich, but there may also be powerful guardian objects."

Yun Xuan smiled slightly, "No matter how dangerous it is, we are already prepared. After all, this is the first step on our road to protection."

They exchanged a glance, a resolute glint in each other's eyes. Then, together, they left the tower and headed towards the city's forbidden area. The forbidden area lay in the most remote corner of the ancient city, nestled within a woodland rich in spiritual energy. From afar, the woodland was shrouded in a faint mist, exuding a sense of mystery and solemnity.

When they reached the entrance to the forbidden area, Yao Yue suddenly stopped and whispered, "Yun Xuan, this spiritual mist has some strange fluctuations. We may lose our way temporarily after entering."

Yunxuan pondered for a moment and nodded, "In this case, we must stay sober and always remember our beliefs so as not to be confused." He stretched out his hand and motioned Yaoyue to go in together.

Yaoyue smiled slightly, and without hesitation, she held his hand. The two of them walked side by side into the foggy forbidden area.