Star Journey: Destiny Returns

As the fragrance of the Spirit Frost Fruit gradually permeated the forbidden area, Yunxuan and Yaoyue carefully collected the fruit. The first "supreme taste" of the star map seemed even more precious in their hands. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with relief and excitement. After enduring the hardships of the forbidden area, they had finally achieved the initial results of their journey. However, just as they were about to depart, a slight noise suddenly rang out in the distance, and a faint sense of danger seemed to permeate the air.

Yun Xuan was instantly alert, quickly drew his sword, and whispered, "Someone is coming, and I'm afraid they are not friendly."

Yao Yue also gripped the silver blade tightly, looking ahead calmly, "It seems our harvest has been targeted."

As soon as he finished speaking, several blurry figures emerged from the mist, accompanied by sharp fluctuations of spiritual energy. A moment later, three unfamiliar explorers emerged from the mist. They were dressed in dark robes, their faces stern, and their eyes gleamed with scrutiny.

The leading man looked at Yunxuan and Yaoyue, his eyes falling on the Lingshuang Fruit in their hands. He sneered and said, "I didn't expect that someone could actually find the Lingshuang Fruit. It seems we came at the right time."

Yun Xuan's eyes darkened and his voice was cold, "Nothing in this forbidden area belongs to anyone. If you don't want to cause trouble, you'd better leave immediately."

The man snorted coldly and said nonchalantly, "Stop pretending here. We are members of the Explorers' Guild. Do you think a rookie like you can covet the power of the Supreme Taste with just a star map?"

Yaoyue frowned slightly at the mention of the "Explorers' Guild." This guild specialized in recruiting explorers from all over the world, many of whose members would resort to any means necessary for personal gain. They were also powerful and operated in secrecy. Although she and Yunxuan knew their own strengths, they still felt a significant sense of pressure facing the Explorers' Guild.

Yun Xuan showed no sign of weakness and said coldly, "The Explorers Guild exists only for power and influence, and we are not here for that. If you insist on taking it, don't blame us for being rude."

The leading man sneered, and a sharp spiritual energy suddenly burst out from his hand. "You really don't know how to live or die. Since you don't want to hand over the Spirit Frost Fruit, then I will let you taste the power of the explorers!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure rushed towards Yunxuan like lightning, carrying an unstoppable force. Yunxuan stepped forward without hesitation, his longsword transforming into a flash of cold light, piercing his opponent's vital points. The two's spiritual energies collided violently in the air, a roar resounding throughout the forbidden area, and the surrounding spiritual energy surged.

At the same time, the other two explorers quickly flanked Yaoyue, attempting a pincer attack. Yaoyue's gaze remained calm, her silver blade swirling in her hands with the swiftness of a stream of light, cutting off the enemy's attack. Then, with deft steps, she dodged the enemy's attack. With a focused gaze, she quickly spotted a flaw in one of the enemies and stabbed him in the shoulder with her silver blade. The enemy let out a cry of pain and retreated several steps. Yaoyue seized the opportunity to unleash a ray of spiritual light, forcing him back.

However, the enemy's offensive didn't stop. Although the three men were separated, they were clearly well-trained and quickly adjusted their tactics. The leading man switched from defense to offense, unleashing even more powerful spiritual power moves, forcing Yunxuan to retreat repeatedly.

Yao Yue's eyes were cold as she watched the enemy's endless offensive, and a trace of doubt arose in her heart. She whispered, "Yun Xuan, we must find another strategy. If this continues, I'm afraid they will drag us into a war of attrition."

Yun Xuan nodded slightly, thinking quickly for a moment, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes, "Yao Yue, concentrate your forces on dealing with one of them. We must fight quickly and decisively to avoid being dragged into their rhythm."

Yaoyue smiled faintly, her silver blade flashing with a cold gleam as she swiftly attacked one of the explorers. Yunxuan matched her attack, his longsword driving towards the opponent's abdomen with thunderous force. Their tacit coordination caught the explorer off guard. Already struggling from the depletion of his spiritual energy, he gradually slowed down under the combined force of Yunxuan and Yaoyue, and was ultimately cut down by Yaoyue's sword.

"Damn it!" The leading man, seeing his companion fall, was furious. He suddenly burst out with even stronger spiritual energy and rushed towards the two. His spiritual power swept in all directions like a hurricane. Yunxuan and Yaoyue quickly retreated to avoid being injured by the spiritual power fluctuations.

Yao Yue whispered, "This person's spiritual power is not weak, we can't be careless."

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes revealing a hint of determination, "Don't worry, since you dare to fight, we will not retreat."

The two quickly coordinated again and launched a counterattack. As the battle intensified, the leading man clearly realized that he could not easily win. He stared at them with a gloomy face, his eyes full of unwillingness.

He suddenly sneered, took a few steps back, and said loudly: "Very good, you have some skills, but this is just the beginning. The secrets on the star map will eventually belong to the guild!" As soon as the voice fell, he suddenly waved his hand and threw out an explosive talisman, which quickly disappeared in the fog under the cover of thick smoke and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue felt relieved. As the smoke dissipated, they exchanged glances, a hint of caution in their eyes. Yunxuan said in a deep voice, "It seems we haven't truly defeated him. They're only retreating temporarily."

Yao Yue nodded, a trace of worry crossing her face. "The Explorers' Guild's tactics are endless. Even though we forced them back this time, I'm afraid we'll face similar threats again in the future."

Yun Xuan gripped the sword tightly, his eyes becoming more determined. "No matter what their purpose is, since the guidance of the star map is in our hands, we will protect it and will not be shaken by external enemies."

After they gathered their minds and checked the safety of the Spirit Frost Fruit, they continued their journey out of the forbidden area. However, this sudden battle also made them realize that the difficulties and dangers of the journey far exceeded their expectations. The Star Map Journey was not just an adventure, but a path of cultivation full of challenges.

When they reached the forest exit, Yaoyue suddenly stopped and whispered, "Yunxuan, are we truly fully prepared for the star map's guidance?"

Yunxuan was stunned. He turned to look at Yaoyue and saw that her brows were slightly furrowed, and there was a hint of uneasiness in her eyes. He sighed softly and said softly, "Yaoyue, I know this road is not easy, but I believe that as long as we hold on to our beliefs, we can reach the end."

Yao Yue was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Perhaps you're right. It's just that every time I encounter a strong enemy, I always doubt my decisions." There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "We could let go of all this and return to our previous lives. Perhaps that would be safer."

Yunxuan smiled faintly, his eyes revealing gentle determination. "Yaoyue, if it weren't for protecting the things we cherish, we might not have come this far. But it is precisely because of these precious things that we will protect them at all costs. I am willing to give my all for the secret of the star map, for the balance of heaven and earth."

Yao Yue sighed softly, her eyes softening a bit, "You're right, now that we've embarked on this path, there's no turning back."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes revealing a firm belief in the future. Yunxuan slowly extended his hand, and Yaoyue gently grasped it. Side by side, they walked out of the forbidden area and headed towards the valley in the distance.