Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After their journey to the Star Orchid in the Misty Valley, Yunxuan and Yaoyue embarked on the next stage of their journey, guided by the star map. After trekking for several days, they finally arrived at a tranquil lake, its surface shimmering in the night, its moonlight casting a shadowy image of a sea of ​​stars. This was the legendary "Starry Night Lake," and it was said that a mysterious creature called the "Night Spirit Fish" lurked beneath the lake, the very essence of Yunxuan and Yaoyue's quest.

Standing by the lake, Yaoyue couldn't help but sigh: "It's so beautiful, this lake is like the stars in the sky reflected on earth." There was a hint of intoxication in her eyes, as if the beautiful scenery made her temporarily forget the hardships of the journey.

Yun Xuan smiled slightly and whispered, "Starry Night Lake is not only beautiful, but also contains the pure spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The Night Spirit Fish here is said to be a rare spiritual creature in the world, with the power to harmonize spiritual energy. If we can find it, it will be of great help in guiding us to interpret the star map."

Yao Yue nodded, her gaze growing more solemn. The Night Spirit Fish is not only a rare delicacy, but also a treasure embodying the essence of heaven and earth. It possesses the ability to harmonize spiritual energy, and legend has it even helped practitioners break through the shackles of their cultivation. For this reason, the Night Spirit Fish has become a sought-after target among explorers.

"However, although Night Spirit Fish often appear in Starry Night Lake, they are extremely rare to see, let alone catch." Yao Yue frowned slightly, as if thinking about something.

Yunxuan pondered for a moment and said, "It is said that the Night Spirit Fish will only surface to feed on the night of the Spirit Moon, and tonight happens to be the night when the Spirit Moon is in the sky." He looked up at the sky and saw a bright moon hanging high in the sky, dotted with stars, and the ripples on the lake complemented each other.

Yao Yue looked towards the lake, her expression gradually becoming resolute. "In that case, we will wait all night. If we can indeed see the Night Spirit Fish, it will be a gift from the Star Map to us."

The two sat cross-legged by the lake, quietly awaiting the appearance of the Night Spirit Fish. The night by the lake was tranquil and peaceful, a gentle breeze rippling the water, as if preparing for the impending adventure. Time slipped away, the two men held their breath, their attention completely focused on the lake.

Suddenly, a faint light appeared in the center of the lake. It was like a star, swaying gently with the waves, gradually approaching the lake's edge. Yunxuan and Yaoyue were startled, and they looked at each other, their eyes filled with joy and anticipation.

"It's the Night Spirit Fish!" Yao Yue exclaimed softly, with a hint of excitement in her voice, as if she was afraid of disturbing this lively creature.

The Night Spirit Fish resembled a small, delicate fish, its entire body shimmering in a soft silver glow. Star patterns reminiscent of the night sky appeared on its back. It swam slowly through the water, creating subtle ripples as if blending into the starry night. Yun Xuan took a deep breath, his gaze filled with wonder. "This is exactly the Night Spirit Fish described in the star map! Not only beautiful, but also incredibly agile."

However, just as they were about to try to catch the Night Spirit Fish, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from the woods by the lake, and then several figures approached quickly, accompanied by fluctuations of spiritual energy. They were obviously other explorers.

Yao Yue instantly became alert and whispered, "Be careful, it seems someone is following us."

Yunxuan's eyes darkened, and he quickly distanced the Night Spirit Fish from the lake's edge, protecting it behind him. Several explorers stood nearby, the leader sneering and glaring at the Night Spirit Fish, his greed barely concealed.

"The Night Spirit Fish is truly a treasure from heaven and earth. It seems we're lucky today," the leading explorer said coldly, his gaze locked on Yunxuan and Yaoyue. "As long as you hand over the Night Spirit Fish, perhaps we can let you leave safely."

Yun Xuan didn't back down. He held the sword in his hand and said coldly, "We are not here to fight, but if you insist on doing so, don't blame us for being rude."

The explorer sneered, completely ignoring Yunxuan's warning. Instead, he approached step by step, his eyes filled with disdain. "You are just two young cultivators. With your strength, you think you can protect the Night Spirit Fish? I'm afraid you are too naive!"

With that, the explorers all activated their spiritual energy, clearly not intending to give up. The leader waved his hand, and the two explorers behind him quickly dispersed, preparing to encircle Yunxuan and Yaoyue from both sides.

Yao Yue's eyes narrowed as she whispered, "It looks like they won't let go easily. We must eliminate them as quickly as possible to save the Night Spirit Fish."

Yun Xuan nodded, a cold light flashing in his eyes: "If that's the case, then let's fight!"

He drew his longsword and rushed towards an explorer on his left like the wind. His sword energy was sharp, piercing the opponent's vital points. The explorer snorted coldly and quickly returned the attack. The two of them exchanged blows in an instant. The sword energy and spiritual power collided in the air, erupting into a powerful spiritual energy fluctuation.

At the same time, Yao Yue confronted another explorer, her silver blade dancing with a swift, cool glow, forcing the opponent back. Her spiritual power infused the silver blade, attacking with fierce and swift force, each strike precise and swift, pushing directly against the opponent's defenses.

Seeing his men frustrated, the leading explorer's face darkened. He quickly formed seals with his hands and unleashed a powerful spiritual attack, striking Yunxuan. His attack was sharp and swift, carrying a destructive spiritual energy. Yunxuan quickly dodged it, but still felt a strong sense of oppression.

The explorer sneered and said, "Boy, you overestimate your abilities. In that case, don't even think about leaving alive tonight!"

Yun Xuan smiled faintly, unfazed by the threat. He took a deep breath and focused his spiritual energy on his sword. The sword light suddenly became blazing. He said in a deep voice, "If you want the Night Spirit Fish, you must get past me first!"

He swung his sword, and the sword energy rushed straight to the explorer's vital point. The other party was caught off guard and was hit by the sword energy. He stepped back awkwardly, a look of fear in his eyes. Obviously, he had not expected Yun Xuan's strength to be far beyond his imagination.

Yaoyue took the opportunity to launch a fierce attack on another explorer. Her silver blade flashed a sharp light, blocking all the opponent's attacks. Finally, she hit the opponent with one blow, forcing him back several feet.

Seeing this, the leading explorer roared angrily: "You are looking for death!" He quickly waved his hand, signaling his men to retreat, and at the same time cast a defensive talisman. The talisman shone brightly, enveloping their figures and forming a shield.

Yun Xuan stared at them coldly and said in a deep voice, "If you don't leave now, I won't let you go so easily next time."

A hint of coldness flashed in the explorer's eyes, and he snorted coldly before hastily leaving with his men. Yunxuan and Yaoyue watched them leave, their expressions meeting, a hint of relief and exhaustion on each other's faces.

Yao Yue breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "It seems we've finally saved the Night Spirit Fish, but this also serves as a reminder for us. We must be more cautious in the future."

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes firm as he said, "Yes, every ultimate delicacy guided by the star map attracts covetous people, but since we have chosen this path, we will protect them at all costs."

The two of them walked slowly to the lakeside. The night spirit fish was still swimming in the lake, as if it was not affected by the battle.