Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After leaving Starry Night Lake, Yunxuan and Yaoyue embarked on a new journey, their star map gradually revealing a new path. Their next destination was the distant "Xuanying Mountain City." Legend has it that Xuanying Mountain City is ancient and mysterious, long abandoned by war. However, within the city lies an ancient delicacy capable of drawing spiritual energy from heaven and earth—the "Shenying Fruit." This fruit is rumored to possess the power to purify spiritual energy, but its rarity makes it a coveted treasure for countless practitioners.

After several days of walking, they gradually approached the confines of Xuanying Mountain City. The terrain ahead gradually rose, and the rolling hills were shrouded in mist, making the mountain city appear to be veiled within them, looming. Yaoyue looked at the looming silhouette of the mountains, a trace of worry rising in her heart. "Xuanying Mountain City has been abandoned for a long time after a century of war. The city is full of dangers. I wonder if we can find the Divine Shadow Fruit."

Yunxuan nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, it's said that Xuanying Mountain City is not only shrouded in a constant haze, but also lurks strange beasts and bizarre traps. But since the star map has led us here, it means our trial is not over yet. If we can find the Divine Shadow Fruit, this dangerous journey will be worth it."

As the two continued on, the mountain mist grew thicker, like a natural barrier obscuring the true face of the mountain city. Gradually, they stepped onto an ancient path paved with bluestone. The moss-covered stone tablets on either side of the path clearly showed the passage of time, giving them a worn and mysterious appearance. At this moment, Yunxuan's hand unconsciously reached for the sword at his waist, and he felt an inexplicable chill.

"Yaoyue, pay attention to your surroundings. The spiritual energy here is a little unusual. Be careful of ambushes." Yunxuan reminded in a low voice, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes.

Yao Yue nodded, gripped the silver blade tightly, and walked forward with light steps, looking cautious. Suddenly, a low animal roar came from afar, echoing in the empty mountain road, making people shudder.

"It seems we are not the only visitors." Yaoyue said softly, staring in the direction of the sound, becoming more alert.

After a short while, the view opened up, revealing the abandoned Xuanying Mountain City. The walls were covered with cracks from the passage of time, weeds grew among the ruins, and the dilapidated houses silently told of both past glory and the ravages of war. Silence reigned supreme, broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind and the occasional roar of beasts in the distance, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The two of them walked slowly into the mountain city. The surrounding buildings exuded a desolate atmosphere, as if this land had long been abandoned by time. However, as they walked forward, Yao Yue suddenly noticed a strange mark carved into the ground beneath their feet. The mark seemed to carry some kind of ancient spell, faintly emitting faint spiritual fluctuations.

"These marks... don't seem to be formed naturally, but rather some kind of sealing technique." Yao Yue whispered, frowning slightly.

Yunxuan leaned over, carefully observing the mark, nodded, and said, "Indeed, these seals may have been set up in the past, perhaps to block some kind of power or taboo. We must be extremely careful to avoid triggering the seal."

The two men carefully circumvented the seal and continued deeper into the core area of ​​the mountain city. As they advanced, the air seemed filled with an indescribable sense of oppression, as if this ancient city concealed an untouchable secret.

Soon, they arrived at the center of a square. Amidst this stood an ancient stone tablet, covered in strange runes that seemed to record some ancient forbidden technique. Yunxuan approached and carefully examined the text on the tablet, discovering a reference to the legend of the Divine Shadow Fruit.

"The Divine Shadow Fruit is a spiritual fruit from Xuanying Mountain City, and it has the effect of purifying spiritual power. But to obtain it, one must pass the Divine Shadow Trial." Yunxuan said softly, with a solemn look in his eyes.

Yao Yue looked at the complex runes on the stone tablet and said solemnly, "Trial? It seems that if we want to obtain the Divine Shadow Fruit, we must pass the trial set by this mountain city."

Yun Xuan nodded, took a deep breath, and said with a firm look, "In that case, then prepare to face the trial."

They followed the stone tablet's instructions and walked to the end of the square, where there was a half-open stone door. Behind the stone door was a deep stone staircase, with faint fires burning on both sides. The flames flickered like ghosts, illuminating the shadows in the passage.

The moment they stepped onto the stone steps, they felt a chill run deep into their hearts. The air around them seemed frozen, and every step carried an invisible pressure. The stone steps wound down, leading deep into the mountain, seemingly endless. The surrounding stone walls were engraved with ancient runes, and the runes emitted faint spiritual fluctuations, as if guiding their progress.

After walking for a while, the two finally reached the end of the stone steps. In front of them was a spacious cellar. In the center of the cellar stood a stone platform, on which a dark red spirit bead was quietly suspended. The spirit bead emitted a faint light, which was reflected in the empty cellar.

"This spirit bead... seems to be the key to the trial." Yun Xuan said in a low voice, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

Yao Yue nodded and said softly, "Since this is the key to the trial, we must act carefully to avoid triggering unnecessary danger."

Yunxuan walked slowly towards the stone platform and reached out to gently touch the spirit pearl. The moment he touched the spirit pearl, a deep voice echoed in the air.

"Intruder, if you wish to obtain the Divine Shadow Fruit, you must pass the spiritual power test. If your resolve is not firm, you will be lost here forever."

The two men stared at each other, their gazes gleaming with determination. Yunxuan slowly channeled his spiritual energy into the spirit pearl, and instantly, countless illusions emerged from the cellar's stone walls, depicting the past of Xuanying Mountain City. The city was prosperous, its people peaceful, yet soon, war engulfed it, destroying it and devastating the people, like a catastrophic event.

In the illusion, a mournful voice echoed: "What are we guarding? If this protection cannot bring peace, then what is its meaning?"

Yao Yue's heart trembled slightly when she heard this voice, as if some deep question had been touched upon. She looked towards Yun Xuan and whispered, "Can our protection truly change anything? What is the meaning of our pursuit of the ultimate taste?"

Yunxuan gently held her hand and said firmly, "Yaoyue, perhaps we can't change everything, but as long as we have firm faith, we can bring some peace to those around us. This path is chosen by the star map, and our hearts are the fundamental guide."

Yaoyue took a deep breath, smiled, and nodded. Her heart was filled with renewed confidence, and the illusion gradually dissipated amidst their resolute resolve. As the illusion faded, a crystal-clear fruit slowly emerged from the stone platform in the cellar. It was none other than the legendary Divine Shadow Fruit.

Yunxuan stepped forward and carefully placed the Divine Shadow Fruit into his brocade pouch. He and Yaoyue exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with relief and emotion.

Yao Yue sighed softly and said, "We have gone through so many trials and tribulations, and finally obtained the second ultimate taste of the Star Map."

Yunxuan smiled slightly, his eyes full of determination. "Yes, every taste symbolizes a trial, and also a growth in our hearts. The road to the star map may be extremely difficult, but I believe that one day we will uncover all its secrets."

They left Xuanying Mountain City, carrying the Divine Shadow Fruit. As night fell, starlight bathed the ruins of the mountain city, as if bidding them farewell. Yunxuan and Yaoyue walked hand in hand, embarking on the next stage of their journey across the star map, their hearts filled with anticipation and faith in the unknown.