Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Carrying the essence of the black deer, Yunxuan and Yaoyue continued forward, guided by the star map. The map gradually led to a deep valley. Through layers of mist, an ancient bridge, spanning two cliffs, loomed faintly in the distance. A faint haze shrouded the bridge, giving it a mysterious and distant presence. According to local legend, the bridge, known as the "Mist Ancient Bridge," leads to a secret realm said to hold rare delicacies. However, the bridge was also renowned for its dangers. Countless practitioners had attempted to cross it, only to be trapped by its numerous illusions and ultimately lost in the sea of ​​fog.

Yaoyue stood in front of the bridge, gazing deeply at the mist-shrouded bridge, and whispered, "This bridge seems to hold a strange power, as if every step tests one's will and courage."

Yun Xuan nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a solemn expression. "The Ancient Mist Bridge is not only part of the star map, but also a test gate leading to another world. We must be cautious, stay clear-headed, and not be deceived by illusions."

They stepped cautiously onto the ancient bridge. As they went deeper, the fog thickened, like a boundless sea of ​​fog, completely obscuring the surrounding scenery. The surroundings also gradually became eerie. The stone slabs underfoot appeared and disappeared in the mist, as if they would disappear at any moment, making it impossible to tell the direction.

"Stay focused and don't stray too far from me." Yunxuan reminded in a low voice, holding Yaoyue's hand tightly, fearing that she would get lost in the thick fog.

However, after only a few steps, several vague figures suddenly appeared in the mist, gradually approaching them. Yunxuan and Yaoyue quickly became alert. They knew that the legend of the Mist Ancient Bridge mentioned that it was guarded by illusions, often using a combination of reality and illusion to confuse intruders.

"Yunxuan...they are..." Yaoyue's eyes revealed a hint of uneasiness. The figures in the mist seemed to become clearer and clearer. The familiar faces and eyes turned out to be the enemies they had encountered during their journey. One of them was the explorer who had attacked them in Linggu, and his eyes were full of hostility.

Yunxuan frowned slightly. He knew that these people could not be here, so he whispered, "This is just an illusion. Stay awake and don't be fooled by appearances."

Yet, as if they had heard their conversation, the figures slowly approached, their weapons flashing with a cold light, carrying a menacing aura. Yao Yue gripped her silver blade tightly, remaining vigilant at all times, yet deep within she felt a wavering feeling—these illusions were so real that it was almost impossible to distinguish true from false, and the hatred and sneer in the enemies' eyes made her even more uneasy.

"Yaoyue, concentrate your will. Everything here is a test of the Lanwu Ancient Bridge. It is testing our souls and turning the deepest doubts and fears in our hearts into reality." Yunxuan analyzed calmly, trying to get rid of the illusion by reminding her.

Upon hearing this, Yaoyue took a deep breath and tried to stay awake. However, the enemies in these illusions did not disappear even though they were awake. Instead, they gradually approached, even shouting loudly: "Yunxuan, Yaoyue! Today is your end!"

The illusory enemy suddenly accelerated, charging forward with spiritual energy. Yunxuan and Yaoyue immediately launched a counterattack, Yunxuan's sword colliding with the opponent's weapon, sending out a fierce spark. However, at the moment the swords met, he felt a real force impact, the shock numb his arm, making it almost impossible to hold the hilt.

"How could it be... these illusions actually have substance!" Yun Xuan whispered in surprise, realizing that the illusion of this bridge was not just a visual illusion, but could simulate the feeling of an entity, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Yao Yue swiftly swung her silver blade, forcing back an attacking illusion. A firm look flashed in her eyes: "Whether it's true or false, we can't let it stop us."

They focused their minds on the battle, casting aside all distractions and engaging in battle with all their might. However, the enemy's illusions seemed endless. Every time they repelled them, new figures would emerge from the mist, constantly forcing them deeper into the maze.

At that moment, a familiar figure appeared on the other side of the bridge. It was an explorer in strange attire, wearing a conical hat. It was none other than Li Chen, one of their former rivals for the ultimate delicacy. His appearance further perplexed Yunxuan and Yaoyue, and they began to wonder if this person was an illusion.

Li Chen approached slowly and sneered, "I didn't expect you to have the courage to step onto this bridge. It seems that the ultimate taste of the star map does have its unique charm. However, this is not a place you can pass through."

Yun Xuan narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively, "Are you the real Li Chen, or an illusion on this bridge?"

Li Chen sneered, seemingly unconcerned with his question. Instead, he slowly drew the dagger from his waist, his tone carrying a hint of amusement, "It doesn't matter whether it's an illusion or not. What matters is that you will soon be defeated by me."

Before he could finish his words, Li Chen suddenly transformed into a dark shadow, moving at a speed so swift it was difficult to catch. His dagger thrust towards Yun Xuan's throat, carrying a deadly chill. Yun Xuan quickly dodged, blocking with his longsword, barely avoiding the fatal blow.

Seeing this, Yao Yue rushed towards Li Chen without hesitation, forming a pincer attack with Yun Xuan. However, Li Chen's body movements were extremely agile, as if he had merged with the mist, and he was always able to cleverly avoid their attacks, repeatedly forcing the two to cope with them.

The fierce exchange continued for several rounds. Yunxuan and Yaoyue gradually felt exhausted, but Li Chen showed no sign of fatigue, his movements still swift and fierce. Yunxuan's brow furrowed, and he began to wonder whether the Li Chen before him was the enemy's true form, or some kind of trial illusion of the Mist Ancient Bridge.

Just as they were exhausted, Yunxuan suddenly had an idea. He whispered to Yaoyue, "Yaoyue, try to focus on yourself and ignore Li Chen in front of you. Treat him as nothing!"

Yaoyue hesitated for a moment, then quickly understood Yunxuan's meaning and nodded silently. They both closed their eyes simultaneously, completely focusing their minds, no longer paying attention to the enemy before them, but concentrating on their own clarity of mind.

A miracle happened—in the moment their hearts were as calm as water, the illusions around them began to dissipate like smoke, and Li Chen's figure gradually became blurred until it disappeared completely. The surrounding fog gradually faded, and the scene on the ancient bridge reappeared, as if everything just now was just a dream.

Yaoyue opened her eyes, let out a long breath, and said with emotion: "This bridge is really amazing. It can make people fall into such a realistic illusion. If you hadn't reminded me, I would have been lost in it long ago."

Yunxuan patted her shoulder gently and smiled, "The test of one's will is often more difficult than one's strength. The Mist Ancient Bridge tests our will, not our physical strength."

They crossed the bridge after the illusion dissipated, gradually approaching the end of the ancient mist bridge, their hearts filled with awe of the unknown. The moment they took the last step, the view of the valley behind the bridge suddenly opened up. Before them was a magnificent meadow, and in the center of the meadow grew a mysterious, shimmering flower.

A strange flower bloomed within the bush, each petal radiating a multicolored glow, like a rainbow across the sky. This was the "Rainbow Flower" marked on the star map. Legend has it that its nectar could unleash a person's potential, strengthening their will and making them more resilient and clear-minded. It was considered one of the most precious delicacies left from ancient times.

Yao Yue looked at the flowers, her eyes filled with joy and emotion, "This rainbow flower is truly extraordinary. The star map's guidance has never been wrong."

Yunxuan smiled faintly, gently plucked the Rainbow Flower, and stored it in the Spirit Box, his gaze fixed firmly into the distance. He felt that the Star Map brought him not only power, but also a journey of self-awareness.

They left the ancient bridge with Lan Honghua and continued towards the next direction of the star map.