Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Guided by the star map, Yunxuan and Yaoyue journeyed eastward, arriving at a dense and deep forest. This forest, known as the "Phantom Woods," was said to possess magical powers, disorienting those who entered, making it difficult to find their way out. Rumors also abounded that within the depths of the forest grew an extremely rare spiritual fruit, the "Night Dark Fruit," said to possess the power to purify the soul, allowing the mind to be as clear as a mirror, allowing insight into the world.

Standing at the entrance of the forest, Yao Yue couldn't help but sigh softly, "This forest seems to have some kind of barrier of its own. There's a cool spiritual energy fluctuation in the air that makes people feel a little chilly."

Yun Xuan nodded slightly and said seriously, "Yes, everything in the Fantasy Wood Forest may be an illusion in our minds. We must always stay awake and not let this forest affect our judgment."

After they gathered their gear and exchanged some encouragement, they set out into the mysterious forest. It was gloomy, with dense foliage blocking most of the sunlight, leaving only a few beams of light filtering through the gaps, casting a heavy shadow over the entire forest, as if the entire space was still.

Soon, they began to sense a strange aura, and the trees seemed to be constantly changing shape. Every time they took a few steps forward and looked back, they found that the original path had disappeared, as if they entered a new world with every step.

Yaoyue gripped the silver blade cautiously and whispered, "This forest is even stranger than I expected. Even the trees are changing shape. If we can't maintain a clear mind, we might get lost here."

Yunxuan nodded and whispered a reminder, "We must always maintain our sense of direction and not be easily misled by the scenery before us. Only by being firm in our hearts can we find the true path."

The two continued through the forest, but with each step, the trees around them would subtly shift, as if intentionally obscuring their path and dragging them deeper and deeper into the woods. They remained vigilant, observing their surroundings, hoping for any clue to escape the illusion. However, the forest was eerily silent; besides the sound of their footsteps, not even the chirping of birds or insects could be heard.

As they gradually entered the deep forest, Yunxuan suddenly noticed a strange rune carved into an ancient tree in front of them. The rune was emitting a faint spiritual energy and a faint fluorescent light.

"Yaoyue, look there." Yunxuan pointed at the rune, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Yao Yue also noticed the rune and frowned slightly, "These runes seem to be ancient array symbols, and may be related to the illusion of this forest in some way."

Yunxuan stepped forward and carefully examined the rune's shape, noting its intricate patterns, resembling some kind of seal. He took a deep breath and raised his hand to touch the rune. However, as soon as his fingertips made contact, he felt a powerful surge of spiritual energy emanating from the rune. In an instant, a blinding white light enveloped the two of them.

When the light faded, Yunxuan and Yaoyue found themselves in a completely different dimension. The trees around them were denser, and the air was filled with a strong spiritual energy. Not far away, they could vaguely see several ancient trees, taller than the surrounding trees, their branches laden with crystal-clear fruits.

"Those are the legendary Yeming Fruits!" Yaoyue's eyes sparkled with joy, and there was a hint of excitement in her tone.

Yun Xuan nodded solemnly, "The Night Fruit is indeed extraordinary. The surrounding spiritual energy is attracted to it, forming a natural spiritual barrier to prevent outsiders from approaching."

They cautiously approached the Night Fruit. However, the closer they got to the ancient trees, the heavier the atmosphere grew, and a faint mist gradually filled the air. Yun Xuan keenly sensed the danger hidden in this mist and whispered, "Be careful! This mist is oppressive and may affect our judgment."

Yaoyue nodded, and the two slowly approached the ancient tree, preparing to pick the Night Fruit. However, just as they were about to reach the ancient tree, the surrounding fog suddenly became thicker, and a hazy figure emerged from the mist. The person was dressed in a black robe, his face blurred, but he carried a strong sense of oppression.

"Anyone who dares to covet the Night Fruit will have to pay the price." The figure's voice was low and cold, as if it carried a chill that could penetrate people's hearts.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue quickly adopted a defensive stance, vaguely aware that the black-robed figure was most likely the guardian of the Night Fruit, perhaps a powerful figure who had been hidden in the deep forest for many years. Yunxuan gripped his sword tightly, his gaze firm as he replied, "We are not here to seize it, but to follow the guidance of the star map and complete the test of our will."

The black-robed man sneered, his tone tinged with contempt. "No matter what your purpose is, since you have set foot here, you must endure the test. The Night Fruit is a spiritual object of heaven and earth. How can anyone touch it casually?"

Before he could finish his words, the black-robed figure moved, instantly transforming into a shadow, charging towards the two with a fierce murderous aura. Yun Xuan reacted quickly, sweeping his sword across, the sword energy like a meteor meeting the black-robed figure's attack. However, the black-robed figure was as fast as lightning, easily dodging Yun Xuan's attack and striking Yao Yue with a backhand palm.

Yao Yue's lithe figure, the silver blade carrying a sharp cold light, blocked the black-robed man's attack, and took the opportunity to retreat a few steps, creating distance. Seeing the two men's extraordinary skills, the black-robed man's eyes flashed with approval, and he said coldly, "You do have some skills, but to obtain the Night Fruit, you must pass my test!"

Next, the black-robed figure launched an even more fierce attack, his figure moving swiftly like a phantom, his attacks extremely fierce. Facing such an enemy, Yunxuan and Yaoyue had to give their all, coordinating tacitly to defend and counterattack.

The battle dragged on for a long time, the two gradually losing strength, while the black-robed man's attacks grew more fierce. Just as they were about to be overwhelmed, Yun Xuan suddenly felt a strange sense of peace rising in his heart. He closed his eyes, lowered his sword, and focused his entire mind on his inner conviction.

Seeing this, the black-robed man slowed down his movements and sneered, "Giving up resistance? How ridiculous."

However, Yunxuan ignored his ridicule and remained immersed in the improvement of his state of mind. Seeing this, Yaoyue also tried to converge her spiritual power and focus her mind within. As her heart became calm, a strong spiritual power surged from her body, as if to dispel all the illusions around her.

The black-robed man saw the changes in the two men, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. Then he laughed, "Yes, you can find inner peace in battle. It seems that you are indeed qualified to pick the Night Fruit."

As soon as he finished speaking, the figure in black robes gradually became transparent, eventually dissipating into thin air as a streak of light. It turned out that he was merely the final illusion created by the Night Fruit, designed to test the resolve of any intruder.

The surrounding mist gradually dissipated, and the Night Fruit on the ancient tree appeared exceptionally crystal clear under the sunlight, emitting a faint glow. Yao Yue smiled gently and slowly walked towards the Night Fruit, her heart filled with gratitude and awe.

Yunxuan carefully picked the Night Fruit and placed it in the Spirit Box, whispering, "This fruit is not only delicious, but also a test of our souls."

Yao Yue nodded and smiled, saying, "Yes, the Star Map brings us not only strength, but also a tempering of our minds. Perhaps, every pursuit of the ultimate taste is helping us to more clearly determine our inner direction."

They left the Fantasy Wood Forest with the Night Fruit, their hearts filled with gratitude and admiration for the Star Map.