Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After harvesting the Fire Soul Fruit from the Blazing Cavern, Yunxuan and Yaoyue underwent a profound test of body and soul. The Trial of Fire not only advanced their cultivation but also taught them the true meaning of courage and perseverance. However, the star map continued to flicker, guiding them in a new direction. The path to their next stop grew increasingly cold, the star map's light pointing northward to a snowy region, a land of perpetual frost and ice.

Hidden within the Frost Realm lies a precious spiritual object—the Ice Soul Orb. It's said that this orb holds an extremely strong chill, possessing the power to freeze everything. Any cultivator who can resonate with it can harness icy spiritual power, achieving further breakthroughs in their cultivation. However, the chill of this icy world is immense, and many cultivators struggle to withstand the low temperatures. The depths of the Ice Soul Orb are even more oppressive, leaving many explorers frostbitten or even trapped in the ice and snow.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue set out on the road to the Frost Realm. Snowflakes drifted across the sky, bringing a biting chill. Yaoyue wrapped her coat tightly around her, her hands trembling slightly as she whispered, "The cold here is truly extraordinary. My spiritual shield seems to be becoming somewhat fragile in such low temperatures."

Yunxuan also felt his spiritual shield being eroded by the cold air. He frowned slightly and said, "The spiritual energy of the Frost Realm is different from the power of fire or wind. The cold is like a sharp blade, constantly weakening our shield. This trial is not only a test of physical strength, but also a comprehensive challenge to our state of mind and will."

They stepped into this world of ice and snow. The ground was covered in snow, and the surrounding peaks were adorned with white snow, resembling a fairyland from a fairy tale. However, this beautiful scene concealed a dangerous intention. Every gust of cold wind cut their skin like a knife, and every breath was filled with white mist, making it extremely difficult.

As they advanced deeper, they arrived at a frozen lake. A thick layer of ice covered the surface, and a faint blue light shone through from beneath the surface, as if some spiritual being was nurturing and growing within the waters. Yao Yue gently stroked the ice, sensing the extreme cold energy it emanated, and whispered, "If I'm not mistaken, the Ice Soul Spirit Orb is most likely hidden beneath this frozen lake."

Yun Xuan nodded in agreement, but his eyes remained cautious. "Although the Ice Soul Orb is precious, its extreme cold power far exceeds our imagination. Any rash contact could result in us being directly attacked by the cold air and injured. It seems we must find a way to resist the erosion of the cold air."

After exploring the surroundings of the frozen lake, the two discovered a natural ice cave near the lake. Gentle spiritual energy was faintly emanating from within, as if some spiritual being within the cave was shielding it from the cold. Yunxuan and Yaoyue decided to explore the cave, hoping to find a way to resist the chill.

After entering the ice cave, they found that the temperature inside the cave was indeed slightly higher. The walls were covered with a layer of light blue ice crystals, reflecting soft light. In the center of the cave grew a translucent plant, its leaves as crystal clear as ice crystals, emitting a slight warmth.

Yao Yue whispered in surprise, "This is Ice Crystal Grass! It is said that this spiritual grass can grow in extremely cold environments. Its spiritual energy carries a hint of warmth, which can effectively resist the cold."

Yun Xuan smiled slightly, "We can absorb the spiritual energy of the Ice Crystal Grass into our bodies to resist the extreme cold power of the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl."

They carefully plucked some ice crystal grass and channeled its spiritual energy into their bodies. They felt a warmth spread through their bodies, instantly alleviating the biting cold. After adjusting their posture, the two returned to the center of the icy lake, preparing to dive to the bottom to explore the location of the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl.

Yunxuan channeled his spiritual energy, enveloping himself in the aura of the Ice Crystal Grass. With a gentle swing of his sword, a stream of cool energy split the ice, revealing the entrance to the lake. He and Yaoyue exchanged a glance, and the two cautiously dove into the lake. The water was icy cold, and even with the protection of the Ice Crystal Grass, they still felt their bodies slightly stiff.

At the bottom of the lake, they discovered a deep passage shimmering with a pale blue light. This light originated from the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl. Yao Yue's eyes flashed with excitement, and she whispered, "The Spirit Pearl is just ahead!"

Yunxuan nodded, and they worked together to advance, following the light through an ice cave deep within the icy lake. Finally, at the end of the cave, they came upon a spirit pearl suspended between icicles. The pearl was crystal clear, its surface shimmering with a faint blue light, as if it had gathered all the coldness in the world. The surrounding icicles were also covered in ice crystals, each one a work of art, framing the spirit pearl like a celestial gem.

Yao Yue's eyes were filled with awe: "This is the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl. Its aura seems to be able to freeze the soul. It is so powerful!"

Yun Xuan took a deep breath and nodded gently: "The Ice Soul Orb is not only a symbol of strength, but also a test of one's will. Only those with a truly calm mind can withstand its extreme cold power."

Just as they were about to approach the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl, the cold air around them suddenly became stronger, and a faint fluctuation of spiritual power appeared on the icicle, as if condensing into an ice spirit, whose body was like an ice sculpture, and its eyes stared at them coldly.

"Are you here for the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl?" The Ice Spirit asked coldly, his voice carrying a bone-chilling chill.

Yun Xuan responded with a firm expression, "Yes, Senior, we are guided by the star map and are here to pursue the true meaning of the ultimate taste."

The Ice Spirit nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "If you wish to gain the approval of the Ice Soul Orb, you must undergo the Trial of Ice. Without a heart as strong as ice, you will be devoured by the cold."

As soon as the words fell, the Ice Spirit waved his hand, and an extremely cold wind blew over, carrying a biting frost that seemed to freeze the two of them completely. Yun Xuan quickly swung his sword to resist, but the moment the sword energy touched the cold wind, it was frozen by the frost, and the sword instantly became extremely heavy.

Yaoyue felt the cold seeping into her shield, and her spiritual power gradually sluggishly. She whispered, "We can't just defend ourselves. The Ice Trial tests our state of mind. We must maintain a calm mind to withstand this chill."

Yunxuan nodded, gradually gathering his spiritual energy and concentrating his mind. He slowly infused the spiritual energy of the Ice Crystal Grass into his body, harmonizing the aura around him. He closed his eyes, feeling the cold air invade him, and adjusted his state of mind to the extreme, as if he had become one with the cold air, letting the cold wind blow through him.

Yaoyue followed suit, letting go of her resistance and feeling the bone-chilling chill of the cold air, as if all the pain had transformed into a spiritual test. Gradually, she felt her spiritual shield become as transparent as ice crystals. The cold air was no longer an enemy, but instead blended with her spiritual energy.

Seeing that the two were at peace, the Ice Spirit nodded slightly and said, "Your resolve has been recognized by the cold air. Next is the test of Ice Soul's resonance."

As the Ice Spirit spoke, the light of the Ice Soul Orb gradually grew brighter, illuminating the surrounding ice crystals, and shrouding the entire ice cave in a warm glow. Yunxuan and Yaoyue felt the spiritual energy in their bodies gradually resonate with the aura of the Ice Soul Orb, as if the spiritual energy in their bodies became purer and clearer.

They slowly walked towards the Ice Soul Orb, feeling its power guiding them. The moment Yun Xuan gently touched the orb, it felt like a stream of fresh water flowed into his body, and all the fatigue and coldness dissipated. Spiritual energy flowed more smoothly within his body, as if the power of the Ice Soul was breathing new life into his spiritual energy.

Yao Yue closed her eyes slightly and drew the power of the spirit pearl into her body. She felt an unprecedented cool air flowing through her body. There was an indescribable tranquility in the coldness, as if her soul was sublimated.

The Ice Spirit's voice rang out again: "The power of the Ice Soul Orb has merged with your spiritual energy. May your hearts be as still as still water, undeterred by external influences."

The two bowed slightly, expressing their gratitude to the Ice Spirit, and then carefully placed the Ice Soul Spirit Pearl into the Spirit Box. As the Ice Spirit dissipated, the surrounding cold gradually receded, and the ice layer above the icy lake returned to calm again, as if nothing had ever happened here.

They slowly emerged from the frost realm, gazing at the distant snow-capped peaks with awe. The Ice Soul Orb had given them a sense of inner peace and resolve. This trial was not only about gaining strength, but also about tempering the soul.

The light of the star map flickered again, guiding them on a new journey.