Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After leaving the Frost Realm, Yunxuan and Yaoyue, carrying the chill and tranquility of the Ice Soul Orb, continued their journey, guided by the star map. After days of trekking, their destination gradually became clear: a pale green light flickered on the star map, guiding them to a place known as the "Misty Forest." This forest is said to be shrouded in mist year-round, even guides familiar with the path can lose their way. Within the Misty Forest grows a rare and exquisite spiritual object—the "Wood Spirit Heart." This fruit, imbued with powerful vitality, is said to restore spiritual power and heal the body and mind, symbolizing the endless vitality of nature.

Arriving at the entrance to the Misty Forest, Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood before a misty expanse of woodland. The moist soil beneath their feet exuded a faint herbaceous fragrance. Tall trees blocked out the sun, their lush leaves rustling in the breeze. From time to time, spirit birds soared through the branches, bringing with them a shower of green leaves. Yaoyue surveyed her surroundings carefully and sighed, "The spiritual energy here is incredibly rich, yet at the same time, it creates a sense of disorientation and unease, as if everything here is concealing its true nature."

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes firm as he spoke, "The Wood Spirit Heart of the Misty Forest possesses powerful restorative powers, but its rarity has also attracted many covetous seekers. Perhaps the trials here aren't just a challenge to your sense of direction; there may also be other unknown obstacles."

They channeled their spiritual energy into their legs, adjusted their breathing, and cautiously stepped into the mist. The surrounding scene immediately became blurry, the mist like an invisible barrier, isolating them from the outside world. As they went deeper, the white mist grew thicker, making it almost impossible to see the path beneath their feet.

Yao Yue gently warned, "The Misty Forest seems to have a mysterious formation power that is trying to disrupt our sense of direction. We must remain calm and not be confused by the surrounding scenery."

Yunxuan closed his eyes and channeled his spiritual energy into the star map, attempting to discern the correct direction from its faint guidance. Though the map was hazy in the mist, its light still vaguely provided them with a sense of direction. After some trial and error, the two finally found a hidden path through the fog.

After walking along the path for a while, the fog gradually dissipated, and the surrounding scene became clearer. They came to a large open space. In the center of the clearing stood a towering ancient tree. Its trunk was laden with fruit that shone with a pale green light, emitting a gentle vitality, as if condensed from the spiritual energy of nature. Yaoyue's eyes flashed with surprise, and she said softly, "This must be the Heart of the Wood Spirit."

Yunxuan and Yaoyue slowly stepped forward, trying to get closer to the ancient tree. However, just as they were about to touch the tree, the air around them suddenly fluctuated, the ground quickly cracked, and a wall of earth rose from the ground, surrounding the two of them.

Then, a pale green figure emerged from the center of the earthen wall. It was a guardian seemingly formed from the spiritual energy of trees. The guardian's eyes were gentle and calm, imbued with ancient wisdom. He spoke in a deep voice, "The Wood Spirit Heart is the essence of nature, and only those with a predestined relationship can obtain it. To obtain it, one must overcome nature's test."

Yun Xuan bowed slightly and responded respectfully, "Senior, we are guided by the star map and come here only to seek enlightenment from the Wood Spirit Heart."

The guardian's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded gently. "Nature's trials test not only strength, but also inner peace and kindness. If your intentions are sincere, you must pass the tests of 'Tranquility of Heart' and 'Resonance of Life'."

As soon as he finished speaking, the guardian waved his hand gently, and the surrounding trees began to sway gently. The spiritual energy fluctuations between the leaves became stronger and stronger, as if the vitality of the entire forest was concentrated in the clearing.

"The first test is the tranquility of the heart." The guardian said in a low voice.

In an instant, the surrounding space seemed to fall into an eerie silence. The sounds of birdsong, wind, and even breathing vanished. A faint mist drifted in the air, as if dragging their minds into a state of chaos. Yunxuan felt his consciousness begin to blur, his body gradually enveloped by the mist, as if sinking into an endless abyss.

Yaoyue also felt her consciousness blurring, but she immediately understood the purpose of the test. She took a deep breath, completely banishing all distracting thoughts, and quietly felt her own existence, concentrating all her thoughts within her heart, as if letting her soul merge with the forest. As her mind calmed, the surrounding fog gradually dissipated, and her consciousness gradually became clearer.

Yaoyue whispered to Yunxuan, "This is a test of our state of mind. We need to calm our hearts and resonate with nature."

After hearing this, Yunxuan gradually calmed down, focusing his attention on himself, clearing away distracting thoughts, and his heart gradually returned to tranquility. His consciousness seemed to merge with the entire forest. The surrounding fog gradually dissipated, and the surrounding scenery became clear again. In the silent space, the sound of their breathing returned, and their hearts seemed to have been cleansed, becoming pure and incomparable.

The guardian nodded with satisfaction and praised, "Your mind has reached a state of tranquility. You have passed the tranquility of the heart. Next is the resonance of life."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding trees suddenly emitted faint green lights. These green lights, like sparks of life, floated in the air, transforming the clearing into a world of lush greenery. The Guardian explained, "Life is the foundation of nature. To obtain the Heart of the Wood Spirit, one must feel the flow of life and resonate with nature."

The two looked at each other, slowly closed their eyes, and opened their minds, attempting to resonate with the light of life around them. As time passed, their minds gradually merged with the spiritual energy of the forest, as if the spiritual energy in every plant, every leaf, and even every breath of air was flowing through their hearts.

Yunxuan felt as if he had transformed into a towering tree, its roots deep into the earth, merging with the life force within the soil. The spiritual energy within him grew more stable and profound. Yaoyue, on the other hand, felt like a blade of grass, small but resilient, swaying in the breeze, feeling the gift of nature.

At the moment the two men were completely in tune with nature, the ancient tree in the clearing suddenly emanated a powerful green light. Within this light, the Wood Spirit Heart slowly fell from the tree and floated toward them. The Guardian nodded slightly and said softly, "Your hearts are connected to nature and have earned its approval. The Wood Spirit Heart is destined for you. Feel free to take it."

Yunxuan stepped forward to accept the Wood Spirit Heart, feeling its spiritual energy trickle like a gentle stream, gentle yet full of vitality. Filled with respect, he saluted the Guardian, "Thank you, Senior. We will cherish the gift of the Wood Spirit Heart."

The guardian nodded, his voice full of meaning: "The Wood Spirit Heart represents the endless vitality of nature. May you always remember the meaning of life on your journey forward."

As soon as the words fell, the guardian's figure gradually merged into the trees, and the surrounding light disappeared. The clearing returned to its original tranquility, as if everything just now was just an illusion. However, the Wood Spirit Heart in Yunxuan and Yaoyue's hands was real. The spiritual energy it exuded was full of vitality, making people feel extremely peaceful.

They slowly left the misty forest, gazing at the radiant star map in the sky, and felt a newfound strength growing within them. The Wood Spirit Heart not only granted them vitality but also taught them the harmony of nature and the preciousness of life. With this gift from nature, their steps grew more resolute as they continued on their journey.