Star Journey: Destiny Returns

Yunxuan and Yaoyue left the misty forest. The light of the star map flickered faintly across the sky, guiding them to a new and unknown land—the Red Rock Land. This vast, blazing mountainous region, with endless mountain ranges and fiery red rocks, seemed to contain the essence of fire from heaven and earth. Legend has it that within the Red Rock Land lies a spiritual object, the "Heart of Earth Fire," which embodies the fiery power of deep earth veins. Harnessing the power of the Heart of Earth Fire grants practitioners access to pure fire spirit power and enhanced control over flames. However, this volcanic and perilous land is scorching hot, with scorching magma surging beneath the surface. The slightest carelessness could consume them, leaving them in an eternal scorched earth.

Following the star map, the two arrived at the entrance to the Red Rock Land. The air was hot and dry, and the rock surface radiated a scorching heat, as if the subterranean fire could erupt at any moment. Yao Yue looked at the roiling red zone ahead, frowning slightly, and whispered, "The temperature here is far higher than that of ordinary volcanoes. It seems that this Subterranean Fire Heart is indeed an extremely dangerous spiritual object."

Yun Xuan felt a slight sweat dripping down his face. He then circulated his spiritual power to protect the spiritual energy around him. He nodded gently and said, "The Heart of Earth Fire controls the fire power of the earth veins. We must proceed with caution. Any careless action may trigger the flow of magma."

They adjusted their breathing and stepped onto the edge of the Red Rock Land. The rocks beneath their feet felt incredibly hot. While their spiritual shields could partially block some of the heat, prolonged exposure to such intense heat would severely drain both physical and spiritual energy. The surrounding terrain was complex, dotted with jagged rocks and fiery fissures. Occasionally, a low rumble could be heard from deep underground, as if some power was stirring.

After walking for a while in the scorching heat, Yao Yue couldn't help but breathe slightly, with beads of sweat oozing out of her forehead. "The temperature here seems to be rising as we go deeper. In such an environment, I'm afraid our spiritual shield will not last long."

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes solemn. "The trials in the Land of Earth and Fire are different from the previous trials of Frost or Wind. Here, we are testing our endurance and control over fire. We must find a balance and control the output of spiritual power in order to sustain ourselves longer in this environment."

They continued forward in the direction indicated by the star map. The closer they got to the heart of the earth's fire, the hotter it became. Suddenly, flames erupted from cracks in the ground. Lava flowed along the cracks, gradually forming pools of fire that blocked the path ahead. Yao Yue frowned and whispered, "These pools of fire block the road. It seems we'll have to take a detour."

Yunxuan looked around carefully and pointed to a huge rock not far away: "There is a narrow passage on that rock. We can go around it."

They carefully circled above the rocks, carefully avoiding the hot lava, and continued along the narrow passage. At this moment, the ground suddenly shook violently, and several hot rocks fell from the surrounding rock walls. The two of them quickly dodged and avoided being hit by the rocks.

After the shaking stopped, Yun Xuan whispered, "It seems the power of the underground fire is even stronger than we imagined. Perhaps this is the final test of our endurance."

The two continued on, and after a difficult trek, they finally reached an open rock platform. In the center of the platform stood a massive rock, and in the center of the rock was embedded a crimson spirit bead. From this bead, faint flames continuously emanated, as if the power of the earth's fire burned within it. This was the legendary Heart of Earth's Fire.

Yao Yue looked at the Spirit Pearl, a trace of awe flashing in her eyes: "The Heart of Earth Fire is so blazing, its spiritual energy is even stronger than imagined, we must be careful."

Yun Xuan nodded, his expression solemn: "The power of the Heart of Earth Fire is not something that everyone can withstand. It can guide the power of the earth veins. If you don't have enough endurance and determination, you will be burned to ashes by its scorching power."

Just as the two were about to approach the Heart of Earth Fire, a deep voice echoed from all around: "Intruders, if you wish to obtain the Heart of Earth Fire, you must accept the test of Earth Fire to see if you have the courage to withstand its power."

As the sound reverberated, the rocks on the ground began to crack. A fiery spiritual energy rose from the earth, forming a guardian formed from magma. The guardian was tall, wrapped in flames, and the temperature around him instantly climbed to the limit. His gaze was calm and majestic, like a volcanic god.

Yun Xuan took a deep breath and bowed respectfully: "Senior, we are guided by the star map and come here to seek enlightenment from the Heart of Earth Fire."

The Flame Guardian gazed at them calmly and whispered, "The Heart of Earthfire controls the heat and fury of the earth. If you wish to gain its recognition, you must prove that you can withstand the burning of flames and resonate with its power."

As soon as the Guardian finished speaking, he gently waved his hand, and flames suddenly rose around them, enveloping the two of them. The scorching heat seemed to completely melt their spiritual shields. Yun Xuan gritted his teeth, gripped his sword tightly, and quickly concentrated the spiritual power in his body to resist the incessant flames.

Yaoyue panted slightly, but her eyes held a resolute look. She knew this test wasn't just a drain on her physical strength, but also a test of her will. She silently channeled her spiritual energy into the shield, slowly calming her mind and attempting to channel the power of the flames to the surface of the spiritual shield, alleviating the pain within.

Seeing that the two did not retreat, the Flame Guardian slowly nodded and said, "To endure the burning of the underground fire is to acknowledge the power of the fire. If you can find endurance and courage within the flames, the Heart of the Underworld Fire will be yours."

As the flames intensified, their spiritual shields gradually dimmed, as if they could be ripped apart by the blazing flames at any moment. Just as the shields threatened to collapse, Yun Xuan took a deep breath, concentrated his spiritual energy within, and slowly closed his eyes, attempting to resonate with the power of the flames.

Amidst this extreme burning, he gradually sensed a strange aura, as if the flames' heat were no longer an enemy, but a companion blending with his spiritual power. He let go of his inner defenses, channeling his spiritual power along with the flames' force, ultimately merging with it.

Seeing Yunxuan's condition gradually stabilize, Yaoyue followed his lead, letting go of her inner resistance and attempting to resonate with the power of the flames. After a moment, the two of them no longer felt the burning pain. Instead, they felt their spiritual energy gradually purifying under the baptism of the flames, as if they had gained a brand new power.

The Flame Guardian gazed at the two, a flicker of approval in his eyes. He slowly said, "You have passed the test of the Earthfire and proven your endurance and will. The Heart of the Earthfire recognizes your determination. May its power accompany you on your journey."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Guardian's figure gradually dissipated into flames. The Earth Fire Heart in the center of the Red Rock Platform shone with a fiery light, as if beckoning the two to draw upon its power. Yun Xuan slowly stepped forward and gently touched the Earth Fire Heart. He felt a surge of scorching spiritual energy instantly surge into his body, as if his entire body were cleansed by the flames, his spiritual power becoming even clearer and purer.

Yaoyue also stepped forward and slowly introduced the spiritual energy of the Heart of Earth Fire into her body. She felt an unprecedented warm power surging in her heart, as if her soul was cleansed by the fiery power, and her will became more resolute.

They carefully stored the Heart of Earthfire, their hearts filled with gratitude. The trials of the Flame Guardians had taught them the true meaning of fire: fire symbolized not only destruction but also rebirth and baptism. The power of fire brought them not only fiery spiritual strength but also the sublimation of their own will.

Leaving the Red Rock Land, they looked back at the blazing volcano with a newfound awe. They knew the power of the Earth's Fire Heart symbolized rebirth and an immortal spirit. With this strength and faith, they would continue to follow the light of the star map and embark on an unknown journey.