Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After leaving the summit of Xinghai Mountain, Yunxuan and Yaoyue, carrying the revelation of the shimmering starlight, continued to follow the star map. This time, the map pointed to an extremely precipitous mountainous region, steep and ferocious, with strong winds and a host of dangers. The wind here seemed to possess a will of its own, sometimes gentle and caressing, sometimes as sharp as a blade. This region, known as "Lonely Horizon," is said to harbor a supremely precious item, the "Wind Blade Heart," a creation of an ancient wind spirit. Possessing unparalleled pure wind energy, it grants practitioners swiftness and agility, while also enhancing their control over the wind's power.

Climbing the steep mountain path, Yaoyue felt the whistling wind, took a deep breath, and sighed, "This wind is so powerful it's frightening. It seems the wind grows stronger with every step we take. It seems the trial of the Wind Blade Heart is not simple."

Yun Xuan nodded, a look of determination on his face: "The Heart of the Wind Blade can control the spiritual power of the wind. If we want to gain its recognition, we must go through the ultimate wind trial."

They advanced cautiously among the towering rocks. The air around them grew increasingly bitter, and the wind grew stronger, as if testing their endurance and resolve. Yaoyue looked ahead and suddenly saw a narrow passage between the cliffs. It was the only way to the summit. She frowned slightly and whispered, "It seems this is the only way to the summit, but the wind seems even stronger in this passage."

Yun Xuan stared at the narrow passage with a firm gaze. "The power of wind is gathering here. I'm afraid this is the first test set by the Heart of Wind Blade. If we can't even withstand the baptism of wind, I'm afraid we won't be able to enter the trial ground."

They adjusted their breathing and stepped firmly into the passage. Suddenly, a powerful wind roared in from all directions, slicing through their skin and their spiritual shields like blades, leaving tiny cracks on the surface. Yunxuan felt a dull sting on his face, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he gritted his teeth and channeled his spiritual energy into his shield to counter the sharp wind.

Yaoyue also felt her spiritual shield gradually depleting under the intense wind. She closed her eyes, focusing her mind on the circulation of spiritual energy within her body, and tried to calm her breathing to maintain the stability of the shield. She felt as if every wisp of wind had a spirit, as if testing her will and concentration.

Under the pressure of this wind, the two slowly and steadily moved towards the end of the passage. Although their steps were difficult, their hearts became more and more determined. After a difficult trek, they finally crossed this passage with the strongest wind and came to a slightly flatter cliff.

Just as they breathed a sigh of relief, a gentle voice echoed in the wind, carrying a hint of ethereal meaning: "Intruder, the Heart of Wind Blade controls the purest wind spirit power in heaven and earth. If you wish to gain its recognition, you must accept the test of wind - dance in the wind and integrate the power of wind."

As soon as he finished speaking, the wind around them suddenly shifted, becoming even faster and fiercer, carrying an irresistible pressure. Before them, the wind condensed into a pale green figure, as light as the wind, emanating a wind-like aura that flowed like water, and a gaze filled with infinite wisdom and power.

Yun Xuan took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and said, "Senior, we are guided here by the star map, and we sincerely want to learn the true meaning of wind from the Heart of Wind Blade."

The Wind Spirit nodded gently, and its gentle voice echoed again: "Wind is both a symbol of freedom and an impermanent being. If you wish to master the power of the wind, you must find balance within it, dance with it, and truly resonate with it."

Before the Guardian could finish his words, the surrounding winds suddenly swirled, forming a powerful whirlwind that enveloped the two of them. The wind swept around them, seemingly tearing them to shreds. Yunxuan felt his shield tremble in the gusts, and the longsword in his hand trembled slightly under the pressure of the wind.

A trace of thought flashed in Yaoyue's eyes, and she whispered, "The elders said that we should find balance in the wind. If we insist on resisting this force, we may be harmed by it. Perhaps we should use our spiritual power to guide ourselves and become one with the wind."

Yunxuan nodded in agreement upon hearing this, then subdued his resistance. He adjusted his spiritual energy to a light and gentle state, blending with the wind's force, using it to elevate his posture. As expected, as his mindset shifted, he felt the gale's pressure gradually ease, and his movements in the wind became light and natural.

Yao Yue's movements also became more agile as her spiritual energy adjusted, as if she were dancing in a strong wind. Her movements followed the wind, and there was a sense of calmness in her gestures. She was no longer resisting the wind, but following its direction, as if dancing with the spirit of the wind.

Seeing this, the Wind Spirit's eyes flashed with a gleam of relief, and he said softly, "The power of wind is inherently unpredictable and not based on sheer force. Now that you understand the true meaning of following the wind, you may proceed to the second stage of the test—the Dance of the Wind Blades."

As soon as the words fell, the wind around them suddenly changed, and the fierce wind took on a sharp edge, as if it had transformed into countless sharp blades, each blade carrying a biting chill, like a blade hidden in the wind, no longer soft air, but countless hidden blades.

Yunxuan sensed the wind blade's sharp momentum and instantly became alert. He knew that this dance of wind blades tested not only one's ability to follow the wind's will but also their precise control over its power. He took a deep breath, focused his spiritual energy on his sword, and let the blade sway gently in the wind. His spiritual energy gently swung along the wind blade's trajectory, forming streams of sword energy that flowed like the wind, dispelling the approaching wind blades.

Yao Yue also responded calmly. Her figure was as light as catkins. The silver blade rotated in her hand, intertwining with the wind blade. Every move she made was agile. She neither clashed head-on with the wind blade, nor was she oppressed by the wind blade. It seemed as if she was moving freely in the wind blade.

Seeing the two dancing with the wind blades with light steps and no panic in their movements, the Wind Spirit's eyes flashed with approval: "Your movements have reached the true meaning of the wind. You can move with the wind and control its edge. The heart of the wind blade will open to you."

Following the Wind Spirit's voice, the surrounding wind blades gradually dissipated, and the air became soft and calm. The Wind Spirit's figure slowly merged into the wind, and before them, a pale green crystal appeared. A faint light shone from the crystal, as if condensed with the purest essence of wind in the universe. This was the legendary Heart of the Wind Blade.

Yunxuan slowly stepped forward and gently grasped the Wind Blade Heart in his hand. He felt a fresh spiritual energy flow into his body like the wind. The spiritual energy in his body became light and swift, as if he had received the blessing of the wind in an instant. He felt a sense of respect in his heart and said softly, "The power of wind is invisible and formless. Only by following nature can we grasp its true meaning."

Yaoyue also gently touched the heart of the wind blade, drawing its spiritual energy into her body. Instantly, she felt the spiritual power within her become swift and fluid, as if she could move with the wind at any moment, light and free. She closed her eyes slightly, feeling the lightness and elegance of the wind force, as if her heart was filled with the freedom and infinity of power.

The power of the Heart of Wind Blade not only allowed them to gain pure wind aura, but also made them understand the true meaning of wind - the light power of wind brought the pursuit of unrestrained freedom. The power of wind taught them to adapt to changes rather than stick to force.

They bowed toward the foot of the mountain path, expressing their gratitude to the heavens and the spirit of the wind, and then placed the Wind Blade Heart into the spirit box. The light of the star map flickered again in the night sky, guiding them in the direction of their next journey.

With the power of the Wind Blade Heart and an elevated state of mind, Yunxuan and Yaoyue left Tianya Guxuan and continued on an unknown journey following the light of the star map. Along the way, they will continue to comprehend the true meaning of the spiritual power of heaven and earth until they find their ultimate taste.