Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The afterglow of leaving Wind Valley lingered, and Yunxuan and Yaoyue still felt a reverence and resonance for the universe. The power of the Spiritual Charm strengthened their resolve, while the light of the Star Chart guided them forward. This time, their goal was the legendary land of fire, teeming with mystery and danger—the Abyssal Fire Region.

When they reached the edge of the fire zone, the sight before them took their breath away. This inferno zone was devoid of greenery, a sea of ​​scorched earth. The ground was streaked with dark red, as if veins of fire were slowly flowing beneath the surface, poised to erupt in blazing flames at any moment. A blazing aura filled the air, a strong odor of sulfur thickening the air. Faintly, they could hear the low roar of flames, like the roar of a sleeping beast from the depths.

Yao Yue frowned slightly, raised her hand to shield herself from the oncoming heat, and whispered, "Legend has it that this abyssal fire region is where the ancient Fire Gods fought, and thus it is still filled with the power of fire. I've heard that this place contains an extremely rare delicacy called the 'Fire Lotus Core', which contains infinite fire spiritual power. However, to obtain it, one must undergo extremely severe trials."

Yun Xuan nodded, a determined glint in his eyes, and he slowly said, "Although the Fire Lotus Core carries danger, since the star map has led us here, this is our destiny. As long as we are determined, we have a chance to pass the test."

The two exchanged glances before stepping onto the blazing fire. As they delved deeper, the temperature rose, a rolling heat wave seemingly enveloping them in a searing flame. The ground beneath their feet grew increasingly scorching, each step a test of their will and strength.

As they advanced deeper into the Fire Territory, Yunxuan felt his spiritual energy gradually being suppressed by the aura of the Fire Territory. Beside him, Yaoyue was also visibly struggling, but she gritted her teeth and refused to retreat. Yunxuan turned to look at her and whispered encouragement, "The Fire Territory's forces may attempt to weaken our spiritual power, but as long as we remain resolute, we can withstand this pressure."

Yao Yue nodded in response, a hint of stubbornness in her eyes: "I will not be intimidated by this little difficulty. Let's get through this fireland together."

Just as they were gradually acclimating to the intense heat of the Fire Region, the ground around them suddenly shook, as if the flames beneath were awakening. With a resounding tremor, flames erupted from the ground, forming pillars of fire that surrounded them.

The flames continued to rise, and the temperature around them increased dramatically, as if the very air itself was burning. Yun Xuan focused his attention, constantly strengthening the spiritual shield in his hands to resist the flames. But the flames seemed to possess spirituality, constantly eroding their defenses, as if to devour them.

At this moment, Yao Yue stared ahead, her voice trembling slightly: "Look, that's the shadow of Huo Lian!"

Yunxuan followed her gaze and, sure enough, in the center of the flames, a crimson lotus flower loomed in the scorching air. Its petals shimmered like flowing magma, and at its center, a gleaming red lotus seed loomed, seemingly imbued with the power of endless fire.

"That's the Fire Lotus Core." Yun Xuan took a deep breath, feeling his blood surge with the power of the Fire Lotus. He knew this was the goal of their trip, but obtaining the Fire Lotus Core was clearly no easy task.

Yao Yue also realized the severity of the challenge. She stared at the Fire Lotus in front of her and whispered, "The Fire Lotus is protected by this flame. If you want to obtain it, you must probably pass through these blazing pillars of fire."

Yun Xuan gripped his sword tightly, a look of determination in his eyes. "No matter how dangerous the road ahead, we must not retreat. This Fire Lotus Core is not only a source of strength, but also a test of our resolve."

The two exchanged glances and simultaneously took steps toward the Fire Lotus Core. The blazing flames seemed to impede their progress; with every step closer, they could feel the stinging pain of the flames burning all over their bodies. But they didn't stop, their hearts filled with determination towards their goal.

Just as they were getting closer and closer to the core of the fire lotus, the flames around them suddenly turned into countless illusory fire shadows. Those fire shadows were like souls in the flames, with scarlet light flashing in their eyes, and with endless resentment, they surrounded the two of them in the center.

Yao Yue whispered in surprise, "Are these Hokage... the souls of those who once perished in the Fire Realm?"

Yun Xuan responded in a deep voice, "Perhaps they too came for the Fire Lotus Core, but failed the test and ultimately transformed into vengeful spirits in the Fire Realm. These vengeful spirits hold deep resentment and may become our greatest obstacle."

Before he could finish his words, the Hokage, blazing with flames, lunged at the two. Yunxuan swiftly drew his sword and swung it with a fierce blast of energy, repelling the oncoming Hokage. Yaoyue also wielded her silver blade, calmly responding to the attacks from all around. Despite the sheer number of Hokage, the two remained undeterred, maintaining composure and tacit understanding, repeatedly repelling the incoming flame spirits.

However, the number of Hokage seemed endless, the flames around them grew thicker, and the resentment and heat waves mixed together, almost pushing their will to the limit.

At this moment, Yao Yue suddenly had an idea and said in a deep voice: "These Hokage cannot transcend perhaps because they have unresolved obsessions in their hearts. If we resist forcefully, it may only make their resentment worse."

Yunxuan was slightly startled when he heard this, but then he understood what she meant. He sheathed his sword, took a deep breath, and calmed his mind. He closed his eyes, sensing the resentment around him, and tried to use his spiritual power to embrace it rather than resist it.

Seeing this, Yao Yue also followed his method, opening her heart and guiding the surrounding Hokage with her spiritual power. As their hearts gradually calmed down, the surrounding Hokage gradually calmed down. Their resentment seemed to be appeased in some way, slowly receding, and finally turned into faint flames that disappeared into the air.

After the fire shadows dissipated, the surrounding flames gradually subsided. The core of the fire lotus in front of them flickered with a soft light, as if waiting for their arrival. Yunxuan and Yaoyue finally passed the many tests of the fire domain and stood before the fire lotus.

Yunxuan slowly reached out and gently plucked the Fire Lotus core. Suddenly, a surge of fiery spiritual energy surged from the lotus seed into his body, as if the essence of fire had merged into his blood, making his spiritual power surge like fire. Yaoyue also reached out to touch the Fire Lotus core, feeling the fiery energy flowing through her body, as if she had been baptized by fire.

"The power of the Fire Lotus Core is indeed extraordinary. It not only enhances our spiritual power, but also allows our will to be cleansed by flames." Yao Yue said softly, with a hint of emotion in her eyes.

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes firm as he spoke, "This trial has taught me the power of obsession. Just as the Hokage were stranded in the Fire Region due to their obsession, if we blindly pursue power and lose ourselves, we will inevitably suffer the same fate."

Yao Yue smiled slightly: "That is why we must always maintain our original intention in our pursuit of the ultimate taste, so as to avoid being distracted by desire and obsession.