Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After leaving the blazing abyssal fire region, Yunxuan and Yaoyue, carrying the fiery power of the Fire Lotus Core, once again followed the star map into a tranquil valley. Along the way, the mountains and forests gradually became lush, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and plants. In contrast to the scorching heat of the abyssal fire region, this place seemed like a paradise.

"The direction indicated by the star map is here." Yunxuan looked up at the end of the valley, and a clear lake quietly came into view.

The lake was shrouded in mist, its waters as clear as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and mountain scenery. The surface seemed completely still, its tranquility uncanny. Yao Yue's eyes flickered with curiosity, and she whispered, "This lake is truly unique. It's said that within this mirrored lake, one can see one's true self. If one's heart is not pure, one will be drawn into illusions, unable to extricate themselves."

Yunxuan nodded and said slowly, "Mirror Lake is the legendary 'other shore'. It can reflect people's deepest emotions and desires. If we are not resolute enough, we will be led into illusions. However, if we can see the truth within, the true meaning of this Mirror Lake will emerge and lead us to the other shore of our soul."

Yaoyue listened to his words and nodded slightly, feeling a mixture of awe and anticipation. She knew that this Mirror Lake was another test on their journey, and facing its reflection, she felt both a commitment to her inner self and a reverence for the unknown.

The two of them cautiously walked to the lake's edge, gazing silently at their reflections. The water reflected their faces clearly, like a mirror. Yunxuan saw his own resolute gaze and figure, and a chill ran down his spine. Yaoyue, on the other hand, saw the depths of her own emotions, and those buried memories surged through her heart like ripples, bringing with them a deep sense of melancholy.

As they gazed at the lake, ripples began to form, the reflections gradually blurred, and a hazy light appeared in the center of the lake. The light came from far away, as if some power in the depths of the lake was awakening, drawing them closer.

Yunxuan whispered, "The light in the center of the lake is where the ultimate taste lies. To obtain it, we must walk into the lake and, through our own illusions and obsessions, reach the other side."

Yao Yue looked at the light in the center of the lake with a firm gaze. She nodded gently and said, "No matter what lies ahead, we must take this step."

The two of them slowly walked into the lake. As they advanced, the water didn't even splash, as if their figures had melted into the reflection, becoming one with the surface. The surrounding water gradually enveloped their vision, and the world before them began to distort and shift amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

As his vision gradually blurred, Yunxuan found himself in a familiar scene—his hometown village. His parents, relatives, and fellow apprentices all stood before him, with warm smiles on their faces, as if awaiting his return.

Suddenly, Yunxuan felt an indescribable warmth well up in his heart. The scene before him was so real that he almost forgot it was an illusion. His mother's smile and his father's warm hand seemed to transport him back to the carefree days of his childhood. He looked at them, a trace of hesitation in his heart, the desire to return to this warmth.

Just as he was wavering, a cold voice came from a distance, as if awakening his sanity: "Yunxuan, don't be deceived by illusions. Your heart is not here."

Yun Xuan's heart trembled, realizing it was just an illusion of Mirror Lake. He took a deep breath, suppressed those warm memories in his heart, closed his eyes, and quietly adjusted his mind, gradually dispelling the illusion. The relatives in the illusion gradually faded, and finally disappeared from his sight. The lake water around him became clear and transparent again.

He turned to look at Yaoyue, who was standing in the lake, a shadowy figure looming before her. It was her master, the one who had once placed such high hopes on her. His gaze was gentle and caring, as he whispered, "Yaoyue, I know you've been pursuing your own path, but you still have many concerns in your heart. Are you willing to let go of everything and continue on this path?"

Yaoyue stared at her master, a complex emotion welling up in her heart. She knew her master's expectations and her family's responsibility to her, but at this moment, she knew that this was just an illusion in her heart.

She took a deep breath, with a determined light in her eyes, and said softly: "Master, I will not be bound by illusions. I will stick to my beliefs and keep moving forward." As the voice fell, the master's figure gradually faded and dissipated in the lake.

The two finally passed through the illusion of the Mirror Lake, and the water before them returned to calm. As their resolve grew, a transparent bridge to the other side gradually emerged from the lake. The light on the bridge led to the center of the lake, as if guiding them into an unknown place.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue exchanged a glance before stepping onto the bridge to the other shore. A faint blue light shone from the bridge, and with every step, they felt an invisible force surge into their hearts, as if the bridge to the other shore wasn't just a path to the center of the lake, but a test guiding their inner selves.

As they reached the end of the bridge, the light in the center of the lake grew increasingly dazzling, eventually revealing a flawless white lotus. Within the lotus, a crystal clear crystal floated gently at its center, emitting a gentle aura.

Yao Yue exclaimed, "This is the ultimate delicacy in the other shore—the Mirror Soul Pearl. It can allow people to see the true nature of their souls and make them fearless."

Yunxuan stepped forward and gently reached out to touch the Mirror Spiritual Pearl. Instantly, a surge of clear energy surged into his body, and he felt his mind as transparent and clear as if washed by lake water. Yaoyue also stepped forward to touch the Spiritual Pearl. The gentle power of the Spiritual Pearl merged into her soul, making her mind even purer and more innocent.

"The Mirror Heart Pearl allows us to recognize the truth in our hearts, and also reminds us that only with fearless persistence can we continue to move forward." Yunxuan's eyes revealed a hint of determination. He understood that this trial would bring them not only strength, but also a kind of growth in self-transcendence.

Yao Yue smiled softly and nodded, "The power of the ultimate taste lies not only in its strength, but also in making us understand the meaning of pursuit. It guides us to constantly purify our hearts and pursue higher realms."

The two men absorbed the power of the Mirror Spiritual Pearl into their hearts, their minds growing more resolute and clear. The waters of Mirror Lake surged gently, as if celebrating their success. Their reflections on the lake remained clear, illuminating their resolute and fearless expressions.

With the power of the Beyond, the two walked back to the lakeside from the Beyond Bridge in the center of the lake, their hearts filled with anticipation for the unknown. The star map lit up again at the lakeside, illuminating the path ahead of them, as if guiding them towards a more distant adventure.