Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The morning sun filtered through a thin layer of mist, draping the valley in a golden veil. A gentle breeze blew, bringing a fresh breath of air, as if washing away all the dust between heaven and earth. Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood atop the mountain, gazing out at the rolling hills, shrouded in mist, as if transported to a fairyland.

After going through the test of their state of mind, their hearts became stronger and their mutual understanding deepened. Yun Xuan took a deep breath, feeling the surge of spiritual energy in his body, and smiled, "After this trial, I feel like I have made another breakthrough."

Yao Yue nodded gently, her eyes clear as water: "Yes, inner growth is the most important gain."

Yunxuan turned his head and looked at her profile, his smile growing wider: "With you by my side, the journey doesn't seem so difficult."

Yaoyue's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "We are partners and should support each other."

The two smiled at each other, their tacit understanding evident without words.

Just as they were about to continue on their journey, a familiar and rich aroma wafted over, refreshing their hearts and minds. Yun Xuan raised his eyebrows and said in surprise, "This aroma... is even stronger than the spiritual scent I encountered before!"

Yaoyue also sensed the fragrance, and a hint of anticipation flashed across her face: "Perhaps, there is some adventure waiting for us ahead."

"Let's go and take a look!" Yunxuan said excitedly, and ran towards the direction where the fragrance came from.

The two walked along the mountain path, the fragrance growing stronger as they walked, and the spiritual energy around them becoming increasingly abundant. Passing through a dense forest, their vision suddenly opened up. A clear spiritual spring appeared before them, its water emerald green like jade, shimmering faintly. Beside the spring grew a variety of exotic flowers and plants, a dazzling array of colors that were truly beautiful.

"It's so beautiful here!" Yaoyue exclaimed, her eyes full of surprise.

Yunxuan nodded: "This place seems like a paradise, no wonder there is such a rich spiritual energy."

Just as they were lost in the beauty, a simple stone platform emerged from the center of the spring. On the platform was a plate of delicious food emitting colorful light, and the aroma came from there.

"That's... the ultimate delicacy!" Yun Xuan said excitedly, his eyes fixed on the delicacies on the stone platform.

Yao Yue hesitated a bit: "The last spiritual taste trial was not easy, we have to be careful this time."

Yunxuan nodded: "You are right, let's observe first."

As they approached the spiritual spring, they discovered a stone tablet beside it, inscribed with ancient characters. Yao Yue carefully examined it and read, "To savor this supreme delicacy, one must possess a sincere heart and righteous intentions. Those who are greedy will suffer retribution."

Yun Xuan pondered and said, "It seems that this test is not only about strength, but also about character."

Yao Yue smiled slightly: "As long as we are focused, we should be able to pass."

Yunxuan looked at her and said solemnly, "Then let's go together."

They carefully stepped onto the stone platform and approached the plate of delicious food. Upon closer inspection, they discovered the vibrant colors of the delicacy, as if condensed from the essence of heaven and earth. Yunxuan took a deep breath, feeling the fluctuations of spiritual energy within him.

"Are you ready?" Yunxuan asked.

Yaoyue nodded gently: "Yeah."

They each took a small piece of the delicacy, looked at each other, and put it into their mouths at the same time.

Instantly, a rich spiritual energy erupted within his body, as if countless starlights were surrounding him. Yun Xuan closed his eyes, feeling the baptism of this power, his mind becoming clear and bright.

However, just as they were immersed in it, the surrounding environment suddenly changed. The originally beautiful spiritual spring gradually disappeared, replaced by a dark space.

"What's going on?" Yaoyue opened her eyes in surprise and found herself in a void.

Yun Xuan also sensed something unusual. He gripped the sword tightly and said cautiously, "Be careful, this might be an illusion."

Before he could finish his words, countless dark shadows swarmed in from all directions, as if to devour them. The shadows were of various shapes, hideous faces, and exuded a strong malice.

"It seems that this is our test." Yun Xuan said calmly, the sword tip flashing with a cold light.

Yao Yue gripped the silver blade tightly, her eyes determined: "Since that's the case, let's fight!"

The two stood back to back, their movements in perfect sync. The shadows let out a piercing roar and pounced frantically upon them. Yunxuan swung his sword, his sword energy surging and shattering the shadows. Yaoyue's figure was lithe, the silver blade drawing graceful arcs in the darkness, each strike with unparalleled precision.

However, the shadows seemed endless, and they regrouped the moment they were destroyed.

"This is not a solution!" Yaoyue said anxiously.

Yun Xuan gritted his teeth and said, "Perhaps, we need to find their source."

At this moment, a huge black shadow emerged from the darkness in the distance. It was larger than the other shadows and its aura was more terrifying.

"That's their leader!" Yunxuan's eyes were sharp.

Yaoyue nodded: "Let's go together!"

The two men simultaneously charged at the massive black shadow. Yunxuan's sword energy blazed like a rainbow, aiming directly at the shadow's core. Yaoyue attacked from the side, her silver blade gleaming with dazzling light.

The huge black shadow roared deafeningly and swung its massive arms, attempting to knock the two men away. Yun Xuan dodged deftly, seizing the opportunity and stabbing the shadow's chest with his sword.

"Now!" he shouted.

Yaoyue immediately understood what he meant, leaped into the air, raised the silver blade high, gathered all the spiritual power in her body, and stabbed it down suddenly.

In an instant, the darkness was pierced, and the surrounding space began to collapse. The shadows dissipated and turned into nothingness.

The two landed safely and found themselves back at the Spirit Spring. The water was still crystal clear, as if nothing had happened.

"We succeeded." Yaoyue breathed a sigh of relief and a relieved smile appeared on her face.

Yunxuan looked at her and smiled, "Yes, this test is more difficult than I imagined."

At this moment, ripples appeared on the surface of the spiritual spring again, and a ray of light rose from the bottom of the spring, transforming into a white-haired old man with a smile on his face and a kind look in his eyes.

"Young people, congratulations on passing the test of the ultimate taste." The old man's voice was gentle, like a spring breeze.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue clasped their fists and saluted at the same time: "Senior, thank you for your guidance."

The old man waved his hand. "You're welcome. Your ability to resist the temptation within and overcome greed is a testament to your character. While the food may be delicious, the state of mind is even more important."

Yao Yue said respectfully, "We have benefited greatly from your teachings, Senior."

The old man nodded slightly. "Next, your journey will be even more difficult, but I believe that as long as you stick to your original intention, you will reach the end."

Yunxuan said firmly: "We will!"

The old man smiled with satisfaction, his figure gradually faded away, and finally turned into starlight and merged into the spiritual spring.

The light from the spiritual spring gradually dimmed, but the plate of the most delicious food still emitted a soft glow. Yun Xuan walked forward and found that the amount of the most delicious food seemed to have increased.

"Is this a reward for us?" he asked doubtfully.

Yaoyue chuckled and said, "Maybe. We can take some with us. They might come in handy on the road."

Yunxuan nodded: "That's right."

They carefully packed up the delicacies and prepared to continue on their journey.

At this moment, Yao Yue suddenly remembered something and asked, "Yun Xuan, do you feel that this trial is related to the previous state of mind trial?"

Yun Xuan thought for a moment and replied, "Indeed, this illusion seems to be testing our hearts."

Yao Yue nodded: "Perhaps, the trials along the way are all to sharpen our minds, so that we can stick to our original intentions when facing temptations and difficulties."

Yunxuan smiled and said, "Anyway, we've made it this far. All we have to do next is keep going."

Yaoyue smiled with satisfaction: "Well, I believe we can do it."

The two packed their bags and set out on a new journey. A gentle mountain breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. In the distance, the sky was a clear blue, with white clouds drifting across the sky, as if guiding their path forward.

Yunxuan looked into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation: "Yaoyue, what do you think the end point of the star map will be?"

Yao Yue smiled slightly and replied, "Maybe it's a whole new world, or maybe it's the answer we've been looking for. No matter what, as long as we're together, there's no need to be afraid."

Yunxuan turned his head and looked at her serious expression, a warm feeling welling up in his heart: "Yes, as long as we are together, there is nothing to fear."

The two exchanged a smile and continued to move forward. Their backs appeared remarkably resolute in the sunlight, as if even the heavens and the earth were moved by them.