Star Journey: Destiny Returns

As dusk deepened, the sunset glow spread across the horizon, like a splashed-ink scroll painting, tinting the mountains with a magnificent hue. A gentle breeze blew, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers and plants. Yunxuan and Yaoyue rested briefly in the valley. Having experienced the Trial of Ultimate Taste, their state of mind and cultivation had significantly improved, and their spiritual energy flowed more smoothly.

Yao Yue sat beside the spiritual spring, gently combing her long hair. The clear water flowed through her fingers, creating ripples. Her face was particularly soft and beautiful in the moonlight, and her eyes seemed to twinkle with stars, as if the hustle and bustle of the world could not disturb her tranquility.

"Yunxuan, how many trials do you think are waiting for us ahead?" she asked softly, her voice as clear as spring water.

Yunxuan looked up at the starry sky, holding the star map in his hand, gently stroking the ancient scroll that glowed with a pale blue light. His gaze was deep and firm. "The star map's guidance has never ceased, which means our journey is not over yet. Perhaps the challenges ahead will be even more difficult and dangerous."

Yao Yue nodded slightly, a trace of thought flashing in her eyes, "Although we have gone through many trials, I always feel that there are even greater secrets hidden in this secret realm."

Yun Xuan glanced at her and smiled slightly, "With you by my side, no matter how big the challenge is, I won't be afraid."

Yaoyue's cheeks flushed slightly, and she whispered, "You are always so confident."

Yunxuan's smile widened as he put away the star map. "After going through so much, our tacit understanding needs no further explanation. No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together."

At this warm moment, a strange wind blew in from all directions, carrying a hint of coldness, like a whisper from ancient times. The leaves around began to rustle, and the spiritual energy in the air became disordered.

Yao Yue stood up alertly, gripping the silver blade tightly in her hand, and scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes, "There's something unusual, be careful!"

Yun Xuan quickly drew his sword, his spiritual energy circulated rapidly, and he entered a combat state. "Looks like our break is over."

Suddenly, a rustling sound was heard in the dense forest, and several dark figures slowly emerged from the darkness. They were dressed in black robes, their faces hidden under hoods, and the weapons in their hands gleamed coldly in the moonlight, and their aura was chilling.

"It's someone from the Black Flame Cult again." Yao Yue frowned, a hint of disgust in her tone.

Yun Xuan's eyes were stern as he whispered, "They really are haunting us."

The leading black-robed man stepped forward and said in a hoarse and cold voice, "Yunxuan, Yaoyue, your good luck ends here."

Yun Xuan sneered, "The people of the Black Flame Cult are truly persistent."

The black-robed man laughed sinisterly and said, "We have sealed off this valley. You can't escape even if you have wings."

Yao Yue gripped the silver blade tightly, her eyes determined. "Stop talking nonsense and get started."

The black-robed man's eyes turned cold, and he waved his hand to signal his men to attack. In an instant, several men in black pounced on the two men like ghosts.

Yunxuan flashed, his longsword slashing with a sharp gleam as he charged directly at the enemy in front. His swordsmanship was swift and precise, each strike imbued with powerful spiritual energy. Yaoyue, on the other hand, darted like a swallow, the silver blade in her hand transforming into streaks of cold light, neutralizing the enemy's attacks one by one.

However, this time the enemy was clearly more formidable than any they had encountered before. Their attacks were fierce, their coordination was seamless, and their moves were filled with deadly intent. Yunxuan and Yaoyue also felt immense pressure as they dealt with them.

"These people are not easy to deal with." Yun Xuan said in a low voice, frowning.

Yao Yue dodged an attack easily and counterattacked, forcing the enemy back. "They are the elite of the Black Flame Cult. We must be careful."

Just as the two men prepared to strike back, suddenly, a low incantation echoed through the night sky. The sound seemed to come from deep underground, carrying a strange power. Then, the air around them grew heavy, and an invisible force enveloped them.

Yun Xuan felt the spiritual energy in his body being blocked, and his face changed slightly, "Oh no, it's the sealing barrier!"

The black-robed man laughed triumphantly and said, "You have no way to escape."

Yao Yue tried to circulate her spiritual power, but found that it was suppressed by the barrier and could not be used. "What should I do?"

Yun Xuan gritted his teeth and said, "We can only break the barrier!"

He concentrated all his spiritual energy, raised his sword high, and sent a dazzling sword light straight into the barrier. However, the barrier only shook slightly and did not break.

The black-robed man sneered, "It's all in vain. Just surrender."

At this critical moment, a gentle light suddenly shone from the distant mountaintop, piercing through the darkness and spreading into the valley. The light was pure and warm, as if bringing hope.

"What is that?" Yaoyue looked in the direction of the light in surprise.

Yun Xuan felt a powerful force surge into his body and said excitedly, "It's the power of the mysterious spirit!"

The black-robed man's expression suddenly changed, and he cried out in disbelief, "Impossible! How could the power of the Mysterious Spirit appear here?"

A glimmer of joy flashed in Yunxuan's eyes, "This is our chance!"

He and Yaoyue exchanged a glance and nodded in tacit agreement. They both closed their eyes, their minds united, feeling the call of the Mysterious Spiritual Power. The spiritual energy within their bodies resonated with the Mysterious Spiritual Power, and cracks began to appear in the barrier.

The black-robed man shouted in fear: "Stop them!"

The remaining men in black rushed towards the two, trying to interrupt their concentration. Yao Yue suddenly opened her eyes, swung her silver blade, and a spiritual barrier blocked the enemy.

Yun Xuan opened his eyes, his gaze determined, and pointed his sword towards the sky, "Break!"

A tremendous force erupted from his body, and the barrier collapsed under the impact of this force.

Seeing the situation was hopeless, the black-robed man turned and tried to flee. Yun Xuan moved like lightning, blocking his way. "Want to leave? Not so easy."

The black-robed man launched a desperate final attack, but it was no use. Yun Xuan swung his sword, easily deflecting his attack, and with a backhand strike, knocked him down.

Yaoyue dealt with the other enemies, walked over to Yunxuan, and whispered, "It's over."

Yun Xuan nodded and looked towards the distant mountain peak. "The emergence of the mysterious spiritual power must have its significance."

Yaoyue smiled and said, "Perhaps, the secret of the star map lies ahead."

Yunxuan gripped the star map tightly, his eyes determined, "Then let's uncover this secret."

The night breeze blew gently, bringing a breath of fresh air. The two walked side by side towards the mountaintop. The moonlight shone on their backs, casting long shadows that made them look determined and powerful.

Their journey continues, and what awaits them ahead will be even more unknown challenges and opportunities.