Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The morning mist in the mountains hadn't yet completely dissipated, but the woods were already filled with subtle fluctuations of spiritual energy. Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood at the edge of the secret realm, having just recovered from the aftermath of a fierce battle. Their hearts were filled with both joy at the supreme spiritual power and wariness and concern for their new enemy.

Yao Yue's eyes were solemn as she gazed into the deep woods and said slowly, "These black-robed men are indeed here with ill intentions. Judging from their fighting power, it's impossible for the forces they belong to to be just a chance encounter. They've probably already set their sights on this supreme power."

Yun Xuan nodded, recalling the battle scene just now, his eyes flashing with calmness and deep thought. "These people's coordination is impeccable, and their attack is fierce. They are obviously well prepared. Although they retreated this time, they will definitely come back again. Perhaps the ancient power circulating in this world has gradually attracted more covetous people."

Yao Yue was silent for a moment, then whispered, "If the power of Zhiwei is truly as mysterious as the legends say, how can we protect it? And can we truly absorb this power and use it for our own benefit before the enemy returns?"

Yunxuan pondered for a moment, recalling the dim light of the altar in the secret realm and the trace of supreme power he had just absorbed. He could feel the spiritual energy in his body more abundant than before, but he had a vague feeling that this was only the tip of the iceberg of supreme power, and the true potential was far from being touched.

"Perhaps, only through continuous experience can this power be fully awakened." Yun Xuan said firmly, "The star map's guidance is correct. This journey is both a pursuit and a test. We cannot turn back. We must face all the unknowns with a stronger attitude."

A flicker of determination flashed in Yaoyue's eyes. She knew Yunxuan's decision was well-considered. Their goal wasn't just to savor the ultimate flavor, but also to achieve inner growth and awakening. After a moment's silence, the two resolved to continue on, following the star map's lead, and stepping into uncharted territory.

After leaving the secret realm, Yunxuan and Yaoyue's pace quickened once more. They crossed mountains and rivers, traversed desolate forests, and passed through hidden valleys, the faint light of the star map always guiding their path. Every new and strange landscape seemed to conceal the aura of ancient power, inspiring awe.

During a brief rest, Yunxuan and Yaoyue stopped by a quiet waterside. A mountain stream gurgled, its clear water reflecting their tired but resolute faces.

"The place described in the star map is in this area, but we haven't found the specific entrance yet." Yunxuan observed the surrounding terrain, trying to find more clues from the faint light of the star map.

Yao Yue squatted by the water, washing her face with clean water. She spoke slowly, "In this area, we're not the only ones seeking ancient power. Those black-robed men may already be lurking in the shadows. Perhaps they're also biding their time."

Just as the two were lost in thought, they suddenly heard a burst of hurried footsteps. Yunxuan and Yaoyue immediately became alert and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw a strange man stumbling out of the woods, his clothes disheveled and his expression panicked, as if he was running away from something.

"Help... Help me!" the man shouted breathlessly. A glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes when he saw Yunxuan and Yaoyue. He stumbled over to them, his face filled with fear, as if something terrible was chasing him from behind.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue exchanged a glance, their guard immediately raised. The man panted, "They're coming... They're chasing me... The black-robed men, they're trying to plunder the supreme spiritual energy here..."

Yao Yue frowned slightly when she heard the words "black-robed man." She immediately held the man's shoulders and asked, "How did you get this information? What is their goal?"

The man took a breath, a look of helplessness and fear in his eyes. "I was once one of their members... but because I failed a mission, they hunted me down. I stumbled upon the legend of the Ultimate Taste and wanted to spread the word, but... they won't tolerate betrayal."

Yunxuan's eyes were cold, and he felt a hint of insincerity in the man's words. But he knew that a little more information might reveal more secrets.

"Since you know their plan, you might as well tell us in detail. Otherwise, I'm afraid you will be hunted by them again." Yun Xuan said calmly.

The man hesitated slightly, but under the determined gazes of Yunxuan and Yaoyue, he finally nodded and whispered, "Their faction is called the 'Absolute Shadow Alliance,' and they specialize in tracking down ancient powers and spiritual objects. The legend of the supreme flavor in this area has attracted their leader. It's said that the supreme spiritual power here is enough to change the fate of a cultivator, granting them extraordinary powers."

Yunxuan's heart sank upon hearing this. He realized the other party wasn't exaggerating. The mystery and power of the Supreme Taste had attracted more and more coveted individuals. Their adventure was not only a journey of discovery, but also a test of protection and competition.

"The Jueying Alliance is very powerful. If we confront them head-on, it might be very dangerous." Yao Yue reminded in a low voice.

"But this is also our training." Yun Xuan gripped the sword tightly and said firmly, "The more difficult the opponent, the more it can sharpen our will."

Yaoyue nodded, silently making up her mind. Although the road ahead was full of obstacles, she no longer hesitated.

As the man had predicted, Yunxuan and Yaoyue soon felt a sharp presence approaching. Shadowy figures in black robes gradually emerged from the woods, surrounding them with grim expressions.

The leading black-robed man smiled coldly and said calmly, "Two brave young men, I urge you to hand over the clues to Zhiwei, so as not to waste your efforts. We in the Jueying Alliance never leave anyone alive."

Yun Xuan snorted softly, the sword in his hand flickering slightly, his eyes filled with fighting spirit: "The ultimate taste belongs to heaven and earth, what right do you have to monopolize it?"

The black-robed man chuckled disdainfully, then waved his hand and ordered, "Since you don't know what's good for you, then I'll let you witness the strength of the Jueying Alliance."

Before the black-robed man finished speaking, several members of the group quickly rushed towards Yunxuan and Yaoyue. Their figures were strange and their moves were fierce, each one filled with murderous intent. Yunxuan and Yaoyue were not afraid at all, each exerting all their spiritual power to confront the enemy head-on.

During the fierce battle, Yun Xuan gradually felt his spiritual energy grow stronger than ever, as if, nourished by the power of the Supreme Taste, his spiritual energy had undergone a transformation. His sword light became sharper, his body movements more agile, and he could almost easily disarm the enemy's attacks.

Yaoyue also felt the change in the spiritual power in her body. Her silver blade swept through the air, bringing up streaks of cold light, and each strike accurately repelled the enemy.

Seeing this, a trace of unease flashed across the black-robed figure's face, as if he hadn't expected the two men to be so powerful. They quickly adjusted their tactics, intending to separate Yunxuan and Yaoyue and defeat them one by one.

However, Yunxuan and Yaoyue were in perfect harmony and tacitly resolved the enemy's siege. They covered each other and attacked alternately, forming an impenetrable line of defense and repelling the enemies one by one.

Seeing the situation was not good, the leading black-robed man gnashed his teeth and roared, "Impossible! How can you be so powerful?!"

Yun Xuan looked at him coldly, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "The ultimate taste is not only the source of power, but also the awakening of the soul. Only with firm belief can one truly control this power."

The black-robed men were eventually defeated, and the remaining ones fled in all directions. Yunxuan and Yaoyue smiled at each other, feeling the surge of spiritual energy within each other's bodies. They understood that this battle had not only improved their cultivation, but also strengthened their resolve.

After the battle, Yunxuan and Yaoyue gathered their minds and continued forward in the direction indicated by the star map. Although they still faced many unknown challenges, their faith was firm, and the transformation of their spiritual power filled them with confidence in the future.

The morning sun gradually rose, and its warm light shone on the two of them, as if it was a blessing for their beliefs.