Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The night deepened, the stars high in the sky. The runes that had shimmered across the lake gradually dissipated, and moonlight streamed down upon the surface, shimmering like scattered stars. Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood on the lake's shore, gazing at the ethereal water for a long time, as if it reflected the uncertainty and determination within themselves.

"Yaoyue, what is the true meaning of the ultimate taste? If it's simply a pursuit of ingredients, why is the journey so fraught with danger?" Yunxuan murmured softly, a wave of questions welling up in his heart. He gazed at the star map, as if seeking an answer from the ancient runes.

Yaoyue pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Perhaps every ultimate flavor holds its own unique meaning. Just as we set out from our homes, we're not just searching for the ingredients, but also for our own obsessions. The deeper we delve, the more we sense the mystery of this power." She gazed into the distance, a glint flickering between her brows. "Perhaps we're not just searching for the ultimate flavor, but rather seeking answers deep within our hearts."

Yunxuan nodded, his mind seemingly grasping something, but still unable to grasp the true core. At this moment, his gaze was suddenly drawn to a tiny light by the lake. It was an ancient crystal stone embedded in a rock by the lake, emitting a faint blue light, as if guiding something.

"Look there!" Yunxuan gestured to Yaoyue, and the two of them simultaneously walked towards the crystal. As they approached, the crystal's light gradually grew brighter, and a subtle rune emerged, somewhat similar to the symbols on the star map.

Yao Yue was slightly excited. "This seems to be a new clue! Could this lake be the entrance to the next ultimate delicacy?"

Yunxuan gently placed his hand on the crystal, and in an instant, an ancient picture emerged in his mind: on the vast grassland, stood a deserted stone tablet, with the same runes engraved on the tablet, exuding a shocking ancient atmosphere.

"Yaoyue, I saw a stone tablet. Perhaps we need to go there." Yunxuan said, put down his hand, and looked determined. "It seems that our next stop has been pointed out."

"But if the shadow is still tracking us, there might be new obstacles." Yao Yue looked around worriedly. The shadow's attack just now reminded them that even with the guidance of the star map, there were still many dangers ahead.

Yun Xuan nodded silently, gripping his sword tightly, and said, "Since the star map shows it, we have nothing to fear. Even if dangers lie ahead, we must move forward bravely."

Without hesitation, the two followed the crystal's guidance, heading north with determined steps. The jungle, shrouded in darkness, was silent, only occasionally a gentle breeze rustled through, echoing the rustling of leaves. Yunxuan and Yaoyue walked forward in silence, each deep in thought, as if awaiting the next unexpected event in this quiet.

However, in the middle of the night, a strange low humming sound suddenly came from the forest. It was faint and seemed to come from a dark place deep in the forest, with a strange echo. Yao Yue stopped and felt a little uneasy. She looked around vigilantly.

"This sound... seems unusual." She whispered, her eyes cautious and sharp.

Yunxuan also noticed the strange atmosphere. He slowly reached for the hilt of his sword and whispered, "Be careful, it might be some kind of trap."

Before he could finish his words, several figures suddenly emerged from the surrounding trees. They were all clad in black robes, their faces hidden beneath hoods, their figures as cryptic as shadows. They approached silently, their hands flashing with cold light, clearly harboring ill intentions.

"It's these shadows again." Yao Yue couldn't help but frown, gripping the silver blade tightly, a cold glint in her eyes. "It seems their target isn't just us, but the one guided by the star map."

Yun Xuan snorted coldly and unsheathed his longsword. The sword's light was like the moon, illuminating the surrounding shadows. He stood beside Yao Yue, his eyes sharp and his voice firm, "Yao Yue, prepare to fight. As long as we are united, we will not be afraid of these comers."

Without a moment's hesitation, the black-robed figures charged forward in a flash, their swords and sabers interweaving into deadly arcs in the night. Yunxuan swung his sword to meet the enemy, his energy like a rainbow, neutralizing the oncoming attacks one by one, his sharp edge unleashed. Yaoyue nimbly weaved between the enemies, her silver blade flashing like a star, swiftly repelling the attacking shadows.

But these black-robed men were clearly more ferocious than the assassins they had encountered before. Each strike was imbued with murderous intent, aimed squarely at the vital points. Despite fighting with all their might, the two men felt somewhat overwhelmed, their strength gradually draining away. Cold sweat dripped from Yunxuan's forehead, and he secretly contemplated how to escape his predicament.

At that moment, Yaoyue let out a soft cry, and the silver blade slashed out in a sharp arc of light, forcing the black-robed figure in front of her to retreat. However, due to exhaustion, she was nearly injured by the enemy's attack. Seeing this, Yunxuan drew his sword with all his might, protecting Yaoyue behind him.

"Yaoyue, don't be stubborn. We must deal with this together!" He growled, a hint of determination in his eyes.

Yaoyue nodded, glancing at Yunxuan gratefully. The two stood back to back, leaning on each other, their hearts connected. Their moves gradually became more coordinated, as if they were one. The two blades intertwined in the night, forming a solid defensive network that gradually broke the black-robed man's offensive.

Seeing this, the black-robed figure seemed to be afraid and gradually retreated, a hint of unwillingness in his eyes. Just as Yun Xuan was about to give chase, the black-robed figure suddenly dispersed and disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

"This group of people came and went in a hurry. Their purpose wasn't to kill, but rather to test us," Yun Xuan whispered, a hint of doubt in his eyes. Their actions were clearly organized, not accidental.

Yao Yue pondered for a moment and whispered, "Whatever their purpose, we must continue moving forward. The guidance of the star map wouldn't stop here for no reason. This place must have some meaning."

The two exchanged glances, tacitly forgot the recent battle, and continued on their journey, following the star map's guidance. Soon, they arrived at a vast valley, where stood an ancient stone tablet—the very one Yunxuan had seen in his vision. The runes inscribed on the tablet glowed faintly with a blue light, echoing those on the star map, as if revealing some ancient secret.

"How does the power of this rune relate to the ultimate taste we seek?" Yao Yue gently stroked the stone tablet, a hint of doubt in her eyes. She could sense an ancient aura within the stone tablet, as if connected to heaven and earth, a feeling of awe.

Yunxuan took a deep breath and said slowly, "Perhaps this rune is a clue, guiding us to the true meaning of the ultimate taste. Only by exploring its mysteries can we grasp its essence."

At this moment, the stone tablet suddenly vibrated slightly, and a beam of light slowly rose from the top of the tablet, reflecting a pale image. The figure of an old man with white hair and beard was vaguely revealed. His lowered gaze seemed to penetrate time and space, staring at Yunxuan and Yaoyue.

"Come here, why do you come here?" The old man's voice was low and distant, as if it came from ancient times, with a sense of vicissitudes.

Yun Xuan was startled, then clasped his fists respectfully and said, "Juniors Yun Xuan and Yao Yue have been following the guidance of the star map, pursuing the secrets of the ultimate taste. We have happened to meet you, Senior. I wonder if you could offer some guidance?"

The old man was silent for a moment, as if sizing them up. Then he slowly spoke, "The path to ultimate taste isn't simply about flavor; it's about the energy of heaven and earth, the essence of all things. Now that you've embarked on this path, you must understand its true meaning."

Yao Yue lowered her eyes, her heart trembling, and she said respectfully, "Senior, please guide us. How should we proceed?"

The old man nodded slightly, and his figure gradually disappeared. Only a soft voice echoed in the ears of the two: "Go forward, pursue your true heart, and heaven and earth will grant you the true taste."

Before he finished speaking, the old man disappeared and the stone tablet returned to calm. Only the light of the rune was still flickering faintly, as if waiting for the arrival of the next pursuer.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue smiled at each other, their hearts filled with longing and awe for the future. They once again grasped the star map, and with the revelation from the old man's words, they continued on their long journey in pursuit of the ultimate taste.