Star Journey: Destiny Returns

In the early morning, the dawn light filtered through the forest. A lingering mist hung in the air, and the grass, dotted with last night's dew, shimmered with crystal clear water. After an all-night trek, Yunxuan and Yaoyue finally reached their next stop, as indicated by the star map: a hidden ancient temple surrounded by dense forest. The mottled moss on the stone steps betrayed the traces of time, and the surroundings were shrouded in a desolate and mysterious atmosphere.

Yunxuan gazed at the ancient temple, a sense of awe welling up in his heart. "This ancient temple is not marked on the star map, as if its existence is deliberately hidden. Yaoyue, do you have a hunch? Will there be new clues hidden here?"

Yao Yue replied in a low voice, her eyes hesitant. "This place is hidden deep in the dense forest. Without the guidance of the star map, we would never have found it. Perhaps this place is not the most delicious place on the star map, but we might as well explore it."

The two walked up the stone steps one after the other. On the plaque hanging on the main entrance of the ancient temple were the three vague words "Linghuo Temple". The handwriting seemed to be blurred due to the passage of time, but it still revealed an unignorable majesty.

"Spiritual Fire Temple..." Yao Yue muttered softly, a look of deep thought evident between her brows. "It's said that the spiritual fire is an ancient, yang-like fire that can burn away filth and dispel evil spirits. If there really is a spiritual fire hidden here, then we must be extremely careful."

Yunxuan nodded, and they gently pushed the temple door, a long, creaking sound echoing through the silent ancient temple. A massive stone statue came into view, sitting in the center of the hall with its hands clasped together. Its face was serene, yet the hollow in its chest seemed to have once been inlaid with something precious.

"Look here." Yunxuan pointed to the groove on the chest of the stone statue. "Could it be that some kind of power was once enshrined here?" He said in a low voice, his eyes solemn.

At this moment, Yaoyue suddenly became alert and looked around: "Be careful, someone is approaching."

Before he finished speaking, several dark figures appeared from outside the temple. They were none other than the black-robed men who had been following them for so long. The leading figure slowly walked into the temple. The shadow beneath his hood obscured his features, but his presence and presence revealed a power that should not be underestimated.

"Yunxuan, Yaoyue, your journey has come to an end." The black-robed man's voice was low and cold, carrying a chilling intimidation. "Spiritual fire is not a power you can easily tamper with. We are here today to take your lives."

Yunxuan sneered, raised his sword to protect Yaoyue, and said firmly: "No matter where you come from, if you want to stop us from pursuing the ultimate taste, you must first ask the sword in my hand!"

The black-robed figure snorted softly, then waved his hand. The surrounding shadows quickly dispersed, surrounding Yunxuan and Yaoyue. Yaoyue, holding a silver blade, looked cold, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice, "Yunxuan, don't underestimate the enemy. They are numerous, so we must be careful."

The two sides held their ground for a moment, the air thick with tension. Suddenly, the black-robed figures launched their first attack, slashing blades from all directions. Yun Xuan, without hesitation, swung his sword to block the incoming blows. The sword's energy surged, reflecting streaks of cold light. Yao Yue's movements were nimble, the silver blade shimmering like starlight as it danced, neutralizing the deadly attack from behind.

However, the black-robed men's attack was incredibly ferocious, each strike precise and ruthless, clearly the work of well-trained assassins. Despite their best efforts, Yunxuan and Yaoyue were gradually forced back, eventually being forced to the center of the hall, their backs against the massive stone statue.

Just as the two of them were gasping for breath and considering retreating, a faint flame suddenly ignited on the stone statue's chest, gradually becoming brighter and hotter. The flame seemed to be stimulated by their breath, and in an instant it transformed into a flame barrier, blocking the black-robed man's attack.

Seeing this, the black-robed people showed horror on their faces and hurriedly retreated. The black-robed leader exclaimed in shock and anger: "How could the spiritual fire be used by them? This is impossible! Since ancient times, the spiritual fire has only recognized the temple and has never submitted to humans!"

Yaoyue gazed at the flame barrier, surprised to discover that it not only offered protection but also seemed to respond to their inner convictions. She whispered, "Yunxuan, this flame doesn't seem to repel us... Could it be that the awakening of the Spiritual Fire is a response to our inner convictions?"

Yun Xuan nodded, his eyes determined, and whispered, "Perhaps that's exactly what happened. We've been pursuing the ultimate taste with undivided attention, and the Spirit Fire in the Spirit Fire Temple has awakened, sensing our determination. So, there's no need to hold back!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he gripped his sword tightly, pouring the power of his heart into it. The sword light instantly merged with the spiritual fire, transforming into a blazing sword energy. Yao Yue followed closely behind, infusing all her energy into the spiritual fire barrier, forming an invisible pressure.

The black-robed men were clearly terrified when they saw this, but the leader gritted his teeth and roared, "Don't be intimidated by them! Kill them!"

Before he finished speaking, the men in black robes launched another attack, but Yunxuan and Yaoyue, under the protection of the spiritual fire, seemed to have their strength sublimated. Each of their moves carried the fiery breath of fire, the sword light was like a rainbow, and the flames were rampant, instantly suppressing the offensive of the men in black robes.

After several fierce clashes, the black-robed men gradually became exhausted. The leader finally realized that he was powerless to save the situation. He glared at the two men and said viciously, "Yunxuan, Yaoyue, don't be complacent. The secrets of the star map are beyond the reach of mortals like you! One day, you will pay a heavy price for this path!"

After saying that, the man in black robe waved his hand and quickly retreated with the remaining subordinates, disappearing into the depths of the dense forest in the blink of an eye.

As the smoke cleared, Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood under the spiritual fire, staring at the direction the black-robed figure had departed, their eyes flickering with thought. Yaoyue frowned slightly, wondering, "They clearly know a lot about the star map, and they've been tracking us. I wonder what their motive is."

Yun Xuan retracted his sword, his gaze firm as he spoke, "No matter what they intend, we only need to remain steadfast in our faith and will not be swayed by any force. The path to the ultimate taste, while unpredictable, is one we are certain to reach."

As soon as they finished speaking, the spiritual fire seemed to sense their determination, slowly merging into Yunxuan and Yaoyue's bodies. A warm power flowed through them, bringing unprecedented peace and strength. It was as if they merged with the power of the spiritual fire at that moment, gaining the strength it blessed.

"Yunxuan, do you feel it? This power... seems to be a blessing bestowed upon us by the spiritual fire." Yaoyue stroked her chest lightly, smiled slightly, with a firmness in her eyes.

Yunxuan nodded and smiled, "The awakening of the Spirit Fire may be the testimony of our determination. Yaoyue, no matter how dangerous the road ahead, we will move forward side by side."