Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The rising sun brought a faint glow. The power Yunxuan and Yaoyue had gained from the spiritual fire's protection continued to flow slowly through their bodies, bringing with it an unprecedented sense of peace and confidence. Now, they set out from the Spirit Fire Temple, following the guidance of the star map, and entered a dark and long ancient road. This ancient road was already covered with vines, and the stone bricks were uneven and occasionally broken. It seemed that every step might lead to unknown danger.

"This ancient road is marked as 'Mysterious'. The name is not clear to begin with. It seems that this journey will be full of dangers." Yao Yue whispered, stroking the star map with her fingers. Her expression was full of vigilance and contemplation.

Yunxuan patted her shoulder gently and said comfortingly, "No matter how difficult the road is, we can always find a way out. The power of the spiritual fire is still there, and we will definitely be able to pass through smoothly."

Shortly after the two entered the Mysterious Ancient Road, the road ahead suddenly grew eerie. An indescribable, strange smell hung in the air, as if something ominous had occurred along this path. From the depths of the dense forest, faint whispers could be heard, as if someone was secretly watching their every step, spying on their weaknesses. Yao Yue paused, frowning slightly. "Did you hear that? There seems to be a mysterious voice all around, making me uneasy."

Yunxuan nodded, slowing his pace and listening carefully to the sounds around him. However, before they could investigate further, the stone bricks beneath their feet suddenly trembled, as if some force was shaking the entire ancient path. In an instant, the ground around them cracked into several deep cracks. Yunxuan subconsciously protected Yaoyue behind him and stepped back a few steps, whispering, "Be careful! It seems this is not only a maze, but also a hidden trap."

Yao Yue looked at the cracks beneath her feet, her eyes calm and composed. She suggested, "Why don't we observe from a higher vantage point first to see if we can find the entire ancient path. This way, we might be able to avoid these unexpected traps."

Yunxuan nodded, his gaze fixed on a high cliff in the distance. From there, the path of the ancient path seemed clearly visible. However, just as they reached the cliff face, a sudden gust of wind swept in, sweeping up the surrounding dead leaves into a whirlwind that resembled countless ghostly figures dancing in the wind. Yunxuan and Yaoyue had no choice but to dodge the sudden storm, clinging to the cliff face.

Yao Yue's expression changed slightly, sensing a hidden power in the wind. "This wind isn't just natural; it's more like some kind of manipulation, seemingly trying to stop us from moving forward."

Yun Xuan's eyes narrowed as he gripped the sword tightly. The blade reflected a faint glow, as warm as a flame. The power of the spiritual fire flowed through his body, bringing a sense of peace. He gritted his teeth and said, "No matter what it is, we must get through it!"

The two held their breaths, concentrating. Yunxuan raised his sword high, the power of spiritual fire surging. He swung the sword, and flames exploded in the storm, instantly forming a fiery barrier that slightly blocked the storm. However, whispers still emanated from the whirlwind, like the plea of ​​some vengeful spirit, which was chilling. Yaoyue's eyes were cold, and she gently warned, "Be careful, that voice may be an illusion of the mind. Don't be misled."

Yaoyue's reminder reminded Yunxuan that he was gradually being disturbed by the whispers and hurried to calm himself. The two of them supported each other and finally climbed up the cliff to a higher point, overlooking the entire ancient path. However, at this moment, a dark shadow suddenly passed over their heads. The shadow moved as fast as lightning, like a hunting hawk, and came straight at Yunxuan.

Yunxuan's eyes flashed, and he hastily shielded Yaoyue behind him as he confronted the shadow. The shadow's outline blurred, revealing a thin man with a cold, murderous gaze. He spoke in a low voice, "You are seeking your own death by attempting to pass through the Mysterious Ancient Road!"

Yun Xuan remained unmoved, pointing his sword directly at the shadowy figure. He sneered, "No matter who you are, you can't stop us. Why do you keep pestering me?"

The man smiled grimly and said quietly, "On the road to the ultimate taste, the weak are destined to be eliminated. We are merely clearing the way for those who can control power."

Before he could finish his words, the man's figure rushed towards Yunxuan like a ghost, his movements fierce and swift. Yunxuan swung his sword quickly, the blade light colliding with the man's attack, making a crisp sound. However, the man's body was extremely agile, and his attacks were continuous. Yunxuan struggled to parry, but the effort gradually became exhausted. Seeing this, Yaoyue, holding a short blade, quickly joined the battle, fighting alongside Yunxuan.

With their combined strength, the man was unable to gain the upper hand, and a look of anger gradually surfaced. He suddenly raised his hand, and a stream of black energy transformed into a sharp blade, shooting out from his sleeve and heading straight for Yaoyue. Startled, Yaoyue quickly dodged to the side, but the black energy still scratched a tiny wound on her cheek, causing a slight sting of pain.

The man sneered, "The holder of the Star Map is nothing more than that." He then attacked again. Yun Xuan glared at him, his spiritual fire power surging freely, and his sword ignited with a blazing flame. He drew on the spiritual fire's power and struck forward fiercely. The flames exploded like thunder, instantly neutralizing the man's attack and sending him back several steps.

Yaoyue quickly stepped forward, her face devoid of fear, her gaze as icy as ice. She whispered to Yunxuan, "This man must have other motives, and chasing us is just one of them. Since he's resisting, there's no need to show mercy!"

The two men, in unison, attacked in unison. Seeing this, the man's face finally showed a hint of panic, and he quickly retreated, avoiding the two men's combined attack. Yun Xuan pursued him relentlessly, his sword flashing like a rainbow, accompanied by the blazing heat of fire, closing in on the man. The man dodged left and right, but was ultimately struck in the shoulder by Yun Xuan's sword. He stumbled back several steps, his face pale.

He covered his wound and glared at the two of them with gritted teeth: "You can pass through the Mysterious Ancient Road, but this is not the end, but the beginning of your nightmare!"

With that, the man turned and leaped, disappearing into the darkness of the dense forest, seemingly no longer entangled. Yunxuan and Yaoyue watched his back, puzzled. Yaoyue sighed softly, "He seems to know something, otherwise he wouldn't be so determined to remind us of the nightmare."

Yun Xuan retracted his sword, his gaze firm. "No matter what, we have embarked on this path, and we will never retreat easily. The path to the ultimate taste, even if it is full of ups and downs and unknowns, we will continue to the end."

As soon as he finished speaking, the star map in their hands suddenly glowed faintly, and a new path appeared in the light, guiding them forward. The two looked at each other, and with firm conviction, they continued forward in the direction indicated by the star map.