Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The darkness dissipated, and the stars gradually rose, casting a soft light across the forest. Yunxuan and Yaoyue stood outside the forest, quietly gazing at the vast expanse of the world before them. Just as they stepped out of the Shadow Forest, a long, distant bell suddenly rang out. The sound was deep and rich, seemingly piercing time and space, reverberating in the air with a mysterious rhythm.

Yao Yue frowned slightly, looked in the direction of the sound, and whispered, "This bell sound... seems to contain some kind of call. We just left the Shadow Forest, but I didn't expect that a new test awaits us."

Yunxuan also felt a little uneasy, but his eyes sparkled with excitement. He whispered, "Every unknown part of our journey is a guide on the star map. Perhaps this is the next step the star map has set for us."

Yaoyue turned to look at him, a hint of worry in her eyes. Yunxuan's adventurous spirit was always as strong as a fire, while she was always wary and cautious of the unknown. However, it was precisely because of this that they were able to support and encourage each other on this arduous journey.

"Perhaps, but this voice may not be well-intentioned." Yao Yue said calmly, "After we unlock the first power of the Ultimate Taste, the enemy may also be aware of our presence, and they will become even more powerful."

Yunxuan nodded and smiled, "No matter what lies ahead, we must embark on this path. The power of taste brings us not only the ultimate in delicious food, but also inner growth and transformation." His tone was firm, and there was a fearless light in his eyes.

The two decided to follow the direction of the bell. The star map in Yunxuan's hand gradually emitted a soft glow, guiding their direction. As they walked, the surrounding scenery slowly changed. The tall trees gradually became sparse, replaced by a vast wasteland. A few sparse shrubs and wild grasses grew on the wasteland, swaying gently in the night breeze, as if welcoming their arrival.

The echo of the bells gradually dissipated in the air, replaced by a deep silence. This silence was not empty and silent, but mixed with a kind of subtle power, as if the earth was brewing some unpredictable change.

Soon after, they came to a dilapidated stone bridge. The stone bridge was simple and heavy, and the stone carvings on the bridge had been weathered by time and were blurred. Only some faint lines could be vaguely seen, as if telling the story of the bridge's past glory and vicissitudes.

"This bridge... seems to lead to another realm." Yao Yue frowned slightly and gently stroked the stone carvings on the bridge railing, feeling the faint power coming from it. "Perhaps, we shouldn't step into this lightly."

Yunxuan gazed at the other side of the bridge. He could vaguely see a shadowy figure looming in the mist, as if waiting for something. He whispered, "There must be some connection between this bridge and the bell. Now that we've come this far, we might as well find out."

Yaoyue took a deep breath and seemed to have made some kind of decision: "Okay, but we have to be more careful."

The two stepped onto the stone bridge step by step. A faint light flickered on the bridge, as if some kind of rune was triggered by their footsteps. The water flowing beneath the bridge was quiet and deep, the shimmering waves reflecting the stars in the night sky, like a tranquil sea of ​​stars.

When they reached the center of the bridge, a flash of white light suddenly appeared in the air above the stone bridge, and then a figure slowly emerged. His face was blurry, his figure ethereal, as if not of this world. With lowered eyes, the figure spoke in a low, solemn voice, "Are you prepared to accept the test, those who dare to trespass here?"

Yaoyue and Yunxuan exchanged a glance. Yunxuan took a step forward and answered firmly, "We are fearless. No trial can stop us."

The figure nodded slightly, his voice tinged with approval. "The star map has guided you here. The path to ultimate taste isn't achieved through mere courage. The true journey to ultimate taste is an awakening of the soul and a test of will. If you harbor obsessions and don't break them, the gate to this bridge will never open for you."

Yao Yue's heart moved, and she whispered, "You mean, we need to let go of our obsession?"

The figure nodded and slowly said, "The path to ultimate enlightenment requires a clear mind and a firm resolve. If you let go of your obsessions on this bridge, then the path will lead you to a deeper realm."

Yunxuan lowered his head in thought, his mind reeling from past experiences: adventures, losses, and regrets, all seemingly surging through him at that moment. He knew that his desires and obsessions were his driving force, but they were also his greatest burden.

Yaoyue closed her eyes, thinking quietly. She had been cautious since childhood, never taking risks easily, always hoping to move forward with caution. However, she knew that if she blindly pursued stability, she might miss out on many valuable experiences and growth. She opened her eyes slightly and said firmly, "I am willing to put aside my inner concerns and move forward bravely."

Yunxuan also said immediately, "I am willing to let go of my obsession with gain and loss, and move forward wholeheartedly to explore the true meaning of the ultimate taste."

A gentle smile seemed to cross the figure's gaze, and his voice deepened. "This is the true path to the ultimate joy. You will journey under the guidance of the star map to discover the light that belongs to you."

After that, the figure gradually disappeared, and a crisp ringing sound was heard in the air, as if celebrating their determination. The fog on the other side of the bridge gradually dissipated, revealing a straight path that led to the distance. It seemed to have no end, but it also seemed full of hope.

Yaoyue and Yunxuan smiled at each other, walked across the stone bridge firmly, and stepped onto the path full of unknowns.