Star Journey: Destiny Returns

The faint light of dawn penetrated the clouds, illuminating the path they walked on, as if it were covered with tiny stars. Yunxuan and Yaoyue walked silently along the forest path, surrounded by the chirping of birds and the whisper of the gentle breeze. Yet, a vague unease lingered within them. Although their resolve had strengthened after the Stone Bridge Trial, an indescribable sense of oppression quietly descended, like a shadow lurking in the fog, approaching step by step.

After walking for a long time, the surrounding scenery gradually became shrouded in a thick layer of white fog. The mist slowly rose, gradually engulfing the view ahead, leaving a vast expanse of white, as if the path led to some unknown void. Yao Yue paused, looking around, a hint of nervousness between her brows: "This fog seems to have arrived suddenly, as if summoned by some force..."

Yunxuan frowned, clutching the star map tightly in his hands. However, the map became blurry in the fog, and the light that had originally guided the direction also dimmed. Yunxuan muttered to himself, "It seems this road is not an ordinary road. This fog seems to block our perception."

Yao Yue looked around and whispered, "Perhaps this is an obstacle trying to stop us from moving forward."

Yun Xuan smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with fearlessness: "Since it is an obstacle, it means that we are close to the truth of the ultimate taste. We can't stop."

With that, he took the lead, heading into the thick fog ahead. Yaoyue hesitated slightly, but still followed him firmly. Each step was filled with caution and determination. The fog seemed to twist and surge around them, carrying a vague threat.

Suddenly, Yaoyue seemed to see a vague shadow in the mist not far away. Her heart tightened, and she tugged at Yunxuan's sleeve, whispering, "There's something... there."

Yunxuan looked closely and, as expected, several figures loomed in the mist, seemingly watching them. Their figures were ethereal and vague, and their faces could not be discerned, but their cold gazes penetrated the mist, as if carrying some hostility.

"Is it an enemy?" Yao Yue tightly gripped the dagger she carried with her, her eyes showing vigilance.

Yunxuan said softly, "Calm down. Maybe they are not enemies. At least there are no signs of attacking at the moment."

Before he could finish his words, the figures slowly approached them, their steps steady and silent, like a group of disembodied ghosts. Their figures gradually became clearer, revealing a group of travelers draped in black cloaks. Each face was obscured by the deep cloaks, revealing only a cold gaze.

The cloaked figure in the lead slowly raised his head, revealing a pale face. He stared coldly at Yunxuan and Yaoyue, his voice low and eerie, like an echo: "You two have entered a place you shouldn't have entered."

Yunxuan took a step forward, staring at the other person without fear. "We have the guidance of the star map. Every step we take is our choice. This area does not belong to you."

The cloaked figure sneered, his tone tinged with contempt. "A star map? The star map is not your amulet. It guides you through the trials that lead to the path of ultimate delicacy, but it also exposes your position. The power you seek is not within the reach of everyone."

Yunxuan's heart trembled slightly, realizing that his and Yaoyue's whereabouts might have been exposed long ago. It seemed that the other party knew their purpose from the beginning. At this moment, the cloaked figure slowly spoke again, his voice carrying a hint of pressure: "We are ordered to guard the secrets of this place. Anyone who attempts to set foot in this forbidden area will be forced to face the darkness within and accept the final judgment."

As soon as the words fell, the crowd behind the cloaked figure suddenly dispersed, and the surrounding fog swirled, as if drawn by some force, rushing towards Yunxuan and Yaoyue. Enveloped in the thick fog, their vision gradually blurred, as if they were falling into endless darkness.

Yaoyue felt her vision go black, and when she opened her eyes again, she found herself in a silent forest. All around her was quiet, and the air was filled with a light mist. She subconsciously called out Yunxuan's name, but heard no response. She looked around in a daze, feeling a little uneasy: "Yunxuan? Where are you?"

However, the only response she got was the slight trembling of leaves in the wind.

Yaoyue took a deep breath, her mind composed. She knew this scene wasn't real, perhaps an illusion cast by the cloaked figure, meant to unsettle her. She gripped her dagger tightly and walked slowly forward, her eyes determined. She whispered to herself, "No matter what illusion it is, it won't falter."

Suddenly, there were soft footsteps not far away. Yao Yue turned abruptly and saw a figure stepping out from the shadows of the trees. That person had a graceful figure and a delicate face. It was actually... her shadow! The shadow slowly smiled, but her eyes were as cold as water: "You are so cautious and timid, can you really make it to the end?"

Yao Yue's heart was shaken, but she forced herself to calm down and said coldly, "No matter what, I will go on with Yun Xuan."

The shadow sneered, "You're always afraid of loss, afraid of taking risks, and full of doubt about the unknown. With someone like you, can you truly face the power of the Ultimate Taste?"

Yao Yue felt a dull pain in her heart, as questions she had never wanted to face seemed to be revealed. Her shadow continued to approach, and every word she said struck deep into her heart, leaving her unable to escape.

Meanwhile, Yunxuan was enveloped in thick fog, trapped in another illusory world. He stood in a boundless wilderness, surrounded by nothing but the silent, still sky. Before him stood a blurry figure, a shadow that resembled him. At certain angles, he even seemed to see his own face.

"You yearn for adventure and power, but have you ever thought about the price all this will come at?" the shadow asked coldly.

Yunxuan froze, his lips trembling slightly as a sense of unease stirred within him. He had always followed the guidance of the star map, moving forward unwaveringly, yet he had never truly considered these questions. He murmured, "I... just want to find true power."

Shadow sneered, "Power? Is it power you seek, or an endless desire for adventure? Your obsession is consuming you, making you lose your composure, and ultimately becoming someone who can't control yourself."

Yunxuan's heart throbbed, as if stung by Shadow's words. He knew his obsession had indeed brought danger, even putting Yaoyue in peril. He closed his eyes, the pain and struggle within him becoming clearer. He realized that if he couldn't face his desires, he would never truly embark on the path to ultimate taste.

As the two faced their inner darkness, the illusion around them gradually dissipated. The cloaked figures reappeared, staring coldly at Yunxuan and Yaoyue, as if waiting for their decision.

Yaoyue and Yunxuan exchanged a glance, each one holding a hint of awareness and resolve. They no longer shied away from their inner doubts and obsessions, instead channeling them into strength to move forward.

"Your will has passed the test," the leading cloaked figure said calmly, a subtle hint of admiration in his tone. "Remember, the path forward requires not only strength but also inner clarity. Only those with pure hearts can truly embark on the path of ultimate fulfillment."

As soon as the words fell, the thick fog dissipated, and the path appeared again, extending into the unknown distance.