I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Zhang Wanqing's footsteps echoed on the damp stone steps, and each step seemed to be stepping on the pulse of history. The flashlight in her hand emitted a faint light, cutting a narrow passage in the darkness.

The air was filled with the scent of earth and antiquity, and every breath was like a conversation with the past. Her heartbeat echoed in her chest, blending in with the rhythm of her surroundings.

Fu Siyuan followed closely behind, his gaze lingering on the walls of the passage, trying to find clues from the rocks eroded by time. His fingers gently touched the stone wall, as if he could feel the warmth of the fingertips of those ancient craftsmen.

"These stone walls... they seem to be telling something." His voice echoed in the passage with a hint of mystery.

Li Wei walked at the end, cautiously scanning every corner of the passage to ensure no unknown threats were approaching. He held his pistol tightly in his hand, ready to respond to any possible danger.

"We must be careful, this place may be full of traps." His voice was low and firm, like a reminder, or like he was talking to himself.

They continued along the passage until they came to a huge iron door, covered in rust, and the chain and padlock on the door looked particularly heavy.

Zhang Wanqing stepped forward, her eyes lingering on the iron gate, trying to find a way to open it. Her fingers gently touched the rust on the door, and suddenly, she found an almost imperceptible symbol that echoed the pattern on the metal plate.

"Here!" There was a hint of excitement in Zhang Wanqing's voice as she placed the metal piece into the groove on the door.

The iron door slowly opened, revealing a dimly lit room filled with ancient books and documents. The bookshelves were covered in thick dust, and the air was filled with the scent of paper and ink.

In the center of the room, there was a figure bound by chains. His hair was gray and his face was covered with wrinkles, but his eyes revealed an unyielding light.

"Who are you?" There was a hint of vigilance in Zhang Wanqing's voice. She held the flashlight tightly and illuminated the man's face.

The man raised his head, his gaze lingering between Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, and Li Wei, finally settling on the piece of metal in Zhang Wanqing's hand. "How...how did you find this place?" His voice was hoarse and filled with a hint of surprise.

Fu Siyuan walked forward, his eyes scanning the books and documents in the room. "How long have you been imprisoned here?"

The man took a deep breath, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes. "It's been so long, I can't remember. I was a member of this organization, but I tried to expose their secrets, and they imprisoned me here."

Li Wei's brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of vigilance in his eyes. "Do you know their secret?"

The man nodded, a hint of determination in his voice. "I know. I know everything about them. They are an ancient organization that has been manipulating the world order. They use the technology of ancient civilizations to try to control the fate of humanity."

A surge of emotion surged in Zhang Wanqing's heart. She knew this person might hold the key to uncovering all the secrets. "Can you help us? We need your help to expose their true identity."

The man took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination. "I will help you. I will tell you everything I know."

They began searching the room, hoping to find more clues and evidence.

Zhang Wanqing's fingers gently flipped through the yellowed notes, her gaze traversing the densely packed text, trying to capture every detail. These notes were left by her father, recording his investigation and findings into the secret organization. She could feel the warmth of her father in these words, each one imbued with his unwavering pursuit of the truth.

They were now in a secluded study, tucked away in a corner of the underground city. Shelves lined the perimeter with ancient books and documents. In the center of the room sat a heavy wooden table, strewn with documents and notes, all of which contained valuable information provided by the imprisoned scientist.

Fu Siyuan stood by the bookshelf, his eyes wandering over the ancient books, trying to find some clues. His fingers gently touched the spines, as if he could feel the stories behind the words.

"These books...they record the secrets of ancient civilizations." His voice was low and tinged with awe.

Li Wei stood at the door, his eyes warily scanning the passage outside to make sure there were no pursuers approaching. He held the pistol tightly in his hand, ready to deal with any possible danger.

"We have to hurry, it's not safe here." His voice was firm, like a reminder, or like he was talking to himself.

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on a tattered journal. A strange symbol was engraved on the cover, a symbol that echoed a mark in her father's notebook. Carefully, she opened the journal, revealing the history and purpose of the secret organization.

The log states that this organization has existed since ancient times and has been secretly manipulating world order. They utilize the technology of ancient civilizations to attempt to control humanity's fate. The log also mentions a project involving a powerful energy source capable of changing the world.

Zhang Wanqing knew this project might be the key to unlocking all the secrets. She stood up and said, "We must find the source of this project's power."

They began searching the study, hoping to find more clues.

Suddenly, the door of the study was flung open, and a group of armed guards rushed in. Their eyes scanned the study, finally settling on Zhang Wanqing and her team.

The leading guard sneered, a hint of threat in his voice. "You have trespassed into forbidden territory. Now, you will pay the price."

Zhang Wanqing and her team reacted quickly, weapons drawn, ready to engage. The battle erupted, bullets whistling through the air and flames flickering in the study. Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with anxiety and fear, but her actions remained remarkably calm. She aimed and fired, each movement precise and precise.

Fu Siyuan and Li Wei also joined the battle, their movements swift and powerful. Fu Siyuan's pistol danced in his hand, each shot full of power. Li Wei was like a beast, his movements swift and powerful, each attack full of power.

The battle was fierce, and the study was filled with the smell of gunpowder and sweat. With courage and wisdom, they successfully repelled the guards.

After the battle, they quickly left the study and headed deeper into the passage.