I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Zhang Wanqing's footsteps echoed in the deep passage, and each step seemed to be stepping on the dust 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.

The image of her father, Zhang Beichen, a respected university professor, grew clearer in her mind. He had always been so erudite, with a profound understanding of ancient civilizations. But now, Zhang Wanqing discovered that he might be more than just a scholar. His connection to this secret organization ran much deeper than she had imagined.

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 reached an intersection, and Zhang Wanqing stopped, her gaze wandering between two passages. One led to deep darkness, the other a faint glimmer of light. She took a deep breath, knowing that each passage might conceal unknown dangers.

"Let's take this one." Zhang Wanqing pointed to the passage where light was shining through, her voice firm and resolute.

Zhang Wanqing stood in the dimly lit study, her gaze fixed on the imprisoned scientist. His name was Professor Chen, a once renowned figure in academia, now imprisoned in this isolated place for knowing too many secrets. His eyes gleamed with a longing for freedom, yet a deep fear of those secrets.

"This organization..." Professor Chen's voice was hoarse, his eyes revealing a hint of fatigue. "Their power far exceeds your imagination. They have mastered an ancient technology that can control people's minds and even change the course of history."

Fu Siyuan frowned, his eyes flickering between Professor Chen and Zhang Wanqing. "So, what are their weaknesses?"

Professor Chen took a deep breath, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes. "Their weakness is that energy source. It is the source of all power and the key to their control of the world. However, to gain access to it, you must pay a heavy price."

Li Wei's brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of vigilance in his eyes. "What's the price?"

Professor Chen was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "You must enter their temple, which is the core of their power. However, once you enter, you may never be able to leave."

Zhang Wanqing felt a surge of determination. She knew this was their only chance. "We must go, no matter what the cost."

They began to prepare for action, and Professor Chen provided a map that marked the secret passage leading to the temple.

They began to prepare for the action. Professor Chen provided a map that marked the secret passage leading to the temple. They knew that this would be a journey full of unknowns and dangers.

Sunlight streamed through the study window onto the ancient map. The routes on the map were like lines of fate, leading them toward an unknown future. Zhang Wanqing's fingers gently touched the routes on the map, her heart filled with tension and anticipation.

They followed the route on the map, passing through one hidden passage after another, where every corner could hide unknown dangers. Their footsteps echoed in the passage, and each echo was like the echo of history.

Finally, they arrived at a massive stone doorway, intricately carved with patterns that matched the symbols on the metal disc. Zhang Wanqing stepped forward and placed the disc into the central groove of the doorway. The stone door slowly opened, revealing a passage leading to the temple.

At the end of the passage was a large circular hall. In the center of the hall was a glowing crystal, which emitted a soft light, illuminating the entire hall. Surrounding the crystal were circles of complex runes, which seemed to protect the crystal and control its power.

Zhang Wanqing stood at the entrance of the hall, her eyes wandering between the crystals and runes.

Zhang Wanqing stood in the vast circular hall, her gaze riveted by the glowing crystal in the center. The crystal emitted a soft, mysterious light, illuminating the entire hall and her face.

Fu Siyuan followed closely behind, his eyes scanning every corner of the hall, trying to find clues from the complex runes. His fingers gently touched the stone wall, as if he could feel the warmth of the fingertips of those ancient craftsmen.

Zhang Wanqing's gaze fell on a stone slab beside the crystal. Strange symbols were engraved on it, echoing a mark in her father's notes. She carefully touched the slab, and suddenly, with a slight "click," it sank slowly, revealing a hidden passage.

"Here!" There was a hint of excitement in Zhang Wanqing's voice as she pointed to the hidden passage.

They cautiously entered the passage. The air inside was even more humid and muggy, and every breath felt like a conversation with the ghosts of the past. Their flashlights cut through the passage, illuminating the path ahead. Their heartbeats were remarkably clear in the darkness, each beat a reminder that they were on an unknown road.

At the end of the passage was a small room filled with ancient books and documents. In the center of the room sat a large crystal ball, emitting a faint glow that illuminated the entire room. Zhang Wanqing approached the crystal ball, her eyes drawn to an illusion within.

In the vision, she saw her father, Zhang Beichen. He was standing in front of a similar crystal ball, holding a piece of metal in his hand, the same piece that Zhang Wanqing was holding.

Her father's voice echoed in Zhang Wanqing's ears: "Wanqing, you must uncover this secret, no matter what the cost."

Zhang Wanqing's eyes filled with tears, her heart filled with pain and anger. She knew her father had sacrificed his life to reveal the truth. She clutched the piece of metal tightly.

"Wanqing, no matter how many difficulties lie ahead, we will face them together," said Fu Siyuan.