I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

"You're finally here." The figure turned around, his eyes filled with a complex emotion. His face was somewhat similar to Feng Xing's, yet different, as if it had been baptized by countless years.

"Feng Xing?" There was a hint of uncertainty in Zhang Wanqing's voice, and her heart was full of doubts and expectations.

The figure smiled slightly, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. "No, I'm not Feng Xing, but I'm inextricably linked to him. I'm his descendant and the guardian of the wind element. You can call me Feng Xi."

A complex mix of emotions surged in Zhang Wanqing's heart. She didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. "Fengxi, I need the wind element to complete my ritual."

Fengxi nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "I know why you're here, and I also know about your past with Fengxing. I'm willing to help you, but you must pass my test."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, knowing this was inevitable. She was ready to face the test of Wind Breath, and she needed to prove she was worthy of obtaining the Wind Element.

Fengxi extended his hand, and a powerful gust of wind rose from his palm, forming a small whirlwind. "Control this wind, make it act according to your will, and you will gain the element of wind."

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath. She stretched out her hand, feeling the force of the wind. She closed her eyes, letting her consciousness merge with the wind. She could feel the wind's freedom and wildness, and she needed to use her will to control it.

Time ticked by, as Zhang Wanqing battled the wind atop the tower. Sweat dripped from her forehead, and her breathing became rapid. But she refused to give up, her will as firm as steel.

Finally, the whirlwind slowly subsided under her control, and the power of the wind element was firmly under her control. Fengxi showed a satisfied smile on his face and nodded in approval.

"You did a good job, Zhang Wanqing. The wind element belongs to you now." There was a hint of respect in Feng Xi's voice.

Zhang Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief. She could feel the power of the wind element pulsating in her palm. She bowed to Fengxi to express her gratitude, then turned and left the lighthouse.

As the night deepened, Zhang Wanqing walked back to the antique shop, her heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. She knew that this was only the third step in her journey, and there were more tests waiting for her.

Zhang Wanqing's steps were remarkably firm in the morning light. At her side, there was another person: Fengxi. Like a shadow, Fengxi's figure quietly followed her. They passed through the bustling market, crossed an ancient stone bridge, and finally arrived at a desolate land outside the city. Here, the earth element resided, and here lay Zhang Wanqing's next challenge.

Sunlight streamed across the barren land, and a dry wind whipped up clouds of dust, making it nearly impossible to open your eyes. Zhang Wanqing's long hair was disheveled by the wind, but her gaze remained remarkably firm. She clutched the wind element she had received from Fengxi, feeling its power pulsing through her fingertips.

Fengxi's gaze swept across the barren land, his brow furrowed slightly. "This was once fertile land, but now..." His voice was filled with regret.

Zhang Wanqing nodded. She could feel the sadness of the land, as if it were telling a story of abandonment. "Is the Earth Elemental here?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Fengxi nodded and pointed to a small hill ahead. "That's where the earth element is, but the guardian..." He didn't finish his words, but Zhang Wanqing could read the warning in his eyes.

She took a deep breath and began to walk toward the hill. Each step felt heavy, her heartbeat resounding in her chest, each breath seeming to condense in the air. She could feel the power of the earth element waiting for her in the hills, a calm and powerful force.

When she finally reached the foot of the hill, a powerful tremor suddenly erupted from the ground, nearly knocking her off her feet. She looked up and saw the top of the hill slowly crack open, and a massive figure slowly rose from it. It was the guardian of the earth element, a massive creature composed of mud and rock. Its eyes, like two burning embers, stared intently at Zhang Wanqing.

Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat quickened. She could sense the dangerous aura emanating from the Guardian. She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. She knew that only by passing the Guardian's test could she obtain the Earth Element.

Fengxi stood beside her, a hint of worry in his eyes. "Be careful, the Earth Elemental Guardian is the most powerful of all the elemental guardians."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, ready to face the Guardian's test. She confronted the Guardian, her gaze determined and fearless. The Guardian slowly approached her, its massive form casting a shadow on the ground. Zhang Wanqing could sense the Guardian's power, but she also knew that only by passing the test could she obtain the Earth Element.

She began a spiritual battle with the Guardian, using spells and willpower to fight against it. Time seemed to freeze at this moment, only the breathing of the Guardian and Zhang Wanqing echoed across the desolate land. Finally, the Guardian slowly lowered its head, acknowledging Zhang Wanqing's power.

Zhang Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had passed the test. She gently took the earth element from the guardian's hand, feeling its power pulsing in her palm. She bowed to the guardian in gratitude, then turned and walked away from the hill.

The sun blazed brighter as Zhang Wanqing walked back to the antique shop, her heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. She knew this was only the fourth step in her journey, but she had already taken a solid step. She believed that as long as she persevered, she would find a way to return to her original time and space.

Zhang Wanqing's encounter with Fengxi undoubtedly adds a new dimension to her future journey. Fengxi is not only the guardian of the wind element, but also the descendant of Fengxing, an old acquaintance of hers from a past life. This relationship makes the interaction between the two full of complexity.

Fengxi's appearance could be a sign of fate. He could lead Zhang Wanqing in an unexpected direction, one that could connect to her past with Fengxing or reveal more secrets about the balance of time and space. It also means that Zhang Wanqing has gained a powerful ally in her search for other elements.

Zhang Wanqing's past with Feng Xing may not be a simple bygone past, but rather a deeply intertwined part of her destiny. Unbeknownst to her, this past may resurface repeatedly throughout her journey, creating emotional entanglements with Feng Xi and impacting her future in various ways. She may even seek out Feng Xing's influence in Feng Xi, and this emotional entanglement could affect her judgment and decision-making at crucial moments.

Zhang Wanqing's encounter with Fengxi and her past with Fengxing will bring new challenges and opportunities to her future journey. How these factors will affect her fate will need to be slowly unfolded in the following journey.