I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

The moment they walked through the door, they did not return to the real world as expected, but remained in the maze.

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the maze's darkness. Each step felt like stepping on the keys of fate, playing an unknown melody. A gate of light loomed ahead, a beacon of hope, guiding the way amidst the endless darkness. Their hearts were filled with complex emotions: fear of the unknown and a longing for freedom.

Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat quickened with each step closer. She could feel her palms sweating, and her nervousness made her breathing quicken. Fengxi seemed to sense her uneasiness and gently held her hand, giving her strength and courage.

"Wanqing, no matter what is behind the door, we will face it together." Feng Xi's voice was firm and warm, like a beam of light in the darkness, illuminating the fear in Zhang Wanqing's heart.

She nodded, tightening her grip on Fengxi's hand. Their gazes were fixed on the softly glowing door. Intricate patterns were carved into the door, resembling ancient spells or a map to another world. A mysterious aura permeated the door of light, making one wonder if it could truly lead them out of this maze.

As they approached, the light from the Gate of Light grew brighter and brighter, until they stood before it, the light nearly engulfing them. Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath, knowing that this step might be the turning point of her fate.

"Are you ready?" Feng Xi asked softly.

Zhang Wanqing didn't answer, but nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with determination. The two of them looked at each other, then simultaneously reached out and pushed toward the door of light.

The door swung open, and a powerful force sucked them in. The surroundings instantly blurred, leaving only an endless glow. Zhang Wanqing felt like she was traveling through a tunnel of time and space, stripped of all senses except Fengxi's tightly clasped hand, her only support in this chaos.

After an unknown amount of time, the light gradually faded, and their feet finally touched solid ground. Zhang Wanqing opened her eyes, and the sight before her was almost unbelievable—they were standing on a vast grassland, the sky was a brilliant blue, the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, and in the distance stretched a mountain range. Everything seemed so real, so peaceful.

"We...we are out?" Zhang Wanqing's voice trembled slightly. She turned to look at Feng Xi, tears flashing in her eyes.

Fengxi held her hand tightly, his eyes full of excitement, "Yes, Wanqing, we are out."

However, just as they were immersed in the joy of regaining their freedom, a low roar suddenly came from the end of the grassland. The sound was full of threat and power, and it made their hearts tighten. They turned their heads and saw a black fog approaching rapidly from the end of the grassland. It seemed that there was something terrifying hidden in the black fog.

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi exchanged a glance, knowing that even though they had emerged from the maze, the adventure was far from over. They clasped their hands, ready to face new challenges.

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi stood on the grassland, facing the rapidly approaching black fog, their hearts filled with doubt and anxiety. Fengxi held Zhang Wanqing's hand tightly, and their eyes revealed a determined light.

The grassland wind, carrying the fragrance of earth and the freshness of grass, gently brushed Zhang Wanqing's hair, causing it to flutter like a battle flag. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, but the oppressive feeling of the black fog grew stronger.

"Fengxi, look at the black fog, it seems to be changing." Zhang Wanqing's voice trembled slightly, but her eyes were extremely firm.

Feng Xi stared at the black mist. He could sense the power within it, a powerful presence unlike anything he had ever encountered. His heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself to calm down and analyze the situation.

"Wanqing, this black fog may not be what we imagined." Fengxi's voice was low and calm, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "In this maze, everything we face is an illusion. This may be our final test."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, trusting Feng Xi's judgment. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself. She knew that only by remaining calm could she see through the illusion and find the truth.

The black fog drew closer, its shape beginning to distort, as if something was struggling within. Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi clasped hands, feeling each other's tension and anticipation. They knew this might be their final hurdle in escaping the maze.

Suddenly, a low roar came from the black fog. The sound was full of anger and pain, like a trapped beast struggling in despair. Zhang Wanqing's body trembled involuntarily, but she quickly controlled her emotions.

"Feng Xi, that voice..." There was a hint of uncertainty in Zhang Wanqing's voice.

Fengxi didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the black mist, his brow furrowed, as if he was thinking about something. He knew that the sound might be part of an illusion, or it might be a hint.

At this moment, a flash of inspiration struck Fengxi's mind. He remembered a puzzle they had encountered in the maze, the answer to which was "calmness." He suddenly understood that this black fog and this voice were tests of their state of mind.

"Wanqing, we need to calm down." Fengxi's voice was filled with determination. "This black fog, this sound, are all illusions, a reflection of our state of mind."

Zhang Wanqing was stunned for a moment, then she understood what Fengxi meant. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Fengxi did the same, and their breathing gradually synchronized, their heartbeats gradually calming.

As their minds calmed, the black fog began to change. It was no longer as thick or oppressive. The sound also gradually became softer and less harsh.

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi slowly opened their eyes and were surprised to find that the black fog had begun to dissipate. As the black fog dissipated, they saw the other side of the grassland. There was a stream there, the water was crystal clear and the streamside was full of wild flowers.

They smiled at each other until they passed the test. They knew that this illusion test was a test of their state of mind and their wisdom.

Hand in hand, they walked towards the stream and towards their new journey. They knew that although the maze was gone, their adventure had just begun.