I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi walked hand in hand along a winding stream, its gurgling water telling an ancient story. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on them. Their steps were light, as if all fatigue and fear had dissipated with the maze's disappearance.

The stream was so clear that you could see the bottom, and you could see small fish swimming freely in the water, occasionally leaping out of the water, splashing crystal water. Zhang Wanqing squatted down and reached out to touch the water lightly. A cool feeling spread from her fingertips throughout her body, making her feel calm.

"The water here is so cool." Zhang Wanqing said softly, with a hint of surprise in her voice.

Fengxi also crouched down, his gaze fixed on the stream, as if searching for something. "This stream isn't just refreshing; it seems to have a special power." His voice was low, with a hint of exploration.

They continued along the stream, the wildflowers on both sides swaying in the wind, emitting a faint fragrance. Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath, feeling the gift of nature, and her mood became cheerful.

At that moment, Feng Xi suddenly stopped, his gaze drawn to a stone tablet by the stream. Half submerged in water and covered in moss, it looked ancient and mysterious. He approached the tablet cautiously, reaching out and gently brushing away the moss, revealing the carved patterns and inscriptions.

Zhang Wanqing also walked over. Her eyes fell on the stone tablet, and a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes. "What kind of text is this? I've never seen it before." There was a hint of doubt in her voice.

Feng Xi didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on the stone tablet, his brow furrowed, as if he was trying to decipher the information on it. His fingers gently touched each symbol on the stone tablet, as if he could sense the story behind them.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment, with only the gurgling sound of the stream and the breathing of the wind intertwined. Zhang Wanqing stood quietly by the side, she did not disturb Feng Xi, but only gave him support with her eyes.

Finally, Fengxi's frown relaxed, and a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes. "I see. This is a map, a map leading to the next mysterious location." He spoke with a hint of excitement.

Zhang Wanqing's eyes gleamed. She knew this map might be the key to their adventure. "Let's get going, then. We wonder what awaits us ahead." She spoke with a hint of anticipation.

Fengxi nodded, his gaze falling on the stone tablet again, as if confirming something. Then, he took a deep breath, stood up, a determined glint in his eyes. "Let's go, Wanqing, our adventure has just begun."

They followed the direction indicated by the map on the stone tablet. The sound of the stream gradually faded, replaced by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the forest. The sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting mottled shadows on them, as if guiding them.

Their steps are firm and powerful, and every step is full of expectations for the future and curiosity about the unknown. They know that this road may be full of challenges and dangers, but they also believe that as long as they are together, nothing is impossible.

Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi followed the map on the stone tablet, passing through the dense forest. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, dappling the path ahead. Their footsteps rustled through fallen leaves, accompanied by the occasional distant bird song, creating a tranquil and mysterious forest scene.

The forest air was filled with the scent of earth and decaying leaves. Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath, feeling the vitality of nature. Although her heart was filled with curiosity about the unknown, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Fengxi seemed to sense her uneasiness and gently patted her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, Wanqing, no matter what happens, I will be by your side." Feng Xi's voice was firm and warm, like a warm current flowing into Zhang Wanqing's heart.

Zhang Wanqing nodded, her gaze firm. Although she still felt a little uneasy, she believed in Fengxi and herself. They continued on their way, the markings on the map guiding them deeper into the forest.

As time went by, the sunlight was gradually blocked by the dense canopy of trees, and the forest grew darker. Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi had to light torches, and the flames danced in the darkness, illuminating their path. The light reflected on their faces, casting a resolute and courageous outline.

Their footsteps echoed through the forest, intertwining with the occasional strange noises coming from afar, adding a touch of mystery and tension. Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat quickened with these sounds, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on Fengxi's hand.

"Listen, what's that sound?" There was a hint of trembling in Zhang Wanqing's voice.

Fengxi listened attentively, his brow furrowed as he tried to discern the source of the sounds. "Maybe it's an animal in the forest, or the wind blowing through the trees," he said calmly, trying to ease Zhang Wanqing's nerves.

They continued walking until a wide open field appeared before them. In the center of this open space lay an ancient village, its houses arranged in an orderly fashion, yet it was silent and lifeless. An eerie silence enveloped the village, filling Zhang Wanqing and Fengxi with unease.

They cautiously entered the village and found that the villagers had all fallen into a deep sleep, their expressions peaceful, as if time had stopped at that moment. Zhang Wanqing and Feng Xi exchanged a glance, knowing that this was not just an ordinary sleep, but a curse.

Fengxi gently touched the forehead of a sleeping villager, his brow furrowed. "Their vital signs are very weak. If we don't find a way to lift the curse soon, they may sleep forever."

A glint of determination flashed in Zhang Wanqing's eyes. She knew this might be the true purpose of their trip. "We must find a way to lift the curse, Fengxi. We can't let them sleep like this."

Fengxi nodded, his eyes searching the village for any possible clues. They walked into the center of the village, where there was an ancient temple. Strange symbols were engraved on the temple door, which were strikingly similar to the map on the stone tablet.

They pushed open the temple's door, and a stale air filled them. The interior was dim, with only a few rays of light filtering through cracks in the roof. In the center of the temple stood an altar, upon which rested an ancient scroll. Zhang Wanqing and Feng Xi approached and carefully opened the scroll.

The scroll contained the method for removing the curse, but also warned that the process was fraught with danger. Zhang Wanqing and Feng Xi exchanged a glance, knowing that this was a challenge they must face.