I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 365 Searching for the Artifact

After returning to the shelter, the four of them fell silent. They realized that this mission was far more complicated than they had imagined. Sealing the core was only the first step; the real challenge had just begun.

After sealing the core, the four realized that finding the artifact would be the key to unlocking everything. However, the clues to the artifact are like finding a needle in a haystack, and they must search for clues from Chen Yifeng's notes and the ancient symbols of the sealed place.

"There's a passage here that mentions a connection between the artifact and the soul of the 'Sleeper,'" Fu Siyuan said, pointing to a passage in the notes. "It's described as an object that can connect the two worlds."

"Connecting two worlds?" Zhang Wanqing frowned. "This sounds like some kind of mysterious teleportation device."

"Or it could be an ancient divine weapon." Chen Yifeng added, "In ancient legends, many divine weapons possess this ability."

Li Wei is more pragmatic: "Whatever it is, we have to find it first. It may be somewhere in the city, or in a forgotten place, or it may be right next to us, but we haven't discovered it yet."

Over the next few days, Chen Yifeng led the three of them in a thorough investigation, trying to find clues about the artifact. The hallucinations of the missing people gradually subsided, which showed that their efforts had initially paid off.

As their research deepened, they discovered a shocking fact: the artifact might be somewhere in the city, and the soul of the sleeper was hidden in another dimension. They realized that this journey would span reality and illusion, and they must be prepared.

In this journey full of unknowns, the four will face greater challenges.

They decided to start with the ancient legends and historical relics of the city. After several days of investigation, they discovered a forgotten library where a large number of books on ancient artifacts and mysticism were kept.

"There may be the clues we need here." Fu Siyuan said excitedly as he flipped through an ancient parchment book that recorded an artifact called "Mirror of the Soul".

"Soul Mirror?" Zhang Wanqing read it out. "It can connect the two worlds and help people communicate with souls in another dimension."

"This is exactly what we are looking for." Chen Yifeng nodded, "But where is it?"

"The book mentions that the Soul Mirror last appeared in the hands of an ancient family." Fu Siyuan continued, "This family guarded it for generations until it was hidden."

"We have to find this family." Li Wei said, "They may know the whereabouts of the artifact."

After some investigation, they found that the descendants of this family still lived in the city, but their family had declined and the whereabouts of the artifact became a mystery.

"We have to be careful." Li Wei warned, "If the artifact really exists, it may have been targeted by certain forces."

They found the last descendant of the family, an elderly man who seemed a little surprised by their visit but was willing to help them.

"The artifact does exist," the old man whispered, "but it is hidden in a place where only the guardian can find it."

"Guardian?" Zhang Wanqing asked in confusion.

"Yes," the old man said, "only those of pure heart and strong will can find it. You must pass a series of tests to prove yourself worthy of this artifact."

The old man led them to an ancient basement filled with all kinds of strange mechanisms and symbols. These trials seemed to be designed to test their courage, wisdom and team spirit.

"Only by passing these trials can you find the Soul Mirror," the old man said. "Remember, the power of the artifact is a double-edged sword. You must use it with caution."

The four of them embark on a difficult test. They need to solve complex puzzles, pass dangerous traps, and even face their inner fears. Each test makes them more united and makes them more aware of their mission.

After a series of tests, they finally reached the deepest part of the basement, where they saw an ancient mirror, the surface of which emitted a faint blue light, as if connecting to another world.

"This is the Soul Mirror." The old man's voice sounded behind them. "You have passed the test and proved yourself worthy of it."

"But how do we use it?" asked Zhang Wanqing.

"The artifact will guide you." The old man said, "It will take you to another dimension and find the soul of the sleeper."

Under the guidance of the old man, they placed the Soul Mirror in the core of the Sealed Land. As the runes flickered, the mirror emitted a dazzling light, surrounding the four of them.

"Get ready." Li Wei said, "We are about to enter another world."

When the light faded, they found themselves standing in a void, surrounded by endless darkness and floating stars. Here, time seemed to have lost its meaning.

"This is another dimension." Chen Yifeng whispered, "We have finally arrived at the place where the soul of the sleeper resides."

In the empty space, they saw a huge soul body, which exuded a cold breath, as if waiting for something in sleep.

"You are finally here." A deep voice came from the soul body, "I am the Sleeper. What do you want?"

"We want to lift the curse," Zhang Wanqing said firmly. "You are trapped here, and we are also caught up in this disaster. Only by unraveling this can we save both worlds."

"The power of the curse has become one with me." The Sleeper's voice was filled with fatigue. "You cannot remove it."

"We can give it a try," Fu Siyuan said. "We brought the Soul Mirror with us. Perhaps it can help you find freedom."

With their efforts, the light of the Soul Mirror gradually enveloped the sleeper. As the light flickered, the sleeper's soul began to change, gradually becoming warm and peaceful.

"You... did it." There was a hint of relief in the Sleeper's voice. "I can finally rest."

With the Sleeper's release, the entire dimension began to collapse. Surrounded by the light of the Soul Mirror, the four returned to the Sealed Land. They discovered that the runes of the Sealed Land had completely extinguished, and the power of the curse had completely disappeared.

Zhang Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief, but Chen Yifeng seemed a little sad. He said, "But this journey has taught us a lot. The root of the curse is fear and ignorance. Only through understanding and acceptance can we truly be freed."