Inside the car, the dashboard was a sleek panel of digital touchscreens, with no steering wheel in sight. Zhìxué's connection with his AI, Xing Xing, was deep, allowing him to mentally control the car's navigation. As the car sped forward, the digital map displayed their destination: the local police station.
But after a few moments, Zhìxué's brow furrowed, realizing something was wrong. He focused his mind and sent another command to Xing Xing. "Xing Xing, establish communication with the police station. I need confirmation they're receiving our signal."
"Attempting to contact the police station, Master Zhìxué," Xing Xing replied smoothly. A brief pause followed. "Connection failed. All signals to and from the police station appear to be disrupted. Surveillance data suggests the presence of an intruder who has eliminated law enforcement officers on-site. Further attempts to contact are unlikely to succeed."
Zhìxué's expression darkened. So, it's worse than I thought, he realized. Turning to Mei Lin and her parents, who were anxiously watching him, he explained, "I tried contacting the police, but there's no response. I think that man… or someone like him… got to the police station first. There's been an attack there as well."
Mei Lin's mother's face paled. "You mean… they're even targeting the police? This is… beyond anything I could've imagined." She clutched her husband's arm tightly, her voice filled with fear.
"What do we do now?" Mei Lin's father asked, his voice tense. "If the police station isn't safe, where can we go?"
Zhìxué took a steadying breath, his mind racing. "There's only one place I know that could protect us completely. It's even more secure than the police station."
Mei Lin's father looked at him, eyebrows raised in surprise and curiosity. "More secure than the police station? Where is that?"
Zhìxué glanced at Mei Lin, then back at her parents. "My apartment. Well… more specifically, my penthouse. I've outfitted it with my own security systems, reinforced with technology beyond what most places have. I'm confident it can keep us safe."
They both nodded, trust in their expressions despite their shock. "If you think it's the best option, then that's where we'll go," Mei Lin's father said. "Thank you, Zhìxué."
With a quick nod, Zhìxué reconnected with Xing Xing, his focus sharp. "Xing Xing, change destination. Plot the quickest route to my apartment. Activate all defensive driving protocols."
"Destination updated, Master Zhìxué. Engaging defensive driving mode," Xing Xing replied, its calm voice a reassurance in the tense atmosphere. The car accelerated smoothly, gliding toward the new destination with the AI adjusting their route.
Meanwhile, back at Mei Lin's family mansion, the dark figure still stood within Zhìxué's volcanic illusion. At first, he tried to navigate through it cautiously, shielding himself from the simulated heat, but it didn't take long for frustration to boil over.
"This damn punk…" he growled, his eyes narrowing with fury as he realized what was happening. "A mere illusion?!"
Anger contorted his face as he raised his hand, summoning an intense black flame that crackled with dark energy. With a sharp cry, he released the energy, letting the flames surge around him in a powerful explosion.
"Enough! I'll turn this place to ashes!" he shouted, his voice a roar of rage that echoed through the empty mansion. The illusion shattered around him, and in an instant, the flames leaped from his hand, engulfing the room in a destructive blaze. Fire spread rapidly, consuming everything in its path. The walls, furniture, and decor turned to ash under his attack, and the mansion crackled and hissed as it collapsed in the raging inferno.
The man stood in the center of the flames, breathing heavily, a twisted smile forming as he surveyed the devastation. "You thought you could trap me with your pathetic tricks?" he sneered, his voice filled with contempt. "I'll find you, boy. No illusion will protect you from what's coming."
He turned toward the doorway, his eyes filled with determination.
As they reached Zhìxué's penthouse building, he quickly connected with the building's security team through Xing Xing's communication link.
"Attention, security," Zhìxué's voice was firm and calm. "We've got a situation. I believe there's an unknown figure trailing us—likely dangerous. Scan the area immediately and report any suspicious activity."
"Understood, Mr. Li," came the security team's prompt reply. "We'll initiate an immediate search around the premises and monitor all entry points."
Zhìxué nodded, quickly guiding Mei Lin and her parents toward a private elevator leading directly to his penthouse. The tension in the air was palpable as they stepped inside, and Zhìxué could feel the weight of their nervous glances.
As they rode the elevator up to the penthouse floors, Zhìxué's face grew serious as he mentally connected with Xing Xing. "Xing Xing, engage Blocking Space protocol. Deploy Lonsdaleite-iron reinforcements around floors 84 and 85. Make sure everything is sealed off."
Xing Xing's response was calm and direct. "Blocking Space protocol initiated. Activating Lonsdaleite-iron eruption around floors 84 and 85. Barrier deployment underway."
Suddenly, as they approached their destination, thick bands of metal began expanding around the walls, doors, and windows on both floors. The metallic structure erupted from every direction, forming a dense, impenetrable barrier. Each beam of iron and Lonsdaleite
seemed to lock into place with a purpose, creating an almost fortress-like appearance.
Mei Lin gasped, gripping Zhìxué's arm. "Zhìxué… this is incredible. Are we really… are we actually surrounded by this metal? I've never seen anything like it."
Her father stared in amazement, looking at the gleaming iron walls around them. "It's like we're inside a fortress… and you did this in seconds. How on earth is this even possible?"
Zhìxué nodded, his face focused. "This Blocking Space uses elements combined with technology. It's strong enough to withstand most attacks. We're safe here."
Her mother's eyes widened, her voice tinged with awe and disbelief. "So… you've turned your home into an actual fortress, and this isn't just some temporary shield. It's real?"
Zhìxué gave a reassuring nod. "Yes, it's all real. This metal barrier is the result of years of work. If anyone tries to breach these floors, they'll have to get through layers of Lonsdaleite
and iron first."
Mei Lin looked at him, a mixture of admiration and shock on her face. "I had no idea you had this kind of protection here. It's like something out of a sci-fi film."
Zhìxué's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained focused. "This is more than just a home—it's my sanctuary, and it's protected for a reason. I built it to make sure I'd be ready for anything… and now it's protecting all of us."
Mei Lin's father shook his head, still marveling at the sight. "Zhìxué, I don't even know what to say. This is beyond anything I've ever seen or imagined. Thank you."
Once they reached the penthouse, Zhìxué quickly turned to Xing Xing again, issuing his next command with precision. "Xing Xing, activate Real Illusion Space protocol. This time, not just an illusion—make it tangible. Set every floor with increasing difficulties and real dangers. I want this as real as the prototype, with full sensory impact."
Xing Xing replied without hesitation, "Real Illusion Space protocol activated. Full environmental hazards and tangible effects enabled on each floor. Each level now simulates physical danger and resistance."
Within seconds, every floor of the building transformed. The air around each level shimmered, bending into different landscapes filled with seemingly endless dangers. Floors now appeared as shadowed forests filled with twisted thorns, cliffs overlooking churning rivers, and paths lined with jagged rocks.
Mei Lin's father's eyes widened as he glanced at the display screen showing live footage of the other floors. "This… is this some kind of illusion? But… it looks real. Even the ground looks like it's alive," he said, barely able to process what he was seeing.
"It's more than an illusion," Zhìxué explained. "It's a Real Illusion Space. Anyone trying to reach this floor will have to make it through every dangerous level. And unlike regular illusions, this one can actually hurt them."
Mei Lin's mother's voice shook as she tried to make sense of it. "You mean… they'll actually feel pain from this? They'll experience everything as if it's real?"
Zhìxué nodded. "Yes. They'll feel every thorn, every cut, every impact. It's the ultimate defense."
Mei Lin was in awe, watching the illusion space unfold across the building's floors. "You've thought of everything, haven't you? This place… it's like an impenetrable fortress."
Zhìxué looked at her, a hint of relief in his eyes. "I designed it to be just that. There's no other place I'd trust to keep us safe right now."
As they took in the transformation, Mei Lin's father spoke, his tone one of deep respect and gratitude. "Zhìxué, I'm honored to be here with you. You've done everything to protect us, and I can see now how prepared you are. Thank you… truly."
Mei Lin squeezed his hand, her voice soft. "Thank you, Zhìxué. I know this isn't easy for you, but you're protecting us, and that means everything."
In the darkness outside, a figure cloaked in black moved from shadow to shadow, his presence barely more than a flicker to the untrained eye. Suddenly, he stopped, sensing Zhìxué's presence within the fortified building. With a swift motion, he brought his fingers to his temple and murmured something, connecting with another presence nearby.
Within moments, another black-clad figure appeared beside him, emerging from thin air. His face was hidden behind a dark mask, but his eyes gleamed with a cold purpose.
"Elder Shun, Elder Shen," murmured one of the black-masked figures who had joined them, bowing low along with sixteen others. "We are here as you commanded. The entire 10-kilometer radius around this building has lost all signals—no cameras, no cell towers, no way for anyone to send or receive a message."
Elder Shen nodded approvingly, his gaze sharp. "And the police?" he asked, his voice a low, harsh whisper.
"All handled. They were disposed of silently," replied another masked follower. "We also released the sleeping poison throughout the area. Anyone within the radius has fallen into a deep sleep and won't awaken for two days. No one will interfere with us now."
Elder Shun's lips curved into a sinister smirk, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Excellent work. This time, we'll capture the boy and those with him. We'll bring them back to our world—no more games." He looked up, studying the top floors of the building where his target waited. "This child… thinks he can outsmart us."
As the group moved stealthily toward the building's entrance, Elder Shen's gaze traveled up the building. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of something unusual glinting on the upper floors. "Floor 84 and 85," he muttered, his tone laced with irritation. "That silver metal… it's Lonsdaleite. The hardest element on this world, Earth. This boy… he has many tricks up his sleeve."
Elder Shun chuckled darkly, a gleam of rage mixed with twisted admiration in his eyes. "He may be clever, but his tricks are wasted on us," he sneered. "He thinks a bit of Lonsdaleite can stop us? We'll shatter that defense and tear him from his fortress."
With a determined smirk, the two elders signaled to their group, and they slipped silently into the building, finding the security team already incapacitated by the poison, each guard slumped over in a deep, dreamless sleep.
Inside the penthouse, Zhìxué's digital security system detected movement below. Xing Xing activated the main display screen, revealing the seventeen masked figures and the two elders advancing through the building, each one moving with cold precision.
Mei Lin's mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she watched the intruders moving methodically. "Who… who are they?" she whispered, fear etched in her voice.
Mei Lin's father's expression hardened. "They're after us, aren't they?" he said quietly, glancing at Zhìxué. "And they're not ordinary people."
Zhìxué nodded, his face tense but focused as he studied their enemies. "These aren't just intruders. They're coordinated, well-trained. And from the way they're moving, it's clear they know what they're doing." He paused, watching the two leading figures more closely. "Those two in front… they must be their leaders."
Mei Lin's eyes were wide as she looked at him. "Zhìxué, can we stop them? Do we have any defenses left?"
Zhìxué's jaw clenched as he surveyed the situation, his mind racing. "Yes," he replied, "we have more defenses in place. But these people… they're stronger than I anticipated. We'll have to be ready for whatever they bring."
Xing Xing's calm voice cut through the tension, "Master Zhìxué, the Real Illusion Space is still in effect. Shall I increase the intensity across each floor?"
Zhìxué nodded firmly. "Yes, Xing Xing. Amplify the obstacles in the Real Illusion Space. Make it as difficult as possible. Let's see if they're as invincible as they believe."
The screen showed the two elders pausing at the Lonsdaleite barrier, their eyes filled with both annoyance and dark satisfaction. Elder Shun's smirk grew colder as he sneered, "So, the boy thinks his little fortress can keep us out. This time, he'll learn there's no place on Earth he can hide."
Elder Shen gave a sharp nod, his eyes narrowed. "We'll bring him down floor by floor if we have to."
Zhìxué exchanged a determined look with Mei Lin and her parents, his gaze steady. "They may have planned for everything, but they don't know what I've prepared here. We're ready for them."
As they stepped onto the second floor, the group was greeted by an intense wave of heat. The entire floor had transformed into a searing volcanic landscape, with rivers of molten lava flowing dangerously close to the narrow pathways. The air shimmered, and waves of heat seemed to press down on them.
Elder Shun scoffed, crossing his arms as he surveyed the scene. "Another illusion?" He let out a dismissive laugh. "Does this boy think he can fool me twice? I won't fall for the same trick," he sneered, recalling the illusion he'd faced in Mei Lin's home. "It's all smoke and mirrors. Just an illusion."
But as he spoke, Elder Shen and the other seventeen members exchanged uneasy glances, the fear clear in their eyes. Elder Shen narrowed his eyes as he looked out at the blazing lava. "Are you certain, Elder Shun?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. "This… feels real. The heat, the lava… everything."
Elder Shun laughed again, waving a dismissive hand. "Fools! It's nothing but a cheap trick. This boy is just trying to scare us. Watch," he commanded. He turned to five of his men. "You five, go ahead. Prove this illusion is nothing to fear."
The five men, hesitant but obedient, nodded and stepped forward. But as they began to run across the floor, the ground beneath them seemed to shift, and the lava surged forward, swallowing them. In an instant, their screams echoed through the space, filled with agony as they were pulled under. The sound of their cries cut through the air, filled with raw pain as they were engulfed by the fiery inferno. One by one, they disintegrated, turning into ash, their screams fading to silence.
The remaining members gasped, their faces pale with horror. Even Elder Shun's confidence faltered as he watched the horrifying scene unfold. "What… how can this be?" he stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Elder Shen's expression twisted in fury and fear. He turned on Elder Shun, his voice filled with rage. "You arrogant fool! You thought you knew everything! Because of your overconfidence, we've lost five of our own! Do you even understand the danger we're in? This isn't some ordinary illusion!"
Elder Shun, visibly shaken, tried to defend himself. "I… I didn't know! I thought it was another trick. I didn't expect…"
"Enough!" Elder Shen snapped, his voice seething with anger. "You let your pride blind you. This boy is more dangerous than you gave him credit for. Look at what's happened to our men!" He gestured angrily toward the scorched ground where the five men had disappeared.
The remaining twelve members stood frozen, fear and doubt etched on their faces as they realized the full extent of Zhìxué's defenses.
Meanwhile, in the penthouse, Zhìxué and the others watched the scene unfold on the digital screen. The security footage showed the five intruders being swallowed by the illusion, turning to ash as they fell into the lava. Mei Lin and her parents looked on, both horrified and amazed.
Mei Lin's mother put a hand to her mouth, whispering, "They were completely unprepared… Your invention, Zhìxué—it's more than just protection. It's incredible."
Mei Lin's father nodded, clearly shaken. "This AI of yours, Xing Xing… you've created something beyond anything we've ever seen. You're not only keeping us safe; you're outsmarting them at every turn." Mei Lin looked at Zhìxué, her eyes filled with admiration. "Zhìxué, you've thought of everything. The way you designed this illusion to be more than just a trick, to actually have an effect… I don't even have words. I feel so grateful to be here, knowing we're safe because of you."
Her mother nodded, tears of relief in her eyes. "I knew you were brilliant, but this… we owe you everything, Zhìxué. Without your mind, your inventions, I can't imagine what would've happened to us."
Zhìxué gave them a small, reassuring smile, feeling a sense of pride. "Thank you. I built Xing Xing and these defenses for moments like this—to protect the people who matter to me."
Mei Lin's father placed a hand on Zhìxué's shoulder, his voice filled with deep respect. "I always knew you were special, Zhìxué, but now I see you're more than that. You're a protector, and we're lucky to have you on our side. You're doing something extraordinary here."
Mei Lin squeezed his hand, her voice soft but filled with awe. "You're incredible, Zhìxué. I can't believe the lengths you went to, just to keep us safe. Thank you… thank you so much."
Zhìxué glanced back at the screen, his gaze steady. "We're not done yet. They may have underestimated us, but we'll make sure they regret coming here."
As Elder Shun and Elder Shen, along with their remaining men, stepped onto the third floor, they found themselves in a vast, endless ocean. The water stretched as far as the eye could see, the air thick with humidity and the faint scent of salt. The surface was calm, deceptively still, as if waiting for their next move.
Elder Shun sneered, though there was a trace of doubt in his expression. "An ocean illusion? This child thinks he can hold us back with simple tricks." He turned to his remaining men. "You ten, go ahead. This is nothing but another mirage."
The ten men looked at one another nervously but obeyed, wading into the water. But the moment they stepped deeper, the ocean seemed to come alive. Electrical currents surged beneath the surface, striking the men with shocking force. They cried out, their bodies convulsing as they struggled in the electrified water.
Their screams filled the air, but worse was yet to come. From beneath the waves, dark shapes emerged—massive sharks, their fins slicing through the water. The creatures attacked swiftly, tearing into the men, one by one, in a frenzy. The screams echoed, filled with agony and terror, until finally, the water stilled, turning a deep, ominous red. Only the two elders and two remaining members stood, paralyzed with shock. Elder Shen's face was pale as he muttered, "How… how can this illusion do so much damage? This isn't possible!"
Elder Shun, for the first time, was at a loss for words, his arrogant facade shattered. "Only the third floor… and we've lost almost everyone," he whispered, barely able to comprehend it. He turned to Elder Shen, his voice edged with desperation. "We have to find a way to break this illusion. If we don't…"
Before he could finish, another figure appeared, cloaked in black, towering over the two elders. His aura radiated a dark, menacing energy, thick with flames that seemed to burn with a life of their own.
The elders and the two remaining members froze, eyes wide with fear. Elder Shun's voice was barely a whisper, filled with dread. "Elder… Elder Lu?"
The new figure sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Why have so many fallen? How am I to explain this utter failure to the patriarch?" His gaze was piercing, and his expression promised retribution.
Elder Shen swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "Elder Lu… we didn't know… We didn't expect the boy's defenses to be so strong."
Elder Shun, trying to salvage his pride, added, "We… we weren't told you would be here personally, Elder Lu."
Elder Lu's eyes narrowed, his expression cold and unforgiving. "Next time you let your arrogance blind you, Elder Shun, it will cost you your life." With a swift motion, a black fire erupted from his hand, blazing around Elder Shun and scorching him nearly to death before he stopped, leaving Elder Shun collapsed, burned and shivering.
Elder Lu turned his attention back to the task at hand, lifting his hand with a calm, deadly focus. With a single gesture, a black blade appeared, seemingly summoned from thin air. Dark flames flickered around the blade as he tapped it with his hand, coating it in a blazing aura. The air around him thickened with a dark energy that seemed to distort reality itself.
With a powerful swing, Elder Lu slashed his blade upward. The force rippled through the building, tearing through the floors above. In an instant, the elaborate illusions and defenses on floors two through eighty-three shattered like glass, disintegrating in waves of black energy. The floors, now devoid of their illusions, fell, crashing down to the ground level.
In the penthouse, Zhìxué and his group felt a heavy silence settle over them as they watched the security footage on the screen. The vision of the new intruder, with his blazing aura and summoned blade, had captured everyone's full attention.
Zhìxué's eyes narrowed, filled with disbelief. "He… he can summon fire like that?" he muttered, struggling to understand. "And that dark aura—what is it? Is it qi? Or some kind of dark energy?" His mind raced as he tried to comprehend how this intruder could wield such strange powers.
Mei Lin's father, staring intently at the screen, shook his head slowly. "I've never seen anything like this. That man… he summoned a blade from nowhere, then set it on fire with his bare hands." He glanced at Zhìxué, awe mixed with fear. "Is this some kind of special technology? Or is this something entirely beyond our understanding?"
Mei Lin's mother clutched her husband's arm, her voice trembling. "This… this feels like something from a nightmare. Zhìxué, are we safe here? All those defenses, all your technology… and they destroyed everything so easily."
Mei Lin's face was pale, her eyes fixed on Zhìxué, barely containing her fear. "Zhìxué, he just tore down everything you built—from the second floor to the eighty-third. I… I didn't think anyone could do that." She gripped his hand tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared."
Zhìxué's expression remained tense, but he placed a comforting hand over Mei Lin's. "We're still safe here," he reassured her, though his mind raced with worry. "The eighty-fourth and eighty-fifth floors are reinforced beyond anything they've seen yet. We're not out of options."
Her father nodded slowly, though fear was evident in his gaze. "Zhìxué, whatever power you've created here, we're grateful for it. I don't know anyone who could do what you've done… but this man, Elder Lu—he's something we've never faced before."
Mei Lin squeezed his hand again, a note of admiration and gratitude slipping into her voice despite the fear. "Zhìxué, I don't know what would've happened if we hadn't had you here. You've saved us so many times already. But this… whatever this power is… it's beyond anything I can understand."
Zhìxué's gaze returned to the screen, his mind sharpening with renewed resolve. "They may have destroyed my defenses below, but I still have my final layers. And if they think they can reach us easily, they're in for a surprise."