The Invincible Young Master

"Alice missed one," Spark pointed to the very top of the tower. "Do you see that small tower? That's also a floor."

There was a small peak-like structure at the top, far smaller compared to the other floors, barely visible from the ground.

Alice squinted, trying to see the tiny structure perched at the tower's summit. "Father, what's in the top of that tower?"

Spark thought for a moment before replying, "A old man lives on the top of that tower."

"An old man?" Alice tilted her head in puzzlement. "Why is he living at the top?"

"Well, who knows? Maybe he likes the view from there," Spark said with a shrug, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

As their carriage made its way through the city, Spark turned to Zhao Shi, who seemed to be gazing at the tower with interest. "Butler Zhao, have you been to Clear Sky Tower before?"

"Yes, young master," Zhao Shi nodded, his gaze still lingering on the distant tower.

"Then you must be curious about their existence?"

"A little bit," replied Zhao Shi, his tone thoughtful.

The Clear Sky Tower was not unique to this city. Similar towers were situated in every grand state, each shrouded in mystery. Zhao Shi, as a traveler, was not unfamiliar with the Clear Sky Tower. During his journeys, he had come across such towers multiple times. The Clear Sky Tower contained nine floors, each floor offering a different kind of entertainment.

The first floor was dedicated to food, while the second floor housed an animal park. However, not many had access to the upper floors. It was said that the higher levels contained various treasures, such as astral artifacts and precious elixirs, though no one could verify this.

Much like the Emperor Academy, the Clear Sky Tower had an enigmatic background. No one knew the true owner of these towers, adding to their allure and mystique.

As they were returning, Zhao Shi abruptly turned his head sideways and leaped out of the carriage, his movements swift. He dashed towards a corner and disappeared into a narrow alleyway.

However, his search proved fruitless. The alley was empty except for a few scattered tins and discarded items.

"I did sense it here somewhere," Zhao Shi muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in confusion. "That's strange."

With a hint of frustration, Zhao Shi retraced his steps and returned to the carriage, which had been waiting patiently for him.

Alice, peeking out of the carriage window, looked at Zhao Shi with wide, curious eyes. "Why did Uncle Zhao jump out?"

"I thought someone was spying on us," Zhao Shi explained, his voice carrying a note of concern.

"Spying on us?" Alice's eyes widened further, her innocence and curiosity evident.

"Did you find anything?" Spark asked as Zhao Shi settled back into his seat.

"Nothing," Zhao Shi said, shaking his head. "It must have been my imagination."

"I see,"

Once Zhao Shi was back inside, the carriage resumed its journey to the mansion. Despite the peaceful night, Zhao Shi remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.

When they finally arrived at the mansion, the night had settled fully, draping the estate in a quiet, tranquil darkness. Spark carried the sleepy Alice to the room.

Zhao Shi retreated to his own room, where he began his usual meditation routine. The events of the day replayed in his mind—strange sensations, fleeting glimpses of movement, and the persistent feeling of being watched. Despite his best efforts, he had been unable to pinpoint the source of these disturbances.

…

In the dead of night, while Zhao Shi was deep in meditation, his eyes snapped open, he stood up, and went near the door.

In the grand hallway of Dwight Mansion, shadowy figures glided silently, their movements swift and stealthy. Each of them wore a mask covering half of their face. Those five figures moved through the dimly lit corridor, their eyes darting from one side to the other.

"Why are there so many doors?" a muffled voice whispered, frustration evident as he scanned the seemingly endless array of doors on either side. "Which one is the room?"

"Keep looking," another voice commanded. "Find the little girl and leave quietly."

"This mansion is strange," one of the masked figures muttered, unease creeping into his tone.

"What's strange about it?" asked another, still hurrying down the hallway.

"Do you see any guards? This is such a large mansion, yet, there's no one to guard inside." Said one, his tone wary.

"What are you worried about?" a muffled laugh followed. "Doesn't this make it easier for us?"

"Focus," said a stern voice, though the speaker himself felt puzzled by the mansion's design. The hallways were lined with doors and ornate weapons displayed on the walls, yet there was not a single guard in sight, nor any signs of life behind the doors.

As they dashed through the empty hallway, their search for any sign of people became increasingly desperate. Suddenly, without warning, every door in the hallway swung open simultaneously. The shadowy figures halted abruptly, weapons drawn, ready for any threat.

Swish!

One of them was pulled into one of the doors before they could react. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving the remaining figures in stunned silence.

"What the—" one of them began, but another cut him off.

"Stay alert!" the leader barked, his eyes scanning the now-ominous hallway. "Something's not right."

As they looked around with caution, another sudden shift occurred. Except for one door, all the other doors vanished, and the hallway transformed into a single room with only one exit. The intruders realized they were trapped.

They were in a defensive circle, when trickles of blood dripped onto their heads. They looked up to see their companion, who was pulled behind the door, impaled by a spear on the ceiling.

Their faces behind the mask turned grim and sweats began to form on their forehead. Their urge to leave this place became greater than their initial task.

"I don't like this place," one of them muttered before dashing toward the only door in a panic.

"Stop! it could be a trap," the leader tried to warn but that man was already near the door.

Just as he reached for the handle, a sword hung above the door fell, severing his hand.