Chapter 107: The Greater the Storm, the Pricier the Fish!
Today, many members of the expert team arrived at Longhu Mountain.
Hu Liuqi finally got to meet his idol—Zhang Yangqing, the foremost figure in the Taoist community. Without hesitation, he launched into a bold and shameless flattery session, praising Zhang Yangqing as a living deity and a role model for their generation.
If he had directed such praise at anyone else, he would’ve been dismissed as a sycophant. But when it came to Zhang Yangqing, the expert team wholeheartedly agreed—no amount of praise seemed excessive. He deserved every word.
Earlier that morning, a preview of the next “Rules Scary World” challenge had been released, and the experts had come to Longhu Mountain to plead with Zhang Yangqing to step up once again.
But Zhang Yangqing wasn’t having it. He felt he had already done his part—three consecutive challenges, full marks, rewards secured. Wasn’t that enough?
This time, participation was voluntary. As long as I don’t sign up, there’s no way they can force me in.
The “Mary Cruise Ship” challenge was set in a maritime world, making it more suitable for those with seafaring experience—they’d have a natural advantage. After all, they’d know how to navigate dangers on a ship.
Just like in the “Midnight Wax Museum” challenge, one participant had been an actual wax museum employee. His familiarity with the exhibits gave him an edge—as long as he didn’t make mistakes, survival wasn’t an issue.
Zhang Yangqing’s concerns mirrored those of many nations.
This particular challenge was especially unfair to landlocked countries. Some didn’t even have ships, let alone cruise liners.
At the very least, selected participants shouldn’t be prone to seasickness. If they couldn’t handle that much, they might as well give up before even starting.
Truthfully, whether Zhang Yangqing participated or not didn’t matter much. The last challenge had been torture for others, but for him, it was a vacation—his mental state was completely unaffected.
His reluctance now was mostly out of spite. If he went in again, his senior brother might count it as skipping work. Who knew how long he’d be stuck inside this time?
So Zhang Yangqing firmly refused. Doesn’t the nation have other superhumans? Just overwhelm the competition with sheer strength. Why does it have to be me?
The expert team had already considered Zhang Yangqing’s points. After much deliberation, they still couldn’t find anyone more suitable.
For others, even the slightest mistake could be fatal.
But the Heavenly Master was different. If he made a mistake, the supernatural entities would be the ones to suffer.
That was the fundamental difference.
Before coming to Longhu Mountain, the expert team had visited several other superhumans, asking if they could clear challenges like Zhang Yangqing.
The responses were variations of: “I’d be honored to fight for my country, but if you expect me to perform like the Heavenly Master, you might as well kill me now.”
Subtext: If we were that capable, wouldn’t we have already shown off?
No superhuman dared claim they could guarantee success, let alone secure resources for their nation.
That was why they were begging Zhang Yangqing to step in one more time.
Besides, everyone agreed that Zhang Yangqing’s participation didn’t seem to affect him—it was practically a leisure activity.
But if he refused, they couldn’t force him.
Better not anger the Heavenly Master—no one wants to deal with the consequences.
So Hu Liuqi turned his attention to another Taoist nearby.
Su Muyu exuded an air of refined elegance, especially in his Taoist robes—he looked every bit the transcendent sage.
If he’s the Heavenly Master’s only senior brother, surely he’s just as capable? Maybe not stronger, but certainly not weaker.
Hu Liuqi and the expert team began lobbying Su Muyu.
Despite his gentle demeanor, Su Muyu had a strong sense of pride. He, too, wanted to contribute his share, just like Zhang Yangqing.
Just as he was about to agree, Zhang Yangqing panicked.
“Wait, wait—senior brother, I’ll go. I’ve rested enough,” he interjected.
Su Muyu was puzzled. Weren’t you just refusing?
Zhang Yangqing made up an excuse on the spot: “I think I’ve got a new strategy I want to try. Give me this chance.”
The truth was, he was worried that if something happened to Su Muyu, he’d be stuck handling all the tedious affairs of Longhu Mountain. Better to just go in and treat it as a game.
When news broke that Zhang Yangqing had volunteered, the nation erupted in celebration.
Another free ride, right?
Other countries seethed with envy.
Look at their superhuman—dedicated, relentless, four challenges in a row without complaint. Meanwhile, ours are exhausted after just one or two?
Under public pressure, several nations finally fielded stronger candidates.
The most notable was the Red Bishop Gregorio from Pasta Country.
As a Red Bishop, his power was second only to the Pope’s.
Blessed as a “Chosen One” in his youth and personally anointed by the previous Pope, he was rumored to have even received divine grace.
His strength was unfathomable—a true enforcer of the Church.
After three consecutive humiliating failures, Pasta Country needed a powerhouse to restore national morale.
The Pope himself had ordered Gregorio’s participation, determined to showcase the might of the Western Church to the world.
Apart from Zhang Yangqing, Gregorio was now the most watched participant.
The Church’s global influence meant his support was immense.
Eagle Country and Britannia’s higher-ups grumbled: Pasta Country is wasting him now. But then again, that guy from Dragon Country is just absurd!
How is the Rules Scary World—a nightmare for everyone else—just a vacation for him?
Though other skilled participants existed, they paled in comparison to these two.
This challenge was shaping up to be the first showdown between the world’s top superhumans.
The Pope had ulterior motives in sending Gregorio.
Though technically a Red Bishop, Gregorio far surpassed his peers.
Within the Church, he was the “enforcer,” handling problems—and problematic people—that others couldn’t.
In that regard, he wasn’t unlike Zhang Yangqing.
The Pope saw this as Gregorio’s moment to shine.
Dragon Country sent their strongest Heavenly Master, but we’re matching them with just a Red Bishop. Doesn’t that elevate the Pope’s status?
It’s like saying their Heavenly Master isn’t even on the Pope’s level.
That was the real goal.
The Pope’s orders were clear: Gregorio was to demonstrate not just overwhelming power, but also superior intellect.
As for clearing the challenge? The Pope wasn’t worried.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yangqing paid no attention to any of this.
For once, he was studying his skills.
Three challenges had granted him three abilities:
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Hardening (from Midnight Wax Museum): Harden a body part for 10 minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours.
Zhang Yangqing was unimpressed. “Only 10 minutes? Might as well make it 24 hours with a daily reset!” -
Pain (from Horror Tour Group): Deprive a target of all senses and weaken them for 3 minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours.
He’d never used this—why bother when he could just erase annoyances outright? -
Mark (from Haunted Apartment): Control an animal smaller than himself and share one of its senses for 1 hour. Cooldown: 24 hours.
This one he liked—an extra set of eyes for reconnaissance.
Zhang Yangqing still felt his skills were lacking, but any other participant would’ve wept with gratitude for such abilities.
For normal participants, these were lifesaving skills.
Thanks to his SSS-rank clears, his cooldowns were shorter and durations longer than most.
Envy-inducing, really.
During this time, expert teams worldwide were briefing their participants:
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Predicted ship layouts.
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Maritime hazards.
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How identities might shift under certain conditions.
No detail was too small—their survival depended on it.
Dragon Country’s experts, however, had it easy.
Getting Zhang Yangqing to participate was victory enough. Who dared tell him how to play?
At most, they left a ship layout near him before quietly excusing themselves.
Instruct the Heavenly Master? Who’s qualified?
Zhang Yangqing didn’t need to boast—if he claimed to be the world’s second-best at clearing challenges, no one would dare call themselves first.
When the time came, Zhang Yangqing bid his fellow disciples farewell and vanished from Longhu Mountain.
This time, he was actually pleased—since it didn’t count as skipping work, he could enjoy himself!
Many juniors didn’t understand why their leader cared so much about “attendance.”
Su Muyu knew but kept silent.
It was Zhang Yangqing’s last connection to their late master—his final promise.
Every time he worked diligently, it was as if his master was still with him.
…..
The Challenge Begins
Under clear skies and a gentle sea breeze, Zhang Yangqing arrived in the “familiar” world.
The same message appeared:
[The Rules Scary World challenge has begun. Each nation has selected one participant.]
[If a participant dies, the challenge will randomly manifest in one of their cities.]
[Ten consecutive failures will result in nationwide manifestation.]
[Current challenge: “Mary Cruise Ship” (Difficulty: ★★★★)]
[Role: Crew Member. Stay alert, locate the rules, and use them to survive.]
Many newcomers were startled.
“Four stars already?!” exclaimed Edson, the participant from Soccer Country.
He’d been told it was three-and-a-half stars, which was why he’d mustered the courage to join.
As an experienced sailor in the real world, he felt confident about three-star challenges.
But four stars?
Had he known, he’d have never agreed.
Still, the experts’ words echoed in his mind: You’re here now. Focus on surviving.
Edson—twice named “Sailor of the Year”—had the physique and experience to back himself.
He steeled his nerves. Stay calm, and I’ll make it through.
While others were psyching themselves up, Zhang Yangqing had already located the rules.
No phone meant the rules had to be on his person.
Soon, he found a Crew Handbook:
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The ship has a strict hierarchy. Disobeying superiors will anger them.
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If a crew member offers you food, you must accept—but do not eat it.
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Your duty is to protect the ship. If it sinks or loses all passengers, you fail.
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Fulfill passengers’ requests—it benefits you.
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If a child invites you to the play area, you may go. But if they head for the merry-go-round, RUN.
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Do not enter passenger cabins uninvited.
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Yellow-uniformed staff can help in emergencies—unless you’ve broken their rules.
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Each area has its own rules. Follow them.
Zhang Yangqing noticed something odd—the last few rules were torn away.
Hidden message: To find the missing rules (especially the victory conditions), I’ll need to recover the torn pages.
With a goal in mind, he could act.
The ship’s layout didn’t match the experts’ diagrams, so obtaining an accurate map was another priority.
The vessel was massive—a floating island.
But this challenge felt different.
No fog, no storms, no raging waves.
It was as if the Rules Scary World was mocking them: “I anticipated your expectations.”
Sunshine, gentle breezes, seagulls gliding—it all felt surreal.
Some participants wondered: Is this a mercy round?
But they quickly dismissed the thought.
The Rules Scary World showing kindness? Might as well believe in true love.
The calmer it seemed now, the fiercer the storm to come.
Zhang Yangqing wasn’t afraid.
The greater the storm, the pricier the fish.
Edson’s expertise shone here. Given time, he could uncover the ship’s secrets.
The experts had outlined a survival strategy:
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Find all rules—especially area-specific ones. Knowing them early could mean the difference between life and death.
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Locate a safe room (if one exists). In high-freedom challenges, danger could strike anywhere. A sanctuary was invaluable.
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Observe details. Strange or out-of-place elements often held clues to clearing the challenge.
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Complete NPC tasks. Helpful characters might return the favor later.
Edson focused on these points.
The safe room is probably the crew quarters. That’s where I’ll start.
Meanwhile, the Red Bishop Gregorio had been ordered to pursue hidden objectives—anything less would be disgraceful compared to Dragon Country’s superhuman.
As Edson began exploring, a burly crewman stormed over.
“What are you lazing about for? Get to scrubbing the deck!”
Edson recognized him as the bosun—a high-tier entity.
Rule 1: Disobeying superiors angers them.
Defiance meant being fed to the fish.
Edson forced a smile. “Right away, sir!”
The cruise ship was enormous, with over a dozen crew members toiling under the sun.
Slackers earned the bosun’s wrath, but Edson’s skill won praise.
This might work. If I impress the bosun, I’ll gain an ally—or at least intel.
Other participants were similarly ordered to clean, though most fumbled awkwardly.
In Dragon Country’s broadcast, Zhang Yangqing also heard approaching footsteps.
The bosun’s roar echoed: “You worthless layabout! Why aren’t you scrubbing the deck?!”
Zhang Yangqing turned, smiling.
“Tell me,” he asked lightly, “have you ever been kicked by light?”
