I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 126

Chapter 126: The Anomaly World’s Rising Difficulty—Are Superhumans at a Disadvantage? 

[Rule 1: Never violate prison regulations. If you do, the guards can end your life at any time.]
[Rule 2: Do not trust new inmates—they are all vile criminals.]
[Rule 3: There are many long-term inmates. If they ask for your help, do your best to assist—it will benefit you.]
[Rule 4: Nights in prison are cold. Do not lend your clothes to anyone.]
[Rule 5: If the guards deliver food on a red cart, you may eat it. If they use a blue cart, do not refuse outright.]
[Rule 6: After outdoor labor, return to your cell quickly. Choosing the right cell is crucial.]

Reading these rules, Cardinal Gregorio was filled with regret.

He shouldn’t have let his pride push him into this anomaly just because the Dragon Nation’s Celestial Master had signed up.

But for other chosen ones, regret was an understatement.

How are we supposed to survive with only six rules in such a deadly place?

Wasn’t this supposed to be an apocalyptic survival scenario? Why are we in a prison?

From the rules and the guards’ intimidation, one thing was clear: offending the prison staff meant certain death.

Many felt cheated by the anomaly’s description.

This wasn’t a wasteland where they could hide—it was a death trap.

Some chosen ones were already scratching their heads in desperation.

As Gregorio watched the guards dispose of a corpse, he studied the bracelet on his wrist.

If he could remove it, no prison rule could stop him.

But how? That was the real challenge.

His holy energy was completely suppressed, as if locked away.

He suspected the bracelet was designed specifically to neutralize superhumans.

Soon, his observations confirmed it—this thing was meant to restrain special abilities.

His fellow inmates were far from ordinary.

The inmate across from him had blue skin and a translucent chest, revealing crackling electricity inside—a living power generator.

The one to his left was a two-meter-tall crocodile man, his green scales gleaming like armor, muscles bulging enough to kill a bull.

(Though in this anomaly, who knew how big the bulls were?)

To his right sat an older man with glasses, his eyes sharp with intelligence—a scientist, perhaps.

But the metallic sheen on his exposed skin suggested something more: a robotic body? A metal-controlling mutant?

Gregorio ignored the others.

One thing was certain—this anomaly’s threat level was high.

“No wonder this bracelet can suppress my energy. It’s built to control superhumans.”

Regret was pointless now. He had to find a way out.

But what did a prison have to do with the apocalypse? That part still eluded him.

Gregorio, at least, was combat-ready even without powers.

But other chosen ones were panicking.

Without clues, survival seemed impossible.

The guards were bad enough—their cellmates looked just as dangerous.

Rule 6 hinted at a hidden death trap: “Choosing the right cell is crucial.”

Some cells were likely cursed. Pick wrong, and you wouldn’t see morning.

Identifying the safe cell while avoiding other dangers was today’s top priority.

Yet most found no obvious differences between cells.

The sharper ones, like Abdul from Turban Nation, spotted a hidden clue.

This anomaly was so deadly that Turban Nation had no volunteers—until their king offered 1 billion to anyone who survived.

Abdul, a convicted fraudster, took the bait.

As a prisoner himself, he knew the rules:

New inmates must find a protector—or suffer.

The three powerful inmates across from him were likely key allies.

But which one?

The electric mutant scowled at Abdul’s gaze, making him flinch.

The crocodile man meditated calmly—but would he see humans as food when supplies ran low?

The scientist, though, seemed the safest bet.

Most chosen ones (over 110 of 200) planned to approach him first.

Who wouldn’t want a robotic upgrade in an apocalypse?

But Abdul hesitated.

Rules 2 and 3 held the answer:

“Don’t trust new inmates.”
“Help long-term inmates—it benefits you.”

“New” didn’t mean young. A fresh convict, even if elderly, was still a risk.

Abdul needed to learn their incarceration history—without asking directly.

That required gathering intel during activities.

His plan was set:

Survival here means finding a patron.

Most couldn’t fathom the prison’s link to the apocalypse.

But Zhang Yangqing had already pieced it together.

First, he complained:

“Last time, we at least had beds. Now we sleep on the floor? Next time, just float me in midair!”

Sitting cross-legged, he analyzed two likely scenarios:

1. Escape Route: The apocalypse is coming. The anomaly wants us to recruit allies, break out, and find shelter.

2. Holdout Route: Survive in prison until the disaster passes.

A third, far-fetched option—preventing the apocalypse from inside—seemed impossible for normal humans.

But without outside visibility, all this was speculation.

Zhang Yangqing would wait for the next phase.

Meanwhile, Gregorio was losing his mind.

Born blessed, he’d always relied on holy power—or the Pope’s backing.

Now, stripped of strength, he felt crippled.

His usual solution—violence—was off the table.

If he couldn’t remove the bracelet, he’d die here.

Pride before death was a superhuman’s curse.

Viewers worried this anomaly might break even the top-tier.

Gregorio’s backup plan? Massacre the prison if freed.

But food shortages made long-term survival unlikely.

Some in Ramen Nation secretly hoped:

If Gregorio and the Celestial Master both die here, isn’t that a fair trade?

After all, if he couldn’t clear it, no one could.

This anomaly seemed designed to humble superhumans.

On Dragon Nation’s screen, Zhang Yangqing lounged idly—unlike others groveling to the three powerhouses.

Expert Hu Liuqi fretted:

“I should’ve gone. The Celestial Master has no edge here.”

Without charm or strength (thanks to the bracelet), how would he survive?

Then, the cell doors clanked open.

“Line up!” a guard barked.

It was noon—time for lunch and labor.

Most chosen ones nervously approached the trio for protection.

Gregorio ignored them, marching out first.

But Zhang Yangqing?

He strolled up to all three and declared:

“Follow me if you want to live past tonight.”

A blatant demand for their submission.

The inmates froze.

This newcomer had the audacity to challenge the prison’s top dogs?

By the time they processed it, Zhang Yangqing was already outside.

Viewers held their breaths.

“Does he not realize the bracelet blocks powers?”
“Even for him, this is too reckless!”
“But the bracelet controls inmates too—maybe they can’t touch him?”

Zhang Yangqing had his reasons.

Rule 2 said don’t trust new inmates’ words.

He hadn’t. He’d just given orders.

And while others feared instant-death triggers, he saw opportunity.

What kills us can also kill unkillable horrors.

The moment he learned of these triggers, the anomaly had already bent to his will.