I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Oh, So That’s How You Want to Play, Huh? 

The standard process for the Evolution-Destruction Path should follow the example of Headscarf Nation’s chosen one, Abdul.

He is currently undergoing specialized training in the Paradise Tower to better master the power within his body.

Now, he has become proficient in controlling the flame energy inside him and has developed considerable destructive force.

In terms of raw power, he far surpasses the average superhuman.

However, he’s still nowhere near Gregorio’s level—and as for Zhang Yangqing? Nobody even dares to compare.

After all, they’re not even in the same dimension. The audience from Headscarf Nation sees no point in trying to measure up to the Dragon Nation’s Heavenly Master.

Still, many viewers can’t help but envy Abdul. They wish they could unleash supernatural abilities like him.

But envy won’t get them anywhere—Abdul earned this opportunity with his life on the line.

Most of them wouldn’t have even survived the first prison challenge, let alone the later stages.

They have no idea how Abdul pulled it off. How was he so clever?

Unlike what viewers might expect, Abdul isn’t getting reckless just because he’s gained some power.

In this round of the Strange Tales, the only one bold enough to mess around is Zhang Yangqing.

Abdul remains as cautious as ever. Destructive power? That’s secondary. He’s focused on learning how to escape.

After all, planting the bomb is enough to destroy the nuclear power plant. He doesn’t want to get bogged down in fights—his priority is to run.

A few skills to distract the enemy will suffice.

He’s also discussed attack strategies with the prison warden and the fox soldiers and obtained a map of the nuclear plant.

Before launching the assault, he even scouted the area around the plant.

He’s leaving no detail unchecked—because for him, survival hinges on precision.

Abdul only has one shot. Failure means death. He can’t afford carelessness.

Every variable must be accounted for. No mistakes allowed.

Zhang Yangqing, on the other hand, has no such concerns. While Abdul trains hard, Zhang is out enjoying the world’s luxuries.

He’s the only one who can afford to do this.

Because even if he makes a mistake, his opponents won’t live long enough to capitalize on it.

Right now, Zhang is lounging in the tower’s leisure area, sprawled on a plush sofa, watching this world’s entertainment programs.

The prison warden isn’t neglecting to brief Zhang on the mission plan—he just thinks it’s unnecessary.

A man who can instantly obliterate a Seven-Star powerhouse doesn’t need a plan.

His existence is the plan.

“Boss, just do whatever you want. As long as the nuclear plant gets destroyed, we’re good.”

The warden doesn’t dare rush him. Zhang can take his sweet time.

This is the advantage of flaunting one’s strength. That explosive display with the fox soldier? It was a warning to the warden.

The warden knew Zhang was strong—but not how strong.

So Zhang made sure he understood. And when the fox soldier foolishly charged at him, Zhang seized the opportunity.

Now, the warden hovers nearby, asking if Zhang needs anything. Whatever he wants, it’ll be arranged.

Even the snake-eyed lackey sticks close, serving tea and snacks.

The moment Zhang’s throat moves, the lackey pours tea.

A raised hand? He immediately offers Zhang’s favorite pastry.

He even taste-tests everything first to ensure it’s safe.

Zhang never asked for this—the lackey does it voluntarily.

But his eagerness isn’t entirely selfless. He has an ulterior motive.

One that Zhang doesn’t mind. In fact, he approves.

Because the lackey sees Zhang as his role model. He studies Zhang’s movements and techniques, trying to replicate them.

Outward skills—like slashes and footwork—he can mimic decently.

But the kind of power that makes enemies explode with a flick of the wrist? That’s beyond him.

So during Zhang’s downtime, he musters the courage to ask for guidance.

“Boss, how do you make someone explode just by raising your hand?”

Zhang replies casually, “It’s simple—condense energy around the target and detonate it instantly. Speed and precision are key. Of course, it only works if you’re vastly stronger. Against equals, it’s just a tickle.”

His explanation is straightforward, but it sends chills down the spines of everyone nearby—the lackey, the warden, even the death-row inmates.

Zhang’s opponent was a Seven-Star powerhouse. If he can vaporize that level of strength, how terrifying must he be?

But what follows is even more surprising.

Zhang begins a public lesson—not just for the Strange Tales world, but for real-world superhumans watching the broadcast.

He shares basic Taoist cultivation techniques—simple in theory, but capable of transcendent power when mastered.

Most dabble in the basics and assume they’ve learned it all. They don’t realize the path is endless.

Some wonder: Why is Zhang revealing these secrets?

At Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhang Xuanjing glances at his recovering senior brother and asks, “Even if the Heavenly Master favors that snake-eyed lackey, why teach him so seriously?”

He thinks it’s pointless. Cultivation takes years of dedication. Not everyone has Zhang Yangqing’s monstrous talent.

And isn’t this exposing Dragon Tiger Mountain’s secrets to the entire world?

This time, Su Muyu isn’t joking. He says gravely, “You don’t understand. Yangqing is doing this on purpose. This is the largest-scale dissemination of Taoist teachings in history.”

The junior disciples finally grasp it—Zhang is using his global influence to spread Taoist philosophy. Even the simplest techniques, when taught by him, will attract followers worldwide.

While it seems like he’s just instructing a lackey, he’s actually exporting Taoist culture to every corner of the Earth.

With Zhang’s unstoppable reputation, who wouldn’t want to learn from him?

For centuries, foreign religions have spread their influence in Dragon Nation. Now, Taoism is striking back.

As long as Zhang keeps winning, Taoist believers will multiply across the globe!

Zhang Xuanjing is stunned. I thought he was just killing time… Turns out I’m the one with nothing better to do?

If it were anyone else, he’d call it a coincidence. But this is Zhang Yangqing. There’s always a deeper scheme.

He recalls his master’s words: “When you think someone stronger than you is foolish, ask yourself—how stupid must you be to believe that?”

Back then, he didn’t understand. Now, he feels the full weight of his own ignorance.

…..

Meanwhile, in the Vatican…

The Pope’s eyes widen in realization. “Oh, so that’s how you want to play, huh?!”

At first, he thought the Heavenly Master was just rambling to an NPC. Does he have nothing better to do?

Then he noticed his own clergy scribbling notes on Zhang’s teachings—analyzing them.

That’s when it hit him: He’s spreading Taoist doctrine!

And on a global scale.

For most, it’s harmless. But the Pope feels threatened.

Why didn’t I think of this?!

Gregorio, his star cardinal, has underperformed this round. At this rate, he’ll be lucky not to embarrass the Church, let alone promote it.

After a sharp cough, the clergy snap out of their daze, realizing their wavering faith. They kneel, begging for forgiveness.

The Pope delivers a sermon, then convenes a strategy meeting.

This round is a lost cause. The next one? They’ll need a plan to rival the Heavenly Master’s outreach.

But they’re not the only ones scheming.

Zhang Yangqing has opened the floodgates. Hidden factions worldwide are now plotting their own moves.

….

Back in the Strange Tales World…

While Zhang leisurely spreads his teachings, other chosen ones scramble to survive.

Those on the Survival Path suffer the most.

Football Nation’s chosen one thrives in survival scenarios. His boss, the crocodile-man gang leader, commands a territory with 200 enhanced prisoners. They fortify their position, preparing for the worst.

In survival, numbers matter—especially with strong allies.

Then there’s Russia’s chosen one, Goncharov. Alone, unaided—even his own viewers doubt him.

But he doesn’t care. He’s fighting for himself now.

In this world, he’s gained minor enhancements—a fortified meal in prison, a Color Fruit.

But it’s barely enough to scrape by. He’s nowhere near Abdul’s level.

His focus? Escaping the apocalypse.

He knows the so-called “doom” is the mutant plants.

They fear light, steel barriers… but what else?

Then it hits him—a clue from earlier.

During the train ride to Paradise, he saw a desert where the plants couldn’t grow.

The rules state: Survive in Paradise for three days.

If he can find a similar wasteland within Paradise, stockpile supplies, and hold out… he might make it.

That’s his only hope.

Now, he’s scouring the map for such a place.

Every chosen one is busy the moment they enter Paradise—except Zhang Yangqing.

None of them have time to enjoy this dazzling world.

Survival is hard enough. Who cares about sightseeing?

Among survivalists, one figure stands out—Gregorio, the Cardinal.

Now freed from restrictions (though still wearing his bracelet), he’s playing it safe, following the script.

This reassures Pizza Nation’s viewers.

They feared his old arrogance would return, leading to another disaster.

Most chosen ones must grow to survive—even Gregorio.

Without improvement, the next mishap might be his last.

The only one who doesn’t need to grow?

The audience thinks there’s just one exception.

But what they don’t realize is—he’s growing too.

Gregorio’s ally is a mad scientist. Given the man’s obsession with research, Gregorio expects a high-tech base—something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

With the scientist’s upgrades and his own holy energy, survival should be assured.

But when they arrive at the “base,” Gregorio is stunned.

It’s not a base. It’s a junk pile masquerading as a house.

In this neon-lit, hyper-futuristic city, this slum stands out like a sore thumb.

The scientist opens the door, revealing dust-covered, broken equipment. Cobwebs cling to the walls.

As the man starts cleaning, Gregorio—no clean freak, but still fastidious—helps out.

The place is cluttered, with a large basement crammed with junk.

The stench of old experiments lingers.

“This is your base?” Gregorio asks.

“Not what you imagined, huh?” The scientist’s voice carries bitterness.

Gregorio expected a skyscraper lab, or at least a decent property.

This feels like Paradise’s underbelly.

The scientist explains, “Research doesn’t pay. The real money’s in entertainment. Why do you think I turned to crime?”

Gregorio falls silent.

In this world, despite its glamour, technology has stagnated.

With mutant plants outside, humanity is trapped. The elite grow richer; the poor, desperate.

Crime runs rampant. When people starve, they revolt.

But the rulers crush dissent—hence the massive prisons.

What the chosen ones saw was just one wing.

The apocalypse? For the oppressed, it’s a chance to reset the game.

Without it, they’re doomed forever.

Now, with the old order collapsing, they finally have hope.

That’s why the prisoners are so eager to bring about the end.

Viewers Notice:

Survival-path chosen ones gain different buffs based on their gang leader:

• Crocodile-man allies: Enhanced physical abilities.

• Lightning-man allies: Upgraded supernatural powers.

• Mad scientist allies: Cybernetic implants, exo-suits.

Gregorio? He’s fine as-is. He doesn’t need upgrades to survive—as long as he avoids the plant hordes.

Ten hours in…

A world-shattering boom echoes across Paradise.

The city’s defenses collapse. Neon lights flicker and die.

The plants invade.

Swarming the streets, they slaughter indiscriminately.

Even superhumans can’t hold the line forever.

The survivalists hunker down, fortifying their hideouts.

All they can do now is wait out the storm.

…..

Meanwhile, the Destruction Path duo moves out.

After 5-6 hours of training and rest, Abdul joins the fox soldiers, heading for the nuclear plant.

It’s about to face a devastating assault.

Zhang Yangqing? After 10 hours of relaxation, he strolls out with his entourage, boarding a train to the same destination.

The plant won’t just be attacked—it’ll be erased from existence.