I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Don’t Overthink It—I Just Look Down on You, So What? 

Ahem!

With Su Muyu’s cough, the nearby disciples immediately fell silent.

He felt the junior disciples were starting to veer off track and quickly urged them to refocus.

“Having Yangqing teach you cultivation is for your own good.

Instead of learning how to break through your limits, why waste time on flashy tricks?

I’m not putting you down, but even if you learned those, where would you even show off?

Let me remind you—in all the years at Longhu Mountain, there’s only been one Zhang Yangqing.”

Su Muyu believed it was better for the junior disciples to focus on solid cultivation and improving their strength rather than chasing impractical skills.

As a major Taoist sect with a millennia-old legacy, Longhu Mountain carried immense prestige.

Anyone who dared bring shame to Longhu Mountain would face severe consequences.

Su Muyu swept a stern gaze across the room, causing many disciples to shrink back, not daring to meet his eyes.

The senior brother still commanded considerable respect at Longhu Mountain.

Who wouldn’t fear the person in charge of internal affairs and finances?

To put it bluntly, offending the Heavenly Master Zhang Yangqing might mean death.

But crossing Senior Brother Su Muyu could mean a fate worse than death.

Of course, among fellow disciples, things weren’t that extreme.

At worst, it meant having cultivation resources deducted or being punished with chores like cleaning toilets.

But in a cultivation sect, lacking resources was essentially a dead end for progress.

While others could boost their cultivation with elixirs in a month or two, you might struggle for a year or two without any improvement through sheer hard work.

For ordinary cultivators, resources were everything.

And in this world, resources were scarce—not something as common as carrots or cabbage.

Things like ordinary ginseng or lingzhi might be tonics for regular people, but for cultivators, they were barely enough to stave off hunger.

Longhu Mountain had spirit fields passed down through generations, growing various spirit herbs and medicinal plants.

Those were the real resources cultivators needed.

With Su Muyu holding such a position, who would dare offend him?

Coupled with his authoritative presence as the senior brother, everyone held him in awe.

It might seem like Su Muyu was warm and approachable around Zhang Yangqing, but that was only with him.

Even Zhang Xuanjing had to gauge Su Muyu’s mood before speaking to him.

If Su Muyu seemed off, Zhang Xuanjing wouldn’t dare say a word.

Seeing everyone’s attention on him, Su Muyu said, “The Heavenly Master has taken rare time out of his schedule to teach you. Learn well. If there’s no progress, don’t bother coming to me for cultivation resources next month. Longhu Mountain doesn’t support idlers!”

Hearing this, many disciples took a deep breath.

It was clear they had to take this seriously. Slacking off any further could mean remaining entry-level disciples for life.

After all, when Zhang Yangqing first joined, he was sweeping floors alongside other entry-level disciples.

But in what seemed like no time, Zhang Yangqing had become the Heavenly Master, while they were still sweeping floors!

But the most frustrated person there wasn’t the other disciples—it was Zhang Yangqing himself.

He had originally planned to breeze through the session, teaching Zhang Xuanjing and leaving the rest to figure things out on their own. He couldn’t be bothered.

Since Zhang Xuanjing was capable enough, he could teach the others.

But with Senior Brother’s words, Zhang Yangqing’s workload had undoubtedly increased.

He’d rather the Strange Tales world continue sooner so he could go back in for fun.

But it seemed unlikely that would happen today, so he had no choice but to give the junior disciples a proper lesson.

First up was Zhang Xuanjing, the first to receive personal instruction from the new Heavenly Master.

At first, he was excited and eager, looking forward to experiencing the Heavenly Master’s prowess.

Looking back, he was still naive then, thinking danger only existed in places like the Strange Tales world.

What danger could there be at Longhu Mountain? Wasn’t this the place where he grew up?

But after a brutal beating from Zhang Yangqing, he felt like he could almost see his late master—his teacher.

He didn’t even know how he passed out or who revived him.

All he knew was that whenever he was conscious, Zhang Yangqing would continue beating him.

Under the guise of “making you experience life and death repeatedly.”

It made the junior disciples suspect the Heavenly Master was settling personal scores.

But they didn’t dare say it out loud.

Because after Zhang Xuanjing was carried off for treatment, it was their turn to get beaten.

Here, Zhang Yangqing had a ridiculous way of controlling his strength.

It was as if he was trying to beat you as close to death as possible without actually killing you.

A single slap with the Golden Light Spell could bury you halfway into the ground.

A shock from the Palm Lightning Technique could leave you crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Essentially, every junior disciple present was given a taste of what death felt like.

Almost none could walk out of the training grounds on their own feet.

It gave the disciples a sense that perhaps the Strange Tales world wasn’t as terrifying as the Heavenly Master.

After all, in the Strange Tales world, weren’t there rules?

Within the boundaries of the rules, even supernatural beings couldn’t touch you.

You could even point at a supernatural being and curse at it, and it would have to wait for you to break a rule before acting.

But the Heavenly Master? He didn’t follow any rules!

If given the choice between entering the Strange Tales world or continuing to fight Zhang Yangqing, they would unquestionably choose the Strange Tales world.

Although they got beaten up, they did gain some insights.

Zhang Yangqing would point out their shortcomings and suggest how to improve.

For those with truly poor comprehension, Zhang Yangqing would bluntly recommend they find a factory job or some other line of work.

He was just that direct.

Seeing Zhang Yangqing teach so seriously, Su Muyu sighed in admiration. Yangqing had finally shouldered the responsibilities of the Heavenly Master.

“Master, do you see this!”

But if the late Heavenly Master could see it, he would probably say, “Is it possible he’s just purely beating people up?”

Since returning from the Strange Tales world, Zhang Yangqing hadn’t been idle.

With the day’s training session concluded, Zhang Yangqing was about to head back to rest.

Just then, a junior disciple responsible for guarding the mountain gate rushed over.

“Heavenly Master, there are cultivators from other countries at the gate requesting an audience with you.”

This disciple had joined later than Zhang Yangqing and still felt nervous and excited around him.

It was also his first time seeing so many cultivators from around the world gathered in one place.

He felt the matter might be important, so he hurried over.

Hearing this, Zhang Yangqing’s expression remained unchanged, his hands still tucked into his Taoist robe sleeves.

He replied nonchalantly, “They’re requesting an audience? Let them keep requesting.”

Since they were requesting, whether he granted an audience was entirely up to him.

It wasn’t like he had to agree just because they asked.

What status did they have that he needed to consider their feelings?

Whether in the Strange Tales world or the real world, Zhang Yangqing could afford to be this arrogant.

Not happy? You’re welcome to come up and try to kill him.

Lately, countless people had come seeking his audience. What did it matter if they were supernatural beings from other countries?

With that, Zhang Yangqing turned and headed toward the inner courtyard.

He had just finished dealing with the Strange Tales world and spent the afternoon training the junior disciples.

He couldn’t care less who came to see him.

Watching Zhang Yangqing’s retreating figure, the gatekeeping disciple swallowed hard and asked Su Muyu, “Senior Brother, what should I do?”

Su Muyu’s expression was similarly neutral as he advised, “Just relay the Heavenly Master’s words exactly as he said them. Don’t interpret or explain. That way, you won’t make a mistake.”

As the senior brother, he knew this disciple hadn’t been cultivating for long and was afraid of offending people.

Since he was worried, he should just repeat Zhang Yangqing’s words verbatim. After all, he was just the messenger. It wasn’t him offending anyone, so why worry?

Besides, with Zhang Yangqing’s abilities, what was there to fear?

As Zhang Yangqing would say, “Shouldn’t they be the ones who are afraid?”

Hearing Su Muyu’s explanation, the gatekeeping disciple seemed to understand, his expression saying, “So that’s how it is.”

He straightened his posture. As the Heavenly Master said, they were the ones asking for a favor. Why should they have to agree?

But then he thought of something else and asked, “What if those people aren’t just requesting but insist on seeing the Heavenly Master?”

Su Muyu took a deep breath and replied, “Given Yangqing’s temper, it would depend on whether there are outsiders around. If not, we’d probably find a spot in the back mountain to bury the bodies. If there are, he’d likely just throw them out directly.”

It might sound unbelievable, but none of the junior disciples present doubted that Zhang Yangqing would do exactly that.

It perfectly matched Zhang Yangqing’s character and style.

Because in Zhang Yangqing’s view, that would already count as a provocation.

Some might not understand, but Su Muyu did.

It wasn’t that he indulged Zhang Yangqing—this was just how things worked in reality.

Zhang Yangqing was the Heavenly Master, the head of the mystical sects.

If the Pope came in person, Zhang Yangqing might spare a moment for a chat.

That would be a meeting of equals.

But now, what kind of random people thought they could just show up at Longhu Mountain and meet the Heavenly Master in person?

Wouldn’t that be lowering his status?

Tens of thousands of people sought an audience with Zhang Yangqing every day. Was he supposed to meet all of them?

Not only would he make them keep waiting, but whether he eventually granted an audience would depend entirely on his mood.

Su Muyu also emphasized to the nearby disciples that they shouldn’t question Zhang Yangqing’s decisions. They just needed to do their jobs. Those who weren’t Heavenly Masters shouldn’t meddle in Heavenly Master affairs.

His words were actually quite subtle. Su Muyu was telling everyone that Zhang Yangqing’s authority at Longhu Mountain was absolute—unless they themselves became Heavenly Masters.

If they could defeat Zhang Yangqing, then they could call the shots.

Otherwise, at Longhu Mountain, Zhang Yangqing’s word was law.

This was also why combat prowess was always the top priority for successive Heavenly Masters of Longhu Mountain.

The stronger you were, the more weight your words carried.

Top-tier experts didn’t need to consider others’ feelings—others were the ones who had to consider their moods.

The gatekeeping disciple had run over to deliver the message, but he walked back slowly.

This disciple was quite perceptive. Now that he understood the underlying dynamics, what did he have to worry about?

Arriving at Longhu Mountain’s guest hall, he faced a diverse group of visitors from around the world.

Among those waiting were some familiar faces: a Yin-Yang master from Sakura Country, a high monk from Asan, a bishop from the Church, and supernatural beings from other countries.

They all seemed eager for Zhang Yangqing to appear, but there was no sign of him.

When they saw the reporting Taoist return, they immediately crowded around to ask when the Heavenly Master would come out.

The gatekeeping disciple repeated Zhang Yangqing’s words verbatim in a neutral tone.

Given the sheer arrogance of Zhang Yangqing’s statement, many people’s faces twitched upon hearing it.

It was natural for them to be angry. They had traveled far, and as members of the supernatural community, couldn’t the Heavenly Master of Dragon Country show some respect?

And what did he mean by that? Did he really think that highly of himself?

Many wore ugly expressions, their judgment clouded by anger.

These individuals were all highly respected in their own regions. When had they ever suffered such indignity?

But just as their anger mounted, Abe Hirohira, the Yin-Yang master from Sakura Country, bowed to the gatekeeping disciple and said, “Taoist Master, I was impulsive. Heavenly Master Zhang has just finished his work and hasn’t had time to rest, yet I made such an unreasonable request. Please convey my apologies to Heavenly Master Zhang. I will return tomorrow to request an audience.”

With that, Abe Hirohira limped away.

He only represented himself, not the others.

The gatekeeping disciple simply nodded without comment.

The other supernatural beings seemed to recall something as well.

Indeed, as Abe Hirohira had said, Heavenly Master Zhang had just emerged from the Strange Tales world that morning. Why should he see them immediately?

The Heavenly Master owed them nothing. Whether he granted an audience was entirely his decision.

Even the limping Abe Hirohira wasn’t in a hurry, so why should they be?

Considering this, many supernatural beings politely apologized and left.

They would try again another time.

Those still seething with anger had no choice but to take their leave. After all, what could they do even if they were angry? What was their level compared to his?

If you were stronger than Zhang Yangqing, wouldn’t he come to see you?

Did you think Zhang Yangqing looked down on you?

To quote Zhang Yangqing: “Don’t overthink it—I just look down on you, so what?”

The matter of supernatural beings from various countries seeking an audience came to a temporary close, but the gatekeeping disciple remained busy.

Longhu Mountain was now thriving with incense offerings. Those wishing to climb the mountain to burn incense and pray formed a line stretching from the mountain gate all the way down to the foot.

In the inner courtyard of Longhu Mountain, Zhang Yangqing was busy with some matters.

He first reviewed the reward contents and noticed something unusual.

[Congratulations toDragon Country’s Heavenly Master for clearing the Strange Tale ‘Apocalyptic Disaster’ with a rating of SSSSS]

[Standard Reward: Two cities targeted by Strange Tales have been spared.]

[Special Reward 1:Dragon Country’s mountain ginseng yield increased by 20%.]

[Special Reward 2: All Dragon Country citizens’ physical attributes +2.]

[Special Reward 3:Dragon Country’s lingzhi yield increased by 20%.]

[Special Reward 4:Dragon Country’s snow lotus yield increased by 20%.]

[Special Reward 5:Dragon Country’s watermelon yield increased by 20%.]

Seeing the increase in fruit yield in Dragon Country, especially watermelons, viewers from Sakura Country were green with envy.

In their country, watermelons were exceptionally expensive, considered a luxury fruit.

But viewers in Dragon Country didn’t feel the same way. To them, watermelons were so abundant they could even be fed to pigs.

While these rewards were good, Zhang Yangqing’s personal rewards were even more impressive.

[Congratulations on clearing the Strange Tale ‘Apocalyptic Disaster’]

[Standard Reward: All attributes +10.]

[Special Reward 1: Spirit Fruit Tree Seeds x50.]

[Special Reward 2: Skill «Clarity»]

[Spirit Fruit Tree: Blooms every three years, ripens every three years, bears fruit every three years. Consuming ripe fruit enhances physique and has a chance to awaken supernatural abilities.]

[Clarity: Can remove all contamination from oneself or a single living being once. Cooldown: 24 hours.]

Zhang Yangqing nodded. It seemed that as the rating increased, personal rewards also became more abundant.

Previously, there were only standard rewards and one special reward.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yangqing casually checked the rewards from the previous Strange Tales world, specifically those obtained on the Mary cruise ship.

After all, since he had dominated effortlessly, he hadn’t paid much attention to the rewards.

As the difficulty of the Strange Tales world increased, these reward skills were lifesavers for other chosen ones.

For Zhang Yangqing, they simply added to his enjoyment within the Strange Tales world.

[Congratulations on clearing the Strange Tale ‘Bloody Mary’]

[Standard Reward: All attributes +10.]

[Special Reward 1: Dragon Fish Fry x20.]

[Special Reward 2: Weapon ‘Ink Dragon Flying Sword’]

[Dragon Fish: Delicious meat, excellent texture. Consumption extends lifespan and enhances strength.]

[Ink Dragon Flying Sword: High-grade treasured sword. Forged from ten-thousand-year mystical iron over forty-nine years. The blade appears to have a divine dragon coiled around it. Can slice through hair blown against it and cleave through mountains and rivers.]

“Oh? I actually got something this good?”

Zhang Yangqing was indifferent to the skills, but he was quite pleased with this handy weapon.

After all, this type of weapon was special—it could be summoned at will and was easy to carry.

When ordinary people got hold of such a sword, at best they could use it to slash supernatural beings, chop trees, or wield it as a sharp tool.

Used skillfully, it could serve for self-defense or intimidation.

But in Zhang Yangqing’s hands, could the entire Strange Tales world even withstand it?

As a Taoist cultivator, he was a pure swordsman.

He only knew a tiny bit about the Golden Light Spell and the Five Thunder Justice Technique—his true expertise lay in sword techniques.

Some might find it strange that Zhang Yangqing had rarely used a sword so far.

But that was asking too much of him. After all, such weapons couldn’t be found in the Strange Tales world, and equipment from the real world couldn’t be brought in.

Besides, those worthy of making Zhang Yangqing draw his sword were truly few and far between.

When Senior Brother Su Muyu arrived, Zhang Yangqing handed over the spirit fruit tree seeds and dragon fish fry to him.

“What are these? Where did you find them?”

Su Muyu was knowledgeable and immediately recognized the extraordinary nature of these items.

It could be said that any organization obtaining these could gain significant resources.

With resources, the organization could expand its membership, and its members’ strength would increase.

These weren’t particularly useful for Zhang Yangqing personally, but for Longhu Mountain, they were immensely valuable.

When recruiting disciples, if you had no resources to offer them, you were just wasting their potential—essentially hiring manual laborers.

If Longhu Mountain wanted to expand, it needed to find more resources.

And now, here they were!

“Oh, clearing the Strange Tales world gives personal rewards. These are from that.”

Zhang Yangqing mentioned it offhandedly—it wasn’t some big secret.

“Alright, in that case, clear a few more and try to bring back more rewards!”

Hearing Su Muyu’s words, Zhang Yangqing was surprised.

It had always seemed like Su Muyu didn’t want him to get into trouble and hadn’t been very supportive of him entering the Strange Tales world.

Why was he so proactive this time?

Seeing Zhang Yangqing’s puzzled look, Su Muyu rolled his eyes.

“Either go in and farm resources, or stay here and teach disciples every day. Your choice.”

As the Heavenly Master, couldn’t he just do nothing?

Zhang Yangqing pondered for a moment and said, “Fine, I’ll go farm!”

Compared to teaching junior disciples at Longhu Mountain, Zhang Yangqing found it much more enjoyable to play in the Strange Tales world.

Here, he had to hold back and waste words.

There, he didn’t know what holding back meant, nor did he need to waste words.

By the time the two senior brothers had dealt with these cultivation resources, it was already dark.

Early the next morning, seeing that it wasn’t yet time for the Strange Tales world to begin, Zhang Yangqing decided to take some time to meet the supernatural beings who had been waiting at the foot of Longhu Mountain.

When others went to receive guests, they did so with warm greetings and courteous hospitality.

But Zhang Yangqing strode forward with an unparalleled aura of dominance.

It felt like all nations had come to pay tribute, and he was there to accept it.