I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 155

Chapter 155: I Told You the Bizarre World Doesn’t Play by the Rules, but You Didn’t Believe Me! 

At this moment, the square outside the main hall of Longhu Mountain was packed with a massive crowd.

Everyone had heard that the Celestial Master Zhang would be receiving visitors this morning, and they had rushed over like mad.

Some superhumans had even resorted to fighting outside just to secure a spot to enter the main hall and catch a glimpse of the Celestial Master.

Countless ordinary people had also come to Longhu Mountain to offer incense and pray, hoping to catch a sight of the Celestial Master’s divine presence.

Witnessing this unprecedented spectacle, everyone at Longhu Mountain felt immensely proud.

Zhang Yangqing’s prestige alone had elevated Longhu Mountain to such heights, making many major powers envious.

Those who managed to squeeze into the main hall were undoubtedly powerful figures from various regions, each with their own remarkable abilities.

Before Zhang Yangqing even appeared, over a hundred superhumans had already gathered in the main hall.

They were men and women from various countries who had traveled from afar. Some sought guidance from the Celestial Master of Dragon Country, while others had come simply to greet him and earn his favor. Still others had questions they hoped the Celestial Master could answer.

Regardless of their reasons, they could only wait obediently.

But being able to stand out from such a large crowd and earn an audience with Zhang Yangqing?

They couldn’t help but smirk with pride.

After all, while they might feel insignificant here, once they returned home?

They could boast about having met the Celestial Master of Dragon Country and even engaging in profound conversations with him.

This would elevate their status and make their friends green with envy.

Such was the way of the superhuman world: the more powerful the people you knew, the more capable you were considered.

The superhuman world had its own hierarchy. Those not on the same level simply couldn’t converse as equals.

Most superhumans struggled to prove their own strength directly, so they instead boasted about who they knew or claimed to have crossed paths with certain legends.

For example, there was that one guy who once threw a shuriken at a great master from eight hundred meters away and spent centuries boasting about having “battled” that master.

He could only elevate his status by name-dropping and fabricating encounters with great figures.

And now, Zhang Yangqing was precisely the kind of contemporary legend people would use to inflate their own reputations.

It could be said that cultivators in Dragon Country’s practice world took pride in knowing Zhang Yangqing.

You don’t know Zhang Yangqing?
Well, sorry, but you’re not worthy of conversing with me!
Because I’m someone who can speak with Zhang Yangqing. If you haven’t even had the chance to speak with him, your status is too low—we’re not on the same level.

Zhang Yangqing’s performances in the bizarre world could only be described as cataclysmic.

Coupled with his supreme status, even knowing him was an honor, let alone being able to meet him in person. Those who could see him were far from ordinary.

The superhumans from other countries here were somewhat renowned in their local areas but were far from top-tier. There remained a vast gap between them and Zhang Yangqing.

The fact that Zhang Yangqing was willing to meet them was already a great favor.

These people were largely counting on exchanging a few words with Zhang Yangqing so they could go back and boast to their friends.

Very few were genuinely seeking guidance.

Now, with Zhang Yangqing yet to arrive, the hundred or so superhumans in the main hall were incredibly nervous.

They were about to meet the legendary figure.

Disciples of Longhu Mountain symbolically served them some tea, which drew praise from many superhumans present.

“This tea is exquisite. I feel its craftsmanship must span over a century—it must be Dragon Country’s famous Da Hong Pao.”

“Excellent tea, truly excellent. Handcrafted, and the brewing method must be a secret technique. Marvelous!”

“You all don’t understand. Compared to the tea leaves, the water is even more exceptional. It’s the first dew collected at dawn—sweet and refreshing.”

“I detected it immediately. Each leaf produces only one drop of dew per morning. A cup like this is extremely rare even in Dragon Countr, and where I’m from, it’s worth a fortune!”

“Having the privilege to taste such a rarity today makes this journey truly worthwhile!”

The superhumans showered compliments, some even exaggerating their reactions, their expressions filled with delight.

The Longhu Mountain disciples nearby were dumbfounded. This wasn’t dew collected from the back mountains—it was just bottled water delivered by the water supplier!

And the tea? It was leftover cheap tea bought online for nine ninety, with free shipping.
How could they be describing it as some divine nectar?
As for those who drank five or six cups and still asked for more—that was just too much. Should I just take you to the water dispenser and let you brew it yourself?

If the superhumans knew what the Longhu Mountain disciples were thinking, they’d say: Don’t worry about it. We’ll just boast like this when we go back. Since no one else has been here, won’t they be insanely jealous?

Longhu Mountain disciples: You can play it like that?
In fact, by boasting about Longhu Mountain’s tea and water, weren’t they just boasting about themselves?
If people found out they were drinking tea made from bottled water here, wouldn’t that be embarrassing?

Even if they were served something far less pleasant, they’d likely claim it was some celestial delicacy, a privileged treatment enjoyed at Longhu Mountain.

Truth be told, many superhumans didn’t actually understand what they were drinking. But since everyone else was exaggerating, wouldn’t admitting they couldn’t taste anything special make them seem inferior?
So they piled on every descriptive word they could think of, regardless of what they were actually drinking. The goal was to flatter.

Those who didn’t know better would truly think they had tasted some divine nectar.

And all of this was because of Zhang Yangqing’s presence.

His aura alone could transform everything ordinary around him into treasures in the eyes of other superhumans.

Just as the main hall was buzzing with excitement, a majestic presence suddenly emerged.

In an instant, everyone stood up!

The hundred or so superhumans from around the world fell silent, their eyes turning in one direction.

Some even felt their hearts racing.

The main hall seemed to glow with an immortal radiance!

Zhang Yangqing’s figure appeared as if an immortal had descended to the mortal world.

Dressed in magnificent celestial robes, he stood tall and slender, his skin surrounded by a divine glow, with vast spiritual energy flowing around him.

This was what it meant to be a true immortal in the present world—divinely graceful, peerlessly handsome, descending into the mortal realm!

Everyone held their breath at the sight of his face, one that could drive millions of women wild.

Especially the female superhumans, who were momentarily mesmerized, lost in the charm of his breathtaking beauty.

He was easily ten times—no, a hundred times—more handsome than he appeared on screen!
What amazed the hundred superhumans most was Zhang Yangqing’s terrifying presence.

An ancient, overwhelming pressure descended with his arrival.

Like a god descending, his majesty filled the heavens!
For a moment, the superhumans nearly kneeled under the pressure.

Abe Hirohira, an onmyōji from Sakura Country, began to understand why the creatures in the bizarre world were so afraid of Zhang Yangqing.

How could they not be? I’m terrified right now!

Just standing near Zhang Yangqing gave one a feeling:

Everyone’s life and death seemed to rest entirely on his whim.

No wonder the natives of the bizarre world often kneeled before him.

This overwhelming pressure was not something ordinary superhumans could emit.

Many superhumans had never believed in gods, thinking humans lived only a century at most and that cultivating to the peak was the limit.

But from the moment they saw Zhang Yangqing, a thought emerged in their minds: So, gods really do exist in this world!

Those who had been somewhat defiant yesterday now shrunk back, afraid of provoking Zhang Yangqing’s displeasure.

From the moment they saw him, they knew they were not on the same level.

If Zhang Yangqing refused to give them face, even telling them to leave, they would consider it justified.

Now, the entire hall was silent except for the sound of Zhang Yangqing’s footsteps.

The superhumans didn’t even dare to breathe heavily.

Their eyes followed Zhang Yangqing as he moved.

From the moment he appeared, he was the undisputed center of attention.

On his home turf, Zhang Yangqing saw no need for pleasantries.

He directly took the seat of honor and waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit.

The superhumans gradually took their seats.

But in this atmosphere, no one dared to speak. They were like commoners awaiting an immortal’s decree.

Seeing the superhumans’ reactions, the Longhu Mountain disciples nearby were astonished and began whispering among themselves.

“Wow, is the Celestial Master really that intimidating? I never noticed before.”

“Seriously, the moment the Celestial Master appeared, I truly thought an immortal had descended. The aura was so divine.”

“I thought the Celestial Master was already impressive yesterday, but today he’s even more majestic.”

“We’re his fellow disciples, so he naturally doesn’t intimidate us. But others are different.”

The last speaker was the gatekeeping disciple, who was quite perceptive.

Since receiving guidance from Su Muyu yesterday, he had begun to understand many things.

Why did the Celestial Master usually seem approachable but today appear so aloof?

It was to show superhumans from around the world what it meant to be Dragon Country’s foremost figure.

Respect had to be earned through strength.

Only with absolute power would everyone show you respect.

If Zhang Yangqing were too polite, these people might think he lacked substance.

By not giving them too much courtesy, he made it clear he was not to be trifled with.

They would then spread word of his power far and wide.

From the moment Zhang Yangqing became the Celestial Master, he knew his responsibilities.

After everyone was seated, Zhang Yangqing symbolically exchanged some pleasantries and spoke about Taoist principles, though his words carried a solemn and righteous tone.

Every time Zhang Yangqing paused, thunderous applause erupted in the hall.

Compliments from the superhumans came in waves, especially from those near Zhang Yangqing, who practically knelt to praise him, hoping to leave an impression.

To an outsider, it might have looked like a corporate meeting.

When Zhang Yangqing seemed ready to speak again, they wisely fell silent.

They were entirely attuned to his demeanor.

Here, in the presence of such a powerful Celestial Master, they could only listen.

After Zhang Yangqing finished speaking, superhumans from various countries showered him with endless praise.

Many had come simply to pay their respects and seek guidance from Zhang Yangqing.

But human nature being what it is, when they saw others flattering Zhang Yangqing to earn his nod of approval—

Those who received approval looked down on those who hadn’t.

Those who hadn’t received approval naturally felt pressured to join the flattery campaign to avoid being seen as inferior.

Some particularly savvy superhumans even began presenting gifts to Zhang Yangqing.

After all, it was customary in Dragon Country not to visit empty-handed.
Those who hadn’t brought gifts panicked. How could you take this competition so far?
Those with gifts smirked. Without sincerity, how could you show up empty-handed?

Abe Hirohira, the onmyōji from Sakura Country, stepped forward until he was about five meters from Zhang Yangqing and respectfully presented a brocade box with both hands.

“Celestial Master Zhang, this is a small token of my respect—a thousand-year-old Tianshan snow ginseng. I hope you will accept it.”

It was clear that Abe Hirohira had gone all out to please Zhang Yangqing and earn some guidance.

Many superhumans nearby were envious. This was a priceless treasure!

And its quality was exceptional. Even from a distance, one could smell its medicinal aroma—it was definitely the real deal!

Zhang Yangqing nodded in acknowledgment.

Without much fuss, he glanced at a nearby Longhu Mountain disciple, who stepped forward to accept the gift.

After all, this onmyōji had traveled from afar with a gift and presented it so sincerely—with a look that said he wouldn’t leave until it was accepted—Zhang Yangqing could only reluctantly accept it.

Next, a high monk from India approached.

“This is a琉璃珠 (liú lí zhū – glass bead) from our temple’s abbot. I hope Celestial Master Zhang will accept it.”

In truth, the Indian monk was caught up in the competition.

He had come only to pay respects, but seeing others give gifts, he felt it would be inappropriate not to follow suit.

If word got out that their temple couldn’t afford a gift, it would be embarrassing.

More importantly, since Zhang Yangqing had displayed such terrifying power, giving him a gift seemed wise.

Getting on his good side might mean Zhang Yangqing could help them in times of trouble—a significant benefit.

Who knew if they’d even get another chance to see the Celestial Master?

This was the perfect opportunity to curry favor.

The more formidable Zhang Yangqing seemed, the more they sought to please him.

If they were going to give a gift, it had to be memorable.

A well-chosen gift that pleased Zhang Yangqing might even make him remember your name.

Just having Zhang Yangqing remember your name was considered the highest honor, something to boast about for decades.

If you gave him something mundane like a calendar, he might accept it, but he certainly wouldn’t remember you.

Though, at the very least, he probably wouldn’t hold a grudge.

For those who gave particularly good gifts, Zhang Yangqing offered some symbolic guidance.

As for the others, he didn’t have the patience.

The scene had taken on the atmosphere of nations paying homage to an emperor. Many who hadn’t yet seen Zhang Yangqing were still on their way, buying gifts or offering treasures.

It was a bustling, crowded affair.

The power Zhang Yangqing had displayed in the bizarre world, combined with the majesty he radiated in person, earned him the admiration of superhumans worldwide.

After a busy morning spent dealing with these matters, Zhang Yangqing finally returned to the inner courtyard.

Interacting with these people felt tedious.

He had to maintain the Celestial Master’s dignity without being too accommodating.

Every word had to be carefully chosen—it was far less enjoyable than cutting loose in the bizarre world.

As soon as he returned, he saw the elder brother looking at him with a “smile,” saying, “I never knew you had such talents.”

Zhang Yangqing felt an odd gaze, like a child hiding a perfect test score from their parents.

It’s not my fault I didn’t want to show off how capable I am.

“Haha, the bizarre world is about to start, elder brother. I need to prepare—we’ll talk later!”

After casually brushing it off, Zhang Yangqing made a swift exit.

He was lazy about showing off, but that didn’t mean he lacked the skills.

The better he performed, the more responsibilities he’d have.

The bizarre world might be his escape from mundane troubles.

If I’m in the bizarre world, you can’t expect me to meet with guests, right?

At noon, just as the bizarre world was about to open, the expert team received news:

Zhang Yangqing had volunteered.

This surprised Hu Liugi from the expert team.

After having troubled Zhang Yangqing so many times, he had been hesitant to ask again.

But if Zhang Yangqing was willing to go, it was exactly what he wanted.

Earlier that morning, the expert team had compiled a long list of potential candidates—superhumans and survivors—evaluating who was suitable for this round of the bizarre world and who wasn’t.

But once Zhang Yangqing volunteered, they immediately deleted everyone else from the list.

With Zhang Yangqing on the list, hesitating for even a second would be disrespectful.

When Zhang Yangqing saw the name of this round’s bizarre world, he took a deep breath.

The bizarre world had given only five words: ‘Journey of Despair,’ with no further explanation.

The name sounded even more daunting than the previous one.

If the last one was about surviving an apocalypse, how were they supposed to handle despair?

Very few people had volunteered for this round—only those from major nations with resources dared to step forward.

Smaller countries could only rely on luck.

In the church of Ramen Country, although Ge Lieke had wanted to participate, a Holy Knight had taken his place.

After analysis, since it was called ‘Journey of Despair,’ it likely meant harsh survival conditions.

Ge Lieke, as a cardinal reliant on holy energy, had physical abilities only slightly better than an average person’s, which wouldn’t give him an advantage in the bizarre world.

So, it was better to send a Holy Knight with superior physical strength.

According to this Holy Knight, he should have gone in the previous round—those eerie plants wouldn’t have been able to pierce his defenses.

Ge Lieke had wanted to go and felt the bizarre world wouldn’t be so straightforward, but it seemed the Pope agreed with the decision, so he had to comply.

“Don’t worry, the Chinese Celestial Master’s physical strength is no match for mine. If energy is restricted again this round, I will surely surpass him.”

Holy Knight Sidney clapped Ge Lieke on the shoulder confidently, as if God had already blessed him with victory.

He admitted he might not surpass the Chinese Celestial Master in holy energy, but in physical strength, he believed he was unmatched.

Sidney was a heavily armored Holy Knight, incredibly powerful.

The gear he wore was too heavy for ordinary people to even lift.

Having long guarded areas plagued by heretics, his combat skills were exceptional.

He was the epitome of toughness, with arm muscles thicker than Ge Lieke’s head.

He even had the legendary “ghost back,” and his tall, imposing stature was intimidating.

His endurance and resilience went without saying.

Thus, he was the ideal candidate for this round.

Ge Lieke knew the bizarre world wouldn’t be as simple as the name implied—it certainly wouldn’t be a normal journey.

But he still earnestly shared his experiences and tips, hoping to help Sidney.

When each country selected their contestant, expert teams would carefully brief them on precautions and provide psychological guidance and shared experiences from survivors.

But in Dragon Country, once they heard Zhang Yangqing was participating, the expert team essentially slacked off.

Tell him what to do? Probably unnecessary.

Zhang Yangqing was already a seasoned veteran in the bizarre world.

After a flash of white light, Zhang Yangqing once again arrived in this “familiar” world.

Away from the noise of the mundane world, he could enjoy a moment of peace.

But at the sight before him, Zhang Yangqing’s corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

He thought to himself: I just complained once, and the bizarre world actually took it seriously?

Because at this moment, he was thousands of meters in the air, perched on the edge of a massive flying object, with an endless abyss below.

One misstep, and he would plummet.

A familiar screen appeared before his eyes.

[This round of the Rule Bizarre World has begun. Each country will select one contestant to enter the game world of the Rule Bizarre World.]

[If the selected contestant dies, the bizarre world will randomly descend upon a city in that country.]

[If a country fails ten times in a row, the bizarre world will cover the entire nation.]

[The Bizarre World is now opening. Current instance: ‘Journey of Despair’!]

[Current Bizarre World difficulty: Five and a half stars.]

[In the Bizarre World, you will play the role of a mechanical guard. Please keep a clear mind, find the rules within the instance, and use them to survive.]

After reading, Zhang Yangqing was still puzzled. What did it mean to play the role of a ‘mechanical guard’?

Then he looked at his hand.

A creaking mechanical sound followed.

Zhang Yangqing realized his hand was made of mechanical parts, with a dark metallic finish.

Not just that—he found his entire body had become mechanical.

In other words, all contestants had become mechanical guards, with mechanical bodies.

For Zhang Yangqing and other contestants, it was manageable.

But for the muscular, tough-skinned Holy Knight Sidney, it was a shock.

He had thought his physical strength would let him shine in this round of the bizarre world, bringing glory to the church.

Now, unable to sense holy energy and unfamiliar with his new body, he had no advantage whatsoever.

All top-tier superhumans who entered had simultaneously lost their energy and physical advantages.

At that moment, in the church, Ge Lieke shrugged under everyone’s gaze, as if saying: I told you the bizarre world doesn’t play by the rules, but you didn’t believe me!