I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: When the Time Comes to Choose, It’s Always “Better You Than Me”

Dragon Nation’s Live Broadcast

Deliveryman A, seeing Deliveryman B immobilized and the cold-faced security guard staring at him with eyes like a vengeful spirit, felt a terror even an evil entity would fear—let alone a mere human.

Without a single thought of fighting back, Deliveryman A turned and fled in panic.

But Zhang Yangqing had no intention of letting him escape.

Using his familiarity with the layout, he cut off Deliveryman A’s path, planning to intercept him. Yet before he could, the terrified deliveryman spotted the beam of his flashlight and ducked into a small exhibition hall, slamming the door shut behind him and locking it tight.

“Well, this saves me the trouble. Did you really think whatever’s in there is easier to deal with than me?”

Zhang Yangqing walked up to the door, locked it from the outside, and left without another glance.

Moments later, violent banging erupted from inside the hall, followed by bloodcurdling screams—then silence.

The scene sent chills down viewers’ spines.

Before Zhang Yangqing appeared, everyone had feared the supernatural.

Now, they feared him more.

Other contestants ran for their lives from the horrors inside.

This man made the horrors run from him.

His methods were downright terrifying.

Not just Dragon Nation’s audience—the entire world was stunned.

Here was someone who’d solved an impossible scenario flawlessly.

The only problem? His solution wasn’t for the faint of heart.

After a brief pause, the barrage of comments exploded:

“This guy’s not right—how can anyone be this ruthless?”
“I admit it’s the only way, but did it have to be so brutal? Those delivery guys were innocent!”
“Surviving like this isn’t honorable. Eagle Nation’s John died with more dignity!”
“Oh please, if John heard you, he’d drag you down with him!”
“If he were from another country, I’d call him a monster. But since he’s ours—he did nothing wrong!”
“What’s there to criticize? If he dies, we all die. He made the right call.”
“Now I get why we lost nine times in a row. If even one past contestant had his nerve, we wouldn’t be here.”
“Listen up, future contestants: take notes. When in doubt, kill first, ask later!”
“I’ll say it again—I’m his ride-or-die. Anyone talking trash, drop your address!”

While the comments raged, Dragon Nation’s expert panel remained eerily calm, focused solely on data analysis.

To them, Zhang Yangqing’s actions weren’t just acceptable—they were textbook.

In a crisis where even the brilliant Professor John could only resign to fate, their contestant had found a solution. That alone was worth documenting.

In the realm of the supernatural, everything was a tool to exploit.

Expert Hu Liuqi, however, wasn’t thrilled when a colleague tossed him the hot potato:
“Old Hu, could you think of another way out?”

Bastards. Always making me take the fall.

He understood their hesitation—no one wanted the “cold-blooded” label.

If he endorsed Zhang Yangqing’s method, he’d be painted with the same brush.

Still, he answered bluntly:
“It’s the optimal solution. Even I wouldn’t have thought of it. But mark my words—every future contestant will copy this move. People love playing moral judge until it’s their turn. Then? ‘Better you than me.’”

His words were layered.

First, he distanced himself (“I wouldn’t have thought of it”)—implying he wasn’t as ruthless.

Yet he refused to condemn Zhang Yangqing, even respecting the sheer audacity of the play.

Second, his rant about hypocrites wasn’t just for the audience—it was a jab at the experts themselves.

As a veteran tomb raider, he’d seen enough “brotherhood” dissolve the moment danger struck.

He knew survival often meant getting your hands dirty.

And in this nightmare world? Only those like him and Zhang Yangqing stood a chance.

Want both glory and survival?

This isn’t a reality show—it’s hell.

Deep down, Hu Liuqi knew: if he’d thought of that solution, he’d have done the same.

Meanwhile, inside the supernatural realm, Zhang Yangqing remained unfazed.

He was simply playing his role—a merciless security guard.

Outside opinions? Irrelevant.

You think you could do better? Try it yourself.

One thing, however, was universally agreed upon:

Whether people called him cruel, cold, or vicious—no one called him weak.

Ironically, while Dragon Nation debated his morality, Zhang Yangqing’s global popularity skyrocketed.

Overseas audiences worshipped strength above all—and he’d earned their respect.

His support ratings, once dead last, now topped the charts.

Viewers worldwide tuned into Dragon Nation’s feed, equal parts horrified and fascinated.

What would he do next?

Of the 23 surviving contestants from the previous round, only 16 remained.

Seven had been unlucky enough to eat the tainted steak.

But a pattern emerged:

Aside from Dragon Nation’s powerhouse and Ramen Nation’s resigned contestant, the other 14 were elites—peak human intellect and physique.

After this life-or-death gamble, fear in their eyes gave way to steely resolve.

Then—

The clock struck four.

Patrol time had arrived.