I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 184

Chapter 184: Avoid Its Edge? It Doesn’t Deserve That!

Before they set out, Senior Brother Su Muyu had given Xu Xiu a task.

He was to remind Zhang Yangqing if he felt the Heavenly Master was about to act recklessly.

Hearing Zhang Yangqing’s words earlier, Xu Xiu already had that feeling.

After all, they were fellow disciples who had lived together on the mountain for a long time; they understood each other somewhat.

But Zhang Yangqing’s overwhelming aura intimidated him into silence.

He was miserable inside. Senior Brother, you dare talk back to the Heavenly Master, but I don’t!

At a crossroads, Xiao Xuan, the innate Xuan Thunder physique user, was locked in a difficult battle.

His earlier clash with the electric eel entity had drained half of his spiritual energy, finally electrocuting the entity to death.

Then, to his dismay, more entities appeared: electric eel humanoids, electric catfish humanoids, electric ray humanoids…

Xiao Xuan wondered if he had stumbled into a nest of electric fish. Why were there so many!

Despite his earlier bravado, he was now in a sorry state.

Under the continuous assaults, his spiritual energy was nearly depleted. If this continued, someone with an innate Xuan Thunder physique would be electrocuted to death by these electric fish entities.

If his master found out, it might anger him back to life.

Facing the onslaught of electric fish entities, Xiao Xuan felt a headache coming on.

At least his junior brothers had already retreated, sparing him further embarrassment.

In the pitch-black night, within the misty, humid area…

These entities seemed endless. Xiao Xuan felt no amount of spiritual energy would be enough.

Among the many highly skilled senior and junior brothers, he was the first to nearly run out of energy.

Numerous electric fish entities closed in around him, emitting creepy chuckles.

“Surrender. Here, we can replenish our power anytime. You can’t defeat us.”

“Trying to compete with our innate abilities? You’re still too green. If you don’t struggle, I might consider giving you a quick death.”

“You’re not bad, but we’re stronger. Just accept it.”

The electric fish entities began boasting, seemingly mocking him with his own earlier words.

This grated on Xiao Xuan. Had these entities’ intelligence grown so high?

Seeing this, he took a deep breath, his expression turning fierce.

“Fine, fine. You’re forcing me to use my ultimate move.”

His previously waning aura suddenly made the surrounding electric fish entities feel pressured.

Did this guy still have a trump card?
They knew experts of this level often unleashed terrifying techniques when cornered.

Thinking this, the electric fish entities didn’t dare be careless, raising their guards.

Xiao Xuan formed a one-handed seal and shouted loudly: “Heavenly Master, save me!”

He had used Longhu Mountain’s strongest skill, its most fearsome summoning art: calling for Zhang Yangqing!
Before his voice faded, a kick landed on his backside.

That familiar, powerful figure appeared behind him.

Even in plain sight, the electric fish entities wondered if they were seeing things.

Xiao Xiu didn’t dare react negatively to the sudden kick—he couldn’t avoid it even if he tried—and instead put on an apologetic smile.

“Useless fool. Master spoiled you before, never making you train harshly. Your basics are truly lacking, running out of energy so quickly. Was it fun trading lightning with an electric entity?”

Zhang Yangqing launched into a stern scolding.

If Xu Xiu couldn’t win, that was understandable; he was a pure swordsman, barely skilled in other arts.

But Xiao Xuan, with his innate Xuan Thunder physique, could learn anything quickly. Did he have to use thunder techniques?
Thunder was the ultimate yang energy, consuming the most spiritual power.

Before using thunder techniques, you had to confirm if large groups of enemies remained.

If you couldn’t resolve it in one go, you should switch to other spells.

Thunder techniques were a surprise move, not something to use whenever you felt like it.

Scolded, Xiao Xuan shrunk his head, not daring to talk back.

His master had indulged him, but Zhang Yangqing wouldn’t.

Seeing the two chatting casually, the surrounding electric fish entities felt ignored.

Are you two disrespecting us?

We’re still here, and you’re chatting?
Are you looking down on us!
The electric eel humanoid shouted, “Who are you? State your name! I don’t kill nameless fools.”

The next second, they learned what true disregard meant.

“Annoying pests.”

Without even looking, Zhang Yangqing traced a line of lightning with his fingertip, stirring the very space around them.

The electric fish entities had no time to react before their bodies turned to charcoal and black dust, scattering to the ground.

Forget insulation, forget resistance—under absolute power, they didn’t even get a chance to scream.

Perhaps only in death did they realize what a terrifying presence stood before them.

Even though Xiao Xuan had seen Zhang Yangqing act many times, this move still shocked him.

“I’ll deal with you when we get back.”

With that, Zhang Yangqing’s figure vanished as if he had never been there.

But his words genuinely made Xiao Xuan apprehensive. Zhang Yangqing’s “dealing with” was no simple beating.

Recalling Zhang Yangqing’s thunder technique also gave him some insight.

A thought emerged: So that’s how it could be done.

Xiao Xuan’s comprehension was actually high; he was just somewhat lazy.

After Zhang Yangqing left, he muttered, “Indeed, when the Heavenly Master kills enemies, he’s a completely different person from when he spars with us.”

Witnessing Zhang Yangqing’s kill-oriented approach made Xiao Xuan realize what true power meant.

He wondered when he could reach that level—his own talent wasn’t bad, after all.

As soon as Xiao Xuan finished speaking, a voice chimed in: “Of course. Have you seen the Heavenly Master casually twist a boss’s head off? I’d only seen it on screen before; seeing it in person is way more terrifying.”

Xu Xiu shrugged. He had just caught up, but Zhang Yangqing was already gone.

His speed was on a completely different level.

Despite his calm exterior, Xu Xiu had been panicking inside.

When an entity you simply couldn’t defeat was effortlessly destroyed by someone, it inevitably instilled a certain fear.

Because Xu Xiu knew this was precisely why the Heavenly Master had brought him for training.

If he couldn’t handle even this psychologically, what would happen if he encountered something even more terrifying? Would he just freeze up?
But then again, was there anything more terrifying than the Heavenly Master?
The two fellow disciples exchanged a glance and hurried after him.

After all, while the trouble here was resolved, there might be more elsewhere.

No one knew how many entities were hidden in Huaiyin City or if there were other mutated entities.

Next, the next victim appeared.

Mo Yun, who was battling the tiger-shark entity, was stopped by Zhang Yangqing.

The tiger-shark entity was baffled; he was in the heat of battle when another person appeared opposite him.

But he was also somewhat tired from fighting and took the chance to rest.

Zhang Yangqing’s expression was slightly exasperated.

Not just him—even Xiao Xuan and Xu Xiu, who had just arrived nearby, felt helpless.

Mo Yun’s foundational skills were solid, his spiritual energy abundant, his physique robust.

Even now, he had only used about two percent of his spiritual energy.

Xiao Xuan had less than nine percent left—that was the difference.

“Are you afraid of killing your opponent? What would happen if you put some real force into it?”

Zhang Yangqing didn’t even want to complain.

The Golden Light Curse didn’t consume much energy, and coupled with Mo Yun’s strong physique, the fight should have ended within ten moves. Yet, after all this time, nothing had changed.

Zhang Yangqing truly couldn’t stand to watch any longer. If he let them continue, they might fight until morning.

This wasn’t entirely Mo Yun’s fault. When he first entered the sect, his master told him his talent was insufficient and he had to make up for it with effort.

He was also told never to be careless, no matter whom he faced.

Without absolute certainty, he shouldn’t act rashly.

Who knows how Mo Yun interpreted these words.

So he kept drilling his basics, and combined with his cautious nature, he became virtually flawless.

But wasn’t this being too careful? If you don’t kill your opponent, the entire fight is pointless.

Hearing Zhang Yangqing’s criticism, Mo Yun gave an embarrassed, honest laugh. “It’s my fault for being slow. I’m still not one hundred percent sure I can kill him. Sorry, Heavenly Master.”

“There’s nothing for you to apologize to me about. Let Xiao Xuan teach you how to fight. He might be a bit useless, but he’s decent at using techniques. I’m going to check the next area.”

With that, Zhang Yangqing vanished again.

Facing a low-level entity like the tiger-shark, he had no desire to fight.

At the previous location, he only intervened because Xiao Xuan genuinely couldn’t win.

And wasn’t that a ready-made training dummy? Let Mo Yun practice properly.

Xiao Xuan, nearby, was caught in the crossfire for no reason, making Xu Xiu laugh heartily.

On Longhu Mountain, Xiao Xuan had always been doted on by the Old Heavenly Master. His exceptional talent made many fellow disciples envious.

Compared to him, the others seemed rather average.
Often, the master praised him, and his fellow disciples admired him.

This led to Xiao Xuan developing a somewhat arrogant demeanor.

But now, he didn’t dare talk back even when scolded harshly, because in Zhang Yangqing’s eyes, he was useless.

Or rather, anyone would pale in comparison to Zhang Yangqing.

Zhang Yangqing’s scolding was justified and logical—what could he say?
Seeing Xiao Xuan’s stifled expression, Xu Xiu seemed to understand: the Heavenly Master had been berating Xiao Xuan all this time to temper his character.

He was too arrogant, prone to underestimating opponents.

Among his fellow disciples, someone might still cover for him.

But in unfamiliar territory, if he encountered a truly powerful foe, his attitude could get him into trouble.

This was the Old Heavenly Master’s indulgence; the current Heavenly Master was correcting his temperament.

Xu Xiu felt his fellow disciples were quite extreme: Xiao Xuan had exceptional talent but didn’t train properly; Mo Yun trained diligently but lacked innate talent.

He thought his fellow disciples were a bunch of oddballs.

Xu Xiu failed to reflect on whether he was one of these oddballs himself.

But oddballs or not, Zhang Yangqing felt these disciples were all promising.

Though Xiao Xuan was arrogant, he wasn’t jealous and was optimistic and open-minded.

Mo Yun was honest, average in talent, but extremely hardworking. His limits could be raised with rare treasures—something Zhang Yangqing, who could acquire them, could manage.

As for Xu Xiu, he should just continue down his single path. Zhang Yangqing didn’t expect him to learn other things; mastering sword intent was enough.

Finally, there was Zhang Xuanjing, whom Zhang Yangqing was currently observing.

Zhang Xuanjing was a miniature version of himself—thoroughly well-rounded.

Whether in basics, talent, effort, or comprehension, he was top-tier.

As an all-around fighter, he just needed time to expand his capabilities.

Seeing his junior brothers grow stronger pleased Zhang Yangqing.

The more capable they became, the less work he had to do.
To retire early, Zhang Yangqing was putting great effort into training them.

Those familiar with Zhang Yangqing knew he didn’t do things without purpose.

Right now, Zhang Xuanjing had led the junior brothers to victory in the swimming pool complex battle.

The piles of entity corpses nearby were their achievements!
He was basking in the audience’s praise; his excellent performance deserved it.

Under everyone’s gaze, especially seeing no displeasure in Zhang Yangqing’s eyes, Zhang Xuanjing breathed a sigh of relief.

This time, he hadn’t disgraced Longhu Mountain; otherwise, he might not have been able to return.

Several hours had passed, and everyone’s spiritual energy was nearly depleted.

Just as Master Huikong suggested packing up and returning, the ground began to tremble.

Something huge seemed to be emerging, and the surrounding entities went berserk, swarming in from all directions.

In the faint light, a terrifying darkness appeared.

In the sky, a massive creature seemed to be descending.

If Xu Xiu guessed correctly, this should be the special creature the aquarium curator mentioned—Kun.

This “Kun” was a massive entity resembling a giant whale, likely not the mythical creature from ancient legends.

It surged up from beneath the aquarium, treating soil and rock as if they were water.

Outside Huaiyin City, the public could vaguely see a creature over a hundred meters tall emerging from the haze. It had a halo above its head, eyes emitting terrifying red light, and its body was covered in dense exhaust pores and long hairs.

A piercing roar made the area within a hundred li tremble.

The ground cracked, and windows in nearby houses shattered instantly.

Not just ordinary people—even some supernaturals maintaining order in the distance were pushed back by the sonic wave; those weaker had already collapsed.

The giant creature’s appearance made the already heavy night murkier.

To it, everyone nearby was like an insignificant ant.

Personnel at the periphery urged everyone to evacuate immediately.

If this behemoth attacked, the surrounding supernaturals wouldn’t hold.

Many onlookers were paralyzed with fear; they had come for excitement but found themselves in mortal danger.

Panic spread through the surrounding area.

Inside Huaiyin City, Master Huikong glanced at Zhang Yangqing. “Heavenly Master Zhang, perhaps we should avoid its edge for now?”

The behemoth’s aura was too powerful and overwhelming, putting immense pressure on even Master Huikong.

The best way to deal with such a giant creature was to retreat to a distance, use formations to trap it, and wear it down, as these creatures couldn’t recover power within formations. This was the standard approach for cultivators.

It was also why human cultivators preferred sealing powerful creatures.

A faint smile touched Zhang Yangqing’s lips. “Avoid its edge? It doesn’t deserve that!”

Hearing this, Master Huikong knew he was about to begin.

Fine, you handle it. I’ll just record with the camera, okay?

When the camera focused on Zhang Yangqing, the audience erupted.

With the Heavenly Master’s declaration, how could he not resolve this?
Before his words faded, a golden ring appeared in Zhang Yangqing’s pupils, vast divine power shaking souls.

Everyone nearby felt like a drop in the ocean before such magnificent divine power, precarious and small.

Zhang Yangqing activated the Golden Light Curse. Golden light radiated from him in all directions, as if a celestial being had descended.

The golden light shot into the sky, piercing the heavens, changing the firmament, and stirring all creation.

The sky blazed with glorious light; pure Daoist energy connected heaven and earth. A phantom image of the Dao Ancestor’s divine form appeared in the nine heavens, majestic and imposing.

It seemed to suppress all existence across the cosmos.

Weaker supernaturals couldn’t help but prostrate themselves.

This was just the opening move, enough to disturb heaven and earth.

Elderly cultivators watching from afar were astounded, even forgetting to set up formations.

“My heavens, that Dao Ancestor phantom… could it have been summoned by Heavenly Master Zhang?”
“No mistake, it must be him. Can he connect with the heavens with a single thought?”
“Is this divine power? Can someone actually use deific spells?”
“Wow, the celestial form! Has Heavenly Master Zhang gained the Dao Ancestor’s approval?”
While the elders marveled, battlefield reporter Master Huikong’s hands trembled as he held the camera.

Not from fear, but from being forced back by the tremendous energy.

Anyone weaker would have been blown away; standing his ground was impressive.

But this still displeased the audience, who demanded he get closer for a better view of Heavenly Master Zhang.

Master Huikong wanted to say: If you’re so capable, you come!
The area around Zhang Yangqing was cleared; the powerful force repelled all malevolent beings.

The entire sky bloomed with golden radiance. The haze over Huaiyin City dissipated as if dawn had broken, revealing the ugly form of the behemoth.

Half its body was buried in the earth, half exposed.

It treated the ground as its swimming pool.

Its appearance was grotesque, a monster mutated from consuming countless creatures.

A foul stench permeated the area, greenish-purple viscous fluid dripping from its mouth.

Ordinarily, just seeing such a giant creature would terrify anyone.

But now, an even more fearsome person had appeared, and the one who should be afraid was the entity itself.

The entity known as Kun had just made a grand entrance, ready to devour everything, when it faced a presence that instilled fear.

At first glance, it felt an urge to flee.

But Zhang Yangqing gave it no chance. With a single hand press from him…

Countless golden pillars of light descended from the sky. Their power felt capable of shattering the cosmos!
Instantly, they pierced through the massive entity’s body.

But Zhang Yangqing wasn’t specifically targeting it; he was merely unleashing an area-of-effect group technique.
Additionally, the golden light continuously bombarded entities throughout the city.

Many entities were pierced by the light, instantly dissolving.

Whether hiding in buildings or underground passages, all entities were annihilated.

The entire city was bathed in golden light. On screen, countless golden pillars connected heaven and earth, as if they had arrived at a celestial palace, resplendent and magnificent.

As those nearby enjoyed this moment of tranquility, Master Huikong suddenly turned and saw the not-yet-dead massive entity struggling frantically.

But trapped under Heavenly Master Zhang’s golden pillars, it couldn’t move.

It could only await death unwillingly.

Seeing this, Master Huikong breathed a sigh of relief.

He thought: With your level of power, you can only scare the likes of us. Before this Dao Master, you’re truly insignificant.

Master Huikong felt that basking in reflected glory was quite satisfying.

But then, to his surprise, Zhang Yangqing raised his hand. The golden light piercing the entity vanished, freeing it from restraint.

Just as Master Huikong was puzzled, Zhang Yangqing looked at Zhang Xuanjing and said, “Watch closely. I’ll only show this once.”

This was a live teaching session!