I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: “Bro, You Can Afford to Be Reckless—You Always Find a Way to Fix It Anyway!”

Zhang Yangqing’s words echoed through the eerie employee break room.

The place was steeped in an unsettling atmosphere. Whether it was the employees’ lockers or the paintings on the walls, everything gave the impression that they might start moving at any moment—as if silently hinting at some horrific event that had occurred here.

Especially the lockers. Every now and then, a faint gurgling sound could be heard from inside.

It was like something churning in a stomach… or perhaps digesting something.

Get too close, and it might just swallow you whole.

Yet, amidst this terrifying scene, one perfectly normal man sat casually on the sofa, casting a relaxed gaze at the woman in front of him—who looked normal but was clearly anything but.

His audacious words left the live audience in awe.

“See that? That’s how a real boss sits. I’m in love!”
“Even through the screen, I can feel this guy’s intimidation. Look how scared the ghost is—she’s frozen stiff!”
“Ghost: ‘Director, this guy isn’t following the script! What do I do?!’”
“If I hadn’t been watching his livestream from the start, I’d think the guy on the sofa was the final boss and the one across from him was the contestant.”
“Honestly, that female ghost looks so fragile. I bet the boss can’t even be bothered to kill her.”
“Holy shit, you’re right. Pale skin, pretty face, long legs—my girlfriend’s been dead for three days and still isn’t as pale as her. Bros, I’m genuinely into this one.”
“Ever think that maybe she’s been dead even longer? You’d really go for that?”
“Who cares? As long as I’m safe behind the screen, I’m down. If you want me to go in there? Nah, forget I said anything.”

Honestly, the viewers from Long Nation were completely at ease now, freely critiquing the scene. None of the tension from earlier remained.

When your contestant is this overpowered, why stress?

If a fight broke out, they were sure their guy could take her out in one hit. So what was there to fear?

Some even found the female ghost somewhat… attractive.

The truth was, most contestants had made their way to the surveillance room by now.

On the monitors, a stunning figure appeared.

A black bodycon dress hugged her curves perfectly.

Paired with sheer stockings—an outfit designed to quicken pulses—she showcased her figure flawlessly.

Her short, sleek hair and delicate, pale face gave off an air of vulnerability, making it easy to let one’s guard down.

After all, what man would believe himself weaker than this fragile-looking woman?

But while others only saw her on-screen, Zhang Yangqing was face-to-face with her.

Dressed as a wax museum receptionist, her explanation seemed almost believable—if not for the fact that she was clearly not human.

The female ghost froze for a moment at Zhang Yangqing’s words before hesitantly scribbling something on a piece of paper and sliding it toward him.

She kept her distance, as if afraid he might strike her down at any second.

Her movements were timid—legs trembling slightly, eyes wide with fear—making her seem almost pitiable.

Slender and delicate, her hands looked frail, her large blue eyes deep as the ocean.

A stark contrast to the violent female ghost from earlier.

Her demeanor even stirred sympathy among some of Long Nation’s viewers.

“Bro, can we make a request? Don’t kill this one. She’s nice to look at—keep her around.”
“Yeah, with your skills, she’s no threat. Maybe she’ll even help out.”
“More screen time for her, please. She’s prettier than some celebrities!”
“Are you insane? The more harmless they seem, the more dangerous they are. Remember that one contestant who got tricked at the last second?”
“My mom always said: ‘The prettier the woman, the better the liar.’ Boss, stay strong!”
“PLEASE don’t get reckless, this isn’t a game. If you want pretty girls, my sister’s in an idol group—I’ll introduce you when you get out!”
“Brother-in-law, add me as a friend!”
“You dare compete with the boss? You got a death wish?”

Opinions were split. Some believed Zhang Yangqing could uncover something to help her—maybe even complete a hidden quest for extra rewards.

After all, one past contestant had unlocked a special reward by stumbling upon a hidden objective.

For Zhang Yangqing, many viewers thought: “Go ahead, take risks. You always handle it anyway.”

If he helped this ghost, maybe Long Nation would gain a major advantage.

Even the experts were divided. If this weren’t the ninth attempt, they’d encourage him to try—Long Nation had yet to complete a hidden quest.

But with no way to communicate with contestants this time, all they could do was watch and hope.

Hu Liuqi frowned. Something felt off. “She’s too natural. Why would a ghost be scared of a human?”

Unless, like the bowing ghost earlier, she was weak.

But then why lock her up?

It didn’t add up.

Back in the break room, the female ghost had “spoken” with Zhang Yangqing via notes.

Her message matched what other contestants had heard:

“Every day at 4:30 PM, a freezing wax figure descends from the third floor. It turns ordinary wax figures into special ones… and kills any living thing it sees.”

“So what do you want me to do?” Zhang Yangqing asked, his expression unchanging—as if watching a play he couldn’t care less about.

The ghost handed him another note:

[If you promise to let me out, I’ll tell you how to survive.]

This wasn’t the first time she’d mentioned escape.

Logically, if she were truly dangerous, she’d have just killed the contestant, taken their keycard, and left.

Why bother convincing him?

Her harmless appearance made her seem trustworthy.

Watching Long Nation’s contestant take such risks without dying, other countries’ experts were desperate to relay: “She’s safe! Use her to clear the level!”