I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: As Expected, the Unexpected Happened!

Watching Yasuda Takeshi approach the wax figure of a beautiful woman and reach out with both hands, the audience from Sakura Country couldn’t sit still.

“Baka! This idiot Yasuda is still thinking about such filthy things at a time like this? He’s a disgrace to Sakura Country!”

“Damn it! Why wasn’t I chosen? If it were me, I’d be willing to die in there!”

“What nonsense are you spouting? This is about national fate! Our country has already lost six times in a row. If this keeps up, things will go south!”

“I think he’s done for. Look at his eyes—he’s completely spellbound.”

“This is obviously a trap! How can Yasuda be so stupid?”

The viewers in Sakura Country were frantic—some hurling curses at Yasuda’s ancestors, some wishing they could replace him and bring glory to their nation, and others wildly theorizing a hundred different ways to clear the stage, claiming it was easy and lamenting that they weren’t the ones inside.

Most people were like this—when it wasn’t them in the game, they had no problem pointing fingers, criticizing others for every little mistake.

From a god’s-eye view, it was easy to judge, unlike the contestants who were struggling to survive in the thick of it.

Yasuda Takeshi had considered that this might be a trap. But earlier, he had used the “blind men touching an elephant” method to verify whether the wax figures in the hall matched the photos. Maybe he had touched too many by now, making him think one more wouldn’t hurt.

The next second, as expected, the unexpected happened.

As Yasuda approached the tall, beautiful wax figure, he felt strands of black hair—like a woman’s long tresses—brushing against his face.

Startled, he tried to shut his eyes and lower his head to avoid disaster.

But the towering woman, like the legendary Hachishaku-sama, cupped his face and ripped off his eyelids.

Even as Yasuda struggled desperately, he couldn’t break free.

The searing pain of torn flesh nearly made him pass out. Yet, no matter how much he wished to black out, he was forced to meet the terrifying face that sent chills down everyone’s spines—locking eyes with the horror before him.

Sakura Country’s screen went black.

Yasuda Takeshi had failed.

The supernatural disaster descended upon Sakura Country.

Now, the viewers in Sakura Country were truly in an uproar. Seven consecutive losses had deepened their nation’s crisis.

“Useless! All of them useless! Seven attempts and not a single one could last!”
“I told you they should’ve sent me in! If it were me, I wouldn’t have even looked twice!”
“Bullshit! Weren’t you just saying you’d be willing to die in there?”
“Oh, now you’re talking tough after getting what you wanted? That lasted less than a minute!”
“Hang in there, guys! My visa to another country isn’t ready yet—please stop messing around!”
“Where are you going? Take me with you! I’ll be your servant—I won’t even count as a person!”

The experts in Sakura Country were at a loss. Why do our contestants always die in the weirdest ways?

They could only hope that future selections would bring in more capable individuals. Otherwise, the experts themselves might have to flee.

Following protocol, Sakura Country’s task force issued statements to reassure the public, summarizing the reasons for failure and urging future contestants not to repeat the same mistakes.

They solemnly declared that the experts would stand firm with the people, weathering the storm together.

But in truth, these experts had already secured visas to Eagle Country. That was why they could speak so boldly.

If things really went south, they’d be the first to run.

On the big screen, it wasn’t just Sakura Country’s contestant who had run into trouble. Many others had lingered in the small exhibition rooms.

The wax figures there were incredibly lifelike, and the scenes were breathtakingly beautiful.

Most contestants dared only a glance before leaving.

But when Dragon Country’s audience saw Zhang Yangqing pause in one of these rooms, their nerves tightened.

They feared he might end up like Sakura Country’s Yasuda.

Dragon Country couldn’t afford another loss.

The screen focused on Zhang Yangqing, who seemed to be admiring an artwork.

While other contestants were anxiously searching for the exhibition room, he was the only one taking time to appreciate the wax figures.

To the audience, it almost looked like he wasn’t in a life-or-death game—but on a leisurely tour.

The wax figure before him was a bearded man.

But that wasn’t the striking part.

The man was wearing a pristine white wedding dress.

His eyes were closed, his pose as if mid-dance.

Snowflakes fell gently in the exhibit, making him resemble a blooming ice lotus—a scene of surreal beauty.

Many viewers were puzzled. This should feel out of place… so why does it stir something indescribable in me?

Then, two comments appeared:

“Why is a man wearing a woman’s wedding dress?”

“Because men don’t have wedding dresses.”

Silence fell over the audience.

What had made Zhang Yangqing stop was his admiration for the wax figure’s unshackled spirit.

This man didn’t care for society’s judgments—he embraced his truest self.

Maybe there were countless reasons why he wore that dress. But the moment he did, he became the most dazzling flame in the world.

Taoist disciples understood this too: “In stillness and noise, speech and silence—all are the same. Who in a dream ever spoke of dreams?”

Life itself was but a game. Those who obsessed over societal expectations would forever be bound by rules, controlled by them.

Only those who broke free could emerge victorious.

With this realization, Zhang Yangqing turned and left.

Time passed. Many contestants eventually found a closed door.

A flashlight’s beam revealed a sign: “Exhibition Room.”

The word “PULL” indicated the door opened outward.

After swiping their access cards, contestants gently pulled.

Suddenly—two towering figures lunged from inside!

Many panicked and shoved the door back, trying to block the entities from escaping.

But this reflex proved disastrous.

Bang! Bang!

The sound of shattering wax.

Five screens went black instantly.

Destroying wax figures meant instant elimination.

Eagle Country’s John, upon opening the door, sensed resistance.

He deduced something was leaning against it.

Carefully, he pushed it back inch by inch.

Whatever was in the exhibition room—whether supernatural threats or wax figures—was dangerous.

Ideally, no one wanted to enter.

But Rule 9 stated the map was inside. To clear the stage, they had no choice.

Searching for clues was better than waiting to die. So, contestants began strategizing.

Time wasn’t too tight, so preparations were made.

John took a deep breath, cracked the door slightly, and slid his phone’s camera inside to record.

After confirming wax figures were behind it, he proceeded.

Having spent time in the dungeon, most could now distinguish real wax figures from disguised entities.

Real wax had a smooth surface, stiff clothing, and lacked the fine skin texture of humans.

Supernatural impostors looked eerily human—but scrutiny could reveal the difference.

Stronger contestants opened one door, caught the falling wax figure, and secured it safely.

After entering, they moved the other figure to prevent accidents.

Weaker contestants laid out cushions—blankets, coats—before opening the door, ensuring the wax wouldn’t break even if they fumbled.

Zhang Yangqing, having lingered earlier, was among the last to arrive.

His approach made Dragon Country’s audience clutch their hearts—every move he made was a suspenseful ordeal.

He swiped his card, gripped both doors, and—

Yanked them wide open.

Two wax figures toppled forward.

Dragon Country’s collective heart leaped into their throats.