I’m a Max-Level Taoist Master, and You’re Throwing Me Into a Rules-Based Horror Game?! - Chapter 73

The wolf-headed butcher’s face twisted into a snarl. In his mind, ingredients should behave like ingredients—cowering in fear, trembling before their slaughterer. Yet here was this prime cut of meat daring to speak to him in such a tone.

For a noble wolf like him, being called a dog was the ultimate insult. His fury burned openly on his face.

As the exchange grew more heated, the air thickened with tension. The wolf-headed butcher’s instincts screamed that this was no ordinary ingredient—it was dangerous. Bare hands wouldn’t be enough.

Without realizing it, his fingers had drifted to the hilt of his cleaver.

Nearby, the leopard-headed butcher, having just finished trussing up his own catch, noticed the standoff.

This time, the two enhanced tourist-security officers behind Zhang Yangqing didn’t back down. Instead, they flanked the wolf-headed butcher, cutting off his escape. Unlike before—when even townsfolk wouldn’t dare meet a butcher’s gaze—their newfound strength made them confident.

Their greatest reassurance? The incomprehensibly powerful tour guide leading them.

One word from Zhang Yangqing—or one move from the butcher—and they’d strike.

The wolf-headed butcher’s eyes darted. He knew he was in trouble.

Luckily, his companion was approaching. His sharp ears had caught the sound.

Zhang Yangqing remained impassive. The moment that cleaver left its sheath, the wolf’s head would roll.

Then—clank. Clank. Clank.

A massive figure lumbered into the hallway, its sheer bulk blocking the corridor. This wasn’t some docile farm pig—this was a wild boar, its gray-brown fur matted, twin tusks glinting, triple-layered teeth bared. Its very presence radiated savagery.

Most chilling were its eyes—a mix of malice and madness that made skin crawl. Its mask seemed almost alive, twisting with emotion.

But in this world of anomalies, logic didn’t apply.

“Stand down,” the boar-headed butcher rumbled, his voice shaking the walls. “They’re not ingredients.”

Immediately, the wolf released his grip. The leopard froze.

Clearly, this one was their leader.

The wolf-headed butcher shrugged, conceding. With the boar’s order, he had no choice.

Yet the two officers still barred his path.

You think I won’t kill you? his glare demanded.

But the officers didn’t care. The boar might command his underlings—not them. Only Zhang Yangqing’s word mattered.

Tension spiked again. With the boar’s arrival, the butchers seemed unstoppable.

Then, unexpectedly, Zhang Yangqing waved his hand.

Let him pass.

The officers hesitated but obeyed.

As the wolf-headed butcher stalked past, he shot them a venomous look—though they were beneath his notice. Only ingredients interested him.

The leopard followed, hauling his captive.

Just like that, the conflict dissolved.

An unspoken truce.

Audiences were baffled. When they expected Zhang Yangqing to strike, he held back. When they assumed he’d yield, he attacked.

What’s his game this time?

[Chat: Can someone explain? I don’t get it!]
[Chat: Simple. No need for extra risks. He’s got all the rewards—just waiting to clear the dungeon. Butchers are strong and numerous. Fighting now could backfire.]
[Chat: Or maybe he’s just not hungry enough to bother.]
[Chat: Who cares? As long as he survives, we’re good!]

Even the officers were confused.

Once the butchers vanished, the hooded tourist asked, “Why let them go? You could’ve taken all three.”

Zhang Yangqing smirked. “Killing those three wouldn’t solve anything. It’d just make more problems.” He paused. “If we kill, we kill all of them. Leave none alive.”

These creatures operated outside the rules—rules he didn’t know. But that didn’t matter.

Half measures invited chaos. Unknown reinforcements. Unpredictable consequences.

In this world, Zhang Yangqing followed one principle: Do nothing, or eradicate everything.

“Should we gather our team and—?” The other officer mimed slitting a throat.

Freshly empowered, his bloodlust surged. He was now Zhang Yangqing’s attack dog—a beast unleashed.

But Zhang Yangqing shook his head. “No need. They’ll come to us.” His tone was certain. “They won’t escape.”

The officers exchanged glances. Come to us?

Would they really march to their own deaths?

Yet they trusted him without question.

The tour guide’s word was law.