https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-41-Mountain-Pool-Haunted-House-Arc-1-/13510921/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-43-Shanchi-Haunted-House-Part-3-/13510923/
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
The task bar flickered to life, displaying a new directive: [Explore the mansion and find a way to escape the estate].
Feng Bu Jue read the message, said nothing, and strode toward the front door. It was a heavy oak double door, its panels groaning as he gripped both handles and twisted. The metal creaked violently, but the door refused to budge—locked tight.
Yongzhe Wudi snorted. "You amateurs are all the same. Did you really think that would work?"
Kacha kacha...
Wang Tan Zhi joined Feng Bu Jue, jabbing a kitchen knife haphazardly into the crack between the door panels while yanking furiously at the handle. He was making a point—his actions declared support for Feng Bu Jue’s efforts.
"The one with 'Panicked' in his title", Yongzhe Wudi drawled, "are you trying to be funny? I already told you—"
Kuang kuang kuang...
The two men doubled down, each pulling a handle with all their might, straining against the door panels.
"I’m telling you—" Wudi’s voice cracked with frustration.
Bang! Bang! Two sharp snaps echoed as both door handles snapped off. Now, even a key wouldn’t open it.
"Are you trying to sabotage us?!" Yongzhe Wudi exploded, his Terror Value spiking for no reason he could fathom.
Peng peng peng...
Undeterred, they rammed the handle-less door with their shoulders.
After three minutes of chaos, Feng Bu Jue straightened his collar and cleared his throat. "Seems it’s truly unopenable."
Yongzhe Wudi mentally screamed, F—* but bit his tongue. "Obviously! Didn’t I say that from the start?!"
"You said", Feng Bu Jue countered, "but I proved it."
"Why don’t you test whether quitting mid-quest triggers a system penalty?" Yongzhe Wudi snapped.
"Hmm... The door’s definitely sealed by supernatural force", Feng Bu Jue mused, stroking his chin.
"Are you even listening?!" Wudi’s temper flared.
Si Yu, watching in silence, turned abruptly and strode down the dark corridor on the first floor. Since the door’s invulnerability was now proven, she saw no reason to waste time on this farce. Bei Ling followed, leaving the living room behind.
Long Ao Min hesitated, his mouth twitching as he watched them leave. Wudi, still seething, called out: "Hey! Don’t wander off! If you trigger something—"
"Relax", Feng Bu Jue interrupted, stepping toward a nearby rectangular window. Its wooden frame enclosed frosted glass, obscuring the outside world. "The more we trigger, the better."
He swung his pipe wrench at the glass. The impact jolted his arm—a metallic resonance, as if he’d struck steel.
"Same barrier", Feng Bu Jue noted. "The window’s sealed too."
Yongzhe Wudi sighed. "See? You amateurs lack basic sense. The system wouldn’t design a scenario where brute force works at the start." He turned toward the stairs. "You three stick together. Let me handle the second floor alone. I’m not dragging three clowns through this—especially not you, Feng Bu Jue."
In his mind, Wudi had already ranked the team: Long Ao Min, the Squad Guardian, showed potential. Wang Tan Zhi, the Panicked Ambusher, was a joke. And Feng Bu Jue, the Cold-Blooded Headhunter? A mystery—arrogant, clueless, and irritating.
Worst of all were the nosy questions about his "Fearless Hero" title. Outsiders always asked about his studio, Order Studio. Amateurs, he thought. Order’s structure was no one’s business. Small studios were chaotic—owners doubling as managers, players, and accountants, chasing hollow fame. Mid-tier studios had systems and star players. But Order? They were elite—specialized teams, real-time resource sharing, and six-man squads with clear roles.
Wudi’s mission? Test martial arts proficiency and gather intel. His level, gear—trivial. The studio would handle those later.
"Be careful, Fearless Hero", Feng Bu Jue smiled, his tone too sweet.
A chill ran down Wudi’s spine. His Terror Value ticked upward. What the hell?
He glanced at the trio in the living room, shook off the unease, and vanished upstairs.
Long Ao Min frowned. "Why pretend to be clueless? You know the system’s flawless. The door and window were obviously sealed. Why overdo it?"
"To make him underestimate us", Feng Bu Jue said. "He’ll dismiss us as baggage and split up—exactly what we want."
Wang Tan Zhi scratched his head. "You’re not planning to stab him in the back, are you? Attacking teammates is banned."
"Not at all", Feng Bu Jue replied, peeling dust and cobwebs from the wall. "But splitting up is efficient. Those two left willingly. Wudi? He’d never negotiate. He thinks his level and skill give him authority. If I’d suggested splitting, he’d have refused. Now he’s gone." He gestured to the cleared wall. "We’ll search separately. Regroup when the main quest updates."
Xiao Tan blinked. "We’re splitting up too?!"
"Relax", Feng Bu Jue said, eyes still on the wall. "This mansion’s a classic haunted house. No xenomorphs here—just jump scares and traps. Watch your step."
Before he finished, the system chimed: [Side Task triggered].
The trio checked their task menus. The main quest remained, but a new line appeared: [Find all six segments of the ghost palace. Progress: 1/6].
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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