Max-Level Player Falls into a Beginner's Game

Lin Chen clutched the yellowed System activation contract, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing at the few faded characters in the countdown to the horror game. Outside the window, plane tree leaves rustled as they fell. Ten years had slipped by like sand through his fingers, and the System's confident promises from when he transmigrated had long since gathered dust. Three years, then another three: he had gone from a callow youth to a master of metaphysics, versed in the arts of divination and geomancy. He had gone from reading fortunes at a street stall to establishing a feng shui consultancy, while even the System seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Then, on a storm-lashed night, a blood-red notification suddenly flashed across his vision: Congratulations, Host. The horror game is officially starting. Lin Chen looked at the S-rank dungeon that had appeared on his phone and let a playful smile curl his lips. While the other players trembled at the warning of a 99% death rate, he had already slung his family's heirloom peachwood sword over his shoulder and strolled into a gloomy old mansion, humming a tune. Moonlight streamed through the mottled window lattice, stretching his shadow long. No one noticed the excitement dancing in the eyes of this max-level veteran. This game, delayed by nine years, was destined to have its rules rewritten.