89: What is this for me?

(Happy Chinese New Year everyone! One update early in the morning, then two more in the afternoon if I have time to write. Three updates for Chinese New Year, ha~)

"Brother Tian, go step on the third unknown pattern tile in front and to the left!"

Cheng Zhen began to direct as if playing an auto-chess game.

First, the clear strategy was to accumulate enough points to deal with later levels.

Judging from the effects of the new tiles the group had triggered, besides the easily understood number tiles, the patterns symbolized effects like '0', '-2', 'x2', etc.

Since there was 'x2', then '÷2' or the possibility of reducing even more numbers existed.

While their points were low, they could completely try it. If they had many points and then hit '÷2', they would truly spit blood.

The patterns they had tried were already recorded by Lizi in her small notebook. Once the effect of an unknown pattern was determined, they could plan a reasonable route based on the number positions and beneficial effects.

If it were anyone else, they might cautiously choose only number routes, fearing trial and error. But with bodyguards as backup, Cheng Zhen only wanted to go for a big score!

Brother Tian responded, and without hesitation, he took a running start, then leaped two tiles forward, soaring through the air. Any long jumper who saw him would applaud.

'Buzz, buzz, buzz!'

Three sounds rang out. After '+1', '÷2', and '-1', everyone's score became 1.

Brother Tian was a bit confused. He only wanted to get the unknown pattern, right?

Lizi weakly explained, "Brother Tian, tile counting isn't about how many steps you take, but how many units you move."

Brother Tian's old face flushed.

Although he was confused, Cheng Zhen wasn't. By now, Cheng Zhen had pretty much decided on the route.

The first two patterns were as recorded, and the new pattern's effect was indeed '÷2'.

So, with various effects now clearly known, all that was needed was to calculate, collect all the number tiles and '+ tiles', and finally finish with an 'x2' to get a nearly maximum score.

Thus, Cheng Zhen continued to direct A Shi and Lizi to collect nearby number tiles.

When a snowman approached, the sensible bodyguards would be responsible for helping them comprehend the true meaning of Buddhist teachings.

They advanced in turns. Cheng Zhen didn't want to be too far from the main group, so he first stepped on the 'x2' tile on the left, turning his score into 10.

Cheng Zhen was about to continue directing, but he didn't expect that as the number 10 lit up, the entire hall suddenly shook, and snow and wind actually began to rage indoors!

The sudden snowstorm hit their faces, and they instantly felt a chill.

Mba even shivered, and the dungeon notification showed that his 'Ice Curse' had two more layers.

It was the same for everyone else; Cheng Zhen, who had been protecting Mba from behind, also had two layers added.

If it were just that, it wouldn't be much, but those snowmen also advanced one tile after the snowstorm.

Not only that, but a countdown-like symbol appeared above their heads, spinning rapidly. It was clear they no longer intended to play turn-based 'you hit, I hit'.

This darn game is being unfair again!

Everyone silently cursed this shameless change of rules out of nowhere, which perfectly aligned with the 'sportsmanship' of a thieving nation.

"No matter."

Cheng Zhen remained calm.

There's a good saying: if the enemy agrees with us, it means we've conquered them. If the enemy opposes us, it means we're doing even more correctly!

The dungeon changing rules means it's anxious!

This confirms that we need even larger numbers!

"Brother Tian, go forward. If there's a number bonus, take it directly! A Shi on the left, Lizi on the right. To prevent teammates from not seeing the snowmen's movements clearly, jump together before the countdown ends! Remember to save the 'x2' effect for me to step on later!"

Cheng Zhen quickly arranged, organizing them in three directions to prevent teammates from colliding.

The group nodded, then swiftly moved before the countdown ended.

The three in front remembered the pattern numbers and stepped on new tiles, and as they moved, the snowmen chased after them.

Only this time, the snowmen no longer spawned from corners but surged from all directions.

"Ugh!" Lizi, caught off guard, got one layer of the curse, then she quickly reminded everyone:

"Even if you don't touch a snowman, you'll still get cursed on the same tile!"

"Damn it!"

Brother Tian looked dejected. He had originally wanted to try and dodge them. He had already accumulated seven layers earlier, plus the two just now, so touching even one snowman would deduct his stats.

Helpless, he had to abandon some high-number tiles to avoid the snowmen.

With a few swishes, the numbers above their heads turned into 19. Then, Cheng Zhen timed it perfectly, jumping onto the 'x2' tile after his teammates finished their '1', instantly turning the score into 40.

A more intense blizzard struck, but this time it didn't forcibly add layers to everyone. Instead, it cleared the countdown and turn-based system, and the surrounding snowmen directly rushed towards everyone in a swirling mass!

"A Shi, Lizi, don't step on new tiles to add more snowmen! Just follow behind Brother Tian and rush through! Remember to avoid the '÷2' tiles, move fast!" Cheng Zhen roared.

The group naturally dared not delay, rushing straight towards the door ahead.

Cheng Zhen had already locked onto the 'x2' tile on the edge of the last row. He counted the distance on Brother Tian's side and was certain that by the time Brother Tian reached the door, they would have a score of 50. This way, as long as he touched the 'x2', the final score could exceed 100.

But the surrounding snowmen had already gathered from all directions, piling up more and more. Plus, colliding with tiles added layers, so even if he stayed behind Mba, he would accumulate many layers!

Cheng Zhen had already placed many Fat Buddhas earlier. Due to their characteristic of locking in place and being unable to move once deployed, Cheng Zhen had originally planned to walk tiles and tap on the wooden fish to deal with the big guys later. But he didn't expect the darn game to suddenly change the rules, leaving him no time to tap the wooden fish.

Then he could only choose another method to clear a path!

It's decided! You're next! Stand-in attack (meat shield)!

Cheng Zhen made a series of gestures, and then, immediately, people began to appear out of thin air before his eyes!

The snowmen didn't care who appeared; they rushed forward without a word—

The noodle shop customers, suddenly thrown into an extremely cold place and overwhelmed by countless snowmen: ???

Make the best use of everything = v =

Where did this take me? Is this still the noodle shop?

I came to buy beef noodles, what are you all doing?!!