Chapter 153

Chapter 153 From Village Girl to Galactic Ruler: Bai Fu’s Advancement Path [5k]

Compared to adventuring in unknown worlds, Bai Fu prefers playing in familiar worlds with players. When there’s work, the players do it; when there’s none, she exploits them for experience points. This highlights her laid-back and carefree lifestyle.

However, on the Source Star, she couldn’t gather more advanced spiritual knowledge.

Without higher-level knowledge, she can’t trigger the advancement task. Even if she squeezes out all the experience from the players, with each version update, they will eventually surpass her one by one.

Among these players, some chaotic ones might want to k*ll her. To avoid dying at their hands, she must always stay ahead in level.

Thus, she arrived at the Celestial Sea. After spending nearly half a month socializing with the criminals on the chaotic path of the Sea Lion Galaxy System, she finally unlocked the advancement task.

[Branch 1. Warrior Glory – Battle Points reach 1000]

[Branch 2. Fame Across the Seas – Increase reputation in a region to 50]

[Branch 3. The Power of Knowledge – Collect two additional advanced spiritual skills]

[Task Reward: 3 million XP, random talent or passive skill*1, advancement qualification]

Bai Fu quickly scanned through the displayed advancement tasks.

Similar to the previous advanced profession unlocking task, this one also had rich rewards, but completing any branch was no easy feat.

Branch 1 required battling monsters, earning points per monster, and reaching 1000 points to complete the task. However, the monsters had restrictions—lower-level ones wouldn’t give points.

Branch 2 required boosting reputation, which seemed simple but wasn’t, as raising it to 50 in an entire galaxy was no small feat.

Branch 3 required collecting more advanced knowledge, which seemed straightforward but was challenging in practice.

Bai Fu searched the trading center and found that purchasing two advanced spiritual skills would cost 30,000 credit points. Based on her experience, she could earn that amount by “borrowing” money from players 60 to 80 times.

However, this was merely theoretical.

Players were not puppets she could manipulate easily. They had their own agendas. They followed her to the Celestial Sea hoping for more advanced tasks and interesting gameplay. While borrowing money from NPCs was fun, doing it repeatedly could be tedious.

Moreover, this task offered no experience gain. Bai Fu realized that if she continued to “borrow” money, things would spiral out of control:

[“Queen Bai Fu mismanages her kingdom, causing widespread player discontent, leading to mass exodus!”]

No way. Players who entered her secret garden won’t escape.

As the descendant of Zunong on the Source Star, she wouldn’t allow this.

“I need to find other jobs for the players and do the advancement task while they work.”

Bai Fu pondered.

After resolving the troubles caused by the True Essence Pillar, she had a clearer plan for her future.

Like on the Source Star, she intended to expand her influence. First, she needed to secure territory, such as buying a planet. She planned to move players from nearby beginner planets to her Silent Courtyard. Without her own planet, accommodating so many players would be impossible.

Bai Fu opened the trading center again, searching for planets and sorting by price. Even the cheapest planets intimidated her with their high prices.

“For now, let’s focus on making money.”

Bai Fu shook her head.

In the Celestial Sea, she was pleased with the mature task platform. Unlike on the Source Star, she didn’t have to worry about finding tasks for players daily.

The Universal Commission Platform, built by over a hundred members, handled everything from finding lost pets to kidnapping imperial princesses. With its services spanning explored galaxies, tasks were abundant.

Now, with only a few dozen players, the platform could easily cater to them. Without task anxiety, Bai Fu needed to build herself a strong reputation, convincing players that following her in the Celestial Sea would be better than following other NPCs.

This was challenging, perhaps even harder than being the Hostess. But she had to try.

Only she could attract players from other NPCs, not vice versa.

“Let’s go inside and see.”

Under Bai Fu’s lead, players excitedly entered the Universal Commission Platform’s office.

The office was bustling, and Jiu Jiao’s live stream was equally lively.

While other players struggled on the ground, Jiu Jiao and her team were already teasing NPCs in the Celestial Sea, making others envious.

[“Are you not going to continue fooling around with NPCs today?”]

[“I wish I could take over!”]

[“It’s unfair! Each newbie planet should have a Bai Fu!”]

[“Wow, so many tasks!”]

Jiu Jiao ignored the envious comments and cheerfully introduced the platform’s history.

Just as she was halfway through, a commotion erupted in the hall. She quickly turned the camera to a brown-skinned alien in black armor and a slippery-headed fish woman server.

[“Mr. Wei Ke, we’re doing our best to match suitable hunters for you, but your quote…”] The server looked helpless. [“If you lower your standards, I guarantee a hunter will come within an hour.”]

Wei Ke was extremely agitated. [“Lowering the standards won’t help. That’s all I can offer. Your platform claims to solve all problems, so think of something else!”]

His angry roar echoed in the vast hall, drawing attention, including Bai Fu’s.

Most people paid a glance and returned to their tasks. Such incidents were common.

[“No money and still trying to post a commission?”]

[“Get real.”]

The Celestial Sea was very pragmatic, much like some game companies. Often, it emphasized that “playing without money is nonsense!”

Wei Ke was reluctant. He continued shouting and slammed his hand on the counter. The server warned, [“Mr. Wei Ke, if you continue causing trouble, our security robots will send you to planetary authorities. If you get locked up, your compatriots will be in trouble.”]

Wei Ke froze and walked out despondently.

What could he do against the Universal Commission Platform?

Wei Ke vented his frustration as he walked away. Just as he exited the office, someone called out.

[“Hold on a moment.”]

Huh?

Wei Ke turned and saw a girl resembling a star traveler.

[“What do you want?”]

Bai Fu looked calm. She examined Wei Ke’s stats.

[“Name”] Wei Ke

[“Template”] Special – Mental Mutation

[“Main Profession”] ? Lv6[+50], Cosmic Cruiser Lv11[+10]

[“Secondary Profession”] Baker Lv3

[“Health Points”] …

[“Attributes”] …

[“Skills”] …

[“Talent”] Lucky, …

To Bai Fu, Wei Ke’s template, professions, and skills weren’t important, but his “Lucky” talent was significant.

Her experience on the Source Star taught her that NPCs with the “Lucky” talent were either key characters in hidden plots or major participants in main storylines.

The hidden main quest she obtained from Pratt had earned her a lot. The benefits from the hidden protagonist in the Celestial Sea could make her ecstatic.

Realizing this, Bai Fu chased after him.

[“You seem to be having some trouble. Maybe I can help.”]

Bai Fu’s sweet voice made Wei Ke wary. She didn’t seem like someone who could solve his problems.

He replied patiently, [“I need an A-grade superpower user, not just any hunter.”]

Bai Fu’s eyes lit up. [“Coincidentally, I’m exactly what you need!”]

[“You’re an A-grade superpower user?”]

Wei Ke’s eyelids twitched. He was skeptical but willing to hear her out.

[“Can I see your hunter license?”]

Bai Fu replied, [“I’m not a hunter, so I don’t have a license.”]

No problem then.

Wei Ke turned to leave, but before he could step away, He Fu, Youlia, and Anya approached.

[“The license is ready.”] Youlia said.

Bai Fu nodded and showed her license.

[“Now you can see it.”]

Wei Ke stared blankly.

[“This makes a difference?”]

Out of courtesy, he glanced at Bai Fu’s license.

[“Code”] Silver Moon

[“Points”] 0

[“Record”] None

[“Rank”] A-

Wait, this rank…

Wei Ke widened his eyes, amazed.

Bai Fu smiled. [“Registering doesn’t mean I’m a novice. I have a professional team specializing in solving various issues.”]

She pointed to the players behind her, who stood tall and confident.

[“Your difficulties must be urgent and hard to resolve, or you wouldn’t lose your composure in front of the server. Since you can’t find suitable hunters, tell me about your challenges.”]

Wei Ke frowned. He felt Bai Fu’s intentions were impure, but she was right—he had no choice but to accept her help.

With a sigh, he sat down outside the office.

[“Three days ago, I received a distress call. My hometown was attacked by interstellar slave traders. In seven days, they’ll leave with their captives. How can I stand idly by and let them wreak havoc in my home? Alone, I can’t stop them, so I sought help from the Universal Commission Platform.”]

Wei Ke chuckled bitterly.

[“But I can only afford 2000 credit points. Hiring an A-grade superpower user is already difficult with this amount, let alone several. So, I borrowed everywhere. Banks refused because I’m too poor, so I turned to loan sharks, offering my life as collateral. What happened next?”]

Wei Ke punched the chair, his emotions running high. A virtual webpage appeared before Bai Fu, showing news about Bai Fu and players borrowing money, causing loan sharks to suffer.

[“The news says these borrowers plan to run away with the money. Even if caught, they remain defiant. One gang killed all borrowers in anger. This incident attracted police attention and led to their arrest. Though it’s good the loan sharks are caught, it’s inconvenient…”]

Wei Ke clenched his fists. His desperation and anger spilled over.

Players exchanged glances, unsure how to react.

Bai Fu nodded seriously. [“From what you say, they aren’t normal.”]

[“Indeed, indeed.”] Anya supported Bai Fu. [“But rest assured, our leader isn’t like those people in the news. Our leader always delivers. Whatever you need, she’ll fulfill it. Meeting her today is your lucky break!”]

[“It’s not as dramatic as Anya says.”]

[“Leader, don’t be modest.”]

[“You flatter me.”]

[“No…”]

Looking at the tall and short duo, one plump and one slender, Julia’s icy face grew colder.

[“Are you two performing a comedy act or a husband-and-wife routine?”]

Players in the live stream were nearly laughing.

[“That’s right, Anya and Bai Fu together create great content.”]

[“This is the dynamic duo from the abandoned cooling plant, making us feel pumped up!”]

Wei Ke’s originally frustrated mood calmed down after Bai Fu and Anya spoke.

He lifted his head, his gaze fixed on Bai Fu’s flawless, beautiful face that transcended racial boundaries.

But his attention wasn’t on her face but on the soft glow surrounding her body.

Was it an angelic presence?

Bai Fu smiled happily.

[“Yes, I am the angel. Let’s start the mission!”]

After a long pause, Wei Ke snapped back to reality. [“As you know, I only have 2000 credit points. That’s not enough to hire an A-grade superpower user.”]

Bai Fu replied, [“If money is insufficient, other items can substitute, like advanced spiritual or mechanical knowledge, or resources. Otherwise, books of techniques or special blueprints will do.”]

Wei Ke pondered for a while. [“I don’t have those. I’m a mentalist. All I can offer are my insights from growing up and some unique mental techniques. As for resources, I’m not sure if you’d be interested in those from my hometown.”]

As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Fu received a game prompt.

[“You triggered the hidden quest [Wei Ke’s Request]”]

[“Quest Description: …”]

[“Objective: Help Wei Ke stop the interstellar slave traders leaving his hometown”]

[“Reward: 2 million XP, Wei Ke’s affinity +60, Wei Ke’s mental scroll”]

[“Note: This is a chain quest with a chance to trigger subsequent quests upon completion”]

From the rewards, this quest seemed easier than eliminating the Firehouse. This relieved Bai Fu. With proper planning, she could complete this quest. Completing it would likely meet her advancement task requirements.

[“Just as I suspected, it’s a chain quest. Either Wei Ke has a hidden plotline or his hometown does.”]

The first reward, 2 million XP and a mentalist’s cultivation manual, hinted at even greater rewards later.

Let’s start with this quest as the beginning of my ascent in the Celestial Sea!

Bai Fu took the quest without hesitation.

[“Let’s use the commission platform. This way, I can earn some commission points after completing the task.”]

Wei Ke had no objections.

At this point, he had no choice but to trust Bai Fu. Otherwise, he’d have to return alone to save his hometown.

Following Bai Fu’s instructions, the players registered as hunters and accepted Wei Ke’s commission under her guidance.

Players received lower rewards for the same task since Wei Ke’s commission was mainly for Bai Fu. Players just tagged along for some minor benefits.

Though relatively less, it was still substantial since it came from Bai Fu.

[“Wow, the experience reward for completing the task is 320,000 XP. That’s enough for a level-up!”]

[“There must be more rewards during the quest, like killing bonuses. With luck, this trip might net us 400,000 XP. Is this the reward for high-level Celestial Sea quests?”]

[“All thanks to Bai Fu. Without her, we wouldn’t have access to such high-level quests.”]

[“Ah, I want to join Bai Fu and drink the soup!”]

[“Jiujiao, I hate you. Why did you show me this? I won’t sleep tonight.”]

The live stream went wild, while players following Bai Fu were thrilled.

[“There’s nothing we can do but watch as we follow Bai Fu and enjoy the spoils!”]

[“Let’s go!”]

After the transaction, Bai Fu didn’t waste time. She led Wei Ke onto the spaceship.

Wei Ke’s hometown was called Ulysses. Originally in the Dark Domain, over a century ago, a mining team from the Sea Lion Galaxy System discovered it, connecting it to the Celestial Sea.

The warp engine fired up at full speed. A day and a half later, the ship passed through a star gate and approached Ulysses.

PS: Changed the chapter number to look more coherent.