Chapter 165

Chapter 165: The True Female Lead Bai Fu Arrives, Fourth Catastrophe VS Traditional Catastrophe [6k]

Heaven Lake Star is located at the tail of the second spiral arm of the Sea Lion Galaxy System. Although its position appears somewhat remote, Heaven Lake Star is far from being an insignificant backwater planet.

On one hand, near Heaven Lake Star lies a wormhole that was once an important passage for external exchanges among the numerous civilizations of the Sea Lion Galaxy System, akin to the “Silk Road” of the Star Network Commonwealth.

On the other hand, during the outbreak of the civilization war in the Origin Gate Cluster, the Star Network Commonwealth had strongly resisted the predecessor of the Tower of Secrets, the Ghost Civilization, on Heaven Lake Star, preventing internal star systems from being engulfed by warfare.

These two points make Heaven Lake Star hold great weight in the hearts of the Star Network Commonwealth.

Precisely because of this, upon learning that Heaven Lake Star also suffered a large-scale flood disaster, the joint conference of the Star Network Commonwealth immediately dispatched an elite force for support and issued commissions to multiple cosmic powers.

The Star Treaty was one of them; apart from the Star Treaty, they also hired several renowned mercenary groups and private armed companies, including the Red Moon Mercenary Group, showing that they were willing to invest heavily.

There’s no help for it; the situation of the Star Network Commonwealth has been rather dire in recent years.

The Tower of Secrets lurks in the shadows, watching with covetous eyes, occasionally jumping out to create some small disturbances. Though not highly damaging, these actions always leave them exhausted.

Meanwhile, as the Tower of Secrets causes trouble, the erosion of the flood disasters on the Sea Lion Galaxy System has become increasingly frequent. In just the past fifty years, eight planets within the Sea Lion Galaxy System have been swallowed up by the flood disasters, becoming playgrounds for space giants and Dark Domain Bug Clans. This is even after their persistent efforts to combat the flood disasters; otherwise, the losses would have been greater.

“We cannot let this situation continue! Our goal this time is to attract as much attention as possible from the group of Dark Domain Bug Clans invading the Sea Lion Galaxy System on Heaven Lake Star, buying time for the main fleet to secretly assemble and launch a decisive attack on the hidden bug nest near the Sea Lion Galaxy System. Only by thoroughly solving the insect problem will we have enough energy to deal with the increasingly frequent harassment from the Tower of Secrets!”

In the temporary command center of Heaven Lake Star, Manu, the front-line commander of the Star Network Commonwealth, vigorously swung his fully mechanically enhanced right arm.

After he finished his final mobilization speech, Bai Fu successfully triggered the commission task through He Fu who stayed beside Scarlet Leaf.

[Like a Flood]

[Mission Overview: Heaven Lake Star is suffering from the erosion of the flood disaster. You have accepted the commission from the Star Network Commonwealth to fight for Heaven Lake Star!]

[Mission Objectives:

1. Stabilize the Defense Line – Resist the first round of probing attacks from the Dark Domain Bug Clans. Rewards are determined based on contributions;

2. Never Fall – Ensure the three defense lines do not fall within ten days (Remaining Time 239:59:59). Rewards are determined based on the persistence and integrity of the defense lines;

3. Glorious Battle Spirit – Receive an additional reward of 200,000 experience points for each adult insect killed;

4. Sorrow of the Giant Beasts – k*ll biological warships of the Dark Domain Bug Clans. Rewards are determined based on contributions;

5. Buy Time – Gain time for the assembly of the main fleet of the Star Network Commonwealth (Current Progress 0%). Rewards are determined based on the contribution of your team.]

[Hidden Reward: Triggered when faction reputation reaches 300]

“Wow!”

After reading the detailed mission introduction, Bai Fu couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

She never expected this commission task to be so formal, with five regular objectives and one hidden objective. She also didn’t expect this commission task to involve the four major factions of the Star Network Commonwealth, the Dark Domain Bug Clans, the Tower of Secrets, and the Star Treaty simultaneously, and that the direction of the mission would greatly determine the next move of the Star Network Commonwealth.

A bold guess suddenly formed in her mind—

Could it be possible that this commission task is actually a prelude to the upcoming main quest of the Sea Lion Galaxy System in the 2.0 version?

Bai Fu was so excited that her whole body trembled, and due to her excitement, her toes involuntarily curled.

It came, the familiar feeling!

Just the main quest of a rookie planet made her earn a fortune. How rich would the rewards be for a main quest involving a galaxy or even a galaxy cluster?

Just thinking about it made Bai Fu almost faint.

Among the various forces commissioned by the Star Network Commonwealth, the weakest in terms of prestige and strength were comparable to the Red Moon Mercenary Group, which was barely on par with Shiji Crystal Company. She, as the head of a private armed company that had only completed one commission, was not even considered worthy of sitting at the table in the eyes of the Star Network Commonwealth.

“Good thing I agreed to Scarlet Leaf’s invitation.”

Big Sister Number One began to exert her power!

If it weren’t for fear of being kicked away by Scarlet Leaf, Bai Fu would definitely find an opportunity to kiss Scarlet Leaf.

“Are… you alright?”

As Bai Fu was getting excited, Youlia’s voice rang out.

It was strange.

Just standing there fine a moment ago, she suddenly started shaking. If someone didn’t know any better, they might think Bai Fu was conducting an experiment on her. But now, clearly, she hadn’t done anything.

Bai Fu waved her hand carelessly, “What could be wrong with me? As for you, adjust your physical condition well. This commission is very important, and I may need to frequently use your recovery abilities.”

“Did you receive any messages from them?” Youlia asked.

Bai Fu nodded, “Call all the undead people over here. It’s time to explain the specific situation to them.”

Youlia followed her orders. A few minutes later, all the players gathered in the middle entertainment hall of the spaceship. Bai Fu stood on the stage, looking around, feeling like a principal addressing students during the Monday flag-raising ceremony.

She cleared her throat and recounted what Manu had said earlier, sharing the commission task she had received with the players while doing so.

“Wow, starting off with such a big thing?”

The players were surprised. They were full of anticipation for this interstellar journey, but they did not expect to encounter such a rewarding high-level task right from the start.

When some of the players posted screenshots of the task in the community, it immediately sparked intense discussions.

These discussions were filled with envy.

[My goodness, I worked hard on the main quest for half a day, but compared to the task Bai Fu casually released, it’s just garbage.]

[Is this what a high-level map is like? Entering the star ocean really makes the protagonist stronger than those who haven’t entered yet.]

[I want to participate in the star ocean event tooooo! d*mn it, next time I must win!]

Looking at the replies in the post, the player who posted it laughed happily.

Envy it, jealousy it?

But there’s nothing you can do. The party is only open to those who won during the test phase. Next, you’ll just have to watch how we follow behind Fu Fu and win big in this super grand party hosted by Fu Fu herself!

A single task easily stirred up the emotions of players on the spaceship, Source Star, and other places. This is Bai Fu’s ability.

As a star ocean enchantress, Bai Fu’s skills in enticing players go far beyond this.

Wagging her little tail or moving her feet are just basic operations. Her real killer move is something that can instantly make players’ bl**d boil.

Why do players play games?

For excitement!

Coincidentally, she can give them that excitement right now.

Suddenly appearing with the players when Scarlet Leaf was struggling due to a lack of manpower has two benefits.

Firstly, it increases Scarlet Leaf’s affinity and highlights her own importance. Secondly, it greatly enhances the sense of plot involvement for these players who have just emerged from the rookie planet and still know nothing about the star ocean.

Being able to participate in a major task right after arriving in the star ocean and playing the role of a savior, being watched and praised by NPCs, this extraordinary gaming experience, if it doesn’t make players excited to the point of boiling bl**d, Bai Fu will perform live juice extraction on Youlia!

“There aren’t many NPCs like me who always consider the gaming experience of players these days. Planners should definitely look at me more often during the next update. I’ve shed bl**d for the game’s popularity!”

Bai Fu secretly gloated.

Of course, her painstaking efforts to enhance the gaming experience of these players have ulterior motives. After all, she isn’t a true goddess of mercy who likes to give out welfare. Her main purpose is to shape these players into examples, giving other players an impression—

Look carefully, following me, Fu Fu, is this enjoyable!

This way, after the 2.0 version is launched and other players enter the star ocean, they will unconsciously compare their experiences with those of these players.

How to compare?

Bai Fu has 100% confidence that those players won’t be able to match up. At that time, her popularity will inevitably see a new burst. What she needs to do before that burst arrives is to increase her fame and participation in the main plot as much as possible. Then, with Jiujiao promoting it a couple of times, many players will undoubtedly believe that she is the protagonist of the Sea Lion Galaxy System or even the Edge World.

With this understanding, many things will become easier to handle afterward.

“Everyone, get ready. We will set out to provide support at any time!”

After briefing the players, Bai Fu flashed into her room to make the final preparations.

Speaking of preparation, it’s actually observing the situation on Heaven Lake Star through live broadcasts by He Fu and the players present.

The reason why the catastrophe induced by the Dark Domain Bug Clans and the space giants is called a flood disaster is mainly because once the Dark Domain Bug Clans launch an assault, it comes as swift and fierce as a mountain flood.

Huge numbers, fearless fighting spirit, and bizarre special abilities—when these three elements combine, they create a nightmare across the entire star ocean. Even the three major cosmic civilizations would tremble at encountering an ultra-S-class flood disaster.

The best way to deal with a flood disaster is to deploy large-scale mechanical forces. The Star Network Commonwealth does have a large number of mechanical forces, but as an ordinary stellar civilization, the mechanical forces they possess, both in level and quantity, are insufficient to overwhelm the Dark Domain Bug Clans. However, the most critical issue is that this flood disaster erupted simultaneously in multiple locations, forcing the Star Network Commonwealth to allocate more mechanical forces to areas without mercenary presence.

Thus, the main combat forces of the Star Network Commonwealth on Heaven Lake Star, ranked from highest to lowest, consist of mercenaries recruited from various places, various military fortresses, elite interstellar warrior corps, and the local garrison of Heaven Lake Star.

“Note, we have no reinforcements, no reinforcements! We must withstand without aid…”





We can’t afford to retreat any further. If we abandon Heaven Lake Star today, tomorrow we might have to abandon our homeland. We must stop the Flood Disaster here completely!”

“Unless it’s absolutely necessary, the fleet will remain on standby for now. We need to wait until the biological warships and brain bugs of the Dark Domain Bug Clan grow restless and reveal themselves before we strike. Under no circumstances should we let them escape, or they’ll be back with reinforcements in no time.”

Manu was delivering his final rallying speech, exuding an aura of confidence with every gesture. In reality, not even the supervisors of the Star Treaty Organization could confidently guarantee the success of this mission.

“The Star Network didn’t mention that this Flood Disaster would be so massive. The brain bugs are even out.”

A brain bug is an intelligent type of Dark Domain insect.

After the rally, Scarlet Leaf ascended to the first line of defense: a mechanical wall. Gazing at the distant horde—a dense mass of insects resembling a moving fortress—she felt a rare sense of unease despite her usual bravado.

She wasn’t worried about being killed by these insects; after all, she was S+ ranked. Unless there was a Tiān-Zāi Jié (Catastrophe Tier) giant bug hidden among them or she found herself overwhelmed by dozens or hundreds of adult bugs, she could easily escape if things went south.

The issue was that this mission wasn’t about who could run fastest—it was about who could hold their ground.

How to defend?

Scarlet Leaf felt overwhelmed.

She glanced behind her. There were only her, a dozen veteran subordinates including Green Mud, He Fu (Black Lily), and a few dozen undead warriors. This small force couldn’t even fully man the wall, let alone withstand the overwhelming wave of the insect tide.

“This way, I won’t be able to launch any attacks. If I do, this section of the wall will definitely fall.”

Scarlet Leaf’s eyes began to flicker with flames. For someone who always charged headfirst into combat, staying put in the rear was akin to torture.

So your pain comes from not being able to attack, huh? You’re stuck defending instead?

Bai Fu (White Lily) rolled her eyes upon hearing this.

In truth, Bai Fu’s frustrations stemmed from more than just this.

“Do you want me to lend you some troops?”

“I trust your strength. I believe you can hold this wall well. Meanwhile, rest assured, we will take care of any adult bugs approaching midway.”

Several supervisors, including Herbert, looked at Scarlet Leaf with confident eyes, occasionally saying words that seemed caring or approving.

But Scarlet Leaf, though straightforward in speech and action, was neither naive nor lacking intelligence. She clearly understood their veiled sarcasm.

Ah, whatever…

Scarlet Leaf suppressed her irritation. What else could she do? Attack them right here and now?

With her capabilities, she had a high chance of defeating the supervisors in one-on-one combat, but she wasn’t someone who would disrupt the internal harmony of the Star Treaty due to personal grievances.

She was brought into the Star Treaty by The Sworn One, who hadn’t contacted her in a long while, possibly forgetting her. But she wouldn’t forget The Sworn One’s kindness. As long as the Star Treaty remained under The Sworn One’s leadership, she wouldn’t do anything detrimental to its interests.

“Holding a wall is easy. It’s you guys who are talking big now. Don’t come crying to me for help later.”

Scarlet Leaf sniffed lightly and turned away.

Herbert and others chuckled softly. That would never happen. Just stay where you are.

Due to the urgency of the Flood Disaster, Herbert and the others didn’t linger too long with Scarlet Leaf.

Watching their retreating backs, Scarlet Leaf glared fiercely on purpose before settling down quietly.

“We’ll hold. With me here, nothing short of a larger-scale disaster will breach this point!”

The nearby players exchanged uneasy glances. Without Scarlet Leaf launching an offensive, they figured they’d just be sitting ducks on the wall.

It was undeniable how terrifying these insect disasters truly were.

Upon closer inspection, the players realized these creatures weren’t ordinary carbon-based lifeforms. They were numerous and diverse: some excelled at tunneling, others at flying, some at forming protective shells, and yet others at close-range assaults. Some absurd ones could even exchange blows with the Star Network’s aerial bombers simply by “spitting.”

“One spit destroyed a flyer? What kind of spit is that?”

“Holy cr*p, that space marine got bisected by a single slash through both armor and body!”

“That thing looks like a tentacle monster and can drain bl**d!”

The battle against the Dark Domain Bug Clan was intense, being their first direct confrontation. Even with many reserves, the Star Network maintained the upper hand, but the brutality of the fight was evident.

Elite space marines wielded immense power, capable of mowing down large swaths of insects at once, enhanced further by various energy weapons. Yet, a moment of carelessness or bad luck could result in gruesome deaths—facehugging or being torn apart.

bl**d mixed with insect fluids, creating a grotesque stew that evoked both nausea and fear.

“No wonder everyone says the Flood Disaster is terrifying!”

Players at the front lines grew increasingly serious, quickly discovering the parasitic, toxic, and explosive abilities these insects possessed, often dragging nearby NPCs to their d*ath when dying. Facing such monsters, NPCs might initially retain their courage, but over time, their psychological defenses would inevitably crumble.

“To counter a catastrophe, you need another catastrophe!”

Bai Fu, observing the battlefield through Black Lily, sighed after looking at the insects and players.

Finally, her gaze landed on Scarlet Leaf.

She observed meticulously. Every time the players commented on the battlefield situation, Scarlet Leaf’s brows twitched slightly, and occasionally her whole body did too. Her tense posture reminded Bai Fu of someone trying to hold their bladder.

Goodness, this was oddly stimulating. Reflecting on it, this “bladder-holding play” was something they had done together—if Bai Fu had directly led the players forward, Scarlet Leaf wouldn’t have needed to suppress herself so much.

No rush, let’s keep Scarlet Leaf waiting.

When the bug tide got closer to the wall, letting the players charge out would maximize their effectiveness since proximity to the wall meant proximity to the respawn point. Dead players could quickly return to the fray, whereas farther distances would drastically reduce reinforcement speeds, diminishing their advantages.

Bai Fu actually enjoyed watching Scarlet Leaf occasionally open her eyes to glance at the distance before hastily closing them again.

Time passed slowly.

Just as Scarlet Leaf was nearly unable to hold on, shifting uncomfortably in her seat before gently sitting back down, Bai Fu summoned the spaceship’s AI.

“Contact Green Mud and the Star Network command center on Heaven Lake Star. Tell them we’re here and preparing to land!”

One minute later.

“What? Bai Fu has returned?”

Green Mud was shocked. He thought Bai Fu had fled with the ship, but she had kept her promise.

Scarlet Leaf shot up instantly, staring intently at the sky.

“Tell Manu to clear the path immediately!”

Her body tensed even more.

Bai Fu didn’t specify how many people she brought, and whether they all had resurrection abilities.

Her mind was chaotic, having been suppressed for too long.

Upon receiving Scarlet Leaf’s message, Manu didn’t hesitate and allowed passage. The spaceship slowly navigated through the air traffic control zone formed by countless flyers. During transit, the hatch suddenly opened.

“Hmm?”

Scarlet Leaf paused, unsure what Bai Fu was up to.

Bai Fu, standing at the hatch, glanced at the numerous players behind her.

“Follow me!”

I’ll lead you to become radiant heroes!

She turned around and was the first to leap out of the open hatch.

The next second, the players lined up and followed suit, one after another jumping out of the ship.

Dying from the fall?

Not possible—they had all purchased the Freedom Wings Bai Fu recently launched in the store.

“What is this?”

Far away, Herbert and others noticed the change. They looked up in shock, unsure of what was happening.

Didn’t Manu say there would be no reinforcements?

“It’s Void War Princess’ people.”

Upon receiving Manu’s reply, they were baffled.

Scarlet Leaf?

Didn’t she care deeply about her subordinates and avoid putting them in danger? Why had she suddenly called them over?

They soon realized something was off because too many people were jumping out of the ship, seemingly without end.

These people couldn’t possibly be Scarlet Leaf’s original subordinates!

They glided across the sky like rapid air-drop pods, finally descending towards the insect horde near Scarlet Leaf’s wall.

Boom!

An explosion scattered countless bugs, clearing a space. When the dust settled, everyone finally saw the appearance of those who had descended from the sky.

They appeared to be ordinary space humans, dressed casually, not in uniform gear, and wielding different weapons. At first glance, they looked like a group of mercenaries.

Yet, as they shouted and charged toward the Dark Domain Bug Clan, they proved fearless, colder than machines. Each was a peak C-tier superhuman. Their blade movements shook the earth itself, forcing the insect tide to retreat.

“Are they fearless of d*ath?”

Herbert and other Star Treaty supervisors stared dumbfounded, their expressions filled with horror.

At that moment, Bai Fu gracefully landed beside Scarlet Leaf, her face beaming with a radiant smile. “I’m back. From here on out, leave it to me, Scarlet Leaf supervisor. You can now display your full potential.”

Scarlet Leaf trembled with excitement.

Great, absolutely wonderful!

After holding back for so long, she could finally unleash herself!

In her eyes, Bai Fu seemed bathed in holy light. This was divinity!

PS: A humble plea for monthly votes.

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