Chapter 139: Storyline Unraveled, True Identity of Popular Idol Bai Fu
After handing over the task to the Railway Guild, Bai Fu brought the Players back to Bai Fu Town.
She had many things to take care of now and had no time to chat with the people from the Railway Guild.
“Bai Fu-jie, I’ve brought the person. I’ve checked the file folder—its seal is intact and untouched by anyone.”
Sword Qi Soaring gave a signal, and the few Players behind him immediately stepped forward and handed a file folder to Bai Fu.
“Thanks for your trouble.”
Bai Fu smiled at the Players who delivered the folder, then signaled the waiting Tiny Hei Fu in the room to hand each of them a glass of water. After that, she opened the file folder and took out the documents inside.
【Psionic Research Institute No. 3 Subdivision - File No. 001】
【Record Time: Year 1791 (Note: Year -3 of the Cataclysm Era)】
【Recorder: Simon Sciotino (Note: A renowned occult researcher before the Cataclysm Era)】
【This file documents the research progress of the Psionic Research Institute No. 3 Subdivision under the Psionic Diffusion Committee. The No. 3 Subdivision was responsible for researching the special power of Psionics, claiming to strive for the psionic ascension of all humanity (Note: A flashy slogan, but in reality, it was complete nonsense).】
Bai Fu: “?”
Who wrote that note? It had quite the bite to it.
She continued flipping through. Just as the first page stated, this file summarized all the experimental projects the No. 3 Subdivision undertook for psionic research. However, since this was merely a summary file, most projects were only mentioned by name with no detailed descriptions. Yet, even from the few projects with brief explanations, it was evident that the No. 3 Subdivision committed the same inhuman deeds as the No. 1 Subdivision.
“This file basically confirms that the earliest knowledge of Psionics on Origin Star was brought by that extraterrestrial Old Deng. However…”
Bai Fu’s gaze sharpened.
The most important part of this file wasn’t the experimental records but the additional content appended at the end. These entries chronicled the sequence of events from the assassination of that extraterrestrial Old Deng to the mutual suspicion among member nations of the Committee, the outbreak of war, and finally, the occurrence of the Cataclysm.
“Because the incident happened suddenly, and the world quickly collapsed due to the Cataclysm, no one to this day knows who ordered the assassination of that extraterrestrial Old Deng.”
“The Cataclysm began with the research into Obsidian conducted by the No. 2 Subdivision. Obsidian contained terrifying power, and due to mishandling, its unbound force surged out like a tide and engulfed the world.”
Bai Fu flipped to the final note.
【Note: Everyone believed that the Extraterrestrial Visitor had been assassinated, but in reality, he survived. He had been hiding within the Gene Primordials. Why was he in the Gene Primordials, and why did he have such a strong influence over them? Logically, he had become a spirit form and should have had no means of manipulating the upper echelon of the Gene Primordials. The more I investigate, the more suspicious this becomes.】
【The Gene Primordials originated from the White Tower Republic. After the war, some surviving scientists and soldiers from the White Tower Republic formed the Gene Primordials. From its inception, the Gene Primordials were already preparing to resurrect the Extraterrestrial Visitor. Some clandestine deal must have been struck between them.】
【I thoroughly examined news reports surrounding the assassination. The process was arduous. I could only piece together the truth from fragments. This is what I believe happened—】
【The Extraterrestrial Visitor’s ship initially landed within the territory of the White Tower Republic. This should have been a golden opportunity for them. However, major nations forcibly intervened under the guise of benefiting all humanity and initiated joint research. The White Tower Republic was deeply dissatisfied, and the Extraterrestrial Visitor was also unwilling to be controlled. So, the two secretly collaborated. The White Tower Republic staged the assassination. Everyone believed the Extraterrestrial Visitor died, but in truth, he merely transformed into a spirit form and was secretly taken away by the White Tower Republic.】
【At first, the White Tower Republic and the Extraterrestrial Visitor must have felt pleased with their scheme. But things quickly spun out of their control. War broke out, indirectly leading to the Cataclysm and the near-total destruction of the world.】
【Is this really the truth?】
After reading the final sentence, Bai Fu received a game notification.
【You completed the exploration quest [Source of Psionic Power], earning 30,000 XP, +1.7% Origin Star Storyline Exploration, and Recollection Fragment *1】
The XP reward from this quest could only be described as pitiful, but the storyline exploration boost was a substantial 1.7%, and it even awarded a Recollection Fragment.
Bai Fu selected the Recollection Fragment to view its details.
【Recollection Fragment - The Night of Origin Star’s Drastic Change】
【Fragment Description】: Years later, when the people of Origin Star stand upon the wasteland and look back at the beautiful world before the Cataclysm, they will realize that the turning point of everything began on that seemingly ordinary night.
【Level Requirement】: Lv30 and above
“Hmm?”
Bai Fu raised an eyebrow slightly.
She had to admit, this Recollection Fragment came at just the right time.
Ordinary NPCs indeed had a hard time uncovering the truth of the past, but she was different—she was a special NPC.
Last time, she had uncovered the identity of the Truth Society President through a Recollection Fragment. This time, she would likely gain valuable insight as well.
“You all did a great job.”
Bai Fu once again praised the Players who had helped Xia Shi deliver the file, and even gave them a task where they could earn XP just by wandering around.
“Are you planning to return to the Gene Primordials next, or join the Garden of Silence directly?”
The Players exchanged glances before replying in unison, “We plan to return to the Gene Primordials.”
Afraid Bai Fu might misunderstand, one of the Players quickly explained, “We plan to imitate Tai’er Zhenren and gather intel within the Gene Primordials. If they try anything against you, Fu-fu, we can inform you immediately.”
Tai’er Zhenren had made quite the name for himself and had become a role model for many Players. Everyone wanted to replicate his path to success—these Players were no exception.
Bai Fu nodded. “If that’s the case, please pass on a word of thanks to Xia Shi for me.”
After sending those Players off, she claimed the Recollection Fragment from the quest reward.
Upon entering the instance, Bai Fu first confirmed her identity.
“A member of the assassination side?”
That made things easier.
Bai Fu turned around and punched her masked teammate directly in the face.
The teammate hadn’t even figured out what was happening before falling to the ground. When she tried to resist, her stomach was already being stepped on by a foot clad in Martin boots.
After prolonged training and leveling up, Bai Fu’s foot was no longer just for show—its stomping power was something to behold.
Under overwhelming pressure, the stomped-on teammate could do nothing but scream in pain.
“What are you doing?!”
The other teammates nearby turned pale. Just as they were about to shout at her, five black orbs materialized behind Bai Fu, releasing dark beams that sent the questioning teammates fleeing in terror.
“People from the White Tower Republic?” Bai Fu asked. Her killing intent was like a chill that froze the air.
The stomped-on teammate, seeing that no one could save him, could only admit the truth.
Very good.
A Psionic Burst to the face, and Bai Fu easily finished off the defeated opponent under her foot before heading straight into the laboratory where the extraterrestrial Old Deng was being held.
With her current strength, she had no need for any flashy moves. Facing the blockade of the Multinational Joint Operation forces, she simply charged forward under the protection of Psionic Shield. If enemies stood far, she used Sky Burial; if they stood close, she blasted them with a Psionic Burst.
Walls? Gates? All were smashed apart with a single punch. Her combat efficiency surpassed even that of a Musou General operated by a Player in Dynasty Warriors.
“If you don’t want to die, get out of the way and save me the effort.”
Bai Fu gently wiped the blood off the back of her hand. Her cold gaze alone made the already terrified members of the Multinational Joint Operation scatter like frightened birds.
In just a few minutes, she reached the extraterrestrial Old Deng.
This was her first time seeing him. He looked quite similar to a human of Origin Star—taller, a flatter nose, and skin tinged with light purple. He lay inside a glass chamber, appearing harmless.
At this moment, who in the instance could have imagined that just a few years later, Origin Star would become a desolate wasteland?
“The White Tower Republic sent me to send you off.”
Bai Fu drew her gun.
She had intended to interrogate this extraterrestrial Old Deng, but unfortunately, she couldn't understand a word he said. Nor did she know how he communicated with the White Tower Republic. Left with no choice, she sent him off with a bullet.
【Instance Clear Time: 9 minutes 46 seconds】
【First Clear Today: 60,000 XP】
【You triggered a hidden storyline, +1.4% Origin Star Storyline Exploration】
Bai Fu shook her head. This instance was too low-level for her now. Even though she cleared it, it only gave her 60,000 XP. The good news was that she did figure out the connection between the extraterrestrial Old Deng and the White Tower Republic—now known as the Gene Primordials—and even gained an extra 1.4% storyline exploration.
“This is super breaking news. If it gets out, it’ll definitely cause a global sensation!”
Bai Fu’s eyes sparkled.
“I… got it!”
Such a big scoop had to be put to good use. She planned to stitch it into the documentary she was currently filming and use it as promotional material before the documentary’s release—to expose the Gene Primordials while also giving her documentary a strong pre-release push.
“I just wonder who wrote those notes. Judging from the handwriting, it doesn’t look like Xia Shi’s.”
Bai Fu put away the file Xia Shi had delivered.
...
The next morning, Gao Yuan came to Bai Fu with her ordered Sovereign of the Shadowed Night Uniform, a special badge, and the remaining materials for crafting the Shadow Staff.
Following the Shadow Staff Blueprint, Bai Fu tinkered for quite a while before finally crafting the Shadow Staff.
Since it was her first time crafting equipment, the quality of this Shadow Staff wasn’t very high—it was a purple-tier item. However, in terms of attributes and functionality, it completely outclassed the Electric Knife she had previously discarded.
【Shadow Staff】
【Quality】: Purple
【Forms】: Spear Form (details), Staff Form (details), Rapier Form (details)
【Energy Source】: Basic Pollution Core (Durability 800/800)
【Additional Effects】: Prayer Time -10% and Effect +25% when using active Psionic Skills through the Shadow Staff
The final result surprised Bai Fu.
Her previous Electric Knife was excellent at bloodletting over time but had no additional bonuses. This Shadow Staff was different—its three interchangeable forms perfectly met her needs.
“The Spear Form fires psionically condensed imitation bullets, the Staff Form boosts skill effects by 25%, and the Rapier Form, once imbued with psionics, can slash like any regular blade. This is good stuff!”
Bai Fu held the Shadow Staff in her hand.
In Staff Form, the Shadow Staff was entirely black, with intricate, orderly patterns winding around the upper portion of the staff and converging at the tip into a crescent moon that cradled a Pollution Core glowing with faint purple light—deep and mysterious.
Bai Fu nodded in satisfaction.
According to her plan, she intended to award special badges and Sovereign of the Shadowed Night Uniforms to Players who had performed well in previous Main Storyline quests on the last day of the Celebration Event. Now that the Shadow Staff was successfully crafted, she could go on stage wearing new gear and showcase it to the Players—promoting both the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night Uniform and the Shadow Staff. It would also lay the groundwork for including a discarded Shadow Staff in future prize draw boxes.
After she “gave away” Bai Fu’s lightly-used new Shadow Staff, she could arrange for her factory workers to mass-produce Bai Fu’s signature Shadow Staff and sell it.
Thanks to her meticulous grooming, most Players in the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night had already been shaped in her image and walked the Psionic path alongside her. Bai Fu believed that the sales of the Shadow Staff bound to her would definitely not disappoint.
“No wonder I’m me—a new money-making trick every day!”
Bai Fu grinned smugly.
...
Two days later, as the Celebration Event that nearly drained every Player’s wallet approached its end, Bai Fu summoned all online Players in Bai Fu Town.
For Players in the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night, award ceremonies were nothing new. Still, they hoped to receive a personal badge—scarcity brings value, after all. And who wouldn’t love to see Fu-fu appear before them, smiling as she offered praise and handed over a badge?
But this time, those Players were too naive.
When Bai Fu stepped onto the plaza in her black uniform, even the most battle-focused and quest-obsessed Players couldn’t help but take a few more glances.
This uniform was custom-made by a clothing factory just for Bai Fu and was significantly different from the standard Player uniforms. Though still black in color, its detailed design was far more refined. Golden embellishments and chest patterns were placed just right, lending a hint of evening wear elegance to the otherwise mysterious uniform. Being custom-tailored, it also fit Bai Fu’s body perfectly, highlighting the flawless figure she had gained through countless enhancements.
【Damn, that looks amazing!】
【That staff is so cool!】
【Okay, I admit it—I’ve fallen. Fu-fu number one!】
【The black outfit with long white hair combo is unbeatable. The only pity is that the hair accessory is a bit plain. If Fu-fu wore a little crown too… whew, I’m done for】
【Forget the crown, I want thigh-highs!】
Bai Fu’s meticulous planning made this award and uniform ceremony unexpectedly popular.
Since the buzz around Tai’er Zhenren hadn’t yet died down, she leveraged his popularity to boost her new image across chat groups and video platforms.
【White shirt looked great, but black really has its own flavor】
“The groundwork’s all set. Now all that’s left is to use that documentary to detonate the popularity I’ve built up since the attack on the Truth Society!”
As soon as the ceremony ended, Bai Fu immediately contacted the producer from the film company.
“I’ve got major news. Just don’t know if you have the guts to break it.”
She handed over a summary report she had written. This report documented the grudge between the Truth Society President and the Gene Primordials, as well as the connection between the Gene Primordials, the Extraterrestrial Visitor, and the Cataclysm.
As the Producer flipped through the report, he was completely stunned. Not even in his dreams had he imagined Bai Fu would possess something like this.
He knew very well how much of a sensation this report would cause if released, and also understood that once it was made public, he would inevitably become a target of the Gene Primordials.
However, as someone skilled in seizing hot topics, he couldn’t help but imagine the immense benefits he would gain if he went through with it.
Popularity—an immeasurable surge of popularity!
He would rise to the top overnight. Bai Fu would surpass even the sky’s limits and become Origin Star’s national idol. Wasn’t that his goal all along when he approached Bai Fu?
The Producer’s expression changed several times. Finally, he gritted his teeth and made up his mind—he would do it!
Even if he didn’t, Bai Fu would find someone else to do it, or simply go solo. He couldn’t stand watching this hot topic slip from his grasp. Even if it meant risking being hunted by the Gene Primordials, he no longer cared.
“You don’t have to release the report right away. Wait until I set off to cause trouble for the Gene Primordials, then release it. That’ll be the perfect time to promote the documentary too.”
Bai Fu laid out her condition.
The Producer hurriedly agreed. He could hardly hide the shock in his heart. Did Bai Fu just say she was going to challenge the Gene Primordials?
If she could eliminate the Extraterrestrial Visitor just like she had taken down the Truth Society President, then she would become the de facto Queen Fu of Origin Star!
“Goodness… Am I recording a moment that could change the future course of Origin Star?”
The Producer was burning with excitement.
After sending him off, Bai Fu summoned two key figures from the Fu Sect’s Publicity Department: Digging Girl and Calamity Dragon.
After reading the report Bai Fu handed over, Digging Girl and Calamity Dragon were just as thrilled as the Producer from the film company—especially Digging Girl. She was a video creator specializing in digging up game storylines, and her online handle was literally Digging Girl. The report Bai Fu gave her hit her like a deep-sea bomb, making her tremble uncontrollably and transforming her into Shaking Girl.
【Wuhu! This new video is about to soar!】
Quit shaking, will you? Keep going like this and people will think I triggered some switch.
Bai Fu secretly rolled her eyes.
“Don’t rush to tell the other Undying Ones just yet. Wait until I officially go after the Gene Primordials to leak this. We don’t want to alert them too soon. But you can tease a bit of unimportant intel—like hinting that something big is coming—to grab their attention. That way, when you drop the real info, the others will be watching closely. I want to use this method to wake up the Undying Ones who’ve joined the Gene Primordials and stop them from continuing to help them.”
Digging Girl patted her chest. “Fu-fu, don’t worry. I guarantee this will get done!”
She was best at this kind of suspense marketing!
She already began imagining the fallout from her new video. Recently, some Players had been criticizing her, calling her a Bai Fu simp and claiming she only succeeded by licking up to Fu-fu.
So what if I am? Lick, lick, and lick hard! See? The rewards are here—Fu-fu just fed it to me herself.
Delicious. Too delicious!
At that moment, Calamity Dragon couldn’t help but ask, “Fu-fu, how did you uncover all this intel?”
“Not convenient to share that right now,” Bai Fu casually deflected. She couldn’t exactly say she found the evidence inside an instance.
Calamity Dragon nodded and didn’t press further. After leaving Bai Fu’s place, she tugged on Digging Girl’s sleeve.
“This time, we might be putting out a video hotter than even the official promos and update trailers.”
Digging Girl grinned. “Definitely. This video’s gonna blow up.”
Calamity Dragon added mysteriously, “It’ll blow up more than you think. You know what I saw just now?”
“Huh?” Digging Girl looked confused.
Calamity Dragon explained, “I used several Advanced Reconnaissance Skills on Fu-fu earlier. I couldn’t see her base stats, skills, or talents—but I did see her Psionic Attribute.”
“Psionic Attribute? Doesn’t the official class description say that only unlocks once you reach Star Sea?”
As Digging Girl spoke, she suddenly covered her mouth.
She had just realized something—on the Beginner Planet, the Psionic Attribute shouldn’t be unlockable. But Fu-fu had one. Didn’t that prove she wasn’t native to Origin Star but actually an alien?
Calamity Dragon continued, “Fu-fu’s Psionic Attribute is Shadow. Her staff is called the Shadow Staff. I think you get what that means, right?”
“Holy—!”
A curse slipped out as Digging Girl’s body trembled once again.
How could she not get it? There had been constant posts in the community speculating that Fu-fu was the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night. Digging Girl had never been fully convinced. Sure, Fu-fu shared many traits with the Sovereign, but there hadn’t been direct evidence—until now.
Shadow… Shadowed Night… Shadow… Shadowed Night…
At this moment, Digging Girl was 95% certain that Bai Fu was the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night. Coincidences like this were rare—too rare.
Smack smack!
She slapped her cheeks hard. “I’m gonna go make the video right now. All-nighter time!”
Once this video was done, her follower count would skyrocket.
That very night, halfway through video production, Digging Girl hopped onto the community to start hyping it up.
【Just got some explosive info from Fu-fu. Unfortunately, she said I can’t reveal the details just yet.】
【In a few days, I’ll release a full video explaining everything. For today, I can only tease a few minor points.】
【The video will cover two things. The first is related to Origin Star’s Main Storyline. It ties into the roots of multiple major arcs. Trust me—it’s huge.】
【The second is about Fu-fu’s true identity. Remember those old posts speculating she’s the Sovereign of the Shadowed Night? Well, Calamity Sis and I found new intel. Guess what?】
Guess your head!
Players who read Digging Girl’s post were about to lose their minds.
Oh, so you’re teasing now, huh?
The Players in the community were fully stirred up by Digging Girl. They cursed her while feverishly speculating what those two things might be.
The most hotly discussed topic was Bai Fu’s true identity.
Ever since Bai Fu’s debut, speculation had been rampant. At one point, there seemed to be a consensus, but as the storyline evolved, things had become murkier again.
Now, Digging Girl’s words implied that a new conclusion was coming.
Everyone following the topic waited eagerly for the video to drop.
【If the info’s not explosive enough, I’m gonna blow up Digging-Treasure!】
...
At the same time, the Gene Primordials were also keeping a close eye on Bai Fu. After the Truth Society’s downfall, they were her only major enemy left.
“What’s Bai Fu up to lately?” General Pombaton asked his adjutant grimly.
The adjutant reported truthfully, “Bai Fu’s holding a Celebration Event in Bai Fu Town to celebrate the defeat of the Truth Society and the successful rescue of Black Crow Yulia. Besides that, she’s working with a film company from the Railway Guild to shoot a documentary.”
“Oh?”
This surprised General Pombaton, but then a smile crept onto his face.
“She thinks she can rest easy after eliminating the Truth Society? Shooting a documentary now… She really sees herself as a national idol. Interesting. Seems she doesn’t know our real plans. In that case, I’ll give her a big surprise!”
Super-popular idol?
If she won’t stay home and act like a proper housewife, then there’s only one path left—death!
“Come. Let’s go meet that person.”