Chapter 173: Queenly Presence, Today I, Bai Fu, Will Ignite This Star Sea!
Seeing the energy raging around the bodies of Fei Ye and the unfamiliar woman—like a terrifying storm of thunderclouds—everyone aboard the ship trembled in fear.
A battle between two Psionicists on the verge of becoming Disaster-class; one misstep and the escort frigate beneath their feet could be blown apart.
Not everyone can survive in a vacuum, okay!
Fortunately, Fei Ye had already realized this. After completing her Ethereal Form transformation, she raised her flaming crimson right claw and hooked a finger at the unfamiliar woman across from her.
Whoosh——
The unfamiliar woman had no time to react before finding herself and Fei Ye instantly relocated dozens of kilometers away from the escort frigate, out into the starry sky.
A spatial ability?
"Looks like I’ll have to kill you to deal with that annoying Star-praying Human."
The Star-praying Human was Bai Fu's current race.
The unfamiliar woman’s eyes widened slightly, revealing a snake-like ruthlessness.
She indeed resembled a seductive serpent. When her legs intertwined, they looked from a distance like two entwining pythons, exuding a deadly allure.
But such tricks clearly had no effect on Fei Ye.
The power of the Void gathered around Fei Ye’s body. In an instant, space seemed to ripple around her in wave after wave. Shrouded by these ripples, the people aboard the ship could no longer make out Fei Ye and the unfamiliar woman’s figures—only the vague flashes of red and black shadows, interwoven like explosive lightning between the distortions.
“A Disaster Field? No, that’s not it—it just looks similar. But the last time Fei Ye used this trump card, her power clearly wasn’t this strong. Could she be about to ascend to Disaster-class?”
This statement made every Star Covenant supervisor present look grim.
If Fei Ye ascended to Disaster-class, there would be no more competition. That department head position would be hers, no question.
Bai Fu’s ears perked up.
What? Fei Ye was about to ascend to Disaster-class?
She couldn’t help getting excited. This was a Disaster-class thigh we’re talking about! That taste… she didn’t know exactly how good it was, but surely better than an S+ rank thigh!
In her excitement, Bai Fu suddenly noticed Green Sludge leaning against the wall, looking gloomy, his whole body seemingly drained of all strength.
She walked over and asked in confusion, “Are you okay?”
Green Sludge clenched his teeth tightly, looked around, then urgently spoke through the mental channel via his communicator: “The Director is in a very bad state right now. The power she’s using isn’t her own. Every time she uses it, she enters a period of weakness. And…”
“And what?”
“The longer she remains in this state, the deeper the Void infection will become. Once it crosses a certain threshold, she’ll transform into a Void Lifeform. Some Void Lifeforms are humanoid—indeed, more beautiful than ordinary humanoids—but most are insane, ugly, and twisted. Except for the Supernova Legion, who have studied the Void in depth, no one can guarantee what they’ll become after infection.”
Bai Fu was stunned.
There was such a thing?
She was deeply moved. After all, Fei Ye only Etherealized to save her.
She had to do something. If Fei Ye really transformed into a Void Lifeform, she’d lose her thigh to cling to. Plus, Green Sludge had said most Void Lifeforms were mad and twisted. What if the twisted Fei Ye and that unfamiliar woman teamed up to beat her? She wouldn’t survive even a flea market scuffle!
She could barely withstand one person’s assault—if two teamed up on her front and back, she’d be shattered instantly.
Bai Fu rapidly brainstormed a countermeasure.
“With the built-in flight capabilities of the Psionic Construct, I can move around in space temporarily—but that’s meaningless. With my strength, I’d just end up being a meat shield for Fei Ye, taking one or two hits at most. Once the Construct breaks, that woman would kill me in a flash. So I can’t brute-force my way in.”
If she couldn’t tank, then support it was.
No problem—Psionic Prayer-users were meant to support in the early and mid-game. Players like her, who ignored their role and pretended to be spellcasters, were rare.
After all, not everyone could enhance themselves by farming popularity and Plot Participation. As for regularly squeezing XP out of Players to boost her own power, that was something only she could do.
Speaking of Players, Bai Fu suddenly had an idea.
Players were weak. That unfamiliar woman could probably crush hundreds of them with a toe. But Players could revive and weren’t afraid of death. This meant that unless in extremely specific circumstances, they could always be useful.
Like now.
If she ordered others to pilot the carrier-based aircraft to assist Fei Ye, few would be willing—the risk was too great, practically a death sentence. But if she sent Players, not only would they not back down, they’d even thank her for the chance to witness a near-Disaster-class NPC battle up close.
As Players, wasn’t one of their favorite things to do watching drama unfold?
Perfect. You guys are it!
Bai Fu immediately located the captain of the escort frigate and told him to give her full control over all carrier-based aircraft.
Since the attack of the Brain Bug, the captain had been in a state of panic. Bai Fu’s willingness to take charge was a godsend. He agreed at once.
Then, Bai Fu found the Players onboard.
Time to issue the quest.
【You have triggered the Emergency Quest [Star Sea Charge]】
“Whoa, it’s actually a quest!”
Sword Qi Soaring’s eyes lit up instantly.
Since arriving at Tianhu Star, they’d been doing quests, but always given by other NPCs. It had been a long time since they’d received one from Bai Fu. Seeing this new quest, some Players felt an almost nostalgic touch—sentimental, even.
They quickly opened the quest details.
The objective was simple: they had to do two things. First, pilot the ship’s carrier-based aircraft to the vicinity of Fei Ye and the unfamiliar woman’s battle. Then, as they approached, use the 【Whispers of the Aberration】 Prayer Card Bai Fu gave them.
Whispers of the Aberration was an illusion-type Prayer Card that could create designated illusions.
Bai Fu planned to have the Players generate illusions of her aboard the aircraft, to attract the unfamiliar woman’s attention.
One illusion might not do much, but a swarm of them—plus Hei Fu, that half-real, half-fake entity—could at least provide Fei Ye with some minor help.
Even if the illusions failed, the aircraft’s firepower could still contribute. Cannon drones, small laser turrets, proton torpedoes—they had everything. Worst case, let the Players kamikaze their aircraft right into that unfamiliar woman.
Bai Fu didn’t expect to cause real damage, but even a second or two of distraction for Fei Ye might be enough to tip the balance of the fight.
But before launching the plan, she needed to figure out a way to inform Fei Ye first. Otherwise, instead of distracting the enemy, she might end up distracting Fei Ye out of concern for her.
One minute later, the Players who received the quest passed through two mechanical gates and arrived at the hangar above the ship.
The Players had never operated this kind of carrier-based aircraft capable of close combat in space, but it didn’t matter. These aircraft were all equipped with the Star Web Commonwealth's most advanced automated systems. Without interference from the Brain Bug, all the Players had to do was issue commands to the system, and they could easily pilot them.
“Go!”
Bai Fu gave a nod to the Players boarding the aircraft, offering an encouraging glance. Then, she slammed her right palm heavily onto the control button at the launch gate of the hangar.
Accompanied by a crisp and pleasant electronic announcement, over fifty interstellar attack fighters departed in waves, flying toward the location where Fei Ye and the unfamiliar woman were fighting.
Only then did the others on the ship realize something was off.
“What are Bai Fu and those Undying Ones trying to do?”
“How’s it going with Manu? Still not here for support?”
“Six million kilometers away—it’s not that easy to get here quickly.”
“Don’t worry. With the Void Valkyrie there, that woman won’t be able to stir up any trouble. Even if the Void Valkyrie can’t hold her back, we can still escape on the ship.”
“Things might not be that simple. I think I know who that woman is.”
Just then, a mercenary from a neighboring star system suddenly shouted.
“What?”
Everyone around turned to him at once.
His expression turned extremely grim. “I haven’t seen her myself, but the abilities she just revealed are very similar to someone my close buddy encountered during a mission. If I’m not mistaken, she’s likely the latest Disaster-class Seed cultivated by the Secret Tower—[Nightmother]. It’s said Nightmother’s ability is to manipulate life!”
Most people present were unfamiliar with the name Nightmother, but they were very clear on what the Secret Tower and Disaster-class Seeds signified.
Only beings like the Void Valkyrie, who were infinitely close to Disaster-class, qualified to be called Disaster-class Seeds. In terms of strength, they were far inferior to true Disaster-class Psionicists, but against ordinary S-rank Psionicists, they were absolute powerhouses.
What unsettled everyone most wasn’t Nightmother’s power, but that she came from the Secret Tower.
“She emerged from the corpse of the Brain Bug. Could it be this Flood Disaster was orchestrated behind the scenes by the Secret Tower?”
This discovery shocked everyone.
If the Secret Tower was really behind it, then for all they knew, a Secret Tower fleet could already be on its way to wipe them out!
“This is no longer something we can handle—call for reinforcements immediately.”
Herbert’s face turned pale. Compared to the Star Covenant, the Secret Tower was a small fry. But compared to the Star Covenant's branch in the Initial Gate Galaxy Cluster, the Secret Tower was a colossal force.
After all, the Secret Tower not only had Disaster-class Psionicists but also a fleet powerful enough to make all local factions in the Initial Gate Galaxy Cluster wary.
“Another Secret Tower agent? No wonder she came straight at me, trying to suck me dry.”
Bai Fu shook her head.
Regardless of the opponent’s true identity, the top priority was to help Fei Ye win this battle.
It was only a few dozen kilometers. With the flight speed of the ship’s interstellar attack fighters, the Players hadn’t even finished warming up before they could already see Fei Ye and Nightmother with the naked eye.
The arrival of the interstellar attack fighters drew the attention of both Fei Ye and Nightmother. Neither had expected anyone to intervene at this point, let alone more than one person.
Nightmother turned into a cloud of black mist, quickly widening the distance from Fei Ye.
Taking advantage of the opening, Bai Fu hurriedly contacted Fei Ye.
“Green Sludge already told me your situation, so I—”
She had barely begun when Fei Ye cut her off.
“I don’t need your help. Get lost!”
That cold, frosty voice was completely inconsistent with Fei Ye’s usual silly demeanor—like she had become someone else entirely.
Bai Fu rolled her eyes. “Alright, I get it. I know you can’t keep this state up for long, so—”
“Get lost!”
Still that icy voice.
Bai Fu began to get a headache. “Just listen to me first—”
“Get lost!”
Bai Fu: “……”
Interrupted again and again, Bai Fu’s temper finally flared. Even a clay bodhisattva had some fire in her—let alone her, a flesh-and-blood bodhisattva.
She had been putting on a gentle act all day long. But act too long, and they all thought she, Bai Fu, was made entirely of water and couldn’t produce a single spark, huh?
So it’s about who has the colder voice, who shouts louder? Like hell she’d back down!
She might not be better than Fei Ye at fighting, but when it came to yelling, Fei Ye wasn’t even qualified to hold her shoes.
Just as Fei Ye was about to speak again, Bai Fu unleashed a queen-like overwhelming pressure. She slammed the control panel before her with full force, producing a thunderous boom, and shouted:
“Shut up! If you dare say one more word, I’ll leave you here and take off from Tianhu Star right now!”
That booming crash and fierce scolding took Fei Ye completely off guard.
You...
She was furious and wanted to retort, but suddenly thought of something. In the end, she swallowed her words, continued monitoring Nightmother’s movements, and asked Bai Fu:
“Fine, your plan. If you can’t explain it clearly, don’t blame me for being rude!”
Something about Fei Ye’s personality post-Ethereal Form felt off, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.
Bai Fu quickly shared her plan with Fei Ye.
“How I do it is none of your business. No matter what happens next, just focus on dealing with Nightmother. That way, neither of us dies. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“Louder!”
“Got it!”
“Good. Let’s go!”
Bai Fu immediately had Hei Fu signal the Players in the attack fighters to begin.
Originally, Nightmother intended to sneak in an attack while Fei Ye was momentarily distracted by the arrival of the interstellar attack fighters. But at that moment, she suddenly noticed a familiar silhouette behind the cockpit glass of one of the aircraft.
Was that Bai Fu?
To dare ride an attack fighter straight up to her—did she have a death wish?
Nightmother was just about to act when she suddenly froze.
Something felt off. According to her perception, Bai Fu wasn’t in that fighter at all—she was still...
She was about to relocate her focus when she noticed another Bai Fu figure appear behind the glass of a different attack fighter.
Two Bai Fus?
No, that one was fake too!
Under Hei Fu’s command, the Players continuously used the Whispers of the Aberration Prayer Cards Bai Fu had given them. In a flash, Nightmother saw over thirty Bai Fus surrounding her.
Real or fake, illusion or substance—it was now genuinely hard to tell.
Inside the attack fighters, all those Bai Fu illusions made motions as if operating the onboard cannon drones.
Cannon fire and lasers intertwined, sweeping toward Nightmother like a storm. By turning into mist, she easily evaded every strike.
Just a bunch of attack fighters—she had no fear. But their constant flitting about was seriously annoying, like mosquitoes.
“If you're so eager to die, I’ll grant your wish!”
Strange black web-like patterns appeared over Nightmother’s body, covering her exposed chest and abdomen. It was as if, beneath her Deep-V Black Bodysuit, she had suddenly slipped on a full-body fishnet.
The moment the webbing manifested, everyone present—including Fei Ye—sensed their life force beginning to drain, as though something invisible was siphoning it away.
Fei Ye, being powerful, didn’t feel it strongly. But it was a different story for the Players. Within seconds, one Player let out a cry and collapsed into a shriveled husk, falling to the floor like an empty sack.
【What the hell is that thing】
【Losing 34% HP per second? That’s insane】
【Ah, I’m dead】
【Holy crap, this boss isn’t even meant for our level】
【Awesome. What a badass boss】
【You sure it’s badass and not something else?】
One Player after another dropped dead, but there wasn’t the slightest panic. Whether dead, dying, or just watching the livestream, they all chatted cheerfully.
Everyone was doing fine—except Nightmother.
Despite her life drain, none of the thirty-plus Bai Fus in the attack fighters had been affected. All illusions, as expected. The real Bai Fu was still aboard the original ship. Realizing she’d been toyed with, Nightmother’s temper exploded.
“A little mood swing, perhaps?”
This was exactly the moment Bai Fu had been waiting for.
Among the sea of illusions, she had hidden one Hei Fu!
Go!
With her command, dozens of attack fighters formed a formation and pressed toward Nightmother.
Fei Ye couldn’t figure out why Bai Fu had dragged the Undying Ones to their deaths, but after getting yelled at, she still cooperated and launched an attack to interrupt Nightmother’s life drain.
With Fei Ye’s interference, Nightmother had no time to focus solely on the incoming fighters. In the end, more than twenty fighters broke through the blockade caused by their battle’s shockwaves.
Nightmother wasn’t particularly flustered. In fact, she was hoping those fighters would attack.
She and Fei Ye clashed frequently. If the fighters aimed at her, they’d likely hit Fei Ye too. She could absorb others’ life force to heal herself—Fei Ye couldn’t. If those fighters dared attack, the one who’d benefit in the end would definitely be her.
Bai Fu didn’t know what Nightmother was thinking. She simply instructed the Players to pilot their fighters straight into Nightmother.
“Won’t this hit the Void Valkyrie too?”
Sword Qi Soaring hesitated.
Bai Fu waved it off. “Don’t worry. With Fei Ye and Nightmother’s power, even if the fighters explode, it’s unlikely to hurt them. Just crash it!”
Sword Qi Soaring nodded and chose to trust Bai Fu.
Dozens of seconds later, after passing through the distorted space, the fighters finally reached the vicinity of Fei Ye and Nightmother.
Nightmother saw the cockpit of one fighter suddenly pop open. The “Bai Fu” inside rushed out, heading straight for her with overwhelming momentum—only to freeze mid-charge and slowly vanish.
This happened four times. As Fei Ye’s attacks came faster and fiercer, Nightmother had to devote more and more focus to dealing with her.
Then, the fifth fighter opened its cockpit. Just like before, “Bai Fu” emerged, surged forward, froze—and yet, even after several seconds, didn’t vanish.
Wait a minute!
Nightmother suddenly realized something.
This one wasn’t an illusion!
But the distance was far too close—no matter how fast she reacted now, it was already too late.
With the dual boost of Shadow Doppelgänger and the Psionic Construct, Hei Fu in her Ethereal Form instantly charged up to Nightmother.
Without the slightest hesitation, she raised her hand and launched a fully amplified triple combo of Dark Burn.
In terms of stats and level, Hei Fu was far below Nightmother, but no matter how large the gap, a fully buffed Hei Fu was still a genuine S-rank Psionicist.
Black flames erupted like a fountain, instantly engulfing Nightmother. Under the impact of psionic energy with dark attributes, Nightmother’s body was momentarily thrown off balance. Shocked and furious, she launched a frenzied counterattack against Hei Fu.
“Now’s the time!”
Fei Ye’s eyes lit up as she instantly appeared behind Nightmother.
Void Crushing Fist!
Crimson flames spiraled around her arms like a phoenix’s cry. One punch struck Nightmother’s spine—flames burst forth, piercing through Nightmother’s body, through the vibrating space, and through the vast expanse of the cosmos. This punch stretched out thirty kilometers!
“Now’s the time!”
Bai Fu’s eyes lit up as well.
Fei Ye’s punch wasn’t enough to kill Nightmother, but it didn’t matter—Bai Fu had a grand gift prepared.
“Let me, Bai Fu, be the one to ignite this Star Sea!”
She controlled Hei Fu to charge forward, hugging Nightmother tightly, as if she wanted to merge Nightmother into her own body. Before Fei Ye could figure out what was happening, she saw a Psionic Shield light up on her own body.
At that moment, all the attack fighters controlled by the Players activated their self-destruct protocols. One after another, they rammed into the clustered group of Hei Fu, Fei Ye, and Nightmother like lunatics.
Boom! Boom!
The explosion of the aircraft triggered the detonation of their torpedoes and cannon drones’ ammunition. The blasts merged into one giant firestorm, as if igniting the entire Star Sea. Brilliant flames burst in all directions, and everyone who saw it couldn’t help but gape in astonishment.
Burning oneself to light up the stars!
They craned their necks, trying to peer through the flames to see if anyone had survived.
In fact, neither Hei Fu, nor Fei Ye, nor Nightmother died in the explosion.
Bai Fu used Psionic Repair to forcibly boost Hei Fu’s HP. Fei Ye had Psionic Shield to reduce the damage, but Nightmother wasn’t so lucky.
She slapped Hei Fu flying, but just as she was about to take further action, she suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
“I’ll remember what you did to me!”
A voice filled with hatred echoed in Bai Fu’s mind. The next second, Nightmother’s body turned into black mist and vanished completely into the starry sky.
She fled!
The battle ended in victory for Bai Fu and Fei Ye!
Excited, Hei Fu flew toward Fei Ye. Mid-flight, she noticed Fei Ye’s body starting to tremble violently.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Hei Fu hurried forward and embraced Fei Ye.