Chapter 300: Revelation, Why is Bai Fu the Protagonist?
Bai Fu and the representative of the Supernova Legion held a discussion that lasted for a full hour.
This time, the Supernova Legion showed complete sincerity.
To express their apology for the previous attack, they offered a large amount of supplies as compensation.
Among these supplies were some very special items, such as upgrade blueprints for the Mobile Palace, the 【Arcane Elixir】 that could help Cecia improve her Esper potential, the 【Void Embers】 that could aid Fei Ye in enhancing her mastery of void powers, a full set of the most advanced research equipment and specimens for Yulia, and even a mental training device designed to help Anya improve her combat capability.
After reading through the long list sent over by the representative of the Supernova Legion, Bai Fu’s expression turned somewhat strange.
In fact, the other supplies from the Supernova Legion were worth far more, but why did she feel that they seemed more attentive when choosing gifts for Anya and the others?
"Alright, alright, alright, so you’re going with the Madam route, huh."
"This gift, I’ll accept it!"
Bai Fu was a little speechless.
Aside from apologies and compensation, the Supernova Legion also proposed many cooperative projects, most of which revolved around Dark Zone exploration and Players.
Once the cooperation was finalized, the Supernova Legion would emulate the Rebirth Empire, transferring all Players in their faction who were willing to join the Dark Zone exploration plan into the management of the Garden of Silence. They were also willing to open the forward bases they had developed in the Dark Zone to allow free passage for the Garden of Silence, and not only that, but the territories controlled by the Supernova Legion and its subordinate forces would also be open to the Garden of Silence’s Players. As long as the Garden of Silence Players applied for a special pass, they could take on missions across different regions.
Bai Fu could see that the Supernova Legion had indeed put in real effort to "please" her.
Because these proposals were almost the exact same ones she had specifically added and emphasized during her previous negotiations with the Empire.
"Quite a tempting condition."
Bai Fu could not help but sigh inwardly.
At present, Players mainly had six activity zones.
The various bases of the Garden of Silence (including Origin Star).
The Rebirth Empire.
The Supernova Legion.
Titan Industries.
The various revolutionary armies and rebel factions.
The smaller civilizations (mostly scattered Players who enjoyed playing kings and heroes within small civilizations).
If she agreed to cooperate with the Supernova Legion, then she alone would control the majority of Players in zones 1, 2, and 3, numbering more than 20 million.
These were more than 20 million high-level chives who would continue to grow, how many benefits could she reap by digging and digging?
She believed that after receiving these Players, her mission related to the Esper Garden would soon be completed.
Just the thought of it made Bai Fu excited.
In fact, the benefits she could obtain did not stop there—there was also "name."
This "name" referred both to her reputation among Players and to the "name of protagonist."
【Two of the Three Universal Civilizations were willing to hand over the command authority of their Players to Bai Fu—tell me, is that impressive or not? And considering Bai Fu’s screen time in the version 3 trailer, tell me, isn’t Bai Fu the real·protagonist of version 3?】
【What? You don’t think that counts? Then tell me, name a single NPC in this version who’s more glorious than Bai Fu.】
There wasn’t one.
Absolutely none.
Every NPC who appeared in the version 3 trailer was not even comparable to a single hair of Bai Fu in version 3.
Bai Fu nodded at the representative of the Supernova Legion, indicating her preliminary approval of the compensation list and cooperation agreement.
The representative of the Supernova Legion let out a sigh of relief.
Once things passed Bai Fu’s approval, everything else would be much easier.
With that matter concluded, the next step was to discuss deeper cooperation.
Since this matter involved the alliance between the Supernova Legion and the Rebirth Empire, and was also related to Titan Industries, the meeting would have to be scheduled for another day when all parties had carefully considered their positions before further negotiations.
Bai Fu disconnected from the network and turned her head toward Dmitri, who was standing not far away.
At this moment, Dmitri’s brows were tightly furrowed, his thoughts deep and uncertain. When he noticed her looking over, he asked, "Finished talking?"
Bai Fu replied, "Finished, went fairly smoothly."
Dmitri nodded, "Smooth is good."
Yet he was still deeply worried.
What the Supernova Legion was plotting was something he could not possibly be unaware of at his level.
But the Supernova Legion had taken the moral high ground, and the threat of the Apostle’s Holy City was growing closer, forcing the Empire to carefully consider their proposal.
Not long ago, he had communicated with the Senate and the Emperor—their stance was that cooperation would likely go forward, but they could not allow the Supernova Legion to lead them by the nose. They wanted to make use of Bai Fu’s good relationship with them to gain leverage, while also using the cooperation to push forward the Ethereal Realm development plan.
Once the Ethereal development succeeded, the Empire could kick the Supernova Legion aside and proceed alone.
But, would it really go so smoothly?
Dmitri felt uncertain.
All he could do was remind Bai Fu to be cautious in negotiating with the Supernova Legion. The Supernova Legion was nothing more than a lion full of ambition—appearing docile now, even sincerely apologetic, only because they still lacked overwhelming strength.
Though Dmitri did not say it outright, Bai Fu still understood his meaning. Essentially, he was reminding her that the Supernova Legion wanted to use her to strengthen themselves, only to turn on her later.
Coincidentally.
That was exactly her plan too.
To use the Supernova Legion to improve her own strength, then turn around and give the disobedient Legion a few jio.
Bai Fu had full confidence that as long as she didn’t flop, she would definitely grow faster than the Supernova Legion.
After bidding Dmitri farewell, Bai Fu went to see the Curse Lord, Olsen.
Because of the Painter’s attack, Olsen felt guilty toward Bai Fu, which was why he rushed over this time to help. But he had arrived too late—by the time he got there, Titan Industries had already been thoroughly defeated by Bai Fu, so he had not been able to ease his guilt.
When he heard that Bai Fu wanted his help upgrading her Combat Suit blueprints, he immediately agreed without hesitation. After scribbling and modifying, he added a large number of psionic curse imprints to the blueprints, directly raising the Combat Suit’s rating to 【Orange】 quality—something even fit for a Dominator to use without falling behind.
"A curse-user like Olsen really is a straightforward person. No wonder his daughter is so cute, way cuter than Titan Industries’ chairman’s granddaughter, Xuequan."
With the blueprints in hand, Bai Fu used an Evolution Card on them. A few seconds later, she obtained a brand-new blueprint.
【Bai Fu’s Cursed Combat Suit (Red)】
The new Combat Suit’s stats completely crushed the one she was currently wearing—not only doubling the strength and agility bonuses, but its defensive capability was theoretically more than seven times stronger.
Its functions, of course, did not stop there. With the abundance of curse imprints, this was no longer just clothing, but more like a mystic artifact. After binding it with psionics, Bai Fu could now store the outfit inside her body at will, achieving true "one-click dress and undress"—whether for bathing or other activities, it was extremely convenient.
If the suit was damaged, she could repair it anytime with psionics, ensuring she always benefited from its bonuses without ever worrying about the embarrassment of clothing destruction.
As for its appearance, it could change at will—a thick cloak, a wide gown, even a three-piece swimsuit posed no issue. There was no need to worry that less fabric meant fewer imprints, because the curse imprints were bound to psionics. Once bound, they were carved not just into the clothes, but into her very being.
"Psionic Curse-user is indeed an interesting profession."
Bai Fu gave high praise to the Curse Lord’s abilities.
She decided to save up more resources to one day gift Anya, Yulia, Fei Ye, Cecia, and the others each a set.
That same day, Bai Fu returned to Origin Star along with the Rebirth Empire’s reinforcements.
The moment she returned, she tossed Gagliani and Xuequan into the Paradise Ark, leaving them to be entertained by Black King and White King, those "twin sisters."
The long-time resident, Beast God, upon seeing new arrivals, immediately volunteered to teach Gagliani and Xuequan the rules.
"With friends coming from afar, is it not delightful?"
"Warden Bai Fu, don’t worry—I’ll be sure to make them feel right at home!"
Seeing Beast God’s enthusiasm for tormenting his "roommates," Bai Fu was instantly relieved. Before Titan Industries came to ransom them back, she should be able to harvest plenty of good things.
A master of imprisonment and a master of illusions—their output was bound to be premium goods that Players would fight to snatch up!
After settling Gagliani and Xuequan’s housing, Bai Fu summoned Shadow Fu.
Shadow Fu was the first True Spirit she had "enlightened," and also the one who resembled her most before she dyed her hair, so she had chosen Shadow Fu as her First Divine Envoy.
Under the combined effect of 【Nurturing Divine Envoy】 and the 【Seed of Divinity】, the originally Calamity-ranked Shadow Fu’s strength rapidly grew, reaching the Dominator rank in a short time. At the same time, a mysterious channel formed between Bai Fu and Shadow Fu—undetectable to the naked eye or any instruments, perceivable only by the two of them.
This channel was truly profound.
It was precisely because of this channel that Shadow Fu could wield such great power.
"Just like a gift from the gods… no wonder these abilities are named as such."
Bai Fu rummaged in the Eternal Night Pure Land and finally gifted Shadow Fu the Zenith Authority Staff she had phased out.
Shadow Fu originally thought she had been summoned for a new mission, but instead, Bai Fu gave her two great gifts in succession. Overcome with emotion, she immediately knelt on the floor, clinging to Bai Fu’s leg and rubbing against her.
"Big Sister, you’re far too good to me."
"Alright, alright, stop rubbing already. Any more and you’ll rub your skin right off."
Bai Fu was extremely satisfied with the effects of 【Nurturing Divine Envoy】 and the 【Seed of Divinity】.
These abilities weren’t even fully unlocked yet, and they were already this powerful. Once maxed out, wouldn’t she be able to command an army of Transcendent-rank Divine Envoys?
At that point, she alone could rival an entire Universal Civilization, fully deserving the title of Psionic God.
Impressive!
"You first take some time to familiarize yourself with this power. I’m going to go entertain some guests from afar."
Bai Fu rubbed Shadow Fu’s head and left the room.
Advancing to Transcendent and foiling Titan Industries’ conspiracy—either one was worth celebrating on a grand scale.
Combined with the arrival of Yuan Yi, the Oathmaster, the Curse Lord, and a large number of Dominators and Transcendents from the Rebirth Empire, Bai Fu simply hosted a grand celebration, using the excuse of celebrating her breakthrough to Transcendent to mercilessly squeeze the Players.
At the celebration, gazing at Bai Fu dressed in a black evening gown, everyone could not help but sigh with emotion.
"Bai Fu is so incredible… perhaps one day we really can return to our homeland!"
The members of the Anti-Apostle Holy City Alliance who had come as guests were each brimming with excitement.
It all felt like a dream.
On the other side, Yuan Yi shook his head: "From the first time I met her until now, it’s been less than five years. Unimaginable, truly unimaginable."
At first, he extended goodwill toward Bai Fu because he suspected she was a Seeker. Befriending a Seeker would benefit him in improving his strength and extending his lifespan.
At the time, he thought that even if Bai Fu were a Seeker, it would take her over a decade to advance from Calamity rank to Transcendent. Therefore, this was a long-term investment.
However, the way things unfolded completely exceeded his expectations.
In less than five years, Bai Fu had advanced from Calamity rank to Dominator, and then from Dominator to Transcendent, so quickly that he had no time to react.
At this moment, a huge question emerged in Yuan Yi’s mind.
Was Bai Fu really a Seeker?
In his impression, even Seekers could not advance this quickly!
Bai Fu was simply too unusual.
Shocked and curious, Yuan Yi grew even more eager to witness the moment Bai Fu fully bloomed.
By his side, the Oathmaster nodded seriously: "Truly unexpected, but…"
Hehe.
Even better this way. Now when she sparred with Bai Fu, she would not need to hold back, and she could test her own limits more thoroughly, climbing further toward the martial peak.
If not for so many people around, she would have wanted to fight Bai Fu right then.
Among everyone present, the least surprised appeared to be Anya.
Surprised?
What was there to be surprised about!
This was the Boss!
"I said long ago that Boss would advance to Transcendent soon. Not just Transcendent—even the Psionic God would not be out of reach. You all didn’t believe me, and now you’ve been slapped in the face, haven’t you?"
Anya was brimming with pride.
The mocked Xipulis retorted indignantly: "Don’t just brag. I see your hands are empty—don’t tell me you didn’t even prepare a gift for Bai Fu?"
"That’s where you’re wrong. I already prepared a gift long ago, it’s… Forget it, I won’t tell you."
Anya gave a huff and turned away, ignoring Xipulis.
How could she possibly tell this little brat that she intended to gift herself to Boss?
Of course she couldn’t.
Once things settled here, she would go properly "wrap" herself!
The reaction among NPCs was huge, but the Players were no less stirred.
Bai Fu advanced to Transcendent?
Holy shit, Fu!
Even the Fu Sect Players, who had absolute faith in Bai Fu, were struck speechless when they first heard the news.
They hadn’t been wandering the starsea for just a year or two—they had a very clear understanding of Dominators and Transcendents.
Three years to Dominator, five years to Transcendent—was this the gold standard of an officially certified version 3 protagonist?
【Damn, now the Garden of Silence has Transcendent-level strength too, hahaha!】
【But wait, something doesn’t add up. Wasn’t Fu Fu the Eternal Night Dominator? Why was she able to advance so fast even after restoring Dominator strength?】
【So should we call Fu Fu the Eternal Night Dominator now, or the Eternal Night Transcendent?】
The matter of her title sparked heated discussion among Players.
Since the theory of Bai Fu being the Eternal Night Dominator was first deduced by Digging Princess, Players involved in the discussion spammed @Digging Princess, wanting to see her opinion.
【Oi Digging, Digging, looks like you messed up, huh】
Before long, Digging Princess showed up.
Messed up? Nonsense. How could Digging Princess possibly be wrong!
She made a new post, listing two possibilities.
The Eternal Night Dominator was just a nickname. No one ever said that having "Dominator" in your title meant you had to actually be a Dominator. She could very well be Transcendent, and the nickname might simply mean "the one who dominates Eternal Night." Just like the Sword Emperor of the Rebirth Empire—his nickname was Sword Emperor, but he wasn’t the emperor of the Rebirth Empire. The nickname only praised him as the "Emperor among swords."
As for why Fu Fu had advanced so rapidly to Transcendent now, it was simple—because Fu Fu had undergone the "path of tempering" from Dominator to powerless, and then back to Dominator again. Countless novels had similar plots where the protagonist or an important character lost their cultivation, fell into the mortal world, tempered their heart, and ultimately gained enlightenment, surpassing their former self in one leap.
【As for which it is, I can’t say for sure. But from a narrative planning perspective, I personally lean toward the second explanation, because it makes Fu Fu’s character more fleshed out.】
【I suspect Fu Fu was never really a "Saintess." She was likely a character burdened by hatred, bitter and cold, probably not gentle at all, but more like an assassin.】
【Then, betrayed, she wandered to Origin Star.】
【On Origin Star, gravely injured, she witnessed too much suffering. She confronted this suffering, reflected on her life, and finally, she was moved. The heart that had been frozen in ice for years welcomed the spring.】
【From that moment, Fu Fu changed.】
【Having once been drenched in the rain, now she wished to hold an umbrella for others.】
【This was how Fu Fu became the "Saintess" we know today.】
【Why do I speculate this way? Because although Fu Fu is kind to us and to good-hearted NPCs, she never shows mercy when dealing with her enemies—every strike is lethal.】
【Some might say this isn’t convincing enough—after all, there’s the saying of having a Bodhisattva’s heart but wielding thunderous means.】
【Then I’ll present stronger evidence—have you noticed that Fu Fu’s skills don’t really look very righteous? This is likely a legacy of the "Fu Fu" from the past.】
【I’ve long noticed this issue. The reason I never mentioned it was because I was afraid some Players would dislike Fu Fu if they knew her past.】
【But just now, I thought it over and felt I had to say it. The Fu Fu I like is not a picture, not a line of text, but a three-dimensional person.】
【Without her past experiences, how could there be the lovable Fu Fu of today?】
【Without her past coldness, how could her current warmth shine so brightly?】
At this point, the Players following the matter began to realize—it really did seem to make sense.
Damn, Digging Princess makes way too much sense!
【Fu Fu, my Fu Fu, let mommy hug you】
【Scram, no male mommies!】
【This is the true Saintess!】
In no time, a wave of fan creations swept through the Player community. Countless artists produced secondary works about "Assassin Bai Fu."
Some in the community even analyzed that Black Fu was actually Bai Fu from the past—a split-off during her moment of enlightenment.
【One day, Black Fu and Bai Fu will reunite into the one and only Fu!】
"？"
When Bai Fu opened the community and saw these posts, she was utterly dumbfounded.
Ah, so her underhanded skillset could be whitewashed in this way?
Bai Fu couldn’t help but sigh: "Born of my parents, but truly known by Digging Princess!"
……
These past days, many were quite happy, but some were not.
For instance, the people of Titan Industries.
For instance, Rufas, who got no benefits.
And for instance, the people of the Ten Saints Council.
Although Rufas had fallen out with the Apostle’s Holy City, the Saint and Corona had always secretly maintained contact with him.
They were not truly loyal to the Apostle’s Holy City—they only wanted to borrow its strength.
But upon hearing that Bai Fu had advanced to Transcendent, repelled Titan Industries’ ambush, and that Rufas had aided Bai Fu in the battle, the Saint and Corona were dumbfounded.
Rufas helped Bai Fu?
So that was it! Rufas and Bai Fu were in cahoots!
They gradually "understood" everything.
They had already suspected a traitor in their midst. At one point, they had even suspected Leader Kaid. But now the truth was clear—the traitor was Rufas!
"Rufas, you bastard, you deceived my feelings!"
The Saint nearly fainted from rage.
He immediately wanted to contact Rufas and curse him out.
But Rufas had long since hidden away with a spent Psionic Energy Node, fighting desperately against the residual consciousness in the Void Lord Core, paying no attention to any messages.
Thus, the last chance to clear the misunderstanding was gone.
Enraged, the Saint contacted the Apostle’s Holy City and reported everything that had happened.
"The Rebirth Empire and the Supernova Legion might form an alliance!"
The Apostle’s Holy City treated this news with the utmost seriousness and immediately convened an emergency meeting.
Perhaps it was time to formally reach out to the civilizations of the "Explored Universe"!