Chapter 318: Reactions from All Sides, The Day Bai Fu Fell
The first to react to the news of Bai Fu’s death were the Players in the Tub Galaxy, along with Winter of the Apocalypse and the others.
Even before the Supreme Apostle ordered the news to be spread, they had already sensed that something was wrong.
Because they had witnessed with their very own eyes how Hei Fu turned into stardust before them, vanishing bit by bit.
It was not as though they had never seen Hei Fu suddenly disappear before, but in those times it had always been a sudden “whoosh”—gone in an instant. For it to happen like this now was clearly a sign that something had gone wrong.
The next to react were the upper echelons of the Three Universal Civilizations.
Each of the Three Universal Civilizations had its own super-host. For example, Radiant of the Rebirth Empire. The moment the people in the Holy City of Apostles uploaded the news of Bai Fu’s death to the network, Radiant captured it instantly, and promptly connected with Winter of the Apocalypse and the others far away in the Tub Galaxy.
Upon learning that Bai Fu had indeed very likely been in trouble, Radiant activated its highest-level authority, reporting the news directly to the Emperor of the Empire, as well as those Transcendents closely bound to the Empire.
Thus, an emergency meeting was convened.
Inside the conference room, Emperor Odoak’s mindset nearly collapsed.
The previous heir of the Radiant Families had defected without cause, the Ethereal Realm Development Project had suffered a major setback right after its start, and the Revolutionary Army had suddenly bared its fangs, striking the Rebirth Empire in unison with the Holy City of Apostles…
The sudden “Three Punches Against the Emperor” had already shattered half of his great dream of emperorship.
And who could have thought, before he even had time to recover from his depression, that news would suddenly arrive claiming Bai Fu had been killed by the hand of the Supreme Apostle of the Holy City?
If this were proven true, then his dream of emperorship would be over.
No.
It would not just be the dream of surpassing Emperor Ignatz that would be over. In the present situation, even his throne as Emperor would no longer be secure.
“What the hell is this mess, one thing after another!”
Odoak wore the Mask of Pain.
Even before he inherited the throne, many had said he was mediocre, incapable of leading the Empire forward.
Because of this, he had sworn early in his heart that he would achieve greatness, slapping the faces of all the Senators who had underestimated him.
After taking the throne, he had exerted all his wit and intelligence, drafting countless plans for the Empire’s rise. Though there had been setbacks (in fact, not a single plan had succeeded), after constant trial and error he had finally found the true path to the Empire’s rise—namely, the Ethereal Realm Development Project and Bai Fu’s alliance.
What should have awaited him was a flood of flowers and applause, praises even higher than those Emperor Ignatz had received…
But why had things turned out like this?
Yes—it was the world. The world itself was wrong!
He felt he had done very well, yet this damned world could not stand to see him succeed. Just when he was on the verge of triumph, it had thrown disaster upon disaster in his face.
“Such an unlucky birth!”
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty…”
As Odoak cursed inwardly, Dmitri, seated at his side, called out to him repeatedly.
“Oh, oh.”
He quickly lifted his head. “What do you think should be done in this situation?”
Dmitri’s face was stern. “By rights, we ought to block the news immediately. But the other side was prepared for this—they released this intel precisely to crush our morale. So… it’s too late. By the time Radiant intercepted the information, the public networks were already flooded with it. Many people already know that Bai Fu may be in trouble. If we try to block the news now, we’ll only cause greater panic.”
Buvalo, sitting beside him, added, “Judging from the method, the one who spread the news was likely Corona of the Shadow Storm.”
Dmitri nodded. “I think right now we cannot block the news, nor can we pretend we didn’t see it. The urgent matter is to first go out and ‘refute the rumor,’ then immediately redeploy the Arrow-Forging Legion to the Sandthorn Supernova Cluster. The Shadow Legion and other chaotic forces will surely take the chance to stir up trouble. We must stabilize the situation first, and only then find a way to mitigate the impact of this news.”
Odoak asked, “How do we mitigate it?”
Dmitri hesitated, Bai Fu’s face appearing in his mind.
“I still refuse to believe that Bai Fu is truly dead. Even if Winter of the Apocalypse and the others sensed something unusual, she is an Apostle, and her strength… Next, let us first send people to search for Bai Fu.”
As he spoke, he shook his head.
At the mention of Bai Fu, Odoak’s expression grew even uglier.
“You’re saying Bai Fu… ah, if only she had stayed quietly in the Empire, how could the Empire have fallen into such a passive state…”
“Your Majesty!”
Buvalo abruptly cut Odoak off, turning to glare at him, his voice sharp.
“Bai Fu is only a collaborator of the Empire.”
What a collaborator wished to do—as long as it did not harm the Empire’s interests, nor violate the principles of their cooperation—was not the Empire’s concern.
Of course, the Empire could forcefully intervene, but the result would only be to offend all of its collaborators. Even in times of peace this would not be wise, let alone now, when unity was more desperately needed than ever.
If Odoak’s words of complaint were to leak out, who knew what kind of trouble they might bring down on the Empire?
After all, even members of the Radiant Families could defect. So what if others suddenly had a change of heart?
In truth, Buvalo was deeply dissatisfied with Odoak.
If not for the fact that the other royals were even more incompetent, and that Odoak still had a loyal faction supporting him, Buvalo would have long since united with other Senators to replace him.
Rebuked, Odoak held his tongue.
The meeting went on, during which they also touched base with Titan Industries and the Supernova Legion.
At another time, had they heard that Bai Fu was dead, Titan Industries and the Supernova Legion might have celebrated on the spot. But in the present storm, with the Three Universal Civilizations all in turmoil, they had no heart for celebration, and like the Empire, were considering how to lessen the shock caused by the news.
Bai Fu’s power was not the absolute peak among the Three Universal Civilizations, but her fame was immense.
Her death, once confirmed, would inevitably shock everyone—including even the Domination-level beings and the Transcendents.
After all, Bai Fu still had the ability to guide Dominations and Transcendents to ascend.
For ordinary people, the blow would be small at this stage. But for Dominations and Transcendents, it would be catastrophic.
With Bai Fu’s death, once they saw the strength of the Holy City of Apostles and the Revolutionary Army, those Dominations and Transcendents who were not tightly bound to the Three Universal Civilizations might very well start considering abandoning ship.
For now, all they could do was “refute the rumor” as best they could!
After the meeting, Dmitri hurriedly left the conference room, contacting Whitney, Andras, the Oathmaster, and the members of the Quiet Garden stationed on Ulysses Star and Origin Star, to inquire about Bai Fu. Unfortunately, not one of them knew her fate.
Perhaps Anya, Yulia, and Shadow Fu knew—after all, they had acted together with her—but all three were currently missing.
Dmitri’s heart sank lower and lower.
“This situation…”
It was dire!
Whether from the standpoint of an Imperial citizen, as a comrade who had fought through hardships together, or simply as one who admired truth, goodness, and beauty—he did not wish for Bai Fu to truly be dead.
“If there is any news, we will contact you at once.”
“Then I will trouble you with that.”
Dmitri shook his head and ended the communication.
At that moment, on both ends of the call, Dmitri and Vic simultaneously logged into the interstellar network, eager to see how the outside world was reacting to the news of Bai Fu’s death.
【Fake. The video is fake, the news is fake. How could Bai Fu possibly die? This must be a conspiracy of the Holy City of Apostles!】
【Exactly. The Rebirth Empire just held a press conference to refute the rumor. This fake news is absurd—Bai Fu is clearly in the Tub Galaxy right now. How could she suddenly show up at Cathedral Number Four of the Holy City of Apostles?】
【It’s precisely because it looks fake that it’s more likely to be true. If they were going to fake it, would they really make such an obviously flawed lie?】
【Looks like you’re underestimating human diversity, and overestimating some people’s competence. There’s no shortage of badly made fake rumors out there.】
Most people online were arguing over whether the news was true or not.
From the current situation, the number of believers was still small. But those who did believe had already stirred up considerable waves with their posts.
Pessimism.
Extreme pessimism.
From this alone one could foresee how rotten the public opinion would become once Bai Fu’s death was truly confirmed.
At such a time, if the Holy City of Apostles and the Revolutionary Army were to flex their strength, the tides of the starry sea might well be overturned.
“Bai Fu cannot possibly die!”
Vic recalled his first encounter with Bai Fu, their cooperation, and the entire journey they had walked together until now.
It was truly hard for him to believe that the Bai Fu who had always created miracles would just die like this.
For now, he resolved, the defense of Ulysses and Origin Star must be secured first.
If Bai Fu continued to remain absent, there would certainly be people stirring up trouble. Before, he had no strength and could do nothing. But now, with at least Calamity-level strength, even if he could not defend Ulysses and Origin Star, he could at least perish together with them.
On his way back to the office district, Vic noticed that the Undying Ones by the roadside were also arguing over whether Bai Fu was really dead.
Compared to others, these Undying Ones had far more confidence that Bai Fu was not dead.
Things were indeed much as Vic had heard.
This was mainly because the moment the news spread, Digging-Treasure had rushed out to refute the rumor—faster even than the Rebirth Empire.
【Fufu definitely isn’t dead!】
【I’m not saying this just because I’m a Fufu fan, but… first, Fufu is the protagonist—there’s no way she’d die so easily. Second, the Quiet Garden hasn’t disbanded yet. If Fufu were really dead, the Quiet Garden faction should have declared its destruction by now, right?】
【Anyway, don’t worry everyone, Fufu is definitely fine!】
Digging-Treasure’s words carried influence, and most Players felt she was right.
Some Players even added on:
If Bai Fu had really died, then the Tub Galaxy Campaign main quest should have been judged a failure, right? After all, defeating the Holy City of Apostles at the cost of Bai Fu’s sacrifice would be an immense loss.
Yet the game had judged the Players of the Quiet Garden faction to have completed the Tub Galaxy Campaign quest. Therefore, Bai Fu must not be dead.
【Tch, not even ashes left—still saying she’s alive?】
In the Bai Fu hater group, seeing Digging-Treasure and the others’ discussions, Wind-rises-among-Stars and Spaceman both could not help but laugh.
Though they had not seen Bai Fu killed by the Supreme Apostle with their own eyes, they had seen with their own eyes the Supreme Apostle leave Rayas to head to Cathedral Number Four.
The Supreme Apostle himself had moved, and Bai Fu’s avatar had “coincidentally” disappeared. How could Bai Fu not be in trouble?
Rejoice!
Bai Fu was finished!
Even if the Developers later revived Bai Fu due to her popularity, during the time she was gone they could dance and celebrate as they pleased.
Not only that, they could also use this chance to boost Sui Xi’s popularity. Once Sui Xi surpassed Bai Fu in popularity…
Hehe, then Bai Fu would be completely done for!
【Yes! Yes! Yes! Now I’m going to roast them hard!】
The haters in the group launched a collective attack.
Although they had no direct evidence of Bai Fu being blasted apart by the Supreme Apostle, that did not stop them from unleashing relentless verbal assaults.
“Stop barking! You all keep saying Bai Fu isn’t dead, that the rumors outside are fake—then let her come out quickly! She can’t, right? Of course she can’t—because Bai Fu is already gone.”
Wind-rises-among-Stars, who was usually not good at making a show and was only good at stubborn arguments, this time actually came up with something decent.
He wrote a strategy guide—on how Players could pressure the Developers into reviving Bai Fu in the next version.
【This strategy is based on my careful study of the closed beta. I won’t say it’s guaranteed to succeed, but if researched well, it should increase the chances a bit.】
“Damn it!”
Digging-Treasure was almost enraged to the point of fainting.
Honestly, she too had been secretly studying this, but she did not dare speak it aloud.
As Bai Fu’s number one fan, even she worried that Fufu was gone. How could other Players not think the same?
If all the Players thought this way, then the NPCs and storyline in the game would inevitably be affected.
If things developed to the point where the Three Universal Civilizations were shattered, then even if Fufu were revived, her situation would be dire.
“Ahhh, damn you Wind-rises-among-Stars, I’ll PK you!”
Digging-Treasure was furious enough to want to hit someone, but when replying to Wind-rises-among-Stars, she dared not show it. She could only continue to put on a façade of calm detachment, as if she had seen through everything long ago.
Unfortunately, as days passed, even her façade was starting to crumble.
It had already been four days, and still Fufu had not appeared.
If Fufu were truly alive, she would definitely have come out to explain by now…
Even Digging-Treasure could no longer hold on. As for the other Players, the other NPCs—needless to say.
The Rebirth Empire’s official denials had gradually become a laughingstock online.
Many people spontaneously began commemorating Bai Fu—they wrote essays, composed music, made videos.
Though some mocked Bai Fu’s act of storming Cathedral Number Four as reckless and brainless, most people still praised her.
Reckless or not, one thing was certain: until the very moment of her death, Bai Fu had upheld her own principles.
【All her life, she was either helping people, or on the way to help people!】
【She is without a doubt a Saint.】
【She is without a doubt a Hero.】
【With her petite frame, she built in the endless starry sea a Great Wall that even in ten million years will never be forgotten.】
【Let us remember this day.】
【This day is the day the Hero fell.】
“This video is well-made.”
Shadow Legion.
At the pre-battle rally.
Elice pointed at the Bai Fu tribute video she had just watched.
Her words drew nods of agreement from those around her.
Those who joined the Shadow Legion of the Revolutionary Army either bore deep hatred toward the Three Universal Civilizations, or wished to build a better future.
But no matter the reason, upon seeing Bai Fu sacrifice herself to repel the Holy City of Apostles, most of them could not help but give her a thumbs-up.
Well done!
Greatness needed no words.
Although they were on opposing sides, their goals were the same—they all wanted a better world.
“What a pity. If only there had been a chance to meet her in person.” Elice felt regret.
Someone beside her said, “Bai Fu’s death is ultimately good for us. If she were still alive, it would be far harder for us to deal with the Three Universal Civilizations.”
“Mm.”
Elice nodded.
There was no time for sentiment. Their next attack against the Three Universal Civilizations was about to begin.
…
At the same time.
The Supreme Apostle received good news—
The Tribunal and the Council of Ten Saints had already opened a route to Titan Industries. With just a bit more preparation, they could launch a grand expedition against the Three Universal Civilizations!
“Good. Begin the pre-battle preparations at once, just as planned!”
Even the Supreme Apostle could not help but grow excited.
With Bai Fu dead, the Three Universal Civilizations mired in fear, and the Revolutionary Army stirring up trouble across the Explored Universe, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If all went smoothly, within just a few years, his ambitions would be fulfilled.
All thanks to Bai Fu.
If Bai Fu had not recklessly stormed Cathedral Number Four, he would never have seen such a favorable situation.
And he also owed thanks to the hidden Fourth Apostle within the Holy City. Without its borrowed strength, how could he so easily have slain an Apostle?
Under normal circumstances, even if an Apostle descended as a mortal, killing one would still be extremely difficult.
…
Half a day later.
Capital Circle of the Rebirth Empire—[Shining Stars] Orbital City Cluster.
“I understand. I’ll head to rendezvous with Chongxiao as soon as possible.”
Exhausted, Dmitri put away his communicator. These days, the intelligence agencies of the Three Universal Civilizations had been flooded with troubling reports.
Although the Holy City of Apostles had temporarily gone quiet thanks to Bai Fu’s actions, the Revolutionary Army, pirate fleets, and exiled crime syndicates around them were all stirring restlessly. It was certain a great war would soon break out.
As one of the Empire’s pillars, he had been running nonstop—deployed here today, reassigned there tomorrow—already operating under overload.
“Sigh.”
Dmitri rubbed at his brow.
Just as he was about to set out to meet Chongxiao at the Mechfire Sect, his communicator rang again.
Another problem?
So be it.
By now, he was used to it.
“Hello, what’s the matter this time…”
“It’s me.”
A light voice cut him off.
He froze. A moment later, he realized.
It was her!
It was Bai Fu!
In that instant, his restless heart became calm as still water.
“Welcome back.”