LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 264: National Idol
To stabilize public sentiment, Qi Yuan Star swiftly broadcasted the news that they had secured the top two spots.
The internet and television were abuzz with reports of Du Ge completing the Alien Star Battlefield in a single day, securing a massive haul of resources for Qi Yuan Star.
Praise for Du Ge was everywhere—in cities and schools alike.
To celebrate the record-breaking victory, the food rations for everyone were upgraded a notch that day.
With a dominant first-place finish and sweeping the top two spots on the Alien Star Battlefield, Qi Yuan Star hadn't seen such a glorious achievement in a long time.
People cheered and rejoiced, dispelling the usual gloom.
Many even hailed Du Ge as the contemporary Hua Guyun.
After all, clearing the Alien Star Battlefield in one day was the stuff of legends.
Also promoted were Du Ge's three rapid completions of the Simulation Field and his civilian background.
It must be said, Qi Yuan Star's propaganda department knew how to effectively boost public morale and soothe emotions.As for the soldiers who sacrificed themselves on the battlefield, no one spoke of them.
This was the advantage of collective upbringing; no matter how many perished on the Alien Star Battlefield, there were no tears or heartache.
Most people only cared about having enough resources to survive the following year.
As for the elite families' warriors accidentally injured by Du Ge, no one dared to speak out against him while he was in the limelight.
As long as Du Ge lived through four rounds on the Alien Star Battlefield, he would be the undisputed leader of Qi Yuan Star.
Now was the time to curry favor with him, not to oppose him.
Since yesterday, many elite families controlling key departments of Qi Yuan Star had sent Du Ge plenty of delicacies and fine wines.
On resource-scarce Qi Yuan Star, food and drink were always in demand.
Even more families made studying Du Ge's tactics their top priority.
The change in rules for the Alien Star Battlefield meant a shift in how the nation selected its talents; standing out required showcasing one's unique abilities.
After all, the Alien Star Battlefield was where true merit lay. To ensure the family's legacy, each generation had to participate in the battlefield and return alive.
...
"The winds have shifted," Du Ge mused, scrolling through the news online with a shake of his head.
"What's changed?" Liang Fei asked.
"The battle mode for the Alien Star Battlefield is changing, that's why the propaganda department is promoting the master's deeds," Liang Le explained seriously, her eyes brimming with happiness and pride. They were now Du Ge's people, and his rising status would elevate theirs as well.
At that moment, Du Ge's ears twitched, and he glanced out the window.
Nan Youlong's helicopter was rapidly approaching the estate.
After his mental power reached 120,000, Du Ge's body had been continuously transformed. Now, his senses could cover nearly a kilometer radius, and he could detect every whisper and rustle of grass, including the secret conversations of Liang Fei and Liang Le.
The two girls had indeed become his people and hadn't leaked his whereabouts.
These past few days, Du Ge had also found a way to shield himself from the ever-active "plucking feathers from a passing goose" ability—water.
A thin layer of water over his palm effectively blocked the ability, though others might just think his palms were always sweaty.
In the last Alien Star Battlefield, starting from the Void Refinement Realm, cultivation techniques began to temper the soul. Du Ge had nearly maxed out his plundering ability, with his cultivation level far surpassing the Mahayana Realm, greatly enhancing his soul's refinement.
Soul refinement directly boosted the Power of Poseidon.
Now, Du Ge could deftly control the water within his range of consciousness.
However, he couldn't manipulate the water inside a person's body, such as blood or cellular fluid.
Throughout history, there had been no tales of a Poseidon warrior able to drain someone's bodily fluids during battle. Their power, perhaps, could only control unclaimed water sources.
...
"An extra match?" Du Ge was taken aback by the news Nan Youlong brought.
"Yes, an extra match," Nan Youlong said apologetically, "I know this seems unfair to you, given that every Alien Star Battlefield is a gamble with one's life. But this time, Pan-Universal Entertainment specifically requested your participation, and we can't refuse."
"No need to refuse, I'll participate," Du Ge replied with a smile, readily accepting.
What a joke.
Despite the dangers of the Alien Star Battlefield, the benefits were immense—surging mental power, additional skills—it was all too exciting, far better than the Simulation Field.
"You have no objections?" Nan Youlong asked in surprise.
"I relish the pleasure of success," Du Ge pointed to the news of him cycling on the display, proudly saying, "Besides, haven't you said it? Participating more in the Alien Star Battlefield might lead to a way out of Pan-Universal Entertainment's control. Previously, due to age restrictions, I could only participate seven times. Now with an extra match, it's all opportunity for me, why would I object?"
Nan Youlong looked at the exuberant Du Ge, at a loss for words.
Perhaps the ease of the first victory had bred blind confidence.
But for Qi Yuan Star, this was a good thing...
Still, he had to give a warning, so Nan Youlong said, "Du Ge, this sudden change in rules by Pan-Universal Entertainment is likely influenced by you. They've set the extra match three months from now, probably to give other planets time to prepare and select talents. So, the style of everyone on the Alien Star Battlefield will change, and it's likely to be chaotic. Be careful, and make sure you come back alive."
"Understood," Du Ge nodded, "What about my Simulation Field?"
"We can open it for you one more time," Nan Youlong said, "Elite level Simulation Field. But you have a maximum of two and a half months, because the Alien Star Battlefield extra match will be in three months, so no matter whether you've cleared the Simulation Field or not, it will be forcibly closed from the outside."
"No problem," Du Ge said nonchalantly, no longer interested in the mental power rewards from the Simulation Field; he was only after the skills.
"There's one more thing," Nan Youlong added.
"What is it?" Du Ge inquired.
"The higher-ups agree with me; they want you to join the Simulation Field as an ordinary person. Your mental power is too high, and with your Alien Star Battlefield experience, it's unfair to the students. You might overwhelm them, potentially leaving a psychological scar," Nan Youlong explained, "They'd rather have them learn from your experience in the Alien Star Battlefield."
"So, the participants for this extra Alien Star Battlefield match will be selected from this Simulation Field?" Du Ge asked.
"A portion will be," Nan Youlong replied, "You can even nominate them yourself. Within your Simulation Field, if you think someone is talented and outstanding, you can directly name them to join you on the battlefield."
Indeed.
Returning from the Alien Star Battlefield, his power had grown significantly.
Du Ge smiled, "Alright then! Can I set the passcodes freely this time?"
Nan Youlong looked helplessly at Du Ge and said, "Pan-Universal Entertainment's two-hundred-year-old rules have changed because of you; what else is impossible? The old battlefield rules no longer apply. Now, no one can predict what will happen on the Alien Star Battlefield. So, you can even gather everyone before heading to the battlefield and strategize."