Apprentice Gu Master Disguises as a Cosmic Insect Queen

Ai Ying, a transmigrated Gu Master from modern times, finds herself in the body of a low-class citizen on Carol Star, a desolate mining planet in the Zerg-controlled cosmos. The Zerg, insectoid humanoids, have been without their Queen for three hundred years, leaving them in a state of perpetual madness and despair. They mine Carol Stones as offerings, waiting for the Queen’s return. Ai Ying, whose soul carries ancient Gu techniques, possesses a unique psychic energy that subtly blends with her Gu arts. Unbeknownst to her, this energy emits a calming influence, perceived by the Zerg as a soothing breeze that temporarily halts their frenzied impulses.

On Carol Star, humans are shackled and forced to mine under the watch of Zerg overseers. Ai Ying survives by mastering the art of slacking off, conserving her psychic energy while appearing diligent. She befriends Charlotte, a former noblewoman betrayed by her father and exiled to the planet. Charlotte explains the Zerg’s history: their Queen is the sole source of order, and without her, the Zerg are doomed to self-destruction. Ai Ying learns that the Zerg are not insects in the traditional sense but are feared as uncontrollable killers. Despite the danger, she remains optimistic, hoping to one day leave the planet and find real insects in the cosmos.

The core conflict arises when the Zerg, driven by the faint calming breeze emanating from Ai Ying, begin to exhibit unusual behavior. Instead of slaughtering humans, they become docile, waiting for the source of the comfort. Bilija, a Zerg overseer, becomes obsessed with finding the breeze, which he associates with the presence of their Queen. He spares Ai Ying’s life and provides her with high-grade repair fluids, marking her as significant in his eyes. Meanwhile, higher-ranking Zerg like Amos destroy inferior Carol Stones, driven mad by their inability to find a worthy offering for the Queen.

A key turning point occurs when Ai Ying’s psychic energy, infused with Gu techniques, stabilizes the Zerg’s chaotic minds. The Zerg, previously prone to indiscriminate violence, now wait patiently for the breeze. However, their calm is fragile. When a human drops a tool, causing a loud noise, the Zerg nearly revert to madness but are restrained by their desire to remain “good” for the Queen. Bilija intervenes, throwing repair fluids to the humans, further confusing the other Zerg and deepening his fixation on Ai Ying.

As the story progresses, Ai Ying and Charlotte navigate the treacherous environment, forming a bond of trust. Charlotte warns Ai Ying about the dangers of the Empire and the Zerg, while Ai Ying’s resilience inspires Charlotte to seek revenge against her father. The Zerg’s behavior shifts from violent to strangely protective, with Bilija ensuring Ai Ying’s survival. The narrative hints at a larger cosmic conflict, as a mysterious figure observes the destruction of a waste planet, suggesting that Ai Ying’s presence may have implications beyond Carol Star.

The story direction points toward Ai Ying’s eventual discovery of her unique connection to the Zerg. Her Gu techniques, combined with her psychic energy, may hold the key to restoring the Queen’s presence or calming the Zerg permanently. As she grows stronger and more aware of her abilities, Ai Ying must balance her desire to escape with the responsibility of managing the Zerg’s fragile sanity. The narrative sets the stage for a journey where Ai Ying’s past life as a Gu Master becomes crucial in shaping the fate of the Zerg and the cosmos.