I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 620 - 475: Golden Clan Arrives, The Ruins Finally Open (Part 2)

A faint smile tugged at the edge of his lips. Now that the Pluto development blueprint was sealed, Ice Extreme Pass transcended its former status as a mere military outpost; it evolved into a vital "bridgehead" where rival factions scrambled for lucrative deals and common folk pushed into uncharted lands, fated to surge with even greater prosperity.

Qin Tian swiftly reached his dwelling.

His dwelling had upgraded far beyond the isolated ice hut of old, now a sleek modular skyscraper forged from shimmering silver-gray alloy.

Owing to the Empire’s cutting-edge building tech, this fifteen-level structure sprang up in just one day from start to finish, boasting rooms with clean, elegant furnishings that spared a ton of effort.

The structure’s layout stood sharply organized.

His exclusive domain claimed the full top level, housing a bedroom, a dining hall for up to fifty guests, an insulated conference chamber, and a custom-built cultivation chamber.

The nine levels underneath operated as an elite private inn, reserved for VIPs arriving at Ice Extreme Pass for partnership discussions or tours, each level staffed with devoted attendants to guarantee ease without invading Qin Tian’s secluded quarters.

Qin Tian scanned his access at the top floor door. The instant he stepped inside, his wrist communicator buzzed to life, displaying "Dongfang Haoyue" on the glowing interface.

His eyes shifted as he picked up, and the holographic display flared, showing Dongfang Haoyue’s well-known visage.

"Qin Tian."

Dongfang Haoyue’s words barely landed when Qin Tian pinpointed his spot from the scenery framing him on the feed.

"You’re at Ice Extreme Pass?"

Dongfang Haoyue grinned and replied, "That’s right, I’m about to reach downstairs, and I’ve brought along a few friends for you to meet."

"Alright, hold on, I’ll come down now." Qin Tian’s words echoed as spatial waves enveloped him, teleporting him in a blink to the tower’s front gate.

Moments later, Dongfang Haoyue emerged at the street’s far end — clad in his graceful white robe as ever, flanked by his constant shadow Zhuge Yu, plus two new faces.

"Qin Tian!" Zhuge Yu called out, waving energetically from midway down the block, his eyes crinkled in perpetual cheer like they were shut.

Qin Tian hurried forward to greet them.

Dongfang Haoyue’s group halted, surveying the surroundings with awe, and marveled, "In just a month, the transformation at Ice Extreme Pass is staggering."

"That’s thanks to you." Qin Tian shot back with a grin.

At the start, the bulk of alliances and groups flocking to Ice Extreme Pass for deals came via Dongfang Haoyue and Zhuge Yu’s referrals; even the funds for the base’s overhaul and growth got fast-tracked by the Political Council, backed by the Zhuge Clan’s pull.

The Ling Feng Trading outpost on Pluto leaned wholly on those two for networks, resources, and ties.

They deserved the lion’s share of praise for Ice Extreme Pass’s current vibrant chaos.

Before, likely for safety’s sake, they’d lent support from afar without setting foot on Pluto, so this abrupt arrival screamed hidden motives.

Sensing the stares from folks nearby, Dongfang Haoyue proposed, "Qin Tian, let’s head upstairs first, I’ll formally introduce these two friends to you."

"Sure." Qin Tian guided them into the tower and rode the exclusive lift right to the penthouse lounge.

After settling in, Dongfang Haoyue gestured to his companions and declared, "Qin Tian, these two are my friends, Taishi Feng and Huo Yuansheng."

Qin Tian eyed the pair.

Taishi Feng cut a formidable silhouette, towering near two meters with wide shoulders and a burly back, his black combat gear hugging rippling muscles, bushy brows over piercing eyes, radiating a seasoned soldier’s edge — even lounging, he evoked a sheathed blade itching for action.

Oppositely refined, Huo Yuansheng sported a flawlessly fitted gray suit, pale complexion glowing, a courteous smile fixed on his features, his poise dripping serene sophistication.

Both rose, extending hands to Qin Tian in sync, chiming, "Brother Qin, hello."

Qin Tian clasped each hand firmly, his voice warm, "Welcome to Ice Extreme Pass."

After the group had settled back down, Dongfang Haoyue disclosed the reason for their arrival, "Taishi Feng serves as the Vice Admiral of the Empire’s Seventh Fleet, and Huo Yuansheng stands as the primary heir to the Champion Consortium. Beyond getting acquainted with Ice Extreme Pass, they’ve come to pass along some intelligence to you—they, together with A Yu, have obtained entry permits for the Ice Gate. As you venture into the ruins ahead, we’d appreciate it if you’d watch over them."

When the phrase "look after them" reached their ears, Huo Yuansheng kept his smile steady, but Taishi Feng arched an eyebrow faintly, his brow creasing without thinking, clearly taken aback by Dongfang Haoyue’s suggestion—expecting Qin Tian to protect them?

He gave Qin Tian another thoughtful look. He possessed considerable knowledge about Qin Tian.

The Guardian Envoy at Ice Extreme Pass, hailing from the Seventh Bureau, a young Empire Major General whose rank matched his own, even though he was a Direct Lineage Heir from a Golden Clan.

Qin Tian lacked a prominent family background; reaching such heights demanded truly remarkable skills.

Yet calling it "looking after" felt overly dramatic.

In the end, as a Tier Six, eight-star Spiritualist with extensive combat experience, could he really require protection from someone far junior?

"Care isn’t what we need." Qin Tian dismissed it with a wave, offering a relaxed smile,

"As the saying goes, we ought to assist and back one another within the ruins."

His eyes casually glanced across Taishi Feng and Huo Yuansheng.

Lately, he had immersed himself deeply in the power structures and clan influences across Royal Star. Just from their family names, he swiftly identified their backgrounds.

The Taishi Clan traced its roots to legendary generals, celebrated as a powerhouse in the Empire’s military circles, where more than eighty percent of its male offspring enlisted, not ranking among the peak Golden Clans but wielding substantial sway in the armed forces.

The Huo Clan’s heritage proved even more illustrious; their forebear was the legendary Champion Marquis. Ranking among the premier Golden Clans, the Huo Clan commanded ironclad dominance in the realms of military, governance, and business, their clout comparable to the Zhuge Clan’s.

Zhuge Yu instantly picked up on Taishi Feng’s skepticism and remarked with a grin, "Brother Feng, the young master spoke no exaggeration. Qin Tian confronted a Tier Seven Rakshasa head-on and drove her back—if real fighting breaks out, even the three of us together couldn’t rival him."

"What?" Taishi Feng bolted upright, shock etching his features; next to him, Huo Yuansheng let his courteous smile fade, raw wonder shining in his eyes.

A Tier Seven Rakshasa could crush them effortlessly, but Qin Tian had sent her packing?

Still, Qin Tian was only a Tier Six Spiritualist, he recalled!

"Don’t question it; it ties to the Luoho Clan’s disgrace, so it’s known to very few." Zhuge Yu went on, "Plus, Qin Tian commands the Spatial Teleportation Ability. Should true peril strike, nobody could block his escape, and with him along, we gain vital extra protection."

Spatial Teleportation Ability?

Taishi Feng’s face grew grave; rising once more, he extended a hand to Qin Tian with utmost sincerity, "Brother Qin, I was narrow-minded before, doubting your strength—forgive me, please."

Qin Tian clasped his hand firmly, replying with sincerity, "Brother Taishi, you overstate it; A Yu added some flair. You’re all elite scions of Golden Clans; I’ve got plenty to pick up from you."

"Brother Qin is far too modest." Huo Yuansheng cut in, genuine respect now lighting his eyes, "A Yu tells no lies; Brother Qin’s power outstrips ours by miles. In the ruins, we’ll depend on Brother Qin to safeguard us."

Qin Tian shot a resigned look at Zhuge Yu—this fellow sure knew how to hype him sky-high.

Following some light exchanges, they got comfortable, shifting focus to the core matter.

Dongfang Haoyue lifted a hot cup of tea, sipping delicately, then beamed as he announced, "Qin Tian, here’s great news—the Ice Gate opens for good in three days."

At those words, Qin Tian’s frame shook lightly, joy sparking across his expression.

After a full month of anticipation, the moment had arrived at last.