I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 668 - 495: Fifth Prince, Nine Holy Bloods Gather (Part 2)

"No wonder Shengongsi Hao Er made a move!"

"Attempting to steal and failing, he likely never imagined he would fall into the hands of several Tier Six individuals before his demise."

"What I'm most curious about now is, what method did they employ that enabled Tier Six cultivators to defeat a Tier Seven Holy Blood?"

Even after hearing Zhuge Yu’s explanation, Ji Taiyan’s expression remained stern. He gazed at Qin Tian, his tone devoid of any discernible joy or anger: "This is merely your account of events. All I perceive is a single, undeniable fact—Shengongsi Hao Er met his end by your hand."

Qin Tian’s brow furrowed, though subtly.

His perception vastly surpassed the ordinary, and from the very moment Ji Taiyan entered his awareness, he had keenly detected a faint, yet distinct, trace of hostility in the other’s gaze.

This hostility, though subtle, was undeniably present, yet he was certain he had never encountered this Fifth Prince before.

"Your Highness."

Just as the crowd buzzed with discussion, Dongfang Qi stepped forward, his voice resonating clearly: "Whether Zhuge Yu’s narrative holds truth or not, we need only have the Leng Family administer the Heart Questioning Technique, and the truth shall naturally be unveiled. Should Qin Tian, Zhuge Yu, and the others have indeed attacked Shengongsi Hao Er with malicious intent, none of us will offer them protection; but if their actions were solely in self-defense, I implore Your Highness to adjudicate with fairness and grant them justice."

Upon hearing this proposal, voices of concurrence immediately arose from the surrounding onlookers.

"Precisely, whether it's true or fabricated, the Heart Questioning Technique will lay it bare!"

"The Leng Family and the Dongfang Family share a close bond; will they truly remain impartial?"

"You are worrying unnecessarily; who would dare to deceive when scrutinized by everyone present?"

"This method is the epitome of fairness. If they were genuinely compelled to defend themselves, then slaying Shengongsi Hao Er is an understandable consequence; they couldn't simply stand idly by and await their doom."

Shengongsi Yuzuo’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing this. Though he lacked knowledge of the specific catalyst for Shengongsi Hao Er’s confrontation with Qin Tian, Zhuge Yu, and their companions, he harbored a suspicion that it was likely instigated by Shengongsi Hao Er’s avarice, just as Zhuge Yu had suggested.

Ji Taiyan cast a profound look at Dongfang Qi and gave a nod:

"Very well, then I shall request the assistance of Miss Leng Qingqiu."

"Understood."

Leng Qingqiu inclined her head slightly, her form descending with graceful elegance before Zhuge Yu and his companions. Her voice carried a chilling resonance:

"Who among you is prepared to undergo the Heart Questioning?"

"I will."

Zhuge Yu stepped forward, offering himself willingly.

Leng Qingqiu’s gaze settled upon him, and in that instant, a piercing coldness erupted from her, engulfing Zhuge Yu. Her pupils simultaneously transformed into a frigid white, seemingly imbued with the essence of eternal Profound Ice.

Zhuge Yu felt an unshakeable chill invade his very soul, his consciousness rapidly fading into a haze, his body becoming rigid and utterly unresponsive.

Witnessing this, a fleeting light crossed Qin Tian’s eyes.

This was indeed one of the Nine Great Holy Bloods—the Extreme Cold Bloodline belonging to the Leng Family.

Cold and heat represented the universe’s two most extreme forces.

Temperatures could ascend to virtually infinite heights, akin to the sun’s surface reaching millions of degrees, with its core potentially harboring tens of millions.

Conversely, temperature could plummet to the absolute zero point—minus two hundred seventy-three degrees Celsius, the threshold where particle kinetic energy approaches zero. However, for formidable spiritualists, such pure low temperatures were not an insurmountable obstacle.

The true terror of the Leng Family’s bloodline lay not merely in its capacity for extreme cold, but in its peculiar ability to freeze souls—a chilling power that directly assailed the spirit, solidifying their esteemed position among the Holy Bloods.

"Why did you kill Shengongsi Hao Er?" Leng Qingqiu’s voice fractured like shattering ice, utterly devoid of emotion.

Moving with mechanical precision, Zhuge Yu opened his mouth, his voice devoid of inflection and unwavering:

"Upon our emergence from the Ice God Treasure Vault, we were ambushed by Shengongsi Hao Er. Our refusal to surrender the treasures resulted in his intent to kill us. Consequently, we were left with no alternative but to retaliate, leading to his demise."

As his words concluded, the crowd erupted into a flurry of excited murmurs.

"It truly happened as he said!"

"Shengongsi Hao Er brought this fate upon himself; his death was entirely deserved."

Members of the Dongfang Clan displayed expressions of relief, while those of the Shengongsi Clan appeared visibly distressed, their faces etched with extreme embarrassment.

Leng Qingqiu retracted her Extreme Cold Power and turned away with practiced grace.

Zhuge Yu’s body swayed as his consciousness gradually returned, leaving him with a sharp ache in his mind, as if his thoughts were still frozen and sluggish.

"Are you unharmed?" Qin Tian inquired softly.

Zhuge Yu merely shook his head, replying, "I am well."

Taishi Feng and Huo Yuan Sheng also let out sighs of relief.

The Heart Questioning Technique, a clandestine skill of the Leng Family, possessed the capability to compel individuals to instinctively confess the truth when their consciousness teetered on the brink of freezing. However, as with any potent technique, it was not without its given price.

The soul requires recuperation after the ordeal of questioning one's heart. Zhuge Yu procured an elixir from his interspatial equipment and ingested it, a gentle wave of medicinal power coursing through his mind, easing the lingering stiffness and sluggishness. He regarded the porcelain bottle in his grasp, a faint smile gracing his lips, and thought in silence: "Mingyue, my gratitude."

Dongfang Qi bowed, his voice resolute and strong, stating, "Your Highness, the truth has been revealed. Shengongsi Hao Er’s avarice was the root, and his demise was of his own making. I implore you, Your Highness, to dispense justice."

Ji Taiyan turned his gaze towards the members of the Shengongsi Clan. "Do any of you have further statements?"

Shengongsi Youyi moved to speak, intending to protest, but Shengongsi Yuzuo intercepted him, holding him back. Shengongsi Yuzuo shook his head subtly, a chilling voice resonating directly in Shengongsi Youyi’s mind: "The momentum has shifted; further arguments are futile. Once we are within the Ice Abyss, we shall devise an opportunity to act."

Taking a deep breath and clenching his jaw, Shengongsi Youyi ultimately retreated to his designated position. Observing the Shengongsi Clan’s cessation of their protest, the Luoho Clan also relinquished their stance. The assembled crowd began to disperse, their grievances with Qin Tian having occurred outside the relic site, and thus, not the opportune moment for retribution.

Ji Taiyan’s expression softened somewhat upon witnessing this. He surveyed the multitude and proclaimed in a loud voice: "Everyone, from this moment forward, I trust you will set aside your personal disputes. I believe our objectives are unified—" His gaze drifted towards the distant, colossal ice mountain and the profound chasm below.

"To breach the grandest Ice God Treasure Vault!" The declaration ignited a flurry of conversations among the attendees.

"So, it truly is the legendary Ice God Treasure Vault!"

"Astonishing! Considering the sheer immensity of this vault, the number of treasures hidden within must be immeasurable!"

"Had it been a smaller Ice God Vault, with so many Holy Blood Clans gathered, we would have stood no chance. However, given its vastness, perhaps a portion might be attainable for us."

"It is indeed the ultimate Ice God Treasure Vault..." Qin Tian felt a stirring within him. Although he lacked knowledge of Ji Taiyan’s confirmation method, the assessment squarely aligned with his own conjectures.

Ji Taiyan continued, "I suspect many among you have prior experience entering the Ice God Treasure Vault. You are aware that entry is not a simple feat. It is not merely us; the demons are also observing with keen interest."

"Indeed!" The crowd responded in unison.

"When the ice mountain ascended earlier, the resulting tremor was perceptible for hundreds of miles, drawing us all to this location. The demons, likewise, have been alerted." Ji Taiyan’s gaze shifted toward the distant horizon. "They have already arrived."

Following his direction, the assembly perceived a dark line emerging from the edge of the world. Those with exceptional eyesight or sharp senses identified it as an immense and densely packed demonic legion, its sheer scale inducing dread.

"To gain access to the vault, our initial priority must be confronting them."

Ji Taiyan’s gaze abruptly shifted to the side. He spoke nonchalantly, "Since you have graced us with your presence, there is no need to remain mere observers; I invite you to reveal yourselves."

Before his words concluded, several distinct yet equally potent auras materialized. Four groups of individuals surged forward:

One contingent, clad in purple attire and possessing Western features, was encircled by crackling lightning.

Another, attired in blood-red robes, included Karen Vladimir, an opponent Qin Tian had previously encountered.

A third group, adorned in white robes with Eastern visages, emanated a boundless aura, poised for an epic confrontation.

The final contingent, dressed in crimson combat uniforms, radiated an intense, fiery energy.

"The Nine Great Holy Blood Clans have convened!"

"Such a gathering allows for the rare sight of all Nine Great Holy Blood Clans assembled."

Qin Tian’s gaze swept across the figures, noting the complete presence of the Nine Great Holy Bloods: Royal Family Ji, Golden Saint Dragon Bloodline; Chen Family, Battle Bloodline; Dongfang Family, Qingmu Bloodline; Leng Family, Extreme Cold Bloodline; Xiao Family, Heaven Burning Bloodline; Vladimir Clan, Cain Bloodline; Odinson Family, Thunder God Bloodline; Luoho Clan, Asura/Rakshasa Bloodline; Shengongsi Clan, Amaterasu Bloodline.