I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 710 - 514: Breaking the Barrier, The Final Battle (Part 2)

Naturally, surrounding the ancient tree was that layer of dark, magical barrier. To obtain the ancient tree, one first had to shatter this barrier.

As for how the treasures would be divided after the barrier fell, that would depend entirely on individual capability.

"Inform your people not to rush in after the barrier is broken,"

Ji Taiyan stated with gravitas, "The demons have not been entirely eradicated. If we begin fighting amongst ourselves for treasures, it will only present an opportunity for the demons."

"Let us eliminate all the demons first, and then we can contend for the spoils."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The assembled crowd acknowledged his directive.

"Move out!" came Ji Taiyan's command, and from each of the Nine Great Holy Blood Clans, two prodigies were dispatched. Eighteen figures surged towards the dark barrier like arrows, their Spiritual Energy radiating skyward. Various energies intertwined, forming a vibrant rainbow, all striking the pulsating magical barrier in unison.

Boom!!!

The colossal sound reverberated through the icy abyss, accompanied by a deep hum. The dark barrier quivered intensely, the demonic qi upon its surface churning like a boiling liquid, yet it showed no signs of fracturing.

Furthermore, due to the conflicting attributes of the Spiritual Energy from some of the Holy Blood Clans, the force of their attacks was significantly diminished.

"Increase the manpower!" Ji Taiyan's expression grew grim. The Holy Blood Prodigies from all Nine Great Holy Blood Clans were now mobilized, with over thirty Tier Seven auras converging. The foremost prodigies of the Golden Clan also joined the fray, channeling their Spiritual Energy into the assault.

Instantly, a torrent of diverse attacks rained down upon the barrier, resembling a fierce storm. However, the problem of disorganization became increasingly apparent – some attacked from the left, others from the right, their Spiritual Energies clashing and interfering with one another, leading to complete chaos.

Qin Tian observed the scene intently from the sidelines. Each of these prodigies, individually, was a formidable figure. Yet, without coordinated efforts, they were akin to scattered sand, utterly lacking in destructive power.

Ji Taiyan's eyebrows drew closer together in frustration, and he abruptly raised his hand, commanding, "Halt!"

The barrage of attacks ceased abruptly. Everyone retreated to the side, their expressions tinged with disappointment as they gazed upon the still-unscathed dark barrier.

Ji Taiyan's gaze swept across the gathering and finally landed on Zhuge Yu, standing within the Dongfang Family's contingent. He called out in a deep voice, "Zhuge Yu, approach!"

Zhuge Yu's demeanor remained composed as he promptly stepped forward, holding his Array Plate.

Upon witnessing this, everyone present immediately grasped Ji Taiyan's intention – the chaotic assaults desperately needed a unifying force, and the sole individual capable of achieving this was Zhuge Yu, with his renowned Wuhou Eight Trigrams Array.

"Our current attacks are far too disorganized; not only are they scattered, but they are also actively hindering each other," Ji Taiyan stated, walking over to Zhuge Yu. He continued in a hushed, serious tone, "We now require your Wuhou Eight Trigrams Array to consolidate everyone's strength into a single, focused strike against a specific point on the barrier. Do you possess the confidence to achieve this?"

"Yes," Zhuge Yu replied, nodding. His voice, though not loud, carried an unwavering certainty.

"Excellent! From this moment forth, you shall assume full command of the barrier-breaking operation."

Ji Taiyan promptly delegated his authority without the slightest hesitation.

Hearing these words, no one present voiced any dissent.

Although Zhuge Yu's personal combat prowess might not rival that of the many prodigies present, the Wuhou Eight Trigrams Array belonging to the Zhuge Clan was celebrated throughout the lands.

To effectively amalgamate the power of these prodigious cultivators, Zhuge Yu was, undoubtedly, the only suitable candidate.

"Everyone, please heed my instructions," Zhuge Yu announced, walking to the open space before the ancient tree. He placed the Array Plate onto the icy ground, and faint golden array patterns instantly unfurled, coalescing into a colossal Eight Trigrams Diagram. "The Qian Position aligns with Metal. Your Highness, I request you lead everyone to this location, utilizing the Holy Dragon Power of Gold as our spearhead. The Kun Position corresponds to Earth. Chen, I shall entrust this sector to you..."

His pronouncements were steady and clear, delineating the appropriate clan and role for each sector of the array.

The instructions themselves were not overly complex, primarily adhering to the elemental attributes associated with the Eight Trigrams to harmonize the types of Spiritual Energy, thereby ensuring a smooth flow of power. The top prodigies present grasped the strategy instantly and swiftly moved to their designated positions.

Moments later, with all individuals in place, Zhuge Yu traversed the array patterns to reach the Taiji point at the heart of the Eight Trigrams. The Array Plate in his grasp began to glow brilliantly. He drew a deep breath, channeling his Spiritual Energy into the Array Plate, and then projected his voice, commanding, "Everyone, channel your Spiritual Energy into the array patterns beneath your feet. Await my command – activate the array!"

With the pronouncement made, the eight designated spots on the Eight Trigrams Array simultaneously ignited. Spiritual Energies, once scattered haphazardly, now flowed along the drawn patterns, coalescing like tributaries merging into a mighty river, all streaming towards the formation’s core.

The encroaching darkness seemed to perceive the impending danger, its pulsing quickened dramatically. The shadowy markings etched upon its surface grew starkly defined, exuding an even more potent demonic qi.

Zhuge Yu’s gaze sharpened, the Array Plate within his grasp spinning with increased velocity. “The accumulated power has reached thirty percent; maintain your hold! Once the energy peaks, I shall direct us in a unified exertion. Our target—the core nexus of the barrier!”

Positioned at the heart of the formation, Zhuge Yu watched as the energy surged towards him. Sweat beaded on his brow, and the Array Plate in his hand spun faster and faster, its emerald luminescence nearly blinding.

The combined might of the Nine Great Holy Bloods and dozens of Golden Clan prodigies was immense, far surpassing any array he had previously commanded. He dared not absorb this overwhelming power directly, for even a glancing brush of the residual Spiritual Energy could tear through his meridians.

Exercising extreme caution, he channeled Spiritual Energy with his fingertips into the Array Plate, reciting the “Guidance” incantation of the Eight Trigrams Array. This act directed the torrent of power upwards, towards the sky directly above the formation.

Diverse Spiritual Energies collided and merged in the air, the distinct golden, green, azure, and crimson beams gradually blending into a single, dazzling sphere of multicolored light.

This luminous orb, spanning over ten zhang, possessed a surface that shimmered with a glass-like sheen. It spun with rapid intensity, visibly expanding and contracting with each pulse. Every fluctuation radiated an energy that sent shivers down the spine, compressing the surrounding air until it crackled audibly, as if threatening to detonate and obliterate the entire Ice Abyss in the ensuing moment.

“Heavens… this is terrifying!” The Spiritualists observing from the array’s periphery, having not joined the direct assault, turned ashen-faced and retreated behind distant ice formations, barely daring to draw a full breath.

Even the gifted cultivators within the formation felt a prickle of unease, their hands tightening on their weapons, their expressions etched with apprehension. Should this colossal energy construct falter and detonate, not even dust would remain of them.

Zhuge Yu’s eyes remained fixed on the swirling vortex of light overhead, pouring all his Spiritual Energy into maintaining the array’s precarious equilibrium. He inhaled deeply, his voice echoing through the palpable Spiritual Energy that permeated the area: “Prepare yourselves!”

Those two words served as an immediate balm to the agitated participants, instantly steadying the restless cultivators. All gazes remained locked upon the awe-inspiring sphere of colored light, awaiting the moment this concentrated strike, imbued with the apex combat potential of the Empire’s youth, would breach the unyielding Demonic Qi barrier.

Zhuge Yu’s focus was unwavering, locked onto the energy core situated at the heart of the luminous sphere. As the sphere reached its zenith of expansion, he abruptly thrust his arm downwards, bellowing with all his might: “Release!”

Even before his command fully dissipated, the sphere of colored light broke free from its containment, streaking through the air with a deafening roar, hurtling directly towards the center of the obsidian barrier.

The very ice along its trajectory was instantly vaporized by the force of its passage, causing the fabric of space itself to visibly warp. The sheer, breathtaking momentum compelled everyone present to instinctively hold their breath.

Shattering ice fragments in its path, the sphere of colored light impacted the black barrier’s center like a celestial body. The shockwave induced ripples in the surrounding space as every observer collectively held their breath in rapt attention.

Boom~

The impact of the light sphere against the barrier created a vortex where brilliance and demonic energy intertwined.

The barrier visibly curved inwards, akin to a taut drum skin. Dark patterns flared to life, resembling sinuous vines, which aggressively entwined the incoming sphere, attempting to smother its power. The light sphere, under immense pressure, distorted, its vibrant colors flickering erratically as a tense battle of wills ensued.

Witnessing the struggle, Zhuge Yu swiftly amplified the energy flow, causing the light sphere to surge with renewed brilliance, forcing the barrier to recede by a bare half-inch.

The prodigies within the formation continued their ceaseless channeling of Spiritual Energy, granting an additional surge of power to this potent projectile.

Crack

Abruptly, originating from the deepest impression on the barrier, a hairline fracture began to snake its way along the seams of the darkened patterns.

This nascent crack, much like freshly sprouted tendrils, propagated outwards in a spiderweb-like fashion at a speed perceptible to the naked eye. Within mere moments, it had enveloped the entirety of the barrier, segmenting it into countless minuscule fragments.

The very next second, the black barrier detonated with a resounding bang, its fractured pieces violently dispersed by the lingering shockwave of the light sphere, dissipating into a vast expanse of black mist painting the sky.Simultaneously, a vast torrent of black Demonic Qi, seething with a bone-deep chill, rushed forth like a monstrous wave. It sent ice fragments scattering and caused the very air to crystallize into a layer of white frost. Those positioned beyond the formation were taken aback, the sudden gust of frigid air compelling them to stagger back several paces. However, their attention was quickly drawn elsewhere. As their vision pierced the thinning shroud of Demonic Qi, the distinct silhouette of an ancient, ice-blue tree came into view. Grins of elation spread across every face. Within the confines of the Ice God's relic, the most coveted treasure had finally manifested. At that precise moment, a cacophony of furious roars erupted from the depths of the Ice Abyss. These were punctuated by the sound of heavy, disordered footsteps and the palpable pressure of ferocious auras. Upon witnessing this, the countenances of all present grew stern, though a sense of inevitability settled upon them. Before long, twisted, malevolent demonic beings, grotesque in their forms, materialized before the assembled group. Their numbers were nearly double that of the humans, and each one emanated an aura of Tier Seven or higher. "Prepare... for combat," Ji Taiyan commanded, his voice resonating with gravity. Instantly, every individual grasped their weaponry, their Spiritual Energy erupting outwards in anticipation. The most savage conflict was poised to commence now that they had entered the relic.