I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 723 - 520: The Power of the Divine Artifact, Farewell (Part 2)
Previously on I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield...
"Young Master Qi, please request assistance from the brothers of the Dongfang Family to rescue these Spirit Beasts."
Qin Tian turned his gaze to Dongfang Qi. While his own healing techniques could stabilize injuries, they were significantly inferior to the Qingmu Bloodline at the Holy Blood level when it came to nurturing vitality.
"Certainly." Dongfang Qi readily agreed and, with a gesture, directed several members of the Dongfang Clan to swiftly move to the sides of the gravely wounded Four Divine Beasts.
Pale green Qingmu Power flowed from their palms, enveloping the Four Divine Beasts.
The blood seeping from the Spirit Beasts' wounds visibly congealed, new granulation tissue wriggled beneath the verdant light, and their previously weak breaths gradually became steady and robust.
The healing efficacy of the Holy Blood Qingmu Bloodline was spectacularly demonstrated in that moment.
"Qin Tian."
At this juncture, Lan, treading on delicate ice blossoms, glided towards Qin Tian.
Qin Tian rose from the Frozen Throne, the Golden Light of the Soldier Immortal that had enveloped him receding like an ebbing tide, withdrawing entirely back into his body.
"Returning to its rightful place." He smiled, relinquishing control of the Frozen Throne to Lan by returning the Ice God Order in his hand.
Lan alighted before Qin Tian, his eyes brimming with gratitude. He spoke in the Empire's tongue, "Thank you, Qin Tian."
Behind this heartfelt thanks lay the weighty destiny of the Ice God Race, spanning thousands of years.
Lan's thoughts involuntarily drifted back to their initial entry into the ruins.
He had meticulously orchestrated a plan: first, employing the Empire's talented individuals to reactivate the Ice God Treasure Vault, covertly relocating the clan's remaining Divine Artifacts. Subsequently, he deliberately revealed the Frozen Throne's aura, luring those prodigies seeking opportunities into the Divine Artifacts' domain, thereby transforming them into instruments to strike down Mokara's avatar.
This phase of his plan had also succeeded.
However, he had underestimated Mokara's guile.
That demon, sealed for a millennium, bypassed the throne's array barrier, revitalizing its Demon Heart by stimulating its essence, nearly bringing all his schemes to the brink of ruin.
Just a little more, and the seal, bought at the price of the Ice God Race's extinction, would have completely shattered under his watch.
Fortunately, Qin Tian had arrived.
This companion, whom he had chanced upon after his awakening, possessed unbelievable capabilities. He had repaired and fortified the Frozen Throne, shattering Mokara's hopes and securing the future of the Ice God Race.
Lan gazed at the smiling man before him, overcome by a surge of emotions.
He had never conceived that the fate of an entire race could hinge upon an individual from an Alien Race.
Yet, at this very moment, he felt profoundly thankful for having forged such a dependable friendship after his reawakening.
"Lan, we are friends. There's no need for such formalities between friends."
Qin Tian chuckled.
"Yes, we are friends, friends forever." Lan echoed his laughter, his exceptionally beautiful countenance now graced with a smile more captivating than any scenery.
Qin Tian's eye twitched, and he subtly shifted his gaze, wary of being ensnared.
'Damn it, how can a man possess such an alluring smile?'
Below, observing the exchange between Qin Tian and Lan, the Empire's prodigies engaged in animated discussion.
"Does Qin Tian know him?"
"It appears they share a rather close bond!"
"No, I had assumed this individual was a survivor from the Ice God Race. It's unexpected that he knows Qin Tian; it feels somewhat strange."
"Cease your speculation. I know him. His name is Lan, and he is affiliated with the Ice Extreme Pass on Mingwang Planet, which falls under Qin Tian's jurisdiction. Lan entered the ruins alongside Qin Tian this time."
"Ah, is that so?"
Upon hearing this explanation, the crowd grew even more perplexed.
If Lan was a member of the Ice Extreme Pass, then why did the Four Divine Beasts heed his commands?
This implied he possessed an extraordinary connection to the Ice God Race.
He might even be a surviving remnant of that very race.
Considering this, Lan's objectives for entering the ruins became a subject of intense contemplation.
Recalling the numerous demons encountered after their entry into this treasure vault, many had regarded Lan with caution and even hostility.
"Lan, what is your plan regarding this heart?"
Qin Tian inquired, "I attempted it earlier, but with the current power of the Frozen Throne, I still cannot completely obliterate this heart. However, if granted more time, I can further enhance the Frozen Throne, and at that point, destroying this heart will no longer be an issue."
"Qin Tian, I appreciate your goodwill, but I must depart."
Lan shook his head, his gaze falling as he spoke, "You must realize that once news of the events here reaches the Empire, they will inevitably act against me, seeking to confiscate the Frozen Throne and even curtail my freedom."
Hearing this, Qin Tian fell silent.
He understood that Lan's concerns were not baseless. This time, such a great number of talents from the Empire had perished, and it was indeed difficult to ascertain Lan's exact level of involvement. Furthermore, once the Empire uncovered the truth behind the Ice God Race's eradication, they would undoubtedly intensify their research and vigilance against the demons and that formidable heart. This, in turn, would inevitably jeopardize Lan's continued possession of the Frozen Throne.
"Where are you planning to go?" Qin Tian inquired.
"To a place, to find my people," Lan responded, his eyes filled with both longing and anticipation at this point. It seemed that before the Ice God Race met its demise, a remnant seed had been carefully preserved.
He genuinely felt a surge of happiness for Lan. True, profound connection in this world wasn't merely about solitary freedom; it was forged in the unbreakable bonds shared with family and friends. To reach a state of absolute solitude, devoid of anyone or anything, might appear liberating at first glance, but in reality, it signified a profound loss of motivation to press onward.
Thus, witnessing Lan discover a clear objective for his future endeavors brought him immense joy. "Lan, congratulations," Qin Tian declared with a warm smile.
Lan offered a faint smile in return. Gazing at the now-recovered Four Divine Beasts, he asked, "Qin Tian, I will be taking the Frozen Throne and departing. Do you require my assistance in dealing with the demon horde outside?"
"There's no need; we can manage on our own," Qin Tian replied, shaking his head. Following the evolution of Thunder Ancestor and Soldier Immortal to the Holy Blood level, his Evolution Points had been completely depleted. The hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions strong, demon legion awaiting them outside presented a perfect opportunity to replenish his forces once more.
"Very well, take care then." Lan paused for a moment, his expression suddenly shifting to one of grave seriousness. "Additionally, according to the ancient texts of the Ice God Race, thousands of years ago, the Ice God Race maintained deep connections with several other races. However, these races, much like the Ice God Race, were subsequently targeted and attacked by these very same demons."
"Moreover," he continued, "there are no records of any prior civilizations in the preceding eras."
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian's brow immediately furrowed, recalling prior discussions with members of the Mythical Society. Poseidon's Tamed Beast artifacts, it was clear, originated from a civilization distinct from the Spiritual Ability System, yet no information regarding them could be found in the Empire's archives. It was only later, during his extensive travels across various planets, that he stumbled upon faint clues etched onto a stone tablet.
Subsequently, Poseidon dedicated himself to researching prehistoric history, only to unearth the stark reality: the recorded civilizations predating the current Empire had been almost entirely annihilated. Now, piecing Lan's information with his own findings, a terrifying hypothesis began to form in his mind.
"Lan, I will certainly heed your warning," Qin Tian stated solemnly. "I will report this to the Empire. In the future, should you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact me. You still have my contact information, don't you?"
"Of course," Lan confirmed, producing a smartwatch that Qin Tian had specifically procured for him, even going so far as to obtain a unique number. "Once you are outside, refrain from using this watch to prevent any potential location tracking."
"Understood." Lan nodded. Indeed, without Qin Tian's timely reminder, he might have inadvertently fallen into a precarious situation in that regard. "Qin Tian, I must take my leave now." Lan looked at Qin Tian, a smile gracing his exquisite features once more. "I believe we shall meet again."
"Hmm, until we meet again," Qin Tian responded with a firm nod.
Grasping the Ice God Order, Lan initiated the activation. Instantly, a ripple of spatial distortion enveloped the area. In the very next moment, Qin Tian and all the prodigies of the Empire were swept up by the Power of Space and teleported out of the divine artifact domain of the Frozen Throne.
Observing the motionless heart situated beneath the Frozen Throne, Lan murmured to himself, "Qin Tian, they will undoubtedly resurface. I sincerely hope that by then, you will possess the strength to protect your homeland."