I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 729 - 523: Ice Core, Everyone’s Advancement (Part 2)

Moreover, he utilized the Power of Void to further obscure the treasure vault's spatial entrance, making it more concealed. This ensures that even if someone obtains the vault's "key," they cannot activate the space channel without his direct involvement.

This strategic move provides Li Qi and his companions with ample time for dedicated cultivation.

...

A biting, frigid wind, carrying shards of ice, scoured the desolate expanse as over two hundred Imperial geniuses stood with solemn expressions upon the frozen terrain. Before them rested a silver-gray starship, its sleek hull glinting with a cold, metallic luster, poised to transport them back to the Imperial Capital.

"Phew, finally heading back!"

Taishi Feng exclaimed, stretching his limbs. Though their sojourn in the ruins spanned less than a fortnight, the life-or-death encounters and secret realm expeditions they endured were more thrilling and heart-pounding than his entire preceding life combined.

With the grand battle concluded, the tension coiling his nerves finally began to unwind. He resolved to return to his family for a period of rest before resuming his duties.

After his stretch, Taishi Feng turned towards Qin Tian, who had specifically come to see them off, and called out with a grin, "Qin Tian, when do you intend to visit the Imperial Capital?"

His words prompted the other geniuses to gather around, their faces alight with smiles. "Exactly, Qin Tian! We've all planned to treat you to drinks in the Imperial Capital. It’s quite regrettable you can't join us; we'll miss toasting with you!"

Qin Tian stepped forward, cupped his fists, and declared with an open smile, "I truly appreciate your kind invitations, everyone. However, as the Guardian Envoy of the Ice Extreme Pass, I am unable to abandon my post without authorization. Upon my return to the Imperial Capital to submit my report, I will contact all of you immediately to arrange that drink."

"Haha, you got it!"

Someone chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. "We've already exchanged contact details; let's keep in touch!"

"Oh, I'll likely be accompanying my family to Mingwang Planet in a few days. We can meet up then!"

"I'll be there too! Qin Tian, when the time comes, you, as our local host, must give us a thorough introduction to your Ice Extreme Pass!"

Conversations flowed, filled with familiar camaraderie and eager anticipation.

Upon departing the ruins, every individual promptly relayed the details of their journey to their respective families—accounts of the mysterious, extinct Ice God Race, the formidable extraterrestrial demons, and the Frozen Throne that subdued the Demon Heart—each revelation enough to astonish the family elders.

Consequently, the name "Qin Tian" began to circulate, creating ripples within the Empire's most prominent families through these firsthand reports.

It was then that many came to realize the central figure behind the recently publicized "Mingwang Planet Grand Development" plan was none other than this man, who had heroically saved the day within the ruins.

The Cold Tree, discovered by Qin Tian, possesses the ability to absorb ambient cold air, condense it into high-purity energy crystals, and construct temperature-regulated barriers. This remarkable discovery holds the potential to transform the desolate icefields into comfortable, habitable districts.

This groundbreaking find has completely redefined the value of Mingwang Planet. Once a harsh, ecologically neglected ninth satellite of the Empire, it has now become a highly sought-after celestial body, brimming with immense economic potential and commercial prospects that any powerful family would desperately covet.

Having recognized the intrinsic value of Mingwang Planet and Qin Tian's critical role in its newfound worth, these families were naturally disinclined to miss the opportunity to capitalize on this wave of rapid development. They instructed their members to foster positive relationships with Qin Tian and secure a favorable position in the burgeoning enterprise.

Qin Tian perceived the underlying intentions of everyone present with perfect clarity but chose not to expose their ulterior motives, simply responding with a smile, "You are always welcome at the Ice Extreme Pass. I shall certainly endeavor to be a gracious host."

From his perspective, this situation was far from disadvantageous—the essence of political maneuvering lay in cultivating alliances and isolating adversaries.

The more extensive the network of vested interests, the greater the number of forces involved, and the more robust his standing within the Empire would become.

Buzz—buzz—

At that precise moment, the starship emitted two prolonged humming sounds, its entire body emanating a bright luminescence. The main hatch slowly swung open, revealing a brightly lit passageway within.

Realizing the imminent departure, all conversations ceased. They turned to bid farewell to Qin Tian.

"Qin Tian, we're departing. Let's meet again!"

"Until next time!"

"Don't forget those drinks!"

Qin Tian remained in place, waving goodbye to each individual as they boarded, his gaze lingering for a moment on Zhuge Yu, Taishi Feng, and Huo Yuan Sheng.

A silent understanding passed between these companions who had faced life and death together; their shared glances conveyed meanings words could not.

The hatch smoothly closed, severing the visual connection between the interior and the exterior.

In the subsequent second, a cerulean energy flame erupted from the starship's underbelly, gently elevating the hull. It then shot across the sky like a streak of light, vanishing beyond the atmospheric envelope of Mingwang Planet.

Qin Tian retracted his gaze and softly exhaled a plume of white breath. With a subtle shimmer, he reappeared within the confines of the Ice Extreme Pass.

Instead of proceeding directly to his quarters, Qin Tian diverted his path towards a modest chamber—the very place where Lan had previously resided.

Lan had specifically issued instructions that this room was not to be entered under normal circumstances, meaning Qin Tian was setting foot inside it for the very first time now.

The chamber's furnishings were sparse and functional. Qin Tian's attention was swiftly drawn to a transparent ice container positioned on the bedside table. This container, embellished with elaborate patterns characteristic of the Ice God Race, radiated a gentle blue luminescence in the subdued light.

He advanced and unsealed the ice container, discovering a minuscule, entirely white crystal, no larger than a pigeon's egg, resting within. This was a scarce ice seed.

Upon merely making contact with the ice seed using his fingertips, a potent torrent of exceptionally pure ice essence coursed into his physique, carrying with it an aura identical to Lan's—an embodiment of perfected frost mastery.

Adjacent to the ice container lay a slender shard of ice. Qin Tian retrieved it, and a flood of information streamed directly into his consciousness. After absorbing and processing this influx of data, a smile unbidden spread across his features.

The ice seed held profound significance for him, serving a singular, critical function: to initiate the awakening of the Cold Trees.

Previously, the cultivation of these Cold Trees could be achieved through the combined efforts of himself and the Dongfang Clan. However, coaxing them to autonomously absorb frigid air and subsequently condense crystals necessitated Lan's guiding influence.

This particular matter had become a source of significant anxiety for Qin Tian following Lan's departure.

He understood that failure to awaken the Cold Trees would lead to the disintegration of the Empire's ambitious development strategy for Mingwang Planet. In such an event, he, as the central figure orchestrating this plan, would inevitably be branded a 'charlatan' by those with vested interests in Mingwang Planet's resources.

Such an outcome was simply unacceptable to him.

Gazing at the ice seed held within his palm, a faint smile once again graced Qin Tian's lips.

Lan, it seemed, was truly a considerate and remarkable individual, having thoughtfully arranged this vital contingency measure in advance.

With this ice seed in his possession, he could now comprehensively oversee the nurturing and subsequent awakening of all the Cold Trees. The groundwork for Mingwang Planet's development initiative was thus completely secured, significantly amplifying his own importance and leverage within this intricate power dynamic.

...

A full week elapsed.

"Boss!"

"Boss!"

Li Qi, Terreda, Old Ghost, Poisonous Widow, and Xiong presented themselves before Qin Tian, their faces beaming with obvious satisfaction.

Qin Tian perceived the palpable shifts in their auras, prompting a look of contentment to settle on his own features.

During this recent period dedicated to cultivation, the strength of each individual had experienced a dramatic surge.

Li Qi had recently achieved Tier Six, but this time, bolstered by the potent golden-level Night Demon King bloodline, he absorbed the most substantial portion of energy from the Spirit Pool, propelling him directly to Tier Six, Five Stars.

Old Ghost, already an established Tier Six Soul Master with a Silver Level bloodline and exceptional innate talent, ascended to Tier Six, Eight Stars, solidifying his position as the most advanced Spiritualist among the group.

Both Xiong and Terreda had attained Tier Six on Silver Gray Star. Subsequently, channeling immense resources into their development, their overall strength saw considerable enhancement. This time, Xiong advanced to Tier Six, Six Stars, while Terreda's physical form and Barbarian Race bloodline underwent significant strengthening, bringing his combat prowess to a level comparable to Xiong's.

As for Poisonous Widow, she finally broke through to the much-anticipated Tier Six, directly reaching Tier Six, Two Stars.

For her current role, which was primarily non-combat oriented, this level of strength was more than sufficient.

Consequently, all five of Qin Tian's key subordinates had advanced to Tier Six.

And with his return, the Ice Extreme Pass stood poised to inaugurate a new epoch of advancement and progress.