Previously on I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield...
Qin Tian learns about the Zuiyu, a special forces unit composed of convicts who earn sentence reductions through service. Yang Zheng confirms he has selected a group of skilled Zuiyu members and Baihu Corps troops for Qin Tian, who eagerly accepts, seeing them as critical support for Ice Extreme Pass. Meanwhile, the arriving Zuiyu members are shocked and dismayed to learn they are being deployed to the inhospitable Mingwang Planet, though their supervising officer stresses the opportunity to serve under the powerful Major General Qin Tian.
In the rear of the group, a man sporting a rugged beard and a worn face slowly raised his head, a subtle yet potent gleam igniting in his eyes. Not far off, a lanky young man, who had consistently kept his gaze lowered, also quietly pressed his lips together, an imperceptible ripple finally disturbing his previously frigid eyes.
At this juncture, the spaceship shuddered slightly, and the intercom within the cabin announced: "We have reached Pluto's Ice Extreme Pass Spaceport. Prepare for docking."
A moment later, the cabin door creaked open, and a piercingly cold wind, laden with minuscule snow crystals, surged into the compartment like a legion of ice needles raking against exposed skin.
Many, taken completely by surprise, shivered instantly, instinctively drawing their necks down—the mere influx of frigid air made their blood feel as though it might solidify. Should they step outside clad only in the flimsy prison attire they wore, they would undoubtedly transform into frozen statues within mere seconds!
"Tap, tap, tap—"
The sharp echo of footsteps drew nearer as a contingent of soldiers, arrayed in specially tailored white cold-weather attire, entered the cabin.
The guard snapped to attention immediately, offering a salute.
The leading soldier returned the gesture with a precise military motion and spoke in a calm, courteous tone: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are soldiers of the Ice Extreme Pass Third Regiment, Second Company. By decree of the Military Lord, we are here to issue your customized cold-weather gear."
The soldiers' courteous conduct left many of the Zuiyu troops momentarily speechless, followed by a faint sense of unexpected relief.
Numerous among them had braced themselves for exploitation as expendable resources, yet they had not anticipated such thoughtful provisions upon their arrival.
While modest, a single piece of cold-weather gear was sufficient to indicate that this General Qin was not among the cold-hearted, bloodthirsty superiors depicted in rumors—with such a leader, there might indeed be a genuine possibility of sentence reduction through meritorious deeds!
The assembled group formed a line to receive their cold-weather gear individually. The material felt dense yet unrestrictive, and a comforting warmth enveloped them the instant they donned the garments.
Once outfitted, they followed the guards in an orderly procession as they exited the spaceship.
"Whew—"
As they stepped across the threshold of the cabin, vast expanses of unending white snow greeted their vision. The relentless wind roared past, and snow particles struck the protective gear with a "rustling" sound.
Even shielded by the specially crafted cold-weather attire, many could not suppress a shiver, reflecting inwardly:
Truly living up to its name, Pluto is an exceptionally unforgiving place!
They surveyed their surroundings with curiosity, discovering that this was a remarkably large spaceport. In addition to their vessel, dozens of other interstellar ships and transport craft of various dimensions were docked, with uniformed personnel busily moving about, creating a scene of vibrant activity. This was a stark contrast to the desolate, crime-ridden wasteland they had envisioned!
At this moment, a deep engine hum emanated from a distance.
All heads turned upward, observing a sleek, silver-white hovercraft rapidly approaching.
The craft descended smoothly beside the assembled group, and its cabin door slowly unfurled.
The guard gestured with his hand: "Everyone, maintain formation and board the craft in an orderly fashion!"
The crowd boarded the hovercraft with practiced discipline, located their assigned seats, and settled in.
As the craft vibrated gently, it began a slow ascent into the air, heading towards the distant horizon.
Outside the cabin windows, the landscape transformed with haste; desolate ice fields blurred beneath them, and soon, a sprawling cityscape came into view.
A pale blue energy shield encircled the city, completely enclosing it and insulating the metropolis from the harsh, frigid conditions and snowfall outside.
Viewed from the sky, the city's prosperity defied all expectations.
Towering edifices stood in neat rows, boulevards teemed with traffic, merchant caravans and small hovercraft navigated ceaselessly, radiating an aura of vitality and energy.
The city was clearly demarcated into distinct inner and outer sectors.
The inner city pulsed with life and activity, showcasing modern skyscrapers harmoniously integrated with numerous ice-constructed buildings reflecting regional architectural styles, exuding an atmosphere of warmth; conversely, the outer city presented a solemn facade, resembling a heavily fortified military encampment, with soldiers patrolling imposing ice ramparts, sentry towers, and strategically placed artillery, projecting an air of formidable might.
Witnessing this scene, so dramatically different from the imagined "Bitter Cold Desperate Realm," many of the Zuiyu troops were astonished, their initial disappointment and apprehension gradually giving way to burgeoning curiosity and a sliver of clandestine anticipation.
This place, it seemed, was entirely unlike their preconceptions...
The hovercraft swiftly reached its destination, landing with stability on an expansive training ground. The biting wind whipped snow crystals across the field, churning loose ice with a mournful sound.
The Zuiyu troops disembarked from the hovercraft in a structured manner, promptly reforming their ranks under the loud directives of the guard.
Soon, steady footsteps could be heard echoing from afar. All heads turned, observing a group of individuals making their way through the wind and snow, directly onto the platform adjacent to the training grounds.
Instantly, the attention of all the Zuiyu troops became fixed upon the figure standing at the forefront of the platform.
This was an exceedingly young man, possessing a tall, erect posture and an aura of sharp heroism between his brows; his bearing was both cold and composed.
Clad in a lightly tailored yet crisply pressed black military uniform, he presented a stark contrast against the icy landscape where everyone else was swathed in heavy winter attire. Most striking, however, was the gleaming golden star adorning his shoulder insignia—the mark of a Royal Major General!
"Could that be... General Qin Tian?"
A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd, many widening their eyes in involuntary disbelief and astonishment.
According to their established perceptions, a Major General was already a figure of immense authority within the Empire, especially one of Tier Seven; they had anticipated a stern, imposing middle-aged elder.
Yet, the Qin Tian before them appeared remarkably youthful, looking much like an elite officer freshly graduated from the military academy.
"He must be a direct descendant of a top Golden Clan!" someone mused decisively in their heart.
Within the Empire, achieving Tier Seven at such a tender age while holding the rank of Major General left no other logical explanation. Ordinary clans lacked the requisite resources and foundational strength, and even the Silver Clan could not achieve such a feat. Only the ancient, deeply entrenched Golden Clan could possibly foster such an exceptional heir.
As speculation circulated amongst the assembled, Qin Tian slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes sweeping over the Zuiyu troops below with the keenness of an eagle.
That penetrating stare was sharp and unwavering, seemingly capable of piercing through one's very being, and the troop's formation immediately fell into silence; even the fierce wind seemed to diminish in intensity.
"I am Qin Tian, the Guardian Envoy of the Ice Extreme Pass," Qin Tian announced. His voice, though not loud, carried a power that cut through the falling snow, clearly reaching every individual's ears. "From the moment you set foot on Pluto, your lives are under my command; your possibility of successfully commuting your sentences also rests with me."
These pronouncements unequivocally established his authority, causing many to stiffen and instinctively straighten their postures.
Qin Tian continued, "While serving under my command, do not even consider any shortcuts. I am privy to your actions and words, so put away any petty schemes."
He paused, his tone softening slightly. "Naturally, for those who demonstrate diligence, I will follow regulations to petition for sentence reductions, enabling you to reunite with your families sooner."
His words kindled a spark in many eyes, and their previously tense expressions eased somewhat.
Before the Zuiyu troops could fully absorb this unexpected comfort, Qin Tian added an even more compelling incentive: "Furthermore, I will offer one additional consideration—among this group of Zuiyu troops, those who perform with the utmost excellence will have their families personally sponsored by me to relocate to the Ice Extreme Pass. You can then be reunited before your sentences are fully served."
"What?!"
This time, the crowd could no longer contain their elation; an uncontrollable wave of commotion swept through them.
An early reunion with their families?
This was an outcome they had never dared to even contemplate before!
Blazing light filled everyone's eyes, their prior anxieties and disappointments vanishing completely, replaced by sheer determination and eager anticipation.
Their perception of Qin Tian shifted from initial surprise and conjecture to absolute trust and profound respect.
He was a Royal Major General, a genuine Tier Seven powerhouse! Such an individual had no reason to deceive them, meaning his promises were undoubtedly reliable!
Someone secretly clenched their fist, their resolve hardening: no matter the personal cost, they would perform exceptionally well and seize the chance for an early family reunion!
Observing the surge of passionate spirit from below, Qin Tian offered a slight nod.
