I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 738 - 528: Introduction, Shock

The conference room was filled with a somber, hushed ambiance.

Qin Tian occupied the position of honor at the head of the table, surrounded by a gathering of both familiar and new faces, all present for this important assembly.

On one side were Qin Tian’s most trusted inner circle: Li Qi, Xiong, Terreda, Old Ghost, and Poisonous Widow. Facing them were the recently acquired members, Xue Wuyang, Zhou Ziming, and Kane.

These two factions were seated opposite each other, their gazes interlocking across the expanse of the table, holding a mixture of curiosity and unspoken questions. Yet, a silent accord was reached as they refrained from speaking first, patiently awaiting Qin Tian to break the silence.

"Everyone is present," Qin Tian announced, his voice calm.

He lightly rapped his knuckles on the table. "The primary purpose of today’s meeting is to formally introduce a few new additions to our ranks."

With that statement, he first gestured towards Xue Wuyang, seated to his right, and began the introductions:

"This is Xue Wuyang. He is a Tier Six Five Stars Spiritualist, possessing the formidable Cyan Dragon bloodline. For over two decades, he has honorably served within the Royal Army, attaining the distinguished rank of Space Fleet commander. His military career is marked by extensive combat experience, proven battlefield prowess, and a distinctive methodology in troop training. Effective immediately, Xue Wuyang shall assume the role of chief instructor for the Barbarian Battle Group, bearing full responsibility for all training directives."

Upon hearing this announcement, Li Qi, Old Ghost, and the other original members shifted their attention towards Xue Wuyang, their expressions becoming more serious.

They were already aware of the backgrounds of these three newcomers – they were members of the Zuiyu, seeking atonement through service, their very lives and futures entirely entrusted to their leader’s command.

Despite this knowledge, a sense of disdain or prejudice did not arise within the group.

After all, their own origins were far from privileged. Li Qi was a notorious assassin, Poisonous Widow was a fugitive with a bounty on her head from the Empire, Xiong and Terreda had once endured the chains of slavery, and only Old Ghost, a solitary wanderer, could be considered remotely ‘ordinary’.

To them, past identities and histories were merely transient illusions; what truly mattered were displays of strength and unwavering loyalty.

Qin Tian then directed his gaze toward Terreda. "Terreda," he inquired, "you have been overseeing the Barbarian Battle Group. With the addition of a chief instructor, how do you feel about this development?"

"I welcome it with all my heart!" Terreda responded with immediate and genuine enthusiasm.

Having remained by Qin Tian’s side for an extended period, he was no longer the same unrefined Barbarian solely adept with a blade and ignorant of broader matters. He had evolved into a leader within the Barbarian Race, now possessing an understanding of decorum and the ability to maintain composure and thoughtful consideration when faced with adversity.

He understood, more profoundly than anyone else, that while he possessed the capability to lead the Barbarian Warriors into combat, the task of transforming this wild contingent into the elite fighting force envisioned by their boss was beyond his current skillset.

Xue Wuyang’s arrival was a welcome advantage for both his personal growth and the betterment of the Barbarian Warriors.

However, immediately after his initial affirmative response, Terreda’s demeanor shifted slightly as he addressed Xue Wuyang directly. "Nevertheless," he stated plainly, "my Barbarian brethren possess untamed spirits and acknowledge only absolute strength. To secure their full respect and unwavering obedience, Instructor Xue must demonstrate his true capabilities."

The unwritten laws governing the Barbarians had always been characterized by simplicity and a raw application of force; strength was the ultimate and undeniable truth.

While Xue Wuyang was indeed acknowledged as a Tier Six Powerhouse, ensuring the warriors’ compliance would necessitate a public and undeniable exhibition of his might.

Confronted with Terreda’s candid assessment, Xue Wuyang’s expression remained placid, his voice steady and imbued with an unshakeable self-assurance. "You may rest assured," he affirmed, "I will make them listen."

The unwavering confidence, forged over twenty years of dedicated military service, was palpable in his tone.

Witnessing this exchange, a subtle smile graced Qin Tian’s lips. He harbored no doubt that for a seasoned veteran who had once commanded an entire legion of the Royal Army, subjugating the Barbarian Warriors would be a task well within his capacity.

"Next, for the second introduction."

Qin Tian continued the proceedings, gesturing towards the quiet Zhou Ziming. "Zhou Ziming is an exceptional graduate from the Conducting Department at the prestigious Dawn Military Academy. He not only graduated at the top of his class but also served with distinction at the Royal Space Fleet’s staff headquarters, distinguishing himself in numerous campaigns and consistently earning commendations."

As these words were spoken, a noticeable stir went through the assembled group.

Terreda and Xiong displayed minimal reaction, having no familiarity with the intricacies of the Empire’s military educational framework. However, the expressions of Li Qi, Poisonous Widow, and Old Ghost transformed simultaneously, revealing astonishment that was difficult to mask!

Dawn Military Academy! It stood as the paramount military institution at the zenith of the Empire’s hierarchy, and its Conducting Department was considered the pinnacle among the elite, holding a status on par with the Royal Military Academy itself.

To graduate at the very top of that department and subsequently join the staff of an elite fleet marked him as a favored prodigy of the Empire. His trajectory should have been one of unhindered ascent and brilliant promise; how then did he find himself a prisoner, now part of the Zuiyu?The trio exchanged bewildered glances, their perception of Zhou Ziming shifting with growing complexity. "Ziming possesses military acumen, strategic foresight, and an uncanny accuracy in forecasting battlefield scenarios—qualities we currently lack," Qin Tian's voice resonated once more. "In the period ahead, he will remain at my side, contributing to diverse affairs. You are to refrain from withholding any information during your reports and discussions with him." "Understood!" Li Qi and the others responded in unison. Qin Tian's declaration served as an unmistakable directive. It was evident that Zhou Ziming was held in high esteem by the leader, bestowed with the extraordinary privilege of proximity and access to crucial secrets, a distinction Li Qi, who had been a longtime companion to Qin Tian, had never experienced. However, despite this enviable favor, Zhou Ziming's countenance remained devoid of elation. Instead, a subtle weight settled upon his heart. Qin Tian's open display of confidence was, paradoxically, both an endorsement and an undeniable restraint.