I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield Chapter 750 - 533: Return of Allegiance (Part 2)

To them, such acknowledgment held more value than any material prize.

...

Ice Extreme Pass, Conference Room

"Please, have a seat, everyone."

Qin Tian gestured for them to take their seats.

"Regarding the recent events, does anyone have any insights they wish to share?"

Kane, unable to contain his curiosity, inquired:

"Military Lord, how did you manage to effortlessly defeat a scion of the Royal Family? Has your bloodline undergone a mutation?"

Having just witnessed the intense confrontation, he was deeply moved by the combatants' fervor and Qin Tian’s overwhelming might. This prompted him to subconsciously shift his address from "General Qin" to "Military Lord."

This change in designation wasn't an act of deliberate flattery but a genuine expression of his inner respect and awe, fostering a palpable sense of belonging to Ice Extreme Pass.

Hearing Kane’s question, Xue Wuyang and Zhou Ziming also turned their gaze toward Qin Tian.

"You could put it that way."

Qin Tian offered an ambiguous reply. Indeed, the notion of a bloodline mutation was the public explanation he intended to provide.

At present, he was under the scrutiny of the Empire’s high command, the Nine Great Holy Blood Clans, and numerous Golden Bloodline powers. His astounding performance at the Ice God relics had, in fact, eclipsed the prestige of the direct lineage of the Holy Blood, positioning him as the most radiant figure.

The myriad of potent abilities he possessed, drawn from various bloodlines, necessitated a credible explanation.

Without a plausible reason, he risked attracting undue suspicion and envy.

Consequently, "bloodline mutation" was designated as the perfectly tailored excuse.

This was the same explanation he had given Yan Qing when detailing the origins of the Night Demon Bloodline. It was highly probable that this particular instance of "bloodline mutation" had already been officially recorded in the Empire’s confidential archives.

Reiterating this excuse now would serve to corroborate his prior statements, establishing a cohesive and uninterrupted logical progression.

Bloodline mutation was acknowledged as one of the most enigmatic and unpredictable occurrences in the cosmos. However, his own "mutation" was undeniably extraordinary, not only matching the foundation of the Holy Blood but also manifesting top-tier abilities in space, lightning, and dark elements—a truly heaven-defying feat.

But what of it?

The fact that predecessors had not achieved such a feat did not preclude Qin Tian from doing so.

In this world, absolute rules were nonexistent; what was considered common sense was merely a threshold waiting to be shattered.

"It would indeed appear to be a bloodline mutation."

Kane mused, recalling his own Phoenix bloodline, a product of mutation that granted him potential comparable to the Golden Bloodline, despite his birth into a Silver Clan.

Clearly, the Military Lord, despite originating from a Golden Clan, now possessed combat prowess rivaling the Holy Blood after his bloodline mutation.

This particular circumstance seemed unprecedented in the Empire’s recorded history.

"Military Lord, you seriously injured Unol; could this lead to future complications?" Kane continued, a trace of anxiety coloring his tone.

"After all, Unol is not only a member of the Beastman Royal Family but also a key figure in the Beastman Delegation. If he lodges a complaint with the Empire, it could potentially incite considerable unrest for Ice Extreme Pass and yourself."

Upon hearing this, Xue Wuyang's head nodded involuntarily; the standing of the Beastman Royal Family was indeed considerable. Should the matter escalate to a diplomatic level, even if Qin Tian were in the right, the Empire’s high command might seek to obscure the truth, possibly sacrificing the interests of Ice Extreme Pass to pacify the dispute.

Qin Tian offered a slight smile: "There is no need for concern. Not to mention a single Beastman Royal, even those from the direct lineage of the Holy Blood have faced my wrath."

!!!

Those words struck like thunderclaps, instantly freezing Kane’s expression; Xue Wuyang and Zhou Ziming involuntarily shuddered.

General Qin had eliminated members of the Holy Blood direct lineage—more than one?

Kane’s throat constricted as he swallowed hard, cautiously inquiring, "Military Lord, which clans’ direct Holy Blood lineage are you referring to?"

Qin Tian regarded him, a subtle, teasing smile playing on his lips: "What is it, already feeling intimidated?"

"Haha, perhaps a little..." Kane chuckled nervously, scratching his head, his reply laced with candor, "After all, they are the direct lineage of the Holy Blood, the very elite of the Empire’s upper echelon; who wouldn’t feel a sense of dread when faced with them?"

Qin Tian let out a chuckle and stated plainly, "The Luoho Clan and the Shinguji Clan."

Those two clans!

A flicker crossed Zhou Ziming’s eyes; he had, back in Satellite City, already inferred from Qin Tian and Unol’s exchange that Qin Tian harbored previous enmity towards the Luoho Clan.

As for the Shinguji Clan, while slightly surprising, it remained within the realm of reason.

Although his time at Ice Extreme Pass was brief, casual soldier conversations allowed him to uncover details about Qin Tian's background.

This esteemed Young Master was a legendary Major General from the Azure Wood Star Realm's Empire's Seventh Bureau. He had recently been transferred to Mingwang Planet's Ice Extreme Pass as the Guardian Envoy, serving for less than a year.

Reaching the rank of Major General at such a young age, transitioning from a star realm's outskirts to the central star realm's core, and now overseeing a significant stronghold, implied considerable backing from influential powers.

Not only did he possess the full support of his direct department, the Seventh Bureau, but the Dongfang Clan of the Azure Wood Star Realm also likely played a part in his ascent.

Furthermore, the Luoho Clan and the Shinguji Clan were bitter rivals of the Dongfang Clan within the Empire's political landscape, maintaining a deeply entrenched animosity, as irreconcilable as fire and water.

Qin Tian's conflict with these two prominent clans might have been sealed the moment he departed the Azure Wood Star Realm.

At this juncture, any doubts about the Holy Blood Clan seeking retribution for Ice Extreme Pass had vanished.

Having eliminated two of their direct descendants, would the Holy Blood Clan truly refrain from retaliation?

Yet, Qin Tian's unyielding composure suggested he had his own formidable backing.

Following this engagement, Kane, Xue Wuyang, and Zhou Ziming gained a more profound appreciation for Qin Tian.

He was not only a Major General at a remarkably young age, commanding substantial influence over his territory, but also demonstrated peerless strength by dominating even opponents from the Holy Blood lineage.

Simultaneously, his origins were exceptionally deep-rooted, and he displayed no fear of the Holy Blood Clan's reprisal.

Serving under such a leader presented both peril and promise.

Should one's capabilities falter, unable to match Qin Tian's rapid advancement, they risked being caught in the crossfire of various factions, suffering collateral damage and finding no security; conversely, those who could firmly establish their footing and earn Qin Tian's respect through their own merit could board this swift vessel, harnessing its momentum to ascend to extraordinary heights.

Numerous thoughts raced through their minds momentarily, but the prevailing sentiment was one of eager anticipation for what lay ahead.

Under such leadership, irrespective of future challenges, they would at least be free from suppression.

After all, he was a man who dared to confront the Holy Blood and the Beastman Royal Family directly.

"Very well, what transpired earlier was merely a minor incident; let us not dwell on it excessively."

Qin Tian raised a hand to lighten the atmosphere, his gaze sweeping across the three men, "Proceed with your assigned duties as planned."

He first addressed Kane, "The initial contingent of the Mercenary Corps has all arrived. I shall grant you half a month. Within this period, I expect a formally established Mercenary Corps, skilled and battle-hardened in its demeanor, ready for deployment."

"Yes! I promise to complete the mission!" Kane declared, puffing out his chest with renewed vigor.

Qin Tian offered a slight nod before turning his attention to Xue Wuyang, "You have already earned the respect of the Barbarian Warriors through your prowess. Your next objective is to train them."

He paused, emphasizing his words, "Three months. Within this timeframe, I wish for you to transform these undisciplined, albeit bold, Barbarian Warriors into a disciplined and formidable elite force."

"Rest assured, Military Lord!" Xue Wuyang responded resolutely, "Xue Wuyang will not betray your trust or fall short of your expectations!"

Finally, Qin Tian's gaze settled on Zhou Ziming, a knowing smile playing on his lips, "Do you aspire to achieve accomplishments sooner rather than later?"

Zhou Ziming's eyes sharpened, and he nodded, "I do."

"Excellent."

Qin Tian nodded, directly assigning him a critical task, "I entrust you with the coordination for the construction of eight Satellite Cities. Do you accept this responsibility?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ziming considered for a moment before slowly replying, "I accept!"

Qin Tian observed his determined expression, inwardly acknowledging his suitability.

Zhou Ziming, originally from the Conducting Department, was a tactical mastermind, his strategic foresight and coordination skills were undeniable; however, his disposition was excessively aloof and prideful.

Within the rigidly structured military, such arrogance could be contained by discipline, but in broader contexts, a coordinator required comprehensive understanding and seamless integration of all involved parties.

Assigning Zhou Ziming this coordination role was intended to test his holistic capabilities, to ascertain if this tactical genius could truly resolve practical challenges on the ground; it also aimed to refine his character through this multifaceted endeavor, fostering adaptability and magnanimity.

"Alright, proceed with your work."