Previously on I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield...
Qin Tian unleashes his power, devastating tens of thousands of snow beasts with a single spiritual attack. Meanwhile, Karsas gathers the released soul fragments for its army of the dead. The crisis at Satellite City No. 5 is resolved, and Qin Tian checks on the progress of battles in other satellite cities. However, an urgent report reveals that four more satellite cities are under simultaneous, massive assault.
Simultaneously, an assault by a beast tide struck all eight satellite cities! Qin Tian’s brow creased slightly, though not out of concern for the unfolding events. For him, quelling this widespread crisis would be effortless. A single dispatch of a Demon King Avatar would suffice to resolve all impending troubles.
He possessed the capability to manifest over a hundred avatars at once. The quantity of these avatars directly correlated to a reduction in their individual combat prowess; the more avatars summoned, the less power each could wield, generally ranging from 30% to 50% of his original strength. Nevertheless, even these avatars, channeling a fraction of his formidable talent, were potent enough to contend with early-stage Tier Seven Golden Bloodline experts.
Imagine over a hundred avatars, each comparable to an early Tier Seven cultivator, acting in concert – what threat could these mere beast tides pose then?
The true cause of his furrowed brow stemmed from the critical vulnerability he discerned within the Ice Extreme Pass, revealed by this beast tide onslaught: a severe deficiency in military personnel! Currently, the first through fourth legions were fully engaged in combat operations, leaving only the fifth legion to safeguard the Ice Extreme Pass headquarters. Over five thousand Barbarian Warriors had also been deployed, with even the reserve forces being completely utilized.
At present, the Ice Extreme Pass’s military reserves were strained to their absolute limit, leaving no supplementary troops available to reinforce the remaining four satellite cities. The current situation clearly indicated that while the Ice Extreme Pass possessed sufficient military strength to defend its headquarters, any expansion of territory, such as encompassing the eight satellite cities, would lead to constant breaches and chaotic, reactive responses under immense pressure.
As the Guardian Envoy of the Ice Extreme Pass, he was not meant to be a mere firefighter, constantly rushing to extinguish blazes across his subordinate territories. If this pattern persisted, his subordinate warriors would inevitably grow dependent, hindering their ability to mature and become self-reliant. His ambition was to forge a legion that was daring and fearless in combat, not a congregation of cowards seeking refuge beneath his authority, passively awaiting success.
Unless circumstances were dire, he preferred not to intervene personally in every situation. Perhaps, he could give someone else a chance?
At this very moment, Qin Tian’s thoughts turned to a particular individual. With a casual wave of his hand in the air, the void shimmered. Zhou Ziming, who was situated far beyond the fifth satellite city, was ensnared by an unseen force and instantly materialized beside him.
Upon his abrupt arrival, a flicker of surprise crossed Zhou Ziming’s features. However, upon recognizing Qin Tian’s presence, he swiftly regained his composed demeanor, offering only a slight nod in greeting.
"The other four satellite cities are also confronting beast tide assaults," Qin Tian stated directly, wasting no time. "Now, I am entrusting you with a mission. Given the Ice Extreme Pass's current military strength, can you effectively command and stabilize the battle situation?"
Zhou Ziming offered no immediate reply, neither confirming nor denying the possibility. His gaze rapidly surveyed the unfolding battle scenes within the ice mirror, absorbing the tactical positioning of Xue Wuyang, the flank defenses orchestrated by Lao Gui, the aggressive charges led by Xiong and Terreda, and the overall efficiency of troop movements.
His fingers began to tap rhythmically, almost unconsciously, on his palm as his mind rapidly processed potential troop allocations and reinforcement routes. Soon, he looked up to meet Qin Tian’s eyes. "What is the scale of the beast tides threatening the remaining four satellite cities? Is there precise data regarding the expected arrival time of the Snow Beasts at the city gates?"
Qin Tian promptly issued instructions to the Ice Extreme Pass command center to compile and transmit the pertinent information without delay. In less than a minute, a comprehensive battle report was relayed via the military encrypted channel.
Receiving the report, Zhou Ziming scanned it swiftly and posed his second crucial query: "Will you be personally participating in the battle?"
Qin Tian responded with a slight smile. "If I were to intervene, all the Snow Beasts would be annihilated in under five minutes."
His intention was unmistakable in that single statement. This was not merely a request for assistance; it was a deliberate test of Zhou Ziming’s command capabilities. Should he execute this battle flawlessly, Zhou Ziming would solidify his position within the Ice Extreme Pass; should he falter... A sharp glint flashed in Zhou Ziming’s eyes – failure was absolutely not an option!
He took a deep, steadying breath, meeting Qin Tian’s gaze with a resolute and determined tone. "This battle, leave it to me! I require full command over all of the Ice Extreme Pass’s military forces, including your subordinates such as Xiong and Terreda, and even your two Summoned Beasts. They must follow my orders unconditionally."
"No problem," Qin Tian agreed, nodding slightly, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.
Since Zhou Ziming exuded such confidence, Qin Tian was quite willing to step aside and observe how this prodigy from the Conducting Department would fare in actual combat.
Should circumstances truly deteriorate to an irrecoverable state, Qin Tian knew he could always intervene to resolve the crisis.
Zhou Ziming accepted the military communication headset that Qin Tian offered, his fingers pausing momentarily as they brushed against the cool metal exterior.
With practiced ease, he donned the headset, establishing a connection to the encrypted, all-encompassing army command channel.
At that precise instant, Qin Tian's resolute voice permeated the channel, reaching the ears of every high-ranking officer with perfect clarity:
"Attention all personnel! We are currently facing large-scale Snow Beast assaults on satellite cities 4, 6, 7, and 8; the situation is dire! Effective immediately, complete command of the Ice Extreme Pass military is transferred to Zhou Ziming! All subordinates are to comply with his directives without question or hesitation!"
"Understood!"
"Acknowledged!"
"..."
The communication channel buzzed with replies. Xiong's gruff affirmation, Terreda's unwavering tone, Xue Wuyang's measured response, and Lao Gui's gravelly assent, alongside the synchronized affirmations from the battalion commanders, filled the airwaves.
Although they might not be intimately acquainted with Zhou Ziming, Qin Tian's commands were invariably followed to the letter.
Zhou Ziming drew a profound breath, the frigid air surging into his lungs, igniting a dormant fervor within him.
A deeply ingrained feeling of command flowed from the earpiece, coursing through his entire being, setting his blood alight with anticipation.
