I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield

Chapter 1021: Chapter 653: Shock and Return_2

Could it be that Qin Tian’s talent as a direct lineage heir surpassed even his own?

In Dongfang Ling’s heart, thoughts surged wildly.

He very much acknowledged Qin Tian’s talent and ability, which was undeniable.

Not to mention, in terms of skill and temperament, Qin Tian, who rose quickly from the bottom and is now a leader of his domain, was far stronger than him, who had grown under the protection and support of the Holy Blood Clan since childhood.

However, the Holy Blood Talent had always been Dongfang Ling’s greatest pride. He couldn’t believe that on the pure level of combat capability, a young man who was not of the Holy Blood could achieve what he himself admitted he could not.

"Elder Ling, it is absolutely true." Zhuang Ji’s tone was equally complex, with a sense of awe that was difficult to conceal.

He then recounted the entire battle from start to finish.

Starting with the first Tier Eight Stele Demon being blasted by a bullet, and then mentioned how Qin Tian timely arrived at the battlefield, taking on four demons alone, and under the use of terrifying means, cut down those Stele Demons one by one.

Zhuang Ji described every detail clearly, even including the moment when Qin Tian unleashes the Chaos Thunder Domain, covering the sky with lightning, and the shocking scene where the Thunder Kirin smashed the Stele Demon to death.

After listening, Dongfang Ling stood in place, speechless for a long time.

His heart felt as if a huge stone had been thrown into it, sending waves of shock that couldn’t be calmed for a long time.

It was actually true...

How did this young man accomplish such things?

With a Tier Seven body, he cut down four Tier Eight Stele Demons against the odds, and there was even one being pursued—a record that was legendary enough to be inscribed in the annals of the Empire.

Dongfang Ling took a deep breath, his gaze grew more complex.

He began to reassess his understanding of this young man—it was clear now that Qin Tian was far more powerful than he had imagined.

"Swoosh—"

Just at this time, a subtle spatial fluctuation rippled nearby.

A figure suddenly appeared before everyone.

A black-clad individual, with battle marks still apparent on the robe, revealing muscular flesh through some of the tears.

He held a saber in one hand, the Black Frost Saber swirling with faintly dissipating purple-gold thunder glow, while the other hand floated a Tombstone Spirit Fragment, neither large nor small.

It was Qin Tian.

"General Qin!"

"General Qin."

Zhuang Xian and Zhuang Ji hurried forward, both cupping their fists toward Qin Tian, bowing deeply.

"Elders, please rise."

With keen eyes and quick hands, Qin Tian stepped forward and helped them up, speaking sincerely, "What are you doing, you’re making me uncomfortable."

"General Qin, if there’s anything I’ve said that offended you earlier, I hope you won’t take it to heart."

Zhuang Xian lifted his head, his eyes sincere as he looked at Qin Tian, his voice carrying a hint of guilt, but more of gratitude, "If General Qin hadn’t intervened in time just now, my Zhuang Family might have been wiped out. Words cannot express our gratitude; this kindness will forever be remembered by me, Zhuang Xian, and the whole Zhuang Family."

Qin Tian said solemnly, "Elder Zhuang Xian, we are allies within the same camp, sharing glory and loss. We should support and help each other. If you keep saying these distant words, I might get mad."

"Well said."

Just then, a gentle and approving voice came from the side.

Dongfang Ling smiled warmly, looking at Qin Tian with admiration, and spoke slowly, "At such a young age, General Qin, you possess such a heart and disposition, it truly is admirable. I’d only heard of your name from some elders, but seeing you today, it certainly lives up to the reputation."

"Elder Ling."

Qin Tian turned, cupped his fists toward Dongfang Ling, and slightly bowed in salute.

Before setting off, Zhuge Yu gave him a detailed list, which contained information about all the important personnel participating in this Nine Stars Martial Arts Competition, with each person’s appearance, strength, and characteristics clearly marked.

Among them, Dongfang Ling was ranked among the top five fighters of the Dongfang Clan as an Eight Tier Great Elder.

Qin Tian had memorized the list, recognizing him at first sight.

"General Qin, I just heard from Brother Zhuang Xian and Brother Zhuang Ji that you single-handedly slew four Tier Eight Stele Demons, and another one was pursued by you."

Dongfang Ling’s gaze fell on the Tombstone Spirit Fragment in Qin Tian’s hand, judging by its size and energy fluctuation, it was undoubtedly left by a Tier Eight Stele Demon after its demise.

"I see that the last one has also fallen at your hand, hasn’t it?"

"That’s right, that Tier Eight Stele Demon has been slain by me."

Qin Tian nodded, a smile emerging on his face.

Then he lifted his hand, and the spirit fragments left by the other four Tier Eight Stele Demons flew in from afar, converging above his palm.

The five Tombstone Spirit Fragments slowly merged, eventually forming a complete fragment about half the size of a fist, emitting bright golden light.

"Elders, I’m taking this Tombstone Spirit Fragment, does anyone have objections?" Qin Tian surveyed the three, asking.

"I have an objection." Zhuang Xian’s face turned stern.

Qin Tian was slightly taken aback and looked at him.

Zhuang Xian replied seriously, "My objection is—that not only these pieces, but all the spirit fragments here should be taken by you. Most of the Stele Demons were blasted by your thunder, and our Zhuang Family survived because of General Qin’s timely assistance. How could we shamelessly seize your spoils of victory? If you only take these pieces, we would never be able to face you again."

"Indeed, General Qin."

Zhuang Ji quickly chimed in, "If you don’t accept them, and it gets out, wouldn’t people say our Zhuang Family is shameless? So, please, you must take them all so that we aren’t in a difficult position."

"General Qin, both of them are right."

Dongfang Ling also smiled and supported, "With your power, you slayed five Tier Eight Stele Demons and purified countless Low Tier Stele Demons, these spoils rightfully belong to you. If you refuse, it would seem pretentious."

Seeing the resolute attitude of the three, sincere and undeniable, Qin Tian found it hard to decline further.

He waved his hand, spiritual energy surged forth, and all the Tombstone Spirit Fragments on the battlefield flew towards him like rivers converging into the sea, ultimately gathering together.

"Elders, since that’s the case, I’ll humbly accept." Qin Tian stored the Tombstone Spirit Fragments into the Spirit Space, saying with a smile.

"That’s more like it." A smile spread across Zhuang Xian’s face.

Dongfang Ling stood aside, watching this scene, his impression of Qin Tian rising further.

This young man, not only had astonishing combat prowess but also a broad mind.

The Zhuang Family had once challenged Qin Tian over quotas, but ended up losing 500 quotas due to self-inflicted trouble.

With others, this might cause resentment toward the Zhuang Family, as their challenge stemmed from disdain, resulting in a feud upon failure.

Yet, Qin Tian not only turned foes into friends, selling Armed Armor to the Zhuang Family which greatly enhanced their combat and survival abilities, but he was also the first to arrive during their crisis, saving everyone in the Zhuang Family.

Such a distinguished individual merits both acquaintance and deep connection.

"Elders."

Qin Tian spoke up then, "Now that the battle has ended, it’s time I return to my base. My warriors are currently sweeping away the Stele Demons in the D-23 Area, and as their chief, I can’t be away for too long."

"Understood, General Qin, be on your way."

Dongfang Ling waved his hand.

"General Qin, on behalf of all members of the Zhuang Family, thank you once again for your assistance just now."

Zhuang Xian said solemnly, his voice deliberately raised so that everyone below could hear it.

After he finished, he raised his hand, then all the Zhuang Family members below said in unison:

"Thank you, General Qin!!!"

Qin Tian’s face curved into a smile, he then raised his hand, saluting the Zhuang Family warriors below with a military gesture.

Following that, a Gate of Space opened before him.

He turned his head, nodded slightly toward Zhuang Xian, Zhuang Ji, and Dongfang Ling, then stepped into the gate, disappearing from everyone’s view.