I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield

Chapter 980: Chapter 635: King Versus King, Capture the Flag Battle (Part 2)

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Xian’s expression slightly relaxed, and Jia Family’s leader Jia Zhuocheng and Greym Family’s leader Fons Greym also quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Like the Zhuang Family, if it weren’t for their family’s predicament, they would never want to offend Qin Tian, this rising star of the Empire.

Now that Qin Tian had shown such magnanimity, they secretly decided to hold back during the upcoming duels, so as not to let Qin Tian lose too badly.

Seeing the atmosphere gradually ease up, Dongfang City timely spoke with a slight smile, "Everyone here is an ally of the Dongfang Clan. Although this competition is for quotas, it can also be seen as a way to make new acquaintances. I believe, regardless of the duel’s outcome, there will be many opportunities for collaboration in the future."

"Indeed, what Elder City says is right."

Jia Zhuocheng nodded immediately, taking the opportunity to express goodwill towards Qin Tian, "Our Jia Family sees great potential in the development of Mingwang Planet and is planning to relocate some of our core industries here. We hope General Qin can take care of us in the future."

"General Qin, the Greym Family feels the same." Fons Greym chimed in with a smile. "The potential at Ice Extreme Pass is limitless, and given the opportunity, we also hope to engage in deeper cooperation with the General for mutual benefit."

Qin Tian nodded slightly, his smile gentle, "You’re all too kind, the gates of Ice Extreme Pass are always open for you."

Seeing the atmosphere was set, Dongfang City put away his smile, turning serious, "Since everyone is acquainted, let’s officially start the challenge. First, I’ll announce the duel rules."

"The challenge will be divided into three rounds: King versus King, Star Wars, and Flag Capture Battle, with a best-of-three determining the final victory."

"King versus King, as the name implies, each side sends their strongest for a one-on-one duel to decide victory."

"In the Star Wars, each party sends five strong men to compete in a relay match form, with the best of five determining the winner of this round."

"In the final round, the Flag Capture Battle, both sides will send a thousand people to form a battle formation. Capture the opponent’s flag first, and you win the round."

After speaking, Dongfang City glanced over at Qin Tian and Zhuang Xian, asking, "Does anyone have any objections to these three forms of dueling?"

Qin Tian and the others all shook their heads.

Personal battles, relay matches, small-scale skirmishes – all are very common duel forms. The numbers can be controlled, and the intensity can be maintained within reasonable limits.

Moreover, with three Tier Eight elders from the Dongfang Clan present, even if someone is seriously injured or even decapitated, as long as they remain conscious, they can be treated in time, ensuring sufficient safety.

Such fair and prudent rules naturally elicited no objections from them.

"Good, since there are no objections, let’s officially start the duel." Dongfang City looked at Zhuang Xian and the others, "Since you all have come to challenge General Qin, who would like to go first?"

"I’ll go first then."

Zhuang Xian stepped forward, looking at Qin Tian, he cupped his hands in respect, "General Qin, forgive my offense."

Qin Tian smiled faintly, raising a hand in a gesture of invitation:

"Elder Zhuang, please."

Dongfang City spoke to supplement, "Very well, then Qin Tian and Zhuang Xian will first duel. You have ten minutes to array your battle formations and adjust your states. After ten minutes, the battle officially starts, commencing with King versus King, both sides be ready."

"Understood."

Qin Tian and Zhuang Xian both nodded, each turning to walk toward their own battle arrays.

Meanwhile, Jia Zhuocheng and Fons Greym also led their own formations to a greater distance, their eyes fixed intently on the center stage, quietly awaiting the commencement of this focal battle.

"Old Jia, what do you think of this General Qin?" Fons Greym used spiritual communication to converse secretly with Jia Zhuocheng, a hint of gravity in his tone.

"A dragon among men, not undeserved of his reputation." Jia Zhuocheng’s voice was steady and powerful.

"A mere Royal Major General could develop Ice Extreme Pass to its current scale in just half a year, without falling behind in cultivation. Such talent and skill are exceedingly rare."

"Indeed," Fons Greym deeply agreed, his tone growing more serious, "And have you noticed? He’s far too calm, almost frighteningly so. Faced with our three families’ joint challenge, he shows not a hint of panic. For some reason, I have a constant sense of unease in my heart."

"There’s no need for unnecessary worries. Qin Tian is certainly strong, but Zhuang Xian is no ordinary person either."

Jia Zhuocheng spoke slowly, "Zhuang Xian has devoted decades to the Zhuang Family. Now, outsiders only know him as the Zhuang Family’s iron-fist elder, forgetting that the swordsman once known as the ’Wind Listening Sword’ was also a peerless figure suppressing his generation."

His gaze shifted to the Zhuang Family’s formation, he continued, "Zhuang Xian certainly won’t lose. Now we need to focus on Qin Tian’s subordinates. However, even if the Zhuang family’s successors have declined, that’s relative to other Golden Clans. The foundation of a Golden Clan is unmatched by a newly rising Ice Extreme Pass."

"In these three duels, neither the Zhuang Family nor we have any reason to lose."

...

In the black formation, as Qin Tian finished explaining the duel rules, the eyes of his generals lit up instantly.

"Military Lord, just focus on the Star Wars. As for the Flag Capture Battle, let the White Tiger Legion take the lead!"

Ran Tu strode forward, a smirk stretching across his lips, his tone carrying a hint of disdain, "That Zhuang Family bunch, I’ve heard of them long ago. The younger generation is all useless, not even one capable of stepping onto the stage. Such mediocrity daring to challenge our Ice Extreme Pass, truly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!"

With Ran Tu’s proactive volunteering, none of the generals had any opposition.

Long before the founding of Ice Extreme Pass, the White Tiger Legion was already an illustrious top legion with significant battle merits.

While other legions have developed rapidly now, in terms of practical experience and overall combat power, they still have a clear gap compared to the White Tiger Legion.

The Flag Capture Battle emphasizes teamwork, making the White Tiger Legion undoubtedly the best choice.

"Alright, then the Flag Capture Battle will be entrusted to the White Tiger Legion." Qin Tian agreed with a nod, then surveyed his eager subordinates beside him, saying solemnly, "For the Star Wars, Adif, Li Qi, Xiong, Terreda, and Old Ghost, you five will take the stage. The opposing side will most likely field Tier Seven powerhouses, so do not underestimate them, give it your all."

"Yes!" the five replied in unison, confident smiles appearing on their faces.

Tier Seven powerhouses.

Half a year ago, they might not have been fully confident in facing Tier Seven powerhouses head-on.

But now, with the augmentation of that item, even if the opposing side is a Tier Seven Golden Bloodline Spiritualist, they have full confidence to compete and prevail!

Soon, the first round of duels began

On the vast ice field, Qin Tian and Zhuang Xian stood facing each other

Qin Tian and Zhuang Xian stood facing each other, separated by dozens of meters, yet it seemed as though an invisible barrier had formed, entirely isolating the swirling snowstorm outside

Qin Tian’s gaze fell on Zhuang Xian opposite him.

Zhuang Xian was dressed in a blue long robe, gripping an ancient longsword in his hand, the scabbard dark brown in color. Though it was not yet unsheathed, it already exuded a touch of fierce sword qi.

Time had left faint traces on his face, with his temples tinged with strands of frost white, yet he appeared not the least bit aged. Those eyes remained clear and sharp, like the gleam of an unsheathed sword. When his gaze swept past, it seemed to penetrate hearts.

According to the information previously compiled by Robert, Zhuang Xian was one of the six elders of the Zhuang Family, and the youngest of the Tier Eight elders within the family.

In his youth, Zhuang Xian was a peerless genius who nearly ranked in the top twenty of the Hidden Dragon List. Except for those with Holy Blood, among his peers, he was nearly invincible, renowned for his masterful swordsmanship and honored as the "Wind Listener Swordsman."

Later, Zhuang Xian did not enter the military but chose to return to his family, holding great authority and leading the Zhuang Family to expand territory.

Even with the extensive family duties, he never neglected his cultivation. At fifty-five, he successfully broke through the Tier Eight barrier, joining the Council of Elders, becoming one of the most influential elders in the Zhuang Family.

Now, Zhuang Xian was a Tier Eight Three Star Spiritualist. Decades of family leadership had not dulled his sharpness as a swordsman; instead, they further tempered his mindset. His sword moves now carried a depth and steadiness from years of experience, blending hardness and softness, increasing their lethality.

Purely in terms of paper strength, Zhuang Xian comprehensively suppressed Qin Tian in terms of realm, foundation, and combat experience.

Qin Tian knew in his heart that both Zhuang Xian and the three Tier Eight elders of the Dongfang Family probably held this view.

However...

Qin Tian slowly curved a faint smile, his right hand lifting to grasp the hilt of the Black Frost Saber at his waist, drawing it gently.

The cold blade sliced through the air, emitting a crisp "clang," with pale purple lightning flowing along its edge. The fierce saber intent erupted, facing off with Zhuang Xian’s sword qi from afar.

Tier Eight, is it...?

A sharp gleam flickered in Qin Tian’s eyes.

Let’s see how long you can last under my blade.