Chapter 903: Chapter 600: 9-Star Martial Gathering (Part 3)
Chapter 903: Chapter 600: 9-Star Martial Gathering (Part 3)
“Beastmen?” Qin Tian furrowed his brow, filled with doubt, “Why would the Empire allow Beastmen to participate? Aren’t they afraid of them causing trouble in secret, ruining the chance, or even coveting the Celestial Stele of the Cosmos?”
Zhuge Yu smiled and explained, “The evolutionary effect of the Celestial Stele Light is so powerful that even the Beastman Empire is envious of it. To allow their elite to bathe in the light of the stele, the Beastman Empire is willing to pay a huge price, sending nine Beastman royal clans, each leading elite troops to participate in the demon-elimination mission.”
“For the Empire, this is also a win-win situation—on the one hand, they can use the strength of the Beastmen to clear the demons in the stele space more quickly and thoroughly, reducing their own losses; on the other hand, during the demon-elimination process, they can take the opportunity to kill some elite Beastman royals, weakening the power of the Beastman Empire and preemptively resolving some potential threats to the Empire.”
“The reason it’s called a military exercise is not only because it’s a competition of strength among the Nine Great Holy Blood Clans but also a hidden war between the Empire and the Beastman Empire. Only the strongest and luckiest warriors are qualified to bathe in the Celestial Stele Light and obtain that heaven-defying opportunity.”
So that’s how it is…
Qin Tian felt a wave of emotion in his heart. A single Celestial Stele of the Cosmos could attract the combined forces of the Human Empire and the Beastman Empire, two of the apex cosmic powers, which shows the wondrous and significant nature of the Celestial Stele Light. It also suggests just how perilous and intense this Nine Stars Martial Competition will be.
After a brief consideration, he looked at Zhuge Yu and confidently asked, “So, you mean you hope that I join the Dongfang Family’s camp to participate in the Nine Stars Martial Competition six months later?”
“That’s right.” Zhuge Yu nodded emphatically, his expression sincere, “Your strength and capabilities are evident to all. Whether the Dongfang Family, or myself and Haoyue, we all sincerely hope that you will join our camp to take part in this Nine Stars Martial Competition together.”
“Dongfang Haoyue is also participating?” Qin Tian furrowed his brows even tighter, his tone carrying a hint of concern, “Given his current situation, isn’t participating in the Nine Stars Martial Competition too risky for him?”
He clearly understood that Dongfang Haoyue, while in the Azure Wood Star Realm, frequently faced opponents’ targeting and assassination attempts, endangering his position. The stele space is far more dangerous than the Azure Wood Star Realm, not only housing formidable demons but also including elite Beastmen and competitors from other Holy Blood Clans. Once Dongfang Haoyue joins in, he will inevitably face even more lethal threats.
“That’s right, it’s his own decision, and no one can persuade him otherwise.” Zhuge Yu nodded helplessly and then looked at Qin Tian. “Well, I’ve explained enough about the Nine Stars Martial Competition; the next step depends on your decision.”
Qin Tian didn’t hesitate for a moment, firmly stating, “I will join. Not only me, but I will also lead my most elite subordinates to participate in this Nine Stars Martial Competition together.”
For him, even with his golden opportunity, which could accelerate his talent upgrades, the Celestial Stele Light, capable of genetic evolution and breakthrough epiphanies, is still an opportunity he can’t afford to miss. More importantly, he hopes that his core forces can bathe in the Celestial Stele Light, achieving a qualitative leap in talent and strength, further enhancing the overall strength of Ice Extreme Pass.
Moreover, the involvement of the Beastmen is a delightful surprise for him. His initial talent was derived from the Beastmen, and although the talents of the nine Beastman royal clans and human Holy Blood cannot be collected, the talents of other Beastman elites don’t have this restriction. The Nine Stars Martial Competition this time is not only an opportunity for growth but also a superb chance to collect talents and become stronger at a rapid pace.
Furthermore, considering the safety of Dongfang Haoyue, his “convenient elder brother-in-law,” he has no choice but to participate in this Nine Stars Martial Competition.
“Alright, I will immediately inform the Dongfang Family’s senior members of your decision.” Zhuge Yu showed a relieved smile, his expression rather calm, as if he had already expected Qin Tian to make such a choice—given Qin Tian’s ambition and foresight, he would never miss such an opportunity.
“A Yu.” At this moment, Qin Tian suddenly remembered a critical question and asked, his eyes solemn, “Where exactly is the Celestial Stele of the Cosmos? Why is there no news from the outside world about such an extraordinary cosmic secret treasure, and how has the Empire managed to hide it so well all along?”
Logically speaking, such an asset capable of influencing the structure of two empires, even if deliberately concealed, would inevitably have some information leak out, and it could not remain so unheard of.
Zhuge Yu’s expression turned extremely grave, and he lowered his voice, saying each word with weight, “That’s because the location of the stele is extremely special; it is deep within the Imperial Palace, beneath that… Gold Throne.”