I Pick Up Talents on the Interstellar Battlefield-Chapter 595 - 465: Strike First to Gain the Upper Hand

Regarding the Zhuge Clan, Qin Tian always felt a natural affinity.

Perhaps it’s influenced by his understanding of history from a previous life or possibly because he had met an outstanding junior of the Zhuge Family, Zhuge Yu. When he learned that the leader of this exploration group was Zhuge Xin, a genuine smile unintentionally appeared on his face.

"Hello, Leader Zhuge, welcome to Ice Extreme Pass." Qin Tian quickly stepped forward, proactively shaking Zhuge Xin’s hand, his tone enthusiastic yet measured.

Zhuge Xin returned the handshake with a gentle smile and a steady voice, "General Qin, you’re too kind. This visit is primarily to investigate the condition of the Cold Tree at Ice Extreme Pass."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the light blue cold-resistant cover overhead, then looked into the distant dense Cold Tree forest with a hint of amazement in his eyes, "The scene alone is quite breathtaking. If the Cold Tree can be widely promoted on Mingwang Planet, the landscape of this planet might be completely transformed."

Qin Tian smiled slightly, understanding in his heart — indeed, it wasn’t surprising for someone from the Zhuge Clan to instantly see the value of the Cold Tree.

His active reporting of the Cold Tree discovery was precisely due to its enormous potential, which could not only improve the environment of Ice Extreme Pass but also earn the support of the Empire for himself.

"Leader Zhuge, everyone, please follow me, and I will give you a detailed introduction to the Cold Tree." Qin Tian turned to lead the way, guiding the exploration team toward the Cold Tree forest.

Just stepping into the forest, a refreshing, crisp air greeted them. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, illuminating the blue ice crystals on the trees, refracting pristine rays like being in an illusion realm of ice crystals.

The members of the exploration team all showed curious expressions. Someone couldn’t help but touch the ice crystal, and with Qin Tian’s permission, even broke off a small piece to examine.

When their fingertips felt the pure energy contained in the ice crystal, their eyes flashed with shock — these ice crystals not only supported the cold-resistant cover but could also be used as a high-quality energy source.

It should be known that the energy issue has always been the core problem restricting the development of Mingwang Planet, and Cold Tree only needs to absorb cold air to condense energy ice crystals, making this a revolutionary discovery.

"General Qin, where did you discover these Cold Trees?" Zhuge Xin stopped, gazing at a vigorously growing Cold Tree, and asked softly.

Qin Tian was prepared, smiling as he replied, "I accidentally found them while surveying a canyon. At that time, there were only a few dozen. I noticed ice crystals forming on the trees and found it quite unique, so I tried using my own spiritual energy to catalyze reproduction. Originally, I just wanted to see if it could supplement the energy of Ice Extreme Pass — unexpectedly, after successful cultivation, a significant amount of Cold Trees could form a cold-resistant cover, which was a pleasant surprise."

He deliberately concealed Lan’s existence — Cold Tree requires Lan’s power to rejuvenate, which is his trump card, not to be easily disclosed.

In the future, if someone intends to steal the saplings to cultivate them on their own, it would ultimately be in vain.

Zhuge Xin nodded, his gaze falling on a newly formed small ice crystal, and asked again, "I see these Cold Trees seem to be able to autonomously absorb external cold air and condense ice crystals?"

"Exactly." Qin Tian nodded to confirm.

Upon hearing this, the exploration team members were even more amazed.

It should be known that currently, many planets of the Empire rely mainly on very mature controllable nuclear fusion technology to supply daily energy, while non-renewable resources like spiritual energy crystal stones are mostly used in warships, weapons, and other key areas, which are challenging to acquire.

If Cold Trees can be widely cultivated, merely absorbing cold air could generate high-purity energy, and the entire energy sector would face a significant upheaval.

"General Qin, regarding the energy conversion mechanism of the Cold Tree, we’d like to investigate it on-site." Zhuge Xin said solemnly.

"Of course, please feel free." Qin Tian gestured with a "please" motion.

The exploration members immediately set to work, taking out professional equipment—some filming the growth state of the Cold Tree, others using scanners to detect the energy density of the ice crystals, while some collected a small amount of tree bark samples.

Soon, complex data appeared on the computer screens, each piece of data confirming the extraordinary value of the Cold Tree.

While looking at the data, Zhuge Xin explained to Qin Tian, "General Qin, the results of our exploration will be directly reported to the Advisory Council. If the value of the Cold Tree is verified, the Empire is very likely to invest a large amount of resources to promote urban expansion on Mingwang Planet, and Ice Extreme Pass may become a key development area."

Qin Tian felt a surge of emotion — he initially thought the exploration group was commissioned by the Military Department but didn’t expect it was directly under the Advisory Council.

It should be known that the Advisory Council is the highest administrative body in the Empire, possessing sway that, in non-war times, even surpasses the Military Department, and the head of the Advisory Council is none other than the Great Elder of the Zhuge Family, Zhuge Jin.

This connection undoubtedly was good news for him.

"Leader Zhuge, regarding the development of Ice Extreme Pass, I hope everyone can allocate extra resources." Qin Tian spoke sincerely, while quietly calculating in his heart.

In officialdom, appropriate "gestures" are indispensable. If he could ensure the exploration group speaks well in their report, Ice Extreme Pass might receive more resource allocation.

However, offering gifts shouldn’t be too blatant; it must be subtle yet heartfelt, ensuring that Zhuge Xin feels the sincerity without leaving room for gossip.

This part required some thought.

About half an hour later, the exploration team smoothly completed their survey, and the Military Department’s investigation team happened to return to the square. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"General Qin, our exploration work has concluded, and we are now returning to the Royal star to report to the Advisory Council." Zhuge Xin packed up the equipment and told Qin Tian.