Chapter 48: Joy and Sorrow

The gigantic horned lizard and the mud python transformed into two streams of energy that soared skyward, then plummeted straight into the magic formation below. Immediately, a surge of immense light erupted from the magic circle, forming two enormous pillars—one yellow, one black—each representing the essence of the summoned beasts. Suddenly, these pillars intertwined, spiraling upward, piercing through the heavens and shooting into the clouds.

A thunderous explosion cracked the air, shaking the earth itself. The sky—open above the arena—was suddenly shrouded in swirling mist and thick clouds, plunging the world into darkness. While the crowd below was still stunned, unsure what had transpired, the ground trembled and split open, revealing a deep chasm. A blaze of fire shot down from above, carving a pillar of light sharp enough to tear the sky, and molten lava surged forth. From deep beneath the earth, a colossal red sphere, nearly ten meters in diameter, rose to the surface.

I was astonished—having sacrificed two summoned beasts only to call forth a strange red orb. It hovered motionless in the air, and calm soon returned to the surroundings. Everyone's eyes fixed upon the orb. A minute passed without reaction, but then I faintly heard a rhythm—thump, thump, thump—like the beating of a heart. The sound grew louder, and soon the entire arena could hear it.

Cracks began to snake across the orb’s surface, and with a series of booming detonations, the orb burst open. A terrifying roar echoed as a titanic figure stepped from within, the mist dispersing to reveal its form. Nearly twenty meters tall, its body glowed with a deep red radiance. It possessed four limbs, not human, but beastly, each paw tipped with four sharp claws. Two horns crowned its head, its face was elongated, jaws lined with razor teeth. Upon its back, a pair of azure wings unfurled, spanning ten meters, and a long tail trailed behind. Around its waist, a nearly ten-meter black sword hung. Without question, this was a dragon—a true, majestic dragon. Heaven had not failed me; it had allowed me to summon such a creature.

Staring up in awe at this imposing beast, I quickly received information about it, leaving me utterly speechless.

Name: Burning Core—Dragon War
Type: Beast
Race: Dragon
Quality: Divine Tier
Evolvable: No
Life: 6800 points
Attack: 3000 points
Defense: 2500 points
Skills: Billionfold Lava, Flame Dragon Breath, Meditation, High-Speed Assault; Ultimate Skill: Second Wing Unfurled

Description: ????????

The first impression this information gave me was one of overwhelming power—power beyond reason. Gazing at the dragon, I was both exhilarated and electrified; with it, victory would surely be mine.

Dragon War fixed its fiery gaze upon me from above. In its eyes, I detected a hint of disdain. It turned, its mouth moving slightly, and a clear voice rang out: “I am Burning Core—Dragon War. I have come at your summons. Tell me, are you my master?”

“Master...” I questioned myself, the words familiar yet elusive. Then Dragon War spoke again: “I am Burning Core—Dragon War. I have come at your call. Henceforth, I am with you; I shall be your sword and shield, fighting for you. Master, await your command.”

I replied, “Defeat that person,” pointing at Moon Phantom.

Dragon War immediately turned, saying, “Yes, Master!” With a swift stride, it drew its black sword from its waist and, without hesitation, slashed at Moon Phantom. The attack was so sudden that Moon Phantom could only raise her giant sword horizontally to block. A thunderous crash followed as the arena was left with a massive crater. Moon Phantom struggled to hold off Dragon War’s black sword, and a damage number—3200—flashed above her head. Such a heavy blow, yet she survived, making one wonder how much vitality she possessed.

“Not bad for a human, to withstand my attack.” Dragon War raised its sword again and smashed down. Moon Phantom rolled to the side, dodging, as another section of the arena collapsed. I seized the moment, launching a cloud-striding assault, my Ruyi Staff aimed straight at her face. The staff collided with Moon Phantom’s helmet, dealing 21 points of damage and sending the helmet flying. Revealed was a stunningly beautiful face: a high-bridged nose, rosy lips, a slender neck, expressive eyes, and flowing hair—a true beauty.

I was transfixed. Though I’d suspected my opponent might be female, the reality far exceeded my expectations. In eighteen years, the most beautiful girls I’d seen were Xiao Yue, Xiao Ai, and Dragon Xin. Yet the person before me surpassed them all, even if her appearance might have been altered upon entering the game—she was remarkably beautiful.

I stared in a daze at Moon Phantom. She called out, “Hey. Have you stared enough?”

I replied, “No.” She promptly kicked me in the face, sending me flying. Dragon War immediately slashed at her with its black sword. Moon Phantom dodged, retrieved her helmet, and donned it again, concealing her face. Climbing to my feet, I said, “You’re ruthless.”

Dragon War swept its sword horizontally, Moon Phantom blocked with her giant blade, and sparks of electricity flashed. She endured the blow, a damage number—2811—appeared above her, and the force sent her flying a dozen meters before she crashed to the ground.

Dragon War pressed its advantage and struck again. Moon Phantom rolled aside, stood, and dashed forward, leaving a phantom trail as she came at me. I quickly activated my speed skill, barely dodging, but found her already before me. Dragon War appeared behind her, but her giant sword slashed across my waist, dealing 2811 points of damage. Simultaneously, Dragon War’s black sword struck Moon Phantom, dealing 5931 points of damage. Two white lights rose, and the system announcement sounded: “This PK tournament has concluded. The awards ceremony will soon begin, and the final results will be determined by the judges.”

The next moment, I returned to the resting area. I checked my summoned beasts—the Gale Wolf King remained, but the horned lizard and the mud python had become Dragon War. Both were now in a dormant state. Others approached, and Ye Shuang exclaimed, “Brother, that was incredible! To fight that monster to such a level, and summon such an awesome beast—you’re amazing!”

Dragon Xin chimed in, “Big brother, did your heart skip a beat when you saw Moon Phantom?”

I was taken aback, shook my head quickly, and replied, “You... you’re talking nonsense. There’s no such thing.”

Dragon Xin grinned mischievously, “Really?”

“Of course,” I insisted.

Wind Xiao Yue interjected, “Alright, the results are about to be announced. Let’s hope Dragon Spirit brings glory to our studio.”

A few minutes later, a beautiful NPC lady stepped onto the stage: “Everyone, sorry for the wait. Now, I announce the winners of this PK warm-up tournament. Third place: Miss Silver Moon!”

A roar of applause filled the arena as Silver Moon ascended the stage, her face expressionless.

“Second place is...” The NPC paused, heightening everyone’s suspense—even my heart raced wildly.

“Mr. Mighty Dragon!”

Though slightly disappointed, I still walked onto the stage.

The NPC continued, “And the champion: Miss Moon Phantom! Please come forward.”

Moon Phantom stepped onto the stage, restored to her previous attire, wrapped tightly, hiding her face. It was a shame—a great beauty, yet determined to conceal herself. The top eight participants stood on the stage, which transformed into an awards platform. Trumpets blared, cannons thundered, and a shower of rose petals rained down from the sky. The eight of us received the adulation of the entire Second World, as a magical crystal above replayed the epic final duel. In that moment, everyone understood why the judges had crowned Moon Phantom champion.

When Moon Phantom stood before me, her giant sword had already slashed my waist, and she herself was subsequently felled by Dragon War’s sword. In other words, I died before Moon Phantom—by less than three seconds. According to the tournament rules, the first to fall is eliminated, and so Moon Phantom ascended to the champion’s throne.