Chapter 1451: Steel Race!

"Bang!"

The black beam of light struck the white glow, yet it had no effect; the white light remained brilliant.

At this moment, the audience in the stands around the arena fell into a sudden, absolute silence.

Seeing this, the Nightmare Spirit didn't know what to think; it stopped attacking and instead looked toward its Beast Tamer with a bewildered expression.

However, it discovered that its Beast Tamer looked even more bewildered, reaching a level of complete stupefaction—an expression it had never seen on its Tamer's face before.

"This... this isn't going to be an evolution, is it?" someone in the stands asked, eyes wide, with an expression that said, "My eyes must be playing tricks on me."

The surrounding murmurs began to rise one after another.

"That shouldn't be it..."

"Does the Steel Sovereign have any skills that look like this?"

"No, this really looks like the Light of Evolution!"

"Hahaha... what kind of joke are you making? The Steel Sovereign is already at the Sovereign rank. If it evolved again, wouldn't it become an Emperor-rank pet? Impossible, absolutely impossible. This must just be the way a skill is executed, making it look like evolution... Yes, that's it."

"Qiao Sang's Steel Sovereign's entire evolutionary chain is brand new, right? Its next stage doesn't even have a prototype yet. If the Steel Sovereign really evolved, wouldn't we be the first batch of witnesses?"

"What are you thinking! I already said it couldn't be evolution! This pet form of the Steel Sovereign was only announced a short while ago, which means it hasn't been evolved for long. Sovereign rank, eh? It's already at the Sovereign rank; how could it evolve into the Emperor rank in such a short time!"

"The Steel Sovereign's entire evolutionary path is Bond Evolution. If it really can evolve into the Emperor rank, the path might still rely on the power of the bond. If that's the case, is it temporarily evolving now by relying on the power of the bond?"

"Reason tells me the Steel Sovereign can't evolve, but what's in front of us really looks like the Light of Evolution!"

"Impossible! Qiao Sang is only 18! Do you mean she's about to possess an Emperor-rank pet? And an Emperor-rank pet that has never appeared before! I wouldn't even dare to dream that big, okay!"

The arguments in the stands grew increasingly intense.

Suddenly, someone saw something, stood up abruptly, and shouted in disbelief: "My god! It really is evolution! The white light is getting bigger! It's getting bigger!"

The entire arena fell into a strange silence once more. After confirming that the white light was indeed growing, many people froze, their pupils constricted and their bodies stiffened, as if they had been dealt a massive shock.

At the commentary desk, the two hosts and the guest wore bewildered expressions.

Nephthys was the first to react. Her back straightened abruptly, and she stood up suddenly, microphone in hand, saying in utter disbelief:

"Ladies and gentlemen! Friends in the audience and friends watching in front of your televisions! We may be about to witness the birth of a brand-new Emperor-rank pet! Steel Sovereign! It's evolving!!!"

Auror took a deep breath, equally excited, and stood up. With a look of profound shock on his face, he shouted in a voice that nearly cracked: "This is absolutely the most shocking scene since the start of this Master Challenge! I believe that no matter how much time passes, as long as people mention the Master Challenge, they will never forget tonight—the night of the Steel Sovereign's evolution!!!"

For a Sovereign-rank pet to evolve to the Emperor rank, it usually requires absolute talent, absolute resources, and enough luck to complete the evolution.

A pet capable of evolving to the Emperor rank, no matter which planet it is on—even on a planet like Super-Host Star where pets are generally oppressed—can become a major power. If a pet in a certain species evolves into the Emperor rank, Beast Tamers on Super-Host Star generally won't actively provoke that species.

Since the development of the Beast Taming World, it's not as if no one has seen videos of Sovereign-rank pets evolving into the Emperor rank online, but evolving during a match is, from ancient times to the present, absolutely rare.

That's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that the Steel Sovereign is a brand-new form! The Emperor-rank form after evolution will also be a brand-new form!

It's not that there aren't new pet species appearing on various planets every so often, but it's been unknown how long it has been since a brand-new Emperor-rank pet appeared.

If the Steel Sovereign really succeeds in evolving, then tonight's match will be the most unforgettable match since the Master Challenge began.

"Jeri..."

Jeri Luoka wore an expression of deep emotion and called out, indicating that he hadn't expected the power of the bond between Qiao Sang and the Steel Sovereign to have reached such a level...

Although he hadn't experienced many battles, his age still brought him experience. Jeri Luoka realized this was Bond Evolution.

On the field, the blinding white light was still rapidly expanding.

In the stands, the silent stillness was finally broken. Like a powder keg being ignited, with a "Boom," the roar of the crowd exploded as if the champion had already been decided.

"Holy crap! It evolved! So the Steel Sovereign really did evolve!"

"My god! This evolutionary path of the Steel Sovereign is too awesome! It can actually use Bond Evolution even at the Emperor rank!"

"It was worth it! Today's ticket was really worth buying! I actually got to see an Emperor-rank pet evolve live! And it's a brand-new form!"

"It's too exaggerated. Qiao Sang is too monstrous. I thought she was going to lose this match, but she actually made the Steel Sovereign use Bond Evolution!"

"To be honest, I'm already starting to sympathize with Contestant Laifeide..."

"No, is the power of the bond that strong? Can't just any Sovereign-rank late-stage pet evolve directly to the Emperor rank?"

"The Steel Sovereign seems to be at the Sovereign mid-stage."

"It should only be able to evolve for a very short time."

"Don't talk about evolving for a short time; even if it only evolves for a second, I'm going to worship it, okay! It can actually use Bond Evolution directly to the Emperor rank for its entire evolutionary chain!"

"It's impossible for a Sovereign mid-stage to evolve directly to the Emperor rank by relying on the power of the bond. Is the Steel Sovereign a Sovereign late-stage pet?"

"Do you know how long this form of the Steel Sovereign has been around? Let alone Sovereign late-stage; if I hadn't seen its battles with my own eyes, I wouldn't even believe it was Sovereign mid-stage."

"A Sovereign mid-stage can evolve directly to the Emperor rank. How strong must the power of the bond between Qiao Sang and it be..."

"Are they in a relationship where they saved each other's lives?"

"You've read too many novels. When Qiao Sang contracted it, it was only a beginner-stage pet, a Little Steel Falcon. How could it save Qiao Sang's life?"

"Is the upper limit of the other form of the Little Steel Falcon species only the Sovereign rank?"

"Seems so."

"Amazing. Not only is the evolution chain of the new form Bond Evolution, but it can also go directly to the Emperor rank. I want to go to Super-Host Star and find a Little Steel Falcon to contract."

"No need to go to Super-Host Star. Just wait. I saw the news last time saying that Yan Yan Tianxing seems to be introducing the Little Steel Falcon species."

"Still want to contract a Little Steel Falcon? If it were before this match, you might have had a chance. Now that the Steel Sovereign can evolve to the Emperor rank, do you think you'd have a chance to contract it even if the Little Steel Falcon is introduced to Yan Yan Tianxing?"

"Regardless of whether there's a chance, I have to try, right? If I really contract a Little Steel Falcon, I'm willing to give it my life in exchange for it using Bond Evolution to the Emperor rank!"

"Your life isn't worth much in the eyes of a Little Steel Falcon. When they contract with a Beast Tamer, they look at the Beast Tamer's IQ. Only Beast Tamers like me who graduated from top Beast Taming academies have a chance to contract them."

"Heh, did you graduate from one of the four major interstellar academies? If not, don't blabber."

"..."

"As expected of my idol, ah! Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang!"

"I've decided, from now on, Steel Treasure is my idol! Steel Treasure! Steel Treasure!"

"Being able to rely directly on the power of the bond to evolve to the Emperor rank, my god, the Little Steel Falcon species is definitely the most suitable pet for civilian Beast Tamers!"

"Once the news that the Little Steel Falcon can directly use Bond Evolution to the Emperor rank comes out, do you think ordinary civilian Beast Tamers will still be able to contract it? They won't be able to contract it at all, okay, unless there's a civilian Beast Tamer with a super-high IQ."

The people and pets chatted excitedly while opening their phones to record the white light on the field. No one wanted to miss this historic moment for the Little Steel Falcon species.

VIP Room.

"Xia Xia!"

"Xia Xia!"

Xia Xia Lala looked at the white light on the field, stunned at first, then revealed a surprised expression, shouting excitedly.

This is... evolution?! Teacher Mi Mi Jiala stood by with a dazed expression, various chaotic thoughts flashing through her mind, mixed with shock and confusion.

Honestly, she felt like she was dreaming.

Except for Qiao Sang, no one knew better than her when Steel Treasure officially evolved into the Steel Sovereign. How much time had passed since then, and it could already temporarily evolve into the Emperor rank?

No, no, has there been any major event between Qiao Sang and Steel Treasure recently that promoted their bond? How could the power of the bond suddenly be enough to temporarily evolve into the Emperor rank?

And she remembered that Steel Treasure's energy was at the Sovereign mid-stage. For a pet that has reached the Sovereign stage, the energy required to evolve is immeasurable. She had never heard of a Sovereign mid-stage pet being able to evolve directly to the Emperor rank by relying on the power of the bond.

According to records, there was once a Sovereign late-stage pet that evolved to the Emperor rank by relying on the power of the bond, and it only maintained it for about five seconds.

How on earth was this done...

Suddenly, Teacher Mi Mi Jiala thought of something, and her expression turned to excitement.

If the Steel Sovereign can temporarily evolve, it means its upper limit is not just the Sovereign rank! Qiao Sang's chances of winning the Interstellar Cup in the future will also be higher!

This is really, too great!

The phone in her hand was quiet. The old folks who had been active in the group chat before had suddenly gone silent.

However, soon, the phone vibrated continuously, and the old folks in the group suddenly popped up all at once.

【The Steel Sovereign actually evolved temporarily!】

【Is Qiao Sang really not planning to change mentors! I'm two hundred years older than Teacher Mi Mi Jiala! My teaching experience is much richer!】

【The Little Steel Falcon species is quite interesting, actually being able to directly bond to the Emperor rank. Should we introduce a batch of Little Steel Falcons to study them?】

【@Teacher Mi Mi Jiala, did you once ask the Fate Spirit to calculate it, which is why you returned to school during that time and deliberately hovered in front of the Dean, only to become Qiao Sang's mentor?】

【I admit I'm a bit jealous. What kind of dog-shit luck did Teacher Mi Mi Jiala step into!】

【I suddenly remembered, it's not like there haven't been cases of changing mentors in our Emperor Class before.】

【I remember, it seems it was because the original teacher passed away from old age.】

【Is Teacher Mi Mi Jiala's health okay? @Teacher Mi Mi Jiala】

The few old folks chatting were all green with envy, wishing they could turn back time to replace Teacher Mi Mi Jiala and become Qiao Sang's mentor.

Once the Steel Sovereign evolved, the outcome of the subsequent matches was actually no longer important. For people of their level, cultivating a student who can participate in the Interstellar Cup is the most important thing.

Qiao Sang's talent is monstrous, but the upper limits of the pets she contracted before were not high, and two of them were even brand-new forms. Now that one is confirmed to be able to evolve to the Emperor rank, with her talent, plus a brand-new form of Emperor-rank pet, as long as there are no accidents, she is simply a nailed-on Interstellar Cup contestant in the future!

Thinking of this, they couldn't help but be jealous.

The phone vibrated non-stop, but Teacher Mi Mi Jiala ignored it completely. She looked at the white light on the field, still immersed in her excitement.

"Momo..."

Dragon King looked at the white light outside, shocked and envious at the same time.

Even a little guy like Steel Treasure can temporarily evolve to the Emperor rank. When will I be able to evolve...

On the field.

The Nightmare Spirit did not launch another attack. It was now certain that its opponent was evolving, and it couldn't help but swallow its saliva subconsciously, its body tense and very nervous.

As for Contestant Laifeide, after his bewilderment, he looked at the slender figure in the distance with an incomparably complex expression.

To be able to make a Sovereign mid-stage pet temporarily evolve to the Emperor rank, is this the power of the bond between Qiao Sang and the Steel Sovereign...

He had to admit that after these few matches, plus the evolution of the Steel Sovereign, he lost with complete conviction.

Holy crap? Steel Treasure evolved?! How did it evolve?! Qiao Sang looked at the white light on the field, completely dazed. The shock brought by the scene in front of her made her instantly forget the pain in her body.

After the shock, Qiao Sang revealed an expression of wild joy.

So, the power of the bond between Steel Treasure and her has reached this level!

Remembering that it was currently being broadcast live, Qiao Sang quickly managed her expressions, but even so, she couldn't hide her excitement.

Steel Treasure in its Emperor-rank form, I wonder what it will look like...

Under the gaze of everyone, the white light on the field finally gradually disappeared.

The sound in the stands quieted down all at once. Everyone subconsciously held their breath, looking forward to the gradually disappearing white light.

Soon, a giant pet appeared in everyone's field of vision. It was over a hundred meters tall, its entire body covered in purple feathers as clear and hard as purple diamonds. Its head and wings were covered in silver steel armor, its eyes were dark red, the tips of its wings were dark red, and it had a crown formed by two silver curved blades on its head. The end of its tail was forked like sharp swords, and it had dark red and silver stripes.

So cool! The eyes of the people and pets lit up, their breathing quickening.

"Steel Race!!!"

Just as everyone was preparing to go crazy taking pictures, that giant figure clad in silver steel armor suddenly let out a roar that seemed to shake the heavens and the earth.

An indescribable sense of oppression surged over like a tidal wave.

The faces of the people and pets all turned pale.

An invisible barrier instantly shrouded the area around the field.

The indescribable sense of oppression disappeared, and the people and pets gasped for air, as if they had come back to life.

Suddenly, the barrier shook, and hundreds of cracks appeared.

The hearts of the people and pets rose to their throats.

On the field, the terrifying sense of oppression pressed down entirely on the Nightmare Spirit. Its spirit shook violently, its body trembled, and it was unable to move or think at all. Its eyes rolled back, and it fell to the ground without warning.

"Bang!"

Dust rose, gravel splashed, and the Nightmare Spirit reverted to its normal form.

Almost the second after the Nightmare Spirit fell, the momentum on Steel Treasure, which had been majestic just a second ago, suddenly dissipated. It closed its eyes, reverted to the Steel Sovereign form, and with a "Bang," fell to the ground.

The barrier stopped shaking.

This... In the stands, while the people and pets breathed a sigh of relief, they looked at the two pets on the field that had fallen one after another and reverted to their original forms with suspicion. Mainly, their eyes were still focused on Steel Treasure.

Is this the gap between an Emperor-rank pet and a Sovereign-rank pet?

Just by roaring once, the aura of the overlord it emitted caused the Nightmare Spirit, which hadn't been seriously injured, to fall directly?

"Just now! We witnessed the history of the Master Challenge!" At the commentary desk, Nephthys took a deep breath and said in a passionate voice: "The Steel Sovereign evolved into the Emperor rank for the first time in the Master Challenge! It debuted its brand-new form!"

Auror followed up: "The oppression brought by its Emperor rank directly crushed the Nightmare Spirit! However, also because of insufficient energy, the Steel Sovereign quickly returned to its original form! And then fell!"

"This is the power of an Emperor-rank pet! Even without using any skills! Just by appearing for an instant! It can directly defeat a Sovereign-rank pet!" Nephthys shouted.

"Jeri..."

Jeri Luoka took a big gulp of water, calmed his mood, and called out, indicating that he was sitting here and also felt the terror brought by the Steel Sovereign's evolution into the Emperor rank.

During the commentary, the broken barrier disappeared. A Mechanical-type pet wearing a referee's badge came onto the field, checked Steel Treasure and the Nightmare Spirit one after another, then blew the whistle, raised its claws upward, and drew a circle, representing that both sides could no longer fight, and the match was a draw.

A giant virtual screen appeared on the field.

Below the photos of Qiao Sang and Contestant Laifeide, the avatars of Steel Treasure and the Nightmare Spirit turned from color to black and white at the same time.

?? I originally wanted to finish writing before the New Year, but I feel like I have to ask for leave tomorrow. I really tried my best...