"Do what you want, kill me if you must, why waste so much breath?" A flicker of fury flashed on the face of the Red Lady, as she glared at Wang Xiaoqiang and spoke solemnly.

Wang Xiaoqiang refrained from killing the Red Lady for two reasons: he wanted to understand her identity and background, and also because she was an extraordinary beauty with delicate skin, whom he did not wish to see perish at such a young age. Thus, he patiently said, "I'm a contestant, and what I need is the head of a criminal. Yet, I've already gained plenty, with or without you. If you can clearly explain your identity and background, I may spare your life..."

The Red Lady was not afraid of death, but dying before killing the King of Kunshan and Fang Yuntian left her unwilling. Hearing Wang Xiaoqiang's words stirred her heart, yet looking at Wang Xiaoqiang's somewhat playful and unreliable expression, she spoke solemnly, "How ridiculous... I'm merely a criminal, where could there be any identity or background?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiaoqiang grew even more intrigued by the Red Lady and chuckled, "Heroes are not asked about their origins. Besides, prison isn't the place you're from; who is born right into a prison..."

The Red Lady sized up Wang Xiaoqiang, seeing no Immortal Vein opened, yet his Qi Refining Cultivation reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal Third Fluid Realm. Moreover, a cultivator at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Fourth Liquid Realm beside him actually followed him willingly. The power of his Pet Beast was extraordinary, and he controlled two Fierce Ghost Puppets, an impressive feat given the difficulty of taming ghost creatures. Clearly, the young man before her was no ordinary cultivator, deepening her interest in Wang Xiaoqiang. Gazing directly at Wang Xiaoqiang, she pursed her red lips and asked, "What exactly do you want?"

Wang Xiaoqiang answered, "Nothing. I just find your identity suspicious. Before killing you, I need to clarify, lest I end up like last time, killing Kun Jiuhu without knowing his identity and almost losing my life to that old thief, the King of Kunshan..."

The Red Lady had some acquaintance with Hua Yingluo, the Domain Lord of Huayin Province. Back when Kun Jiuhu was harassing Hua Yingluo, the Red Lady taught him a lesson, thus forming a feud with the King of Kunshan.

However, at that time, the King of Kunshan had not yet reached the Purple Mansion Immortal level nor comprehended the True Meaning of Wind, leaving him weak and unable to avenge against the Red Lady.

Now with great power, the King of Kunshan oppressed Hua Tianxia, fearing actions against him since Hua Tianxia held significant influence as a Domain Lord. Thus, he redirected his hatred towards the Red Lady and sought Fang Yuntian's help for revenge...

Bold and free-spirited, Red Lady was acquainted with various individuals within the Martial World, regardless of their backgrounds. One day, introduced by a friend, she met a new acquaintance who turned out to be an Evil Immortal. During their meeting, the government officers from the Biluo City Lord's Mansion arrested her on the spot.

Meeting an Evil Immortal did not constitute a crime, but Fang Yuntian sought to avenge the King of Kunshan and sentenced her to death.

The Red Lady hated the King of Kunshan and Fang Yuntian, wishing to strip their skin, eat their flesh, and drink their blood. Hearing the young man before her mention Kun Jiuhu was slain by him, her eyes lit up as she said, "So, you're Wang Xiaoqiang?"

The father-son duo, King of Kunshan and Kun Jiuhu, were her sworn enemies. She was well aware of who killed Kun Jiuhu, having heard about the young talent Wang Xiaoqiang.

Grateful for the one who killed her foe, she looked forward to meeting this young talent upon escaping. However, unexpectedly meeting him in such a manner brought both surprise and a sense of sadness.

"Really? Is my reputation, Wang Xiaoqiang, so renowned that even you recognize me?" Upon hearing this, Wang Xiaoqiang was equally surprised, puzzled, and slightly elated.

Comparing the young man with the rumors, the Red Lady immediately recognized him as Wang Xiaoqiang. She then said, "But honestly, I didn't expect you to be so cruel and despicable..."

"Cruel? Despicable?" Wang Xiaoqiang laughed in astonishment, "Of course, having killed your people, I'm seen as cruel and despicable in your eyes, much like how I was perceived when slaying Kun Jiuhu by the King of Kunshan. Yet as a contestant in the Golden Immortal Ranking competition, whether killing Kun Jiuhu or your people, it's only natural, isn't it? Just like you criminals, who wouldn't be imprisoned in Heaven's Prison if not for murder or unforgivable sins..."

The Red Lady paused briefly, contemplating... Indeed, Wang Xiaoqiang, as a contestant, naturally earned scores by slaying criminals. Her "brothers" were simply unfortunate to be killed, even herself, such was her fate. In this world, only strength and weakness mattered, right or wrong wasn't the issue. Alas...

The Red Lady sighed faintly, as a trace of thin desolation swept across her stunning face.

Red Lady's expression caught Wang Xiaoqiang's attention, compelling him further to find this woman full of stories intriguing, so he asked her intently, "Knowing my identity, shouldn't I learn yours as well?"

By now, the Red Lady decided against concealing anything, even feeling she and Wang Xiaoqiang were on the same side against her enemy, the King of Kunshan. They could have been allies fighting against him if it weren't for their distinct identities. Thus, she said, "My name is Xue Hongying, known in the Martial World as the Red Lady..."

The illustrious Red Lady Xue Hongying was famed throughout Biluo City, yet her fame remained limited outside. Wang Xiaoqiang hadn't heard of her, so he turned to ask Zuo Dao, "Brother, have you heard of her?"

The Red Lady froze upon hearing this, thinking, "Is this guy pretending not to know me? My fame reigns within and outside Biluo City!"

As a native of Biluo Realm, Zuo Dao indeed had heard of Red Lady Xue Hongying. He briefly explained her identity and background.

Wang Xiaoqiang, after listening, turned his gaze back to the Red Lady and said, "I thought so, your identity must be extraordinary. Turns out, you're a great sister of the Martial World..."

"Speak not of past achievements, all those are bygone..." Xue Hongying replied.

"Really? I didn't think you were imprisoned by the King of Kunshan and Fang Yuntian. Do you hate them...?" By now, Wang Xiaoqiang realized that the powerful Red Lady could be cultivated as an ally, and together they could confront the King of Kunshan and Fang Yuntian's influence.

"What use is hatred? I'll soon be cut down by your blade..." the Red Lady sighed lightly.

"I, Wang Xiaoqiang, always keep my word. Since you've clarified your identity, naturally, I won't kill you..." Wang Xiaoqiang gazed at Xue Hongying's beautiful yet slightly weathered face, smiling as he said, "Xue Hongying, don't you think we could be good friends... uh... alliance partners?"

Xue Hongying's heart stirred at his words, about to respond when a tremor shook the ground as if an earthquake occurred, accompanied by terrifying beast roars rapidly closing in from afar...

(Sorry, life's distractions limit me to one update today; will strive to resume normal updates tomorrow...)(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote with recommendations and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)

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