However, Xue Hongying was hidden in Wang Xiaoqiang's storage ring at this time, and no one discovered her. The attention of the crowd was focused on Wang Xiaoqiang and the number of criminal heads on his dragon tendon.

"Wow, incredible, he actually secured sixty-three criminal heads!"

"This record-breaking feat is terrifying, possibly unprecedented and unparalleled to come."

"The key is that his cultivation base and this achievement are completely disproportionate!"

...

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, all marveling at Wang Xiaoqiang's impressive achievement with a mix of admiration and bewilderment.

"Humph, you all truly believe those criminal heads were claimed one by one by him? How could he be so lucky, encountering sixty criminals and being able to kill them all in the vast expanse of Kunshan in just half a month? No, those heads must have been stolen from other contestants. Who knows how many fellow competitors he's slain? Clearly, he's nothing but a bloody-handed butcher..."

Suddenly, a loud, discordant voice erupted from the audience, coming from a burly man shouting with great volume.

"Hmm?" The gaze of the crowd turned towards the man, while the officials seated behind the stage, including the Azure Dragon protector, directed their attention to Wang Xiaoqiang, observing his expression and reaction.

Facing the skepticism, Wang Xiaoqiang remained composed and unruffled, his eyes scanning the audience. Looking directly at the man, he said, "Brother, for you to say such words, it seems you don't know me, Wang Xiaoqiang, very well... Do you not realize that I have opened the Heavenly Eye? Once the Heavenly Eye is open, I can perceive everything in Kunshan even from here... So, finding criminals is as easy as pie for me."

The man was momentarily speechless, left with nothing to say.

The crowd immediately burst into chatter…

"Indeed, Wang Xiaoqiang has opened the Heavenly Eye. With one sweep, thousands of miles are under his gaze; finding criminals is like child's play..."

"Right, this person clearly intended to slander, but we don't know who sent him?"

Upon hearing this, the man felt embarrassed and under the intense gaze of the crowd, he felt needles on his back, quickly slipping away from the square.

This man was sent by the King of Kunshan. When the Kunshan King learned that the Ancestral Tree Great Demon had died at Wang Xiaoqiang's hands, he was utterly shocked, deeply disheartened, and simultaneously filled with dread.

What level was the Ancestral Tree Great Demon?

Its strength was equivalent to the Pinnacle of the Purple Mansion Immortal Third Ice Realm, slightly superior, yet such a distinguished demon was slain by Wang Xiaoqiang.

Of course, he knew in his heart that Wang Xiaoqiang had utilized the Divine Maiden's Cauldron to blast the Ancestral Tree, but if the King of Kunshan had previously provoked Wang Xiaoqiang, and he used the Divine Maiden's Cauldron against him, he wouldn't have survived until now.

Just the thought of it sends chills down his spine!

Fear aside, the revenge for his son's murder still cannot go unpunished. The King of Kunshan quickly thought to use the official strength to execute Wang Xiaoqiang, so he sent this man over to deliberately slander Wang Xiaoqiang.

In the end, the King of Kunshan picked the wrong person. This man was clearly not eloquent; after uttering just one sentence, he was countered by Wang Xiaoqiang's compelling evidence.

Afraid of exposing his identity, he could only slip away quietly at this moment.

...

This was a minor skirmish, hardly making a ripple, and soon it calmed down as the contestants' results were announced and rankings established.

The top hundred winners were naturally delighted, while those disqualified sighed wistfully, especially the one who came one hundred and first, who felt so despondent that he broke into tears.

Besides Wang Xiaoqiang's outstanding and prominent performance, ranking first, the second was a fellow named Hu Sanhei, with a score of twenty-five criminal heads.

This Hu Sanhei was true to his name, with black hair, a dark face, and even darker skin. At night, his skin glowed black, and he seemed to have a thick layer of dense fur, like a big black bear. His appearance was quite unseemly, so he didn't attract much attention.

The third and fourth spots went to the Yuu Family Sisters.

The Yuu Family Sisters earned their rank solely due to each getting ten criminal heads from Wang Xiaoqiang. When the staff announced their results and rankings, all eyes turned to the two women, whose unparalleled beauty made the crowd yearn.

Meanwhile, the sisters exchanged grateful glances with Wang Xiaoqiang.

No matter what, this round of competition had already brought honor to their father.

As for Wang Xiaoqiang, in first place, not only did he secure his rank but also greatly enhanced the reputation of the Wind Rain Pavilion,

Upon hearing the news, Ding Chunqiu, Fairy Zixia, and Ling Xuefei, along with Wang Xiaoqiang's assassin brothers in the Wind Rain Pavilion, were all thrilled.

When Sect Leader Black Tornado and Deputy Tower Master Lord Anqing learned of Wang Xiaoqiang's results, they were greatly satisfied, feeling quite proud.

Black Tornado said to Anqing, "Seems I didn't misjudge him. Wang Xiaoqiang has great potential; I'm thinking of letting him take over the position of Sect Leader. What do you think?"

Lord Anqing simply smiled with meaning and said, "You intend to abdicate, but I fear Wang Xiaoqiang may not care much about your position anymore…"

Black Tornado paused at these words, then realized and said, "Hmm, you're right. Given Wang Xiaoqiang's potential, his future will probably transcend being a mere Wind Rain Sect Leader or Domain Lord, and instead, he might become someone near the Biluo Heavenly Emperor, perhaps one of the Four Great Protectors. Moreover, his carefree nature would never bind him to the Wind Rain Pavilion…"

"Yes, as long as you understand. Either way, he walked out from here, and when he prospers, we will also benefit…," said Lord Anqing.

"Mm, you have a point. Wang Xiaoqiang is not the type to be merciless and unfeeling. He cherishes old relationships... Such a person is worth nurturing, and worthy of cultivation. From now on, the Wind Rain Pavilion's cultivation resources will be unconditionally inclined towards him," Sect Leader Black Tornado solemnly stated.

...

Biluo Heaven Square.

The top hundred winners stood in rows, in front of them stood the Azure Dragon protector, alongside a government officer. This officer was about to detail the next event, which is the Ranking Contest, explaining the specific procedure and competition rules. The next event is the Ranking Contest.

The first match of the Ranking Contest is a confrontation match.

The so-called confrontation match is a battle between the hundred new winners of this session and the hundred seniors from the previous Golden Immortal Ranking Contest, paired to duel, determining victory or defeat, with winners advancing to this session's top hundred ranking, while losers are eliminated.

If a new entrant is eliminated, the shame is less as they are defeated by veterans, but it's unfortunate to miss an opportunity. However, the officials will provide cultivation resources as compensation and solace. If veterans from the previous session lose, their shame is considerable, like an authority being abruptly brought down; the embarrassment is huge, and they must relinquish the territories or tribes granted by the officials, with no compensation whatsoever.

Therefore, this confrontation event is crucial, as it will refresh the Golden Immortal Ranking and concerns not only reputation but also benefits.

To preserve their reputation and existing interests, veterans of the previous rankings will exert every effort, relying on strong cultivation base and combat experience, fiercely opposing newcomers, even if it means risking their lives, and they don't hold a newcomer's life in high regard, as cultivators value fame and fortune above life.

After the government officer finished explaining the confrontation match's process and rules, Azure Dragon protector spoke summarily, "Alright, surely you all understand the next confrontation match, so now what I want to emphasize is that the confrontation match will be held in a week. During this time, everyone should focus on cultivation, strengthen spell techniques,"

"Alright, everyone disperse and take a rest, Wang Xiaoqiang, stay." Azure Dragon protector said, turning his gaze toward Wang Xiaoqiang. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) and vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)

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