Chapter 423: The Qilin Beast's Feigned Death
Houyi's greatest concern was that both Meng Po and Ye Tian might perish within his memory space. If that happened, he would be wracked with guilt.
"If we don't make it out, then it's just our misfortune. What you need to do is wait for a day. If we haven't returned by then, go seek out the Jade Emperor and ask him to lift the seal on your mind. After all, the fate of the common people takes priority."
"But we rejected him before."
"That was before. If we die, you'll have no choice but to submit. That's all I have to say."
With that, she sent her consciousness directly into Houyi's memory space.
Upon entering, Meng Po saw a towering golden pagoda standing in the midst of the space, radiating a dazzling golden light.
"This is the Samsara Pagoda!"
As the one who oversees the cycle of reincarnation in the Netherworld, Meng Po was intimately familiar with the Samsara Pagoda. It turned out that the Jade Emperor had once imprinted the structural model of the pagoda into Houyi's memory space. As a result, a replica of the pagoda existed within his mind.
Though it wasn't the real Samsara Pagoda, it still functioned as one within Houyi's space.
"Ye Tian must be trapped inside!"
Meng Po dashed toward the pagoda, her crimson robes flowing elegantly around her, making her look breathtakingly beautiful.
Just as she neared the pagoda, a Qilin Beast suddenly blocked her path.
"Who are you?"
"The Netherworld Qilin Beast?"
Meng Po eyed the creature and said, "I am Meng Po."
"Meng Po?"
"Yes. Now, release Ye Tian at once! Did you hear me?"
"You tell me to release him, and I'll just do it? Who do you think you are?"
"The Netherworld has Qilin Beasts—dark beasts of the underworld. I never expected the Jade Emperor to create an exact replica of one here. It seems he went to great lengths to seal Houyi's memories. But what a pity—such a waste. Unfortunately for you, you've run into me, Meng Po, your natural nemesis."
"Meng Po… my nemesis?"
For the first time, the Qilin Beast felt an inexplicable sense of dread. When Ye Tian had appeared earlier, he hadn't felt even a shred of fear. But now, something about this woman unsettled him deeply.
"I'll give you one chance. Release him now, and I'll spare your life."
"Enough with the nonsense! This is my domain. Since you've entered, you're nothing more than my prey."
"Fine. Let's see who is stronger!"
Had this been another domain, Meng Po might have been cautious. But here, she was invincible. With a mere wave of her hand, the Qilin Beast found itself completely paralyzed.
"How is this possible?"
It couldn't believe it. How could it suddenly be unable to move? In this space, it was supposed to be invincible!
But now, this woman had effortlessly rendered it powerless. Who exactly was she? How was she so strong?
"I'm giving you one last chance. Release him now, and I'll let you live. Otherwise, I won't be so merciful."
"I am the master of this realm! Your threats are useless—I will never submit!"
"Is that so? Explode!"
Meng Po saw no need to waste more words. With a flick of her wrist, the Qilin Beast instantly disintegrated into a mist of blood, vanishing completely.
Her strike was swift and ruthless. Anyone witnessing this would surely be shocked.
"Ye Tian, I'm here!"
Meng Po rushed toward the Samsara Pagoda. Upon arrival, she formed a seal with her hands and entered the pagoda.
"Where's Ye Tian?"
She searched the first floor but found nothing. He must have gone higher.
She continued upward, and after some time, she finally found Ye Tian. He looked exhausted.
When he saw her, he furrowed his brows. "Meng Po? How did you get here?"
"Of course, I came to find you!"
"I never expected you to make it here."
Ye Tian had long known Meng Po was extraordinary, but this exceeded his expectations.
"Yes, I'm here to save you. Come with me now!"
"Alright!"
Though surprised, Ye Tian knew this wasn't the time to hesitate. He didn't know how she got here, but since she had, they should leave as soon as possible.
After leaving the Samsara Pagoda, Ye Tian asked, "What about the Qilin Beast?"
"That stubborn fool? I already dealt with him."
"You killed him?"
"Yes."
Ye Tian frowned. If the Qilin Beast was truly dead, why did this space remain so stable? That was unusual. The Qilin Beast was the guardian of this realm—if it had died, the space should have become unstable.
Yet, nothing seemed out of place.
"Something's not right. That Qilin Beast might still be alive."
"How can you be sure?"
"Look around. The space is unnaturally stable. Don't forget—the Qilin Beast is the guardian here. If it were truly dead, this place wouldn't be like this. I suspect it's still hiding somewhere."
"You make a good point. I didn't notice before."
Meng Po scanned the surroundings. If the Qilin Beast had faked its death, where was it hiding now?
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