Chapter 428: Exchanging for the Antidote
"Meng Po, you're back! What have you done to anger the Jade Emperor so much?"
As soon as she returned, King Yama began reprimanding her. Meng Po, however, asked, "Did he speak ill of me? What exactly did I do to make you all so upset? You have to explain clearly; otherwise, I'm not taking the blame for this."
"You and Ye Tian found the Sun-Shooting Divine Bow—why didn't you hand it over to the Jade Emperor?"
"That has nothing to do with me. I was merely assisting Ye Tian. He was the one who found the bow, so if he refuses to hand it over, what can I do? At this point, I haven't committed any great offense, have I? Jade Emperor, I assume you're here for the Sun-Shooting Divine Bow, but honestly, this matter has little to do with me."
"You still refuse to admit your mistake?"
"I haven't done anything wrong, so why should I admit to it?"
Among the celestial deities, the Jade Emperor was the supreme leader, but that didn't mean he could come to the underworld and scold her as he pleased. The Heavenly Court and the Underworld were two separate systems. While King Yama had to show the Jade Emperor some respect, she certainly didn't.
At worst, she could simply reincarnate. Even if she were reborn as an ox or a horse, it would be better than working in the underworld day in and day out.
To be honest, after serving as Meng Po for so many years, she was tired. If she could reincarnate, it wouldn't be such a bad option.
King Yama looked at Meng Po, thinking she was being far too reckless. How could she speak to the Jade Emperor like that? He couldn't afford to offend the Jade Emperor, so he quickly said, "Jade Emperor, if you have any commands, please tell me. As long as it's within my power, I will do it."
"Hmm, the Sun-Shooting Divine Bow is indeed in Ye Tian's hands, but even though he possesses it, he cannot use it. The bow has specific requirements for its wielder. There are two suns in the sky right now, and the people are suffering. Ye Tian must hand over the bow so that we can save the world and rescue the common people."
"You're right, but how exactly should we proceed?"
"Ye Tian is powerful. Taking the bow from him won't be easy. However, if Meng Po goes, I believe she can retrieve it. Ye Tian is a man of deep emotions and strong principles. I'm sure he'll give in."
"You want me to go?"
"Yes, exactly!"
The Jade Emperor suddenly shoved a pill into her mouth. "If you don't get the antidote in time, you will die. So, go find Ye Tian and have him exchange the bow for the cure."
"Jade Emperor, you've gone too far! Meng Po is my subordinate—how can you poison her?"
"Relax. As long as she takes the antidote on time, she'll be fine. I've said my piece. How you choose to proceed is up to you."
The Jade Emperor stood up and added, "Meng Po, think carefully. What's more important—your life, or standing by Ye Tian?"
"I—"
After the Jade Emperor left, Meng Po was speechless. King Yama sighed and said, "Meng Po, I know this is unfair, but fairness doesn't exist in this world. The Jade Emperor is far stronger than I am, so I have no choice. If you want to live, you must go to Ye Tian."
"Forget it. I'd rather die. At worst, I'll just reincarnate. That's still better than this miserable existence."
"Die?"
King Yama said, "I can't let you die. Besides, the underworld can't do without you. Listen to me—go find Ye Tian."
"I won't!"
Meng Po was firm in her decision. No matter what, she wouldn't betray Ye Tian.
After a while, King Yama, realizing he had no choice, said, "If you won't go, then I will."
"What? You?"
"Yes. If you refuse, then I have no choice. As you can see, there are two suns in the sky. If I don't go, Ye Tian won't be able to shoot them down in time. For the sake of the people, I must act."
"But—"
"No buts. I'm not doing this for myself. You understand my reasoning, don't you? If I don't go, countless people will die, and the underworld won't be able to handle that many souls."
Hearing this, Meng Po realized he was right. If things continued like this, it would be the innocent people who suffered the most.
"Fine, I'll go!"
Meng Po had made up her mind. No matter what, she was still King Yama's subordinate. She couldn't let him go in her place.
"You're willing to go?"
"Yes. If I don't, I can't expect you to. You're the ruler of the underworld—you can't leave so easily."
"Exactly. Then go. You have one month."
"Understood."
Meng Po left the underworld, feeling conflicted. She had originally wanted to die, but now she understood that even if she did, it wouldn't solve anything.
Sure, dying would be easier for her, but what about the people? What had they done to deserve this suffering?
"Forget it. I'll find him first."
Before long, she found Ye Tian. Seeing her, he was surprised.
"Meng Po? Why are you here?"
"I need to talk to you. Ye Tian, the people are suffering terribly. I think you should hand the Sun-Shooting Divine Bow over to the Jade Emperor. That way, this crisis will be resolved."
"It's not that simple. Even if I hand it over, the Jade Emperor won't be able to use it."
Ye Tian knew better than anyone—the Jade Emperor's incompetence was precisely why Houyi had been needed to wield the bow in the past.
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