Chapter Twelve: The Auspicious Beasts Take Flight—Try Fighting Me

Outside Hell

The sky was clear and white, with a gentle, warm breeze. Along the horizon, colorful cloud cranes strode gracefully amidst the radiant, multicolored glow, a dazzling and splendid spectacle.

Little Tuanzi gazed wide-eyed at this fantastical and bizarre scene in the distance, delightedly watching the auspicious beasts symbolizing abundant fortune and continuous blessings. They ran past her in groups, and she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a happy smile.

“Giggling…” Her laughter was light and melodious, soft and charming, like the gentle chime of wind bells, echoing clearly through the skies and reverberating across the Nine Heavens.

“Little Princess?” Meng Po turned around in puzzlement and saw the group of colorful cloud cranes—who should have been leaving—now hovering around Little Tuanzi as if enchanted, flying freely and forming a large circle that enclosed her in the center. It was as if Little Tuanzi were their little master, cherished and adored.

Little Tuanzi’s eyes curved into crescents with delight; she clearly liked them very much. As she watched them, she asked, “Lady Meng Po, what are they doing?”

“They like you, Little Princess,” Meng Po smiled as well. She had never before seen these auspicious beasts so fond of anyone; Little Princess was the first.

“Really?” Hearing this, Little Tuanzi grew even happier. “I like them too.”

Perhaps understanding her words, the beasts suddenly unfurled their seven-colored, smoky wings and joyfully began soaring and dancing around her across the entire Nine Heavens.

“Wuwu—” A few white-feathered cranes flew over from nearby, joining the dance.

“Chirp chirp—” Hearing the commotion, the snow-white, rosy-skinned celestial geese came running, calling out and flapping their large wings to join in.

“Coo coo—” A large peacock waddled over, its plump body swaying, and without a word, it joined the ranks.

They seemed to have received some summons, each striving to display their unique brilliance, hoping to gain the attention of their little master.

Across the entire Nine Heavens, the auspicious beasts gathered, longevity birds soared in unison—a rare and wondrous sight unseen for a century, not even the celestial lords in heaven had ever been treated to such an event.

All the celestial lords were deeply amazed by this phenomenon and exclaimed in wonder, “Who has summoned the auspicious beasts from their nests to gather here?”

“This... such a scene of longevity birds leaving their nests and auspicious beasts flying together—I have never heard of it before.”

“Has the Southern Return Gate received a distinguished guest? Why have we not been informed?”

“Yes, I too have not heard any mention of this.”

Seeing the ever-growing number of auspicious beasts, Meng Po felt uneasy and quickly urged, “Little Princess, we cannot stay here. Hurry, come with me.”

Little Tuanzi gently touched the white-faced crane beside her, reluctantly lifting her head and plaintively asking, “Must we leave now? They are really so adorable. Shouldn’t we talk to them a little more before we go?”

“No talking! Hurry!”

“Lady Meng Po…” Little Tuanzi began to whine softly, truly wishing to play with these lovable beasts.

“Little Princess! We must leave quickly! If those immortals see you, you’ll be in trouble!” Meng Po reminded her sternly. “I barely escaped with my life last time. You’re just one person; you can’t handle Lord Yan Wang’s wrath.”

She regretted not having firmly and righteously refused the Little Princess in Hell, which has led them into this difficult situation.

Little Tuanzi quickly nodded and slipped out from among the beasts. “Okay, let’s go.”

She didn’t want to be reprimanded by her father. She would deliver the medicine to her sinner friend and then quickly offload this hot potato, returning quietly to the Merciless Palace to live as an idle little princess.

Unexpectedly, just as they were about to leave, someone blocked their way from behind.

“Hold on—”

Meng Po stopped abruptly, gripping Little Tuanzi’s hand tightly, her heart tightening.

“Who are you to dare trespass into the Nine Heavens?” A celestial lord dressed in a flowing dark robe descended on a cloud, his expression stern as he fixed his dark gaze on the two of them.

Meng Po froze, slowly turning around and bowing low, “Meng Po of the Ghost Realm pays respects to this celestial lord.”

“You are Meng Po?” The celestial lord was momentarily taken aback, not expecting her to be from the Ghost Realm.

“Yes,” Meng Po lowered her head, uncertain of the celestial lord’s rank and standing.

If he were not of high rank...

“Do you bear any tokens of the Ghost Realm? What brings you to these Nine Heavens?”

“Meng Po does,” she said, conjuring a jade token of the Ghost Realm with a flick of her hand.

Stepping forward a few paces, Meng Po respectfully presented the jade token, “This is the jade token of the Ghost Realm, bearing my name.”

“Meng Po only passes through and harbors no ill intent. I hope celestial lord will judge fairly.”

The celestial lord lowered his gaze to examine the token. The unique floral pattern of the other shore flower was unmistakable—an irrefutable mark of the Ghost Realm. The token clearly bore the four prominent characters: “Ghost Official Meng Po.” She must indeed be the real Meng Po.

Moreover, they had not set foot above the Nine Heavens, only passing beneath it. The beasts themselves had flown down from the horizon to circle them, so they bore no fault.

“Rise, I have misunderstood you.”

Meng Po retracted the jade token, straightened, and bowed deeply, “Celestial lord, you are too courteous. This is your rightful duty. I apologize for lingering here and attracting your attention, causing delay.”

“It’s fine, you may leave.”

“Yes, thank you, celestial lord.” Meng Po quickly turned and hurried away, clutching Little Tuanzi’s hand, unwilling to linger another moment.

“Wait.” The celestial lord’s gaze suddenly fixed on Little Tuanzi, who had not yet turned around. In an instant, he raised his hand, holding his breath, and with a surge of power, flew forward.

He came directly before them, staring intently at Little Tuanzi and coldly demanded, “Who are you?”

Little Tuanzi closed her eyes tightly, bowing her head in fear, not daring to respond.

Oh no, she was doomed...

“Tell me, who are you?” He stepped closer.

Frightened, Little Tuanzi took a step back. Meng Po hurried to shield her, “Esteemed celestial lord—”

He looked up coldly, glaring at Meng Po, “Do you know who I am, daring to block my way?”

“I-I’m sorry, Meng Po dares not—”

“Step aside.” His voice carried a deep, chilling menace.

Though afraid, Meng Po did not move aside, trembling as she pleaded, “Please, celestial lord, have mercy and forgive our disrespect. Allow us to leave this place.”

“Not letting me pass, huh?” The celestial lord sneered coldly, no longer bothering with words. He raised his hand and unleashed a fierce palm gust toward her.

“Don’t hit Lady Meng Po!” Little Tuanzi suddenly jumped out, glaring fiercely with eyes blazing with anger. She stretched out her tiny arms and legs, bravely trying to block the palm gust despite her fragile appearance.

With a roar, she declared, “I am Miaoyuan, daughter of Yan Yi! Dare strike me and see what happens!”

“Smack—” The palm gust’s force suddenly lessened. Just before it reached them, someone redirected it swiftly.

The celestial lord was shocked, enduring the backlash pain, his voice low and trembling, “You are... the daughter of Lord Yan Wang?”