Sun Wukong glanced at the Meng Qi formed from his own thoughts and said, "Old Sun can only help you this far. What you say when you meet Her Majesty is up to you."
Meng Qi didn't mind. Instead, he bowed solemnly.
"Thank you, Great Sage!"
Faced with such a deep bow and such respect, Sun Wukong grew a little uncomfortable. He scratched his ears and cheeks and said, "Go on in, go on in."
He withdrew his gaze and continued through one doorway after another. Before long, a ceremonial platform and an ancient cauldron appeared before Meng Qi. Mist hung thick all around, and a strange fragrance filled the air. Looking ahead, he saw layers of curtains obscuring his view. His Spiritual Sense could not pass through them; he could only glimpse a hazy silhouette deep within, its gentle, compassionate presence almost tangible.
"Su Meng pays his respects to Your Majesty." Meng Qi kept his eyes forward and bowed deeply.
From behind the layers of white gauze curtains came a gentle, unhurried voice. "Since you are of the human race, call me 'Your Ladyship.'"
"Yes, Your Ladyship." Deep inside Demon Emperor Hall, Meng Qi's thought-formed figure rippled like water, flecked with points of purple light. Without the mistress's permission, he could not even have existed there.
"You came today for the matter of the Other Shore?" The Demon Emperor's voice passed through the layers of curtains, as calm as ever, neither sad nor glad.
Meng Qi drew a quiet breath. Unruffled, he replied, "Your Ladyship sees ten thousand miles. This junior has indeed come for that matter."
The white gauze swayed as if a breeze had passed through. The Demon Emperor did not speak, remaining silent.
Seeing this, Meng Qi continued on his own. "Your Ladyship created people and