The Jade Emperor gave Yaochi an even more righteous reply, leaving her with nothing to say.
"Changxi, rest assured. Here in my Heavenly Court, the Queen Mother of the West cannot hurt you. That Chaos Bell of yours originally belonged to our Heavenly Court. Keeping it with you would bring ill fortune, too. We will hold it for you for now and return it once you achieve daytime ascension."
A moment later, the Jade Emperor turned toward Changxi, his righteous expression becoming exceptionally warm and kindly. He looked every bit the wolf hiding its great bushy tail.
Changxi stared at the Jade Emperor in surprise, then at the equally astonished Yaochi. She looked scared witless, as though she could not understand what was happening.
"Your Majesty, you! You... Fine! Someone, escort Changxi back to the Daughter Kingdom!"
How could Yaochi not know what that fellow was plotting? Barely containing her anger, she issued the order in a low, icy voice.
"Sister Queen Mother of the West, our Heavenly Court has important matters to attend to, so we cannot entertain you any longer. Please see yourself out."
Yaochi even directly ordered the Queen Mother of the West to leave.
"Fine! Yaochi, I will remember this humiliation!"
With matters having reached this point, the Queen Mother of the West could only prepare to leave, nursing her hatred. Before departing, however, she shot Changxi a vicious glare filled with killing intent.
"No! I'm not leaving! You... You're liars! Every one of you is a filthy liar! Give me back my Chaos Bell! Give it back!"
Finding herself supported by a Heavenly Maiden, Changxi suddenly struggled free. She immediately denounced the Queen Mother, looking just like a pitiful girl whose beloved toy had been stolen.
Her heartbreaking appearance made a certain bushy-tailed wolf want