Hong Meiling is one of the youkai that lives in the Scarlet Devil Mansion (*1).

She works as the gatekeeper, and thus meets humans more than the other residents of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

She is skilled in martial arts, and doesn't have many unusual youkai-like powers.

Her appearance is no different than a human's. She wears a Chinese-style outfit, and moves lightly.

Unlike other youkai, she does not specialize in a single ability, but is well-rounded.

Because of that, she's not particularly strong compared to other youkai, but she has no blind spots when facing humans.

Nor has she any particular weak point.

It can be assumed that she was given the job of gatekeeper because of this.

She is unusually human-like for a youkai, and if you talk to her while she is on the job, she will make idle chatter or complain about whatever is on her mind.

She may threaten you with words, but as long as you don't try to break through the gate, she will rarely attack.

You would even think that the person you're talking to might be a human.

1: The mansion where the devil lives. Explained later.

"The Scarlet Devil Mansion is terrifying, but thanks to that gatekeeper, it feels friendly." (Tofu shop owner)

Even so, the fact that terrifying youkai live inside doesn't change.

"In the morning, when I looked towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion, I saw the gatekeeper dancing a strange, slow dance." (Anonymous)

It is most likely Tai Chi Chuan.

You must not disturb her.

"When I passed the Scarlet Devil Mansion at noon, I saw that the gatekeeper was sleeping." (Anonymous)

She's most likely having a siesta.

You must not disturb her.

Since her meals are provided by the Scarlet Devil Mansion, she isn't a youkai to be feared at all.

As long as you don't provoke her, she isn't dangerous.

You should refrain from breaking through the gate, or sneaking through while she's sleeping.

She'll attack you without mercy.

But even if that happens, if you immediately apologize and retreat, she won't chase you.

However, when it comes to extermination, things become extremely difficult.

As a master of martial arts, she is highly proficient in battle, and doesn't have any apparent weak points.

Also, since she seldom moves from the Scarlet Devil Mansion, other youkai may come and support her (*2).

In order to exterminate her, the only way is to request a one on one battle with a time limit (*3), and win by overpowering her through a direct attack.

In other words, she may be a good opponent to test your skills (*4).

2: In reality, youkai helping other youkai is rare. Most just snicker while watching the battle.

3: Humans are at a physical disadvantage against youkai, so a formal match is important.

4: In fact, she always gets such challengers. It is said that the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion enjoys watching these matches, too.