Hong Meiling/RicePigeon's third version

''True to self, Meiling is a youkai who lacks any kind of youkai-like abilities, and instead focuses on close range martial arts. The only downside is that Meiling cannot handle or use projectiles properly, but once Meiling rushes an opponent down, the lack of projectiles suddenly becomes a non-issue.''

Gameplay


Meiling is technically a four-button character, but plays like a standard three-button character, using the buttons for shortcut;, when used combined with or  acts as a shortcut for the character's   and   dash commands.

Meiling specializes in rushdown, with an emphasis on getting close to the opponent and keeping them cornered with as much pressure as possible. As such, most of Meiling's attacks are close to mid-range melee attacks. + and + are useful tools for closing distance between Meiling and the opponent, and because the former drastically reduces Meiling's hitbox size, it is invaluable for dodging under some projectiles. Meiling's is unique in that it acts as a launcher, which is not seen often in RicePigeon's characters, and allows Meiling to take combat to the air.

Meiling's only true projectile, Fragrant Wave, does not have that much range. However, it is still an invaluable tool for building meter, ending combos, and defending against enemy projectiles. Cycle Light Step and Descending Flower Slam both help Meiling close the distance with the opponent, with the latter being a attack that can catch opponents off guard depending on the version used. Tremor Kick is useful as despite its appearance, it is a hitting Melee attack, with the  version leaving the opponent vulnerable to combos afterward. Scarlet Cannon is Meiling's general anti-air, and although it lacks full startup invincibility that most reversals have, it also moves Meiling forward on use.

Meiling's Level 3 Hyper, Fierce Tiger's Strength, further adds to the rushdown game. Although it reduces the base damage of Meiling's attacks, many of them become faster and gain additional properties, as well as disabling Meiling's juggle check system, allowing for combos not normally possible. Additionally, it increases the minimum damage scaling of all of Meiling's attacks to 33%, up from 10%, so lengthy combos can be quite damaging.