Didn't you go to Teyvat to earn money to support me?

Shen Liang was about to answer no when he realized that Maria's statement wasn't a question, but a statement. He looked up and saw Maria bite into the candy ball, suck out the stick, and calmly look at him. "If I'm not mistaken, your sister didn't even ask what you were doing in that world, right?"

Shen Liang opened his mouth, unsure of what to say, and could only nod, "Yes."

“So, you really underestimate the Shaniat family.” Maria chuckled almost imperceptibly. “We are a lineage of saints, and every one of us has ‘holy blood’ flowing through our veins that is enough to make us the strongest in the world. Pandora, you are underestimating our relationship.”

"is it?"

“Don’t answer Mom with questions! It’s rude!” Maria rubbed his head hard and said, “Everyone has secrets, Pandora, but we won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. After all this time, you still think we’re spying on you, and you’re always worried and afraid… It’s really disappointing, Pandora. We’re family.”

“I am not a true Shaniat,” Shen Liang said in a low voice.

“The purity of bloodline, huh? So you still care about that? Ha, do you know where the original Shaniat people came from?” Maria gazed at the murals of the saints of past generations hanging on the corridor walls.

“We are not that pure. The original Shaniat people did not have any so-called holy blood. In the fifteenth century, the Black Death broke out due to the Great Collapse. In order to treat this plague, Otto developed the first holy blood gene and successfully tested it on an outsider named Eleanor. It has nothing to do with our Shaniat family.”

Shen Liang was taken aback.

“But the success of the Holy Blood created the first Valkyrie in Schicksal history who could control external Honkai energy. Eleanor was given the name ‘Eleanor Schariac’ and became the adopted daughter of the then head of the family, Sabrena. From then on, the Holy Blood gene was passed down in the Schariac family.” Maria said, “It was originally just an imported bloodline. After many generations of purification by the Schariac people, this bloodline finally stabilized and reached its peak in my sister.”

"So in essence, the sacred blood that the Shaniat family is so proud of is actually an external product. Our family does not rely on it to maintain itself; genes have never been the bond of the Shaniat family. But we are still connected by blood."

“The bloodline of the Schariacs isn’t something as simple as genes. Just like my sister likes you, is it because your surname is Schariacs?” Maria waved her hand. “So what if you can travel to another world? So what if you’re hiding a secret as big as the world? Our Schariacs family… we wouldn’t treat our own family members as objects of interest just because of that. You are my son, Maria’s son-in-law, the son-in-law of the world’s strongest Valkyrie. I don’t know what you’re afraid of!”

Shen Liang stared blankly at the woman who was only about half a head taller than him, the hot-tempered second-in-command of Shaniat, whom the extraordinary individuals called a "witch," and who was now so angry that she was puffing out her beard and glaring at him...

mother.

It turns out the world isn't as bad as you think. Everyone cares about you, but you're always subconsciously rejecting them.

Shen Liang lowered her head, thought for a while, and then raised her head, "So, Mom, what do you think of me?"

“Me?” Maria shrugged. “I used to really dislike kids like you with such a menacing aura… But after thinking about it, I realize that only someone like you would approach most people and things with suspicion and uncertainty. Now that I think about it, I can understand.”

"Feel sorry."

“No, there’s no need to apologize. I understand, but that doesn’t mean I don’t dislike you,” Maria said coldly. “Of course you can approach us with a tentative and suspicious attitude, but we have tempers too. We’re naturally annoyed by your distrustful attitude. Others can only get angry and have no other choice, but I’m your mother. If I get angry, I’ll beat you up, understand?”

"Even Sister Leah doesn't beat me up..."

“Yes, let my sister be the gentle and kind mother, and I’ll take care of the strict discipline.” Maria stuffed the lollipop trash into Shen Liang’s pocket and patted his cheek. “If there’s anything, just talk it out. Don’t overthink it, understand?”

"Mom, the way you're educating me makes it sound like I'm a minor."

“Do you think you’re not a child?” Maria strode away.

Shen Liang stood blankly at the door of her bedroom, staring at Maria's slender back for a long while, then smiled softly.

So, in Cecilia and Maria's eyes, he was still a child? Although he was very successful in Teyvat, and everyone addressed him respectfully as "Your Highness the Regent" or "Mr. Shen," even the high-ranking Yae no Kami had to treat him as an equal, back on Earth, back in this ancient castle where even takeout couldn't be ordered, did he still act like a child?

—It seems like there's no problem at all.

Pushing open the door and returning to the bedroom, Shen Liang laughed loudly with delight.

--------------

Three days later, the night before the final.

Shen Liang pulled Shen Lihua, who was still somewhat reluctant to leave the Shaniat family, across the teleportation screen.

"Okay, Hua Dai, how about I bring you to Earth again in a month? You can stay as long as you want next time, it's on me, all-inclusive." Shen Liang looked at Shen Li Hua Dai's slightly pouting lips with a helpless expression.

"Ryoko, you can't go back on your word. Even if you go to Liyue, you have to come back and pick me up."

"I know, I know, I promise."

To Shen Liang's surprise, Kagami was quite content living in Neuschwanstein Castle, getting along well with every Shaniat person, their interactions as gentle as a spring breeze. Although she was from another world, her charm was undeniable; even Kiana secretly asked him how old this older sister was and whether she was married. Then, Shen Liang, furious, pinned her to the sofa and beat her.

For three days, Shen Lihua wandered around aimlessly, marveling at everything she saw, and even begged him to take her outside the castle. Shen Liang was too busy to go shopping with her, which made her quite depressed. So she spent her days in the castle watching TV and playing on the computer, and even learned how to search for videos on the computer.

Although she couldn't read the subtitles, she could understand the dialogue, and these past few days of binge-watching the show felt more fulfilling than the past few decades.

If it weren't for the fact that she was still on the podium during the finals, she wouldn't have wanted to come back at all. Because according to the system's rules, each time a Stigmata candidate goes to Earth, there must be at least a month between visits, meaning she would have to endure another month of boredom on the Teyvat continent.

She could have tolerated boredom if she hadn't encountered the internet.

……

The semi-finals of the Yulongqi tournament ended much faster than anyone expected.

The Northern Country team was disqualified for allegedly spying for the Fools, while the Tamago team suffered the death of their general. Hiiragi Senri, the young lady, voluntarily withdrew on behalf of the Hiiragi family. It is said that Hiiragi Senri had a big argument with her father, Hiiragi Shinsuke, and finally, relying on her status as the sole heir to the Kansei Enforcement Commissioner, she forced the other three team members to withdraw from the competition.

Therefore, the four teams that should have had many more matches were put on hold, and the final was held outside the castle tower.

To be honest, while Tartaglia annoyed him, his strength was already quite impressive. As an otherworldly being who was practically cheating, Shen Liang knew very well that in a competition like the Hundred-Man Rebellion where the God's Eye couldn't be used, no one could threaten him.

Because he doesn't use the Eye of God, nor does he possess firearms or the ability to jump through space—abilities that, since they aren't part of the Eye of God, wouldn't be valued by the Thunder General—and according to the Hundred-Man Rebellion's "nothing is forbidden" rule, he can indeed use them. In such an unfair competition, he doesn't need Ayaka Kamisato or Yoomiya at all; he can easily win alone.

To be honest, it's incredibly boring.

In this lazy mood, Shen Liang arrived at the castle tower by carriage. The castle tower was not a competition venue that everyone could watch. A ring was set up on a platform next to the huge Thousand Hands and Hundred Eyes statue, and all the important figures of the shogunate had arrived and gathered on the observation deck near the castle tower to watch.

The viewing platform closest to the statue was occupied by the bigwigs on the main stage. The best viewing spots were reserved for the most powerful people, but because the Kansei-bu was punished and lost face, the pink-haired fox and the silver-haired housewife, along with some shogunate officials, sat there calmly, just like in the semi-finals. There were about seven or eight people scattered around.

"In the blink of an eye, the Hundred-Man Uprising has reached its final match, with the Blizzard Team facing off against the Crow Feather Team."

Yae no Kamiko cleared his throat, silencing the noise inside and outside the castle tower, and began the final competition.

"I have many feelings about the battle three days ago. Qingyi Xiaohu fought to the death, even though the rules only required victory. This showed me the tyranny of many noble families who treat human life as worthless." Yae Shinko chuckled, "Tyrannical, truly tyrannical."

There were virtually no ordinary spectators during the final match, and the fox was much more unrestrained than usual. At this moment, the shogunate officials on the other observation decks were causing a slight commotion.

Yae no Miko continued, “Since our army was on the verge of defeat last year, Inazuma is now in a state of chaos and in disarray, with everything in ruins. Many insects have been growing their reach during this time, and Mr. Shen’s powerful attack on the Executor of the Fools in a fit of anger has reminded me that it seems it is time to purge them.”

Many high-ranking officials of the shogunate looked at Yae no Miko with solemn expressions, while others frowned and whispered among themselves, creating an even greater commotion.

Some people looked at Shen Liang, unaware of what Yae no Miko had said. Shen Liang… had attacked the Fatui Enforcers? Could it be the young master? Ah, so that's it. No wonder Yae no Miko spoke like that at this time. It seems Shen Liang is very dissatisfied with certain people in the Shogunate, and Yae no Miko had to make some promises to appease him!

Many people looked grim.

Yae no Miko took in the various expressions in the arena, smiled slightly, and continued, "It's not just Qingyi Xiaohu. In this year's Hundred People's Uprising, countless contestants have shown amazing talent, and countless others have fought to the point of exhaustion. But in the finals, everyone has only one goal: to compete for the Jade Dragon Banner, which is personally bestowed by the General."

"Today, amidst the blizzard and crow's feathers, will His Highness the Regent from the West continue his overwhelming victory, or will the General's personal guards vindicate Narukami Island?"

Yae no Miko smiled and said, "I am very curious, but please be patient before announcing the lineups for both sides. We still have distinguished guests to introduce. Please welcome them first—"

"A goddess and shrine maiden have graced the Coral Palace!"

Almost the instant Yae no Miko finished speaking, all the shogunate officials present were so surprised that they couldn't help but make noise.

Coral Palace Kokoro appeared, dressed in a light blue, fishtail-like shrine maiden's dress. Her small feet, encased in delicate white stockings and wearing tiny wooden clogs, walked briskly onto the stage under the scrutinizing gazes of countless people. There was a vacancy between Yae no Miko and Kamisato Kayo, and many people, who had been speculating about who would get the seat, now understood.

It's actually her!

The actual ruler of Umijima Island, the supreme leader of one of the two faiths of Inazuma, and the living god who caused the shogunate to suffer a great loss last year!

Shen Liang was also stunned.

[Holy crap! My wife!]

【I didn't shout!】 Shen Liang glared at Hu Qiandai, who had directly voiced his thoughts.

[That's exactly what you were saying in your heart! I heard it!]

The appearance of Coral Palace Heart Sea almost instantly captured everyone's attention. The little witch, however, calmly sat down and immediately looked at Shen Liang, who was resting on the contestant's platform. Without avoiding others, she smiled and winked at him.

【Why are you here! You didn't even tell me?】 Shen Liang immediately communicated telepathically. He talked on the phone with Coral Palace Xin Hai every day, but she had never mentioned that she had been invited to Naruto Island.

[A surprise for Ryoko, don't you like it?] Coral Palace Heart Sea chuckled. [If little master doesn't like it, I'll go home then.]

Shen Liang dared not say he didn't like it. Just as he was about to ask a couple more questions, he caught a glimpse of Ayaka Kamisato and Yoomiya beside him, their eyes narrowed slightly, their gazes not very friendly.

"Good heavens, a battleground for our peers is waiting here." Torachiyo chuckled. "I'm going to steal some beer, soft drinks, bottled water, peanuts, melon seeds, and eight-treasure porridge. Boss, lift your butt up, and I'll have this stool later."

Chapter 253 Oh dear, who's getting so worked up because they don't have a man to rely on?

Ayaka Kamisato unconsciously opened and closed the fan in her hand, gazing at the pink-haired girl on the platform.

She had to admit that Shen Liang's aesthetic standards were indeed extremely high. The delicate beauty of Coral Palace Heart Sea made Shen Li Ling Hua feel a little sorry for her and admire her. No wonder she could become her boyfriend's first lover after he came into this world, and they had even started to talk about marriage. She was recognized by Shen Liang himself as his "fiancée".

Feeling a little wronged, Ayaka Kamisato knew long ago that Shen Liang was definitely not a good man when it came to relationships, and she had prepared herself mentally, but when this scene actually happened, she still felt a little stifled.

—That's jealousy.

However, Ayaka Kamisato could also understand that the little mermaid was probably feeling the same slight bitterness at this moment. After all, she was sitting on the platform, while the boy she admired was sitting with another young lady, laughing and whispering sweet nothings.

"Is that the girl Ryoko likes?" Ayaka Kamisato, clutching her folding fan, turned to look at her boyfriend. "Hmph, what a beautiful and virtuous little mermaid."

Shen Liang scratched his head, because he was currently hearing Coral Palace's teasing words through the Holy Mark's telepathic communication: "[Hmph~ What a beautiful and quiet little egret! Is this your new favorite, Master?]"

"I've heard that the climate on Umijima Island is humid, and the people of Umijima are fairer and more beautiful than the people of Inazuma. It seems that's true." Ayaka Kamisato looked at the slender, milky-white waist revealed by the sea shrine maiden's dress in the Coral Palace and felt a little envious. "Many people say that it's a paradise on earth. It's a pity that I've never had the time. Otherwise, Ayaka would also like to go to that dream island to purify her soul."

“Aya, don’t talk nonsense like that. In my world, there are also some women who insist on going on a trip to the west under the guise of purifying their souls, and they don’t even bring any money.” Shen Liang curled her lips. “You can’t persuade them otherwise. They insist that it’s a pilgrimage.”

"Then... is there a problem?" Ayaka Kamisato asked, puzzled.

"Then guess what good will come of these people going on a pilgrimage to some imagined 'holy land' without any money or preparation?" Shen Liang laughed. "Purification of the soul? Many women go on pilgrimages and come back satisfied with their big bellies. What do you think they've purified?"

At first, Ayaka Kamisato didn't even understand what Shen Liang meant. But when she finally realized it, her face flushed red, and she glared at him angrily.

"Do you understand now?" Shen Liang grinned mischievously.

“But, but isn’t Ryoko herself the Regent of Umigi Island? The entire island has to listen to you…” Ayaka Kamisato said softly, her voice trailing off, “If it were Ryoko…”

"What did you say?" Shen Liang didn't hear clearly.

The little egret wouldn't repeat herself to him; she wrinkled her nose and turned her face away.