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

While Shen Liang was still figuring out how to coax the girl, Xin Hai's situation wasn't much better.

Seeing that Sango Mikoto was smiling in Shen Liang's direction, Kagami Kayo instantly went into battle mode again. She picked up her teacup, blew a faint puff of warm air, and said lightly, "Sango Mikoto, I've heard so much about you."

Shinkai shifted his gaze back to the beautiful silver-haired woman, and seemed to understand something. He smiled and said, "You must be the matriarch of the company, the mother of Miss Ayaka, Miss Hanayo."

"Does the Coral Palace Master recognize Hua Dai?" The silver-haired woman was taken aback.

“Ryoko once told me that you are his elder, and therefore also Shinkai’s elder.” Shinkai Kokoro gave her a gentle bow. “The official introductions have already been given, but this is the first time I have had a private interaction with you. I am Shinkai Kokoro, the current goddess priestess of Umiji Island, and also the master served by His Highness the Regent.”

These neither humble nor arrogant words brought a subtle smile to Yae no Miko's face, who hadn't originally intended to get involved in this mother-in-law/daughter-in-law battle, and she looked over with considerable interest.

Although in private, the little witch still likes to call Shen Liang "little master" when they actually meet, this relationship must be reversed in public.

His Highness the Regent is ultimately one level below the current Goddess, and besides, Shen Liang is a Regent who basically doesn't act as regent. In many people's eyes, he is the "right-hand man" who served Xin Hai of Coral Palace to become the current Goddess.

This really hit Shen Lihua Dai's sore spot. She was hoping her daughter would be smarter and win over that handsome young man, but Shanhu Gongxin Hai not only won him over, but did so with great fanfare.

Ugh, I'm so angry I can't stand it.

“If I remember correctly, even priestesses who worship the serpent god have precepts. Priestesses of the Coral Palace are required to remain chaste for the gods and to maintain their purity until they relinquish their position as priestesses. They must not indulge in love.” Yae no Miko suddenly said, “The requirements for priestesses are the same for both the Heavenly Narukami and the Kingdom’s Sea God.”

"What does Yae no Kami want to ask?" Coral Palace Heart Sea's expression remained unchanged.

"It is widely rumored that you, Coral Palace Master, and His Highness the Regent are more than just close friends. Just think about it, two young people in their adolescence, both exceptionally talented, both incomparably beautiful, and both with a heart for the world. What could be more perfect for each other? It's simply a match made in heaven."

Yae no Miko blinked. "It would be unbelievable if everyone wasn't interested in your friendship. But you happen to be a shrine maiden, a shrine maiden who must maintain her purity... Hmm... Hehe."

Facing the fox's pressured gaze, Coral Palace Heart Sea pondered for a moment, then calmly replied, "Eighth Palace Master, so what if it is? So what if it isn't?"

"Just thinking about the sacred priestess in the hearts of the sea spirits, who gave herself to outsiders for their sake, and who spent her days in tears in front of the divine throne... Oh dear, what do you think would happen if the sea spirits knew about this?" Yae no Miko chuckled.

Cold sweat instantly trickled down Kamisato Kayo's forehead. Although she wanted to put some pressure on Sango Miyako, she absolutely did not want to push her to this point... What a joke! Sango Miyako might end up being roommates with Ayaka in the future, and would have to call her stepmother, but they would all be family!

What is this fox trying to do?! You're not one of our family!

But when she turned her head, she saw Yae no Miko with a beaming smile.

Eh?

"Nothing will happen. Kokoro and Ryoko have indeed already pledged their lives to each other." Kokoro said calmly, "The priestess's position cannot hinder me, and the Umi no Omikami will not blame me either. Kokoro is different from the shogunate. Our gods are tolerant and benevolent, and regard the people as their own children. Any feudal and useless dogma should have been swept into the dustbin of history long ago."

She learned these words from Shen Liang. At that time, Shen Liang spoke to the shrine of the Great God of the Sea when he was worshipping it. It was as if he were a friend communicating with the Great God. Coral Palace Heart Sea was pouring wine for the shrine when she was suddenly attracted by the majesty and confidence of these words.

"Do the people of the sea also think so?" Yae no Miko asked with a smile.

"The people need time to change their mindset, but Yae no Kōji is welcome to try. I won't stop him." Coral Palace Heart Sea also smiled lightly. "Let's see if the people of Haiqi think it's more important for the Regent to save Haiqi Island and for me to be angry for him, or for a mere old rule."

"Tsk tsk tsk, listen to these words, you little wolfhound who would fight for me to the death~" Yae no Miko finally couldn't help but laugh as she reached out and pinched the girl's soft waist, teasing her, "You can't even hide the smugness in your words, are you really that smug! Miss Deep Sea Turbot! I was clearly acting to resolve the war, how did it become for you? How shameless."

"Miss Linglong Fried Tofu seems jealous. Well, it's understandable. After all, the number of believers in Narukami Shrine is many times that of Sangokami, yet not a single man is willing to save the day for you." Sangokami Kokoro playfully stuck out her tongue. "She can only vent her emotions with words like this. Also, Ryoko is someone else's fiancé, not your little wolfhound."

Kanari Hanayo stared dumbfounded at the two pink-haired girls, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the chaotic scene, unable to utter a word. At that moment, the well-behaved Sango Miyako Kokoro smiled and looked over, “Miss Hanayo, there’s no need to be nervous. Kokoro and Yae no Tsukasa have been pen pals for a very long time, corresponding for more than a year. What happened just now was a joke during our meeting. Lord Yae no Tsukasa wouldn’t dare reveal Kokoro’s secret, right? Otherwise, if Umijima were truly forced to change its leader, it might not be as easy to deal with as I am.”

"That's not necessarily true. The dignified living goddess and the regent are both on Narukami Island. I'd rather risk ignoring all the officials present and kill you both on the spot!" the pink-haired fox snorted. "Then Haiqi Island will surely be severely weakened and will never be able to compete with Narukami Island again. The Heavenly Envoy will start another war, and this time I will definitely raze Haiqi Island to the ground! All the goddesses will be under my control. I'll create a wine pool and meat forest, and even your aunt will have to perform a belly dance for me!"

"If you can do it, Yae no Kami should give it a try." The pink-haired little shrine maiden (Kani) said leisurely.

"If you're so capable, why don't you try fighting me instead of relying on your man?"

"Who is it that's so angry because they don't have a man to rely on? I don't want to say."

……

Yae no Miko began announcing the order of battle for both sides.

Fubuki Team: Naganohara Yomi, Kamisato Ayaka, Shino Ryo.

Crow Feather Team: Ohgawara Goemon, Kujo Masahito, Kujo Sora.

Seeing this lineup, Yae no Miko was slightly surprised: "The meaning of the Fubuki team is very clear. The two ladies will go to the front line, take things steadily, and take as many as they can. It will also give them a chance to hone their skills. With Shen Liang in the rear, His Highness the Regent's strength is already almost invincible. Waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out is the best option."

"But...Isn't the Raven Feather Team a bit...I don't understand."

Many viewers understood what Yae no Kamiko meant. In fact, no matter how much they talked about it, everyone knew that Shen Liang, who could even defeat the young master, was terrifying. Although the duel with the young master was a real one and not according to the competition rules, even if it were according to the competition rules, there was nothing that could restrict Shen Liang. His chances of winning were definitely over 99%.

The Raven Feather Team should actually have just come to show off their skills. Considering that the Blizzard Team would definitely have Shen Liang as the last one to lead the charge, the Raven Feather Team should have sent their strongest member, Kujo Sara, to the front. She could even take on two opponents at once, so that if the exhausted Kujo Sara was defeated by Shen Liang in the end, it wouldn't be too shameful.

That's the way to save face.

At this moment, Shen Liang sat in the "General" position on the contestant's bench, looking towards the contestant's bench opposite the ring, where Kujo Sara was also seated in the General position. Kujo Sara, having finished instructing her teammates, also looked up and met Shen Liang's gaze.

Shen Liang almost wanted to look away for a moment, because that gaze was as sharp as a knife.

Ayaka Kamisato frowned slightly and whispered, "Be careful, the Raven Feather Team might have some tricks up their sleeve."

Shen Liang also looked at Xiao Gong and said, "It's the finals, so you can relax and don't get hurt. If you really can't win, just admit defeat. I'm here for you."

Yoshimiya chuckled, "Ryoko-nii is being naughty. You're trying to lower my morale with these kinds of words before the match even starts, making it sound like you're the one keeping us in this competition... But it doesn't feel so bad."

"Ryoko underestimates Ayaka." Ayaka Kamisato smiled helplessly. "You stinky man."

Shen Liang felt truly innocent. Didn't you guys ask me to come and compete? Didn't you think you couldn't win and then you begged and pleaded with me to come? Why am I the one who's a stinky man?

Stupid woman!

On stage, Naganohara Yoshimiya and Okawara Goemon entered the stage at the same time.

Ōkawara Goemon was a yūriki from the Tenryō magistrate. Although his official rank was not high, he was the head instructor of the Tenryō magistrate. He watched Kujō Sara, Kujō Masahiro, and Kujō Kamaji all grow up and taught them martial arts.

Although he was just an ordinary person, Goemon possessed some other skills. He was the number one swordsman in Inazuma and the winner of the previous Tamatsukuri (Gyokuryū-gi) title.

Let alone those Primordial Gods who cannot use the Eye of God, Goemon has defeated countless even those who can. Although this year's Hyakunin-Ikkuri is filled with formidable fighters, far surpassing the single-handed Jade Dragon Banner of the previous year, he is confident that he is no less than anyone else!

A mesmerizing bell rang out, announcing the start of the competition!

At the same time, Goemon moved swiftly like a snake, instantly darting about, but his katana remained sheathed, his right hand resting on his waist, gripping the hilt in reverse.

Xiaogong's eyes couldn't keep up, so she simply stood still, shouted, and threw out gunpowder fireworks on the spot!

"Clatter!"

The specially made fireworks produced a great deal of smoke, but fortunately, Yomiya had already pulled up his collar, and the acrid smell of gunpowder quickly filled the arena. Goemon couldn't help but cough in the thick fog, and Yomiya's ears twitched, catching the sound as he drew his bowstring!

"Shhhhhh!"

A barrage of arrows rained down. Xiao Gong was skilled at firing multiple arrows at once, and such rapid fire was very difficult to dodge in the small area. Moreover, the thick smoke made it impossible to see even a person's figure, let alone arrows!

Goemon let out a painful groan. Yomiya's arrows were specially made using fireworks techniques, and they would explode with a crackling sound when they hit someone. However, in order not to cripple the person, she deliberately reduced the power, but the pain of having his skin torn open was still quite terrible.

Goemon circled Yonomiya several times, but Yonomiya continued to attack with sound while maintaining distance, preventing Goemon from finding an opportunity to get close.

The previous winner of the Jade Dragon Flag was being pulled and teased by a nineteen-year-old girl. Goemon was a little anxious, and in his haste, he couldn't help but step on the ground.

The next moment, Goemon decided to risk being shot by an arrow and rush towards her! He stomped heavily on the ground, leaned forward, and charged forward!

Xiao Gong had been waiting for this attack. He twisted the bowstring and gripped it in a reverse hand, turning the steel wire into a blade. Then, he suddenly flung the saltpeter powder in his hand forward!

"Fireworks are coming!"

Amidst the overwhelming dust, Yomiya's expression turned serious as his sharp bow collided with Goemon's heavy fist!

This punch was powerful and heavy. The audience could feel that although Goemon did not have elemental power, his fist was flashing red light and his surging blood and qi were like a mountain crashing down!

Even Genshin Impact's Xiaogong couldn't withstand such a heavy iron fist; the bow stand was shattered! The steel wire snapped! She also lost her balance and flew backward!

However, just when everyone thought that Goemon only needed to chase after him and deliver another punch to knock Yomiya out of the ring, Yomiya angrily shouted, "Here!"

A raging fire erupted, instantly turning the burly man into a human torch!

"The Eye of God!" some of the shogunate officials immediately shouted. "How dare they use the Eye of God! Where is the Tenryo Magistrate?!"

"Shut up!" Kujo Sara gave the man a cold look.

Some viewers were still a bit confused, and at this moment, Yae no Miko spoke up to explain, "I didn't sense any elemental power. The reason why Miss Yoomiya was able to ignite a fire out of thin air was because the gunpowder she had scattered earlier was ignited. In such an intense battle, the specific way she ignited it was by applying a flammable coating to the bow, which sparked when it collided with Goemon's gauntlets, causing Goemon to catch fire."

Chapter 254 Ordinary Iron Can Also Be Forged into a Divine Sword That Could Topple Kingdoms

As a family of fireworks makers, Yomiya was very familiar with gunpowder formulas. When the powder was applied to Goemon's armor, it immediately caused a melting effect. The extremely high temperature and the close-range sparks that directly burned his eyes caused Goemon to lose most of his fighting ability!

“Unorthodox methods,” Yae no Miko laughed. “However, Miss Yoomiya must have gone to great lengths to use unorthodox methods so skillfully.”

Shen Liang watched for a while, then frowned slightly and said to Shen Li Linghua, "It seems that Xiao Gong is going to lose. When you go on stage later, his eyes are burned and he has burns on his body, so he can't make any big movements. You should focus on dodging and wearing him down before defeating him, and save some strength."

Ayaka Kamisato looked somewhat puzzled; she felt that Yoi-miya had already secured victory.

“That’s the winner of the previous Jade Dragon Flag competition. Even if Xiaogong is a Genshin Impact, it’s still too much of an underestimation of him,” Shen Liang said softly. “Besides, his sword… hasn’t even been drawn yet.”

On the stage, Goemon unleashed a series of punches, all of which landed on empty air. All the spectators saw that Yomiya had already drawn his second longbow at the edge of the ring, and the outcome was almost certain.

He couldn't help but chuckle. He had indeed underestimated the little girl from the Naganohara fireworks shop. Smoke obscured his vision, the smell of gunpowder masked his sense of smell, and the sound of firecrackers blocked his hearing. Finally, phosphorus powder melted his armor, and the glare temporarily blinded him.

He didn't know that in Earth's games, Yoshimiya's playstyle was called stacking debuffs, and Goemon, who had been weakened to this extent, was basically unable to determine Yoshimiya's location.

The young girl knew she couldn't possibly fight a strong man, so she had been hiding this unorthodox tactic until now, hoping to achieve a surprise victory and take Okawara Goemon away to prove herself to Ryoko.

—Ryoko-san, you fought your way up here from Motomiya-neechan, don't treat me like a noob!

Just as she drew her bow fully, aiming at the solid part of Goemon's breastplate—the spot that could both defeat Goemon and allow him to recover with just a month or two of rest—Goemon finally closed his eyes.

Facing the billowing smoke and flashes of light, Goemon leaned forward almost to the ground, his katana still sheathed at his waist, his rough right hand firmly gripping the hilt, and he closed his eyes.

In that instant, the castle tower suddenly became turbulent, and Goemon was about to make a move, like a fierce tiger about to reveal itself.

Xiao Gong felt the immense pressure coming towards him!

"The young lady from the Naganohara family fought very well, but for a martial artist, it doesn't matter if they can't see, smell, or hear anything." He laughed heartily. "They can still listen with their hearts and see with their intuition. As long as they are alive, a martial artist can fight. The reason why those unorthodox methods are not worthy of respect is because they lack this fighting spirit!"