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

Why should I have it?!

Xilin frowned and pondered for a while. Shen Liang looked at her beautiful face, which was exactly the same as Kiana's, and was speechless. He took back his previous words; they really were sisters, both so unreliable.

“The international airport of Destiny is almost completed, and the family needs someone to attend the opening ceremony. I will definitely go, but I think that as a newcomer with a good reputation in the family, you should also make an appearance.” Sirin changed the subject and said, “Many people at Destiny headquarters have not seen you yet, and you can’t always stay at the Shaniat family’s house.”

"The Schicksal Headquarters...isn't it dangerous for me?" He vividly remembered that his Black Abyss White Flower was still stored in the Shaniat family's ice cellar. He hadn't figured out how to use it yet, so he left it in the ice cellar for Cecilia to play with. If he swallowed the Divine Key of the Schicksal Headquarters, he'd probably be hated to the core by that "Bishop Otto."

“Dangerous? Of course not. In fact, the Schicksal headquarters is much safer than you in some deserted place. If you were attacked or went missing at Schicksal headquarters, it would be equivalent to the headquarters declaring war on the Shaniat family directly.” Sirin said calmly, “But what use are you? The Divine Key is not on you. No matter how precious a male Honkai Energy candidate is, there is not much difference between having you in our hands and having you in Schicksal’s hands.”

The Shaniat family is extremely protective of its members, and Cecilia's strength is a guarantee of that protection. If some hidden force had silently kidnapped Shen Liang, it might have been a headache for the Shaniat family. But the Destiny Headquarters is a large and powerful organization, and they have nowhere to hide; they must face the wrath of the Shaniat family.

Therefore, they would never try to harm him on their own turf, and if they were outside... Pandora would almost never leave Neuschwanstein Castle, and even if he did, he would always have people by his side.

Not worth it.

but……

"Is there much difference between being in the family and being in the Heavenly Mandate?" Shen Liang didn't quite understand what this meant.

"Well, how should I put it? If we use you to complement and enhance the Valkyries, then the people of the Shaniat family are also part of Schicksal's power, so our enhancement is Schicksal's enhancement too," Sirin said calmly. "Besides, the Valkyries of our Shaniat family are all top-tier Schicksal's power, so enhancing us wouldn't be a loss. But if you were to fall into Schicksal's hands, well, those top-tier headquarters Valkyries are actually unlikely to be with you... well, you know, since there's no emotional foundation... and those weaker Valkyries aren't really worthy of being with you... well..."

Then, ignoring Shen Liang's increasingly dark expression, she made a decision, "So anyway, Destiny is happy to see you in the Shaniat family. When we have a few more S-class Valkyries, it will also enhance Destiny's combat power. Although we obey orders but not proclamations, we are still at least a part of Destiny."

So, in your eyes, Sister Xilin, I'm just a vessel that accepts anyone!

Seemingly noticing Shen Liang's indignant expression, Xilin said casually, "I don't know why, but Anna's Honkai energy level has improved by leaps and bounds these days. I feel like she's getting more and more skilled at using ice. I don't think I was even a match for her in the last simulation battle."

Shen Liang immediately composed himself, afraid that Xilin would notice something she shouldn't. Lilia looked up at her brother, silently released the straw she was biting, and offered it to his lips to ease the awkwardness.

"Then it's settled. We'll set off in a week for the Destiny headquarters in London."

"Just us? Isn't Kiana going?" Shen Liang felt that he hadn't been communicating with Kiana much lately.

“My foolish sister only brings shame to the Shaniat family in this kind of situation,” Sirin said haughtily, belittling her sister before adding, “She would rather stay home and play video games than go out. But it doesn’t matter. In the family, I, the Queen, am in charge of these kinds of things. I am the eldest daughter, and it is my duty.”

"Then I don't want to go either..." Shen Liang wasn't interested either; staying in the room to play games with Kiana was much better.

"Good boy, you are the eldest son," Xilin said calmly.

Shen Liang thought it was outrageous as soon as he heard it and was about to say that he was not, but after thinking about it carefully, what Xilin said seemed to make sense.

But has your family had a tradition of having an "eldest son" for thousands of years?

After half-forcing Shen Liang to agree to go to the Destiny headquarters, and watching Xilin leave, Shen Liang suddenly understood Xilin's meaning. She could have gone alone, but Shen Liang couldn't stay in the Shaniat family's castle forever, being carefully protected. He had to face Destiny, because he wouldn't be able to leave this organization for a long time to come, regardless of whether he liked it or hated it.

She had to bring Shen Liang along. As the acting head of the Shaniat family, she wasn't powerful, but her status was high, and no one dared to spy on Shen Liang while she was around. As the "older sister," she felt it was her responsibility to take care of her "younger brother" who had just entered the transcendent realm, and she had to help him build a network of relationships.

Humans are social animals. Shen Liang's safety doesn't lie in Neuschwanstein Castle, but in his interactions with countless Valkyries of Destiny. The more people he interacts with and the more connections he forms, the more he will hesitate to act against those who are trying to spy on him.

very funny.

They're all older sisters. Kiana is the kind of carefree, cheerful sister who loves playing with her younger brother, despite her poor grades. Anna is the kind of gentle sister who spoils her brother rotten, fulfilling all his requests. Sirin is the kind of precocious sister who manages the household and finds solutions for her younger siblings with personality flaws.

Ah.

“Brother, your eyes are looking more and more like they did when you were sixteen,” Lilia suddenly said.

"I am sixteen years old." Shen Liang said, puzzled.

The precocious little girl let out a heavy sigh.

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Dihua Islet.

This is the continent of Teyvat, the border between the land of rocks, Liyue, and the land of wind, Mondstadt. Endless streams and seas of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, with horsehair and reeds swaying in the wind. In the distance, a colossal tree stands in the center of the reed marshes, its canopy blocking out the sun. Through its trunk, one can see an inn built against the tree, towering high into the clouds.

This is also the most important trade route in Liyue, and countless travelers from the Seven Kingdoms pass through here by land. So, although it is in the wilderness, caravans and camps can often be seen here. As the saying goes, "On the banks of Luhua Pond, ducks sleep; on Dihua Isle, perch are plentiful; on Tianheng Mountain, greenery is close to the golden cup," the scenery here is one of the most beautiful in the vast and resource-rich Liyue.

A young man with short, cyan hair, wearing a cloud-patterned tunic and tattooed with mythical beasts on his arms, shook the blood of a Hilichurl from his jade spear. He then lowered his head and scooped up clear lake water to wash his face. He then used his magic to completely dispel the stench of blood from his body, so as not to frighten passing merchants upon his recent cleansing of karmic debts.

Fortunately, there's no need to worry about merchants traveling in the dark at night. Most people will set up camp on the spot, and Wangshu Inn is nearby, so travelers are usually already asleep by now.

Fortunately, the inn's staff were all family and already familiar with each other, so they weren't afraid of his sudden visit. Perhaps the cook, who was preparing late-night snacks, was still awake at this hour, and he could order a plate of almond tofu.

But in an instant, they appeared on the top floor of the inn, but they didn't see Philgoldette, the landlady who usually worked the night shift, in the manager's seat.

Xiao was slightly puzzled.

Chapter 5: Can you do whatever you want just because you're pretty?

The Wangshu Inn, perched in the treetop, Room No. 2, Tianzi.

Under the bright moonlight, a young man with flowing black hair, wearing only a thin, gauze-like nightgown, leaned against the headboard, intently reading information about the Destiny Organization on his tablet.

A beautiful young woman with disheveled blonde hair and a lingering blush turned her head to look at the handsome boy with affection. Then, like a cat trying to please its master, she gently nudged the boy's arm with her head. "What is this?"

"Computer." Shen Liang stared intently at the screen, his gaze never wavering, only casually rubbing the woman's fair waist. "Explaining it clearly is quite troublesome. Sister Phil just needs to know that this thing can help me think. Oh, although it's about to run out of power."

"What are you thinking about, baby?" Phil Gaudette asked, lying obediently on his lap and looking up at him.

"I'm thinking about when Manager Huai'an will return," Shen Liang replied casually.

Phil Gaudette chuckled, tilting her head back from the boy's lap to gaze at his exquisitely handsome face, her alluring eyes now even more dreamy. She absolutely adored this beautiful, aloof young man, even though he didn't seem to care much about her.

She didn't even understand how she had ended up in such a state; she only remembered that when the boy came to stay, she glanced at him at the counter and couldn't take her eyes off him. When she brought dinner to the room, Philgoldette opened the door and saw the boy, who had just finished showering, leaning against the window admiring the moonlit scenery of Dihua Isle. He smiled gently when he saw her come in to deliver the food.

That smile was so captivating that Philgoldette instinctively closed the door.

When she finally came to her senses, the food and drink were still untouched, the bed was in disarray, and she had completely betrayed Huai'an.

However, a slight pang of guilt couldn't overcome the bright young man's smile, especially the predatory energy beneath his gentle exterior. Phil Gaudette gazed at Shen Liang, her eyes hazy, and said softly, "Don't worry, my husband is going out to buy goods today and won't be back until dawn. At this Wangshu Inn, Sister Phil is the owner. Without my order, none of the waiters or servants will come to the premium rooms. Don't worry, my darling."

"Didn't you say that Mr. Huai'an is the manager? Why do you keep referring to yourself as the boss?" Shen Liang said with a smile.

“Not the boss’s wife, the boss.” Phil Gaudette got up, patted his shoulder, puffed out her cheeks cutely, and said, word by word, “The boss. He can be his manager, and I can be my boss, is that not allowed?”

"Those two have such a good relationship," Shen Liang said calmly.

Filgott giggled, her chest heaving. "My darling is so sharp-tongued! Look at what you're saying, he's from Liyue, and I'm from Mondstadt. We only came together by chance. Hmm... I also want to be a good and virtuous wife, but my darling is just too cute and wonderful. I really... I'd regret it for the rest of my life if I missed him."

She couldn't resist kissing the boy's lips, then casually asked, "Speaking of which, baby, you came from Inazuma, so why did you take this trade route? Shouldn't it go directly to Liyue Harbor?"

In fact, Inazuma and Liyue are separated by the sea. Inazuma is located in the southern waters of Liyue, while the trade route through Dihua Island is in the northern part of Liyue Harbor. Under normal circumstances, Inazuma merchants are unlikely to pass through here unless their route is to go to Mondstadt first and then to Liyue.

"Besides, why is the treasure alone? Shouldn't a merchant be alone?"

Shen Liang put away the tablet and said calmly, "My caravan has naturally arrived at Liyue Harbor, but this is my first time in Liyue. Rather than directly contacting the General Affairs Department, it would be better to investigate the local customs and culture of Liyue first."

"Investigate the local customs and culture of Liyue? Shouldn't you go to Liyue Harbor instead? Liyue Harbor is a metropolis, home to nearly half of Liyue's population. What other village or town could be as direct as going to Liyue Harbor?"

"You probably wouldn't encounter immortals in a bustling place like Liyue Harbor, would you?" Shen Liang stared at the blonde woman nestled against him, noticing her momentary astonishment at her expression.

Philgoldette seemed to realize that her expression had been a bit off. Suppressing her surprise and suspicion, she chuckled and said, "I didn't expect you to be a visitor to the immortals. I know you well, countless people come to Liyue to visit immortals every year. Sure enough, Ryoko-kun looks just like an immortal, but immortals aren't as fond of beauty as you are, my dear. You've really made my back hurt..."

"Stop pretending." Shen Liang said helplessly.

Filgott was abruptly interrupted and could only laugh, "What's this, darling?"

"You've been testing me all night, Sister Phil. Honestly, are you afraid your identities as Seven Stars' eyes and ears won't be known?" Shen Liang yawned cutely, too lazy to play games with her anymore. "As the only inn on this major trade route at the border between the two countries, I wouldn't believe you if you said you didn't have any Liyue sentry duties. As the world's economic hub, how could Liyue not have this much border security awareness?"

"Moreover, everyone at your Wangshu Inn, from the waiters to the chefs to the maids, is a trained martial artist. What kind of inn is like this? Is it a black market? It's understandable that they are trained martial artists, but how do you explain that even the women are trained martial artists? It's really not easy to find a few female martial artists who look like ordinary people on the surface but have actually practiced martial arts for many years."

Phil Gaudette's pretty face turned a little pale.

"Of course, all of these can be explained, but the most important thing is you, Sister Phil." Shen Liang tilted her head, her smile clear.

“Me?” Philgoldette was taken aback.

"Sister Phil has a great figure."

"Huh? Thank you." She didn't quite understand what the boy was talking about.

"Without the Eye of God, the fact that someone in their thirties still looks and has the same figure as someone in their twenties shows that you've been taking good care of yourself. But while a face is easy to maintain, a figure can't be kept indefinitely; it requires long-term martial arts practice." Shen Liang pressed his hand on the woman's slender waist and whispered, "Sister Phil, your strength is quite remarkable for a mortal. It's strange that a proprietress who doesn't need much physical labor has such power."

There were too many suspicious points. At first, Shen Liang thought this inn was a shady business, but after thinking about it carefully, how could such a large inn be a shady business if it could be located in such an important place? So, the background of Wangshu Inn is quite interesting.

Most importantly, the inn had a familiar feel to him, inside and out. The person he was looking for was here.

Demon God's retinue.

In Inazuma, Yae no Miko, as a member of the Thunder God's familiar, naturally possesses this "divine" quality. In fact, Sango no Kokoro also has it; she seems to possess a sense of being a member of the familiar of the deceased serpent god Oropus, only more subtly.

It seems that once someone is categorized as a follower of a certain deity, they will be imbued with the divinity of that deity.

As a descendant of the Sea Gods, Shen Liang gradually developed this intuitive ability to sense divinity. He didn't know why, but Coral Palace's Xin Hai and Coral Palace's Liu Ge also possessed the power to sense divinity. It seemed that dragon descendants were born with the ability to perceive demons and gods.

Therefore, the Wangshu Inn may have demonic relatives, but it's impossible for a demon to exist there.

Phil Gaudette took a deep breath, her blonde hair, clinging to her sweat-drenched back, swaying slightly. She could only mutter helplessly, "My darling figured it out."

"It's too obvious."

“No,” Phil Gaudette suppressed her displeasure and said in a deep voice, “I’m not usually that easy to spot. I’ve always been very good at disguising myself over the years. But I can’t help it… I can’t help it because today is a special case! Under normal circumstances, who could observe me… observe me into bed? Who can keep up the pretense in a situation like this? You couldn’t tell when I was dressed.”

She gritted her teeth and said sullenly, "Beauty has ruined me!"

Shen Liang suddenly realized, and shrugged, "Was it my fault?"

Just as the two were chatting and laughing, they suddenly heard a clear bell ringing outside. Almost instantly, Shen Liang felt the woman in his arms stiffen.

"The Huai'an shopkeeper is back?" Shen Liang was taken aback. Looking at the woman's nervous appearance, he gave her a reassuring smile. "It's alright. If Sister Phil doesn't want to make a fuss, she can just go out. I have a way to avoid being noticed."

Philgoldette's pretty face turned pale. "No, it's already...been discovered."

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