I'm in the Teyvat running group

"Miss Funina, come and have something to cheer yourself up." Ayaka Kamisato also came over with a plate of snacks: "Trust him, at least in the information I found, Xiu-kun can be described as the embodiment of a miracle!"

"Then please help me take a few more months off..." Funina tearfully picked up a snack and stuffed it into her mouth: "If I know this, I will never be able to concentrate on work again."

"Um... I'll see if I can ask the Emperor to put in a good word for me..."

Chapter 124 She and Her Cat (Third update on Friday!)

Regardless of when the leave request would be finalized, Yunxiu and the others arrived at Haiqi Island the next day. After all, they needed to confirm the matters concerning Yuanxia Palace with Coral Palace first, and the preparations would take some time.

Moreover, Umijima is not far from Narukamima, but the other two almost uninhabited islands are much farther away.

Compared to the previous life, Umijima Island hasn't changed much, because Raiden Shin still exists, and she is the only "living god" of Inazuma.

Therefore, the shrine maiden of Haiji Island was demoted to "Miko". This Miko Shrine Maiden was none other than Coral Palace Heart Sea. Although Yunxiu and the others were only resting here for a short while, she still appeared to greet them.

After explaining her purpose, Coral Palace Xin Hai wasn't surprised. Instead, she looked at Yun Xiu seriously and said, "Mr. Yun, I've heard that you have a technique called 'Elemental Isolation,' which, with the support of a magical artifact called 'Sealing Spirit Cave Yuan Mirror,' allows ordinary people to also master elemental power?"

"How do you know?" Yunxiu asked curiously, "Inazuma should have just started negotiating the introduction, and the person in charge is this Ms. Kamisato Ayaka."

“Hmm… A few days ago, one of your friends entered Yuanxia Palace…” Xin Hai took out a letter and handed it to Yun Xiu: “This is what she left for you. She also told me this information.”

"Really?" Yunxiu took the letter, tore it open, and saw that it was indeed Paimon's handwriting:

"Yun boy! Ying and I have already entered Yuanxia Palace. Ying seems to have discovered her brother's whereabouts, so remember to hurry! We'll leave amber markers along the path we'll be taking!"

“He is indeed my friend. It seems you have gained his trust.” Yunxiu said with a smile, “Then you should talk to Linghua. Even if it is transported directly from Liyue to Haiqi Island, it still needs the consent of the magistrate.”

She glanced at Ayaka and, understanding her meaning, said, "I've long admired your name, Miss Mikamiko of Umijima. Bringing her here is certainly not a problem. However, Umijima is poor in resources; even its food needs to be provided by our guild's officials. What can you possibly offer in return?"

"Haiqi Island has many difficulties... but once we master elemental power, we might be able to improve the land, which would also help solve the food problem as much as possible..."

"This doesn't seem to have a direct connection to our deal," said Ayaka Kamisato with a smile. "If Miss Kokoro is willing to let the army of Haiki Island fully support the Shaka Magistrate in the Three Magistrates for the foreseeable future, I am willing to provide Haiki Island with all the relevant facilities and enough food to last you through this year, free of charge."

After saying that, she added, "It is to support the company's directors led by my brother and me, and this clause must be written into the contract."

"As far as Haiji Island is concerned, we are naturally willing to deal with the magistrate, but Lord Raijin..."

"Lord Thor won't concern himself with such trivial matters. The magistrate of the company simply wants to gain enough power to promote the elemental training school in Inazuma, and the magistrates of the Heavenly Territory and the magistrates of the Survey will inevitably become obstacles in the process."

Ayaka Kamisato said seriously, "The hierarchy of Inazuma ensures that those who possess the Eye of God won't look down on commoners who also have elemental power."

“I see… but we need to get Haiqi Island as soon as possible.”

"The first batch will naturally be used by the direct descendants of our company's executive members, but the second batch can be yours." Ayaka Kamisato looked at Kokoro Sango's expression and said, "So, do you agree or disagree?"

"Okay... I agree."

Shinkai summoned a lawyer, who quickly drafted several documents. After reviewing them, Ayaka Kamisato signed the contract and wrote a letter to Shinkai: "Please give the documents and letter to my brother. He knows what to do."

"Miss Kamisato Ayaka, to use an old saying from Liyue, you truly are capable of 'turning your hand to make clouds and rain.'"

After summoning Goro, the general of Umijima, and instructing him to ensure the documents were delivered to Ayato Kamisato, Shinkai looked earnestly at Yunxiu and said, "Mr. Yun, you have indeed found a good helper. I just wonder how you and Miss Ayato Kamisato discussed things..."

I discussed a deal worth billions with her before we finalized it...

Yunxiu gave an awkward smile and chuckled twice to casually brush the matter off.

Afterwards, hosted by Umijima, they enjoyed a sumptuous seafood feast. After setting a rough date with Shinkai to enter Fuchishita Shrine, they went to Asase Shrine on Washujima Island after being seen off by Umijima and the others.

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

Soon, the beast was once again strolling on the endless sea. Moreover, because the storms became more and more violent the closer they got to the dark outer sea, the raging ocean and sky made Yunxiu feel extremely melancholy.

"Does my husband think I'm using you?" Ayaka Kamisato asked seriously, looking at Yunxiu's rather complicated expression. "Or did Ayaka do something to make you feel uncomfortable?"

“No, not at all… Besides, even if it’s exploitation, I don’t really hate it that much.” Yunxiu took Shenli Linghua’s hand and sat down, saying, “Just like the relationship between the Emperor and me, does the Emperor only help me because I am Liyue’s child? Of course not.”

“I think at first, his idea was just to use me, or at most to cooperate. It was only when he found that my personality matched his wishes that he truly treated me like a child.” Yunxiu sighed, then said seriously, “After all, he can’t be a pushover who has survived for thousands of years.”

Yunxiu has been thinking about this problem for far too long.

Why would the Emperor protect him? Why would the gods keep giving him various divine artifacts and information, and even send their capable subordinates to his side?

On the bright side, this is protection and an investment; but on the dark side, isn't it also surveillance and a form of control?

Human beings live in this world where relationships of mutual benefit exist, even among deeply loving parents and children, spouses and friends.

The significance of emotions is not to make mindless choices after abandoning interests and life.

Rather, when there is a sufficient foundation, they will not abandon those with whom they have deep feelings.

Yunxiu fully understands Ayaka Kamisato's actions. As one of the successors of the company's magistrate, even with Ayaka Kamisato by her side, it would be difficult for her to make her own decisions about her marriage.

So in the original timeline, she also took the initiative to show goodwill to the Traveler. But the Traveler's heart was only set on rebelling against the Lord, and he was also a traveler wandering the sea of ​​stars. After Ayaka realized this, she chose to end this relationship, which had ended before it even began, with a dance.

However, as mentioned earlier, Yunxiu is different.

At least with all the information that Ayaka Kamisato has, it's enough for her to take a gamble. If she succeeds, all will be well, and if she fails, given Yunxiu's personality, she won't do anything to her.

As for Yunxiu herself...

It's not like he has no feelings for Ayaka Kamisato. How could the magistrate possibly cause him any harm?

As long as the magistrate can't do anything to him, he's guaranteed to make a profit. Besides, his status is more than enough to match Princess White Heron, let alone Raiden Shin...

“For us heirs of large families, making a choice is a luxury…” Ayaka Kamisato leaned against Yunxiu’s chest and said, “Hira Chisato, the magistrate of the Imperial Household Department, and Kujo Renji, the magistrate of the Imperial Household Department, have known each other since childhood and have feelings for each other. However, Hiiragi Chisato has rarely seen other men since she was a child. Who could she like?”

"And what about your brother?" Yunxiu suddenly asked curiously, "Doesn't he have any relationship problems?"

“I always felt there was something strange between my brother and Yae no Kyouji, but I never had any evidence…” Ayaka Kamisato said seriously, “But thinking about it, it’s unlikely, after all, Yae no Kyouji is over 500 years old, and my brother is only a little older than me.”

I think your brother and she might actually be having an affair...

As for theories about lifespan, Yunxiu didn't care at all. He could develop longevity spells by combining the time-stopping techniques with the numerous spells available in D&D after he reached the Legendary era.

"So you don't need to worry too much about these issues. In fact, as I said, I'm not really interested in these worldly commercial dealings." Yunxiu stroked Ayaka's hair. "Even without the company magistrate, I wouldn't refuse you..."

"So, did Ayaka overestimate the magistrate?" Ayaka Kamisato assumed a comfortable position and looked at Yunxiu with her big eyes, saying, "Then how can I know my husband's sincerity?"

"You've got me in check, huh? Let's see how I punish you!"

Picking up Ayaka Kamisato, Yunxiu went straight into the small room in her personal storage bag. Now, it was time for punishment!

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

Although the distance between Asase Shrine and Umijima Island is much longer than the distance shown on the game map, the beasts that carried them were indeed modified. Therefore, after a night's journey, they arrived near Asase Shrine on Washu Island.

Unlike in the game, the "sunny" areas of this island are much larger than in the game. The entire island is divided into three parts, and Koshiki Village and Asase Shrine are almost identical to Narukami Island.

"Is this... Asase Shrine? So many cats!" Funina was the happiest of them all. She quickly realized that this shrine was a genuine "cat shrine." After giving away a large portion of her snacks, she turned to Yunxiu and tried her best to make a cute expression.

Seeing this expression, Yunxiu knew what she was about to do again, and said helplessly, "Although we already have four or five hundred cats, we don't need this many, but these cats are not stray cats, they are all 'employees' of the shrine."

"Employees?" Funina asked curiously. "Cats are employees too? Is this a shrine run by cats?"

“You’re right, this is the shrine run by cats.” The three walked through the shrine’s gate and soon saw a black cat standing in the center of a group of cats, surrounded by other cats, on the steps of the shrine’s main entrance. Yunxiu knew who it was, of course; it was “Neko,” the cat that Asase Hibiki used to keep.

Although he didn't know why the cat could live for so long.

"Hello, Shinji, we are guests from Narukami Island." Yunxiu crouched down to the cat's eye level and said earnestly, "I know you can talk. May I ask you some questions?"

“Human, I know why you’ve come.” Qinzi actually spoke up: “I can sense that girl’s aura on you… Meow meow.”

You mean Tsukihime?

"Is her name Tsukihime...? I've eaten her cat food." The cat licked its paw and said, "Human, could you help me clean the shrine? I can answer three questions for you later... Meow meow."

"Is that so?" Yunxiu moved and used his eighth-ring spell to unleash the Thousand Wind Hands. More than a thousand giant hands quickly swept across the Asase Shrine, clearing the entire shrine in less than ten minutes. He smiled and looked at Neko: "Then, I'll ask you my first question."

"Ask away, humans are truly amazing. This is the first time I've ever seen humans like this."

"My question is... is it true that a group of descendants of the White Night Kingdom live in this area?"

"It's true, they'll come here after the sun rises tomorrow... Meow..."

Chapter 125 Furina, a magnificent transformation! (First update on Saturday!)

They'll be here tomorrow! What are they coming for? Yunxiu couldn't help but wonder, what's the connection between these reclusive people and cats?

"My second question is, what are they here for?"

"Meow... The shrine is where they trade with meows, and then I help them trade with humans..."

It turns out that they traded with humans through the shrine to obtain some necessary survival supplies, which is indeed a good way for people to live in seclusion.

"So, one last question... Is there a way for humans to communicate with them?"

"As far as I know, there isn't one, but..." The maid lay down, rubbing her back vigorously, then licked her hind paws, before seemingly remembering something, and said, "They seem to be looking for something that possesses 'Qi Xue.' If you have it, perhaps you can contact me."

What is "Qi Xue"?

"This is the fourth question, meow."

"Um... I'd like to make some extra cat food for you."

"Cat food, you can make cat food, is it like Ah Xiang's?" Qinzi raised her head and looked at Yunxiu: "If it's cat food, I can meow. But I want to try it first."

This cat is incredibly alert...

Yunxiu reluctantly opened his storage bag. Although the demi-plane was left with Xiangling and there was no cat food stored there, he was originally a master chef, only slightly inferior to Xiangling.

Yunxiu, along with Ayaka and Funina, separately killed some wild beasts and found some bird eggs. Yunxiu skillfully prepared dozens of kilograms of cat food.

After dividing the food into portions and preserving it with magic, he handed it to Qinzi: "This should last you and the cats a long time. Now, can you tell me what 'Qixue' is?"

"Meow, it's a little worse than Ah Xiang's, but it's still pretty good." Qin Zi skillfully took a few bites, then called out again, and dozens of cats rushed over and quickly gathered around to eat.

She nodded in satisfaction before speaking, "I spoke with them; 'Qi Xue' is something closely related to the 'Water Dragon King.'"

It turns out it was "umbilical cord blood"!

Upon hearing this, the ahoge (cowlick) on Funina's head started spinning like an electric fan; this was the thing she was most concerned about.

"I'm going tomorrow!" Funina looked at Yunxiu seriously: "I need to know what exactly that divine decree from the White Night Kingdom is all about!"

For a moment, Yunxiu thought it was Fukaros in a resolute gaze, but after realizing it was indeed Fuka, Yunxiu couldn't help but sigh. No matter which timeline she was in, she was always incredibly reliable at crucial moments, far superior to some gods who always failed at critical times.

"Okay." Yunxiu didn't say much, but turned to look at the bedroom: "Can we rest here for the night?"

"You're good people, you can meow." After saying this, Qinzi ran into the group of cats and started eating her cat food by herself, just like an ordinary cat.

Yunxiu and the others rested near the shrine, taking out various tools from their storage bags and tidying up the things that Linghua had prepared. Soon, a decent-looking campsite was set up.

Yunxiu took out a portable pot and the ingredients Xiangling had prepared and started cooking when Funina's head rustled over and whispered, "So how exactly are we going to meet the people from Baiye Kingdom tomorrow?"