Chapter 249

Einstein explained Kiana. His initial assessment was that Raiden Mei and World Serpent had made some kind of deal, Conquest Gem had reawakened within her. When the gem re-condensed within Mei's body, the gem within Kiana disappeared, and the effects of the gem's erosion on her were greatly reduced. This must have been her purpose.

"So that's how it is... No, I can't let Mei go to World Serpent, I have to find her... Shen Gonglin, where is Shen Gonglin?"

Having understood the reason for the situation, Kiana got out of bed and wanted to find Mei, but as soon as she stepped onto the floor, she felt dizzy and sat back down on the bed. Theresa helped her up with concern, while Kiana held Theresa's hand tightly and asked Shen Gonglin, "If it's him, he must have a way."

"Shen Gonglin... Huh? Where is he? Wasn't he just outside? I saw him whispering with Dr. Tesla over there... Dr. Tesla, where did Shen Gonglin go? And... why are you in this state?"

Einstein turned to look at the door, and just then, Tesla came running back, panting. Her red twin ponytails swayed back and forth. The young woman leaned against the door frame for a long time, unable to catch her breath. As a researcher, doing this kind of "physical work" was really too much for her.

"It's all because he was helping Shen Gonglin pack her luggage. Heaven knows why he brought so much stuff. He practically emptied Helios. It's exhausting."

Tesla fanned himself with his palm. Heaven knows why that guy asked him for help. Anyone except for the Chicken Coop Head would be better at this kind of physical work than him. Honestly, if he had known it would be this tiring, he would have refused beforehand. This guy was just giving orders from the side, and he was the only one doing all the work.

"Packing his luggage? Whose luggage is he packing? What are you all doing?"

Everyone looked at Tesla with great confusion. What was this girl talking about? Why couldn't they understand her at all? Why was Shen Gonglin packing her luggage? And why hadn't they seen him yet? Kiana had already woken up, but he still hadn't appeared. What was he trying to do?

"Of course, it's packing Mei's luggage. He said that conditions might be very tough over there in World Serpent, and we can't let the girls suffer no matter how tough it is."

Tesla said matter-of-factly, "What? They don't know? It seems that Shen Gonglin trusts me after all. Otherwise, why would he only ask me to move things and not anyone else? Isn't it because he trusts me and is close to me?" Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem so tiring anymore. Are there any other things? Tesla wanted to move some more.

"What!"

Everyone said in unison, "Shen Gonglin is packing Mei. Is there any way he can find Mei's current location?"

"Raiden Mei, welcome to World Serpent."

Meanwhile, in a dark underground fortress, Kevin sat on the throne in the center, looking down at Raiden Mei, Jackal, Raven, and Gray Serpent. These three executives of World Serpent were gathered to welcome the "newcomer." It was truly unexpected that Herrscher would join World Serpent.

However, since this is the Lord's decision, it must be correct.

Raven looked off to the side, seemingly bored, while both the Jackal and the Gray Serpent stared intently at the white-haired man sitting in the center. Raiden Mei was also watching this man, Kevin Kaslana, the leader of the World Serpent and the ancestor of the Kaslana family.

It was this man's suggestion that made her leave the Hyperion. Only by joining the World Serpent organization could she possibly save Kiana. Mei had accepted this, and from now on, she was considered a member of the World Serpent.

"I am delighted to have you join us. The World Serpent needs Flame-Chasers like you. You will soon see that your choice was the right one."

Chapter Sixty-Three: The Female Lead of the Metamorphosis Project

"So this is the territory of the World Serpent. It really does have the feel of a nest. Working in such a gloomy place must be quite tough for you."

Before Mei could speak, an unexpected voice rang out. A halo appeared around Mei, and Shen Gonglin stepped out of it. Not only that, he was also carrying a large backpack. Shen Gonglin openly appeared in the stronghold where the World Serpent's executives and lords were gathered. Truly befitting a dark organization, even their team-building gathering to welcome new members was held in such a shady place.

"Shen Gonglin!"

The Gray Serpent cried out in alarm, and the Jackal and Raven also became alert. However, the Raven's actions seemed perfunctory. Kevin sat on the throne with a gloomy face and did not say a word, while Mei subconsciously put her hand on her waist as if drawing a sword and stood guard in front of Shen Gonglin. Although she did not know why he suddenly appeared, if a fight broke out, she would undoubtedly stand on Shen Gonglin's side!

She and the World Serpent weren't in a subordinate relationship; she just wanted to do what she wanted here. Cooperation, or rather, a mercenary-like relationship, suited her better.

"Mei, don't be so nervous. If you're like this, it will be hard for you to get along with your colleagues in the future. I just came to bring you some things. I always thought World Serpent was very poor. The energy bars that Crow gave me didn't even have any good nuts in them. Now that I've seen the place where they hold their meetings, I know they are really poor. I'm really worried about not bringing you some daily necessities."

Pressing Mei's shoulder, Shen Gonglin comforted her, explaining that he wasn't here to wage war against World Serpent. He knew that if he didn't go all out and disregard the consequences, it would be difficult for him to kill Kevin, and he believed Kevin felt the same way. So, he was only here to make things better for Mei.

"This is toothpaste, a towel, and a change of clothes... And this is Canned Food beef I stole from Bronya's room. It was so delicious that I saved some for myself. Here, have a can and try it. This is underwear... Wow, I didn't even know Mei had underwear like this. I've never seen you wear it before. And these too..."

Ignoring everyone else, Shen Gonglin completely disregarded the World Serpent's group of oddballs. He opened his large backpack and showed Mei everything inside. As expected, Mei would be living in the World Serpent for a while, so he felt that as a caring man, he should prepare things for Mei. This girl used to be a pampered young lady, and she couldn't be sloppy in a place like this.

What... what's going on here? It's like a boyfriend taking care of his girlfriend who's about to go teach in a poor mountain area. The World Serpent aren't that miserable, are they? The only reason they chose to gather in this place is because it's more secluded. The World Serpent are incredibly wealthy, you know? Do you know about Shencheng Medicine? That's an asset controlled by the World Serpent. Who are they trying to annoy here? At least we have towels and toothpaste!

The World Serpent's executives were in a rather complicated mood. Raven peered into the backpack, thinking that she and Raiden Mei got along quite well and that she should be able to benefit from it too. She also wondered why Raven spoke so openly, feeling that she could feel the unfriendly gazes from Jackal and Gray Serpent. Was this Raven aiding the enemy? And she even called Raven Raven, which was really going too far.

"Shen Gonglin! You... how did you get here? I can take care of myself, this is none of your business!"

Mei's face flushed crimson. After transforming into the Herrscher of Thunder, she thought she would be cold and mature, but it seemed that this side of her could only be shown in front of Kiana. Shen Gonglin easily broke her defenses. Looking at the underwear and private items that Mei Shen Gonglin shaken out, Mei wanted to cry. She held Shen Gonglin's hand tightly to stop him from showing any more. Please, have some dignity! There are people watching!

Shen Gonglin felt like she was acting like an innocent young lady on her first long trip, as if she were going on a reality show. She felt so embarrassed, so incredibly embarrassed.

"Huh? So you mean I'm superfluous?"

Shen Gonglin raised an eyebrow. He had finally managed to show off his warm and caring side, but Mei didn't even need it. This immediately put Shen Gonglin in a bad mood. He thought Mei would be very touched by his actions, but now it seemed he had misplaced his affections. Tsk, how annoying.

His true colors were revealed. He had only been trying to warm her up for a short while, not even enough to last the whole day, when Shen Gonglin exposed his true nature. His true colors were wickedness and pettiness. As for his "warm man" act, just take it as fact.

"No, no, it's not superfluous at all... I really need all these things... For example, I'll definitely need this toilet paper when I have a cold and a runny nose, and this sanitary napkin... Ahhhhh!"

Mei accidentally hurt Shen Gonglin's feelings, Mei quickly tried to comfort him. She rummaged through her bag to show how much she needed these things, and then she found even more... Just thinking that Shen Gonglin had packed so much for her made Mei feel a bit flustered. Was she happy? Of course she was, because it proved that he really valued her. But she was also really shy. With so much stuff, Mei felt like she could totally play the role of a pretentious rich girl and go to the mountains for a transformation program.

"That's good. These are all very useful things. I left a spatial mark on you before, so you were able to teleport here directly. But this won't last long. Call me from now on, once a day. If you don't call, I'll beat you up. Yes, I mean physically. I'll beat you up wherever you're toughest."

Rin reached out and touched the girl's head, which was lowered in embarrassment. At the same time, Shen Gonglin also touched Mei her forehead. Now she was finally satisfied. She earnestly admonished Mei, who was so embarrassed that she was almost unconscious. Being treated like this by Shen Gonglin in front of so many people... Although she was very embarrassed, she was also super happy. The complicated feelings she had when Kiana slammed the ball over her head earlier slowly disappeared.

Mei nodded silently, while the World Serpent executives behind her had very strange expressions. "You call me every day, don't you even understand that we are an enemy organization?"

Chapter Sixty-Four: Turn them all over to me

I feel like I've been shown up. World Serpent is an organization that focuses on its mission, and its members are all the type who work very hard, like Gray Serpent and Jackal. But now, Shen Gonglin and Mei are doing this. This is just showing off. As members of an opposing organization, they dare to show off like this in their headquarters. Lord, as the leader, aren't you going to do anything about it?

Raven continued to slack off, while Jackal and Gray Serpent looked at Kevin, realizing what their subordinates meant. The Lord, who had been ignored while watching the show, finally decided to do something. This guy should have a limit to his arrogance. If they didn't stop him, he would really treat their World Serpent headquarters as his backyard.

"Did you follow us using the power of the Herrscher of the Void? That's a troublesome power. Of course, you are even more troublesome."

Kevin spoke up. So Shen Gonglin left a spatial mark on Mei, which is why she was able to teleport so accurately. Otherwise, with his chaotic sense of spatial direction, it would have been impossible for him to get here. It seems we need to pay attention to this in the future. Fortunately, World Serpent frequently changes its communication bases, otherwise dealing with enemies with this kind of ability would be quite troublesome.

The abilities of the Herrscher of the Void and the Herrscher of Reason... As far as I know, the power possessed by this Shen Gonglin is already too numerous to count on one hand.

"Oh, isn't this the Lord of the World Serpent? What's wrong? You don't look like you've fled in panic at all. I heard from Durandal that your World Serpent is now preparing to cooperate with Schicksal, is that right? You two are birds of a feather."

Shifting his gaze to Kevin, Shen Gonglin immediately launched into a sarcastic remark. He had never had a good impression of Kevin, even though the latter had never seemed to have done anything to target them. He was still annoyed by him. Durandal had contacted him about this not long ago, but it was just a casual remark. The main reason was that the girl wanted to show off to Shen Gonglin, and she also sent him a photo.

A photo titled "Durandal Beats Up Kevin".

Just seeing that photo made Shen Gonglin feel better. That punch might not have been very physically damaging, but it was extremely insulting.

"It's just to achieve a predetermined goal. I can foresee that a new Herrscher is about to appear, which is why Raiden Mei joined World Serpent. Only World Serpent can fight against the Herrscher."

The temporary alliance with Schicksal is necessary. At present, Schicksal is still the most powerful organization in the world fighting against Honkai. Last time, he and the Bishop of Schicksal reached a consensus that a new Herrscher is about to appear. With Raiden Mei joining World Serpent, he also plans to let Mei participate in the battle this time, using Herrscher to fight Herrscher, which is very reasonable.

"The new Herrscher... that has nothing to do with me. Anyway, you just remember this: Mei may be working for you now, but she's still mine. If any of you dare to bully her... especially you, I remember you bullying Kiana. I'll smash your head in one day."

Shen Gonglin didn't want to worry about anything else. He was here to bring these things to Mei. As he spoke, Shen Gonglin glanced around. The Raven was alright; she should take care of Mei. Shen Gonglin's gaze lingered on the Jackal's face. The woman was wearing a dog-head mask, so he couldn't see her face clearly. However, Shen Gonglin remembered Kiana mentioning her. This was the woman who had tormented Kiana. He was very vengeful.

Jackal chuckled dryly beneath the mask. Being held a grudge by this petty guy was no good. To be honest, she was more interested in studying Shen Gonglin. She also possessed the power of Herrscher, yet remained completely unaffected and uncorrupted. However, she knew perfectly well that he wouldn't let her study her. Although he was a mad scientist, Jackal knew his place. This was not someone she could afford to mess with.

"... If you've finished what you wanted to do, you can leave. Of course, if you want to join, World Serpent also welcomes you."

Kevin felt a headache coming on. Shen Gonglin's uninvited arrival was really ruining his mood. Threatening his subordinate right in front of him—what was this guy even doing here? Kevin had wondered before if he had some kind of plan, but now it seemed he really just came to deliver some daily necessities to Raiden Mei ...

Who are they looking down on? Their World Serpent are incredibly wealthy. They provide basic allowances to any cadres who join, and they have no shortage of food or other necessities.

"What? Join World Serpent? Even a dog wouldn't join such a weird organization... Mei of the tongue, slip of the tongue, sorry, it was just a slip of the tongue, Mei is not a dog... Anyway, you have to take good care of yourself. I heard from Kiana that you seem to sleep quite soundly, you shouldn't kick off the covers, right? Do you have trouble sleeping in different beds? Otherwise, I'll move your bed over for you, it's a bit heavy though, I guess Bronya will have to help."

Shen Gonglin had never even considered joining World Serpent. She seemed to have inadvertently insulted Mei as well. This girl was like a walking source of ridicule. If she could, Shen Gonglin wouldn't want to stay in a place like this any longer. If it weren't for taking care of Mei, who would want to come to a place like this?

"No need, really no need... Shen Gonglin, you should go back now, take good care of Kiana, and help me... apologize to her..."

Mei's face was burning. This was it; her image in World Serpent was probably ruined. She had already prepared herself, but Shen Gonglin made her feel like a pampered young lady experiencing a life of hardship. He was used to being spoiled, but she had already decided to live a tough life.

"Oh... well, how about a kiss?"

Shen Gonglin wanted a farewell kiss, and Mei sensed this. Actually, she felt the same way; after reuniting with Shen Gonglin, they hadn't even had a proper chance to be affectionate before things turned into this situation again. But with so many people around...

"Hey, all of you turn around and face away from this side... And you, don't think you can get away with this just because you're sitting so high up. Turn around here."

Seeing the girl's demureness, Shen Gonglin pointed at Raven and the others, telling them to turn around. He also pointed at Kevin. The World Serpent members turned around speechlessly. At this moment, Shen Gonglin looked at Mei with satisfaction, thinking that she should be relieved now.

Mei in her Herrscher form is so cool!

Chapter Sixty-Five: Working Two Jobs

This is practically breaking into a dog's home to kill it! Is there any justice in this world? Your Majesty, aren't you going to do anything about this?

The World Serpent Single Dogs Organization had no choice but to turn around. Raven and Jackal glanced at Kevin, whose face was also quite pale. He looked like he had eaten shit. Gray Serpent, on the other hand, didn't react at all. This organization was strange. If it weren't for the generous money and the fact that those children really needed World Serpent's help, they really wouldn't want to continue working here. Come to think of it, being force-fed dog food like this didn't feel very good.

Raven's mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts. But then again, wasn't Rin Shen Gonglin and Kiana in that kind of relationship? How could she do this to Raiden Mei? And Durandal seems to have a close relationship with him too. Just how many women is this guy juggling? I feel like he'll be in deep trouble sooner or later.

As for Kevin ... it's okay, she's just Raiden Mei, not Mei. I don't feel any pressure at all. Yes, that's right, not a single pressure. Although she looks the same, she's not the person I remember at all... Is this Fu Hua's good apprentice? Fu Hua's taste is really not that great.

"Ahem... Alright, Shen Gonglin has left, you can turn around now..."

A moment later, Mei's voice came over, and the members of World Serpent turned around. They saw Raiden Mei wiping her mouth with her hand, her face flushed with embarrassment, while Shen Gonglin had already disappeared. The power of the Herrscher of the Void was indeed useful, appearing and disappearing without a trace. However, once the spatial mark he left on Mei disappeared, he would no longer be able to teleport accurately, so this matter was not important.

"I'm sorry... He seems a bit too clingy. He's doing this because he cares about me, and I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

Mei wiped her lips and felt a little embarrassed under the gaze of so many people. But there was nothing she could do. If she didn't give that guy some sweetness, he wouldn't leave at all. So she was forced into this situation and had no other choice. It was just that Shen Gonglin was so clingy. Sigh, what a sweet trouble.

This woman is definitely showing off, she must be showing off!

The World Serpent's executives fell silent for a moment, but they were all thinking the same thing. Without a doubt, Raiden Mei was showing off. Who was she showing off to? Who would be fooled by her? Was her cold demeanor just an act? Now, the girl's blushing face and innocent girlish appearance left the World Serpent's onlookers dumbfounded. They felt completely stunned by her display of affection.

"... Alright, Raven, take Raiden Mei down there. And this base can't be used anymore. Raiden Mei, you'll soon have a new mission."

In the end, it was the Lord who broke the deadlock. Kevin gave the order and then left. Jackal and Gray Serpent also disappeared. The welcome party for the newcomers ended abruptly. It's true that people's joys and sorrows are not shared. Raiden Mei was probably very happy, but the feelings of the others were probably a little complicated.

Everyone else has a boyfriend to accompany them, and they receive so many living supplies when they come here for grassroots training. Then think about them... tsk tsk tsk, people really can't be compared.

"I'm back... Oh, everyone's here. Why are you all looking at me like that? Is something strange?"

As the aperture opened, Shen Gonglin returned to the Hyperion, immediately attracting everyone's attention. They had learned from Tesla that he had gone to find Mei, but Theresa looked behind him again and again without finding the girl. Everyone was slightly disappointed, as they had thought that Shen Gonglin would bring Mei back.

"Mei... Shen Gonglin Mei, how is Mei? Did she go to World Serpent?"

Theresa's small hand gripped Shen Gonglin's arm tightly. They had just found Kiana, but now Mei had disappeared again. These kids were giving her no peace of mind at all. These were things they shouldn't be responsible for, but they were the ones who had to bear them. She felt so useless.

"...That's right, Headmistress...I'm so sorry, it's all because I'm useless that Mei has to work two jobs to help support the family...I'm sorry, I'm so useless."

Shen Gonglin reached out and patted Theresa's head. Only Theresa's height allowed Shen Gonglin to do this so easily. In the end, it was because she hadn't stopped Mei. Although she could have brought her back by brute force, that wasn't Mei really wanted. After their meeting on the rooftop Shen Gonglin understood what Mei really wanted to do: save Kiana.

The girl doesn't want to live under someone else's protection forever; this is what she truly wants to do. There shouldn't be favoritism. Shen Gonglin has let Kiana be willful for so long, and Mei is so well-behaved. She also has her own will. We can't just pamper Kiana and not Mei. So this time, Shen Gonglin wants Mei to do what she thinks she should do herself.

Moreover, snatching someone away from the World Serpent won't be an easy task. Kevin has always been unfathomable. Although Shen Gonglin has fought him several times, she still hasn't been able to figure out just how strong he is. If she wants to cause trouble for him, she'll probably have to get Durandal involved. That girl is one of the most powerful people she's ever met. Although her relationship with her is a bit complicated right now, Shen Gonglin thinks it shouldn't be a problem to ask her for help.

Ugh, just thinking about it makes me feel ashamed. I was planning to cut ties with her before, but now I want to ask her for help. It's so embarrassing.

"Working two jobs to supplement the family income... Shen Gonglin, is there something wrong with your head? What kind of words are coming out of your mouth and sound so strange? Mei definitely didn't join World Serpent for this reason, did she? And stop making yourself sound like some good-for-nothing parasite who needs to be supported by a girl, okay?"

Theresa, hands on her hips, pointed at Shen Gonglin. The headmistress shoved away Shen Gonglin's hand that was on her head and glared at Shen Gonglin. Was this guy crazy? She probably knew the specific reasons why Mei joined World Serpent. It wasn't because of the salary. The Hyperion's salary was much higher!

Although she has never posted it.

Chapter Sixty-Six

"But I'm a freeloader... Bronya said she would take care of me from now on. You can ask her if you don't believe me. She said it."

Instead of feeling ashamed, Shen Gonglin said these words with a straight face. This attitude of hers made the faces of the "successful" women present look strange. How could she say such things so confidently? And what about Bronya... How could a loli say such things? Is it fake?

Bronya, standing at the back, turned her head expressionlessly, her attitude proving the truth of Shen Gonglin's words. This little girl is scheming; she's so young and already thinking about raising men. And that shameless Shen Gonglin actually took it seriously. So, does that mean they can raise men too?

Everyone here is rich. Tesla and Einstein are obvious examples; scientists of their caliber make them wealthy with their annual patent fees and mecha sales. Theresa, who led the entire Far East Branch in their defection, is even richer. Bronya controls several joint-stock companies... Wait, thinking about it this way, it seems like I'm the only one who's poor? No, I can't let them continue talking; it's not good for me.

Sitting on the bed, Kiana sensed that the situation was turning against her, so she quickly interrupted the increasingly awkward atmosphere with Shen Gonglin. The girl looked at Shen Gonglin, hesitant to speak, but finally asked the question.

"Shen Gonglin Jingu... Mei, is she alright?"

When Kiana woke up, she was already in the Hyperion. Kiana Mei World Serpent Shen Gonglin Mei Mei's current situation.

"Her? She's fine. The Herrscher's core didn't corrupt her body, just like Bronya's situation. The Herrscher of Thunder's core didn't harm Mei's body, and the Herrscher of Reason's core is also very compatible with Bronya's... Thinking about it this way, only the Herrscher of the Herrscher of the Void's core is not behaving properly. But it shouldn't be because of the Herrscher of the Void. It's entirely because of the other consciousness in your body. Neither of them has this problem. So Kiana, you should be worried about yourself."

Shen Gonglin walked to Kiana's bedside. The girl looked very haggard, but even so, she was still worried about Mei. When she saw Mei before, she had checked on her and found that apart from a small bloodstain on her neck, the girl was fine. On the contrary, Kiana... Mei must have had some personal grudge Mei beat Kiana up. Now she was covered in wounds and looked very pitiful.

"I'm fine... My sense of taste has returned, and I can feel pain again, and all of this... is because of Mei..."

Looking at her hands, Kiana felt very depressed. The wounds on her hands reflected the pain back to Kiana heart. She had been completely numb to pain for a while, but now she felt it again. This made Kiana realize clearly that she was still alive, but this was entirely because of Mei's sacrifice.

She became Herrscher again, taking away one of the gems from my body, which is why I am in this state now. In the end, I still couldn't protect her.

"Cheer up! No matter what, it's a good thing that your sense of taste has returned. I've lost all five senses before, so I know what that feels like. Even when you were in that state, you didn't tell me anything about your condition. Who are you looking down on? If you're sick, just say so. Let me give you a full check-up now. Mei went through so much trouble to help you recover so much, so we can't let her efforts go to waste."

Shen Gonglin was still full of energy. He pulled Kiana up, knowing this was not the time to be down. They were finally back on the Hyperion, where the medical equipment was very comprehensive. During this time, Shen Gonglin planned to figure out all of Kiana's problems and help her and Bronya learn to control the power of the Herrscher. There was still a lot to do.

"Hey! Shen Gonglin, stop touching me like that! I haven't even... Hey, are you even listening to me? This isn't the women's restroom... You idiot!"

Kiana let out a series of cries as Shen Gonglin pulled her away. The people still in the infirmary exchanged glances, their expressions finally relaxing. It was all thanks to Shen Gonglin! They hadn't been able to do anything about Kiana's low spirits before, but now that Shen Gonglin was back, she had immediately lifted Kiana's spirits again. Indeed, this was the Kiana they wanted to Kiana.

"Raiden Mei has joined World Serpent. The turmoil in Changkong City has been safely resolved. K423 has been recovered by the Hyperion. Raiden Mei, now Herrscherization, has displayed power even greater than during the Third Honkai Eruption in Changkong City a few years ago... The Fifth Herrscher is about to appear, and the balance of the world may once again be shaken..."