Far as I know, the only canon source for Liu being related to the Great Kung Lao is Goro's MK4 bio. Which, amusingly, is a misprint that calls Liu his ancestor.

If I remember correctly in MK:D, when Shunjinko travels to Outworld for the 1st time, Damashi tells him that Shao Khan was once as advisor for Outworld as Raiden was for Earthrealm. As time passed he grew hungry for power and took over Outworld. Only Gods can watch over a realm. So I might consider them as brother, as Gods are brothers and sisters.

After reading four pages of this thread, I would just like to say once again...

... FIGHT NIGHTS SHOULD TAKE PLACE AFTER THE GAME IS RELEASED!

Sorry for yelling. That is all.

I doubt if Shao Kahn, Shinnok, and Raiden are really related.

Do you honestly think Shinnok would have his own son remain in such a sucky position as "emperor's advisor"? The man ain't Yzma! I don't think Shinnok would even let Kahn simply be an emperor, just doesn't sound right.

I believe they're brothers in the same way that Raiden is the brother of Fujin...

Mortal Kombat has some form of Polytheism style in reference of the Elder Gods, in which they are all brothers and sister, gods and dieties. Raiden is but a deity, as stated in the first MK. Some deities are asserted to be the givers of human law and morality, to be the ultimate judges of human worth and behavior. Shao Kahn was the same for Outworld, so he chose to control the Realm for his own. He grew ever more powerful and hunger to control all the realms, including Earthrealm, which Raiden protected.

maybe since raiden was sent to be the protector of earth shao kahn was sent to be the protector of Outworld and he grew corrupt. just throwin it out there.