Mechanical Alchemist

The finished product of "Isaac's Giant Strength" exceeded expectations, and Su Lun was in great spirits.

Rarely did his senior sister stay by his side, so he shamelessly stayed in the apartment for another two days, freeloaded meals and drinks, and also freeloaded insights from a top-tier professional.

After advancing to the sixth rank, his comprehension of laws in various aspects indeed improved a great deal, and his understanding of the world became much clearer.

But in the field of alchemy, the higher the rank, the less doubt in one's heart, was not the case. On the contrary, doubts increased and the problems encountered became more profound.

Luckily, having Mr. Jing, a great master, by his side, almost all of Su Lun's questions could be solved, and he could also guide him through some blind spots in the field of top-tier professionals.

This also gave Su Lun a more precise plan for his professional future.

After spending a few days together, it was impossible not to mention, his senior sister's talent as a "Mirror Guardian" was truly bug-like.

Unlike Su Lun's "Reaper" talent which directly divests others of their experiences, Mr. Jing's S-grade talent lies in "mirror duplication."

She could duplicate everything she had seen. Even if she temporarily couldn't understand it, she could forcibly duplicate it in a meta state and store it in her Mirror Domain.

Books, knowledge, alchemy, scenery, sounds, martial skills, laws... all of it.

Just like the "Dragon Language" she "knew," it was simply duplicating her father Sir Isaac's ability.

As a result, she herself became a mobile database, accumulating more and more knowledge as her experiences grew, becoming stronger and stronger.

She could slowly digest and understand what she needed. For the less important things, she could duplicate and store them, and then retrieve them when needed.

Moreover, this time there was another great advantage—that was Su Lun finding her the "Universe's Eleventh Element."

This top-tier extraordinary material duplicated a millennium of collections from the Ruying Royal Library, so that Mr. Jing's database now had the knowledge of an entire library added to it!

This meant that Su Lun's questions might contain knowledge that Mr. Jing didn't know.

But asking her, there was a 99% chance the database would have an answer.

...

That day, night fell.

After having dinner in the apartment with Mr. Jing, Su Lun went out and rode his motorcycle to the foot of Lyndon Tower by the Lokwarren River.

It was the day the Moonlit Ball was convened, and he planned to check out some news, buy some materials, and then personally thank the 'Earl of Shadows.'

The nights in Lingdun came early this season, and by a little after six, the sky was completely dark.

The streetlights glowed orange, and Su Lun leaned against the railing, gazing absentmindedly at the turbulent Lokwarren River and the steamboats passing on the river's surface.

Just then, soft footsteps approached as if someone was stealthily getting closer.

Su Lun did not turn his head.

Suddenly, a pair of incredibly soft sensations pressed against his back, and the person behind him affectionately covered his eyes, asking with a mischievous and cheerful tone, "Sir, guess who I am?"

Su Lun pretended not to know and chuckled, "Countess Demacula?"

His maid always had a small fondness for role-playing games, which he found quite interesting.

The person behind him then said, "Oh, my dear doctor, how did you guess it was me?"

Su Lun simply smiled without speaking.

He did not want to mention anything about Soul Perception. It was that heavy touch that he recognized right away.

Sabina no longer hid behind him but leaned her head to one side with a playful laugh, and Su Lun saw that charming face appear before his eyes.

Because she was attending the masquerade, Sabina wore a very sexy low-cut long dress under her coat, which had an exquisite feel.

She looked at Su Lun, her beautiful eyes swirling with allure, and asked, "Wow, Master, have you advanced to the sixth stage?"

Su Lun knew she was asking knowingly, but he replied anyway, "Yes."

Others might not be aware, but as his personal intelligence officer, Sabina must have known that his absence in the past few days was due to his advancement to the sixth stage.

Hearing this, Sabina wrapped her arms around Su Lun's neck, her tender body pressing closely, and blinked coyly, "Ah, does that mean... Master can help your little maid comprehend higher-order laws again?"

Listening to her, Su Lun showed a helpless smile and reminded, "This is a public place."

Sabina's eyes flirtatious as silk, gave Su Lun a hot and tender hug, whispering into his ear, "I've missed you so much, Master."

Su Lun smiled helplessly as he embraced her soft waist.

The seduction of a succubus is so sweet that one feels constantly surrounded by honey.

...

Right on time, a black sedan appeared around the corner of the street.

Su Lun and Sabina got into the car.

Before long, the car wound its way through Lyndon City and arrived at the suburbs in the south.

This time, the masquerade was not held on an airship but in a desolate location.

Su Lun and Sabina, wearing masks, got out of the car and surveyed their surroundings.

Withered trees, black crows, tombstones, rusty iron fences... and a dilapidated ancient castle.

The hazy moonlight tonight added an eerie ambiance to this ancient castle.

However, Su Lun was much calmer than last time.

Since the battle on Parrot Street last time, that "Shadow Earl" had intervened and helped him greatly, allowing him to understand more about this Full Moon Masquerade.

So no matter how remote the location was, he did not feel any sense of crisis.

Considering the energy that the organizers had displayed last time, if they truly wanted to harm someone, they wouldn't need to resort to such tactics.

No sooner had they alighted from the car, than, as last time, a beautiful exclusive maidservant led Su Lun and his companion into the ancient castle.

Completely different from the dilapidation outside, upon entering, it was a vision of glittering gold.

The red carpet stretched to the ballroom, and throughout the way, there was decoration of luxury taken to the extreme.

Su Lun had a good guess of the "Shadow Earl's" identity and finally understood why the Full Moon Masquerade had such exaggerated financial power.

The music was soothing and the lighting dim.

Su Lun and Sabina danced a routine, and not long after, all the guests had arrived.

This masquerade saw more attendees than the last, with guests numbering well over a hundred.

Through his Soul Perception, he recognized several of the Lyndonian elite he had seen before.

The opening featured a performance by a royal ballet troupe, and after the dance, that "Shadow Earl" wearing the Golden Mask finally made an appearance. The elderly man, close to the end of his life, still only uttered an opening speech before it turned into a session for guests to exchange information and resources.

"I need shares of the Crimson Potion, the more the better, all conditions are negotiable."

"Does anyone have any information related to that kind of mechanical weapon which severely damaged the Rodriguez family's Golden Armored Knight Squad on Parrot Street that day? Smuggling channels, blueprints, products, anything will do, the price is negotiable."

"Duke Rafael brought up the 'New Military Procurement Bill' in Parliament yesterday, and I happen to have some resources on hand; I'm looking for a middleman to make the connection..."

"I've heard that part of the Rodriguez family's industries are up for sale..."

"..."

Su Lun was not too surprised by these messages.

The two most talked-about issues in Lingdun City recently were the 'Red Death' and the Crimson Potion.

It had nearly become a carnival feast for the nobility.

Anyone who could get even a little share of the potion could immediately return multiple or even dozens of times the investment.

The Red Death didn't draw the nobles' attention because they weren't short on potions, and even if they contracted the disease, it posed no threat to them. It even became fashionable among high society to use the Crimson Potion as a hallucinogen for revelry.

The other matter was the aftermath of that battle on Parrot Street.

The Rodriguez family was in upheaval, "Senior Councilor" Duke Rafael took the lead, and in the dark, Councilors Lans, Roberts, and others united, with many powers nibbling away at this giant's flesh and blood.

After listening for a while, Su Lun did not find any information of great interest and went straight to the rest area.

He had heard from Sabina before that 'Reaper' rarely interfered with ball matters in recent years. Even if members had commissions, they were almost always handled by the stewards. It was rare for anyone to talk to him directly.

But as Su Lun walked over, the old butler in a tailcoat did not ask anything and directly led him over.

The rest area had soundproofing enchantments, and as soon as he entered, his ears were met with absolute silence.

Su Lun saw the old man sitting silently in the seat, attentively watching the ball, and he gave a chest salute, "Respectful Mr. 'Reaper', thank you for your help last time."

He used formal language.

Because this was a man worthy of respect.

If he was not mistaken, the name of this 'Reaper' might be "Pierre Ray Polunareff."

This name might not be familiar to ordinary people, but in the professional realm, it was well-known.

Because he was a ninth-order professional.

A Great Alchemist whose character and strength were recognized by the world.

This was also the top-level powerhouse whom Mr. Jing had mentioned he wanted to visit before.

Seeing Su Lun salute, the masked old man smiled, seemingly not surprised that he had come, "My young friend is too polite. Please take a seat."

With that, he gestured to his legs and added an explanation, "I'm sorry, this old body isn't so nimble anymore, some rudeness on my part."

"Sir, you are too modest."

Su Lun knew the old man was explaining why he was sitting all the time, and felt slightly surprised in his heart.

He was still able to walk normally just half a month ago, but now he could only sit in a wheelchair.

It appeared now that he truly did not have much time left.

Even as one of the strongest beings in the world, he radiated not a trace of his strength or the intimidating presence of his status. Approachable as an ordinary old man.

Before Su Lun could speak, the elder praised him without any concealment in his tone, chuckling, "I've heard of my young friend's deeds. I've long wanted to meet one of the most outstanding alchemists of the younger generation in Rulian. It's coincidental that you also came to the ball—it must be fate."

Hearing this, Su Lun quickly responded, "You flatter me."

If someone else had praised him, he would have felt it was well-deserved, but in front of this person, he dared not presume so.

After pausing, he added, "If it were not for Mr. Jing's timely assistance before, I would hardly be here to thank you today."

The old man smiled, "I actually think that you have more tricks up your sleeve. Even if I hadn't stepped in, at most you'd have had a bit more trouble getting away, certainly not facing a desperate situation. Besides, since that smoking pipe gold coin was given, the ball had an obligation to intervene."

Su Lun listened and smiled faintly, not saying anything, which was as good as an agreement.

He was thinking about how to broach his own questions.

At that moment, the old man took the initiative to ask, "How has Mr. Jing, the head of your organization, been lately? I've heard of your organization's philosophy, and it's excellent. To rekindle the dawn of the alchemy civilization, with grand ideals and great ambition... It's a pity, if it were a few years earlier, I would have really wanted to get involved."

Su Lun detected a sense of a hero in his twilight years from the man's tone.

After a brief conversation, he was now one hundred percent certain that this man before him was Master Pierre!

Thinking of his female mentor's entrustment, Su Lun didn't hide anything and continued the conversation, "Mr. Jing is well. She also asked me to convey a presumptuous request to meet with you, sir, to exchange some insights on professional practice."

Upon hearing this, the old man's tone instantly became more enthusiastic, "Oh, of course! To converse with the descendant of 'Alchemical Demigod' Sir Isaac would be my honor."

Su Lun wasn't surprised that he had guessed Mr. Jing's identity.

After all, this man was not only a long-living ninth-tier professional, but rumors said he was the same royal grand-officiant who founded the Lyn Military Intelligence Division!

The Lyn Military Intelligence Division is now entirely in the hands of this old man—meaning he controls almost all the forces the Lyn royal family hides in the dark.

It now appears that the "king of the underground mafia" in Lingdun is just the tip of the iceberg of that force.

Sabina had clashed with the intelligence division several times before. The more she probed, the more terrifying she found it to be, even possessing the power to influence royal succession.

The old man said, "Unfortunately, I am not very free to act these days. If your leader doesn't mind, I would like to invite her to my humble abode for a visit, to share a few cups of tea."

Su Lun replied, "We shall certainly visit. Mr. Jing has asked me to express his deepest respects to you, and he shares the same intention."

The two conversed for a while longer, the atmosphere incredibly friendly.

Su Lun found it relaxing to talk with Master Pierre, for there was no overbearing or superior air about him, no need for walking on eggshells.

Encouraged by the ambiance, Su Lun once again spoke up, "That... sir, may I ask a very presumptuous question?"

The old man seemed to anticipate the question but did not reject it, "Of course."

Su Lun went straight to the point, "If you're so powerful, why would you allow the spread of the Red Death and the Giant's Monastic Society's conspiracy?"

He was sure that the old man before him was not a follower of the outer gods, and that the power of that outer god might not even surpass his.

But why allow it to happen?
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After hearing the question, the old man contemplated for a moment with undeniable disappointment, and said, "By the time I found out, it had already spread. I could have intervened and had a chance to eradicate that outer god in its infancy. But I wasn't sure I could completely wipe it out, and if I failed to kill it, it would have buried itself even deeper. As you can see, I only have one chance to act now. So the current situation is a bet for both sides. I am betting that it will fully emerge once it grows, while it is betting that I can't kill it."

He paused, then added a sentence with profound implications, "Besides, this isn't something I can fully control."

Hearing this, Su Lun's eyebrows slightly furrowed.

The "Freedom of Belief Act" was personally signed by the Empress, which means that the royal family is the biggest facilitator of the conspiracy of the outer gods.

With the old man's statement, everything was clear to him.

Su Lun didn't feel too perturbed; he simply found that such political scheming was utterly boring.

After answering the question, the old man clearly seemed a bit exhausted.

Su Lun also sensed something, expressed his gratitude once again, and took the initiative to bid farewell and leave.

```

...

When Su Lun emerged from the resting area, the ball had entered a phase of private exchanges.

Ethereal strains of dance music filled the air as elegantly attired men and women performed cheek-to-cheek social dances in the ballroom, exchanging the things they needed.

Su Lun had intended to find Sabina for a dance and take the opportunity to look for some material suppliers. It was then that his soul perception detected a familiar wave of spiritual energy.

"Why would she be here?"

Su Lun was also surprised and turned his gaze in the direction of the energy, landing on a woman wearing a crystal mask.

Although the beautiful purple hair was hidden behind a magical barrier, Su Lun still recognized her, the same Ekaterina he had met previously at the Royal Academy.

It was at the very moment he looked at her that their eyes met.

Ekaterina approached and, recognizing Su Lun as well, asked softly, "May I have the honor of dancing with you?"

Su Lun bowed in a genteel manner, replying, "Of course."

He took her extended jade-like hand, which felt soft yet slightly cold.

The hierarchy at the Crescent Moon Ball was high, with nearly all attendees belonging to the upper crust of society: great nobles and wealthy magnates.

But it didn't include the supreme aristocracy with influential positions such as members of the Senior Council, like the Lans family.

Because for top-tier nobility, their own channels were sufficient to solve any issue, without the need for such controlled intermediary platforms.

Su Lun guessed why Ekaterina would be here at the ball.

Any of the six parliamentarians could potentially seize the throne with the support of the aged host of the ball—a level of backing which everyone was vying for, yet no one was able to secure, because of the host's loyalty to Ruying.

Perhaps she was here to make an attempt?

After an initial exchange of greetings, both remained silent for quite some time.

The dance music was cozy, and the steps they performed were those of an intimate courtly social dance.

Yet, their dance together seemed oddly formal, as if they were strangers.

But it had to be admitted, Ekaterina's gracefulness in dance was indeed stunning.

In a simple white court gown adorned with silver, she danced with the elegance of a swan gliding across the water.

Her performance was even more delicate and flawless than that of the professional dancers from the Royal Ballet troupe who had opened the event.

Even behind a mask, her graceful figure and beautiful dance moves attracted admiring and appreciative glances from many at the ball.

However, the atmosphere between the two dancers was somewhat peculiar.

Su Lun held her slender waist, occasionally spinning and clapping his hands and, struck by a thought, he asked, "How come you are here?"

Not missing a step, Ekaterina replied, "I came to have a look at the ball. And I also wanted to propose a transaction with you."

"Oh?" Su Lun responded with interest.

He wondered what she meant by "have a look at the ball" but listened as Ekaterina stated her requirement directly, "I need the mechanical blueprints you have for combating heavy-armored knight legions."

Su Lun knew a deal with her would never be unfavorable, so he didn't ask what she was willing to trade, promptly agreeing, "That can be arranged."

The blueprints were from Mafa to begin with—not exclusive secrets—and exchanging them for money was equally appealing.

```

```

But clearly, he also knew that if it were just a blueprint, the young mistress of the Lance family wouldn't have come to see him in person.

At this moment, Yekaterina spoke again, "If possible, I need the 'Neural Mechanic Technology' in your possession."

"..."

Hearing this, Su Lun's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't hurry to agree.

This technology was quite complex; it wasn't just an issue of blueprints, there had to be related resource accumulation, such as research personnel and equipment.

Otherwise, even if someone took it, it would be a chicken rib in the short term—something one could see but not use.

Considering the backward technological level of Ru Ying... it was doubtful whether it would be of use.

Before he could think further, Yekaterina explained, "I have already mastered a part of the neural mechanic technology and some scientific researchers, but it's almost impossible to get the complete set. Now with the political turmoil in Ru Ying, time is pressing, which is why I've come to ask you."

Her tone sounded very sincere, with no intent to conceal anything.

Moreover, this time, she directly stated her terms, "My Lance family controls the shares of Ru Ying's largest mining group, and I can provide all sorts of strategic metals. Amande Alloy, Magic-Runed Brass, Dragon Blood Iron, Silver Tungsten Steel, Magic-Runed Steel... and so on, with a refined metal total exceeding ten thousand tons. This is what's left from the military factories of Karalaifer. If you need it, there is also several hundred thousand tons of raw ore..."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun immediately fell into deep thought.

He was indeed moved.

This intelligent woman had indeed put forth an offer he couldn't refuse.

Yekaterina knew Su Lun had the neural mechanic technology and also knew he was capable of forging mechanical war armors, but he must be lacking critical materials.

In Ru Ying, all the major rare metal mines were in the hands of the top nobility, and Su Lun would not have been able to buy such large quantities on the market!

Even if the Leicat Commerce went to find resources everywhere, the amount she mentioned just now would take at least ten to eight years to gather.

With this batch of materials, Su Lun's war workshop could immediately churn out mechanical war armor puppets on a large scale.

Since the blueprints belonged to the enemy and he didn't feel the slightest loss in giving them to an ally, especially in exchange for so many resources.

After thinking, Su Lun decisively said, "It's possible. But I also want one 'Gusmao Airship'."

The Gusmao Airship is a simplified version of the [Skyfortress].

Now, Su Lun had the [Goblin Skyfortress's Energy Core] and the complete blueprints of the war fortress, and he had the idea of creating one of those ancient mechanical floating cities as a base for Dawn.

But building an entirely new war fortress was virtually impossible. It was like constructing a new city, costing countless resources, which neither Su Lun nor the current Dawn could afford.

Getting a hold of an airship for a retrofit would greatly save on start-up efficiency.

Hearing this, Yekaterina hesitated for a moment and then said, "I can agree to it first. But it will take some time. Currently, Ru Ying's military doesn't even have a few completed models."

"Mm."

Su Lun nodded.

It was originally just a test of the waters regarding the price, but Yekaterina agreed so easily.

He'd exchanged a simple blueprint for a heap of resources, and Su Lun knew she had deliberately not bargained hard.

This, in turn, made Su Lun feel like he had gotten the better end of the deal, like he owed her a favor.

The ball was still ongoing; everyone was busy with their own trades.

But probably no one realized that in a corner of the venue, Su Lun and Yekaterina, with just a few words, had completed a trade project that could be described as colossal.

There was no written contract, no notary, no collateral procedures, just a few words.

```

After meeting her several times, Su Lun gradually gained a new understanding of this once-familiar friend.

He had to admit, Yekaterina was definitely meant for big things.

In her, Su Lun saw a regal quality that no one had ever presented to him before.

The deal was struck in just a few words, and then the two fell into a long silence.

As Su Lun embraced her in a twirl, he asked again, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Yekaterina said calmly, "If you really want to know, I will answer you."

Su Lun immediately said, "Forget it."

It was just a casual inquiry; he wasn't expecting any serious answer.

...

After midnight, the moonlit ball came to an end.

Su Lun and Sabina took a ride back to the city on the organizer's motorcycle.

It was a rewarding visit.

He got the materials, and his senior sister's assignment was also handled.

Su Lun felt in a rather good mood.

As they got off the bike and watched it drive away, Sabina clung to him and asked seductively, "Master, where shall we go now?"

Su Lun thought for a moment and replied, "I plan to see Lena. I have some securities and stocks to give her."

He had been busy lately, and today, since he finally got the opportunity to step out, if he didn't handle it promptly, there's no telling when it would get done.

"Alright!"

Sabina giggled, her eyes curving into a smile, and added, "Shall we go there now?"

While she made it sound like a question, she had already dialed Lena's communicator.

After asking about the situation, Sabina looked at Su Lun and shrugged. "Lena says she's handling some urgent business at the guild and will be able to return only after about an hour."

"Oh."

Su Lun thought about going to eat something first.

But Sabina blinked and continued, "But I have the keys. Lena asked us to go back and wait for her."

Su Lun also thought it was a good idea, "Fine!"

The two of them rode the motorcycle at full speed along the river road by the Lokwarren River and quickly arrived at Lena's apartment.

On reaching the floor, Sabina seemed to know her way around; she took out the keys and unlocked the door directly.

As soon as he entered, Su Lun felt a sultry body stick to him.

Sabina had transformed into a succubus, her body exuding an alluring pink scent, "Master, now that you have advanced to rank six, can you also help your servant to elevate her realm of perception?"

As the days passed, Su Lun had become familiar with her, so his touch was sure, meeting warm suppleness.

Clothes were scattered from the entrance to inside the house.

On the immaculate big bed, Su Lun lay back, choosing a position that made him feel most relaxed.

With Sabina, he never needed to think about anything, always guaranteed the utmost pleasure.

In the midst of their intimate session, suddenly, Sabina asked, "Master, that lady who danced with you at the ball earlier, is she your fiancée?"

Su Lun asked curiously, "You recognized her?"

Sabina laughed, "Of course. Your fiancée, I naturally have to pay more attention."

As she spoke, a mysterious arc traced her brows, "But, speaking of which, Miss Yekaterina's figure and dance moves were really beautiful."

Listening, Su Lun couldn't help but recall the dance from earlier. Although he wasn't moved, he had to admit that the lady from the Lance family indeed had an impeccable appearance.

The thought flickered and vanished, when suddenly, the light around the double-talented Sabina changed and her head of sensuous, voluminous red waves swiftly turned into shiny, cascading purple hair.

On a closer look, her sultry face instantly transformed into a stunningly beautiful young girl's visage.

It wasn't just the hair and face; her chest proudly became a handful, and the voluptuousness reduced by a fraction.

From head to toe, her bones, physique, and dimensions completely changed to another person.

In the blink of an eye, the ripe succubus, akin to a succulent peach, transformed into a gorgeously proud noble lady.

Su Lun watched with a mixture of laughter and tears, though he said nothing.

He had known of Sabina's talent before, but he had never thought she would use it in such a manner.

It always felt rather odd.

Moreover, Sabina's own aura, frame, and appearance were already the perfect companion qualities.

The succubus bonus was a significant extra.

Behaving like someone else was somewhat lacking by comparison.

Sabina clearly sensed something and said with surprise, "Ah? Master, it seems like you don't like it. Oh dear, even though Miss Yekaterina is very pretty, why wouldn't you like it?"

Su Lun didn't explain because he didn't know why himself.

Sabina blinked, her hair beginning to change color again.

Su Lun thought she was going to revert to her original form.

But as the transformation continued, his gaze grew fixed.

That was a face of supreme haughtiness.

Come on... I could understand if you turned into Yekaterina, but why her?

This switchover somehow made Su Lun feel indecisive. "Stop playing around with this."

Sabina seemed puzzled, "Ah... you don't like it, sir? But it seems like the young master quite likes it, right?"

Su Lun: "..."

Sabina showed no intention of stopping, "Don't worry, I won't let the boss find out. Just try it once. It should be quick, hee..."

"..."

Su Lun felt it was absurd.

What was even more absurd was that Sabina was right.