Mechanical Alchemist

The music at midnight became even more passionate, thumping, thumping, thumping... It shook people as if their very souls were about to burst forth.

Su Lun looked at Lena, whose pretty face was brimming with excitement, and asked, "Do you want to go to the main dance floor?"

"Mhm."

Lena eagerly nodded and then, looking at Su Lun, counter-asked, "Can we?"

Having never been, she wanted to give it a try.

When someone is new and eager to play, that's probably the expression they have.

Seeing her look of anticipation, Su Lun smiled, stood up, and reached out his hand, "Let's go."

"Okay!"

Lena's face lit up with joy, super excited as she took his large hand.

Su Lun led the curiously baby-like girl out of their seats, and they made their way through the crowd, arriving at the center of the bar.

There was a dungeon-style stage here, where the famously rotten "Knight band" from Luying was performing live.

That dark and morbidly styled music was expressed through various instruments.

The clubbing scene in the alchemical world was wild, not just because of the cursed-like music but also because of the mental hypnosis. Su Lun noticed the tank-top wearing female DJ shouting into an alchemical microphone which was a cursed object. When activated, it would release a mild type of mental formula that caused excitement and agitation. However, the after-effects would leave people with continuous nervous weakness during the day.

But no one cared about that.

The bar-goers were all here to release the oppression in their hearts amidst the intensely frenetic music.

They were enjoying the moment.

Below the band's platform, there was a large dance floor, already teeming with people.

Groups of young men and women were indulging in frenzied revelry on the dance floor.

Linden was at the forefront of trends, the capital of fashion, and the young girls were not stingy in showcasing their beauty. They wore very sexy outfits, micro-skirts, low-cut tank tops, large expanses of skin exposed to the air... They swayed their graceful figures, utterly releasing their passion and charm.

And those young people with ear piercings and lip rings and a dark style were also swaying crazily with their eyes closed, immersed in their own marvelous and illusory world, hysterically.

Su Lun pulled Lena to the edge of the dance floor, and they looked at each other.

Lena had never tried it before and looked a bit timid.

But still unable to restrain the anticipation in her heart, she nodded.

With a slight smile, Su Lun led her onto the dance floor.

In an instant, Lena felt as if her entire sensory world began to shake.

The dance floor's flooring was made of flexible, bouncing wood. People swayed with the beat on it, like waves rising and falling on a board. If you didn't catch the rhythm of the rise and fall, it felt as though you were about to be flung into the air.

Initially stepping onto it, Lena was somewhat panicked, but Su Lun wrapped his arms around her, and they quickly adapted.

The DJ on stage was passionately hyping up the crowd, that mental contamination eroding everyone's nerves, leading them into excitement.

Experiencing it for the first time, Lena also began to excitedly raise her hands, shout, and sway after adapting to the rhythm.

Her happiness stemmed from not just the atmosphere but also the people around her, and that little bit of contentment in her heart.

Gradually, a trace of wildness appeared in her eyes.

The dance floor was crowded, with people rubbing shoulders with one another. Su Lun kept Lena in front of him, also noticing the happiness from the bottom of her heart reflected in her eyes, and he joined in the fun with her.

Under the dim lighting, the mood remained elevated.

The style of Rolling Stone Bar was dark dungeon.

As the dancing continued, the event organizers played a new trick.

The well-shaped female DJ was dancing hotly on stage when suddenly she ripped off the only vest she was wearing on her upper body, exposing large areas of skin to the air. The spotlight shone on her, causing a wave of jubilant cheers to erupt in the bar once again.

Witnessing such a bold and spicy dance, a trace of shyness flashed in Lena's eyes, but she also excitedly joined in with the noisy cheers.

Su Lun, on the other hand, was quite accustomed to it.

But what he didn't expect was the next thing the female DJ said, which caused him to look stunned.

"Next up, let's welcome our Puppet King—'Reaper'!"

At this call, the crowd below surged with excitement.

"Reaper!"

"Reaper!"

"Reaper!"

"..."

Hearing these shouts, and the titles Puppet King and Reaper, it was highly likely that no one else would bear that nickname.

Could it be that his arrival had been discovered?

Clearly, he was overthinking it.

At that moment, the music abruptly stopped, and the bar fell into sudden silence.

But at the same time, with a rustling noise, several human-shaped shadows plummeted from the sky.

The crowd shuddered with fright.

However, just as they were about to hit the ground, three meters below, the shadows were suddenly jerked to a halt.

The spotlight revealed that they were actually human-shaped puppets.

Connected by steel wires to the steel frame structure on the roof, they looked unsettling with strange postures. A flock of crows flew overhead with fitting cawing, and a cloaked figure wielding a huge scythe stylishly jumped onto the stage.

Then, a tide of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Looking at this spectacle, Su Lun couldn't help but twitch the corners of his eyes.

Crows, cloaks, black scythes, puppets... the props for this imitation show were all set.

Amidst the cheering, the person in the cloak suddenly started dancing awkwardly, and a group of puppets also began to dance with "clack clack" sounds.

Despite their clumsy puppeteering, the rigid dance moves of the puppets were oddly synchronized, creating a zombie dance-like eerie style.

Su Lun didn't quite know what to say.

But Lena, excited beside him, looked at Su Lun with eyes that seemed to speak, "Mr. Su Lun, come and see, they're imitating you too!"

She too excitedly cheered along with the others, without a trace of her previous ladylike demeanor.

Then, everyone in the dance floor began to awkwardly zombie-dance.

Boom, boom, boom...

The DJ picked up the beat, leading into a new wave of festivities.

The atmosphere grew increasingly fervent, the entire dance floor shaking intensely.

The dance floor was very crowded, and Su Lun, protecting Lena next to him, couldn't avoid body contact, but neither of them minded.

Song after song, and as they danced, suddenly the lights dimmed, and the rhythm of the music slowed down. Bathed in the dim red light, the atmosphere turned suggestive.

After an intense rhythm, there was a calmer dance tune.

Lena, not knowing what had happened, looked at the couples whispering sweet nothings beside her with curiosity. Following their example, she turned around and wrapped her arms around Su Lun's neck.

Su Lun smiled slightly and casually placed his hand along her waist, lightly holding her. Since he saw her as a friend, he did not overstep his bounds.

The two embraced and danced slowly to the tune.

Lena, as if drunk, almost completely collapsed against Su Lun, lost in thought.

As they danced, she suddenly took the initiative to move Su Lun's hand lower, then commanded in a firm tone, "You can put it here!"

Is that okay?

Su Lun was momentarily taken aback, realizing that his hand was caressing a soft sensation, their position suddenly becoming intimate.

Though separated by a skirt, the inherent soft and pliant feeling of Catwoman's body was undeniably real.

Feeling the warmth of the large hand that had climbed onto her protrusion, Lena glanced at him, then whispered against his neck, "I really don't mind~"

Her tender reproach dropped her ladylike restraint.

Su Lun also understood, his lips curving into a slight smile.

That moment, he came to the realization that the girl who once shared his hardships had grown up.

He knew that for this girl, pure as blank paper, to make such a gesture took quite a bit of courage.

So he did not withdraw his hand, but neither did he become more presumptuous.

But as they remained in that froze position for several moments, Su Lun clearly felt Lena's emotions gradually sinking, as if she was somewhat tentative.

She buried her head in Su Lun's neck, murmuring something in a plaintive whisper, "Really... I said... I wouldn't mind..."

With soft and gentle music, the dim dance floor, men and women indulged in the thrills of surging hormones.

A gentleman has to consider the scenario.

In some situations, a slight gesture of affection is a mark of respect.

Su Lun chuckled, understanding what was unsaid.

Do you like it?

Mhm.

After all, they were very close friends, weren't they?

Su Lun's hand flexed slightly, and he felt a firm softness in his grasp.

Such an intimate and presumptuous move, if not close enough, could invariably lead to a slap in the face.

But clearly, Lena in his arms didn't mind at all; instead, her mood suddenly became joyful.

She boldly took one of Su Lun's hands and placed it on her chest where her heartbeat was clearly felt.

The fine fabric lining was soft, and obviously without an undergarment, there was nearly no barrier to feeling the softness that begged to be kneaded, the details palpable.

Su Lun's night vision was superb, and she saw a face close by, radiating a brilliant smile.

Lena bared her white teeth in a grin, her eyes curving, a hint of playful charm glimmering within them as she suddenly became bold, "Ah~ Sabina sister was right..."

Su Lun felt a real touch on both hands and became curious, "What did she tell you?"

Lena's bright eyes shifted, glinting with mischief. She didn't directly answer but said meaningfully, "She said, Mr. Su Lun, you like the movement you're making right now."

As she spoke, her face revealed either a flush of shyness or the glow of tipsiness, a faint blush blossoming.

"???"

Su Lun listened with a mix of amusement and helplessness, his hands remaining in place.

Far from minding, Lena came even closer to facilitate his touch and continued, "Sabina sister also told me a lot about you, Mr. Su Lun. Mm... those things... I pretty much know them all."

Now Su Lun understood and complained, "She really has no filter. What has she been teaching you..."

Lena playfully stuck out her tongue, saying, "Sabina sister also said that Mr. Su Lun likes it when girls take the initiative. So I can't wait for you to make the move..."

Perhaps because certain barriers had been breached, her former subtlety was gone as she added, "It seems that's really the case, huh!"

Su Lun didn't bother explaining, simply finding the whole situation amusing and laughed lightly.

The dance floor was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere as bold young men and women danced closely in the dark.

Su Lun did not withdraw his hand, savoring the soft, graceful contours.

Still, the feel of it through the skirt was somewhat unsatisfactory.

Luckily, this punk Lolita dress was quite accommodating, with its light, soft hem being short in the front and long in the back. Lifting a corner, his hand could wander freely without anyone noticing a thing.

Once beneath the skirt, he encountered a sensation that was both silky and supple.

Black stockings, excellent!

Lena showed no inclination to dodge, her eyes slightly blurry, but after waiting for a while, she finally asked, "How does it feel?"

Su Lun answered truthfully, "It's terrific."

At his words, Lena seemed to finally relax completely, her smile blossoming on her cheeks like a radiant rose, "Ah... really? I was worried that you, Mr. Su Lun, only liked girls like sister Sabina... that type of..."

Su Lun simply smiled and shook his head.

Lena, sensing something, her cheeks warmed and she said obediently, "Ah... I was super happy just to see Mr. Su Lun today. Now I'm even happier~"

The darkness served as the perfect cover, concealing the flushed shyness.

...

After a lengthy slow dance, the music's tempo surged again, and a new performance began.

The impatient couples continued to retreat to the dark corners, the restrooms, the private rooms... to continue their intimacy.

Lena sneakily glanced at those people, her cheeks flushing as she latched onto Su Lun's arm, and the two returned to their seats.

With new glasses filled with liquor, they began to drink again.

The alcohol induced a slight buzz, and the mood was just right.

Su Lun found his time with Lena very enjoyable as well.

Suddenly, he perceived something, his eyebrows furrowing for a moment before he said to Lena, "Let's go check the back alley."

Lena obviously knew what he was talking about and nodded, "Okay."

Su Lun had sensed that Cock's Comb, the man who had been selling the potion, headed toward the back alley.

Not just him, several members of the Vaughan Brothers gang seemed to have received some order, all heading out through the back door.

Su Lun guessed that their shipment had probably arrived.

The two of them left their seats and headed to the security corridor near the restroom, without directly following the others. He noted that the gang members on lookout also paid attention to their departure.

Turning into an unoccupied corner, Su Lun took out a black umbrella, and his range of Soul Perception instantly expanded multiple times.

In his perception, the gang members were very cautious, frequently looking around to see if anyone was following them.

However, Su Lun's technique of Soul Perception would not be noticed by anyone.

He felt the direction of the gang members and, with Lena in his embrace, they chose a different path to follow.

The two avoided the crowded main streets, opting instead for the deserted back alleys.

Before long, they encountered a high wall they needed to climb over. Su Lun was about to jump over with Lena, but she laughed, refusing, and leapt up herself.

She landed lightly, making no sound at all.

Watching her, Su Lun remarked, "Hey... that's pretty impressive."

Lena happily responded, "Of course, I've grown stronger. I'm no longer that weak girl who always needs protecting."

Su Lun responded with a smile.

Soon, they arrived in front of a dilapidated warehouse.

A bunch of tattooed tough guys in black suits were at the entrance; Cock's Comb and his group had already gone inside.

There were clearly restrictions inside against probing, and even Rena's Catwoman talent could not pick up any sounds.

However, this couldn't stop Su Lun. His perception told him that there were more than twenty people inside, and the strongest among them was only a fourth-tier, likely the boss of the Vaughn Brothers gang, "Old Smoker" Fogleres.

It seemed like these guys were gathered here waiting for someone.

The two of them had the patience to lurk on the roof of the small building.

Rena occasionally stole glances at Su Lun, and the two would share a knowing smile.

The time spent lurking flew by quickly.

Half an hour later, a very distinctive soul appeared in his perception.

It was a person wearing a black trench coat that covered most of their face.

The several gang lackeys at the door obviously recognized him, not hindering him at all and letting the person walk in. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire

"Hehe, the goods have finally arrived. Hopefully, there's more this time."

"Tsk tsk... Even if it's just the same amount as last time, we'll make a fortune off this batch once it goes out."

"Don't you guys find the potion a bit weird? It's so cheap... I always feel like I hear strange whispers after using it."

"Bore, the hell's wrong with you, you high or something? Besides, who cares what it is, as long as we make money, right?"

"Tsk tsk, true that."

"..."

Overhearing the lackeys' exchange, Su Lun finally understood that the people delivering the goods had arrived.

But after a closer perception, he frowned, "Huh... that guy doesn't seem to be human?"

That soul fluctuation was very strange, making him feel it was somewhat like a vengeful spirit or some type of undead creature.

The two did not hurry to act rashly but continued to wait there.

About ten minutes later, the man in the trench coat walked out again.

Su Lun realized that this person might be extremely important.

He didn't bother with the gang members in the warehouse and signaled to Rena to keep an eye on the place while he followed in disguise.

A delivery person alone wasn't enough to prompt Su Lun to act; he wanted to follow and see if he could trace it to the source.

...

Lindon's night sky revealed no stars, only a depressing darkness.

Drizzle fell from the sky, and the continuous pitter-patter of raindrops was incessant beside his ears.

Su Lun followed very carefully, still using Soul Perception to gauge the direction and then tracking the other route.

In theory, such a method of tracking would be nearly flawless, and even high-tier professionals would struggle to detect it.

But as Su Lun walked down an alley and just stepped over a puddle of dirty water, he suddenly sensed something and whirled around!

His Soul Perception indicated that the person who was originally two hundred meters away had suddenly appeared right behind him!

There were no spatial fluctuations; the figure just appeared out of nowhere.

Su Lun retreated dozens of meters, looking somberly at the puddle where a humanoid shape slowly condensed on top of it. Water vapor around it rapidly coalesced, and in a blink, it turned into the man in the trench coat from earlier.

This person seemed surprised to have been followed, eyeing Su Lun with a click of the tongue, "Eh... you actually noticed. Tsk tsk, not a weak perception. I'm curious too, how did you manage to follow me?"

The voice was terrifying, but it seemed to be a woman's.

Realizing this ability, Su Lun understood something, thinking to himself, "Was it the rainwater that exposed me?"

However, he showed no signs of panic and tentatively said, "Your method is quite interesting. You can actually hide your elemental body in the water... could you be one of the four elemental talents, 'Raincaller'?"

At the same time, his left eye shimmered and rotated.

What was even more unbelievable was that the name identified by the All-knowing Eye was "Terrifying Wax Figure・Ghost Bride"!

Seeing this, Su Lun finally understood why he had previously felt like this person was not alive.

It turned out it really wasn't a person, but a wax figure?

He instantly thought of a description in a certain secret tome of a forbidden Puppetry Technique— "Spirit Medium Puppet."

This was not alchemy but black magic of those who worshipped certain undead external gods.

A god's disciple?

This was a puppet, which also meant there was a manipulator behind it.

Su Lun's face remained unchanged, as if he had noticed nothing.

But internally, he marveled, "Lindon truly is a place full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!"

This "Wax Figure Puppet" not only had an abnormal soul but was also made to look exactly like a real person, complete with breath, flesh, intelligence, and most critically, it possessed the deceased's talents from before death?

Encountering such a fascinating opponent right away, Su Lun decided to thoroughly investigate this thing.