Mechanical Alchemist

Su Lun had only three choices for advancing to a second-tier professional: the Inner City, guilds, or the black market.

Dismissing the Inner City for the time being, that left only the black market and the guilds.

Advancement for professionals in the Outer City was entirely haphazard; you took whatever opportunity you had and moved up, with no systematic approach.

Often, even if one's profession and talent weren't a match, there were no other options, resulting in wasted potential.

If Su Lun wanted to rely on the resources within the Cross Society to advance, he would first need to become a team leader, step by step gaining contributions and resources.

However...

Even the team leaders of the Cross Society had limited options for advancement. They were stuck cycling through the same twenty or thirty methods of advancement that the officials had, most of which were common, ordinary professions.

A Puppet Master?

Such a niche profession had never been heard of within the entire Cross Society, so naturally, it couldn't possibly be an option.

And in fact, the Alchemy Guild alone had recorded over eight thousand first-tier career choices, with thousands more pathways for second-tier professions...

Not to mention those rare professions that had been passed down from ancient times, dazzling to behold.

Su Lun had no intention of squandering his talent and potential.

Therefore, the only real option in front of him was to try his luck on the black market.

Rather than groping around cluelessly, he thought it better to consult someone experienced and well-connected.

Mr. Emmerich, the former vice-chairman of the Black Tower Alchemy Academy, was obviously the perfect candidate.

....

Su Lun arrived at the black market, heading straight for "Rosen's Alchemy Shop."

He left a message for the owner, saying he wanted to meet that gentleman.

He then made his usual rounds of various shops in the black market, looking to see if there were any suitable curse materials or mechanical parts for himself.

Passing by the bulletin board, the original owner's bounty notice was already relegated to the corner.

Tasks without any leads found over a long time would gradually be forgotten by people.

This was the scenario Su Lun wanted to see.

At the top of the board, except for a new "S-rank" wanted criminal who was unfamiliar, the others were all well-known figures.

The person at the top was still that mysterious woman.

Her bounty had now soared to an incredible three million Risos for information, which made Su Lun think that if such a high bounty hadn't yielded any leads, the woman must have either gone hunting outside the city, or, just like him, changed her appearance and gone into hiding.

Su Lun didn't linger, moving on to "Whitebeard's Mechanical Materials Shop" at the bottom level of the black market.

The shopkeeper had quite wild sources for his goods; the two body-training devices Su Lun had found before came from this store. This time his luck wasn't bad either, stumbling upon a "Cheetah IX Miniature Six-Cylinder Steam Boiler" discarded from an Inner City military machinery factory. It was small, priced beautifully, and still usable with some repairs.

Su Lun made the purchase, intending to use it as the power boiler for his "Iron Man Mark II."

Oddly enough, after buying the item and planning to go back to Green Street, he saw a familiar cloaked figure when passing by "Rosen's Alchemy Shop" again.

"Mr. Emmerich?"

Su Lun approached and called out tentatively.

The cloaked figure turned his head, and although his face was not clearly visible, his voice was very familiar, still warm and gentle, "Heh... The boss just told me you wanted to see me. I didn't expect you to still be here..."

Su Lun confirmed the identity of the person in front of him and stated his purpose directly, "I apologize for the inconvenience, but indeed, there are some matters I need your help with."

After all, the other party was a top professional, and yet he was so courteous to him, a low-ranking professional. Su Lun also responded with the necessary polite language.

The cloaked figure nodded, "Let's walk and talk..."

The narrow alchemy shop, barely fit to stand in, was not suitable for chatting.

.....

The two walked along the streets of the black market, speaking in soft voices.

Su Lun expressed his desire to acquire some systematic knowledge of alchemy.

The cloaked figure wasn't surprised, even seemed a bit "happy to help," "Knowledge is precious. But when I meet someone who sincerely wants to learn, I am willing to provide some guidance."

"Thank you."

Su Lun hadn't expected him to agree so readily.

Thinking of his position as the dean, it then seemed less surprising.

The cloaked figure continued, "But systematic knowledge is vast: potions, enchantments, biological grafting, runes, alchemy spells, mechanics, forging, mysticism, medicine... What the outside world vaguely refers to as Alchemy, is divided into over a dozen disciplines at the Black Tower Alchemy Academy. Which one do you wish to learn?"

In Su Lun's mind, there was a myriad of knowledge; he wanted to learn all of it, and after some thought, he said, "I mainly want to learn alchemy spells and mechanical knowledge... but if possible, I'd like to have a look at all of them."
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Self-study with just textbooks was simply impossible to digest such a wide range of knowledge.

But Su Lun had the "Reaper of Death."

If it were anyone else, the cloaked figure might have thought them greedy and insatiable. But looking at Su Lun, he remarked, "Heh heh... For some reason, I always feel that one day you will give me a big surprise."

He didn't refuse and casually agreed, adding, "That's an easy request. I happen to have a set of textbooks that I used myself. They're probably the most complete and suitable introductory materials in all of Old Lington. I have no use for them now; I can give them all to you."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun said, "Thank you for your generosity. In the outer city, having access to such valuable knowledge is truly remarkable."

The cloaked figure didn't think much of it, seemingly smiling, "After all, my original name is a bit troublesome; you can call me 'Mr. Hei.'

His tone was relaxed, without the slightest hint of the nervousness that other wanted criminals exhibited. It seemed as if, even if he were to be captured and brought to the gallows, his head would still be held high with enduring elegance and composure.

After a brief pause, he spoke again, "Just giving you a few books hardly repays the favor I owe you. So... I think you must have something else to ask me."

Ever the gentleman, unwilling to take even the slightest advantage from others.

Knowing that the other person understood the "Mind Reading Technique," Su Lun wasn't surprised by these words.

He didn't show much emotion and went straight to the point, "As you know, the people in the outer city have a very limited understanding of the high-ranking professionals' realm. I would like to ask, are there any particular considerations when advancing to a second-tier profession? Or... do you know the options for a Puppet Master to advance to the second tier?"

"Oh? When it comes to this question, there is really no one more suitable to answer you than I am."

Mr. Hei chuckled, seemingly self-deprecating about his former profession of teaching.

....

"After becoming a professional, subsequent advancements are all about acquiring abilities that revolve around your main profession. There's no fixed path for advancement; it depends on how you plan for your future career," Mr.

Hei said, glancing at Su Lun and continuing, "For example, a typical Puppet Master's second-tier path might involve integrating curses related to 'Perception Enhancement,' 'Skill Enhancement,' or 'Puppet Elemental Control' to gain abilities that enhance the control and combat capabilities of puppets.

But some special Puppet Masters, who do not lack offensive methods, might opt for more advanced auxiliary abilities, like 'Multi-tasking' or 'Spatial Control.' After all, the number of puppets that can be controlled is also a standard for measuring a Puppet Master's combat power; and certain special-rule puppets cannot be stored in storage rings, making spatial abilities quite practical...

There are also options like 'Corpse Research,' 'Mental Control,' 'Elemental Annihilation,' 'Inverse Alchemy,' among various powerful mixed advancement paths..."

"So many choices?"

Listening to this, Su Lun felt his horizons were being broadened.

Only then did he realize there was so much to consider when advancing to the second tier.

"So, that's why I said it depends on your own future career planning to make the right choice..."

Mr. Hei didn't continue, saying, "If I go into more detail, it will be too much to cover in a short time. As far as I know, there are over thirty second-tier abilities suitable for a Puppet Master. Of course, the more special and rare the ability, the harder it is to find the corresponding cursed object. In the end, it all comes down to one's abilities, to choose the best option.

Sometimes, career advancement also requires some 'luck'."

"I see... Thank you for the clarification, sir."

Su Lun felt that coming to seek advice from this "Mr. Hei" had been the right choice.

....

At that moment, Mr. Hei seemed to remember something and suddenly added, "However... you are quite unique. I do have a small suggestion for your future career planning."

Expecting that he had seen something, Su Lun once again suppressed his emotions and said, "Please tell me."

"Hmm... that would be to focus on abilities related to 'spiritual power control'."

Mr. Hei said, looking at Su Lun as if observing something.

After pondering for a moment, he continued, "I've noticed an issue with you. That is, you have very good emotional control. You are the only entry-level professional I have come across who makes me feel that my mind-reading ability is limited. I noticed this the last time I was at the Ginkgo Street apartment, but I couldn't figure it out..."

Su Lun listened, a slight change of expression crossing his face.

It wasn't surprising that someone adept at mind-reading could discern this.

Mr. Hei's tone abruptly shifted, indicating he had come to a realization, and he spoke seriously, "You've suppressed some of your emotions in exchange for a state of constant calm. But this long-term suppression can be very dangerous for your mental state, even fatal. The more intense the suppression, the more lethal the backlash when it erupts..."

"..."

Su Lun's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to these words.

This Mr. Hei had pointed out a real danger that not even the psychological experts from his previous life had detected.

Feeling no need to hide anything, he calmly said, "I didn't expect to live for long before, so I didn't really care. But now..."

In his former life, without any joy, he felt no anticipation for the future, regardless of how long he lived.

Having crossed into this mysterious otherworld, now, he really didn't want to just die like this.

Since Mr. Hei brought up this topic, Su Lun guessed he might have a solution and asked, "So... do you have a way to solve it, Mr. Hei?"

"Your situation is indeed dangerous, but for us Alchemists, it might not be a bad thing..."

Mr. Hei neither nodded nor shook his head, adding, "If I'm not mistaken, your spiritual power before you took up the job must have been much higher than the average person."

Su Lun smiled noncommittally, half-jokingly asking, "If I may be so bold, are you a doctor, Mr. Hei?"

Mr. Hei didn't mind correcting, "No, my profession is that of a [Scholar]. But as for those strange tales, ancient alchemy knowledge, medical mysteries... there are hardly a few people in Old Lington City who know more than I do. So, it's not wrong to think of me as a doctor."

Hearing this calm yet imposing statement, a sense of admiration suddenly sprouted in Su Lun's heart.

He now understood the profound aura of Mr. Hei.

It was his extensive knowledge that gave him eyes as if he could see through all things in the world.

Mr. Hei continued, "The method to solve it is quite simple."

Su Lun listened intently, "I am eager to hear the details."

Mr. Hei said, "The root of the matter is still 'control'."

Su Lun: "..."

Mr. Hei explained, "Relying solely on a person's willpower is not enough to control that kind of violent backlash, so you need to resort to some external force, such as: spiritual power secret techniques."

"Spiritual power secret techniques?"

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Su Lun listened with a slightly furrowed brow.

This was yet another blind spot in his knowledge, not even in any memory he had stripped did anyone know of this concept.

Mr. Hei seemed to see his confusion and explained, "This is a field only accessible to high-level professionals. Even within the inner city, it is a 'Forbidden Technique' that the upper echelons of Black Tower restrict from spreading."

"Forbidden Technique?"

Upon hearing this, Su Lun realized he might have stumbled upon some high-end secrets.

"I have perused ancient texts and learned that ancient alchemists would often practice meditation secret techniques to increase their spiritual power, control spiritual power, and also to cast high-level spells... Never mind, those things are too advanced for you now, and it would be meaningless to speak of them; they would only bring you trouble," Mr.

Hei said, seemingly hesitant about continuing and thus stopped there, "You just need to know that learning a suitable mental secret technique for yourself will allow you to control that part of untamed spiritual power."

"I see..."

Su Lun suddenly realized, could his "ailment" be curable?

But if ancient alchemists could practice it, why would the Black Tower list it as a "Forbidden Technique"?

Suddenly... he felt he might have guessed a part of the reason why Mr. Hei had defected.

Having heard this, Su Lun looked at Mr. Hei again, seemingly expecting something.

"I indeed have been exploring a mental secret technique, but it is extremely dangerous and not suitable for you," Mr. Hei saw through Su Lun's thoughts, shook his head slightly, and smiled, "I'm telling you this only to let you know that if you come across a similar secret technique in the future, pay attention...

Now that 'Dawn City' underground has been discovered, a large number of ancient relics have been unearthed. There will also be many good things appearing on the black market recently; perhaps you can find the right mental power secret technique for yourself before the inner city scavenges everything..."

"Dawn City?"

"Yes... It's a large newly discovered ancient ruin underground. Not many people in the outer city know this news yet, but it should spread soon."

"Oh..."

Su Lun's first thought was the ancient ruins he had come across when he traveled through time.

But what he cared about more was the "mental power secret technique."

He had plenty of spiritual power, in fact, a lot.

The "Reaper" was an S-rank talent; every time he harvested a Soul Shard, it increased his spiritual power a little bit. Although now the spiritual power stripped from ordinary human corpses was getting less and less, his current spiritual power score had reached 75 points, which was more than twice what it was when he first advanced professions!

However, this doubled spiritual power score did not bring Su Lun double the benefits.

It was not that he didn't have enough spiritual power, but that he couldn't use it.

It was like a plate of loose sand; wanting to use it, just his two hands couldn't hold much no matter what...

Previously he felt he was lacking something, but now he knew, this world also had something called "mental power secret techniques."

....

The two talked as they walked, and before they knew it, more than half an hour had passed.

Seeing that Mr. Hei did not intend to continue, he said, "The more you understand about alchemy, the more doubts will arise, endless questions. After you read those textbooks, I guarantee you will need ten times, a hundred times more knowledge to solve those doubts..."

"I don't mind you asking me. But meeting with me often will cause you great trouble. So, as the final part of repaying my debt to you, I can introduce you to a place where you can access high-level alchemy knowledge..."

Su Lun: "Is there such a place in the outer city?"

"Yes, at the black market."

Mr. Hei: "It's not some taboo organization, just a small circle for high-level professionals to exchange knowledge. Generally, only second-tier professionals get invited. I happen to be going there; you might as well come along."

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