Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 422 - 421: The Gang Leader from Lindun

The group of students from the Royal Academy of Luying created a commotion, but it quieted down quickly.

Abel had just choked off the fat student, and Miss Kama had also ignored Alex, the so-called top-tier rich and handsome young man of Luying, resulting in the small nobility showing even more contempt towards these three country bumpkins, Su Lun. However, they didn’t care in the slightest and found a corner with a sofa to sit down.

Miss Kama held the business card, which held no interest for her, and was ready to toss it in the trash.

But at that moment, Su Lun seemed to remember something and said, "Wait, don’t throw that card away."

Miss Kama looked up and asked, "What is it, teacher?"

Su Lun gestured with his hand and said, "Pass me the card, please."

Although Miss Kama didn’t know what her teacher was up to, she handed it over nonetheless.

Su Lun thought for a moment, then took out a fountain pen and wrote down a line of words on the card.

Miss Kama looked on curiously, not understanding what the seemingly polite sentence was trying to convey.

She asked directly, "Teacher, what did you write? I don’t understand it."

Su Lun didn’t answer directly, smiled, and seemed to be testing the cryptography level of his two disciples.

Abel, on the other hand, noticed something and said, "Sister, this is Herodotus encryption. It is often used by those in the mystic professions, requiring a specific order to decode."

He counted the letters with his finger, seemingly calculating some special order, before adding, "Teacher probably wants to remind that guy. Since he’s a Taro Magician, he should be able to decipher this level of code with some time. It also prevents others from snooping."

Miss Kama, puckering her lips and looking defeated, finally realized, "Ah... it’s cryptography."

Cryptography is a fundamental subject in the field of alchemy, but it is also one of the hardest.

It requires an immense amount of knowledge, sharp observational skills, and logical thinking ability.

Anyone can study cryptography.

But to become a qualified cryptographer, it takes real talent.

As it happened, Miss Kama was not adept at it.

After writing, Su Lun handed the card over and said, "Miss Kama, please return this card to that Alex."

"Ah... teacher, I’m going?"

Miss Kama had not forgotten how those noble young ladies nearly pierced her heart with envious gazes when Alex had approached her to strike up a conversation.

But despite her grumbling, she obediently said, "Oh, understood."

Although she did not understand the message, she knew that she was the most suitable person to go.

There has to be a motive to avoid suspicion.

Perhaps... those noble youths will see me as an ugly duckling craving vanity, aspiring to cling to those of higher status?

Miss Kama curled her lip unwillingly at the thought.

Taking a deep breath, she finally mustered the courage to approach the cluster of young students from the Royal Academy of Luying.

...

Su Lun sat on the sofa, scanning the people coming and going in the banquet hall.

He sent that message to young master Alex, not with the intention of befriending any powerful figures.

Lucky for Luying that the "Duke of Mist Mountain," who opposed theocracy, stood firm, preventing the land from becoming a playground for the foreign gods’ faith. If something happened to his son, the forces controlled by foreign gods in the upper echelons of Luying would only grow stronger.

"Dawn" would not let this ancient empire of Luying turn into a theocratic nation, and in this, they shared a common goal.

So within his capacity, Su Lun was just lending a hand.

As a teacher, Su Lun had tricked Miss Kama, expecting that after she delivered the card, she would undoubtedly become the center of attention. Thus, he had no intention of joining her under the public eye.

It was about time for Phantom Thief Kit’s plan to start,

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so he left his seat,

letting Abel stay on the sofa to complete the Rubik’s Cube,

and strolled around the banquet hall.

...

On the other hand, within the small circle of the Royal Academy of Luying, a group of students were laughing and discussing the earlier incident.

Being part of such cliques often meant their parents were political allies.

Most of them were the offspring of councillors who opposed theocracy.

"Hahaha... even our great young master Alex can be snubbed. And by a common girl, no less?"

"That girl didn’t seem like an ordinary commoner; she’s probably a descendant of a destitute noble family that has lost its title. Tsk tsk... perhaps playing hard to get."

"Indeed, she’s quite scheming. Hasn’t she captured our attention just like that?"

"No, you’re definitely mistaken. That girl is special. Taro readings tell me she will bring me good luck."

"Alex, I’m not saying I don’t believe in your Taro readings, but how could a girl from some remote territory possibly refuse you? Maybe she recognized your identity long ago and deliberately dressed up for the banquet... I bet the moment we get back to Lingdun, she will be dying to find you!"

"Yo, looks like we won’t have to wait to get back to Lingdun. Look, here she comes right to our doorstep!"

"..."

The young noble men and women watched Miss Kama approaching from a distance, mocking her with their eyes full of various taunts.

In Luying, nobles and commoners inhabit two different worlds, with their class attitudes ingrained to the bone.

No matter how beautiful the ugly duckling, she is merely a toy for the nobility. Even if she were to marry into a wealthy family without the support of her maternal lineage, she would be nothing but a decorative vase, inconsequential to most.

The male students watched with gleeful anticipation, but the female students’ eyes brimmed with venomous jealousy.

Miss Kama, enduring their disdainful gaze that felt like it was flaying her, reached the group of young people.

Though Alex was puzzled why she came so soon, he greeted her with polite grace, asking, "Miss Kama, do you need something from me?"

Wanting to get rid of the hot potato quickly, Miss Kama, suppressing her discomfort, handed over the card. "This is for you."

Then she turned and walked away.

In the eyes of others, this was a very clumsy display of "shyness".

Alexis blinked in surprise, somewhat puzzled by her reaction. He took the business card, which was the same one he had handed out, only now it bore an extra sentence.

As he read it, his brow furrowed. Could he have been wrong? Was she really just a vain common girl?

Onlookers wore ambiguous smiles, "Hahaha... I told you so."

To the bystanders, the message on the card likely seemed like information for a date—an invitation not worth prying into too much.

After a cursory glance, no one paid it much attention.

Alexis read the sentence carefully, as if it were a greeting plucked from some literary work.

He looked again at Kama’s hastily retreating figure, feeling that something was off.

The Card wouldn’t have made a mistake.

He read the sentence over and over again.

It wasn’t until the third time that his eyes sharpened, and he keenly discovered the sentence’s structure seemed to be some sort of cipher.

"Hmm..."

A soft hum of curiosity escaped Alexis.

Without drawing attention, he decoded the message and found a secret warning hidden within: "The ship is full of followers of the Outer Gods. Be wary of those around you, and Professor Virginia."

Although it was just a single sentence, the revelation struck him like lightning, and he understood everything in a flash!

His father was the biggest opponent of the "Freedom of Divine Faith Proposal", and now, with the followers of Outer Gods aboard the cruise, it was hard not to suspect foul play!

Could it be that the followers were planning to assassinate him?

Alexis immediately became vigilant and cautioned his shadow guard.

While not ruling out the possibility that the author of the message had malicious intent, instinct told him that the girl from before was definitely not an enemy; otherwise, there would’ve been no need for her to warn him.

Alexis discreetly pocketed the business card and resumed chatting with his companions as if nothing had happened.

His gaze occasionally drifted to the figure who had moved to a corner, feeling a bit disappointed: So she was just delivering a message.

...

"Ah... this is so embarrassing."

Kama felt her cheeks burning with heat, sizzling hot embarrassment.

Those contemptuous looks were incredibly infuriating...

And yet, she couldn’t even explain!

She hurried to the sofa in the corner, where her brother was busy with a Rubik’s Cube, and asked, "Abel, where’s the teacher?"

Abel glanced up, directing his gaze elsewhere, "Over there. Chatting with that lady in the black dress."

At the glance, Kama’s gaze grew even more reproachful, "The teacher is really hateful. Going off to flirt like that... and leaving me to do such an embarrassing task."

However, Abel was indifferent, "Sister, only if you deliver the message will it be above suspicion."

Kama rolled her eyes at her brother, "I know! But I... I’m still so angry! It’s so shameful!"

Abel remarked calmly, "The teacher said you need to have a thicker skin, so you’ll suffer less in the future. Besides, I don’t find it disgraceful at all. What they think is their business; you were merely delivering a message."

Continuing, he corrected, "Furthermore, the teacher wasn’t initiating the conversation. He was approached by the lady. If I’m not mistaken, she’s the same woman who’s been observing us from the shadows earlier."

Kama: "..."

...

Su Lun had been wandering the banquet hall when he was unexpectedly stopped by this mysterious lady.

She was dressed in a black lace gown, her figure graceful and her demeanor not lacking in nobility; she appeared to be a well-nurtured noblewoman.

Of course, that would be if she weren’t a professional.

The energetic fluctuations of a professional could be detected with certain special methods, such as the energy disruption devices used by the Mafa military, or by sensory professionals.

But the soul’s fluctuations couldn’t be hidden.

This busty and curvaceous mystery woman was at least a fourth-tier professional.

Furthermore, Su Lun had noticed that she had been observing them for quite some time now.

A high-level professional approaching him with such familiarity clearly wasn’t because of his good looks; she must have an ulterior motive.

Su Lun even suspected that she was a member of the Giant’s Covert Association, yet she showed no allergic reaction to the "perfume" he wore.

This left Su Lun puzzled about her intentions.

The two of them began to subtly probe each other in light conversation.

"Sir, are you an expert in ancient artifacts? Just now, I overheard you explaining the exhibits in great detail to your disciple. Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop; I just happened to be nearby."

"I am no expert, I have a bit of research, that’s all."

"How may I address you, sir?"

"You may call me Nicholas. And you, madam?"

"Mr. Nicholas, why do you assume I am a ’madam’?"

"Oh, sorry. It’s just that, generally, a young lady wouldn’t possess the charm and grace you exhibit..."

"You have such a way with words, sir."

"..."

Although Su Lun fancied himself a decent person, he wasn’t about to be polite with a scheming woman who kept pressing up against him, maybe trying to gauge the strength of his muscles.

If you dare come close, I dare to touch.

Su Lun’s hand gently rested on the woman’s soft waist, then naturally explored further to her well-muscled buttocks.

The muscular suppleness was notable, indicating she was clearly a close-combat professional.

But strangely, the woman’s body was frail, with an unnaturally soft touch to it.

Su Lun guessed that it might be some sort of innate gift.

One had to admit, the feel was quite nice.

There had always been talk that the sexual mores in the Emperor Luying’s capital were very open, known as the city of romance. It probably referred to something like this. Gentlemen and ladies were happy to enjoy a pleasureful experience with someone of the opposite sex who caught their fancy, releasing passion without any psychological burden.

This woman displayed a forthright and hearty demeanor typical of the women from the capital.

...

It was while Su Lun was chatting with the woman that the charity auction dinner began.

The lights in the banquet hall dimmed, with several beams focusing on the stage.

After getting on stage, the auctioneer briefly introduced that all proceeds from this batch of auction items would be donated to a children’s charity fund, and then the auction process began.

In the darkness, Su Lun continued to converse with the woman named Caroline.

"Sir, the scent of your cologne is quite distinctive~"

"Oh?"

"I happen to run a bit of a perfume business myself, but I’ve never smelled such a unique fragrance."

...

Su Lun knew this woman must have noticed something amiss.

He didn’t plan to babble, the two of them were now clear on their understanding, "I think it would be best if you were more sincere, ma’am."

A hint of ambiguity with a trace of boldness appeared in Caroline’s eyes as she almost clung to Su Lun’s side and retorted, "And what, sir, do you think would constitute sincerity?"

The auction had started, and Su Lun had business to attend to. He had seen many beautiful women and did not wish to waste time on this one, "For instance, talk about your connection to the mysterious collector behind these auctioned items."

Upon hearing this, Caroline’s brows lifted slightly, but she did not deny it, "How did you figure it out?"

Su Lun did not want to go into detail; he had guessed from certain details and took a shot in the dark, not expecting to be correct, "If you are willing to talk, we can continue this conversation. If not, then I apologize."

He was convinced the woman’s approach was not only probing but also indicated she had a request to make.

Hearing this, Caroline gave Su Lun a thorough look.

After a moment’s thought, she seemed to make a decision. With no further ado, she said directly, "The items come from my channel of resources. But now, I’ve discovered that this exhibition has surpassed my control. Some unscrupulous individuals have boarded the ship."

"Oh?"

Su Lun listened without any change in expression, maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor.

However, his mind was quite surprised. The person who arranged for these goods to be here was not from the Giant Conclave after all?

Caroline continued, "I must confess, I don’t even know who owns these collectibles. They came through a mysterious channel. But I was the one who arranged for them to be on board. I’d noticed something fishy, so I came along in person."

Here, a serious look crossed her eyes. She added, "Coincidentally, just now, my subordinates found that the ship’s long-range communication equipment malfunctioned. It wasn’t a mechanical failure but deliberate sabotage. The external signals have been completely blocked."

...

Hearing this, Su Lun’s gaze narrowed slightly, still without taking a stance.

He had known that there were members of the Giant Conclave on this ship, so the fact that someone was making a move did not surprise him.

He did not fully trust the woman’s words either.

Seeing that Su Lun gave no response, Caroline’s gaze narrowed slightly.

At least she felt that she hadn’t misjudged the situation; the man before her was a strong professional. She said further, "The girl you sent earlier with a message probably knows the identity of that young master, and you wanted to warn him of something, right?"

This surprised Su Lun somewhat, as his covert observation had been detected. He inquired curiously, "How did you know she was sent to deliver a message?"

Caroline replied, "Because I am a woman too. That young girl had no interest in the young master named Alex. And I knew the inside story of the whole exhibition and the presence of the ’Hanged Man Card.’ So it wasn’t hard to deduce the content of the message. This is also the most important reason I came to you. Although I don’t know which power you represent, you definitely aren’t with that group of unscrupulous people."

...

Listening to her, Su Lun found this to be rather interesting.

He also confirmed that she was not the enemy.

At least not part of the Giant Conclave.

At the same time, he silently lamented how Lingdun City was truly full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, wondering how every random woman he met could be so formidable.

But whether she had guessed correctly or not didn’t really matter. In the face of absolute power, cunning and scheming played only a minor role.

At least for now, Su Lun had not encountered anyone aboard the ship who posed a threat to him.

...

The auction continued, with each item sold signifying a countdown to some sinister plot.

Caroline knew she could not afford to delay. She said directly, "What I mean is, with such a significant figure on board, if anything unexpected happens, coming from my lots, it would bring me into considerable trouble. And the manpower I have on the ship might not be enough to handle such an event. So, I was hoping you’d be willing to help, within your means, of course. Regardless, I will be very grateful when we reach Lingdun, where I still hold some influence."

Others might not take much note of her tone, but Su Lun, upon hearing this unmistakable underworld jargon, largely guessed her identity.

Su Lun glanced at her and asked indifferently, "Who might you be?"

Caroline did not continue to conceal her identity, extending a golden business card embossed with a black rose.

The card alone was quite valuable.

It bore the name ’Caroline Worster’ and the name of a notorious gang from Lingdun.

Having seen that, Su Lun came to a fuller understanding.

Using another’s hand for murder, killing three birds with one stone.

The gangs of Old Lington were a grotesque and unique product of their era, not something that ragtag groups could sustain. They all had backing from the most powerful and wealthy conglomerates.

The people of the Giant Conclave had used Caroline’s channels to get a collection of antiques with the ’Hanged Man Card’ onboard, drawing young Master Alex to come.

If a problem really did arise, an investigation would inevitably implicate Caroline and the forces behind her.

The Roberts family occupied one of the five seats of the Senior Councilor, wielding great power. A significant disturbance could even potentially lead to major changes in Emperor Luying’s political landscape.

No wonder she was seeking emergency reinforcements. It seemed Caroline had realized the severity of the situation exceeded her expectations.

After all, outsiders could see that there must have been high-order professionals as bodyguards for that Alexei, as well as a sixth-order leading professor.

The enemies dared to make a move; they certainly possessed stronger combat power.

By then, Caroline’s tone had become very serious, "I know your strength is extraordinary. Since those people dare to act, they must be powerful. If a fight breaks out, it could involve everyone on this ship. Helping me is also helping yourself. Of course, if the situation is truly beyond human control, you can decide whether to intervene."

...

The military intelligence, religious zealots, royal academy, and now, a mysterious woman related to a gang leader from the underworld.

This was already the fourth wave of influential forces.

Lingdun City truly lived up to its reputation as the imperial capital; even a random cruise ship was teeming with big fish.

Su Lun couldn’t help but remark.

He didn’t bother to wonder about the force behind this woman since it was likely she was holding back some information.

But it was of no consequence.

The enemy of an enemy could be considered half a friend.

He was definitely going to help.

If it was within his power.

However, Su Lun did not want to make any overtures towards a stranger he had only met for half an hour.

So he just listened without speaking.

Seeing the man before her not responding, Caroline’s expression showed a trace of seriousness.

But at the same time, she found it somewhat unbelievable.

Even after hearing her out, this man’s face did not show the slightest hint of panic; on the contrary, he was utterly composed?

This confidence was not ordinary.

Caroline, having established herself in the underground market of Lingdun, naturally had her ways of judging people.

She was already certain that the man before her was very powerful.

With no other choice, she took a deep breath and made a significant promise, "If you are willing to exert your full strength, and ensure that the young master doesn’t die, I will meet any condition you propose afterward. Even if it’s beyond my reach, the Big Shot behind me will surely be able to handle it."

Her words were heavy with significance and carried an unusual confidence.

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The influence of Lingdun’s underground market and the forces behind her could indeed save one a lot of trouble in Lingdun City.

Listening to her, Su Lun finally said, "Alright."

He hadn’t wanted to make a statement, but her promises were too significant.

Upon hearing this response, Caroline’s expression visibly relaxed as if she had finally gained some assurance.

Su Lun then asked, "Can you share any other intelligence you have? For instance, what do you think the origin of those with malicious intent might be?"

Caroline’s expression became serious again, answering, "Most likely, they’re the fanatical followers of some newly-emerging religion. I’ve been investigating this for a while..."

Her intelligence was almost the same as Su Lun’s.

But some of it was more detailed, for example, the bishop in reality turned out to be a prominent lawyer.

After chatting for a while, Su Lun became curious as to how this woman had singled him out amid so many in the banquet hall and asked directly, "Why did you decide to come to me?"

Caroline smiled faintly, "Besides what was mentioned earlier, you have two very talented disciples. And also, because you are a very charming gentleman."

She said frankly, "I initially thought you were the Phantom Thief Kit, and I came to probe and seek cooperation. After all, that guy is not weak. But clearly, you are not him."

Su Lun understood upon hearing this that it seemed being too handsome was the reason, "How did you figure out I wasn’t him?"

Caroline said, "Do you think that the suave gentleman like the Phantom Thief Kit could refuse me? Although you did make some moves, you are one of the few true gentlemen I’ve met."

Su Lun chuckled, "Heh..."

...

The auction continued, and the roomful of wealthy people energetically bid on antiques, completely unaware that a crisis was unfolding quietly.

Su Lun wasn’t in a hurry and relayed the current situation to Kit before returning to his seat on the sofa.

At that moment, the Taro card was finally taken out of the safe.

It was one

With a flicker of light in his left eye, Su Lun immediately identified it.

[Mysterious Taro Card]

Description: One of the ’Twenty-Two Secret Vault Taro Cards’ from the Dawn Era, the [Hanged Man Card]; this card still possesses strong mysterious properties and is suitable for various high-level divination rituals; possession of this card grants a certain immunity to divination rituals; the card contains some encrypted content; the card has some parasitic larvae sealed by mysterious means;

"Indeed a genuine article."

Su Lun, intrigued by the information identified, immediately took an interest.

However, the value of such a card is subjective.

For a Taro Magician, it indeed has a fatal attraction. Even after countless years, it still retains strong mysterious properties.

But what Su Lun was curious about was the encrypted information on the card.

After all, having passed through many hands over the years, the information might have been decrypted long ago, making the card likely worthless.

Or, the "hidden secret" was some kind of continuously accessible treasure trove of knowledge.

But as it was a genuine article, Su Lun was very interested.

As for the "parasites" identified, they were undoubtedly the method the followers intended to use to trap the young Alexei.

If there were no surprises, the card was bound to end up in the hands of the young master.

But there were bound to be surprises.

Because at that moment, Kit had also sent a message—he was about to make his move.