Mechanical Alchemist

Su Lun didn't know whether to call the kimono-clad woman who led him inside a "Madame" or a "Madam", but he followed her regardless.

Despite the few cherry trees, their clever arrangement created the illusion of a forest in full bloom.

Passing an exquisitely carved corridor bridge, the view suddenly opened up, and the main structure of the building came into view.

This was not just a simple wooden building, but rather a building ship. The entire structure was half-floating in the air. The top featured airship-like balloons, and the bottom had floating devices akin to boiler rooms. The overall architectural style was very unique, with curved roofs and soaring eaves, blue tiles and white walls, as well as paper-backed wooden latticed windows and doors. Red lanterns inscribed with "Nagano-ya" hung under the eaves of the corridor, all exhibiting the distinctive style of the Mountain Hermit nation.

Su Lun felt quite pleased with the sight; every stone and blade of grass in this geisha house provided a sense of beauty that was just right.

Yet, who would have thought that just as he walked in, he would bump into a familiar person.

That woman in the lavish kimono, striding with an inherent commanding aura, if not Qian Tiao, who else could it be?

....

"Why would she be here?"

Su Lun was equally surprised.

If he had encountered this gambling-addicted woman at the gambling stands, he wouldn't have been surprised in the least. But what was the meaning of this situation now?

Right behind Qian Tiao was the shy young girl holding a sword, naturally Lolita.

What was even more surprising to Su Lun was that Qian Tiao was actually hugging a delicately featured young man dressed in a samurai outfit, whose handsomeness made even the blooming cherry blossoms seem bashful by comparison.

And the two of them seemed very intimate.

A male geisha?

(Spoiler alert, this is a woman.)

"Eh...?"

Su Lun was quite sure about Qian Tiao's preferences, and they certainly didn't include visiting geisha houses. She was neither into men nor women. To her, it would be more enjoyable to gamble with the spare time.

Therefore, seeing this abnormal scene, not only did no gossip spring to Su Lun's mind, but he immediately realized something: Was Qian Tiao here to stir up trouble?

Clearly, yes.

With that glance, Qian Tiao also saw him.

Even though Su Lun was disguised, the two were too familiar with each other; a single look was enough to recognize him.

Qian Tiao's gaze swept past him without the slightest intent to greet him. She continued to walk into the building, hugging the elegant young man and laughing.

Their eyes met and then parted.

Even without speaking, having known each other so well, Su Lun could sense the teasing in that glance, as if to say, "Oh, you're quite the pleasure-seeker, visiting a brothel?"

"She didn't tell me beforehand, she must be dealing with some troublesome matter... but to think that I would bump into her nonetheless."

Su Lun couldn't help feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.

At that moment, the Madam next to him suddenly spoke, breaking his train of thought, "Sir, please watch your step."

"Mhm."

Su Lun acknowledged absently, pulling his thoughts back together.

Now that he had reached the entrance, he naturally wanted to go in and have a look.

Moreover, if there was any serious trouble, Qian Tiao would send a message to inform him.

Su Lun was also curious about what had occurred that Qian Tiao didn't want him to get involved in.

Just to be safe, he changed his outfit quietly as he walked, the black umbrella bound with cloth to resemble a long staff already in his hand.

...

Upon entering, the elegant decor of the building instantly provided a stark contrast to the noise commonly found in other similar establishments.

Despite the compact size of the ship building, its clever design gave no sense of constriction or oppression.

Serene and refined, one immediately felt a sense of peace upon entering.

Having scanned his surroundings, Su Lun immediately felt it was indeed worth the money.

The geisha house was considered high-end consumption for the average pirate; there weren't many guests.

Screened partitions ensured privacy. After going upstairs, other guests were virtually out of sight.

Su Lun was led to a room on the second floor. "Nagano-ya Geisha House" was situated midway up the city, providing a sweeping night view of Pirate City from the window.

He checked the price list and requested the services of the cheapest geisha, which cost 5,300 riso per hour.

Before long, a young woman in a blue koi fish cheongsam with a golden fan hiding her face walked in gracefully.

Su Lun glanced at her.

She wore heavy makeup. But even without it, her facial features suggested she would be considered beautiful. At the age of sixteen or seventeen, she was in the prime of youthful charm. Following the geisha were two attendants, which accentuated her presence. After the three women entered, the last one gently closed the door.

The lead woman approached Su Lun, curtseying with a smile: "Good evening, sir, my name is Koike Teppei, a geisha from Nagano-ya."

"Mhm."

Su Lun nodded his head, showing no particular emotion.

The atmosphere here was comfortable, and he felt quite good staying there.

In his perception, Qian Tiao was in a room directly opposite his.

There was no rush; he would wait patiently.

....

After the geisha entered the room, there were several service routines, including tea ceremony, dancing, musical performance, and swordsmanship display... all very characteristic performances.

Su Lun himself knew a bit about music theory and wasn't exactly chewing on peonies.

As he listened to the melody and watched the dance, he indeed felt a sense of delight.

This geisha, called "Koike," had truly put in painstaking effort into these artistic pursuits, and her mastery was profound.

For her age, she could indeed be considered extremely talented.

What's more valuable was that, during their time together, she gave Su Lun the impression not of an entertainer, but more of an amiable friend. Her eyes were also filled with emotion, not the blunt practicality of a brothel girl who might say, "Hurry up, I need to go service the next client."

Even without physical pleasures, her company offered a kind of spiritual delight.

This was a very clever way of interacting.

Just based on the price alone, it was truly worth it.

After finishing a dance, Koike gathered the hem of her kimono and walked over to Su Lun in tiny, mincing steps, coming closer to pour him some tea.

On one side of the room, two attendants played the Sanxian Qin, with a rhythm that was slow and relaxing.

Because she was so close, Su Lun could smell a faint fragrance from her and casually asked, "The dance just now was quite interesting, but it seemed a bit like a ritual dance?"

In geisha houses, besides performing, conversation is also one of the most important services.

Su Lun wasn't just there to watch dancing; he had heard that these geisha held a lot of important information.

The teapot was held high, not a drop of tea spilled; this was the expertise of an "oil seller."

Koike poured Su Lun some tea, handed it to him with a gentle smile, and replied, "You have a keen eye, sir. That dance is the Wind God Music Dance, usually performed by the shamans in our tribe when worshiping deities."

"Oh? That's the Kagura dance?"

Su Lun knew a bit about Mount Hide's situation, and they started chatting about it.

"Why do you wear such heavy makeup? You're naturally pretty."

"Because in our Mount Hide, every household uses candles. It gets very dark in the evenings. To provide guests with a better sensory experience, geishas apply whiter makeup. It's rather comical to you, sir."

"Does Mount Hide have any interesting customs or special products?"

"Sword Dao, tea ceremony, literature, volcanic hot springs, and also tales of demons... Demon Blades, ghosts, deities..."

"Are there really demons in Mount Hide?"

"Of course, there are. Deities and ghosts are the most important entities in our Mount Hide. If sir is interested, perhaps you might encounter a demon on a personal visit. Kappas, alcohol-consuming goblins, the Nine-tailed Demon Fox Tamamo-no-Mae, Jorogumo..."

"Is the 'world's number one beauty' as stunning as the legends claim?"

"Indeed, even Koike has not seen anyone more beautiful than Lady Tamamo-no-Mae. It's a shame she never leaves Mount Hide..."

"..."

Su Lun and Koike gradually got into deeper conversation.

The geisha had indeed mastered the art of conversation, true to their reputation.

She made Su Lun feel like they were having a casual chat between friends, and she was well-informed and well-read. Whatever the topic—facts, history, literature, music—there was never a lull.

In other places, just this level of knowledge would be extraordinary, more than many noble daughters might possess.

Su Lun skillfully inquired about many customs of Mount Hide and also learned some information about the complicated forces in Pirate City.

This information added value to the high service fee.

However, it was strange that whenever the topic of "Rune Old Man" came up, Koike would deftly steer the conversation away, as if it were taboo.

Su Lun was not in a rush; the night was still young.

....

Geisha houses are not like brothels, where technicians and clients are there solely for that sort of business. Geishas take their time with every little task, even pouring tea becomes a pleasing ritual.

Although no explicit allure was shown by the geishas, every frown and smile radiated charm.

Su Lun felt very relaxed.

After only an hour of conversation, Koike gave him the feeling that they were as familiar as old friends.

He didn't forget his role as a pirate and, while gathering intelligence, also made light-hearted jokes. Amidst the chat, he asked a question he was also curious about, "Miss Koike, being in Pirate City, do you ever encounter very rude customers in your daily work?"

Pirates are a rough bunch, and no matter how cleverly one might handle them, how would these geishas resist those overcome with lust?

Koike naturally knew what he was asking about. Her cheeks blushed ever so slightly, displaying a natural shyness, and she nodded gently, "Naturally, we do encounter such people. But the house has specialists to handle them."

Su Lun then asked, "What if the client is very insistent?"

With a reserved smile and a glint in her eye that seemed laden with meaning, Koike said, "If they are agreeable, then naturally there is no problem."

After a pause, her tone suddenly became firm, "However, if there is no liking, then there is no fate. Although we geishas are humble, we do not hold back our lives and won't cause trouble for the house."

Su Lun heard the banter in her voice, lifted an eyebrow, and casually followed up, "What if I wanted to stay the night?"

Koike glanced at him, her brows and eyes revealing an elusive charm, "You certainly wouldn't, sir."

This was indeed a clever response; retreating to advance, it created a feeling that even if one had such intentions, one would be reluctant to mar the charm.

Su Lun was curious about the extent of her conversational skills and persisted with a smile. "Why do you feel that way?"

Koike spoke earnestly, "Because there's a distinctive quality about you, sir. Koike knows, you are different from the other clients."

"Oh...?"

Su Lun listened, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The skill in her reply was indeed impeccable.

The words were a routine, yet they seemed not to be.

In the pleasure quarters, if a girl praises your performance in bed, saying you're great and well-endowed, chances are it's not because you're really good, but rather professional jargon. They're skilled at telling people what they want to hear. Even if the customers know it's fake under those intimate circumstances, they still feel very pleased, and their happiness is doubled.

But this is a geisha house, where everything is more subtle.

Koike's response left Su Lun momentarily unable to discern whether she saw through his disguise or if it was her professional demeanor making her say those words.

This is the true artistry of a geisha's ability to read the room and converse skillfully.

It's also the most important reason why the geisha house can exist amongst the myriad pleasure houses in Pirate City.

Don't be fooled by the pirates' vicious appearances; the rougher they are on the outside, the more desolate they feel inside, making their thoughts easier to predict.

....

Su Lun had spent two to three hours in the inn and had a very pleasant exchange with Koike.

Indeed, it was a place where money melts away.

If not for the identity he was hiding behind, he probably wouldn't have been stingy with tips.

But his persona was that of a minor pirate, whose few tens of thousands wouldn't last through the night.

Su Lun stayed here also to see what Qiantiao was up to.

Now it seemed like his money wasn't going to last until midnight.

Just as he was contemplating this, the big show began without much of a wait.

Around ten o'clock, the folding screens and lattices of the rooms on the second floor were opened, allowing those inside to view the common stage on the first floor.

This was a special feature of "Nagano-ya Geisha House": the evening sword dance performance by a geisha.

However, even before the sword dance began, a dispute erupted in the room across.

The angry shouting echoed throughout the geisha house.

"Hey, hey, hey, how can you prove that I killed 'Cyclops' Sock? To catch a thief you've got to catch them dirty-handed, at least find a witness to say it was my Dawn Group who did it, right? And even if I did kill him, so what? He came looking for trouble with me, am I not allowed to fight back? Those aren't the rules of the underworld, right?"

That was Qiantiao's voice, and upon hearing it, Su Lun's ears perked up.

It sounded like it was about the aftermath of the "Cyclops" Sock killing incident.

But the job had been done carefully back then, all witnesses were wiped out leaving no one to blame. Even if there was a ship, it could be muddled through.

Besides, as Qiantiao said, if he was killed, what of it?

"Qiantiao is deliberately picking a fight..."

Su Lun guessed something.

Pretending not to recognize him before was probably just waiting for this moment.

While he was still speculating about who was confronting Qiantiao,

suddenly, a loud "clang" of splintering wood interrupted his thoughts.

On a closer look, someone had smashed through the railing and landed in the hall.

Seeing the sword fighter covered in glowing runes, Su Lun knew he had ties to Rune Old Man.

In the next instant, Qiantiao also landed fiercely, ready to draw her sword and engage in a brawl.

....

Su Lun asked curiously, "Who's that man?"

Koike's face slightly changed, "He's the owner of our place... Mr. Yaxi Aurorae."

"The 'Ghost Sword' Yaxi?"

Upon hearing this, Su Lun immediately knew who the man was.

One of Rune Old Man's other sons, and the most successful one, 'Ghost Sword' Yaxi, a renowned mixed-blooded swordsman in Pirate City.

The runes shining on this man's body were far more powerful than those on the brother he had encountered before. Furthermore, the bloodthirsty, chrysanthemum-patterned black blade in his hand was no ordinary weapon.

Su Lun asked further, "That seems to be a famous blade, isn't it?"

Koike's eyes showed an unnatural look, responding, "Yes. That is one of the 'Twelve Masterwork Blades' of Mount Hide country, 'Chrysanthemum Emblem Shingon Guardian'."

"It really is a famous blade..."

Su Lun took another look.

While Mount Hide might be poor, it still possessed world-class sword forging techniques. Swords and blades from there are top-tier collectibles and combat weapons even amongst Rueil's high society.

These "Twelve Masterwork Blades" could be compared to high-level cursed items, or even "Sealed Artifacts" in alchemy.

Legend has it that not only are these masterwork blades sharp and resilient, but each one is infused with the craftsman's dedication, granting them miraculous effects: some cause unstoppable bleeding, some have Sword Qi that can slice the soul, some can cut through past and present relationships, some have demon-sealing effects, some can summon monsters... and more.

However, as time passed, only three or four of the "Twelve Masterwork Blades" have remained in circulation.

For a small country like Mount Hide, the 'Chrysanthemum Emblem Shingon Guardian' in front of him was undoubtedly a national treasure.

...

The two suddenly began fighting, with Sword Qi overflowing, leaving the geisha house full of gaps...

Su Lun's eyebrows twitched, but he wasn't particularly worried.

Qiantiao dared to make a move and had planned ahead; she was naturally confident in her odds.

But where would her opportunity come from?

After all, this was their turf!

That 'Ghost Sword' Yaxi was a fifth-tier swordsman, and with a famous blade in his hand.

In broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of many, how could the second form of the "Rakshasa Woman" not be exposed and still take advantage?

Just as Su Lun was pondering her possible countermeasures, suddenly, without any warning, several ninjas sprang out from the four corners of the hall!

"It's not Spatial Displacement, nor stealth…"

Su Lun's pupils shrank suddenly as he guessed something, "Mount Hide Ninjutsu's 'Illusory Flash Assassination Technique'? This movement skill is quite impressive..."

Just now he had clearly sensed the soul fires of those four ninjas, suddenly taking form. But he hadn't felt any spatial fluctuations.

This was a type of movement that physics couldn't explain, bordering on the divine.

He had heard about it before, and now seeing it with his own eyes, he felt his horizons were greatly broadened.

Indeed, the followers of gods in the four northern countries had inherited many peculiar abilities.

....

"However, this 'Illusory Flash' is not something ordinary people can come into contact with; it seems to be a secret ninjutsu of the Mount Hide nation. Who exactly has Qian-Tiao met?"

Su Lun's mind raced, and his gaze became slightly more solemn.

Just as Qian-Tiao was restraining Yaxi, those four suddenly-appeared masked ninjas formed hand seals and then a purple square barrier appeared, creating a spatial barrier.

With that in place, outsiders could no longer see what was happening inside.

Su Lun was very clear that this was not a spur-of-the-moment conflict but a premeditated ambush!

He hesitated, considering whether to help and when it would be best to take action...

But then he thought that if there was truly a need, Qian-Tiao would definitely speak up.

The communications device of the Mirror Organization's goblins, even if space was blocked, could still transfer messages without any barriers.

The customers in the Geisha House were starting to panic.

However, the fight started suddenly, and it ended just as abruptly.

Like a magician's trick, the moment the purple-space barrier had sprung up, it suddenly vanished from sight.

Su Lun, with a slight frown, thought to himself, "The battlefield has been transferred elsewhere..."

Seeing this, he also figured out the ins and outs of tonight's affairs.

Qian-Tiao came here explicitly to ambush the 'Demon Blade' Yaxi. Moreover, a certain power of the Mount Hide nation was involved.

But... why the killing?

Su Lun's thoughts whirled.

....

Meanwhile, Su Lun was staying in the Geisha House.

Pirate City was as bustling as ever.

The tallest building in the city was the "Emperor Entertainment City".

At the top of the Entertainment City, there was a secret palace overlooking the entire city.

This was the domain of the "King of the North Sea," Oleg, where outsiders had no right to enter.

Inside was a vision of glittering gold. The opulence was extreme, with glints of gold gleaming everywhere, golden columns, doorknobs, railings... it seemed as if every metallic thing was cast from gold. The floors were covered with the finest Asgard cashmere, and the walls were adorned with authentic masterpieces, while the illustrated vases were worth a fortune in antiques...

This palace, even some of the top nobles did not possess such luxury.

At the moment, Oleg, wearing a crown, was sitting on the golden throne in the very center of the palace.

This top-tier powerhouse, with a bounty of 84.77 billion, emanated a severe pressure even without displaying rage.

Twenty-three individuals of varying demeanor sat in the shadows to his left and right. These were the leaders of the various fleets of the North Sea Fleet. Each one had an overwhelming presence, their mere sitting posture imposing a suffocating solemnity on the entire golden hall.

And in the hall stood a lone, proud middle-aged man. Dressed in an impeccably clean white suit, his expression calm. Even being watched eagerly by this group of Great Pirates, not a hint of fear surfaced in his eyes.

Oleg's voice, domineering and authoritative, rang out from the throne, "Lazarus, I've heard of your talent. Those pedantic nobles from Ruying do not appreciate you. From now on, you'll work for me."

Lazarus replied without subservience or arrogance, "I can! But I need absolute management rights. Starting with reforms in the four Northern States. Give me twenty years, and I will turn this desolate sea into a flourishing territory, no less prosperous than any domain in Ruying."

Hearing this, a fleet leader immediately voiced skepticism, "Twenty years? Ha, who knows if we'll even be here in twenty years."

Lazarus did not hide his contempt for such shortsightedness, "If Mr. Oleg has already proclaimed himself king, then please do not continue to consider the future of this sea area with the mentality of a former pirate. You are a lord, a king, and you should have a sense of responsibility for your territory and subjects. The reason I chose to stay here is not for power, but to allow more people in this world to live with dignity!"

His words fell, and the vast palace fell into dead silence.

Even if these pirates did not understand his plan, they could feel the resounding "righteousness" in his words.

"Then, Mr. Lazarus, what do you think should be our first step?"

"Start with the taxation of the four Northern States."

"Ha, how much tax could possibly come from those barren mountains and evil waters? A year's tax wouldn't compare to the loot from robbing a few merchant ships."

"Mr. Oleg, do you think you can move the people of the four states now? If not, what's the point of being the King of the North Sea?"

"Not everyone wants to be a pirate for life. If there's a peaceful life to be had, who would gamble with their lives? You might, but have you thought about your family, your descendants? With Mafa and Ruying in a key battle, this is the North Sea's best opportunity to rise. Plan for now, think for the future!"

"Taxation is not a means of collecting wealth; it's to slowly instill a sense of belonging in the four Northern States, letting them know who their king is. The process could be hard, lengthy, but it must be done! And I guarantee you, in a few years, when the four states prosper, this tax revenue will be ten times, a hundred times the loot from your robberies!"

"..."

Lazarus's impassioned speech rendered the powerful Great Pirates of the North Sea silent.

No one could refute.

After a long silence, a voice from the throne, which had been thoughtful for a while, finally gave a response that shook one's soul, "Good! As you say!"