Mechanical Alchemist

"Hey, did you hear? Princess Scatty came personally to the 'War God Arena' to watch the gladiator games. My God, what a chance to catch a glimpse of that beauty!"

"What day is it today for her to step out? Ha ha ha, I thought after her wedding night with Gaal, she wouldn't be able to get out of bed..."

"I heard there's going to be a good show tonight. Those guys from the Western Sea have sent a batch of strong slave fighters, and all the bookmakers have opened up big stakes. Seems the princess enjoys that too."

"Really? This is something we've got to see!"

"..."

When Su Lun returned to Golden City from Tanni's shack, he could hear people talking about the gladiator games everywhere along the way.

He didn't linger and kept on walking.

The 'War God Arena' is the largest arena in Pirate City, located on the upper levels of the fortress. The space is huge, able to accommodate thousands of gamblers.

By the time Su Lun got there, the place was already swarming with people.

Probably to catch a glimpse of Princess Mafa, the usual freely accessible betting stalls had started to charge admission and limit the flow.

Tickets were two thousand lire, pricing out most of the ordinary pirates who came to watch the excitement. As a result, any high spot around the arena—beams, pipes, water towers... anywhere that offered a view—was packed with people.

"Damn, I've never seen such a fair-skinned girl in my life. That princess from Mafa is damn provocative..."

"Her dress is so transparent, it's like she's wearing nothing at all, making her perks bounce and getting my blood up. Gaal's a lucky man, ha ha ha..."

"If I could sleep with a woman like that just once, I'd gladly give up ten years of my life!"

"..."

All sorts of vulgar talk, cheers, and whistles filled the air.

That's the atmosphere among pirates, and Su Lun's expression remained unchanged as he listened.

He paid his entry and squeezed into the crowd.

...

Inside the arena, it was packed to the brim, every seat taken, and the aisles were jammed so tightly that it was impossible to find footing.

This dashed Su Lun's hopes of pushing through the crowd to meet Tanni.

Just as he entered, Tanni seemed to have spotted him too, and his communicator came to life: "10 o'clock direction, on the waiting platform."

Following the direction, Su Lun looked over and found a good view of Tanni's back in the front row. The gambling-addicted lady had obviously secured a prime spot these past few days.

In the 10 o'clock waiting seat row sat a lineup of gladiators, clad in simple and battle-worn armor, awaiting their turn.

There were Vikings, giants, and some in tattered military uniforms looking like captured Roying Navy officers.

Some were slaves, and others professional gladiators.

In a corner, a burly middle-aged man with a full beard sat gloomily, none other than the long-missing "Kai". Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire

Kai's neck was fitted with an 'Explosive Collar,' and his hands and feet were bound with heavy iron chains. His face and body bore numerous scarred wounds, clearly having been tortured not a little.

Su Lun frowned slightly at the sight.

He had a good impression of this taciturn but fiercely brave uncle.

In the center of the venue, inside a wire cage, the gladiatorial deathmatch was still fiercely ongoing.

It was a fight to the death, every slash bloody, every punch bone-crushing.

This bloody competition also stimulated the nerves of the audience, causing the cheer to intensify wave after wave.

Thoughts whirled rapidly in Su Lun's mind.

Kai was a member of the Mirror Organization; they would definitely try to rescue him.

But with the current situation, things seemed a bit complex.

It definitely wouldn't work to force their way in Pirate City; they needed to think of a plan.

...

Su Lun gathered his gaze and looked towards another focus of the arena, where 'Princess Frostmoon' Scatty Harris was seated.

The Pirate City arena didn't have anything like VIP boxes, even visitors like Oleg, on normal days, watched the matches from the public seating areas. The pirates also enjoyed this bustling atmosphere.

At this moment, right across from Su Lun, he saw Princess Mafa for the first time.

Beautiful golden hair, nothing much to fault in her appearance, a figure slightly plump, skin as white as milk...

Su Lun had heard people in Pirate City extolling her beauty, and seeing her now, it indeed was no exaggeration.

Princess Scatty did indeed seem like a very charming beauty.

However, her attire was rather striking.

She wore an almost fully transparent court dress, adorned with glittering diamonds, which under the lights, seemed like she was wrapped in the stars of a summer night, dazzling and eye-catching. The dress sculpted her figure in an incredibly enticing way, even more provocative than being naked. The occasional switching of her crossed legs gave glimpses of an even more tantalizing view...

It was said that the Mafa Empire had much more liberal views than Roying, with women's clothing being very open and fashionable. Such sexy outfits were normal among the affluent class. But in the shabby pirate circle, it stood out quite a bit.

Tens of thousands of spectators, countless greedy eyes roamed over her stunning figure, having almost seen through it thoroughly.

Her Royal Highness the Princess seemed not to mind showcasing her beauty and figure, nor did she care whether she was revealing too much, chatting and laughing naturally with a handsome young man by her side.

Su Lun glanced and then looked away, his heart unmoved.

To him, that was all there was to it.

Merely flaunting.@@novelbin@@

Her ability to capture attention was significantly boosted by her princess status.

More than her attire, Su Lun was curious why Princess Scatty had come to watch the match not with her husband, the "Frost Giant" Gaal Popov, but with a handsome young man?

This young man also had quite a reputation, being the notorious son of the "King of the Western Sea," Morlock Poppen, Figol Poppen, with a bounty of 7.99 billion rysis. He was known in the pirate circles for being treacherously ruthless and had a bad reputation.

Looking at the subtle expressions on their faces, was it more like flirting?

Su Lun looked slightly perplexed.

Although he had heard that in noble circles, this kind of behavior was quite common. Political marriages were mainly about the union of power for the sake of mutual benefits, not love. After marriage, spouses did their own thing, and having a few lovers was nothing out of the ordinary. It was an unspoken rule everyone understood.

But... they had just got married, in full public view, was this really okay?

With a sound barrier in place, others couldn't hear what they were talking about.

Su Lun was not interested in delving into the romantic escapades of the princess, his gaze fell on the legion of guards behind her, thinking: "A whole royal mechanical guard legion, indeed..."

His gaze swept across those dozens of brilliantly shining officers who looked like golden saints, his expression growing solemn.

A royal princess's entrance was naturally spectacular.

The gear that the attending officers from Mafa wore represented the pinnacle of Mafa's technology in combat armor.

"One 'Commodore-class Mecha,' three 'Rear Admiral-class,' twelve 'Colonel-class'... this is a dire situation."

Su Lun silently calculated in his mind.

Looking at the ranks on those armors, he could easily discern the levels of these mechas.

He had once by chance obtained a [Colonel-class Zhanjian IX Mecha], although it was lost in the realm of Huangquan, that armor had helped him overcome many difficulties.

He was well aware of the prowess of these armors.

The combat strength of this royal guard legion would be extremely formidable, comparable to a fleet at least.

...

If he really had to rescue "Kai," he might have to face this princess's guard troop head-on.

Even though Tanni had now entered the Sword Saint Realm and was very powerful, Su Lun did not think they stood any chance.

The duels in the arena continued one after the other.

With each match, a corpse was inevitably dragged down from the stage.

Su Lun's gaze grew increasingly grave.

Direct rescue was definitely not possible.

The only plan he could think of was to create chaos, ending tonight's gladiatorial matches. Then seek an opportunity to rescue within the chaos.

Just then, amidst the hysterical introduction from the host about the contenders stepping onto the stage: "In the next match, from the Western Sea, we have 'Death God' Belusebab, a top-ranked fighter who has won 72 consecutive matches and is a descendant of the Dragon Blood lineage; and from our Northern Sea, we also have a very strong contender. You might find him a bit unfamiliar, but... please remember, his name is 'Kai'!"

Kai, with the irons chaining his hands and feet removed, slowly stepped into the duel cage.

Su Lun squinted, gauging the strength of this "Belusebab" through his Soul Perception, which was a standard fifth tier.

Kai's combat ability was extraordinary;[B-002-Red Demon]was recognized as one of the strongest close-combat talents, with its second release state, he had almost no rivals within the same tier.

Even if a fourth tier faced a fifth tier, he should not be defeated in a short time.

But time was running short.

Su Lun decided to act immediately.

He shared his plan with Tanni, stealthily leaving behind the black crow and was about to leave the arena to create chaos outside.

"First, throw a few bombs outside, but to affect the duels, I fear we need to make a bigger commotion..."

Su Lun calculated in his mind, just as he was about to leave.

But just then, his expression changed drastically.

Because at that moment, he sensed a very special soul fire approaching!

"So powerful!"

Su Lun turned his head and saw a weird guy dressed in a suit, holding a canvas, walking towards him. His unkempt flaxen hair looked somewhat delicate.

"I wanted to include you in my painting, but it seems I've failed..."

As this guy walked along, he continued to sketch on the incomplete painting with the brush in his hand. His gaze met Su Lun's, a interested smirk spreading across his face: "Tsk tsk, there aren't many people in this world I can't capture in my art. You are very special."

"..."

Upon hearing those words, Su Lun felt as if he was facing a formidable enemy, his back hairs standing on end as he instantly prepared for battle.

The person before him...

Was strong!

Extremely strong!

But the next second, with a quick identification by the Eye of Omniscience, Su Lun immediately guessed the strange man's identity.

The canvas in this guy's hand was a renowned sealed object called "God's Canvas," known for its legendary cursed properties.

And the owner of this sealed item was no less notorious, it belonged to one of the "Top Ten Bounty Hunters," Vincent F. Van Gogh, the "God's Painter"!

Why would such a great bounty hunter appear in Pirate City?

Having recognized his identity, Su Lun simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

At the very least, he wasn't from the pirate faction.

This guy had a good reputation and was quite proud, known to only slay those criminals whose wicked deeds were great and who had bounties over a hundred million—as great pirates.

Su Lun didn't think this guy was after him, a person without renown.

However, if someone was targeting him, he couldn't escape.

Su Lun then seriously said, "Do you need something, sir?"

Van Gogh seemed to be testing him as well, observing Su Lun's reaction, the previously confrontational aura suddenly subsided.

He shook his head and focused once again on his painting, mumbling, "I originally thought you were Her Royal Highness Princess's secret guard. But it looks like we are not enemies."

He paused then added, "Oh, no need to be so tense. The scent of sin on you is faint, I will have no ill intentions towards you. I just find you quite interesting. Just a reminder, take the opportunity to keep your distance, otherwise you might get involved later."

Listening to these inexplicable words, Su Lun's pupils constricted slightly, no longer understanding the purpose of this man's appearance here.

In just a moment of exchange, his gaze unconsciously fell on the painting Van Gogh was working on.

The painting was abstract, depicting a scene inside an arena. The various spectators, masking tens of thousands, all faceless—just colorful outlines drawn. Yet incredibly, upon closer examination, it seemed as though the painting came to life, with each spectator cheering excitedly. It was fuzzy yet peculiar.

In the painting, the most striking figure was the alluring 'Frost Moon Princess' Scatty.

Everyone was blurry, but this woman's features were distinctly visible!

At that moment, Van Gogh had just finished painting that person and seemed very pleased with his work, a smile playing on his lips.

He glanced at Su Lun and asked, "Sir, what do you think of the painting?"

Su Lun responded impassively, "It's great."

Although he didn't understand what this man wanted to do, from an artistic perspective, the painting was indeed top-notch. Both the conception and the skills were impeccable.

Upon hearing this, Van Gogh, as if finding a kindred spirit, smiled, "Indeed, sir, you know how to appreciate art."

Su Lun listened and suddenly realized something.

Those who are into art, more or less... have some form of madness.

This guy is simply feeling lonely in his high tastes, wanting to share his work with someone.

Su Lun suddenly felt, although they had exchanged just a few words, that this guy was somewhat to his liking.

Moreover, he had guessed why this man appeared here, and what he intended to do.

He was about to make a move.

...

Indeed.

As Su Lun had expected.

Just then, Van Gogh began to murmur a phrase that sounded like a spell, "I painted you with vibrant colors, praising your unparalleled beauty. But as I painted, I found your soul to be so filthy, anger took over, and I painted with blood, sentencing you... to be decapitated!"

Though sounding like a recitation, it chills Su Lun to the bone.

The previously warm, artistic temperament of this man suddenly turned devilishly cold.

As these words were chanted, a colorful eight-pointed star alchemical circle lit up under Van Gogh's feet. His brush, as if dipped in blood-red paint, drew a line across the neck of the dressed woman in the painting, sharp as a knife.

Su Lun watched, his brow involuntarily twitching, because he sensed death!

Following that, a bizarre scene unfolded.

Two hundred meters away, on the slender neck of 'Frost Moon Princess' Scatty, a bloodline appeared out of nowhere.

Just like the scene on the oil painting, identical.

"Pfft~"

Blood spurted out, spraying several feet!

His head was about to fall to the ground.

Unfortunately, just as Princess Scatty's neck was about to be severed by that "invisible blade," another mysterious force suddenly emerged, manifesting as dazzling milky white light, visibly healing the wound.

Seeing this, Van Gogh simply raised an eyebrow, "There really is a protective artifact."

However, other than a slight expression of pity, he seemed not to care much, muttering to himself, "After all, I did make a move, it's not my fault I couldn't kill her."

It was as if he owed someone a favor, and had now repaid it with his action.

Su Lun watched, his eye twitching.

This guy really was here to assassinate the "Frost Moon Princess."

Such a casual attempt on her life, indeed, great strength is the biggest reliance.

This method, just like the legends... sinister!

....

The sudden assassination attempt instantly tensed up the guards around Princess Scatty.

"There's an assassin!"

"Protect Her Royal Highness Princess!"

"..."

One after another, magical shields appeared, swiftly enveloping Princess Scatty securely on all sides.

The tens of thousands of spectators in the arena hadn't quite grasped what had happened, each one gaping in shock.

The moment he made his move, it was as if he had lit the fuse on a barrel of gunpowder. The assassination had just begun when a group of unidentified suicide attackers also emerged, launching a berserk assault on the entourage of the "Frost Moon Princess."

The vast arena boiled over in chaos, turning into a tumult in an instant, with screams of agony filling the air.

No one knew how many assassins there were, nor who the assassins were...

Almost at the same time, some experts also spotted Van Gogh in the stands. The attacks came without any regard for the onlooking pirates, bombarding furiously.

Van Gogh waved his paintbrush in front of him, and the bullets transformed into colorful spots as if paint splashed on a canvas.

He seemed not prepared to stay any longer, he packed up his canvas and, glancing at Su Lun, still wore a relaxed smile, "It's rare to meet someone who appreciates art. Hope to see you again."

"..."

Su Lun was filled with frustration, grumbling in his mind: Chatting with me at this critical moment, does he want others to mistake us for accomplices?

He now also saw it clearly.

This was a politically premeditated assassination.

The Mafa Empire and the Northern Seas union, the most restless would be the Lurying royal family.

These guys must also be sent by Lurying.

If this woman were to die, the ambiguous relations between the Northern Seas and Mafa would likely immediately freeze.

But it was just as well, as he had also planned on making a scene to end the gladiator match.

The commotion caused by these professional assassins turned out to be much more perfect than Su Lun had anticipated.

No one was now in the mood to watch the match, and no one would suspect there were people aiming to rescue her, which wouldn't attract trouble to himself, making it the ideal situation.

Su Lun reluctantly watched as Van Gogh calmly made his way out through the crowd.

At that moment, Tanni also found an opportunity to approach him.

With a puzzled face, she looked at Su Lun, exclaiming, "Su Lun, when did you find such an expert to act together? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

She had been ready for a major battle, only to be surprised by another group suddenly emerging.

Su Lun spoke somberly, "It wasn't my arrangement. It just so happened to coincide with the assassination."

"Oh?"

Tanni listened, her expression showing realization.

Indeed, even if there was a commotion, Su Lun had no reason to assassinate that princess.

The battle in the arena grew more intense, but the prison cage area was already heavily guarded, and Kai was taken into custody. With the pirates rushing to protect their charges, there was no chance for a rescue.

Tanni frowned and asked, "So, what do we do now?"

Although they hadn't rescued the person, the goal had been achieved.

Su Lun glanced over the chaotic situation, his gaze deepening, "Let's withdraw first. We'll find another chance to rescue her."

Tanni: "Alright!"

Saying that, the two blended into the crowd and evacuated from the arena.