Mechanical Alchemist-Chapter 638 - 637: Qian Tiao Returns

"Sabina reported that Lingdun City was under attack. It seems to be the work of the 'Archmage of Evil,' Constantine Reiloz from the Celestial Plane. Moreover, the million mage troops from the Mafa Plane's portal have also broken camp and marched out..."

"That's strange. Last time, we destroyed the portal camp with bidirectional worms, which should have held them off for a few more months before any large-scale operation began. How come they are moving now?"

"It must be due to some new changes in the Celestial Plane. These guys must have had to accelerate their attack pace. After all, even the internals of Celestial Plane aren't perfectly unified."

"We should go there once more. Dealing with a mage god, the Empire side will find it very tricky, and if we're late, many people might die."

"Hmm."

At the God Burial Ground, in front of the sealed stele.

Su Lun and Mr. Jing had just received the message and had already disappeared.

...

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, Lingdun.

At the very first sound of the enemy attack alarm, the entire city sprang into action.

Although Lingdun is in the deep rear, in these past years, the joint empire's officials didn't just do nothing; everything was in preparation for the grand battle.

The officials had considered the possibility of the enemy attacking the imperial capital, Lingdun, so a lot of efforts had been made in the fortification equipment.

Due to the population migration from Mafa in the last few years, Lingdun's population had skyrocketed tenfold, and the city had expanded manifold. The migration also brought a tremendous number of mechanical engineers and advanced technologies. The construction of new city districts wasn't just about erecting new buildings, but about the mechanization overhaul of the entire city.

"Woo..."

"Woo..."

"Woo..."

The deep and piercing sound of the enemy attack alarm went off, and people in the streets quickly took refuge inside various buildings.

In that moment, the massive city streets became eerily empty. Various hidden steam boilers activated, chugging out white smoke, and the clashing sounds of gears never ceased, making the streets tremble.

Then, a miraculous scene unfolded.

Lingdun's various streets cracked open with a clatter, and chunks of armored steel plates emerged from beneath the streets, quickly enveloping the buildings. Towers and clock towers transformed into artillery towers, revealing large-caliber, dark artillery barrels.

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The operators rotated the barrels, all aiming them at the sky.

In just a blink of an eye, a bustling supercity turned into a mechanical warfare fortress, its countless long and short cannons armoring the city like a steel porcupine.

What was even more miraculous was each of the Alchemy Academies—at the first sound of the enemy attack alarm, the students quickly hid in underground bunkers, and the entire academy wasn't just enveloped in steel armor but also lit up with magical glows.

Not just one, but all the Alchemy Academies did this.

From the sky above, you could see that the thousands of Alchemy Academies in Lingdun City were orderly distributed, subtly forming a gigantic Nonagram Alchemy Formation.

This was the super defensive battle formation laid out by the imperial officials over many years.

Shortly after the alchemy formation glowed, an enormous honeycomb-shaped energy shield appeared in the sky, protecting most of the area of Lingdun City.

"First round of artillery, fire at will!"

As there had been drills over the past two years, both the military and civilians were prepared, showing order amidst panic.

The city defense command center issued the order to fire. Instantly, city cannons simultaneously belched flames of different colors, targeting the white-robed mage in the sky executing large-area magic.

"Boom," "Boom," "Boom..."

Alchemy cannonballs exploded in the sky, bursting into splendid flames. Various chaotic elements burst forth above Lingdun.

Although there was only one enemy, a level one alert had been sounded.

Because the intelligence department had recognized that the visitor was a demigod powerhouse from the Celestial Plane!

Tens of thousands of cannons fired at once, making the entire city tremble.

Cannon fire clearly couldn't kill a master of such caliber; firing was only to disrupt the nearby elemental convergence, preventing the mage god from using his high-casualty range magic easily.

But the main offensive force was still the various large army corps stationed in the city—the ten-thousand-strong magician troops!

In these recent years, the combined imperial forces had also specifically trained various ten-thousand-strong magician troops, which had now become well-organized and were being put to use.

The tens of thousands of magician troops from various parts of the city powered up simultaneously, directing multiple ninth-level alchemy spells toward the 'Archmage of Evil,' Constantine Reiloz, in the sky.

Normally, these forces were enough to destroy a nation, but their opponent now was a demigod. Even with all their firepower, the enemy showed no signs of being at a disadvantage.

Instead, a vast area in the sky turned a fiery red, as Constantine had already unleashed a super high-casualty range ninth-tier curse—"City-Burning Flames."

The flames, like raindrops, fell from the sky; the high-grade flames condensed rules of fire, able to melt steel. Even with multiple protections, the fiery rain that fell on the city destroyed many buildings.

After the magic was released, alchemy cannonballs once again dispersed the fire elements in the magical array.

Yet, the demigod mage didn't rest; he quickly gathered new magic.

...

At that very moment, within the Frederic Royal Palace, atop a tower, a stunningly beautiful woman with purple hair was intensely focused on the battle in the sky.

Ekaterina's eyes reflected the figure of the white-robed mage, filled with solemnity.

If the enemy had come in larger numbers, they might have been able to launch a full assault and wound both sides equally.

But with the enemy being only one person, a demigod, that presented a tricky problem.

The battle wouldn't end anytime soon, and casualties within Lingdun City continued to rise.

From the shadows of the tower, where there seemed to be no one, a voice reported, "Your Majesty, Master Merlin has made his move, but even with the Nonagram Alchemy Formation's support, he does not stand a chance of defeating the enemy. Without using the secret weapon, we cannot kill him."

The speaker was 'Black JOKER' March Creton, head of the intelligence sector.

He was also among the few high-ranking officials of the Empire who knew about the hidden strengths of the United Empire.

Upon hearing this, Ekaterina shook her head and said, "It seems the enemy is merely trying to gauge our capabilities. It's not worth exposing our final tactics just for one demigod. The crucial battle that will come later is what truly matters."

March then said, "But Your Majesty... by doing so, Lingdun will be safe, but at that time, many people might die in the other cities of our Empire."

A hint of unusual emotion flashed in Ekaterina's eyes. After contemplating for a moment, she calmly said, "In war, sacrifices are inevitable. If we reveal our trump card too soon, we won't have any chance to turn the tables, and more will die later. Moreover, this demigod has attacked Lingdun without intending to engage in a decisive battle, but merely to tie down Mr. Jing at dawn, preventing her from interfering with the Angelic Realm's main forces on the other side."

March's tone noticeably relaxed, "Are you saying that the experts from the Dawn will come?"

Ekaterina flatly said, "They have already arrived."

...

Since Lingdun is the main base, a long-distance teleportation formation was prepared early on, allowing Su Lun and Mr. Jing to teleport back without any delay.

In a manor on the northern bank of the Lokwarren River, a wave of spatial distortion flickered, and the two appeared on an open lawn in the garden.

Just as they emerged from the spatial rift, they saw the white-robed old man in the sky flaunting his power.

Massive torrents of fire rain fell from the sky, crashing onto various parts of the city in terrifying shockwaves.

On the side of the Empire, other than cannons and the ten thousand Magician Corps, only Master Merlin, the court's chief minister, could directly contend with this.

But being nearly a whole rank lower, he could only hide within Lingdun City's super barrier and defensively resist, without being able to touch the Magic God at all.

The signs indicated that the battle wouldn't yield any immediate results.

However, a combat of such a level spelled disaster for the lower-tier professionals.

Forbidden-magic-level spells were not so simple; after several area coverages, the city had already suffered significant casualties.

After observing for a moment, they naturally wouldn't let the enemy rampage in Lingdun any longer and didn't delay further.

With a flash of light from a mirror, Mr. Jing's figure had already vanished from the spot.

Upon looking again, she had already appeared a kilometer away in the sky, fiercely battling with the Magic God, Constantine Reiloz.

Su Lun didn't join the fight because he had already guessed the outcome.

After their journey to the God Burial Ground, Mr. Jing's strength had surged from a month ago, and even in a one-on-one battle, she would definitely not lose.

If it came down to it, she even had the chance to kill this Constantine.

But obviously, the enemy had never intended to fight to the death from the beginning.

Shortly after Mr. Jing appeared, after a few exchanges, Constantine cautiously distanced himself, pulling further and further away, until finally disappearing altogether.

A demigod trying wholeheartedly to escape is even harder to kill.

Watching the enemy retreat, cheers erupted from various parts of the city.

Successfully repelling an attack by a demigod was certainly a momentous victory for the common folk.

As the main combatant, Mr. Jing, however, silently returned to the manor.

Only she knew that the enemy had never intended to fight seriously.

Instead, it was they who truly suffered in this battle.

As soon as she landed, she frowned and said, "This Constantine Reiloz came here alone just to draw me out. Sigh... the coming days will likely be very busy. That guy will surely appear frequently in the major cities across Ruling, forcing us to tire ourselves out in response..."

"Yes."

Su Lun listened and also showed a trace of helplessness on his face.

He could see that the enemy was employing the same irritating tactics they had used in Mafa.

Using top combat forces to tie down the opponent's main army.

Unable to defeat that Magic God, they could only play defensively.

Being passive in one area led to passivity everywhere.

These beings from the Angelic Realm had invaded for many years and had clearly ascertained the strength of the Alchemy Realm. They knew that aside from Mr. Jing, a ninth-tier, there was no other top expert who posed a threat to a Magic God.

As long as they could tie down Mr. Jing, the million-strong magic army on the southern portal of Mafa could march across the sea without hesitation and push the frontline closer to Ruling.

No one could disturb them anymore.

When the time came, a million-strong army would sweep across, and even the strong defenses of the combined empires would eventually fall.

Although Su Lun's combat strength was not weak, for him to face a demigod at his current eighth rank, even with the support of a puppet legion, there was no chance of victory.

Moreover, another known demigod among the enemies was Princess Oktaavia J. Fielding.

She was a three-eyed tribesperson protected by the will of a deity.

Having already experienced her tactics, this was also proving to be an almost unsolvable problem at present.

The situation now seemed to have reached a deadlock.

Constantine Reiloz would undoubtedly cause trouble in various places in Ruying for a while, and Mr. Jing would have no choice but to confront him.

Knowing full well it was the enemy's strategy of exhausting troops, they were helpless.

The two discussed for a bit in the manor, their brows intensely furrowed throughout.

After much thought, Su Lun muttered, "We need to find a way to kill that guy..."

Mr. Jing sighed slightly, "Yes. But a demigod, not easy to kill."

To break the situation, this "Archmage of Evil," Constantine Reiloz, must be killed.

But the current situation is such that, unless they use something like the hidden trump card "Twilight of the Gods," killing a demigod is very difficult.

But obviously, it's not yet the time to reveal their trump cards.

Either they give themselves some more time, waiting for Mr. Jing to comprehend the rules and ascend to demigod, or wait for Su Lun to advance to the ninth rank.

However, it seems that the enemy will no longer give them this opportunity.

...

After a short conversation, Mr. Jing went to the royal palace.

She had to discuss with the empire's high officials the strategies for the coming period and also to deliver that batch of "Cosmic Essences" to the royal family.

Within the empire, the number of eighth rank professionals was considerable, what was lacking was essence.

If they could add just a few more ninth ranks, it would be a great boon for the future wars.

Su Lun walked alone on the streets of Lingdun.

Having just experienced that brief battle, although the city's buildings suffered damage and there were casualties, the streets were filled with residents celebrating jubilantly.

The news of a demigod's descent on the divine plane was still top secret to most ordinary people, now that they had witnessed such a formidable enemy being repelled, it was naturally a cause for celebration.

As Su Lun walked, observing as mechanical armors retracted back into the walls of houses and turrets hid underneath the ground... he was greatly amazed.

The changes in Lingdun were truly significant, one could truly say it was evolving from day to day.

Under the nationwide frenzy, the collision of mechanics and alchemy had sparked much intellectual creativity and had led to many great inventions, such as turning the entire city into a wartime fortress.

Su Lun felt as if he was witnessing a rising sun, promising a bright future.

As he walked, he thought to himself, "Really looking forward to the renaissance of Alchemy civilization, what a scene it will be..."

Given the current development pace of the empire, he already found it hard to imagine how prospered the Alchemy civilization would be in a hundred years.

Lost in thoughts, Su Lun strolled along the Lokwarren River.

As he walked, suddenly a bright steam carriage stopped at the curb.

The door opened, and Sabina in a black sexy long dress leaned against the window, she blinked her eyes, playfully greeted, "Sir, what a coincidence, are you here too?"

Su Lun glanced, smiled slightly.

He was not the least surprised that his maid could find him.

This was no coincidence.

Sabina was obviously here on purpose.

The succubus contract had a special effect; the master and servant could sense each other when they were close within a certain range.

With Sabina's current strength, her senses were not weak, she could sense him several blocks away.

Looking at Su Lun, Sabina, without a hint of the lady's composure, got out of the car and affectionately wrapped her arm around Su Lun's, her beautiful eyes full of a charming smile, "Sir, I've missed you so much."

Su Lun had grown accustomed to this tenderness, and asked with a smile, "When did you advance to the seventh rank?"

Sabina, body clinging to Su Lun like a boneless creature, responded in a soft, awkward tone, "It's been about half a year~ I wanted to surprise master, but didn't expect to run into you so coincidentally."

"Oh? Already half a year huh..."

Hearing this, Su Lun's expression shifted slightly, he praised, "Not bad."

Although the rules of heaven and earth had become much more refined, the seventh rank was still a monumental threshold for alchemists, and only those with extraordinary talent could step into it.

Moreover, in his perception, Sabrina was not merely at the initial stage of advancement, she had even touched the edge of the eighth rank's overwhelming power.

This rate of advancement could indeed be described as divine.

Hearing the praise, the corners of Sabrina's eyes curled, and she smiled joyfully, "It's all thanks to the master's grace~"

Su Lun's arm was already deeply immersed in tenderness, his expression slightly helpless.

Every time he met with his demonic maid, it inevitably cost him some vital energy.

Sabrina suggested, "Sir, shall we talk in the car?"

Su Lun also thought it inappropriate in public and nodded, "Mhm."

Once they got in the car and closed the door, the carriage was completely isolated from the outside world.

A sultry body immediately trembled upon him, the air filled with a bone-corroding seductive fragrance.

Sabrina's clothes loosened lightly, her long skirt had already slipped to her waist, revealing large areas of her pale skin.

Her figure was soft like water, and while speaking, she said, "Just now, when I saw the leader make a move, I guessed that master must have returned. I thought I might find you walking by the river, so I thought to come over and take a look—never thought I'd actually run into you~"

...

Su Lun smiled and didn't say anything, his hands gently caressing a soft sensation.

From top to bottom, his fingers slipped over tender, delicate skin.

After so many years, it was still the demonic maid who understood his temperament best, and she always managed to be incredibly satisfying.

In a flirtatious swaying, Sabrina seemed to discover something and exclaimed, "Wow... I've noticed that you've become much stronger, master~"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Su Lun casually responded.

Sabrina always made leisure times pleasant for both body and mind.

But upon saying this, a slightly odd thought flashed through Su Lun's mind.

His current understanding of the laws had already touched the realm of rules, a transcendental perception that others couldn't comprehend even if it was fed to them.

Yet, peculiarly, the demonic talent of a demon allowed her to absorb some of her master's insights for her own use, and this shortcut was enormous.

Besides, Sabrina was also very diligent herself.

Su Lun had a faint premonition that her cultivation might reach a very high level in the future.

Sabrina seemed to have completely understood her master's thoughts, smiling even more brilliantly, not shy about anything, "Master, the car is going to speed up~"

The car traveled through the streets and alleys of Lingdun City, with the steam boiler roaring, and the body gently trembling.

Inside the car, a scene of enchanting spring unfolded.

...

In the following days, the Unified Empire became busy.

As anticipated, Constantine Reiloz, the Archmage of Evil from the celestial plane, was active in various major cities of Luying, launching frequent surprise attacks.

An Archmage's surprise attack inevitably caused tremendous casualties.

Both Su Lun and Mr. Jing had to frequently support the various cities, leading to a very passive situation.

They tried to kill the man several times, but he didn't engage in battle and escaped directly.

Although they had thought of setting traps and ambushing in advance, Luying had too many major cities, making the probability of an ambush very slim.

On the other hand, the situation in Mafa was also very bad.

The intelligence department had confirmed that Princess Oktaavia J. Fielding was leading an army of a million mages to march out, arriving at the coastline with a momentum of sweeping everything before them.

They were boarding countless magical airships, crossing the Imperial Strait.

This was a terrifying force that no one dared to confront directly, not even Su Lun and Mr. Jing, who could only watch helplessly as the army of a million marched forth.

Everyone realized that once the enemy's air fleet reached Luying, it would be the most fierce battle.

The situation was not optimistic.

The Unified Empire was also actively preparing for war, with everyone ready for a do-or-die battle.

But until this day, an unexpected twist occurred.

Suddenly, Su Lun received a communication.

"Hey, Su Lun, if you're free, come pick me up. Oh, this ghost train, leaving me above the sea and then just ignoring me..."