Mechanical Alchemist

"Enemy attack!"

Although the commotion on the mainmast was subtle, the patrolling soldiers on deck still noticed it.

In that instant, various alarm devices triggered simultaneously, strong lights turned on, shining on the sea surrounding the Eternal Night, and everyone on the ship sprang into action.

Su Lun watched the figure in the red robe from afar, his gaze slightly grave.

No trace of any accomplices was seen around, which was puzzling.

Even for an eighth-tier Grand Magician, where did this guy get the confidence to provoke the Dawn Group alone?

Although Su Lun did not understand it, he did not underestimate the enemy in the slightest.

To join the Holy Army and be a high-ranking member, one must certainly possess some special abilities.

Like the Resurrection Technique just now.

However, at that moment, with the sound of a "snap" breaking the silence, Qian Tiao had already dashed forward aggressively. Her fighting instincts were incredibly sharp, not giving the enemy any time to breathe.

Thoughts only flashed through Su Lun's mind in an instant, and his movements were not slow at all; he formed the sorcerer's seals in his hands and vanished from his spot in an instant.

It was incomprehensible, but only by probing could he know what abilities the opponent possessed!

One stormed forward through the air, the other used Void Displacement, coordinating perfectly.

Just like just now, one in the front and one in the back, they surged forward hundreds of meters in an instant, blocking the Grand Magician's path with a blade and an umbrella.

Typically, a seventh-tier alchemist has much higher combat prowess than a believer of the same tier, as an alchemist's power stems from their own understanding, and the foundation is very solid.

And Su Lun and his companion were not just ordinary seventh-tiers; within their tier, they were nearly unbeatable.

They feared a legion of ten thousand mages, not a single eighth-tier mage!

Both had confidence in harming the enemy and protecting themselves!

Qian Tiao's sword was incredibly fast, arriving in a blink, which was simply beyond what the frail-bodied mage could react to.

Su Lun also used "Spatial Confinement" then; if the opponent's understanding of space was not higher than his, it was impossible for them to escape using any spatial spells. Even if the person was an eighth-tier or even borrowed the power of a deity, he did not believe they could escape the spatial constraints enhanced by the "Urobolos Space-Time Ring."

This method of confinement was generally unbreakable.

...

The red-robed Grand Magician, seeing the pincer attack coming, frowned deeply, internally cursing.

He had just been killed in a combined attack and was well aware of the lethal intent hidden within their teamwork.

Although taken by surprise earlier, even with prior knowledge, there was no solution.

He thought of using spatial spells to escape, but feeling the confinement around him as thick as steel, he instantly dismissed the thought.

Seeing the rune-engraved black umbrella in Su Lun's hand, the Archmage's eyelid twitched slightly as he murmured to himself, "The natives of the Alchemy Plane really do each possess precious treasures. An item that can inflict real damage on the soul is extremely scarce, even within the church. And to think this guy can wield such a high-tier soul artifact, tsk... very special indeed."

Then, without any countermeasure, he was split into two by the Sword Qi.

He didn't even manage to activate his magic shield.

The Archmage's thought process was clear. If he wasn't cut by the blade, he would be like before, hammered in the soul by the black umbrella.

Although not enough to kill him, that moment of shock was truly dangerous.

If he were restrained, there might be more sinister techniques to follow. It was better to resurrect again.

So this time, when Qian Tiao's sword cut through, the red-robed Grand Magician died very cleanly.

...

Su Lun had just teleported over when Qian Tiao's blade had already struck down, making his strike with the black umbrella miss.

Staring at the enemy re-forming in the distance, Su Lun's eyes shimmered slightly, "Revived again? It turns out to be a servant of god..."

He immediately realized what was amiss, suspecting that ordinary measures might hardly kill this opponent.

Seeing how nonchalantly the enemy was killed, it must be someone like the 'Spiritual Detective' Jerome that Old Lington encountered. A deity bore most of the cost of resurrection.

But Su Lun himself had been resurrected once; he knew well there must be a price to the resurrection itself.

When he was resurrected using a cursed item, he suffered from psychological distortions due to whispers he heard, an issue that had not been completely resolved to this day.

By thinking that if the enemy died enough times, a flaw must reveal itself!

And in that instant, as the enemy died the second time, Su Lun sharply detected that the opponent's soul fluctuation was not as solid as before.

Su Lun guessed that this Resurrection Technique had a cooldown time!

Both sides clashed in rapid succession within moments, and by then, the few people on deck witnessed this eerie scene. Hiding among the crowd, Rebato stared at the process of the enemy's resurrection, his wise yet murky eyes skimming a hint of realization, as if he sensed something.

But he didn't rush to make a move, instead quietly hiding among the crowd.

Qian Tiao reacted very quickly, and the moment she killed that red-robed Archmage for the second time, there was another explosive sound beneath her feet as she stepped on air.

With a "snap".

She had already dashed towards the location where the enemy resurrected.

Even faster than Su Lun's teleportation.

But after dying twice, the red-robed mage finally had time to cast a spell, the magic book in his hand flashed with light.

Qian Tiao had arrived.

This time, he wasn't killed again.

A slash fell, and the figure of the red-robed person dispersed.

Qian Tiao reacted extremely fast; after one slash, another followed, chopping towards the direction she sensed the qi from.

"Cackle cackle cackle..."

The red-robed mage was struck repeatedly, and a creepy laughter transmitted from the void.

Everyone sharpened their gaze, and at that moment, dozens of red-robed mages appeared in the sky, with all their qi exactly the same, making it impossible to distinguish the real from the fake.

With a flicker of light in his left eye, Su Lun recognized this as the seventh-level Necromantic Art "Dark Shadows," a life-saving technique similar to the substitution technique.

Only then did he realize something, thinking, "A necromancer?"

Qian Tiao couldn't tell which one was the real body at the moment, but slashing wildly in ignorance, she managed to cut down several red-robed mages.

However, with Soul Perception, Su Lun could clearly distinguish which one was the original.

"Ten o'clock direction!"

He mentally transmitted the position to Qian Tiao, and the two of them encircled again.

For the third time, that mage was killed.

In just a matter of moments, this eighth-level Grand Magician was killed three times.

He also felt somewhat dispirited from being killed repeatedly, after all, the umbrella truly thwarted his abilities.

Clearly, this guy also knew that he would gain no advantage alone, and just as he died for the third time, a composed and creepy laugh echoed from the void, "Ah yo... it has really been a long time since I encountered such a tough opponent."

...

However, just as these words were spoken, a sudden change escalated!

Su Lun's gaze dramatically sharpened upon hearing it, because in his perception, the soul fluctuation of that red-robed mage suddenly increased a hundredfold!

"How is this possible?"

He incredulously watched the individual who was now engulfed in green flames, thinking, "Divine fire? No... it's soul fire! What secret technique is this, and why is it so strong?"

It was hard to imagine that a person's soul could be so powerful that it overflowed like flames.

This was an unheard-of occurrence for Su Lun.

"Be careful!"

Just as the anomaly occurred, Su Lun instantly teleported next to Qian Tiao, blocking the sword she was about to slash down with his scythe, and instead struck with his own black umbrella.

Qian Tiao also sensed something off and instantly held back.

As Su Lun struck down with his staff, hitting the body engulfed in flames, the facial expression of that guy changed dramatically.

Indeed, something was amiss!

The red-robed mage was hit, sparks flying everywhere, scattering around, and some clinging to the protective aura on Su Lun's body, causing a bone-eroding burning sensation to instantly wrap around his heart.

Su Lun looked at the green flames, which resembled phosphorus flames, and cried out in his mind, "This green fire can scorch the soul!"

It didn't burn the body, but directly scorched the soul, and even the protective aura couldn't block it.

Luckily for Su Lun, his soul was strong enough. Otherwise, if an ordinary person were to be scorched even once, the consequences of a damaged soul were unimaginable.

Moreover, what was more eerie was that the scattered flames stuck to his body showed no sign of extinguishing, as if they intended to burn the soul completely.

"Such a diabolical tactic!"

This was Su Lun's first encounter with such, he took no chances and immediately activated his full domain, with a phantom of the Grim Reaper also rising behind him.

Indeed, the combat power of a divine being of a higher sacred echelon was not so simple. As thoughts flew through his mind, he quickly pondered the weaknesses of these green flames.

Only when the realm of Death was fully opened, did the flames extinguish.

The opposing red-robed Grand Magister, seeing his soul fire extinguished, narrowed his eyes slightly.

...

The soul-fires splashing from close combat would scorch the soul, meaning one couldn't get close to this fellow to fight. Otherwise, once scorched, the consequences were unimaginable.

Su Lun and Qian Jiao both retreated explosively at the same time.

From a distance, the spatial cracks of the Reaper's scythe and the slashes of Sword Qi passed through.

However, such long-range methods obviously posed no threat, the Red Robe Grand Magister didn't even spare an extra glance, standing there as his body suddenly turned ethereal, completely immune to the attacks.

This guy, seeing the Death's phantom behind Su Lun, had a cold glint in his eyes, which made him feel threatened. He muttered, "The 'Reaper's' second awakening talent... You Alchemy natives really make one envious."

Su Lun narrowed his eyes, ignoring the provocation and considering how to deal with him.

After the engagement, they realized why the enemy dared to come alone: he had special abilities.

This guy's combat power was among the pinnacle of eighth-tier Grand Magisters in the Divine Plane.

Meanwhile, Qian Jiao, seeing that her Sword Qi had not harmed the man, displayed the third awakening of the Rakshasa Golden Body behind her, already starting to accumulate Sword Qi.

The few strikes just now were hurried normal attacks, but now, knowing that the opponent was immune to physical attacks, she was getting serious.

As strong as Rakshasa Woman goes, the opponent's strange techniques provoked Qian Jiao into high spirits, her aura already faintly breaking beyond the Sword Saint.

In the distance, the Red Robe Grand Magister's pupils sharply constricted, somewhat puzzled but more shocked, "Is this... third awakening talent?"

This level of talent, hailed as a reincarnation of a deity, even he had only heard of, never expecting to see it with his own eyes in a fractured plane.

In an instant, his eyes were filled with murderous intent, "A second awakening 'Reaper' is surprising enough, I didn't expect another with third awakening talent, only a step from Sword Deity. No wonder my sect has been frustrated. How many good opportunities did those from the Alchemy Plane leave behind... tsk tsk, I really can't let you natives live."

Pausing briefly, this guy, his face set on moving the whole world against them, added, "It happens that I found a good material in an underwater relic, might as well try my hand..."

It was before his words fell completely that Su Lun was contemplating how to handle the opponent in front of him. Suddenly, a tyrannical Sword Qi surged to the sky!

In the perception, an unexpected soul fluctuation appeared.

Though not very strong, it was at the moment this soul fluctuation appeared, a tide of Sword Qi both deadly and divine surged to the heavens.

Su Lun and Qian Jiao's expressions changed simultaneously, "Sword Deity realm?!"

Because they had just recently seen this high-ceiling sword intent, on Rebato.

So they immediately recognized it.

Upon closer inspection, a figure in tattered monk robes, clearly a skeletal swordsman, appeared abruptly beside the Red Robe Grand Magister.

This figure seemed to have been dug up from a grave, a skeleton glowing green in the night. Within those hollow eye sockets flickered two orbs of phosphorescence—it was this green ghostly fire that made it feel almost alive, as if making eye contact!

Su Lun frowned slightly at this sight.

It was said that only those above the eighth-tier Overwhelming realm, once dead, would their bones show such a jade-bone color.

Certainly, this skeleton had to be a top-tier powerhouse in life.

But aside from the Sword Intent and skeleton, what caught the eye more was the sword in the skeleton's hand, intertwining gold and black light.

This sword bore ancient Sanskrit-like golden runes, emanating a divine aura like that of Buddha, yet its blade was pitch black as ink, with an eerie black mist swirling around, making one's spine chill. Inside, it seemed as if endless evil spirits were struggling, seeking to escape but sealed within the sword by the golden seals.

On seeing this, Qian Jiao almost blurted out, "The peerless Famed Sword 'Fó Tú'?"

Su Lun also identified it, indeed it was that legendary sword.

Ranked even higher than the third-ranked Demon Blade 'Guy Maru Hyakume Zakura' in Qian Jiao's hand, and the second-ranked 'Armor Cutter Frost Flower Whisper' in Rebato's grip—the peerless sword that straddles good and evil, ranked first among the twelve masterworks of Mountain Hermit—'Fó Tú'!

This sword was an ancient artifact forged by a relic blacksmith, having been lost for hundreds of years.

Su Lun and Qian Jiao, on their last visit to Mountain Hermit, had only heard of the legend of this sword, never expecting to encounter it here.

Legend had it that it was the partnered sword of 'Yào Shì', the Sword Deity from Mountain Hermit in the Warring States Period.

He was a grandmaster of the ancient Sword Dao, who attained enlightenment through slaughter.

Reportedly, he could both save lives with his unmatched medical skills and, with a single 'Fó Tú', decimate gods and demons!

The sword in hand, sealed with countless tormented souls it had claimed.

Many legends about that Sword Deity are still circulated in Mountain Hermit today, true and false indistinguishable.

But given that this skeleton was at least a tier-eight professional in life, Su Lun thought, it might truly be him.

...

Seeing this, Su Lun finally confirmed that the Red Robe Grand Magister was a Necromancer.

Although the skeleton might be the legendary Sword Deity, having long been dead, how much physical strength it retained was still uncertain.

However, the realm was genuinely solid.

Quite often, the realm of Sword Dao could even unleash more powerful fighting capabilities than the physical body.

This is indeed a rare opponent.

A famed sword and a suitable opponent are both opportunities that a top-level swordsman could only hope to encounter.

As Qian Tiao looked at the Skeleton Sword Deity, a thunderous Sword Intent burst forth just as fiercely, clashing head-on.

Encountering such a swordsman as an enemy, she could no longer restrain her fighting spirit and charged forward, "Leave this guy to me!"

Su Lun watched without speaking.

He kept his gaze fixed on the Red Robe Archmage, showing more interest in something else as he muttered to himself, "This Necromantic Arts are interesting..."

The ability to bring the skeleton back to life and retain its former comprehension is indeed a top-tier secret technique.

Su Lun's own undead lacked intelligence, which felt quite inferior.

Seeing this, he thought of something, if he could kill this guy... he would know what's going on.

.....

As the enemies approached, the alchemy arrays on the Eternal Night suddenly lit up.

Being able to survive the encirclement of Su Lun and Qian Tiao, everyone realized that the attacker must be a formidable foe. Cannons and firearms were obviously useless. For dealing with such especially tricky high-level enemies, the Dawn Group also had a specific contingency plan.

This time, the rarely seen Mr. Hei made his move!

At that moment, after preparing for a while, his eyes full of a chilling indifference to the world, he formed a sorcerer's seal with his hands and pointed forward, "Sealing Skill· Four Elements Magic Suppression Heaven Seal!"

If he couldn't be killed, then sealing him would suffice.

This was the only vulnerability he had spotted.

Looking again, the four elements of earth, wind, water, and fire quickly converged, turning into countless chains of law that locked towards the man.

This wasn't a seventh-tier spell, but an eighth-tier one!

Because he was well-prepared, and his timing was exquisitely clever, the Red-robed Mage had no time to dodge and was immediately tightly entangled.

Even though he was restrained, the Red-robed Mage was not alarmed but instead let out a light "hmm": "Rule stealing? You actually managed to cleverly cast a high-tier spell... haha, such a solid understanding of the laws, it's quite interesting."

Only from a high enough stand could one realize how special this seal was. It not only precisely targeted his vulnerability but also specifically used this all-isolating Four Elements Magic Suppression Seal.

Another very special alchemist.

At this moment, the Red Robed Mage finally understood why the Mage Group often faced setbacks.

On this ship... are all monsters!

Therefore, it's even more essential to eliminate them once and for all.

As he spoke, a cold gleam flashed in the eyes of the Red Robed Mage, and he glanced at the members of the Dawn Group, who were preparing to act on the deck, scoffing, "But do you think, me coming here alone, that it's just me alone?"

Before the sealing technique could fully bind him, suddenly a bony claw emerged from the dark light around his body.

The claw, like that of an eagle, tore apart several chains of laws in one swipe.

On closer inspection, a deathly creature with the head, claws, and wings of an eagle, but the body of a lion appeared.

"Necromantic Griffin?"

Su Lun looked at the form of this creature with a somewhat stern expression.

This was a legendary creature known to contend with dragons.

And it wasn't just one!

In that instant, dozens of griffins tore the sealing chains from all around the Red Robed Mage's body and surged out.

Su Lun looked at the number of these monsters, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Yet it was not over!

The Red Robed Mage raised his magic staff, chanting a very long magic spell for the first time, "O great god of the undead above, I respectfully invoke your name, please bestow the power of the undead to your messenger, summon the secret arts of the undead... Arcane Necromantic Disaster!"

As these words fell, he pointed his magic staff towards the sky, which suddenly became covered with an aura of death.

In an instant, as if doomsday had arrived, countless undead creatures surged out like a tidal wave from the clouds of death, overwhelming the sky.

Skeletons, all kinds of skeletons!

From the least undead skeletons to Necromantic Griffins, Necromantic Behemoths, and even Undead Dragons!

At a glance, hundreds of thousands were seen!

In an instant, the Dawn Group, which had a numerical advantage, was surrounded by this tide of skeletons!