Mechanical Alchemist

Only two humans were in the Emerald Holy Land, and they happened to know each other.

So, it was only natural that Katyusha stayed by Su Lun's side.

The three of them wandered around the village, chatting.

Before long, the sun set in the west, and the skies were bathed in red.

The tribespeople lit a roaring bonfire by the river, mountains of fruits and vegetables were piled high, and the air was filled with the aroma of roasting meat.

The Dalu tribe's people sang and danced, welcoming the two human friends of the Dalu.

However, because of Su Lun's unusually high status, aside from exchanging pleasantries with the Deer Tribe Chief and Wolf Granny, none of the elders or youngsters found themselves able to strike up a conversation. Those who did come over had to perform a great ceremony.

The excessive formality actually made Su Lun feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Katyusha was in a similar situation.

Although regarded as a friend of the Dalu tribe, she knew no one here.

It so happened that the two of them sat together, Su Lun on the left with Yuta and Katyusha on his right.

Perhaps sensing Su Lun's restraint, the Deer Tribe Chief and the elders didn't mingle much, after some pleasantries, they left the space open for the young people to interact.

The wooden table was laden with fruits special to the Sacred Land, probably dozens of types, many of which Su Lun had never seen before.

It wasn't just him; even Katyusha, the noble lady, had not tasted them. She chewed slowly and savored, clearly enjoying the experience.

Yuta occasionally peeled some of the larger fruits and passed them to Su Lun, who, being a brusque man, didn't fuss over manners like a noble lady might, eating heartily with juices flowing freely.

Katyusha, being gregarious, quickly became familiar with Yuta as well.

The three of them chatted happily and aimlessly.

Katyusha enlightened Su Lun and Yuta about many of the strange and eccentric happenings within the top echelons of the Rue England nobility,

Yuta shared many stories of the forest,

and Su Lun felt that since his arrival, all he'd done was fight and kill, leaving him seemingly without any stories to tell.

Thinking about it, and looking at Katyusha's bright red cloak, he decided to tell a twisted version of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf to set the mood.

Katyusha listened with zest and after the story, remarked with curiosity, "Wow... Mr. Su Lun, your story is so strange. Shouldn't it be the brave prince who happens by, defeats the Big Bad Wolf, and saves Little Red Riding Hood?"

Su Lun replied with a smile but no words.

Just as Katyusha finished speaking, she suddenly noticed her own red cloak, and belatedly realizing something, she fixed Su Lun with a profound gaze, "Hmm, I see it now, you are alluding to me!"

Her tone was playful, showing no sign of taking offense at all.

She bared her white teeth, playfully threatening to transform into a fierce wolf, "Ah... I'll become the Big Bad Wolf, and Mr. Su Lun, you'll be the first one I eat~"

After the laughter, Su Lun also asked, "By the way, Miss Katyusha, didn't you say you were an Astrologer? How come you're also a poet?"

Yuta, sincere in his admiration, added, "The elders also say Miss Katyusha is a very talented poet."

"The two aren't contradictory at all."

Katyusha blinked at him before responding, "Astrology is about deducing the laws of change in everything under the heavens, while poetry is the vessel for recording all the interesting stories in the world. Romantic love, grand wars, brotherly feuds, joys and sorrows... all sorts. I am an Astrologer who also loves poetry."

As she spoke, she gazed upward at the sky, her eyes dreamy, and her voice growing softer, "Ever since I was young, I've had a dream: to be like those great traveling poets, to journey across the entire continent, to experience the full spectrum of life, and to write the world's most beautiful tales... "

The sky above Emerald Holy Land was exceptionally enchanting.

Tonight the stars dazzled, vast and deep.

Listeing to her, Su Lun casually remarked, "Such a dream should be quite easy to achieve for Miss Katyusha, shouldn't it?"

A noble lady from a prominent family could choose her own path,

worry-free about her livelihood, pursuing poetry if she wished.

At those words, Katyusha seemed to recall something, dimming the sparkle in her eyes, "Not at all."

She didn't answer directly but muttered, "I can only write my dreams into my stories. There's a girl as ordinary as the Ugly Duckling, unremarkable in appearance, naïve yet merry, loving poetry and all things beautiful... In the end of the story, she will inevitably become a great poet."

As Su Lun listened, his expression became somewhat odd.

Was she not talking about herself?

Freckles, braids, her attire not particularly extravagant. If it weren't for the occasional flashes of wealth and well-bred behavior, she wouldn't seem like a lady from a top noble family.

Talking about writing stories, Su Lun felt if he were to write one, he would definitely not create a protagonist like the one Katyusha described, so utterly ordinary.

In his story, the hero would surely have to be handsome.

Otherwise, how could he immerse himself in it?

Moreover, how could he expect the readers to get absorbed in it?

....

The three of them chatted about a wide range of topics.

Su Lun also inquired about the origin of Katyusha's spear; she explained it was a family heirloom with many years of history.

It was said to have been found in the belly of a strange fish hauled up from the sea by fishermen.

She mentioned that her family's treasury contained many such curious and mysterious items and warmly invited Su Lun to visit her family's castle sometime.

Upon hearing that, Su Lun was reminded once again that Katyusha was certainly a top-tier noble.

But he was also curious; among the hereditary dukes and marquesses of Rue England, only a few families were of such high standing. Which one did she belong to?

The feast continued, and amidst their conversation, a commotion stirred among the crowd.

Seven or eight burly members of the Dalu tribe suddenly approached, carrying a large square wooden box.

Yuta said excitedly, "Look, that's the 'Poets' Honey Wine'!"

Su Lun saw it instantly, a seal on the large wooden box?

Hearing it was wine, he was also curious, what kind of wine was it that it deserved such treatment.

Katyusha, who had clearly heard of it, was full of expectation, "The ancient books record that this is the legendary wine said to make poets' inspirations gush forth?"

Yuta nodded, "Yes! It's brewed from the spring water of Sacred Lake and the nectar of the Divine Tree and it needs to be cellared for many years before it's finished. It's only taken out from the sealed cellar and used during very important rituals. I've grown up listening to the elders talk about it, but have never tasted it myself."

Clearly, this was to entertain the "Pledged One."
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Katyusha, clever as she was, guessed something and blinked her eyes, "Earlier, the Clan Leader grandpa said he would give me some when I left. I didn't expect to taste it ahead of time thanks to Mr. Su Lun."

"Hehe."

Su Lun felt, too, that he was benefitting from Mr. Jing's good fortune.

....

The sealed wooden box was opened, and inside was an enormous clay jar.

The Deer Tribe Chief personally broke the clay seal, and a rich fragrance of fruity wine rushed forth, instantly filling the entire river bend.

Even though Su Lun was not fond of alcohol, the scent triggered a craving in his stomach to have a taste.

With the honey wine seal broken, Dalu tribe members, led by the Deer Tribe Chief, performed a prayer, praising nature for all it had given them.

Once the prayers were over, it was time for carousing.

A large cup filled with wine in a bamboo vessel was handed to Su Lun.

Su Lun's all-seeing eye glanced at it, quite surprised.

"Kuvarsil's Poets' Honey Wine"

Detailed explanation: In myth and legend, the divine wine said to coalesce the 'Divinity of Poetry' when drunk; an incomplete recipe passed down from the Dalu tribe, a top-notch wine, which after consumption gives a temporary insight gain—the higher the degree of intoxication, the easier it is to fall into a state of epiphany; it is tremendously beneficial for the inspiration of poetic creation;

"It really does have special effects, actually enhancing insight temporarily."

Su Lun felt like he was gaining new knowledge.

This was the first time he had seen alcohol with an enhancing effect.

And it was on 'insight,' of all things, which is the most ethereal and elusive.

Katyusha, holding her wine cup, was full of expectation, "Yay~ The legendary divine wine."

From the expression of the young miss, one could tell that this was something incredibly, incredibly precious.

Su Lun responded to the toast by the Deer Tribe Chief and the Dalu tribal elders, and everyone drank together.

Then he took a big gulp himself.

The drink was slightly cool at first, and just as he tried to savor it, a complex burst of flavors exploded in his mouth, reaching his taste buds, and in an instant, it was as if he tasted sweet fruitiness and the heat of alcohol, like a thundering herd of horses, yet like a gentle stream trickling softly. That level of complexity was indescribable.

And the wonders continued!

The potency of the drink was immense, leaving one with an almost otherworldly feeling.

It was a very pleasant experience, as if one wasn't drinking wine, but downing a mouthful of rainbows from the heavens, giving one a sublime feeling of floating in the clouds.

It brought surging emotions that one wanted to express.

That was the inspiration for poetry!

However, Su Lun's knowledge of poetry was not profound, and as he didn't drink much, the sensation quickly flickered away.

But something magical immediately happened to Katyusha beside him.

The alcohol hit her hard, and with just a sip, her face instantly flushed with redness, her neck becoming rosy as well. She looked incredibly shy, adding three parts of allure to her demeanor.

Yet unlike the others, a marvelous halo of light condensed around her.

Seeing this, not just Su Lun but even the Dalu tribal elders couldn't help but look with shock and admiration.

Katyusha seemed unaware of the changes occurring within her, covering her mouth as she belched daintily, "Ah... Mr. Su Lun, this wine has quite the kick~"

Su Lun was caught between laughter and tears.

Last time in Blizzard City, he had drunk with Katyusha and knew that this girl didn't have a high tolerance for alcohol.

This wine was fiercer than anything he had ever had before.

Moreover, the "Poets' Honey Wine" was an irresistible temptation for poets.

The more intoxicated one was, the more inspiration for writing poetry would flow forth.

Clearly, Katyusha was experiencing this, and although she spoke in a dazed manner, she picked up her cup again, eager to try, "Mr. Su Lun, Sister Yuta, let's toast~"

Then, the little cup-greedy girl gulped down a big mouthful.

Su Lun and Yuta exchanged smiles and clinked their cups together.

It's not often one gets to drink such fine wine, and he was feeling a bit tipsy too.

This wine was truly top-notch.

Moreover, Su Lun was amazed to find that the state induced by the wine actually made him feel surprisingly good! Those negative emotions, unexpectedly, settled down, as if he too was enjoying the soothing sensation of roaming through the ocean of poetry.

Su Lun couldn't stop himself from having another cup after cup.

After a few drinks, he too could feel that inspiration for creation was bursting forth, growing stronger and stronger.

Countless rhythms, words, and themes, like fragments scattered across the sky, flashed through his mind.

It seemed that just randomly gathering some of them could form a marvelous poem.

Su Lun felt that, as a lousy chicken in poetry, one could only imagine how splendid Katusha must be, since even the Deer Clan Leader never tired of praising her poetic prowess.

At this moment, the girl who loved her drink had cheeks flush with a rosy tint, her eyes slightly glazed with tipsiness.

The milky halo of light that surrounded her grew increasingly intense.

As she continued to drink, Katusha turned her gaze from the starry sky and suddenly asked, "Mr. Jing, may I include you in my story?"

Su Lun replied offhandedly, "If I am the protagonist, I wouldn't mind."

Hearing this, a thought seemed to strike Katusha, and her brows twitched slightly.

Though tipsy, her consciousness was not dulled, a mischievous spark flashed in her eyes as she chuckled, "You're quite greedy. But what if I want to be the protagonist in my story?"

Su Lun, also feeling a bit woozy, replied casually, "Ah... then let the story be a romantic love tale."

Katusha, utterly carefree, burst into laughter, shaking her head like a tambourine, "No way! Astrology tells me that I will be the brightest star in the sky. Love is an unnecessary distraction that would only slow down my sword-drawing speed!"

Su Lun watched her slightly drunk and boastful demeanor and remembered a saying, "How can you write a story that moves one to tears without having experienced a love that pierces the heart?"

To his surprise, Katusha didn't argue and mused, "Hmm... that does make some sense."

She tilted her head and thought, her eyes growing a bit hazy, "Once I figure out how to write our story, I'll tell you about it later."

Su Lun was indifferent, "Oh."

As they drank, their spirits soared higher.

Katusha became more and more intoxicated,

Suddenly, as if she had caught a bout of inspiration, the glow around her coalesced. Excited, she exclaimed, "Wow, Mr. Jing, Yuta sister, I am going to recite a poem for you!"

Su Lun nodded with a smile.

Yuta, too, was a bit drunk, her pretty face colored with a joyful blush, and said with a smile, "Sure."

However,

expecting nothing more than a poetry recitation, they thought nothing more of it.

Yet, an unexpected scene unfolded.

As soon as Katusha started to speak, the heavens and earth seemed to change.

"Wind!"

She seemed intent on composing a song in praise of the wind and pondered for a while before uttering just that one word.

But as that single word left her lips, the air around them trembled violently and suddenly began to blow!

The night wind crept up their collars; Su Lun, though woozy, was suddenly captivated by the thought, "Word Becomes Law? Is poetry really that powerful..."

Not just him, but the revered elders of the Dalu tribe nearby were also staring, slack-jawed.

The Deer Clan Leader and Wolf Granny exchanged a glance, full of wonder, "What a towering talent..."

The breeze gently stirred Katusha's skirt, as if responding to her call.

Suddenly, amid the haze of intoxication, Katusha's tone grew fierce, "Great Wind!"

Nobody had seen the face of the wind,

be it you or me;

But among the stirring leaves,

the wind is passing through there.

...

Katusha sang what sounded like a beautiful ballad, her words spreading out around her. The wind spirits seemed to respond to her, playfully darting around the forest and the treetops, rustling.

The vast expanse of the riverside bonfire was filled with the pleasant sound of her poetry recitation.

The Dalu tribe's deity in their faith embodied the "Divine Tree," and their bloodlines carried the legacy of the free-spirited and romantic wandering poets. Everyone at the feast was intoxicated by the beautiful melody of Katusha's recitation.

For the first time, Su Lun realized that listening to poetry could be such an enjoyable experience.

It was as if his soul was being gently massaged, and he felt completely relaxed.

By then, the wind had picked up, but it remained gentle.

The wind spirits lifted Katusha into the air, where she began to float slowly.

Su Lun felt as if he too were drunk, light as a feather.

No, it wasn't just a feeling.

He was truly floating.

Wrapped in the wind, he was lifted into the air.

Yuta was, too.

Katusha, with blurry eyes, slurred, "Mr. Jing, Sister Yuta, the night is lovely tonight. Shall we go look at the stars together?"

Yuta, also lost in that exquisite drunken state, agreed, "Sure."

Su Lun echoed the response.

Katusha was delighted.

The three of them rode the wind upward.

Once aloft, Katusha didn't forget to wave to the Deer Clan Leader on the ground, sweetly saying, "Grandpa Clan Leader, we're going to look at the stars~"

The Deer Tribe Chief said kindly with a smile, "Good. Just be careful not to fall."

A response came from afar, "We will be careful~"

Hearing this, Wolf Granny, who watched the three fly away, smiled contentedly, "Youth is wonderful."

....

The three flew higher and higher, the bonfire below growing more distant, until they reached the treetop canopy of a dense forest.

"There's a treehouse on the western treetop. I used to climb up here to watch the stars when I was a child..."

Yuta pointed in one direction, and they arrived at the top of a redwood, towering dozens of meters above the nearby trees.

There was a treehouse on the treetop, resembling a gigantic bird's nest with no roof, just several wooden planks.

From here, the brilliant Milky Way was in full view.

The three descended, and Katusha, freed by the effects of the alcohol, laughed heartily, her voice echoing throughout the dense woodland.

The wind spirits hadn't forgotten to bring them candied fruit and fine wine.

The trio continued to toast and drink copiously in the little treehouse atop the tree.

The night was enchanting, with hints of romance permeating the air.

Fueled by the wine, the three lay back and stared at the sky, gradually spacing out.

Katusha slurred her words, "Mr. Su Lun, do you know? I've never been this happy in my life~"

"Mm. I'm feeling pretty good too."

Su Lun also felt amazing at the moment, as if lying on a cloud, with his mind seeming to overflow with brilliant inspiration.

This soaring sensation grew more intense as the alcohol took hold.

Su Lun deeply savored this marvelous experience of "wandering in poetry."

"Mr. Su Lun, could you recite a poem for me?"

"Sure. If life deceives you, don't be sad, don't be in a hurry. In gloomy days be calm, and believe, happy days will come!"

"Wow... Did you write that?"

"No..."

"..."

Katusha, probably really drunk now, lacked any noble lady's restraint and clung to Su Lun's side, unabashedly pressing up against his neck as she spoke, very intimate.

Su Lun's ear was warmed by her breath, but he didn't mind her. However, looking at the girl with braids in front of him, he felt a strange illusion, seeing a beautiful purple-haired woman. It seemed familiar somehow.

At that moment, the girl, a bit fuzzily, asked, "Yuta, do you like Mr. Su Lun?"

Su Lun's mind hadn't even caught up yet.

Yuta's response came dreamily from beside him, "Mm-hmm..."

She said this as if asleep, the two very close together, with a large expanse of skin touching.

Back at the Emerald Holy Land, Yuta had changed into Dalu Tribe attire. The simple leather clothes were thin, like hot pants and a tank top, leaving much skin exposed to the air. This contact made Su Lun feel as if his arm had plunged into a swath of warm, soft flesh.

Su Lun himself could hardly keep his eyes open, but upon hearing her words, he likely smiled.

The conversation of drunkards can suddenly lose all response.

The three fell silent.

Katusha, who had the weakest tolerance for alcohol, had already slipped into a drowsy haze.

After a while, she finally uttered some mumbled words, "Ah, I think... writing a... love story... might be nice too..."

With that, complete silence fell upon the treehouse.

All three seemed to be sleeping.

The potent aftereffect of the "Poet's Honey Wine" stirred desires.

In his hazy consciousness, Su Lun thought he grasped something warm.

It felt smooth to the touch, so he stroked it.

Huh... it seemed to be a back?

Instinctively, he turned over and felt it again.

It still wasn't the satisfying touch he was seeking...

Half-asleep, Su Lun couldn't open his eyes, but his unreasonable hand moved back, carefully distinguishing, until he felt a slightly raised, moist warmth.

He pinched it.

Oh, so it wasn't a back.

Being drunk was frustrating; his mind knew what he was doing, but his body wouldn't obey.

It was these actions that probably woke the deep sleeper, and a plaintive grumble reached his ears, "Mr. Su Lun, you're being very inappropriate... I don't mind you taking advantage, but you're actually dissatisfied with me..."

Only after a while did he hear murmurs and sleepy babbles close to his ear, "Ah, I'm going to turn into a big gray wolf, and bite you to death~"

Su Lun felt he might have been bitten.

As by a wolf in a grand red robe, or perhaps a white wolf.

Gentle to the bone.

That night, endless sweet dreams.