Mechanical Alchemist

Next day.

Su Lun and his two companions took a good rest for the night, and they once again returned to the dilapidated shrine in Cangshan.

The three of them reconstructed a simple altar at the highest point of the main hall using bricks and stones.

The Princess, having donned the properly washed shrine maiden attire, hung straw woven Shimenawa and white "之"-shaped ceremonial paper streamers on the boundary of the altar, lit the incense made from the materials collected over the past few days, and then began the ritual proceedings.

The Shinto ritual was quite complicated, but she was meticulous and conducted it with full reverence, in accordance with ancient practices. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

Su Lun and Qian Tiao, besides helping to move some bricks and stones, which was tough labor, were unable to assist with the later parts. They watched from a distance, their expressions all too familiar.

Under normal circumstances, the Princess would use secret techniques to bless, and then attempt to communicate with the deities.

If the Yomi Country Lord was indeed Izanami from the Mountain Hermit's faith system, she as a Shinto Shrine Maiden, should be able to make contact.

If not... there were other contingencies.

Su Lun also wanted to use this method to ascertain the true nature of this ruler.

...

Soon, the Princess was ready.

She washed her hands in a bronze basin, then took off her shoes and socks, and barefooted, she stepped onto the altar. Her movements were very slow, looking like they were a slow-motion replay. But upon closer inspection, every gesture seemed to be a blur, carrying an elusive and profound subtlety.

It was Su Lun's first time witnessing a "Saio" level ritual.

Or to say, in this era, the number of people who have observed such top-level rituals could be counted on one hand.

Su Lun watched attentively, occasionally jotting down some thoughts in his notebook. Shinto rituals and the rituals of the Dalu tribe he had seen before were completely different, providing him with a plethora of unique insights.

Barefoot on the altar, the Princess prayed, and then began to strike a small drum she held.

"Bang," "Bang," "Bang"...

The rhythm was slow.

The sound of the drum was crisp, echoing throughout the entire rundown shrine.

As she struck, she also began to dance.

This sequence, Su Lun had previously seen in murals at the Edo Castle library belonging to the God Clothes Priestly Family. After starting the ritual, the shrine maiden would perform several dances on the altar: sacred music drum, archery dance, sacred bell, fan dance...

It's said to please the gods in heaven to watch.

The movements looked simple, but the Princess danced beautifully. Each move seemed infused with deep devotion, inspiring awe in those who watched.

Su Lun's left eye shimmered with light, carefully observing every detail.

Gradually, he perceived a growing concentration of the Power of Faith on the altar, like a layer of hazy white light.

"Seems like she really made contact..."

Seeing this, Su Lun murmured to himself.

...

On the altar, the Princess's movements were meticulous, very slow.

But time seemed to pass very quickly.

Unknowingly, the dances of various Shinto ritual implements had come to an end.

At that moment, the Princess untied the cords of her hakama, retracting her hands from the wide sleeves. Looking again, she extended her right hand out from the open front of her garment. The left hand followed suit, and the white under-kimono fell to her waist, leaving her entire upper body exposed to the air without cover.

Delicate collarbones, the perfectly raised curves, the smooth and flat belly... all were bare for the view.

Su Lun's expression changed slightly as he watched.

The skin of the Princess had a warm jade-like luster, so white it was translucent. At this moment, with Divine Power gathering in her body, her entire being radiated a white glow, like an untarnished jade figure, exuding a fresh and ethereal sacredness.

So much so that even upon seeing her naked body, one would not harbor any impure thoughts.

Su Lun knew that the most crucial part of the ritual was approaching—the Shrine Maiden was about to begin the sacred Kagura dance.

Whether or not the deities would be drawn in was now the question.

Qian Tiao also watched intently, his hand always on the hilt of his sword.

This is the Netherworld, and this Cangshan Shrine has no barrier to block demons. They were uncertain if what they had attracted was a divine being or some demon.

If there was a problem, they would choose to rescue the Princess first.

Actually, the ritual dance in ancient times was not only for the eyes of the True Gods.

But since the generations of imperial princesses performed it topless, naturally, others were not allowed to see.

Over time, this sacrificial event was gradually passed down and it became taboo for outsiders to watch. Each time the sacrifice was performed, it was done alone by the imperial princess in the shrine.

Just like now.

The Princess, holding Shinto bells in her hands, danced gracefully on the altar, her figure soaring through the air, creating seemingly ten, dozens of shadows that made it difficult to discern her true form...

The Kagura dance was not only a sacrificial art but also a very clever technique of shifting and dodging.

As she danced, she chanted blessings under her breath.

Usually, the content of the blessings were prayers for rain, blessings, and protection.

Now, she prayed to converse with the divine.

...

On the altar, the sky above shone brightly as if it were daytime.

This phenomenon in the cold and dreary Netherworld was like the light of dawn, drawing significant attention.

Su Lun narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression growing more and more solemn.

Because he clearly sensed that after the Princess started the Kagura dance, surging demonic energy began to converge above the mountains surrounding Cangshan. Nearby ghosts and monsters were forcibly attracted by the Shinto secret technique, revealing themselves...

The three had not yet waited for the Yomi Country Lord, Izanami.

At that moment, a demon could no longer restrain itself. Suddenly, death energy rolled over the broken walls outside the shrine, slowly coalescing into a fierce ghostly face. It looked at the white light above the altar with a greedy gleam in its eyes.

Su Lun identified it at a glance, displaying "Gukuri-ba," a type of evil spirit.

Before the ghostly face fully emerged, Chitose suddenly drew her sword, and a sharp Sword Qi slashed out, killing the great demon coveting the Power of Faith on the spot.

Su Lun didn't avert his gaze, waiting in strict formation.

On the altar, the Princess continued to dance wholeheartedly. This Kagura dance, which invoked Divine Power to communicate with the gods, was extremely draining both physically and spiritually. In no time, beads of sweat began to form on her skin, shining crystal clear under the refracting light, adding a certain unintentional charm to her. Due to her movements, they slid down her smooth skin.

Suddenly, Su Lun sensed something, his pupils contracting sharply as he shouted, "It's coming!"

Hearing this, Chitose quickly closed her eyes, for she too sensed that suddenly descending will... indescribable upon the shrine!

Divine beings must not be looked upon directly.

In that instant, the immense will became clearer and clearer.

As soon as Su Lun clearly perceived it, ensuring his left eye saw what it did, a storm of shock surged in his heart, "How is it possible! How could Fujiwara Hayato have depicted a real divine being in a novel?"

He had originally thought this Izanami was just a "great demon" or a "false god."

But in his sense, that indescribable feeling was certainly not comparable to lower beings.

This was a genuine "True God"!

Because Su Lun himself had seen god-level beings with his own eyes, and the All-knowing Eye's identification would never be wrong.

But how could it be possible...

How could there be a real god-level being in a cursed space?!

Fujiwara Hayato had depicted an "indescribable" existence with his pen?

For a moment, Su Lun's own understanding clashed with the facts he was witnessing.

He vaguely caught on to something amiss. But that feeling wasn't strong enough to decide whether his own understanding was flawed or if his senses were being deceived.

Chitose glanced at him with a puzzled look on her face. Normally, she would wait for Su Lun to assess the situation before deciding the next course of action.

But now, even Su Lun was confused.

Facing a demon, one could fight or retreat.

But what about a True God?

....

```

Before Su Lun had time to think further, the Princess kneeling at the altar prostrated herself on the ground with utmost piety.

Su Lun also lowered his gaze, not daring to look directly.

If this was indeed a True God, it would be an offense for lower beings to even gaze upon them directly.

The undescribable will coalesced in the sky, and although Su Lun didn't know what It looked like, he could sense a soul as monumental as a mountain range.

The "Izanami" that descended upon the shrine saw that It had been summoned by the Princess, and only then did that overbearing pressure relent slightly.

But an air of untouchable majesty remained.

As the pressure above dissipated, Su Lun and Wen Yu finally felt their breath, which had seemed to stop, return to normal.

In the wilderness surrounding the barren mountain, an authoritative female voice echoed, "Followers of Amaterasu... I never expected to see the living in the Land of Yomi."

The Izanami in the sky, as if feeling a breath of freshness in the eternal desolation, murmured to Herself.

Su Lun immediately sensed a subtle probing wave sweep over him.

However, the being that had descended did not show enmity from the start, and both he and Wen Yu by his side breathed a sigh of relief.

After a moment of pondering, Izanami seemed to perceive something, and spoke to the Princess at the altar, "I feel your devotion, speak, what do you beseech."

Although the Princess was a Shinto Shrine Maiden from the Iga Shrine, after all, these mountain hermits and divine beings were part of the same system; one could say they were all followers.

The Princess responded respectfully, "Great Yomi Country Lord, ruler of Death, Izanami-sama, I am Shinfuku Mitsuko, the ninety-ninth generation Saio of the Amaterasu Shinfuku clan... We have strayed into the Netherworld, and I beseech you to allow us to leave this place."

Upon hearing this, a sneer came from the sky, "No living being can leave the Netherworld."

The Princess prostrated herself on the ground, saying nothing.

A shaman is only a proxy for the deity, after praying, the final decision lies in the hands of the divine beings.

No matter the outcome, she had to abide by it.

....

The living cannot leave?

Hearing these words, Su Lun felt disappointed, though not surprised, and thought to himself: If it were that easy to get out, it wouldn't be a T-level difficulty...

But just as this thought arose,

suddenly, the situation took a sharp turn.

The majestic voice as if changed its mind, spoke up again, "However, in light of your piety, I shall grant your prayer."

Overjoyed at hearing this, the Princess bowed quickly in gratitude, "Thank you, Lord of the Country."

"????"

This left Su Lun confounded.

It was agreed upon so easily?

So easily that it seemed somewhat unreal.

But his instinct told him it couldn't be that simple.

Sure enough, as if having received some direction, the Princess, with a face full of apprehension, spoke up, "But... Yomi Country Lord, may I... may I request that you also send my two friends away?"

Upon hearing this, Su Lun felt a chill in his heart.

The tone of Izanami became somewhat indignant and cold, "They are not followers of the Shinto path, I have no obligation to help them. Besides, do you think the Land of Yomi is a place where one can come and go as they please?"

The domineering nature of the Lord of the Netherworld was fully displayed in this statement.

Listening to this, the Princess became even more anxious, her face pressing lower into the dust.

As a shaman, she should absolutely obey the will of the divine, but for the first time, she persisted with her own thoughts. She pleaded again, "I beseech you, Lord of the Country, to send my friends away. For this, I am willing to give my all."

"Princess..."

Listening and wanting to stop her, Su Lun found that the Princess had already spoken.

Moreover, her words seemed to have touched a taboo, as Izanami's tone suddenly turned ominous, "Hehehe... you are a Shinto Shrine Maiden, yet you plead for two outsiders?"

With an uneasy face but still a firm tone, the Princess replied, "Mr. Su Lun and Miss Wen Yu are... extremely important friends to the Princess. I earnestly request the Country Lord to fulfill my wish."

With these words, the atmosphere suddenly dropped to a freezing point.

```

"Heh heh heh... How foolish!"

Izanami seemed inflamed with rage, her sneer incessant. She questioned, "If I were to say, only one of you and your friend can leave the Netherworld. Would you still insist on your decision?"

Upon hearing this, the Princess froze for a moment, as if suddenly recalling the many memories of acquaintance, feeling an inexplicable warmth in her heart.

Knowing them might be the most delightful event of my life.

Without any hesitation, she nodded: "Yes, even at the cost of my life."

....

What Su Lun and his two companions did not know was that, at that very moment, in a secret chamber within Edo Castle, the pages of a novel turned automatically once more.

The words that appeared on the page read: "Shinfuku Mitsuko's heart was filled with conflict. She could not betray her own faith, but on the other hand, they were friends she believed she could share life and death with. Ultimately, she chose to sacrifice her life to give Su Lun and his companion a chance at survival..."

...

Hearing the Princess's answer, Izanami did not hide her mockery: "Heh heh... Such ludicrous sentiment!"

She suddenly became irate, almost scolding: "Foolish believer, then have it as you wish! You shall give up your life, and I will let your friend leave!"

The moment Su Lun heard this, he muttered, "This is trouble."

Gods, just like humans, possess jealousy, resentment, greed... all sorts of inferior traits.

According to legend, Izanami, because of her death, arrived in the Netherworld. Her partner, Izanagi, attempted to retrieve her. But on seeing her decayed body, he was horrified and fled in panic. Since then, Izanami has harbored "malice" towards the world of the living.

It was said that from that point on, she envied all perfect love, friendships, and familial bonds.

In layman's terms, this deity had some psychological issues.

Su Lun immediately spoke up to interrupt: "No! Princess, if you have the chance, leave this place first!"

He did not doubt that Izanami could send them away, but definitely not in exchange for the Princess's life.

Meanwhile, Senjo also perceived the determination in the Princess's expression and shouted, "Princess, don't do it!"

But it was already too late.

The Princess looked back at them, her lips curving with a sorrowful smile, "Mr. Su Lun, Senjo, I am delighted to have met you in this life. Knowing you has made my days the most wonderful..."

With those words, her body radiated a dazzling light. In the eyes of Su Lun and his companion, she transformed into a sky full of pink cherry blossom petals, scattering into the air.

The Princess knew all too well she was facing a true deity!

This was the only chance she saw for a living escape.

If she were to go, who else could communicate with this noble deity?

The fate of Su Lun and his companion was almost certain death.

The Princess could not be so selfish.

She decisively ended her life, not giving Su Lun, her companion, or even the noble deity the time to react.

Since the deity had agreed,

there would be no chance for her to regret once she was dead.

It was worth it.

...

The Princess's body dissipated upon the altar, her smiling visage vanishing amidst the profusion of cherry blossoms.

Senjo shouted in distress: "Princess!"

Su Lun clenched his teeth tightly, unable to utter a word, his expression dark.

He had pondered over every possible scenario beforehand, but had never anticipated this one.

Before his sorrow could unfold, it was then that voice from the heavens sounded once more with a hint of taunt: "Alright, since she chose to end her life in exchange for yours, decide amongst you, who will stay and who will leave..."

Upon hearing these words, Su Lun's gaze turned icy.

This was playing with human nature again...

In the eyes of that lofty deity, humans, these lower beings, were probably just a source of amusement in her endless years.