Mechanical Alchemist

323 Met an old lady

Su Lun killed Sasaki Ueno, the "ghost hand", and fled into the forest, and naturally it was difficult for anyone to catch up.

Not long after, news came from Qianjo's side. After the hard fight, she was slightly injured, but she escaped smoothly.

Su Lun was also greatly relieved.

He also did not go to meet Miko and Chijo, disguised as a down-and-out samurai, and went to the dock of Izumo City, intending to take the waterway to Edo.

Now that he has escaped this round of siege by the Takeda Shogunate, he has already avoided the most dangerous time. But the entire Izumo, and even a few nearby clans should be surrounded. Now that they've been exposed, scattered targets are less likely to be noticed.

The Feiyi River is the most important river in the Shanyin Kingdom, and its tributaries cover the entire Honshu Island like leaf veins. The width of the river is 100 meters, which can accommodate large ships, and ships can also reach Edo Castle from the estuary against the current.

In the early morning, the Izumo City Wharf was crowded with people, and it was a busy scene.

Porters at the wharf unloaded packages of goods from merchant ships, which were brought from outside by merchants from overseas; they also carried some heavy wooden boxes onto the ship, and from here loaded iron and ore would be transported to Shanyin local and overseas.

Su Lun was wearing a sloppy samurai uniform, a hat, and a cheap iron sword, and he was inconspicuous among the crowd.

I don't know how the people in the shogunate passed the news. The latest reward order has appeared on the notice board at the dock. Su Lun, Chijo, and Lolota are all on the list. Shenfu Yuzi is probably not on it because of his special status.

Su Lun glanced at him as he passed by, then shook his head and walked past.

Not to mention that his disguise is very clever, and it is completely different from the original appearance. Even if it is not disguised, probably no one can recognize the scribbled portraits drawn by the brush.

Although the guards at the inspection will check the household registration sign, it is easy to fake a household registration paper that does not even have an anti-counterfeiting sign.

Not to mention the fluent local accent he stripped away, it's hard to doubt.

Su Lun is also easy to get past.

He walked to the pier, where there was a bamboo-woven straw hut, and there were some people squatting under them carrying cloth bags to salute. These were travelers who were going to take a boat to other places, and there were also some wandering merchants.

Cargo ships generally do not take travelers, and Su Lun has to wait here for passing passenger ships.

There are about a few passing by Izumo Pier every week, but there is no timetable in this era. They are all waiting at the pier. If there is a dock, go up and ask, and if you can go, pay some fare and take the boat.

Su Lun is not in a hurry, anyway, there are nearly ten days left for the "Black Sun Festival", no matter how late. He sat on the ground, holding the broken sword and closing his eyes, thinking about all kinds of alchemy knowledge in his mind.

The battle yesterday was very rewarding, and he needed a lot of time to improve his shortcomings.

After waiting for a while, people in the shed came and piled up twenty or thirty.

Those wandering merchants went south to north, well informed, and chatted while talking.

Most of it was a little bit of gossip, and Su Lun also listened to it intentionally or unintentionally.

Then, I heard the news of the fleet of the King of the North Sea.

"A lot of big ships passed by here yesterday. There are artillery and heavy soldiers on those ships. I don't know what happened."

"That is the Ninth Fleet of the King of the North Sea. I heard that it is going to Edo, so it is to collect taxes on our Yamayin?"

"I heard news that those pirates want to invade and rule us."

"Our great Majesty Renming is the monarch conferred by Amaterasu. How can we let outsiders rule? Those outsiders will definitely be punished by the gods."

"The war is about to break out. Didn't you see that a lot of swords, bows and crossbows have been transported from the dock to Edo in the past few days? I heard that all the big names have jointly signed a letter and are going to fight to the death with those outsiders."

"."

Su Lun digested the knowledge of alchemy in his mind, and thought about it when he heard the news.

He was also curious as to whether there would be a fight.

If Oleg wants to become the real "king" in the vast sea area of ​​the North Sea, the four kingdoms of Beizhou must be won.

Although Shan Yin is small, it is not so easy to give in.

At least when he communicated with Yuzi before, Su Lun knew that the attitude of the imperial family would be better for jade than for tiles.

But once there is a fight, it is very likely that the entire country will collapse.

Because of the need to mobilize a large amount of supplies to Edo, the original passenger ships were called up to carry the goods.

Su Lun waited at the dock until the afternoon, but couldn't get a boat.

Just when he was thinking about whether it should be more troublesome to switch to the land route, a fleet of boats slowly approached the river.

This batch of ships has a cherry blossom flag with a black background and a white pattern, which is the official merchant ship of Shanyin Kingdom. They are from the pirate city of Hastelling. Although Shanyin is closed, the daimyo have a lot of business outside. These ships are loaded with various imported materials, and they will make huge profits after selling them.

Seven ships docked to supply supplies, and a large amount of cargo was also loaded, and the Lifus on the dock were also busy.

The wandering merchant seemed to be familiar with the stewards on the ship, so he went to ask questions and wrote back immediately.

"Hey! The adults on the boat said they can let us take the boat!"

"Of course, the situation is special now. There are limited seats on the boat. Tickets will be a bit higher than before."

"."

Hearing this, Su Lun also understands that this foot-travel merchant also sells "channels".

He got up and paid the guy an extra 50% of the boat cost. The status of a desolate warrior can also support such consumption.

Thinking that the big ship is better, so as not to encounter any monster wind and waves, it will sink. What's more, large ships with many people and backgrounds are not easy to encounter investigations. Much less hassle.

Su Lun and more than a dozen passengers boarded a boat in the middle.

After perceiving for a while, there is nothing particularly troublesome on the ship.

He also didn't mind cramming with the travelers in the newly vacated warehouse.

Not long after, the ship was replenished and set sail again.

Su Lun stayed in the cabin for two days.

There is a restaurant on this kind of sea ship, but it is not provided for temporary passengers like them.

When I am hungry and thirsty, I eat the dry food and water I carry with me, and I don't feel that I can't stay.

He was meditating and digesting knowledge all day long, and time flew by quickly.

Stop and go all the way, if it goes well, it will take about four or five days to reach Edo from Izumo.

But on the third day, Su Lun suddenly opened his eyes from meditation.

He saw the sunlight coming in from the ventilation window, a golden beam. In the shreds of light, fine dust is also clearly visible.

Today is a rare good weather.

"The sun is out"

Su Lun suddenly had a feeling that he should go out to get some air.

However, at the same time he frowned.

It's as if I think it's "weird" to feel this way.

He can control his emotions, that is to say, usually, he is different from normal people, and he does not need some inexplicable relaxation just because he has been in a claustrophobic cabin for two days.

After Su Lun awakened the second-stage reaper talent, he also sensed the abilities of many mysteries, and the possibility of being affected is getting lower and lower. After the promotion of professional rank, this ability has been enhanced a lot. Therefore, he sensed some anomalies.

"Could it be that I was affected by some kind of extraordinary power?"

Su Lun thought of a situation where he and Mr. Jing had been "provoked by fate" once in Puerto Caldurante.

After that, he was extra careful about similar situations.

Or is it an illusion?

Su Lun frowned and thought for a moment, but still decided to go out and have a look.

Although this fleet is Shanyin's official merchant ship, it is a mixed bag.

In addition to the Yamayin people in kimonos, there were also many blond and blue-eyed people of various skin colors on the boat. These were professional businessmen who had always been close to Yamayin.

Especially recently, there seems to be a war, and there are many guys on the ship who want to follow the war to make a fortune.

Su Lun walked out of the warehouse, and then observed the whole way. The upper floor was very noisy. Gambling and singer dancing were the few entertainment activities on the ship, and the crew members were enjoying themselves.

Su Lun didn't find anyone in particular, and went straight to the deck.

I haven't come out for two days, I took a breath of fresh air, and my whole body was refreshed.

There are no big waves in the inland river, and the big boat is running smoothly on the river.

In addition to the bored sailors playing poker on the deck, there were also a few passengers who came up to bask in the sun. The superstructure at the stern is the captain's room, the first officer's room, and several luxury cabins for big businessmen and their families.

Glancing at it, nothing worth noting.

Su Lun walked to the side of the boat, leaned there, and murmured in his heart, "Is it really an illusion?"

The sun was pouring on the skin, warm.

He was not in a hurry to go back to the cabin, thinking that it would be good to come out and let the air out.

Su Lun looked at the scenery on both sides of the big river with microscopic eyes.

Cangshan white snow, bright and clear can be seen.

But at this moment, a "grunt" sound was suddenly heard, and a silver coin rolled down from the back of the deck.

Right at the feet of Su Lun.

He tilted his head and saw a rash maid chasing after him.

Su Lun bent down and picked up the silver coin just below his feet and handed it out. The little girl said, "Thank you."

Su Lun smiled slightly, but instead of looking at the little girl in front of her, she saw the old man behind her.

The old man was dressed in a well-fitting purple robe, and his silver hair was meticulously combed. Even if he was just standing there, he gave off an extraordinary sense of elegance. Although she didn't wear any jeweled jewelry, it was obvious that she had an extraordinary upbringing. Even though the years have left deep marks on her face, it is this look that gives Su Lun the feeling that she must have been beautiful when she was young.

However, what was more surprising to Su Lun was the fire of the old man's soul in his soul perception.

very weak.

Like a candle flickering in the wind, it may go out at any time.

Su Lun immediately realized that this was an old man whose life had come to an end.

Su Lun didn't think it was a coincidence that he suddenly encountered such a special old woman on the boat.

He didn't have the slightest expression on his face, and he didn't act at all.

But with just such a glance, the old man seemed to have discovered something, and she walked over slowly.

The deck is not long, and it took a few steps to walk to the side.

The old man took the initiative and said, "I wanted to find an excuse to meet by chance. But you seem to find that I am waiting for you."

When Su Lun heard this, he immediately realized that what he had felt before was right.

He really came to be led out!

But he didn't feel any hostility, so he asked cautiously, "Old lady, do we know each other?"

Older women, it's always right to call "Mrs."

"I saw it once before."

The old man glanced at Su Lun, and with a flash of light in his eyes, he narrowed his eyes. She leaned on the fence and reminded again: "In the 'Three Torii'."

"."

Su Lun immediately thought of it when he heard it.

There is a shop called "Three Torii" in the pirate city, and he has only been there once. When I went to buy materials, I met a few cloaked people. He still remembered that an old man bought all the manuscripts of Hayato Fujiwara, a great writer.

Obviously, this is the one in front of him.

Moreover, Su Lun also knew that his disguise had been recognized. No, it was recognized in Pirate City before.

Su Lun frowned slightly, "Dare to ask Madam, who are you?"

Probably not the enemy.

If it's the enemy, it's a milder start.

The old man said directly: "I am Katyusha's grandmother."

"."

As soon as these words came out, Su Lun's eyelids twitched.

The identity of the person who came took him by surprise!

Katyusha's grandmother, what's the situation?

I don't know why, but Su Lun always had the feeling that she was teasing a little girl and was approached by her parents.

If not, where are there so many elegant old ladies.

The person who can have this temperament must be the grandmother of a big noble family.

So back then at the Santorii Gate, he felt that being watched was not an illusion, but that girl Katyusha?

But how did she recognize it?

Your disguise is so bad?

Su Lun was a little speechless in his heart, but he also guessed some special secret method.

But then again.

The life in front of me is coming to an end, is he here to find me?

Not worth it.

As if guessing what he was thinking, the old man smiled: "I didn't come here on purpose for you. I just went to Shanyin for something. I didn't expect fate to meet us."

The smile deepened the folds at the corners of her eyes, but it made people see the kindness in her eyes.

Now that Katyusha's name has been spoken, Su Lun can't pretend to be confused.

But he didn't think it was a coincidence of fate, and asked directly: "How did you know I was here?"

The old man said gently: "It is a kind of fate to meet people who are capable. Alchemists have been fighting against fate all their lives, but they don't know that many times, fate is already doomed."

It sounded like nonsense, but Su Lun understood something.

Something similar to the [S-003-Fate Master] talent, or some kind of ability like astrology or prophecy?

And at this moment, all kinds of thoughts in his mind flew and connected like lightning.

He suddenly had a bold idea,

The reason for Abetai and "release of water" may be found!

Before they suspected that there was a "third-party force" behind Abe Taihe, could it be the family behind Katyusha? !

That seems to be the only way to explain it.

There is a natural reason for releasing water without relatives or reasons.

After all, Su Lun didn't know any other great aristocrats of Lu Ying.

shit

Isn't this Beizhou four kingdoms Oleg's territory, and the great aristocrat Lu Ying has stretched his hand so far?

And looking at the situation, this plan is not a moment and a half, it may be a thread that was buried decades ago.

Only those big families that have been passed down for thousands of years have this heritage and skill.

Sure enough, where is the conspiracy and tricks a group of pirates can play, let's look at the professional politician Lu Yingqun!

Su Lun even felt that the Ninth Fleet came this time, more or less behind the shadow of some conspiracy promoters.

However, this old man's lifespan is about to end.

Su Lun really can't guess, why did she come to Shanyin?

Before he could understand it, the old man took the initiative to say, "I'm going to see an old friend."

"."

Su Lun felt as though someone had pierced his mind.

Just like when he met Mr. Hei, in the eyes of this wise man, there is always a kind of wisdom that seems to see through everything in the world.

The old man asked, "Young man, can you chat with me for a while?"

Su Lun nodded: "Of course."

The old man's kind smile is like the warm sun in winter, which makes people unable to think of rejection.

"I don't have any ill will towards you. I just happened to meet him, so I wanted to see what kind of man could make that girl compliment Natyusha."

Having said this, she paused and glanced at Su Lun sideways, "It looks like it's really special now."

Su Lun listened to some words without beginning or ending, and felt a little strange, but smiled politely, "You have won the prize."

The old man smiled and shook his head, "There are so many young talents in the empire, that girl Katyusha is so proud, she has never seen one. But you are the only one who makes her feel very good."

"."

Su Lun felt even more weird.

Although he and Katyusha get along very happily, it seems... not that interesting, right?

The old man's energy seems to be not very good, after saying these words, he should take a break.

She looked at the distant landscape and said, "Katyusha's girl was like an ugly duckling when she was a child, and she was also a little lonely. She likes to watch the stars in the sky alone in the garden, and she likes to stay in the study all day long. Read storybooks. But she's pure in heart and a good, kind girl."

At the end of life, people will probably recall the wonderful people and things they encountered in this life.

Su Lun became a quiet listener.

At this moment, it seemed that he also saw the shadow of his own future from the passage of other people's years.

Speaking of this, the old man seemed to think of something, and there was a slight smile on his face, "When she grows up, she will be very beautiful."

"."

Hearing this, the atmosphere seemed to change in an instant.

Su Lun immediately thought of the little freckles, the girl with braids in the airport.

That girl was a very pleasant person he felt rarely got along with.

But to say "beautiful" really doesn't count.

He also understood the mentality of the old man praising his great-granddaughter, nodded and said, "Yes."

The old man seemed to see through his thoughts, but did not explain much. She looked up at the sky and said something meaningful: "I was young too. At that time, someone said to me: If the world is a cage, then love is the key to open the cage."

Su Lun frowned slightly as he listened to it, and felt that there were other deep meanings in the words.

The old man didn't explain much, and continued: "It's not easy to meet a person whose soul fits in with you in your life. If you miss it, you'll miss it for the rest of your life."

Su Lun felt that this was speaking to herself,

But it seems to be telling her own story again?

He listened patiently, and after all, he didn't say much, and occasionally responded, "Yeah."

The old man has been standing for a long time, and it seems that he is a little tired. She sighed: "When you are old, your energy is not as good as before."

She looked at her and wanted to talk a few more words, but it seemed that her body would not allow it, so she nodded regretfully, "Young man, thank you for being patient and listening to my old bone nagging for so long. But I think, I should go Rest. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to last until then"

Su Lun nodded: "Well. You go slowly."

He watched the old man be helped back to the cabin by the maid, and there was also a hint of thought between his brows.

Did you really come across it?

Very strange encounter.

(End of this chapter)