Chapter 219: Legendary Machinist

Lei En also sensed something amiss.

Madam Xialanwei's originally soft, supple hand suddenly became rigid as a steel ingot; through the seam of her silk glove, her skin reflected a steel‑gray hue.

This is a sign of the steel body being activated; outsiders find it hard to discern.

Only the two of them understand, a silent mutual understanding.

Lei En, having seen it with his Soul Eye, is not surprised at all.

His expression remains unchanged as he is about to release his hand, feeling a finger drawing a circle in his palm, emitting a faint metallic scraping sound.

A barely visible wisp of light smoke rises between their hands.

Madam Xialanwei withdraws her hand, revealing a tiny tear in the silk glove at her fingertip; she curls a finger behind her, chuckles lightly, "Lord, you are young and accomplished, and so handsome; I have been a bit forward, my apologies."

"Thank you for the compliment, madam," Lei En says, a little speechless, wondering if he's being flirted with.

Behind him, Ai Mili Si steps out of the carriage.

She happens to hear Madam Xialanwei's words; a hint of displeasure flashes in her violet eyes as she steps forward, grabs Lei En's arm as if asserting authority, lifts her chin, and lets out a light hum.

Madam Xialanwei keeps smiling, ignoring Ai Mili Si's provocation, and says:

"I've heard so much about Lady Ai Mili Si's reputation; finally meeting her today, she is truly beautiful—Lord, you are so fortunate."

Hearing the flattery, Ai Mili Si's hostility eases instantly, though she feels a bit guilty.

She and Lei En are not that kind of pair, at least not now.

However, Ai Mili Si isn't easily dismissed with a couple of compliments; she retorts sarcastically, "I have no fame at all, far inferior to the madam. I've heard that men who adore the madam can line up from the Six‑Deep Corner to the Temple of Justice—that's truly enviable."

Madam Xialanwei's expression finally changes.

Lei En watches the two women spar over him, feeling no pride at all, only a headache.

He quickly raises his hand to interrupt, "Madam, won't you invite us in?"

Madam Xialanwei presses her red lips together, no longer looking at Ai Mili Si, forces a smile again, "Lord, please come in."

She turns and walks ahead, her long dress fluttering, stirring a fragrant breeze as she steps onto the red carpet laid out from the building's main hall.

Lei En's gaze can't help drifting downward, landing on a certain ample area.

It is a man's instinct.

Before he can admire it fully, his arm is tightly squeezed by Ai Mili Si, forcing him to look away, silently reciting "Do not gaze indecently."

Entering the main entrance of the building, he sees a lavish, grand hall.

Madam Xialanwei slows her pace slightly, walking alongside Lei En, introducing, "Lord, this is my 'Melos Auction House' and alchemy market; it spans from the first to the tenth floor. If you have time, I can show you around."

"Next time, there will be a chance."

Lei En was initially somewhat interested; his ring now holds over a hundred thousand Gold Shield cash, his waist is wrapped with billions, allowing him to experience the feeling of a tycoon, but he sees the soul color of this female steel dragon shifting rapidly, far from the calm surface, likely intending to slay him with a strike.

His money didn't come from a gust of wind; he doesn't want to be a sucker.

Madam Xialanwei is very disappointed, "What a pity."

She leads Lei En into an elevator on the side of the hall; as they ascend, she finds another topic, "Lord, half of this building's properties now belong to you, perhaps you're unaware; the rent for the Six‑Deep Corner rises each year, and our business pressure is immense."

While speaking, Madam Xialanwei leans in, her face showing a pitiful expression.

Lei En reads her mind, says nothing, just watches her.

Madam Xialanwei twists her waist and continues, "In two years my lease ends; could you decide to sign a renewal contract with me in advance?"

"I've just taken over these properties and haven't sorted out the finances of the domain; I can't decide lightly, sorry."

Renewing two years early would surely lower the rent; how much would I lose?

He's not that foolish.

Madam Xialanwei isn't discouraged; she was merely testing, and seeing Lei En not buying it, she subtly creates some distance, her demeanor normalizing.

She makes a few bland remarks, and the elevator reaches the tenth floor.

Madam Xialanwei leads the two through a corridor, pushes open a double door at the end, and instantly a golden‑splendid hall appears.

Inside, dozens of guests have already arrived.

Like a lively yet elegant banquet, people in formal attire mingle in small groups, sipping fine wine, or sit on sofas engaging in animated conversation with the ladies.

Madam Xialanwei's entrance instantly draws everyone's gaze.

Yet, when they see Lei En behind her, the hall falls silent as if a pause button were pressed.

Most guests cease talking, the murmur fading; a few who don't know Lei En, affected by the atmosphere, involuntarily shut their mouths.

Even the servers carrying food and wine seem frozen, daring not to move.

Clap! Clap!

Madam Xialanwei claps twice, loudly announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce a distinguished guest." She steps aside, fully presenting Lei En's figure to everyone, "This is our Gra Morgan's lord, Ryan Augustus."

"Count!"

"Honored to meet you, Lord."

Whether they recognized Lei En earlier or not, and regardless of their feelings, every guest bows to Lei En, a spectacular sea of obeisances.

Even a few legendary strongmen present behave very courteously.

This trade fair venue, the entire building, even the ground beneath, all belong to Lei En; being within his domain, one must bow.

Not to mention, Lei En is not just a lord; he is also a student of Anxiwodasi.

Well‑informed people even know that Master Anxiwodasi gives Lei En lessons daily, showing his standing in the eyes of Holy Soul Wizards.

Lei En nods, smiling, "Everyone, no need to be formal; relax, you may pretend I'm not here."

"Hahaha…"

"Count, you are truly witty and easy‑going."

"A toast to the Lord."

Immediately someone joins in with laughter and a few compliments; Lei En waves his hand, says nothing more, and the guests resume chatting with their companions, though their eyes occasionally drift toward Lei En, watching his movements.

Madam Xia Lanwei led Lei En into a luxurious private room at the side of the venue.

She personally brewed tea for Lei En and Ai Mi Li Si and thoughtfully asked, "Sir, the trade fair starts in half an hour. Shall I introduce you to a few guests?"

Lei En did not refuse, "Then I'll leave it to you, Madam."

Madam Xia Lanwei smiled, turned, and left the room.

Looking at her back, Lei En thought to himself, this female steel dragon has been mixing in Mo Du's high society for over a hundred years, adept at socializing, never missing any chance to boost her reputation or earn money—such as bringing people to see herself, which also benefits her indirectly; she's practically a human genius.

If it weren't for the Soul Eye, who could have guessed she's actually a giant dragon?

Ai Mi Li Si, however, wore a wary expression, staying close to Lei En.

"Women…"

Lei En lifted the tea on the table, took a sip, and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

Soon, Madam Xia Lanwei returned, followed by a distinguished middle‑aged man; his looks were ordinary, but he was tall, robust, and imposing—anyone who saw him would not dare to underestimate him, and even without knowing him, one could guess he was an exceptionally powerful transcendental.

Lei En used the Soul Eye to glance, and was surprised: this person is a legendary Mechanist!

He had once considered the Mechanist profession when choosing a career.

However, this profession's early combat power is too weak; only after reaching legendary can it unleash terrifying strength, making it a true late‑game class, growing stronger with each level.

Nevertheless, advancing a Mechanist to legendary is too difficult.

Lei En was still seeing a legendary Mechanist for the first time, and a legendary Mid-stage one at level fifteen, so his curiosity was inevitable.

"Lord," Xia Lanwei solemnly introduced, "this is Mr. Akarande, one of the Vice Presidents of the Steam and Mechanical Guild, a member of the Empire Council, and the most famous magnate of Mo Du."

These titles are all exceptionally impressive.

Especially the Vice President of the Steam and Mechanical Guild—Xia Lanwei didn't specify a branch, so it's clear this Akarande Vice President of the guild's headquarters, perhaps one of several, but his high status is evident, as the guild's President has never changed since its founding.

Moreover, he, like herself, is an Empire councilor.

These two titles, plus the power of a legendary Mid-stage Mechanist, make him one of the Empire's top figures.

Lei En, not daring to be sluggish, stood and said, "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Akarande."

"The honor is mine, Your Excellency, Count."

Akarande shook his hand firmly then released it, smiling, "I have many enterprises in Gra Morgan, making me about half a subject of yours. I wanted to meet the Lord earlier, but I've been too busy. Fortunately, today's trade fair gave me a chance through Madam Xia Lanwei's introduction."

Lei En kept observing the other with the Soul Eye.

This legendary Mid-stage Mechanist bore no hostility toward him, but his words were half‑truths, clearly watching the situation like everyone else, unwilling to risk befriending him.

Lei En recalled that Akarande's enterprises were indeed numerous.

For example, the airship landing field by the sea belongs to Akarande, though only nominally under the Mechanical Guild. He also owns several mechanical factories and workshops, whose annual taxes rank among the top three in the territory.

What a big tax‑paying household for me!

Lei En and Yan Yuesè smiled sincerely, "Mr. Akarande, if you wish to see me, you may come to the castle anytime, even late at night."

"Haha, I wouldn't dare to disturb the Lord late at night and upset a certain lady."

Akarande sensed Lei En's attitude and relaxed as well.

The two sat down to talk, and unintentionally steered the conversation to mechanical technology, instantly finding a common interest, their enthusiasm soaring as the discussion deepened.

Within minutes, they began calling each other by name, dropping titles and honorifics.

Even the two ladies present were forgotten.

Madam Xia Lanwei had originally intended to introduce others to Lei En, but seeing the situation, she tactfully changed her mind and didn't interrupt their conversation.

Half an hour later, she finally reminded, "Lord, Vice President, the trade fair is about to begin."

(End of chapter)