227: Chapter 228 The Techniques of Master Architects

Soon, the group of fifteen, including Shen Muyao, was brought to the Waterfall Plain by Lin Muyang.

Among them, fourteen were national-level Constructor Class Transferees with prestigious reputations in the Xia Kingdom's architectural field, whom Su Zongming had urgently summoned.

These fourteen Constructors spanned a wide range of ages. Three were white-haired elders, yet they were full of vitality and had sharp gazes; several were in their prime, steady and capable; and a few were relatively young, yet their eyes flashed with confidence and competence.

Each of them held an extremely high status and reputation within the Xia Kingdom's architectural circles and even at the national level, making them National Treasure Level figures in the truest sense.

The reason was simple. In the early days of the Era of Global Class Transfer, when Blue Star underwent drastic changes and monsters ran rampant, many of the Xia Kingdom's cities and infrastructure suffered devastating destruction.

It was these Constructor Class Transferees who, relying on their unique professional skills that were entirely different from combat classes, rebuilt new homes from the ruins, brick by brick and beam by beam.

They could move mountains and fill seas, solidify soil, manipulate elements to generate building materials, inscribe reinforcement runes, and construct defensive barriers... It was precisely through their day-and-night efforts that the Xia Kingdom restored order in the shortest possible time and rebuilt the prosperous urban clusters of today.

It is no exaggeration to say that without them, the Xia Kingdom would not have its current stable situation.

Therefore, they are highly respected domestically and usually only participate in the design and construction of major national-level projects; ordinary people, and even average wealthy officials, simply cannot hire them.

When they first received Su Zongming's emergency order to suspend all their current work and immediately head to Zhongnan City to design and build a private manor castle for a young man named Lin Muyang, many of these fourteen masters were skeptical and even somewhat displeased.

They acknowledged that Lin Muyang was a rare genius who had achieved astonishing success at a young age, but in the end, wasn't he just a newly rising young powerhouse?

Was it worth mobilizing fourteen leading figures like them to serve him personally? The fanfare seemed a bit excessive; in their view, it was somewhat of a waste of talent and a grand fuss.

However, this dismissive and even slightly resistant sentiment vanished instantly after the news of the battle at Crocodile Shark Island swept back to the country like a hurricane, replaced by immense shock and a trace of lingering fear.

Single-handedly killing nearly twenty top powerhouses from five countries—the American Empire, Australia, the Western Federation, Japan, and the Kimchi Country—including several long-established Nation-Guarding Level existences!

He even brought the American Empire's Giant Dragon Summoner Hansa Bami and the bewitching siren Marianne under his command!

Such a battle record could no longer be described merely as genius; this was a peerless, fearsome figure capable of suppressing an entire era and making powerhouses worldwide tremble!

He was an unprecedented strategic pillar for the Xia Kingdom, an existence that could truly influence the nation's destiny!

Upon realizing this, the attitude of these fourteen Constructors did a 180-degree turn.

Their reserve and arrogance as national treasures seemed insignificant in the face of such absolute strength and terrifying battle records.

Not only was there no longer any resistance, but everyone was eager and ready, viewing this as an extremely glorious and important political task, or even a rare opportunity—to build a residence for such a legendary figure destined to be recorded in history was an honor in itself, and perhaps it could leave a brilliant mark on their resumes in the future.

Therefore, in the short time between receiving the order and gathering, not only did they not complain, but they raced against time.

Based on the rough terrain descriptions provided by Su Zongming and combined with their own understanding and imagination, they quickly sketched out multiple manor or castle design drafts, each with distinct styles but all considered masterpieces, hoping their designs would be favored by Lin Muyang.

At this moment, when Lin Muyang instantly teleported them from the assembly point to this magnificent Waterfall Plain, and they saw with their own eyes the rushing waterfall, the tranquil river, the vast grasslands, and the colossal creatures lying lazily not far away, yet exuding a heart-palpitating dragon might, the last trace of doubt in the hearts of these builders, who had seen it all, vanished completely.

The strength required for a person to tame so many dragons needed no further explanation.

"Mr. Lin!" The leader was a white-haired elder, yet his back was straight as an arrow and he was full of vitality. He stepped forward first, his attitude respectful yet dignified, and presented a scroll of ancient-looking parchment with both hands. "This old man is untalented, but based on the landscape of this place, I have drafted a concept for a Chinese-style garden. Please, take a look."

"Mr. Lin, take a look at the Star Magic Tower I designed! It combines living and cultivation functions and can even channel the power of starlight!" A middle-aged Constructor, unwilling to fall behind, handed over a shimmering crystal containing a three-dimensional magical image.

"Mr. Lin, this is the Gothic castle I designed; it is sturdy and majestic, with multiple built-in defensive barriers and counter-attack magic arrays!" Another Constructor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and possessing a scholarly air, also handed over his design.

"And mine, modern minimalist style, intelligent management, highest level of comfort!"

"My Elven treehouse style, perfectly integrated with nature..."

For a moment, over a dozen master builders, rarely seen in ordinary times, were scrambling like students participating in a design competition to present their design proposals to Lin Muyang, their faces filled with undisguised anticipation and even a hint of nervousness.

The scene left Shen Muyao, who was watching from the side, somewhat dumbfounded. It was her first time seeing so many highly respected seniors so proactive in front of a young man.

Lin Muyang looked at the somewhat "lively" scene before him and felt a bit helpless.

He had originally just wanted Su Zongming to find a few reliable Constructors to help him get a house that was comfortable and spacious enough; he hadn't expected fourteen master craftsmen to show up, all of them bringing their works in advance.

However, he quickly realized the convenience brought by his increased strength and status.

Many things really didn't require him to waste his breath; naturally, someone would consider everything thoroughly for him and even place the choices right in front of him. This was probably one of the perks of being a so-called top-tier powerhouse.

"Masters, thank you for your hard work." Lin Muyang said politely, then took the various design proposal carriers—design drawings, crystal balls, magic scrolls, and so on—handed over by everyone and began to browse through them one by one.

He read quickly but carefully.

"This... the style is too Western; it doesn't quite fit my aesthetic." Lin Muyang set aside a design for a Gothic castle depicting towering spires and stained-glass windows.

The designer, that scholarly Constructor with gold-rimmed glasses, immediately looked regretful, but didn't say anything, just nodded.

"This modern style is not bad, very high-tech, but it feels like it lacks a bit of charm; it's more like a hotel or a high-end apartment." Lin Muyang set down another design filled with a metallic and glass aesthetic.

The Constructor who advocated for the modern style scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"This Elven treehouse style is very creative and integrates well with nature, but the defense and privacy might be slightly weak, and I don't have much interest in living in a tree." Lin Muyang smiled at a gentle-mannered Constructor wearing robes similar to a Druid's. That Constructor returned a smile of understanding.

"This magic tower is very powerful in function, but the design is too flashy, and the internal structure might be relatively complex; I prefer spaces that are more open and airy." Lin Muyang handed the crystal ball recording the Star Magic Tower image back to the middle-aged Constructor.

Soon, most of the designs were set aside by Lin Muyang for reasons such as mismatched style, unsuitable functions, or simply because he didn't like them.

Although the "eliminated" Constructors were somewhat disappointed, Lin Muyang gave a clear reason each time, not denying their professional capabilities, so they could accept it; they just secretly admired this young powerhouse's decisiveness and clear preferences.

Finally, Lin Muyang's gaze fell on the Chinese-style garden design draft that the first white-haired elder had presented, which was depicted on the ancient-looking parchment.

This design was not a simple floor plan, but rather used special drawing techniques and magic to present a three-dimensional, dynamic miniature landscape.

In the image, pavilions, rockeries, flowing water, winding paths, corridors, exotic flowers, and rare trees were distributed in a well-proportioned manner across a vast area, possessing both the grandeur of Northern gardens and the exquisite beauty of Southern gardens.

The main building was located slightly behind the center of the garden, surrounded by seventy-two secondary buildings of various styles, like stars surrounding the moon.

The garden made full use of the Waterfall Plain's topography, cleverly borrowing the distant waterfall scenery into the garden and introducing live water to form winding streams and lakes, which complemented the buildings, rocks, and plants, full of the artistic conception and poetry of Eastern philosophy.

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It covered an area of about four thousand mu, grand yet not crowded, with a layout both exquisite and naturally harmonious. The main building stood twelve stories high with complete internal functions and a reserved spot for a teleportation array. What satisfied Lin Muyang most was that the seventy-two side buildings only had their locations and basic outlines marked; the specific architectural styles and internal layouts were not fixed, clearly left for the residents to design and decide for themselves, reflecting full flexibility and respect.

"Let's go with this one." Lin Muyang picked up the parchment blueprint and looked at the white-haired elder with a satisfied smile. "The elder's design resonates deeply with me. The Chinese style is elegant and grand, and it secretly aligns with the Way of Nature. It's very good."

The chosen white-haired elder, surnamed Liang, was a titan in the field of ancient architectural restoration and protection in Xia Country, having presided over the restoration of many famous historical sites. Hearing that Lin Muyang had finally chosen his design, a look of uncontrollable joy immediately appeared on his face. Stroking his snowy white beard, he nodded repeatedly. "Mr. Lin has a good eye! I observe that this place has mountains and water, gathering wind and energy, which perfectly matches the essence of our Huaxia gardens and Marianne's modeling after nature and the unity of heaven and man. These twelve stories of the main building secretly correspond to the number of the Earthly Branches, and the seventy-two side buildings can correspond to the positions of the Seventy-two Earthly Fiends. If supplemented with appropriate arrays, it will surely gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, forming an excellent cultivation treasure land!"

The other Constructors who were not selected, though somewhat envious, also congratulated Elder Liang one after another. At their level, they had long passed the stage of being competitive, focusing more on appreciating the masterpieces of their peers and anticipating the completion of the task. Moreover, Lin Muyang had clearly stated that it was just a matter of stylistic preference, not that their designs were poor.

"Elder Liang's design is indeed exquisite, complementing the scenery of the Waterfall Plain perfectly."

"That's right, it seems Elder Liang understands Mr. Lin's thoughts better."

"In that case, without further ado, Old Liang, shall we begin? Let's give Mr. Lin and the young ladies a comfortable place to stay as soon as possible," a burly middle-aged Constructor with a voice like a booming bell said with a laugh.

"Good, good!" Elder Liang's face was glowing, clearly in high spirits. He turned to Lin Muyang and cupped his hands. "Mr. Lin, shall my colleagues and I begin the construction? During the process, if you or any of the young ladies have any special requirements, feel free to bring them up, and we will adjust at any time."

Lin Muyang nodded. "Thank you all for your hard work. About how long will it take?"

Elder Liang quickly exchanged looks with the other Constructors. After a brief estimation, he said confidently, "If the fourteen of us work together with all our might, the main structure and basic functional areas can be completed within three days. Subsequent fine interior decoration, array engraving, and landscape detailing will take a few more days, depending on the complexity. I wonder if Mr. Lin can wait?"

"Three days?" Lin Muyang was a bit surprised; this speed was much faster than he had anticipated. A garden of over four thousand mu, the main body completed in three days? Is this the efficiency of National Level Constructors working together?

"That's enough. Thank you for your trouble." Lin Muyang naturally wouldn't rush them.

"Very well, Mr. Lin, young ladies, please step back a bit. We shall begin now." Elder Liang and the other thirteen Constructors looked at each other and nodded.

In the next moment, the fourteen Constructors simultaneously lit up with magical glows of different colors but equal majesty and weight. They each took their positions; some were chanting and forming hand seals, some were waving specialized magic engraving knives or staves to outline complex runes in the void, and some simply squatted down and pressed their hands to the ground.

Rumble...

A low vibration came from the earth. The water in the distant river seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, splitting off a stream like a docile silver snake. It flowed and widened along the paths planned by the Constructors, quickly forming a stream of living water surrounding the garden, which then gathered into lakes and ponds of various sizes.

The soil and rocks on the plain seemed to come alive. Under the control of invisible forces, they rose and shaped themselves into undulating artificial mountains, solid foundations, and smooth roads. Tall trees and patches of exotic flowers and rare herbs were wrapped in gentle power, "transported" from the distant mountains and forests, landing precisely in their planned positions, taking root instantly and merging with the surrounding environment.

Most shocking was the architecture itself. Huge, neatly cut blocks of white jade, green rock, and precious magic wood seemed to be summoned from the void or condensed from pure earth and wood elements. Under the exquisite control of the Constructors, they were rapidly combined and stacked like building blocks. Beams and pillars, mortise and tenon joints fit perfectly; eaves and brackets formed quickly. Complex defensive runes, spirit-gathering arrays, cleaning arrays, and constant-temperature barriers were engraved one by one onto the bases, walls, and pillars of the buildings, flickering with a faint light before disappearing.

In just a few minutes, an ancient, elegant, and grand twelve-story Chinese-style main building had risen from the ground, standing in the center of the planned garden area! The building's lines were smooth, with carved beams and painted rafters, showing ingenuity in every detail yet carrying a natural charm. Inside the building, a faint flow of light was visible, which was the prototype of the internal space divisions, stairs, and various functional areas being formed.

This was just the beginning. Around the main building, the foundations for the seventy-two side buildings were being constructed simultaneously. Although their styles were undecided, the basic outlines and spaces had been reserved. Further away, pavilions, water kiosks, corridors, and arched bridges began to sprout from the ground like bamboo shoots after rain at an astonishing speed.

The entire construction process was like a miracle, full of power and artistic beauty. There was no noisy mechanical roar or sky-filling dust, only the faint glow of flowing magic and the low, harmonious rhythm of materials combining. Fourteen National Treasure Level Constructors working together raised the craft of construction to a realm near "creation."

Shen Muyao was already dazed, her small hand covering her slightly open mouth in surprise. This was also the first time Elabess, Lilia, and the other girls had seen such an efficient and artistic construction scene; their eyes were filled with wonder and admiration. Mo Mingxue and Mo Yingmei's eyes were even wider. They came from a relatively backward world where construction mostly relied on manual labor; when had they ever seen such god-like means of creation? Their awe of Lin Muyang and this new world deepened once more.

Lin Muyang also nodded secretly. Professional matters should indeed be left to professional people. With these fourteen masters at work, this residence would surely far exceed his expectations.

Seeing the main construction progressing rapidly, Lin Muyang instructed Elabess beside him, "Ella, take everyone to see the interior of the main building and the locations of those side buildings. If you have a style or layout you like, you can communicate directly with these masters and have them design and decorate according to your preferences. You can also choose and decide on things like furniture and decorations."

"Yes, Master!" Elabess's eyes lit up, and she immediately took Lilia, Seraphina, Gui Wanwan, Ao Qingyan, Chiba Ruri, Su Daji, as well as the newcomers Mo Mingxue and Mo Yingmei, flying excitedly toward the growing complex. They had long been looking forward to their future home, and being able to personally participate in the design made them even happier.

Then, Lin Muyang looked at the campus belle Shen Muyao beside him, whose cheeks were slightly flushed and who appeared somewhat restrained. He smiled slightly and took her hand. "Little Mu Yao, come with me. I have something for you."

Shen Muyao's face turned even redder when Lin Muyang held her hand in front of so many people, but she didn't pull away. She just gave a soft "mm" and followed Lin Muyang obediently into the newly formed main building, which still emitted a faint scent of wood and stone.

The interior space of the main building was extremely open. Although the fine interior decoration had not yet been carried out, the basic framework and zoning were clear. Lin Muyang led Shen Muyao along a newly constructed, faintly glowing teleportation array directly to the master bedroom area reserved for himself on the twelfth floor. It was currently just a vast, empty space, but the view was excellent. Through the large openings where window frames had yet to be installed, one could overlook the entire rapidly forming garden and the waterfall cascading down in the distance. The scenery was magnificent.

"Don't be nervous. This will be our home from now on," Lin Muyang said with a smile. Then, under Shen Muyao's curious and expectant gaze, he took a delicate crystal bottle containing the tears of the angel from his storage ring.