249: Chapter 250 Equipment Modification Master

Facing Gu Shuanglin's outstretched slender hand, which carried a kind and friendly smile, Jialiya did not immediately respond. A subtle trace of bewilderment and wariness flickered in her icy blue eyes. It wasn't hostility towards Gu Shuanglin herself, but rather an instinctive self-protective reaction when in an unfamiliar environment and facing an unknown person.

She didn't immediately look at Gu Shuanglin, but instead turned her head slightly, casting an inquiring gaze towards Lin Muyang. In this world completely unfamiliar to her, Lin Muyang was the only point of reference she could trust unconditionally, her anchor. All her actions required Lin Muyang's confirmation and guidance.

Sensing the young girl's gaze, which carried a hint of dependence and inquiry, Lin Muyang understood. He simply explained, "Jialiya, this is Gu Shuanglin, my friend, one of us, trustworthy."

The three words "one of us" were like a key, gently opening the cautious door in Jialiya's heart. The wariness in her eyes receded like a tide. Although her expression remained unchanged, maintaining that almost ice-like coolness, she obediently raised her small hand, which was slightly cooler than a normal person's and almost transparently fair-skinned, and gently clasped Gu Shuanglin's hand.

"Jialiya." She simply stated her name, her voice ethereal and calm, like an icy spring flowing over a rock face in a mountain stream, devoid of extra emotion or polite greetings. The handshake was brief; she quickly returned to her quiet stance beside Lin Muyang, maintaining a sense of distance.

Gu Shuanglin wasn't displeased by Jialiya's slightly cold demeanor. On the contrary, the moment their small hands met, the distinctly colder-than-normal touch and the faint, chilling aura naturally emanating from the other party sparked a hint of curiosity and understanding in her heart. It seemed that the profession of this young girl newly summoned by Lin Muyang must be related to death-type attributes, no wonder her temperament was so unique. She calmly withdrew her hand, her smile still gentle and proper.

"Our family's equipment modification workshop is inside the manor, in a dedicated area. I'll take you there now." Gu Shuanglin bowed slightly to Lin Muyang, then turned and gestured for them to follow. Her younger sister, Gu Xiaoyu, also followed closely behind her, her bright eyes occasionally peeking at Lin Muyang, filled with undisguised curiosity and admiration. However, perhaps feeling unfamiliar with this legendary figure, or due to her personality, she simply followed quietly and did not speak rashly.

In fact, Lin Muyang wasn't entirely unfamiliar with Gu Xiaoyu. He had already interacted with her when he traded low-level skill books with her while invisible outside the auction house. Later, at the entrance to the secret realm vortex outside Tianhai City, he had also briefly conversed with this curious young girl while still invisible. However, to Gu Xiaoyu, those were probably insignificant episodes, and a prominent figure like Lin Muyang had probably long forgotten them. Little did she know that Lin Muyang's memory was far superior to ordinary people's, and he actually remembered those small matters very clearly.

At this moment, Lin Muyang also noticed Gu Xiaoyu's surreptitious gaze. He smiled gently at her and nodded, acknowledging her. This simple gesture made Gu Xiaoyu's small face flush instantly. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to look at the path, but her heart pounded like a startled deer.

Jialiya naturally took Lin Muyang's arm, her movement showing an inherent dependence. Lin Muyang allowed her to hold on, and the three of them, led by Gu Shuanglin, passed through the elegantly arranged, brightly lit courtyard corridors, heading towards the specially designated area deep within the manor for life Class Transferees' work and research.

Along the way, they inevitably passed through some internal areas of the Gu Group, encountering busy or passing Gu family members, staff, guards, and so on. When these people saw their eldest young lady, Gu Shuanglin, personally accompanying a distinguished young man, with an exceptionally cold and stunning blue-haired young girl on his right, and the Gu family's equally beautiful young miss trailing alongside, they all cast gazes of surprise, curiosity, and scrutiny.

Lin Muyang's arrival was not a secret, but seeing this young man, now globally renowned and privately discussed by countless people, appear in their own manor still shocked and excited many. For a time, whispers quietly arose in corridor corners, garden paths, and behind windows.

"Look! It's Lin Muyang! He actually came to our Gu Manor!"

"What's so strange about that? During the Summoner Competition, didn't our eldest young lady have dealings with him? I heard she even gave him a secret realm scroll!"

"Who is that blue-haired beauty? Such a strong aura... she feels even more than the eldest young lady..."

"Shh! Keep it down! But I'm really envious, everyone around Mr. Lin Muyang looks like they stepped out of a painting."

"You guys, do you think Mr. Lin Muyang came specifically for the eldest young lady this time? If they could get together, then our Gu family..."

"Stop guessing! How can we fathom the thoughts of such a prominent figure? Besides, be careful what you say, it won't be good if someone hears!"

"Right, right, right, stop discussing and get back to work!"

These hushed discussions, which they thought were discreet, were as clear as whispers in his ear to Lin Muyang's terrifying, inhuman perception. Listening to them speculate about his relationship with Gu Shuanglin, even describing him as if he were a great demon lord who would get angry and furious over a bit of gossip, Lin Muyang felt rather amused and helpless.

"It seems that once a person's strength reaches a certain level, they will indeed automatically be separated from the common populace, forming an invisible barrier," Lin Muyang mused. "Perhaps I don't feel any different, but in the eyes of others, I am no longer a person, but rather an existence to be looked up to, revered, or even feared. Their gaze, their tone of voice, and even their way of thinking naturally put on a filter."

This natural estrangement and misunderstanding caused by the absolute disparity in power were unavoidable. He had no intention of deliberately getting closer to eliminate the distance, nor did he bother to correct those baseless speculations. As long as it didn't cross his bottom line, he would let them be.

All the way, Gu Shuanglin's mood was also somewhat subtle. Walking beside Lin Muyang, feeling the surrounding gazes, both overt and covert, and hearing the hushed discussions that couldn't escape the ears of high-level Class Transferees, her face maintained a calm and proper smile, but her heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.

She could feel the calm yet unfathomable aura emanating from the man beside her, and also the cold, unapproachable aura emanating from Jialiya, the blue-haired girl on the other side. Being caught in the middle made her both a little nervous and filled with an inexplicable, honored, and peculiar feeling.

To alleviate the subtle atmosphere and to provide an introduction, Gu Shuanglin proactively found a topic, her voice clear as she introduced, "Lin Muyang, our family has two Equipment Modification Masters. One is Senior Zhuge Yuan, a grandmaster in the industry whose skills are superb. However, he's old and rarely works personally these days, usually only taking on jobs for old friends or particularly challenging tasks. The other is his apprentice, Fang Ming, who is younger but highly talented. He can already independently handle most high-level equipment modification commissions, and his skills are very solid, making him quite famous in the circle."

She paused, then looked at Lin Muyang, seeking his opinion: "My personal suggestion is that if you're aiming for the best modification effect, and the equipment materials you provide are sufficiently... special, it's best to directly ask Senior Zhuge Yuan to take action. It's just that he has a peculiar temper, and he might not agree..."

"Aren't both of these craftsmen hired by your Gu family? Can't you command them?" Lin Muyang was somewhat surprised. With the strength and status of the Gu Group, the craftsmen they supported actually had such airs?

Gu Shuanglin heard this, and a wry smile appeared on her delicate face as she explained, "Master Fang Ming is fine; he's highly paid by our Gu family and bound by contract, so he generally accepts work arrangements. But Senior Zhuge Yuan's situation is special. He's a close friend of my grandfather and is himself a powerful legendary Class Transferee. He agreed to stay with our Gu family out of respect for my grandfather, serving as an honored guest. He mostly oversees and provides guidance and isn't directly managed by our Gu family."

Her tone carried a hint of recollection and helplessness: "Ever since my grandfather unfortunately perished a few years ago during an exploration of a high-risk secret realm... Senior Zhuge was heartbroken for a long time, and his personality became even more reclusive afterward. Now, besides occasionally advising Fang Ming or taking on one or two particularly interesting jobs when he feels like it, he basically doesn't bother with family affairs. Let alone my father and those uncles, even if several other highly experienced elders in the family go to ask him, he still won't give face if he's in a bad mood."

So that's how it is. Lin Muyang understood. This Senior Zhuge Yuan was a close friend of the Gu family's old master, a revered figure of a tributary nature, whose status was transcendent and indeed not bound by an ordinary employment relationship. This also explained why Gu Shuanglin had said "might not agree" when introducing him.

"I'm sorry," Lin Muyang said suddenly, seeing the fleeting sadness in Gu Shuanglin's eyes when she mentioned her grandfather.

Gu Shuanglin was startled, looking at him with some confusion.

Lin Muyang explained, "Regarding your grandfather. The young girl beside me who can use resurrection abilities, her resurrection skill has significant limitations; it can only affect targets who have died recently. So... I regret that I cannot help you with this."

He had detected the extremely faint, almost imperceptible hint of a probing intention hidden in Gu Shuanglin's previous words. It wasn't manipulation, but rather the faint hope that a granddaughter who had lost a loved one, upon encountering the power of resurrection, couldn't help but feel deep down. Although reason told her the possibility was slim, emotionally she couldn't help but want to confirm. Lin Muyang understood this, so he directly clarified, saving her from holding onto unrealistic fantasies.

Gu Shuanglin's cheeks instantly flushed a captivating red, not from shyness, but from the embarrassment of having her thoughts seen through and a touch of emotion. She hadn't expected Lin Muyang's perception to be so keen, nor that he would respond so directly and honestly, even apologizing to her.

"Ah, no, it's fine! Lin Muyang, please don't say that!" Gu Shuanglin waved her hands repeatedly, her tone somewhat urgent. "My grandfather's matter happened several years ago... I know that resurrection must have extremely strict conditions. It's already an immense act of kindness that you could save those recently sacrificed powerhouses from Bear Country. I, I just mentioned it casually, I really didn't mean anything else!" Her heart was a mix of panic and a warm current. Lin Muyang not only wasn't displeased by her little thought but even proactively explained and expressed regret. This thoughtfulness deepened her favorable impression of Lin Muyang by several points. At the same time, she also completely understood that her grandfather truly couldn't come back. This regret could only be deeply buried in her heart.

"In that case, will you take me to see Senior Zhuge Yuan? Will he be willing to help?" Lin Muyang brought the conversation back to business, asking again.

Mentioning this, the expression on Gu Shuanglin's face relaxed a little, even showing a hint of small pride. She pursed her lips and chuckled softly, her voice also becoming a bit livelier: "If it were anyone else, even my father, Senior Zhuge would most likely decline with excuses like being too old, hands shaking, or unable to do delicate work. But if my sister and I go to ask him... he will most likely agree."

"Oh? There's such a difference?" Lin Muyang raised an eyebrow in surprise. It seemed the Gu Shuanglin sisters held significant weight in Senior Zhuge Yuan's heart.

"Mhm!" Gu Shuanglin nodded vigorously, gratitude showing in her eyes. "After Grandpa passed away, Senior Zhuge has always taken great care of us sisters. He has no children of his own, so he practically treats us like granddaughters. Usually, if other family members ask him for help, he'll refuse nine out of ten times, but if my sister and I bring him good wine or his favorite snacks and act a little spoiled, he usually softens and agrees."

At this point, a cunning yet warm smile appeared on her face. "The equipment for my summons, which has such high compatibility and enhancement, is largely due to Senior Zhuge secretly helping me adjust and modify it. Otherwise, with my own level and resource acquisition ability, I probably wouldn't even have made it into the finals of the Summoner Competition."

So that's it. Lin Muyang realized, and at the same time, he developed a bit more goodwill towards Senior Zhuge Yuan, whom he had never met. This was an old Senior who valued old friendships, had principles, and possessed a genuine personality. To care for the descendants of an old friend in such a way indicated good character. Moreover, from Gu Shuanglin's words, it was clear that Senior Zhuge Yuan's skills were indeed superb; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to adjust Gu Shuanglin's summons' equipment to a degree that allowed her to challenge opponents beyond her level.

"Alright then, I'll trouble you to take us to see Senior Zhuge." Lin Muyang made his decision, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. A top-tier, eccentric but loyal old Equipment Modification Master was exactly what he needed now. With his help, coupled with the top-grade materials he provided, they would surely be able to custom-build a set of peak equipment for Jialiya that best suited her and maximized her Necromancer potential!

Although Jialiya had been listening quietly without interrupting, her icy blue eyes had always paid attention to Lin Muyang and Gu Shuanglin's conversation. When she heard that Lin Muyang was so dedicated to her matters, even personally going to see an old Senior who was supposedly difficult to persuade, the hand holding Lin Muyang's arm unconsciously tightened slightly.