250: Chapter 251 I never expected the master to be like this in private.

Led by Gu Shuanglin, Lin Muyang, Jialiya, and Gu Xiaoyu, who followed behind, passed through the winding corridors of the Gu Group manor, skirted several meticulously maintained gardens with varied scenery, and finally arrived at a relatively independent and secluded area.

This area was located in the northeast corner of the manor, maintaining a certain distance from the main building complex. What met the eye was a garden planned with a rustic charm, not the neatly uniform European style, but more like a Chinese courtyard that followed natural growth. Strange rocks were scattered, paths wound, and various flowers and green plants, seemingly random, were actually arranged with hidden order. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of grass, wood, and earth.

Deep within the garden, a two-story Chinese-style building with white walls, dark tiles, and upturned eaves stood quietly, ancient and elegant, perfectly blending with its surroundings. The building was not large, but it was evident that the materials and workmanship were extremely exquisite. The doors and windows were carved wooden lattices, and several strings of wind chimes hung under the eaves, emitting crisp and pleasant tinkling sounds in the evening breeze, giving it the flavor of a reclusive master's dwelling.

Before even entering the courtyard gate of that building, a petite figure was seen in the courtyard, holding an antique bronze watering can and carefully watering a cluster of vibrant purple hydrangeas. It was a girl with a high ponytail, wearing a simple white cotton and linen shirt and light blue overalls, with the pant legs rolled up, revealing slender, fair ankles. She was very serious about her watering, and seemed to be humming an unknown tune, exuding a leisurely air that matched the tranquil environment.

"Yu'er, open the door~" Gu Shuanglin was clearly familiar with the place. She waved at the girl from across the low courtyard fence, her voice clear as she called out.

"Oh? Sister Shuanglin?" The girl who was watering looked up at the sound, revealing a delicate and lovely oval face, about fifteen or sixteen years old, with fair skin and round, spiritual eyes. A look of surprise appeared on her face, probably not expecting Gu Shuanglin to visit at this time. Due to the distance and angle, she hadn't initially seen the people following behind Gu Shuanglin.

"Please come in quickly, the door isn't locked." The girl, Zhuge Yuer, put down the watering can, clapped the water droplets from her hands, and trotted over to open the door. As she got closer, she finally saw Lin Muyang and Jialiya standing behind Gu Shuanglin. When her gaze fell on Lin Muyang's face, she first froze, then her eyes widened instantly, her small mouth slightly agape, and two blushes quickly flew to her cheeks. Even her breathing seemed to stop for a moment.

"Ah! Sister Shuanglin... this, isn't this..." Zhuge Yuer clearly recognized Lin Muyang, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible tremor. She hastily pulled open the slightly ajar wooden courtyard gate, inviting everyone in. She lowered her head, wanting to look at Lin Muyang but not daring to, only stealing glances from the corner of her eye. Her shy yet curious demeanor appeared especially innocent and lovely. It was no wonder; Lin Muyang's current fame among the younger generation on Azure Star was almost unparalleled. Coupled with his already handsome and outstanding appearance and the natural affinity brought by his Friend of Beautiful Girls Aura, his lethality to girls of Zhuge Yuer's age was simply fatal.

"That's right, it's Lin Muyang. I brought him to talk to your Senior about something." Gu Shuanglin smiled, not surprised by the girl's reaction. She then turned to Lin Muyang and introduced, "Lin Muyang, this is Senior Zhuge's granddaughter, Zhuge Yuer. She's sixteen this year and still in high school. She'll be able to participate in the class advancement ceremony next summer."

"Hello, Yu'er." Lin Muyang nodded to the girl, a casual greeting, his tone gentle and relaxed. He didn't deliberately release any Aura, but his calm and detached presence naturally carried an indescribable charm.

Even such a simple greeting made Zhuge Yuer's heart skip a beat, and her cheeks flushed even redder. She replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, "H-hello, Brother Lin Muyang..." The last two words, "Brother Lin Muyang," were almost inaudible. In her opinion, calling him just "Lin Muyang" seemed too impolite, and "Mr. Lin Muyang" too distant. In her urgency, she subconsciously added "Brother." After saying it, she felt even more embarrassed and lowered her head further.

Lin Muyang didn't mind the address, only finding the young girl quite interesting. Jialiya, as always, remained quiet. Her icy blue eyes briefly swept over Zhuge Yuer, then moved away, continuing to observe her surroundings, seemingly more interested in the unique garden and architecture.

"Yu'er, is Senior Zhuge in?" Gu Shuanglin asked about the main matter.

"Yes, yes, Senior is inside drinking tea... but..." Zhuge Yuer seemed to recall something, a strange expression appearing on her small face, and she hesitated to speak. "Never mind, I'll take you there." She turned and walked briskly towards the main house. Although her heart fluttered because of Lin Muyang's arrival, making her seem a bit eager, her steps still maintained good upbringing, light yet elegant, showing she was very well-mannered.

Lin Muyang held Jialiya's hand and followed unhurriedly. Gu Shuanglin lagged half a step behind, walking beside Lin Muyang, her mood far from calm. As they drew closer to Senior's Zhuge's residence, her inner tension not only didn't lessen but became even more pronounced.

This tension didn't stem from reverence for Senior Zhuge, but rather more from Lin Muyang beside her. She couldn't help but recall her recent past—the eldest daughter of the Gu Group, an exceptionally talented Summoner, with top-tier looks and family background, the object of desire for countless young talents in Tianhai City and even Kyoto. Back then, she was confident and composed; if she were to show favor to any male, few would likely refuse.

But now, standing beside Lin Muyang, that Aura of a favored daughter of heaven that once surrounded her seemed to instantly dim. The height Lin Muyang had reached far exceeded her, even beyond the scope of her understanding. It wasn't merely a simple level advantage, but a vast gap in life essence, power level, and perhaps even in the understanding of the world's fundamental nature. He was like a towering mountain reaching into the clouds, and she was merely a diligently growing tree at its foot. Though outstanding in her own right, when looking up, she could only feel her own insignificance and that suffocating grandeur.

The pressure brought by this disparity was invisible yet immense. It made Gu Shuanglin unable to maintain her former composure and confidence in front of Lin Muyang. Instead, there was a cautiousness, an awkwardness born of fear of saying or doing something wrong. This pressure had little to do with her own strength or status; it was purely a reaction to facing a higher-dimensional existence. She could only constantly tell herself to relax, but the effect seemed insignificant.

Soon, the group followed Zhuge Yuer into the main house. The interior furnishings were antique, mostly redwood furniture, and the air was filled with a faint tea fragrance and the unique tranquil scent of old wood. Light streamed through the carved wooden window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor. However, somewhat 'out of place' with this elegant environment, an old man sat in a wide armchair by the window.

This old man was Senior Zhuge. He was vastly different from the image Lin Muyang had imagined—that of an immortal-like figure, dressed in a Tang Suit or long robe, exuding the demeanor of a master. He had a shiny bald head that even reflected light through the window grilles. He wore a brightly colored Hawaiian-style floral shirt with exaggerated tropical flower patterns, loose gray sweatpants, and a pair of flip-flops. At this moment, he was slumped in the armchair, an old purple clay teapot and several teacups in front of him, but his attention was not on the tea at all. Instead, he was completely engrossed in the screen of a seemingly high-spec laptop placed on a small side table.

Flashes of light flickered on the screen, clearly showing a competitive game. The intense combat sound effects, even with the volume lowered, were quite clear in the quiet room. The old man held a teacup in one hand and rapidly operated the mouse with the other, muttering, "Yu'er, don't disturb me, Grandpa's team fight is crucial! We must take the High Ground Tower! Does this Jungler even know how to play? Oh, this ADC's positioning... Beautiful! Controlled! Nice!"

This scene made even the well-traveled Lin Muyang's eyelids twitch slightly. This legendary top-tier equipment modification master, an industry titan, was actually this fashionable and otaku-like in private? The contrast was truly quite stark.

Seeing this, Zhuge Yuer's face flushed even redder, and she awkwardly whispered, "Grandpa, we have guests..."

"What guests? Can't you see I'm busy? Wait... who did you say?" Senior Zhuge asked casually, not turning his head, his fingers clicking rapidly on the mouse.

"It's, it's Sister Shuanglin, and also Lin Muyang." Zhuge Yuer had to raise her voice a bit.

"Oh, Shuanglin, just sit down... Wait, who did you say? Lin Muyang?!" Senior Zhuge didn't react at first. When Lin Muyang's name clearly reached his ears, he jolted, his hand trembled, and he almost dropped the teacup. He abruptly turned his head, not even caring that his game character was in peril on the screen, his gaze instantly locking onto the doorway.

When he saw the extraordinary young man standing at the doorway, flanked by Gu Shuanglin and an unfamiliar, stunning blue-haired girl, his pupils slightly contracted. Although he lived in seclusion, he wasn't cut off from the world. Lin Muyang's appearance had been seen countless times in news reports and online videos. Now, with the real person before him, that transcendent Aura, even when restrained, was undeniable, making him instantly confirm—yes, it was the legendary Lin Muyang!

"It truly is Young Friend Lin Muyang gracing my humble abode with your presence!" The casualness and focus on Senior Zhuge's face instantly vanished, replaced by an expression mixed with surprise, solemnity, and a hint of imperceptible excitement. He quickly put down the mouse and stood up from the armchair, his movements surprisingly nimble, not at all like an old man. He first glared at his granddaughter with a somewhat reproachful look: "Yu'er, you girl, with such distinguished guests arriving, why didn't you announce it earlier? To let Grandpa meet guests looking like this, what kind of decorum is that?"

Zhuge Yuer pouted aggrievedly and mumbled softly, "I... I just forgot when I got nervous..." She couldn't very well say that her mind went blank and she couldn't think of anything else the moment she saw Lin Muyang.

Senior Zhuge had only spoken casually. He quickly composed his facial expression. Although his outfit of a floral shirt, sweatpants, and flip-flops couldn't be changed for the moment, his entire demeanor had already shifted. The image of the game-addicted old otaku faded, replaced by a steady and shrewd air, characteristic of a top artisan, refined by long experience.

"Sit, everyone sit." Senior Zhuge gestured to several redwood chairs nearby, then sat down himself. His gaze swept over Lin Muyang and Jialiya, finally resting on Lin Muyang's face, and he spoke directly: "I never expected Young Friend Lin Muyang to seek out an old man like me. One doesn't visit without a reason; I presume you have some equipment you'd like me to take a look at?"

At his age, having weathered countless storms, he had long seen through people and matters. For a figure like Lin Muyang to suddenly visit his reclusive craftsman's abode, he couldn't think of any other reason besides something related to equipment. Moreover, he keenly noticed the blue-haired girl beside Lin Muyang, whose temperament was special, definitely not an ordinary professional.

Then, his gaze turned to Jialiya, who stood quietly beside Lin Muyang, a glint of probing insight flashing in his eyes: "This young lady has a unique temperament, her energy fluctuations are subtle and chilling. Forgive this old man's poor sight, but may I ask what your profession is? If you wish to modify equipment, I must first understand your professional characteristics so I can see if I have relevant modification experience or if I need to consult ancient texts."

"Jialiya is a Necromancer." Lin Muyang didn't hide it, directly stating Jialiya's profession. Since they were asking the other party to modify equipment, professional information was the most basic, and hiding it would be counterproductive.

"A Necromancer?!"

Upon hearing these four words, not only Senior Zhuge, but even Gu Shuanglin and Gu Xiaoyu, who were standing by, showed clear surprise on their faces. This profession was simply too rare on Azure Star! Historically, recorded appearances were few and far between, and it seemed they all failed to truly grow and eventually fell in chaotic times. Even an experienced Senior like Senior Zhuge, who had dealt with almost every type of professional, was seeing a living, and seemingly quite powerful, Necromancer for the first time.

"Interesting... truly interesting!" After a brief moment of surprise, Senior Zhuge's eyes, far from showing fear or repulsion, instead ignited with intense interest—the unique glow of a top artisan encountering a novel challenge. "Necromancer equipment... I truly haven't personally modified any. However, all changes follow a fundamental principle. Based on professional characteristics, a Necromancer is between a traditional Mage and a Summoner, leaning more towards a composite field of darkness, death, souls, and summoning."

"Their equipment needs can theoretically be compatible with some Mage equipment that offers high Spirit and high mana recovery, as well as Summoner equipment that has enhancement effects on summons. But specifically which type of equipment modification would yield better results and higher compatibility needs to be analyzed based on this young lady's specific skill system and energy circulation method. There's no precedent to follow, which makes it even more challenging!"

When discussing his professional field, Senior Zhuge immediately seemed like a different person. His eyes were sharp, his tone firm, and the otaku Aura was completely gone, replaced by the demeanor of a grandmaster. He even unconsciously began to stroke his chin, falling into a brief contemplation, murmuring, "Spirit attribute is core... Death energy channeling... summon enhancement link... Hmm, perhaps composite energy circuits can be inscribed within the equipment..."

Lin Muyang indeed didn't know much about the specifics of equipment modification; he excelled at using and imbuing equipment with powerful special effects, not at manufacturing and modifying. In this regard, he completely trusted the judgment of professionals.

"What materials, what type of equipment as a base, you just say. As long as it exists in this world, I can find a way to get it." Lin Muyang said it lightly, but the confidence and assurance in his words made Senior Zhuge's heart stir. He knew that this young man absolutely had the right to say such a thing.

Upon hearing this, the glint in Senior Zhuge's eyes intensified. What he appreciated most was this kind of straightforward and confident client, as it meant he could work freely and try some bold ideas that he normally wouldn't dare to implement due to material limitations. A smile appeared on his face, a joyful smile of meeting a kindred spirit and a challenge.

However, this smile quickly receded somewhat. He seemed to remember something, and his gaze subtly flickered towards Gu Shuanglin, who stood on Lin Muyang's other side with a slightly nervous expression, a faint, meaningful glint passing through his eyes.