Gu Yulin

Biodata

Background / History

Gu Yulin and fellow Maoshan Taoist Zhang Bingxin first take custody of the Wolf Demon after its defeat. Their superiors instruct them to respect Shen Le’s boundaries, avoid claiming artifacts Shen Le has acquired, and cultivate a cooperative relationship with him rather than treating him as an ordinary civilian. 86 87

He becomes Shen Le’s regular Bureau contact, arranging supplies, checking abnormal incidents, passing requests to higher authorities, and connecting Shen Le with local branches and specialists. His position frequently leaves him caught between Shen Le’s unusual needs and the Bureau’s regulations or limited authority. 91 102 136

As strange phenomena intensify with the revival of spiritual energy, Gu Yulin is placed under increasing pressure to monitor Shen Le’s safety, coordinate his activities, and prevent outsiders from provoking him. His workload expands further as Shen Le’s restoration work and long-distance expeditions create increasingly large logistical demands. 433 745 768

Personality

Gu Yulin is cautious, practical, and highly conscious of procedure. He does not casually promise what he lacks authority to provide, even when the request comes from Shen Le, but he persistently seeks approval from his martial uncle, director, or other departments when support is needed. 91 443 611

He is visibly anxious about Shen Le’s safety and potential impact on the wider world, yet remains dependable under pressure. When Shen Le acts unpredictably, Gu Yulin responds by coordinating personnel, obtaining equipment, communicating with authorities, and managing consequences rather than abandoning him. 357 766 780

His professional restraint is often undermined by exhaustion and exasperation, particularly as the Bureau’s caseload grows. Even so, he continues to advocate for Shen Le and support his decisions, including the border morale tour and the registration of newly awakened Artifact Spirits. 742 768 878

Abilities & Skills

Maoshan Talismans and Ritual Practice

Gu Yulin is a Maoshan Taoist capable of using talismans and scripture-based techniques in field operations.

• Channels heat into a yellow cord while reciting scripture to restrain an abnormal bus. 777
• Carries Bureau-issued talismans for hazardous environments. 743
• Uses talismans to help maintain Shen Le’s warm wind barrier for soldiers on a snow mountain. 743
• His demonstrated methods are support-oriented and far below Shen Le’s direct supernatural power. 743 777

Special Affairs Bureau Coordination

Gu Yulin serves as Shen Le’s primary point of contact with the Bureau.

• Delivers requested chemicals and warns Shen Le about supernatural retaliation. 102
• Obtains contaminated Magic Artifact fragments for Shen Le’s demonic-energy-cleansing practice. 611
• Coordinates local Bureau branches, specialist contacts, equipment requests, transport, and emergency responses. 136 443 766
• Registers Artifact Spirits and records their forms, names, capabilities, and compensation needs. 625 878 881

Equipment / Items

• Bureau-issued talismans — Used for environmental protection and support operations. 743
• Yellow cord — Reinforced with ritual heat to contain an abnormal bus. 777
• Miniature detector — Used to monitor rising earth-energy readings near Tiger Hill. 794
• Special Affairs Bureau credentials and internal application access — Used to verify official authority during field incidents. 778

Relationships

• Shen Le — His principal liaison and frequent logistical support. Gu Yulin initially treats Shen Le as an overwhelmingly powerful figure to be handled carefully, but their relationship develops into reliable cooperation and concern. 87 102 611
• Zhang Bingxin — Fellow Maoshan Taoist and colleague who works alongside Gu Yulin during early Special Affairs Department cases. 86 164
• Old You — Gu Yulin acts as an intermediary when the peregrine falcon demon communicates in animal form and later helps coordinate attempts to rescue him. 164 383
• Li Xingtang — Gu Yulin and the Bureau help process the awakened Iron Armor’s registration and transition into modern society. 625 626
• Ying — Records and helps arrange the newly awakened chime-bell spirit’s identity, abilities, and operational compensation. 878 881
• Special Affairs Bureau leadership — Relays Shen Le’s requests upward and is frequently tasked with managing risks associated with Shen Le’s movements and projects. 433 761

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Wolf Demon aftermath — Arrives with Zhang Bingxin to take custody of the weakened Wolf Demon and begins the Bureau’s cautious effort to establish trust with Shen Le. 86 87
• Doll Cabinet investigations — Responds to Shen Le’s reports of anomalous dolls, investigates connected incidents, and helps explain why the Cabinet cannot safely remain with an ordinary owner. 99 108 122
• Special Affairs support network — Provides Shen Le with chemicals, specialist contacts, equipment access, practice materials, and administrative support for restoration work. 102 460 611
• Security and crisis management — Monitors threats around Shen Le, coordinates responses to foreign interference, and handles emergencies created by Shen Le’s travels and discoveries. 433 745 766
• Iron Armor integration — Helps the Bureau register Li Xingtang and steer the Tang Artifact Spirit away from immediate frontline enlistment toward training, research, and protective duties. 625 626
• Border morale tour — Accompanies Shen Le to high-altitude outposts, uses Bureau talismans to support soldiers, and manages the confusion caused by Shen Le’s extraordinary arrival. 742 743
• Pottery House restoration — Handles reports, isolation measures, and interdepartmental coordination while Shen Le reconstructs an ancient kiln with spiritual fire. 777 780
• Chime bell awakening — Assists in documenting and registering Ying after the Lady Xiang Shrine ritual awakens the Artifact Spirit. 878 881

Notable Quotes

“Puns will cost you a pay deduction.” 99

“You have no idea how busy we've been lately!” 768