Chapter 536: Chapter 230 Demon Text Institute
"What is Refining Light?" Li Xiu, sensing there was more to it, hurriedly asked.
"You don’t know about Refining Light? Then what are you studying Demon Text for?" Li Qingyi looked at Li Xiu with a puzzled expression.
"I’m only studying Demon Text to understand some of the writings from the Demon Kingdom. What does that have to do with Refining Light?" Li Xiu asked.
"Fine, I’ll explain it in detail for you. After S-level, the next rank is called Light Base. It’s about Condensing Void into Reality, taking Light as the vein, and Light Vein as the base, transforming the body into a Light Energy Body. This requires special techniques, and these techniques are not found on Earth. The Light Condensation Technique used at the Light Base level is discovered from Demon Kingdom relics. Once you advance to the Light Base level, the Trial Ground enhancements are useless to you, and you’ll need a Light Condensation Technique to continue growing. But you don’t need to learn those complex Demon Texts yourself. The Demon Text Institute has translated copies of various Light Condensation Techniques. As a Commander, once you advance to the Light Base level, you have the authority to obtain the translated versions."
"I see, the Light Base level, huh?" Li Xiu’s expression was strange. He thought the name of this level sounded a bit odd.
"You rest, I’ll go prepare some Red Apatite." Qingyi said as she got up and left the room.
Li Xiu also followed her out of the room, heading directly to the Demon Text Institute.
On the way, many Trial Takers gave Li Xiu strange looks upon seeing him.
Li Xiu knew that the news of Jing Li wanting to kill him had spread, but he didn’t care, and walked on unperturbed.
Before reaching the Demon Text Institute, he saw someone as round as a ball walking towards him, smiling with eyes squinted almost into slits.
"Where is Commander Li headed?" Bai Wanli approached with no intention of moving out of the way, greeting him with a beaming smile.
"Just wandering around, does Vice President Bai have any business?" Li Xiu casually replied.
"What business could I have? But Commander Li, you’ve got yourself in such a big mess yet still have the mood to stroll about. That’s indeed something only extraordinary people can manage. I’m very impressed." Bai Wanli said with a smile that seemed both genuine and veiled.
"It seems Vice President Bai cares quite a bit about me." Li Xiu sneered.
"Of course, I used to manage the Demon Armor group, which you’ve taken over now. You could say I’m your senior, so it’s only natural to care about you, my junior. If things really get tough, come to me anytime. Although I can’t be of much assistance, small matters like buying a coffin or collecting a corpse are doable." Bai Wanli said, squinting.
"Since Vice President Bai is so concerned, why not issue me my Commander benefits?" Li Xiu said.
"The warehouse is currently being inventoried, once it’s done, Commander Li can come to collect. I’m truly sorry." Bai Wanli was not flustered at all, still smiling broadly.
"When will the inventory be completed?" Li Xiu asked.
"Well, the warehouse hasn’t been thoroughly inventoried in years, there’s just too much stuff that needs organizing. But rest assured, Commander Li, I will do my utmost to finish the inventory as soon as possible. It might take two or three months quickly, or maybe one or two years slowly. I’ll notify you immediately once it’s done." Bai Wanli said proudly.
"So, does this mean the supplies for our Technician group will also have to wait until the inventory is completed?" Li Xiu looked at Bai Wanli and asked.
"Commander Li is truly smart, you’ve guessed it right." Bai Wanli was even more pleased.
"Alright, take your time with the inventory, I’m in no rush." Li Xiu said as he bypassed Bai Wanli and continued heading towards the Demon Text Institute.
"Hmph." Bai Wanli watched Li Xiu’s departing figure and snorted coldly, then hummed a tune to himself as he walked away.
Li Xiu knew it wasn’t the time for demanding things, so he ignored Bai Wanli, deciding to wait for the right moment.
Li Xiu arrived at the Demon Text Institute. Despite being on the same level as the Magic Armor Research Institute, just looking at the front, it was clear the Demon Text Institute had more prestige.
The entrance had a golden plaque, flanked by stone lions, golden couplets hanging on either side, and a gatekeeper watching amusingly.
The gatekeeper sat by the door, cradling a small teapot in one hand and holding a long smoking pipe in the other, sipping tea and puffing smoke, living a cozy life.
Even a guard was living so well, indicating the Demon Text Institute had a status far above the research institute.
"Young man, where’s your pass?" As soon as Li Xiu reached the door, the gatekeeper stopped him.
"What pass?" Li Xiu asked.
"Don’t play dumb. Without a pass issued by the City Lord, no one is allowed into the Demon Text Institute." The old man sat in his chair, not bothering to stand up, only gesturing towards a sign nearby with his pipe. The sign read "No entry for unauthorized personnel" in four large characters.
"I’m here to consult the head of the Demon Text Institute regarding issues in Demon Text research. Would you please let him know?" Li Xiu requested.
"Research Demon Text? At your age, and you’re researching Demon Text?" The old man curled his lip, pointing at the golden couplets on both sides of the door. "Do you recognize these characters?"
Li Xiu had noticed the couplets earlier, written in Demon Text, and asymmetrical—six Demon Text symbols on the right and eight on the left. It looked quite awkward, one long and one short.
If someone didn’t recognize Demon Text, they might think something was missing.
In fact, Demon Text symbols represent meanings differently than Earth’s known languages, where a single symbol could express various meanings. It’s common for the symbols to be unevenly matched when translating couplets into Demon Text.