Chapter 159: Madhouse
The research central was different from anything else Anji had ever seen in the sect. It was a hive-like building guarded by many spells. She had no idea how everyone knew where to go as there were many floors to the blockish building. Even from above, Anji could tell it would be a maze inside with so many corridors and stairs. Not all levels were aligned, and some had many intersections.
"Remember to follow me closely," Senior Researcher Mo finally spoke, preparing for their arrival. "It’s a rat’s maze inside, and these lab rats are a different species from the others. Once you get lost, not even I could locate you."
Shuddering at the overly complicated structure, Anji wondered who built this mind-boggling fortress full of uncoordinated corridors. After they landed on the roof, Anji noticed how uneven it was. It was as if someone had decided to add onto an initial structure to the existing brick building. There was even some construction going on on the other side as if they were building a new room on top of the existing building.
"Welcome to the research central," he finally put Anji down. "The most mysterious place in the Mystical Qilin Sect. I don’t live here, and I don’t intend to live here. Those who do have aren’t sane. There are a few senior researchers who live here as well, so don’t just talk to anybody you see. Stick close to me."
Nodding, Anji quickly walked beside the senior researcher. It did not merely appear to be a madhouse. It felt and sounded like one as well. She had no idea what she was hearing with so many influences. Something like a human’s scream was heard among animal noises. The place inside the barrier was as noisy as a fish market. It was a mystery how anyone could survive this hellish environment. No wonder Senior Researcher Mo claimed that there were no sane people in the research central.
Was this the final evolution of those who dedicated their all to research and knowledge?
Following the senior researcher down several flight of stairs, Anji finally started to understand why some people would choose to live here. Although it was constantly bustling with activity, there was almost everything that anyone could need in this place without leaving the area.
Unlike the western district, where Anji had to walk very long distances to get to one place or find something, the research central had everything. There were even multiple options. Despite the chaos, there was order within it. That order defied common sense, but the effectiveness of the lawless system spoke for itself.
"A kid? What is a kid doing here?"
"Is that a child? Whose lost child is that?"
"Outsiders? We’re getting visitors? I can’t believe there are outsiders who would willingly come to this pit. Are they converting?"
All around them, Anji could hear the unveiled speculations of curious onlookers. Their observations and obvious curiosity were very different from the silent judging stares. It felt somehow refreshing to hear things directly instead of reading and guessing intentions. Despite the ratlike colony structure, Anji was beginning to understand why some researchers preferred to live here. It was heaven for socially inept researchers who were solely dedicated to understanding the unknown.