Zhang Ming led the Snake People into the Great Knowledge Institute.
There were no red banners or anything of the sort.
After all, in these two research institutes, knowledge came before everything else. There was none of that political ceremony.
"Here, we advocate equality for all and respect for knowledge above all else."
"That statue you see is of a scientist named Archimedes."
"A very, very long time ago, two countries were at war. An enemy soldier broke into Archimedes's home and saw an old man drawing diagrams on the ground outside his house, studying geometry. Archimedes said, 'Go away! Don't touch my diagrams!' The soldier grew furious at this and drew his sword, stabbing Archimedes and killing this great man."
"We worked to create a free, relaxed academic atmosphere solely to attract people like Archimedes and advance human civilization."
The Snake People did not quite understand. What exactly did this story mean?
In their civilization, strength was essentially proportional to status. This applied even to experts and scholars. Education was very expensive. Without a prestigious family background, how could anyone afford it?
Soon, however, they understood what was going on.
On the institute's main thoroughfare, a middle-aged man in casual clothes and glasses approached them. He had not shaved in a long time.
He seemed lost in his own world and walked headfirst into a utility pole. With a loud bang, he toppled to the ground.
Zhang Ming's eyelids could not help twitching.
Fortunately, people in this age generally practiced Breathing Techniques, and their constitutions were much stronger than those of the Old Era. The middle-aged man merely got a bump on his forehead and was dazed for a few seconds.
The fellow climbed to his feet and greeted Zhang Ming casually when he saw him. "Oh, Old Zhang!