"So, how’s it? The modifications I made aren’t too bad, right?" Ximen Guan asked, looking pleased after Li Xiu tested the Ghost-faced Magic Armor.
"If you weren’t born, old Guan, this field of Magic Armor would have been wasted." Li Xiu gave Ximen Guan a thumbs up.
There’s no denying it, Ximen Guan’s skills are genuinely impressive. The level he achieved with decades-old technology is remarkable, truly a talent.
The modified Ghost-faced Magic Armor’s performance is already on par with Li Xiu’s previous Red Flower Magic Armor, and in some aspects, even surpasses it.
It’s important to note that the Red Flower Magic Armor comes from the world’s leading Magic Armor Laboratory’s top-tier product. Both materials and equipment are leagues ahead of what old Guan had.
That he could upgrade the old Ghost-faced Magic Armor to such a degree using these materials and equipment speaks volumes about his ability to transcend times technologically; he’s not even on the same level as those Magic Armor Makers in the other laboratories.
"Could it be that the advancements in the Magic Armor industry over the past few decades are actually a step backward?" Li Xiu found it difficult to comprehend why current top Magic Armor technology still lagged behind what was available decades ago.
In fact, Li Xiu’s thoughts were partially correct; it was a matter of research direction.
Ximen Guan’s research path diverged fundamentally from the current mainstream; he never pursued that route, so naturally, he couldn’t be less advanced than Ximen Guan from decades ago.
Though impressive, Ximen Guan continued to study the latest Magic Armor technology after coming out. Many techniques used in the modification of the Ghost-faced Magic Armor were borrowed from current Magic Armor technologies; Ximen Guan was learning in the process.
Seeing such high praise from Li Xiu, Ximen Guan couldn’t help but beam with joy, though he feigned modesty by saying, "You’re giving too much credit. Honestly, without me, there wouldn’t even be a Magic Armor industry."
"Fair point." Li Xiu agreed with this statement from Ximen Guan, acknowledging his title as the Father of Demon Armor. It wasn’t an exaggeration.
Ximen Guan was so smug because of Li Xiu’s commendation; he wouldn’t be as thrilled if someone else praised him, possibly even dismissing it.
Li Xiu was an esteemed Magic Armor Master in Ximen Guan’s eyes, and only such individuals were qualified to critique his work.
"Old Guan, did you use some of your Magic Armor techniques in this set?" Li Xiu asked, examining the armor he wore.
This set of armor was clearly designed with a micro-thin architecture, much lighter and more delicate than ordinary armor, likely employing similar techniques to that set of Magic Armor.
"Just a bit of the basics. The base materials for this armor are different. If you truly want to convert it entirely into my style of Magic Armor, it’s unrealistic—better off creating a new set from scratch. Plus, your equipment and materials here are lacking, funding is limited, so make do with it." Ximen Guan responded casually.
As Li Xiu was about to leave, Ximen Guan called out to him, "Really not considering using my set of Magic Armor? It’s much better than that junk you’re using."
"Even if I swore an oath, would you dare use it? How about you make me another set?" Li Xiu laughed.
"I haven’t even gotten this set sorted out. Do you have the money for the materials for another set? The equipment here isn’t good either. If you want to build another set, you’ll need new equipment. I checked online; those devices are controlled by Space City and White Night City—won’t be easy to acquire." Ximen Guan pondered aloud.
"Make a list for me, and I’ll see what I can do." Li Xiu wasn’t concerned about a single set of Magic Armor, but mass production would be different.
"Alright, if you’re serious, I’ll write it for you later. But I have to say upfront, not everyone can activate my Magic Armor. Those so-called S-Class Magic Armor Masters probably can’t use this armor, and it’d be wasted on them. Even if mass production is possible, where will you find Magic Armor Masters?" Ximen Guan remarked.
Understanding Li Xiu’s intention for mass production, Ximen Guan didn’t mind assisting Li Xiu, seeing as the stronger Li Xiu became, the more secure he would be.
Chang Sheng Tian truthfully discovered that he escaped, and he needed to rely on Li Xiu to keep him safe. The two were inextricably linked, on the same rope, so Ximen Guan was unreservedly supportive of Li Xiu.
"Let’s finish this set of Magic Armor first." Li Xiu waved his hand and left the laboratory.
Li Xiu found a backpack, put the Ghost-faced Magic Armor inside; its compact size made it portable and convenient.
With the armor ready, Li Xiu planned to go to the Sea Heaven Trial Ground before Sha Chu headed to Chang Sheng Tian, to retrieve the Blood Pattern Revolver and become a true Trial Taker.
Li Xiu had considered the Gate of Purgatory as well, but it seemed too unrealistic currently. First, he already had a feud with the Red Sand City Lord, and secondly, he wasn’t sure about the situation inside the Gate of Purgatory—going back for the Blood Pattern Revolver seemed more reliable.
Just as Li Xiu was about to call Sha Chu and A Fei to assign tasks before heading to the Sea Heaven Trial Ground, he saw Ye Yuzhen rushing over hurriedly.
"I’m telling you, you can’t enter..." A guard chased after Ye Yuzhen, trying to stop him.
"City Lord... help... " Ye Yuzhen’s eyes were bloodshot, and his clothes were stained with blood. He rushed forward and knelt before Li Xiu, kowtowing to him.
His forehead hit the ground heavily, making a thumping sound that left his forehead bruised after two knocks.