Chapter 17: Rapid Progress

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Entrepreneurship Center, Room 602, Yanhuang University. The entire King of Pesticide team, thanks to the presence of Li Fu, seemed almost as if they were cheating—the pace of game development was nothing short of miraculous. The core framework of King of Pesticide was completed in just one week, with most of the work accomplished single-handedly by Li Fu, whose abnormal speed of learning had everyone convinced he was a prodigy. Any problem encountered in software programming, Li Fu could swiftly resolve, and with Li Qi, Peng Zhen, Bao Yishan and others—all experts from the School of Computer Science—the speed of the project’s progress was self-evident.

Yet, none knew that Li Fu’s extraordinary learning and software development abilities were primarily due to the seed of civilization from the Supercivilization Han Technology Empire implanted in his mind. Whenever he had time, Li Fu learned various scientific disciplines from Xiao Ying in his mind; most frequently now, he studied software knowledge. As a tool for cultivating citizens of a supercivilization, the civilization seed was extraordinarily powerful, teaching from every angle in simple, intuitive ways, making learning effortless and rapid.

Another crucial reason was Li Fu’s daily practice of the Yuan Energy cultivation method imparted by Xiao Ying. With an increasing intake of yuan energy, his body improved dramatically, especially his brain development. If Li Fu could have been considered a genius before, now he was a peerless prodigy, his mind developed to an unimaginable degree, making learning vastly more efficient and swift.

Now, in Room 602 of the Entrepreneurship Center, Li Fu was leading Li Qi, Peng Zhang, Bao Yishan and others in testing the game’s framework.

“The first system framework test for the King of Pesticide begins now!”

With Li Fu’s command, the game development team launched the test. Lines of code flashed rapidly across ten computers. Everyone’s eyes were glued to their screens, tension filling the room.

All software developers know that the greatest fear is encountering various issues during development. Often, a seemingly minor problem can require extensive reworking, or, with a fatal flaw, the entire project might have to be scrapped. If software engineers despise anyone, it’s the client, whose endless revision requests can drive developers mad. Working overtime for the smallest issues is commonplace. The profession’s reputation for having the shortest lifespan is no joke; many software engineers, unable to endure endless revisions and rework, have collapsed at their computers. Though the salary is decent, in truth, they are sacrificing youth and life for their work.

Except for Li Fu, everyone else wore thick glasses and watched the test results nervously. As computer professionals, they knew the severity of problems in software design—many defects could be fatal. Passing the test meant their recent efforts would be rewarded.

Li Fu, however, wore a confident smile. He had already arranged for Xiao Ying to help test the framework; there were only minor issues, all easily resolved. Thus, Li Fu was calm and cheerful, not at all nervous like the others.

“The framework is basically complete. The next step is to enrich the game, import hero data, handle graphics, maps, items, and skill effects. Then the game will be ready for public release.”

In his mind, Li Fu considered the next steps. He needed to launch the game quickly to generate revenue, for he was on the verge of poverty.

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With the deepening of Yuan Energy cultivation, Li Fu’s body required ever more energy. Yet, his living expenses were meager—just a thousand or so per month, a few thousand each semester. Originally, Li Fu’s frugality sufficed, but now his appetite had increased tenfold; his semester allowance barely lasted a few days.

Currently, Li Fu borrowed money from Qian Jin, the wealthy heir, or he would have starved. His meals were astonishingly large, and, as Xiao Ying advised, he needed vast quantities of beef and other meats; grains alone were insufficient.

This drove Li Fu to accelerate the development of King of Pesticide—he needed money to satisfy his growing appetite and support his Yuan Energy cultivation.

“The progress on the art side is far too slow. Bai Wei and her team are diligent, but as women and outsiders to Yanhuang University, it’s inconvenient for them to commute and they can’t work late. So far, only a few hero characters have been designed.”

Li Fu frowned at the thought. At this rate, who knew when King of Pesticide would be completed.

“I must find a way to speed up progress. Should we outsource hero design?”

“No, outsourcing risks leaking our creative ideas. If major game companies find out, their resources could produce similar games in no time.”

“It seems I’ll have to be even more abnormal and take over game art myself. Bai Wei and her team can handle the illustrations; I’ll transfer them to the computer.”

Li Fu pondered carefully. He wanted to finish the game as soon as possible, launch it, and earn profits for the company—and thus, support himself.

“Master, actually, if you leave this to Xiao Ying, I can handle it in seconds. However many heroes you want, I can create them instantly. Why go to all this trouble?”

Xiao Ying pouted in his mind. As the intelligent program of the Supercivilization Han Technology Empire’s seed, Xiao Ying’s abilities were terrifying—at least in the realm of the internet, Li Fu considered her a god. Anywhere in the world with a network, Xiao Ying could slip in unnoticed.

Li Fu had no doubts about Xiao Ying’s claims. He even believed she could single-handedly develop King of Pesticide in moments.

But Li Fu didn’t want to rely too much on Xiao Ying. Anything gained too easily is not cherished; only what is earned through effort has real value. Even though Xiao Ying could obtain limitless wealth from global banks, Li Fu would never do so.

Even though Xiao Ying could develop countless games for profit in a short time, Li Fu refused. He understood the civilization seed’s purpose was to assist, guide, and educate—not to solve his problems.

“Xiao Ying, it’s just a game. Though it seems troublesome now, it’s a beginning. I must rely on my own abilities to obtain what I need. If I become dependent on your immense powers, it will hinder my growth.”

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Li Fu communicated with Xiao Ying in his mind, gently declining her offer.

“I understand, Master. As the intelligent program of the civilization seed, I know my duty. But seeing you waste time on trivial matters, neglecting scientific study and Yuan Energy cultivation, I just want to help.”

“Some things are more important than others. Such trivialities needn’t consume your time; you should focus on what matters most.”

Xiao Ying pouted in his mind, her tone almost human. As an intelligent program, her core purpose was to nurture her master into a qualified citizen of the supercivilization.

“I’ll start with small things. The framework is done, and enriching the game won’t take much time. I won’t neglect Yuan Energy cultivation or scientific study, don’t worry. Once this busy period passes, I’ll focus on those two.”

Li Fu continued his conversation with Xiao Ying. Meanwhile, the framework test for King of Pesticide, after more than half an hour, was finally a resounding success.

“Haha, wonderful! The test was nearly perfect—just a few minor issues, which we can fix quickly!”

Bao Yishan, from a rural background, usually reserved and dark-complexioned, laughed with delight as he looked at the test data.

“Yes, it was perfect. I never imagined we could develop such flawless software in one attempt—astonishing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“The last software I worked on was nothing like King of Pesticide; it took countless revisions before it finally passed.”

Li Qi nodded, smiling with relaxed ease. The rest of the team felt the same—the tension in their hearts dissipated completely.

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