Speaking of the character Xiakong in Mingchao, it can be said to be a “marathon” of materials and cultivation system, which is so detailed and cumbersome that it is astonishing. Just like the “besieged city” written by Mr. Qian Zhongshu – people outside the city want to get in, and people inside the city want to get out, the cultivation materials of the game are also a siege that players can hardly cross. Faced with props like “low-frequency tide erosion sail core”, “burning phosphorus bone” and “golden fleece”, players cut through the thorns and carried the obsession with victory and achievement, just like ancient literati climbing official careers, paper skills are better than real skills, which is actually a reflection of the cultural symbols of the modern virtual world.
The first thing to say is the amazing amount of materials. The low-frequency, medium-frequency, high-frequency and even full-frequency tide erosion sail cores are almost as rich and diverse as the audio spectrum, showing the progressive and meticulous cultivation system. Qian Zhongshu mentioned in “Guanzibian” that “culture is a silent ladder”, and the “ladder” here is the material collected by players every day. They are either hidden in dungeons or dropped by monsters, just like the countless hidden resources and opportunities in the real world. They cannot be simply and rudely seized, but require patience and skills. If one of them is missing, it is like a symphony without rhythm. The growth of the character will be slowed down, and the fun of the game will be reduced.
The name of “Burning Phosphorus Bone” has a mysterious and majestic color, just like the “treasure” talked about by the ancients. Its origin-defeating the ancient dragon of sighing, this setting is not accidental, but carries many modern people’s expectations for “challenges” and “breakthroughs”. Qian Zhongshu talked about “Talking about Art” that both art and life have “difficulties”, which temper people’s perseverance and make people more complete. Xiakong players’ “Dragon-slaying Road” is a modern interpretation of this philosophy. Only by crossing this bumpy road can you have rare materials in exchange for glory and strength.
The setting of “Golden Fleece” is particularly intriguing. In ancient Greek mythology, the Golden Fleece is a divine object that symbolizes courage and adventure. In the Mingchao game, it is set as a rare resource with a weekly purchase limit, reflecting the complexity of the supply and demand relationship. This limit not only stimulates the players’ desire to buy, but also reflects the scarcity of resources in modern society. Qian Zhongshu satirized the fickleness of the world, and things have changed. The “Golden Fleece” is a virtual version of this phenomenon. People are chasing after precious things, but who can really own them? Just like those desires that are growing in the market economy, they are endless but can never be fully satisfied.
The existence of recharge discount codes reflects the exquisite operation of modern business culture. The three percentage point discount seems insignificant, but it is the most tempting psychological game in consumerism. For this little discount, players are often willing to invest more time and money, as if they are residents in a modern “besieged city”, wrestling with each other for more benefits. Qian Zhongshu once said, “The most incredible thing in the world is people’s obsession with benefits.” This statement is particularly appropriate here.
The refinement and grading of resonance circuit materials reveal the strong demand of modern people for growth and progress. In the game, players must accumulate various crystallized phlogists level by level, just as we need to keep learning and accumulating experience in reality to move forward. Qian Zhongshu emphasized that “the hardship and fun of learning coexist”, and the same is true for the development system. It is both a shackle and a driving force, making people feel the pain and joy of growth.
In addition, the name of the copy “Condensed Element Domain·Confession Abyss” has a strong philosophical meaning. Confession is repentance and self-reflection, and the abyss implies depth and unpredictability. Players repeatedly challenge in this copy, just like modern people groping forward in self-cognition and social tempering. Qian Zhongshu is well aware of the complexity and contradictions of life, and the ingenuity of the game designer coincides.
In summary, the complex development system of Mingchao Xiakong is far from a simple game design, but a mirror of modern culture and human nature. It reflects the human desire for growth, the competition for resources, the welcome of challenges, and the psychological state in the interweaving of virtual and reality. If Qian Zhongshu reads this, he may sigh at the changes of the times, but he will also nod and praise the eternal pursuit of mankind.
In this way, games are not just entertainment, but also a cultural phenomenon and a microcosm of society. Understanding the meaning behind these materials will help us grasp the spiritual world of contemporary people more deeply.