Courtyard Check-in: Starting with a Small World of Cultivation

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the pocket watch in Chen Yu's hand.

After getting the watch from the thief last night, Chen Yu studied it carefully all night. The case was made of brass, and the edges were worn smooth, indicating that it was quite old. The Roman numerals on the dial were faded and mottled, and the hour hand was stuck at 3:17. The most peculiar thing was the back of the watch—engraved with a complex pattern that looked neither like text nor decorative design, but more like some kind of cipher or symbol.

Chen Yu used his spiritual eye technique to observe and vaguely saw a trace of extremely faint spiritual energy remaining within the patterns. This was definitely no ordinary object!

"System, appraise this pocket watch," Chen Yu asked tentatively.

Special item detected: Spirit Pattern Pocket Watch (damaged)

【Origin: A relic of a late Qing Dynasty practitioner, it once contained a trace of spiritual energy, which has now dissipated】

[Function: Originally used to record specific coordinates or information, now only an empty shell remains]

[Note: The pattern on the back of the watch is an incomplete spirit pattern. Collecting the complete pattern may unlock a special spatial passage.]

A spatial passage? Chen Yu was shocked. The origin of this pocket watch was far more complicated than he had imagined!

"Where are the other parts of the spirit pattern diagram?" Chen Yu pressed.

[Three pocket watch parts of the same material need to be collected. Current progress: 1/3]

[Clue: The pattern on the pocket watch faintly resonates with a certain spot in the courtyard house]

Somewhere in the courtyard? Chen Yu immediately released his spiritual sense, sensing the fluctuations of spiritual energy throughout the entire courtyard. Within a ten-zhang radius, every detail clearly appeared—Jia Zhangshi was grumbling as she made breakfast, He Yuzhu was yawning as he went out to fetch water, Yan Bugui was pacing back and forth in the courtyard with his hands behind his back...

Suddenly, he sensed a very faint fluctuation of spiritual energy coming from the direction of the backyard, which was of the same origin as the residual spiritual energy on the pocket watch!

"Liu Haizhong's house?" Chen Yu frowned. Could the second pocket watch part be with Liu Haizhong? But Liu Haizhong is still in custody...

"Fake Man Number One, check if Liu Haizhong's family has any similar pocket watches or old objects."

"Yes, Master," came the response from my consciousness.

Chen Yu stored the pocket watch inside his small world and carefully placed it close to his body. Since this item was related to cultivators, its value was far beyond that of ordinary cultural relics. Boss Li probably sent people to steal it because of this.

Today is Tuesday, the day for the production department of the steel rolling mill to approve the plan.

Chen Yu changed into a Zhongshan suit and carefully buttoned each button. The young man in the mirror had a calm and steady gaze. After this period of cultivation and the trials of life, he had long since shed the bewilderment he felt when he first transmigrated and gained a composure rarely seen at his age.

"System, check-in for today."

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 1 jin of meat coupons, 5 chi of cloth coupons, a small basic management skills experience pack, and 3 yuan in cash]

Management skills? Chen Yu immediately put them to use. Knowledge of production planning, personnel allocation, and efficiency optimization flooded his mind. Although basic, these skills would greatly benefit his work in the production department.

At 7:30, Chen Yu appeared in the production department office on time. Liu Yuhua was already there, hunched over her desk revising something.

"Chen Yu, good morning." She looked up, adjusted her glasses, and said, "Section Chief Li reviewed your proposal overnight and made many comments. We need to revise it quickly; the review meeting is at ten o'clock."

Chen Yu took the document, which was covered with dense red annotations, all in Section Chief Li's handwriting. The veteran engineer had a sharp eye and pointed out a few practical details that Chen Yu had overlooked, but he affirmed the overall approach.

The two began to revise the document. Chen Yu discovered that Liu Yuhua had a meticulous mind and clear logic; she had considered many potential problems that he hadn't thought of beforehand.

"Here, the dispatching of transport vehicles needs to be coordinated with the transportation department. I know their department head, I'll go and say hello in a bit."

"I've already contacted the machine repair workshop. Master Wang said the mold modification can be completed in three days."

"The finance department needs a detailed cost-benefit analysis, which I will do. I understand their audit standards."

With Liu Yuhua's assistance, the work progressed quickly. By 9:30, the revised plan was completed, and it was more complete and feasible than the original.

At 10:00 AM sharp, the review meeting was held in the factory's conference room. In addition to the production department, representatives from the transportation department, machine repair workshop, finance department, and even factory leaders attended.

Section Chief Li personally presided over the meeting: "Today we'll discuss the waste utilization plan for Workshop 3. Comrade Chen Yu, you'll give your report."

Chen Yu stood up and walked to the wall chart. He clearly explained the core ideas of the plan, focusing on its economic benefits and operational feasibility. His intermediate-level TCM skills, combined with his management knowledge and holistic perspective, made his presentation effortless.

"...In summary, after the implementation of the plan, it is expected to increase monthly revenue by 350 to 400 yuan, while also solving problems such as waste accumulation and site occupation. The initial investment will not exceed 80 yuan, and the investment recovery period will be within one month."

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds, then someone started asking questions.

Transportation representative: "With increased vehicle dispatch frequency, what should we do if we don't have enough manpower?"

"No need to increase the number of transport trips," Chen Yu was prepared. "It's just a matter of adjusting some routes of the existing vehicles to integrate waste transportation into regular material transportation. This is the optimized route map."

Finance Representative: "Is the cost accounting accurate? Has equipment depreciation been included?"

"It's been factored in. The stamping press is depreciated over five years, and the molds over three years; all the data are conservative estimates."

A representative from the machine repair workshop said, "We have a heavy workload of major repairs recently, so the mold modification may have to be delayed."

Liu Yuhua then spoke up: "Master Wang, didn't we agree yesterday? You promised to give us priority."

Master Wang scratched his head: "I did agree... but that was on the premise that it wouldn't affect the major repairs."

"Modifier modification is also a form of technical training," Chen Yu added. "Moreover, the modified stamping press can be placed in the machine repair shop for your convenience in use and maintenance."

One by one, the questions were answered methodically. Ultimately, the plan was approved unanimously. The factory leadership representative immediately decided: "Let's pilot it in Workshop 3 for a month; if it works well, we'll roll it out factory-wide."

After the meeting, Section Chief Li called Chen Yu aside: "Xiao Chen, you did a good job. The factory has decided to give you an award for outstanding individual performance, which will be presented at the commendation meeting at the end of the month."

"Thank you for your guidance, Section Chief Li."

"It's all thanks to your hard work." Section Chief Li rarely smiled. "Also, I've brought up the issue of agricultural-to-urban residency quotas with the personnel department. If you can achieve good results this month, your chances are very good."

Chen Yu was overjoyed: "I will definitely work hard."

By lunchtime, the news had already spread throughout the canteen. As soon as Chen Yu entered, he heard many workers discussing it.

"Have you heard? The new technician in production came up with a plan that can earn the factory an extra four hundred yuan a month!"

"Four hundred? That's the salary of twenty second-level skilled workers!"

"Is that Chen Yu? He's so young?"

Zhou Xiaomei came over with a lunchbox, a smile on her face: "Comrade Chen Yu, congratulations! Everyone in the factory is talking about you!"

"Just lucky," Chen Yu said modestly.

"That's not luck, it's skill!" Liu Yuhua sat down as well. "Chen Yu, you need to go to Workshop 3 this afternoon to provide on-site guidance for the implementation of the plan. I'll go with you."

"it is good."

As the three were eating, an unexpected person approached—Jia Dongxu. He stood by the table, holding a lunchbox, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

"Master Jia, is something the matter?" Chen Yu asked.

Jia Dongxu's expression was complicated. After hesitating for a long time, he finally said, "Chen Yu... thank you for yesterday. If it weren't for you, Xiulan... wouldn't have come back."

He was referring to the fact that Zhang Xiulan only agreed to return to the Jia family after meeting Chen Yu.

"Aunt Zhang is my elder, it's only right," Chen Yu said calmly.

Jia Dongxu nodded, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't speak and turned to leave.

Zhou Xiaomei asked curiously, "Comrade Chen Yu, what's your connection with Master Jia's family...?"

"We have some old acquaintances," Chen Yu said simply.

After lunch, Chen Yu and Liu Yuhua went to Workshop 3. The workers were much more enthusiastic when they saw them—everyone naturally supports a plan that can generate profits for the workshop.

Chen Yu provided on-site guidance on setting up the waste sorting area, while Liu Yuhua communicated with the team leader regarding personnel arrangements. The two worked together seamlessly and efficiently.

At 3 PM, Pseudo-Man Number One reported in his consciousness: "Master, we've searched Liu Haizhong's house, but we didn't find anything resembling a pocket watch. However, we found this in a hidden compartment under his bed."

A hand-drawn map appeared in Chen Yu's mind. The map was rough, marking several locations in Beijing: the Land God Temple, the Drum Tower, the Yinding Bridge at Shichahai... and one place was highlighted—No. 95 Nanluoguxiang!

It is this courtyard house!

On the edge of the map is a line of small text: "The three spirit patterns unite, the secret vault opens. Recorded in the autumn of the Bingxu year."

The year of Bingxu...1946! More than twenty years ago!

Chen Yu's heart churned. It seemed that Scarface, Boss Li, Liu Haizhong, and possibly others were all searching for the so-called "secret vault." And the pocket watch was part of the key!

"Continue the investigation, especially the history of the courtyard houses," Chen Yu instructed.

"Yes. Also, after leaving the guesthouse last night, Boss Li went to a house in Dongjiaomin Lane, where he has overseas connections. This morning, he asked someone to pass a message to the bureau, hoping to bail Xu Damao out."

Is Li trying to extract more information from Xu Damao by bailing him out? Or is he simply looking for an accomplice?

Chen Yu pondered for a moment: "Keep an eye on Xu Damao and see what he says."

At 5 p.m., the pilot project in Workshop 3 was basically completed. Chen Yu and Liu Yuhua returned to the production department to compile today's progress report.

"Chen Yu, you've had a long day." Liu Yuhua handed him a glass of water. "By the way, I heard you're getting married next month? Have you found a place yet?"

"It's not completely settled yet; the neighborhood committee is helping with the coordination." Chen Yu took the water. "Does Sister Liu have any suggestions?"

Liu Yuhua thought for a moment: "It would be best if the factory could allocate you a house, but you're not very senior right now, so you'll probably have to wait in line. As for the courtyard house... Xu Damao's house is indeed vacant, but it's a criminal's house, and it wouldn't look good for you to live there."

That hits the nail on the head. Chen Yu had also considered this issue.

"So I want to rent a place temporarily and wait for the factory to allocate housing."

"Renting a place isn't easy either," Liu Yuhua said in a low voice. "I have a relative who works at the housing management bureau; I can ask around for you. But... you'll have to treat me to a meal."

Chen Yu smiled: "It's nothing, thank you, Sister Liu."

When Chen Yu returned to the courtyard house after get off work, he found that the atmosphere had changed again. Several people had gathered in front of Xu Damao's house, pointing and whispering.

"Have you heard? Xu Damao might get three years in prison!"

"Lou Xiao'e went back to her parents' home today; I guess they're getting a divorce."

"So this house... is now vacant?"

The crowd discussed amongst themselves, each with their own calculating glances.

Chen Yu didn't join in the fun and went straight back inside. Just as he closed the door, Zhang Xiulan knocked and came in.

"Xiaoyu, Aunt Zhang made chicken soup, here's a bowl for you." She held up an enamel bowl, steaming hot.

"Aunt Zhang, you're too kind."

"Don't mention it. Your parents saved my life back then." Zhang Xiulan sat down in the house and lowered her voice. "Xiaoyu, Aunt Zhang has something to remind you."

"Please speak."

"Don't even think about Xu Damao's house," Zhang Xiulan said seriously. "That house isn't clean."

"Not clean?"

"It's not the haunted kind," Zhang Xiulan waved her hand, "It's... everyone in the older generation in this courtyard knows that the house used to be lived in by an old Manchu woman who died before the Cultural Revolution. She had a lot of old things in her house, but they disappeared later. Xu Damao probably went to great lengths to get his hands on that house because of those things."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "Aunt Zhang, do you know what those old objects are?"

"I don't know, I only know that the old lady mentioned 'pocket watch' and 'map' before she died," Zhang Xiulan recalled. "Nobody paid attention at the time, but now that I think about it... Xu Damao and Liu Haizhong's trafficking of cultural relics might be related to this."

The pocket watch! The map! They finally connected!

"Aunt Zhang, who else have you told about this?"

"Just like with you," Zhang Xiulan sighed, "that boy Dongxu is unreliable; telling him will only lead to trouble. Xiaoyu, you're a promising person, that's why Aunt Zhang is telling you all this. You absolutely must not touch that house; it's bad luck."

"I understand, thank you Aunt Zhang."

After seeing Zhang Xiulan off, Chen Yu fell into deep thought. It seemed the secrets of the courtyard house were deeper than he had imagined. The Manchu old woman, the spirit-patterned pocket watch, the secret vault map... these clues, when pieced together, pointed to a possible "treasure."

This treasure is currently being sought by at least three forces: overseas antiquities dealers represented by Boss Li, an unknown force represented by Scarface, and... others who may be hiding in the shadows.

After dinner, Chen Yu entered his small world. He took out a Qi-Nourishing Pill, swallowed it, and began his cultivation for the evening.

The pill entered his stomach, and its warm medicinal power quickly dissolved. Chen Yu circulated the *Tai Xuan Zhen Jing*, and spiritual energy surged through his meridians like a river. The effects of the Qi-Nourishing Pill were more pronounced than yesterday, perhaps because his body had adapted to the medicinal power.

One hour, two hours... the spiritual energy within his body became more and more abundant, and finally, at a certain moment, he broke through an invisible barrier!

[Successfully broke through to the second level of the "Tai Xuan Zhen Jing"]

[Cultivation level advanced to the second level of Qi Refining Stage]

[The range of spiritual awareness has been expanded to fifteen zhang.]

[Overall physical improvement, with a 30% increase in strength, speed, and endurance]

[Unlock basic spells: Lightness of Movement (Beginner), Concealment of Breath (Beginner)]

[Unlock new feature in the mini-world: Time flow adjustment (currently maximum 1.2x, only applicable during self-cultivation)]

He'd broken through! Chen Yu opened his eyes, feeling the surging power within him. He'd reached the second level of the Qi Refining stage, his strength nearly doubled compared to the first!

He tried to use the Lightness Technique, and his body became as light as a swallow, leaping ten feet high with a light jump! The Breath Concealment Technique was even more practical; after activating it, his breath almost completely disappeared, and even his heartbeat became weak.

The most surprising thing is the time flow adjustment in the small world! Although it can only be adjusted to 1.2 times now, and only used when cultivating, it means that his cultivation speed can be increased by another 20%!

"Let's try the new features." With a thought, Chen Yu noticed that the flow of time in his small world was changing. Everything around him remained the same, but he could feel that his metabolism and spiritual energy absorption speed had increased.

One hour of cultivation in this state is equivalent to one hour and fifteen minutes in the outside world! Although the increase is not large, the advantage will become more and more obvious over time!

After finishing his cultivation, Chen Yu exited the small world. It was already 11 p.m., and the courtyard was completely silent.

He released his spiritual sense, gaining complete control over a fifteen-zhang radius. Suddenly, he sensed a familiar presence—Scarface! Right there in the backyard!

Chen Yu immediately used a concealment technique, silently leaving the house and arriving at the backyard in a few leaps. The lightness technique made his landing silent, and the concealment technique allowed him to blend into the night.

Under the moonlight, Scarface was crouching outside Liu Haizhong's window, holding a strange device in his hand, seemingly probing something. The device emitted a faint beeping sound, and a green light flashed on its screen.

"Still nothing..." Scarface muttered to himself, putting away the equipment and preparing to leave.

At that moment, Chen Yu made a bold decision—he revealed himself!

"What are you looking for?" Chen Yu's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

Scarface shuddered, whirled around, and a dagger appeared in his hand: "Who?!"

"Just like you, someone who's looking for something," Chen Yu said calmly.

The two men stared at each other in the moonlight. The scarred man's eyes were sharp as knives, while Chen Yu's eyes were deep and unfathomable.

"What do you know?" Scarface asked warily.

"I know you're looking for the spirit-patterned pocket watch and the map to the secret vault," Chen Yu said slowly. "I also know that what you're looking for might not be something you're the only one searching for."

Scarface's pupils contracted slightly: "Who... exactly are you?"

"Someone who wants to make a deal with you." Chen Yu took out the pocket watch from his pocket. "I have what you want. And what I want is information—the truth about all of this."

Moonlight shone on the pocket watch, and the guilloché pattern on the back of the watch faintly glowed in the night.

Scarface stared at the pocket watch, his eyes flashing with greed, wariness, and hesitation... Finally, he sheathed his dagger.

"Tomorrow night, 10 PM, at Yinding Bridge in Shichahai. You are the only one allowed to come."

After saying that, he vanished into the night in a flash.

Chen Yu stood still, gripping the pocket watch tightly in his hand.

This game is getting more and more interesting.

And he has already officially entered the game.