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

On Wednesday afternoon, in a quiet courtyard in Dongjiaomin Lane, Boss Li's face was so gloomy it could drip water.

On the table sat the pocket watch he had "snatched" from the Dongyue Temple. In the light streaming through the window, the brass of the case looked cheap and crude. Under the magnifying glass beside it, the "spirit pattern" on the back of the watch was rough and blurry, nothing like the lines imbued with a mysterious rhythm that he remembered.

"It's fake." Boss Li's voice was icy. "That Zhao Wenhua, no, he should be called Zhao Tieying, he tricked us."

The four burly men standing before him bowed their heads, not daring to breathe. The leader swallowed hard: "Boss, we checked it at the time, it definitely looks like a pocket watch..."

"What does it look like?" Boss Li suddenly grabbed the fake pocket watch and slammed it to the ground. "I want a spirit-patterned pocket watch! Not this cheap knock-off!"

The pocket watch fell to the ground, its case shattering to reveal the crude movement inside—it wasn't even a proper pocket watch, it was just a poorly made counterfeit.

"Go find him!" Boss Li gritted his teeth. "Zhao Tieying is definitely still in Beijing. We'll dig three feet into the ground to find him! And that Manager Qian, he must know something!"

"yes!"

The burly men hurried away. Boss Li paced alone in the room, his eyes sinister. He took a brocade box from the safe, opened it, and inside was another pocket watch—this was the real spirit-patterned pocket watch, the one with the bangs.

The patterns on the back of the watch shimmer with a faint, ethereal light under the illumination, as if they were alive.

"Two more pieces are needed..." Boss Li muttered to himself. "Master said that only when all three pieces are combined can the secret vault be opened. The legacy of Xuanzhen Daoist must never fall into the hands of outsiders."

He walked to the window, gazing towards the courtyard house, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "That Chen Yu... Xu Damao said he might also have clues. Looks like I'll have to meet him in person."

At the same time, Chen Yu was sitting in the production department office of the steel rolling mill, listening to the report from Pseudo-Man No. 1.

"Boss Li has discovered the pocket watch is fake and is searching the entire city for Zhao Tieying. Manager Qian's shop was vandalized this afternoon, but he's unharmed and has gone into hiding."

"Where is Xu Damao?"

"Still in Fragrant Hills, wandering around a valley with prospecting tools. They seem to have found some clues and are marking them."

Chen Yu tapped his fingers lightly on the table. The situation was delicate: Boss Li was getting desperate, Zhao Tieying needed to hide, and Xu Damao might have found the approximate location of the secret vault. And he, possessing two genuine pocket watches, had become the most crucial person.

"Tell Zhao Tieying to meet me at the usual place tonight. Tell him to be careful; Boss Li is looking for him."

"Yes."

After finishing those tasks, Chen Yu continued with his work. He needed to submit a weekly report on the waste utilization plan that afternoon, a crucial document related to the agricultural land conversion quota.

Liu Yuhua walked over with a stack of documents: "Chen Yu, this is the waste sorting data for Workshop 3 this week. The results are very obvious. Section Chief Li said that if this trend continues, we can apply for factory-wide implementation by the end of the month."

Chen Yu took the document and looked it over. The data was indeed impressive: waste accumulation had decreased by 40%, the recycling rate of usable scrap materials had increased threefold, and it was estimated that it would generate direct economic benefits of more than 200 yuan this month.

"Thanks to Sister Liu for helping to coordinate," Chen Yu said sincerely.

"Your plan is good." Liu Yuhua smiled and lowered her voice. "By the way, there's news from the housing management bureau. The landlord of that courtyard in Beixinqiao has agreed to a monthly rent of eight yuan, with a deposit of one month's rent and three months' rent in advance. Shall I go with you to take a look on Saturday?"

"That's great, thank you, Sister Liu."

"Don't be shy. But..." Liu Yuhua hesitated for a moment, "I heard Xu Damao might be selling his house for a very low price. Are you really not interested?"

Chen Yu shook his head: "The house isn't clean, it's not a matter of money."

Liu Yuhua nodded thoughtfully: "That's true. By the way, Zhou Xiaomei asked me to ask you if you're going on the factory's autumn outing to Xiangshan this weekend, organized by the union?"

Fragrant Hills? Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "When?"

"Sunday. You can bring your family. Would you like to bring your fiancée?" Liu Yuhua said with a smile. "Everyone wants to meet the bride."

This is indeed an opportunity. It allows Qin Huairu to experience city life in advance and also gives her a legitimate reason to go to Fragrant Hills—who knows, she might discover some clues.

"I'll ask her, it should be fine."

"It's settled then, I'll register you."

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Chen Yu took the weekly report to Section Chief Li. In the office, Section Chief Li was talking to an elderly man with gray hair.

"Xiao Chen is here, just in time." Section Chief Li waved, "This is Secretary Zhang from the factory's Party Committee, who came specifically to see your proposal."

Secretary Zhang was in his sixties, with a kind face but sharp eyes. He took the weekly report and carefully read through it, nodding from time to time.

"Young man, quick thinking, not bad." Secretary Zhang put down the documents. "Comrade Chen Yu, I heard you are an orphan of a martyr?"

"Yes, Secretary Zhang."

"Your parents sacrificed their lives for the revolution; you are a good descendant," Secretary Zhang praised. "If this plan can be implemented throughout the factory, it can save the country tens of thousands of yuan every year. The factory will not forget such a contribution."

Section Chief Li chimed in at the opportune moment: "Secretary Zhang, Xiao Chen is getting married next month, and his wife has a rural household registration. What do you think about the rural-to-urban household registration conversion quota...?"

Secretary Zhang pondered for a moment: "According to policy, special contributions can be handled on a case-by-case basis. So, when the data comes out at the end of the month, if it does indeed meet expectations, I will personally go to the Public Security Bureau to coordinate."

Chen Yu was overjoyed: "Thank you, Secretary Zhang!"

"Work hard, the country needs young people like you."

Leaving the office, Chen Yu felt a weight lift from his shoulders. There was hope for changing his agricultural residency status to urban residency, and one of the biggest obstacles to his wedding was expected to be resolved.

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

"Have you heard? Xu Damao is selling his house for only three hundred yuan!"

"Three hundred? That house is worth at least five hundred!"

"Lou Xiao'e disagrees and is making a scene!"

Chen Yu squeezed through and saw Lou Xiao'e sitting on the threshold crying, while Xu Damao stood in the yard with his hands on his hips, looking impatient.

"Stop crying! It's my house, I can sell it whenever I want!"

"Xu Damao, this house is our joint property! You have no right to make decisions on your own!"

"Husband and wife? They're getting divorced soon! Still calling themselves husband and wife?"

Yan Bugui, standing to the side, tried to persuade him: "Da Mao, let's talk this out. If this house is sold, where will you live?"

"I have a place to stay!" Xu Damao said stubbornly. "Anyway, this house has to be sold; I urgently need the money!"

Yi Zhonghai also arrived, his face grim: "Xu Damao, don't mess around! Selling a house is a big deal; it needs the neighborhood committee's approval. You've just been released; don't cause trouble again!"

Xu Damao then fell silent, but the urgency in his eyes was obvious.

Chen Yu observed coldly. Xu Damao was in such a hurry to sell the house that he must be raising money to "hunt for treasure" in Fragrant Hills. It seemed he had discovered something in Fragrant Hills and needed financial support.

Back in the house, Zhang Xiulan came again, this time with an even more serious expression.

"Xiaoyu, Xu Damao is acting strange." She lowered her voice. "He sneaked back this afternoon and found a metal box under the bed full of money and receipts. I peeked at it, and there was at least two hundred yuan! If he has so much money, why would he sell the house?"

"Maybe he needs more," Chen Yu said. "Aunt Zhang, you shouldn't get involved in this. You might get yourself into trouble."

"I know, I'm just worried about you." Zhang Xiulan sighed. "Xiaoyu, you're getting married soon, the most important thing is for you to be safe and sound. Don't get involved in any of those messy things."

"I've got it."

After dinner, Chen Yu entered the small world. Today was a special day—a full moon, a time to sign in for the month.

"System, monthly sign-in."

[Ding! Monthly sign-in successful]

[Received: Intermediate Alchemy Skill Experience Pack x1, One Hundred-Year-Old Wild Ginseng (Already Adapted), One Pseudo-Human, One Small World Expansion Fragment, One "Basic Introduction to Weapon Refining"]

The monthly sign-in reward caught Chen Yu's eye!

After using the intermediate alchemy skill pack, more complex pill formulas, more refined fire control techniques, and methods for refining several intermediate pills flooded my mind. Qi-Nourishing Pills, Foundation Building Pills, Detoxification Pills... Although I can't refine high-level ones yet, my thinking has been opened up.

The century-old wild ginseng, packaged in a wooden box, has intact roots, a plump body, and exudes a rich medicinal aroma. This is a rare treasure that money can't buy anywhere else!

A new fake man, number four, appears, disguised as an ordinary middle-aged woman—an identity more suitable for certain occasions.

The Small World Expansion Fragment is a palm-sized crystal. According to the instructions, collecting three fragments can expand the Small World from ten acres to fifteen acres.

What surprised Chen Yu the most was "Basic Introduction to Weapon Refining"! Although it was only the basics, it recorded the simplest methods for refining magical artifacts: talismans, storage bags, low-level flying swords... Although he couldn't refine them with his current cultivation level and materials, at least he had a direction.

"Fake Man No. 4, from now on you will mainly be responsible for intelligence gathering and daily assistance within the courtyard," Chen Yu instructed, "especially regarding the movements of Xu Damao and the Jia family."

"Yes, Master."

After dealing with these matters, Chen Yu took out the two spirit-patterned pocket watches. Under the moonlight, the patterns on the two watches seemed to come alive, with a faint shimmering light flowing through them.

He placed the two watches back to back, and something amazing happened—the patterns began to extend and connect automatically, forming a more complete pattern!

In the center of the design, three indentations are faintly visible, perfectly matching the size and shape of a pocket watch. The third indentation is still empty, but the first two indentations are already emitting a faint white light.

"As expected, only when the three pieces are combined can the complete map be displayed," Chen Yu muttered to himself.

He carefully studied the extended pattern and found that part of the terrain looked familiar—it was Fragrant Hills! Moreover, the pattern marked a specific location: the back mountain of Biyun Temple!

However, the exact location of the entrance will only be fully revealed with the help of a third pocket watch.

Just then, Pseudo-Man Number One reported in his consciousness: "Master, Zhao Tieying has arrived at the usual spot on Gulou Back Street. He said he has urgent business."

Chen Yu exited the small world, changed into dark clothes, and quietly went out.

The back street of Gulou was quiet and deserted in the night. Zhao Tieying was squatting under the eaves of a house. When he saw Chen Yu arrive, he immediately went to greet him.

"Boss Li has gone mad," Zhao Tieying said as his first words. "He smashed up Manager Qian's shop and injured two of his employees. Now the underworld forces in Beijing are all looking for me."

"What are you planning to do?"

"We must act quickly." Zhao Tieying's eyes were firm. "I've found out the whereabouts of the third pocket watch that Boss Li has—it's in the hands of an old Manchu man in Tianjin, and he's preparing to make his move."

Tianjin? Chen Yu frowned: "Is the information reliable?"

"Reliable. The clues left by my master indicate that the third pocket watch is in the hands of the descendants of Xuanzhen Daoist's third disciple. The family's surname is Fucha. They moved to Tianjin after the Xinhai Revolution, but now they have fallen on hard times and are selling their property."

Chen Yu pondered, "Does Boss Li know?"

"They probably don't know; this is a secret of our sect," Zhao Tieying said. "But Boss Li's people are also active in Tianjin, and they'll find out sooner or later. We have to get there first."

"Going to Tianjin requires time and travel expenses."

"I have the travel expenses, and as for the time..." Zhao Tieying gritted his teeth, "it all depends on whether you dare to gamble."

Chen Yu stared at him: "How do we bet?"

"We'll set off early tomorrow morning, arrive in Tianjin the day after tomorrow, complete the transaction the day after that, and return the night after that," Zhao Tieying said. "It will take Boss Li's men at least three days to find the Fucha family; we have enough time."

"What if it's too late?"

"Then seize it!" A fierce glint flashed in Zhao Tieying's eyes. "We absolutely cannot let the legacy fall into the hands of the Hongmen!"

Chen Yu didn't agree immediately. The risk was too great, and he was getting married next month; he couldn't afford to have anything go wrong at this crucial moment.

"I need to think about it. I'll give you an answer at six o'clock tomorrow morning."

Zhao Tieying gave him a deep look: "Alright. But I remind you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The things in the secret vault could change your life."

After saying that, he turned and disappeared into the night.

Chen Yu returned to the courtyard house, but instead of going back inside immediately, he stood in the courtyard thinking.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the blue brick floor. The courtyard was quiet, but Chen Yu knew that beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging.

Xu Damao is searching for the secret vault in Xiangshan, Boss Li is searching for Zhao Tieying in Beijing, Zhao Tieying is in a hurry to go to Tianjin to find the third pocket watch... and he himself, holding two pocket watches, has become the focus of this struggle.

To go or not to go?

If you go, you might receive a cultivation inheritance and greatly increase your strength. However, the risks are enormous; you might expose yourself, or even endanger your life.

Not going would be safe, but it might mean missing an opportunity. Besides, once Boss Li collects all three pocket watches, he'll become even more powerful and harder to deal with.

While he was thinking, Chen Yu suddenly had a flash of inspiration—he could go, but not necessarily in person!

Back inside, he summoned Pseudo-Man Number One and Number Two.

"Number One, transform into my appearance, and go to get off work and leave work as usual tomorrow. Don't let anyone notice anything amiss."

"Number Two, you transform into Zhao Tieying and come with me to Tianjin. I'll find a way to stall the real Zhao Tieying."

"Number Three and Number Four, you two keep an eye on Boss Li and Xu Damao's movements in Beijing."

The false men obeyed and left. Chen Yu then entered the small world again to begin preparations.

He took out the century-old wild ginseng, cut off a small section of its root, and prepared some other medicinal herbs. His knowledge of intermediate-level alchemy gave him a new idea—to refine a "disguise pill" that could temporarily change one's aura and appearance.

Although it's just the most basic disguise pill, its effect only lasts for twelve hours and needs to be used in conjunction with the concealment technique, but it's enough.

The alchemy process was far more complex than before. Chen Yu concentrated intently, controlling the alchemical fire to refine and fuse the medicinal herbs one by one. Three hours later, three light brown pills appeared in the furnace.

[Successfully Refined: Disguise Pill (Inferior Quality)]

[Effects: Changes facial muscle contours, subtly adjusts breathing, and the effects last for twelve hours]

[Quality: Inferior (First-time refining, 40% of the medicinal efficacy retained)]

[Side effect: Facial soreness and swelling for six hours after the medication wears off]

It was a low-quality product, but it was enough. Chen Yu took one and activated his concealment technique. The face in the mirror began to blur and change, eventually becoming a strange man of about thirty years old, unremarkable and easily lost in a crowd.

"That should be fine."

When Chen Yu exited the small world, it was already dawn. He packed his belongings: two hundred yuan in cash, hemostatic and tissue-regenerating powder, Qi-nourishing pills, disguise pills, and the two spirit-patterned pocket watches.

At six o'clock in the morning, he arrived at the place he had agreed to meet Zhao Tieying—but it was not him who went, but the fake man No. 2 who was "Zhao Tieying".

The real Zhao Tieying was indeed waiting, and upon seeing "himself," he froze: "You..."

"The plan has changed." Pseudo-Man No. 2 said as Chen Yu had instructed, "Boss Li's men are watching you. You can't leave Beijing. I'll go to Tianjin. You find a place to hide."

"But..."

"No buts!" the fake man number two said sternly. "Do you want your sect's legacy to fall into the hands of the Hongmen? Believe me, I will bring back the third pocket watch."

Zhao Tieying struggled for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and saying, "Fine! I believe you! The Fucha family's address is No. 7, Shizi Hutong, Old City of Tianjin. The code is 'Descendants of Xuanzhen, the Three Represents Return to One'."

"I'll remember. Take care."

The fake man number two turned and left. The real Zhao Tieying, as planned, hid in a safe house that Chen Yu had arranged in advance—it was rented by the fake man and was very well hidden.

Meanwhile, the real Chen Yu, disguised, boarded the first long-distance bus to Tianjin that morning.

The car traveled along the bumpy dirt road, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the city to the fields. Chen Yu leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes to rest, but his mind was already planning every step of his trip to Tianjin.

This operation can only succeed; it cannot fail.

Because this is not just about a pocket watch, but about the very foundation for establishing oneself in this world—power.

The car drove through a poplar grove, startling a flock of birds.

A new day has begun, and a struggle concerning fate has officially commenced.