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

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Beixinqiao courtyard and fell on Chen Yu's face.

He didn't open his eyes immediately, but instead focused on his inner body—his cultivation at the third level of the Qi Refining stage was already stable, and his spiritual energy flowed through his meridians like a babbling brook, nearly twice as abundant as when he was at the second level. His spiritual sense expanded to twenty feet, allowing him to clearly perceive the footsteps of early risers in the alley outside the courtyard, the crowing of roosters in the neighboring courtyard, and even the sizzling sound of fried dough sticks from a breakfast stall further away.

"Object manipulation..." Chen Yu's mind stirred, and an enamel teacup on the bedside table silently floated up, slowly rotating in the air. Although he could only manipulate such small objects, it was already quite amazing. He didn't plan to test the fireball technique indoors for the time being—if he didn't control it well, the new house would be ruined.

"System, check-in for today," Chen Yu silently read aloud. Today was Thursday, the day for the weekly check-in.

[Ding! Weekly check-in successful]

[Received: Intermediate Object Manipulation Skill Experience Pack x1, Three Miniature Eavesdropping Devices (Disguised Versions of This Era), One Purchase Coupon for a 1963 "Forever" Brand Bicycle, 50 Yuan in Cash, One Fake Person]

Chen Yu's eyes lit up at the weekly sign-in reward!

After using the intermediate-level object manipulation skill experience pack, more sophisticated manipulation techniques flooded his mind: simultaneous manipulation of multiple objects, precise operations (such as threading a needle), and extended distance for retrieving objects from a distance. Although his cultivation level limited his actual abilities, the improvement in skills would allow him to make greater use of his existing strength.

The miniature listening device is disguised as a button, pen cap, and matchbox from this era. According to the system specifications, it has an effective listening range of 30 meters, a battery life of 72 hours, and an anti-jamming design. This is a powerful tool for reconnaissance!

In those days, a Forever brand bicycle purchase voucher was a form of hard currency—a bicycle was one of the "three major items," and even money couldn't guarantee you could buy one; you needed industrial vouchers and quotas. This voucher allowed him to legitimately own a new bicycle.

With fifty yuan in cash and his previous savings, Chen Yu now had over three hundred yuan in cash, which could be considered "a small amount of savings".

The new fake agent number five appeared, disguised as an ordinary middle-aged woman—this brought Chen Yu's number of fake agents to five, allowing him to assign tasks more easily.

Exiting the system space, Chen Yu opened his eyes. Qin Huairu beside him was still fast asleep, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she were having a dream. Chen Yu gently got up without waking her—pregnant women need plenty of sleep.

He went to the courtyard, first fetched water to wash up, and then began to practice his newly acquired skill of manipulating objects. A few fallen leaves in the corner of the courtyard floated up under the control of an invisible force, arranging themselves into simple patterns in the air; several pebbles on the stone table floated up one after another, and then fell back to their original positions with precision.

"Your control has improved by at least 30%." Chen Yu nodded in satisfaction. He then tried to control two objects at the same time—a fallen leaf and a pebble. At first, it was a bit difficult, but he quickly mastered the balance.

After finishing his practice, Chen Yu started a fire to make breakfast. Although his cooking skills were far inferior to Qin Huairu's, he could still cook porridge and heat up steamed buns. Considering that Qin Huairu needed nutrition during her pregnancy, he also boiled two eggs and made a bowl of malted milk.

At seven o'clock, Qin Huairu woke up. She put on her clothes and went out of the house, seeing Chen Yu busy in the kitchen. A gentle smile appeared on her face: "Why are you up so early?"

"You got up as soon as you woke up." Chen Yu brought out breakfast. "Eat up, and I'll take you to the hospital for a check-up after you finish."

"No need for a repeat check, we just had one yesterday..."

"Listen to me," Chen Yu said earnestly. "You need regular checkups during pregnancy to ensure you and the baby are healthy. I took the day off today to go with you."

Qin Huairu felt a surge of joy and stopped refusing.

During breakfast, Chen Yu said, "By the way, I'm going to the courtyard house today to move the last of my things over. You just stay home and rest, don't go out."

"You're going to the courtyard house?" Qin Huairu asked with some concern. "Isn't it... a bit unsafe there?"

"Don't worry, it's daytime now, and I'll be back soon." Chen Yu patted her hand. "I'll have Aunt Zhang come over to keep you company later, so you two can chat."

At eight o'clock, Chen Yu rode his bicycle to the courtyard house. It wasn't the weekend, so most of the residents were at work; only a few elderly people and children remained.

Yan Bugui was practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard when he saw Chen Yu. He stopped his stance and asked, "Little Chen, you're back? How's the new house coming along?"

"Hey, Uncle San is all settled in." Chen Yu took a bag of snacks out of the bicycle basket. "Here you went, have a taste."

"Oh dear, you've spent money again." Yan Bugui took the pastries and lowered his voice, "Xiao Chen, you'd better be careful. Yesterday afternoon, another stranger came looking for you, saying he was a relative of yours from Tianjin. I don't think he's a good person."

"Thanks for the reminder, Third Master. I'll be careful," Chen Yu thought with a cold smile. It seemed Third Master's men were still active.

He went back to his old room to retrieve the last few things—actually just some worthless junk, just for show. As he was packing, his spiritual sense suddenly detected a familiar presence approaching.

It's Xu Damao.

Xu Damao still had bruises on his face, his left eye was swollen, and he walked with a limp. When he saw Chen Yu, his eyes darted away, and he tried to walk around him.

"Xu Damao," Chen Yu called out to him.

Xu Damao stopped, avoiding Chen Yu's eyes: "Chen...Chen Yu, back to move some things?"

"Hmm." Chen Yu stared at him. "How's the injury on your face?"

"No...it's nothing, I just fell."

"They must be from Tianjin, right?" Chen Yu asked bluntly. "Did they ask you for a pocket watch?"

Xu Damao was startled and abruptly looked up: "You...how did you know?"

"I also know that their beating was just a warning. If you don't get the pocket watch next time, it won't be as simple as a beating," Chen Yu said coldly. "Xu Damao, I know you have a copy of the secret vault map. But you can't handle it alone. Boss Li, Third Master Hei, and I... are all watching. Do you think you can snatch the inheritance from these people?"

Xu Damao's face turned deathly pale, his lips trembling: "I...I didn't intend to steal the inheritance...I just wanted to make some money..."

"You can make money if you want, but don't play with fire." Chen Yu took a step closer and lowered his voice. "Give me a copy of the map, and I'll keep you safe. Otherwise, if those Tianjin people come again, I won't care whether you live or die."

"What...what do you want?"

"It's simple. Give me a copy of the map, and I'll take care of the Tianjin people for you. Also, I'll give you 100 yuan, enough for you to start over."

One hundred yuan! Xu Damao's eyes lit up. He was penniless, and after selling his house, Boss Li was forcing him to hand over the money. He was desperate.

"You...you really can handle the people of Tianjin?"

"I mean what I say." Chen Yu pulled out five ten-yuan bills from his pocket. "This is the deposit. Give me the map, and I'll give you the remaining fifty yuan right away."

Xu Damao hesitated for a few seconds, then gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! I'll give it to you!"

He turned and went back into the house, and a moment later came out with a crumpled piece of paper—it was a copy of the secret vault map. Although it was roughly drawn, it contained all the key information.

Chen Yu took the map and then pulled out five ten-yuan bills: "Take this, find a place to hide for a while. If Black Third Master's men come again, just say the map is with me."

Xu Damao took the money and asked hesitantly, "Chen Yu, who...who exactly are you? Why...?"

"Who I am is not important." Chen Yu put away the map. "What's important is that you're safe now. Remember, don't tell anyone about what happened today, not even Boss Li."

"I understand, I understand!"

After leaving the courtyard, Chen Yu didn't immediately return to Beixinqiao. He found a secluded spot and carefully examined the copy of the map. Sure enough, Xu Damao was cunning; he had marked several alternative entrances and possible traps on the map—things not found on the original map.

"It seems Xu Damao still had a trick up his sleeve," Chen Yu sneered. But it didn't matter; with this map, his understanding of the secret vault had deepened.

He contacted the fake agent number one: "Send someone to keep an eye on Xu Damao and see if he will inform Boss Li or Black Third Master."

"Yes, Master. Also, there's been progress with Zhao Tieying—he's figured out how the explosives are detonated. It's wire-controlled detonation, requiring someone to operate it from within 300 meters. There are three detonation points, forming a triangle around the entrance."

Remotely controlled detonation...that solves the problem. Just cut the fuse before detonation, or control the person detonating it...

"Continue surveillance to find the location and patterns of the person who detonated the bomb."

"clear."

After finishing these procedures, Chen Yu went to the hospital to pick up Qin Huairu for a follow-up examination. The results were all normal, and the fetus was developing well. The doctor prescribed some folic acid and vitamins—although medical conditions were limited in those days, basic prenatal care was still available.

At noon, Chen Yu took Qin Huairu to Donglaishun for hot pot. The steaming copper pot and tender slices of mutton were a rare delicacy in those times of scarcity. Qin Huairu ate very little, constantly putting food on Chen Yu's plate.

"Eat more, now you're two people." Chen Yu put all the cooked mutton into her bowl.

"You should eat too, you work so hard..." Qin Huairu said softly. "Chen Yu, I've been thinking about the wedding... can we keep it simple? You're spending a lot these days, and you have a family to support..."

"Don't worry about the money." Chen Yu held her hand. "A wedding only happens once in a lifetime. I want you to marry me in style. I have the money; you just need to focus on your pregnancy."

Qin Huairu's eyes were slightly red, and she stopped talking.

When I returned to Beixinqiao in the afternoon, Zhang Xiulan was already waiting in the courtyard. She brought her own pickled vegetables and a basket of eggs.

"Xiaoyu, Huairu, you're finally back!" Zhang Xiulan grabbed Qin Huairu's hand. "How did it go? Were the checkups all right?"

"All is well, Aunt Zhang," Qin Huairu said with a smile.

"That's good, that's good!" Zhang Xiulan took the eggs out of the basket. "These are from our own chickens, they're fresh! Eggs are very nutritious for pregnant women!"

After thanking him, Chen Yu pulled Zhang Xiulan aside and whispered about Qin Huairu's pregnancy.

Zhang Xiulan was taken aback at first, then overjoyed: "Really? That's wonderful! Xiaoyu, you're so lucky! Huairu is lucky too! We have to get the wedding done right away, we can't delay any longer!"

"We'll get our marriage certificate next weekend and have the wedding on the 15th of next month. There's plenty of time," Chen Yu said. "Aunt Zhang, I'd like to ask you for help with the wedding arrangements. You have a lot of experience."

"Leave it to me!" Zhang Xiulan patted her chest confidently. "The banquet, the guests, the event... I'll take care of everything! You can focus on your work and take care of Huairu; leave the wedding to me!"

With Zhang Xiulan's help, Chen Yu felt much more relaxed. The three of them sat in the courtyard discussing wedding details, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

As evening fell, Chen Yu escorted Zhang Xiulan back to her courtyard house. On the way, Zhang Xiulan suddenly said, "Xiao Yu, there's something I need to tell you. Today I saw Jia Zhangshi secretly go to Xu Damao's old house and talk to the new landlord for a long time."

"The new landlord? Isn't it Wang Jianjun?"

"On the surface it's Wang Jianjun, but I suspect it's Boss Li behind it all," Zhang Xiulan said in a low voice. "When Jia Zhangshi came out of the house, she was carrying a bulging cloth bag, which looked like money."

Chen Yu's eyes turned cold. Had Jia Zhangshi taken money from Boss Li to act as his informant? Or...?

"Aunt Zhang, just pretend you didn't see this, and don't get involved," Chen Yu instructed. "Let's stay away from the Jia family's affairs."

"I know, I just wanted to let you know," Zhang Xiulan sighed. "Xiaoyu, the people in this courtyard are complicated. You made the right decision to move out."

After seeing Zhang Xiulan off, Chen Yu didn't immediately return to Beixinqiao. He rode his bicycle to the steel rolling mill and asked Section Chief Li for a few days off—the reason being to prepare for his wedding. Section Chief Li readily approved it and even asked the labor union to help prepare wedding supplies.

It was already dark when Chen Yu left the factory. As he rode his bicycle through a secluded alley, his spiritual sense suddenly detected several unfriendly auras.

Four people came from both the front and the rear.

Chen Yu remained calm and continued riding his bicycle. At a bend, he suddenly accelerated and turned into a narrower alley. The four men quickly caught up, but the alley was too narrow, allowing only two people to ride side by side.

Now! Chen Yu abruptly stopped the car and turned around, activating his Object Manipulation Technique! Several bricks piled up by the roadside silently rose and slammed into the two people in front!

"Ouch!" "Ouch!"

The two men were hit in the knees and fell to the ground screaming. The two men behind them were shocked and pulled out knives to pounce on them.

Chen Yu neither dodged nor evaded, and instantly activated the Fireball spell—two fist-sized fireballs appeared out of thin air. Although they were not very powerful, the sudden appearance of the flames terrified the two men!

"A ghost!"

The two men dropped their knives and turned to run. Chen Yu didn't chase after them, but instead walked up to the two men who had fallen to the ground.

Under the moonlight, he could see the other person's face clearly—it was one of Black Third Master's men, including the dark-faced man and the tall, thin one.

"Did Master Hei send you?" Chen Yu asked coldly.

The dark-faced man, clutching his bleeding knee, gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, you've offended our Third Master. Don't expect to have a good life! Hand over the pocket watch if you know what's good for you, or else..."

"What else?" Chen Yu stomped on his injured knee.

"Ah—!" the dark-faced man screamed, "I... our Third Master won't let you get away with this!"

"Go back and tell Black Third Master," Chen Yu loosened his grip, "the pocket watch is with me. If he wants it, he'll come to Beijing to find me himself. If he dares to send anyone else, I'll cripple them all. Get out!"

The two of them scrambled away.

Chen Yu picked up the knife they had dropped and examined it closely. The hilt was engraved with the character "黑" (Hei), indeed the mark of Black Third Master.

"Looks like I need to deal with this problem ahead of time," Chen Yu thought to himself. With the Double Ninth Festival approaching, he couldn't let Black Third Master's men cause trouble behind his back.

When Chen Yu returned to Beixinqiao, Qin Huairu was already asleep. He tiptoed into the house without disturbing her.

He entered the small world and began preparing his plan to deal with Black Third Master. Five fake humans, intermediate-level object manipulation techniques, fireball spells, and those simple magical artifacts... enough to set up a trap.

But first, we need to find out where Black Third Master is based in Beijing and where his men are located.

"All fake agents, from number one to number five, are to be deployed," Chen Yu ordered. "Investigate all of Black Third Master's strongholds, personnel, and patterns of activity in Beijing. I need a detailed report within three days."

"Yes, Master!"

The imposters obeyed and left. Chen Yu then began refining a new elixir—an improved version of the Bewitching Powder. Although still of inferior quality, its effects should be enough to render an ordinary person unconscious for several hours.

Working late into the night, Chen Yu exited the small world. He walked into the courtyard and looked at the starry sky.

There are still fifteen days until the Double Ninth Festival.

In fifteen days, everything will be clear.

Before that, he had to clear away all the obstacles one by one.

For Qin Huairu, for the unborn child, and for... to truly gain a foothold in this era.

Chen Yu clenched his fist, a resolute glint in his eyes.

Since some people don't want him to live a peaceful life, then let them know—

Chen Yu is not someone to be trifled with.