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

On Monday morning, when Chen Yu finished his cultivation in the small world, twenty newly drawn talismans were already laid out beside the spiritual spring—five protective talismans, eight mind-clearing talismans, four speed talismans, and three invisibility talismans that he had just learned the day before.

Even he was somewhat surprised by the speed at which his talisman-making skills improved. The intermediate skill pack provided a complete and systematic knowledge base, and the enhanced control over spiritual energy from the third level of Qi Refining allowed him to achieve a success rate of over 70% in drawing basic talismans. In particular, the Swiftness Talisman, although its effect only lasts for fifteen minutes, can increase the wearer's speed by thirty percent, which might be a lifesaver in critical moments.

"System, check-in for today," Chen Yu silently read aloud. A new week was beginning, and he hoped for even better results.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 5 jin of grain coupons, 1 jin of meat coupons, a small basic talisman application skills experience pack, and 10 yuan in cash]

Talisman application techniques? Perfect timing! Chen Yu immediately put them to use, his mind flooded with information on talisman activation timing, combination techniques, and even methods for arranging simple talisman arrays. Although it was just basic knowledge, it was incredibly useful for a talisman-making novice like him.

Exiting the mini-world, it was just past seven in the real world. Chen Yu went to the kitchen, where Qin Huairu was already cooking porridge. She looked well today, and her morning sickness seemed to have lessened considerably.

"Why don't you sleep a little longer?" Chen Yu took the spoon from her hand.

"You've had a good night's sleep," Qin Huairu smiled. "Chen Yu, I want to go to the hospital for a check-up today. Yesterday I felt... the baby seemed to move."

"I felt the baby move?" Chen Yu's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes, it's like a little fish swimming gently in the water..." Qin Huairu's face was filled with maternal tenderness. "I want to have the doctor check if it's normal."

"Okay, I'll go with you." Chen Yu stirred the porridge in the pot. "We'll go after breakfast."

At eight o'clock, the two arrived at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The obstetrics and gynecology department was on the second floor, and there were already quite a few pregnant women queuing in the corridor. Although medical conditions were limited in those days, basic prenatal checkups were still available.

When it was Qin Huairu's turn, the doctor was a woman in her fifties surnamed Wu, who seemed very kind. She listened carefully to the fetal heartbeat and then performed a simple palpation.

"The fetus is developing normally, and the fetal heartbeat is strong," Dr. Wu noted in the medical record. "Ms. Qin, you are currently about sixteen weeks pregnant, and feeling fetal movement is normal. However..." she adjusted her glasses, "your fetus... seems to be a little larger than usual."

"Bigger?" Chen Yu's heart tightened. "Is there a problem?"

"There's no problem, it's just that the baby is developing exceptionally well," Dr. Wu smiled. "With adequate nutrition and a healthy mother, the fetus is naturally developing well. However, Comrade Qin should be careful to control her weight; being too large will increase the difficulty of delivery."

Chen Yu breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, doctor. What should I pay attention to in the meantime?"

"Continue to supplement your nutrition, but keep it balanced. Take more walks and engage in appropriate physical activity. Also..." Dr. Wu lowered her voice, "Sexual activity should be moderate. It's okay during the second trimester, but be gentle."

Qin Huairu blushed instantly, and Chen Yu was also a little embarrassed, nodding repeatedly: "I understand, thank you, doctor."

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief as they left the examination room. The baby was healthy and developing well—this was the best news.

"Chen Yu, did you hear what the doctor said? The baby is developing exceptionally well." Qin Huairu gently stroked her lower abdomen, her eyes filled with happiness.

"I heard that. Our child will definitely be very smart and healthy." Chen Yu held her hand. "Let's go, I'll take you to buy some good food to celebrate."

The two bought some fruit at a convenience store near the hospital and then had lunch at a nearby state-run restaurant. Although it was just a simple bowl of shredded pork noodles, they both enjoyed their meal.

Back at Beixinqiao in the afternoon, Chen Yu let Qin Huairu take a nap while he entered his small world to continue practicing talisman making. The talisman application techniques he learned from today's check-in gave him a new idea—talismans can be used in combination.

For example, wearing a protective amulet and a calming amulet together provides both defense and tranquility; combining a speed amulet and an invisibility amulet allows for quick escape from danger; and multiple amulets of the same type can even be arranged into a simple amulet array to enhance their effect...

He experimented in the small world. The three amulets were arranged in a triangle, and when activated, they formed a weak light shield. Although it could only last for a few minutes and its defensive power was only slightly stronger than a single amulet, it was a good start.

"If I had more talismans, I could arrange them into more complex formations..." Chen Yu mused. Unfortunately, his talisman-making skills were still at a basic level, and his materials were limited.

After practicing for two hours (one and a half hours in the outside world), Chen Yu successfully drew ten more talismans. Just as he exited the small world, the message came from Pseudo-Man Number One.

"Master, Boss Li and Elder Zhao went to Fragrant Hills this morning to make final preparations around the entrance. Zhao Tieying was almost discovered while tracking them; Elder Zhao's senses are very sharp."

"Is Zhao Tieying alright?"

"It's alright, he retreated in time. But he brought back important news—Elder Zhao buried something special at the entrance, it looks like a compass, or maybe a magical artifact."

A magical artifact? Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. Did the Hongmen also have cultivation traditions?

"Have Zhao Tieying find out what that is. Also, what's been going on with Boss Li's men?"

"They are preparing weapons. In addition to hunting rifles, they have also acquired two homemade pistols. On the night of the Double Ninth Festival, they will split into three groups: one group at the detonation point, one group in ambush around the entrance, and one group providing support from the outside."

Chen Yu quickly analyzed the intelligence. The enemy had ample manpower, superior weaponry, and a master like Elder Zhao in command... a direct confrontation was definitely not a wise move.

"Notify all the puppets to meet at the usual place tonight to formulate a detailed battle plan."

"Yes."

As evening fell, He Yuzhu came again, this time carrying a fish.

"Brother Zhu, what's going on here..." Chen Yu opened the door to greet him.

"The factory canteen got some fresh fish today, and I saved the best one." He Yuzhu handed the fish to Chen Yu, "It's for Huai Ru to nourish her body; fish is good for pregnant women."

"Thank you so much..." Chen Yu took the fish. "Brother Zhu, come in and sit down. I have something to tell you."

The three sat in the courtyard, and Chen Yu brewed some tea. He Yuzhu took a sip of tea and sighed, "Little Chen, something's happened again at the courtyard house."

"What's wrong now?"

"The neighborhood committee said they were going to rent out Xu Damao's house, right? Today a tenant came, a businessman from the south, who was willing to pay a high price of fifteen yuan a month," He Yuzhu said. "But then Jia Zhangshi went up to him and made a scene, saying the house belonged to her and she couldn't let him rent it out. Not only did she scare the tenant away, but she also had a big argument with Director Wang of the neighborhood committee."

"What did Director Wang say?"

"Director Wang announced on the spot that the Jia family's application for that house was cancelled." He Yuzhu shook his head. "Jia Zhangshi sat on the ground crying and wailing, saying that the neighborhood committee was bullying her and her orphan... Everyone in the courtyard watched, and not one person sympathized with her."

Chen Yu sneered. Jia Zhangshi brought this upon herself.

"Where is Aunt Zhang?"

"Zhang Xiulan went to the hospital to take care of Jia Dongxu, she's not home. If she were home, they'd probably be arguing again." He Yuzhu paused, "By the way, Jia Dongxu is recovering well, the doctor said he can be discharged in another week. Medical expenses... Xiao Chen, Zhang Xiulan asked me to pass on your fifty yuan, saying she'll definitely pay it back, it just might take a while."

"No need to return it, tell her not to worry about it." Chen Yu waved his hand. "Brother Zhu, we'll have to trouble you with the wedding arrangements again. Has the menu been decided?"

"It's all set!" He Yuzhu pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. "Six cold dishes, eight hot dishes, and one soup. I've calculated it; the cost per table is about eight yuan, so six tables will cost forty-eight yuan. Add the drinks, and sixty yuan will be more than enough. I'll bring two apprentices to help out, and I guarantee it'll be a perfect affair!"

"That's great, thank you, Brother Zhu!"

"Don't mention it! Your wedding is a big event, and I, Zhu Zi, have to help!"

They chatted until dusk before He Yuzhu left. Chen Yu saw him to the door, and when he returned to the courtyard, Qin Huairu had already cleaned the fish.

"Shall we make braised fish for dinner?" Chen Yu asked.

"Yes, it's your favorite food." Qin Huairu smiled. "Chen Yu, Brother Zhu is such a good person."

"Yes, he's the most honest one in this courtyard." Chen Yu helped start a fire. "Huai Ru, don't worry about anything on the wedding day. Just be a beautiful bride."

"I know..." Qin Huairu said softly, "Chen Yu, I feel so happy..."

The braised fish for dinner was delicious and visually appealing, and the two of them ate quite a bit. After dinner, Chen Yu accompanied Qin Huairu for a walk in the courtyard to aid digestion; the autumn night sky was exceptionally clear.

"Chen Yu, look, that star is the brightest," Qin Huairu said, pointing to the northern sky.

"That's Polaris, always pointing due north." Chen Yu put his arm around her shoulder. "Just like you, you'll always be the most important direction for me."

"When did you learn to say these things..." Qin Huairu leaned on his shoulder, her face slightly flushed.

At nine o'clock, Qin Huairu went back to her room to rest. Chen Yu quietly went out and arrived at their temporary base on Gulou Back Street.

The collaborators were already waiting there, and Zhao Tieying had also arrived. He had lost some weight in the two weeks since they last met, but his eyes were even sharper.

"Chen Yu, you're here." Zhao Tieying lowered his voice. "The situation isn't good. Boss Li has added more men; there are at least twenty now. And... I suspect they have other accomplices."

"Other helpers?"

"Hmm." Zhao Tieying took out a sketch. "These are the footprints I found near Fragrant Hills. They weren't from Boss Li's men. The footprints were very light, almost silent when they landed. They must have been made by someone who practiced light-body skills. I suspect... Elder Zhao isn't the only one from the Hongmen who came to Beijing."

Chen Yu's heart sank. If the Hongmen had other experts, the situation would be even more complicated.

Can you confirm the number of people?

"At least two, maybe three," Zhao Tieying said. "Chen Yu, we need to reassess our plan. The enemy outnumbers us and has experts on board. If we force our way in... our chances of winning are slim."

"If we can't force our way in, we'll have to outsmart them." Chen Yu pondered for a moment. "Zhao Tieying, how many men can your fellow disciples send?"

"Three, making four including me. They've all trained, but compared to the masters of the Hongmen... I'm afraid they're no match."

"Enough." A glint of light flashed in Chen Yu's eyes. "I don't need you to confront them head-on. I just need to create chaos on the periphery and tie down some of our forces. I'll deal with Boss Li and Elder Zhao."

"You're alone?" Zhao Tieying frowned. "Chen Yu, I know you're skilled, but Zhao Tiangang is an elder of the Hongmen, his martial arts are unparalleled..."

"I have my own way." Chen Yu took out several talismans from his pocket. "You and your fellow disciples should each keep one close to your body. They can save your lives in critical moments."

Zhao Tieying took the talisman and sensed the faint fluctuations of spiritual energy on it. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "This is... a Taoist talisman? You..."

"There are some things that can't be said right now," Chen Yu interrupted him. "On the Double Ninth Festival, you and your men will provide support on the perimeter and act on my signal. If things go wrong, retreat immediately and don't worry about me."

"How can that be! The sect's legacy..."

"Passing on the tradition is important, but human life is more important." Chen Yu said solemnly, "Zhao Tieying, if something really happens to me, you take your fellow disciples and leave Beijing. We can talk about it again when there's another opportunity. As long as we're alive, we can always make a comeback."

Zhao Tieying remained silent for a long time, then nodded emphatically: "I understand. Chen Yu, no matter who you are, I, Zhao Tieying, accept you as a friend!"

"Good brother."

The two discussed some more details until late at night before parting ways. Chen Yu returned to Beixinqiao at 1 a.m.

Instead of sleeping, he entered the small world and began his final preparations.

The three spirit-patterned pocket watches were placed together, emitting a soft glow beside the spirit spring. Chen Yu carefully observed them with his spiritual eye technique and found that as the night of the full moon approached, the patterns on the pocket watches seemed to become clearer, and he could even vaguely sense the faint spatial fluctuations contained within them.

"Master Xuanzhen... what exactly is the legacy you left behind?" Chen Yu murmured to himself.

He took out all the prepared items: twelve flying needles, three sets of improved array bases, twenty talismans of various kinds, a peach wood sword, and those pills... He checked each item one by one to ensure that everything was in perfect condition.

Finally, he took out a blank sheet of paper and began to draw a special talisman—one he created himself based on intermediate talisman-making knowledge, which he would tentatively call a "message talisman." Although its function was simple, only able to transmit a simple signal, it could let Zhao Tieying know the situation if he encountered danger in the secret vault.

Drawing this talisman consumed a great deal of his spiritual energy and mental strength. He failed three times before finally succeeding on the fourth attempt. The patterns on the talisman were complex and profound, and it emitted a faint fluctuation of light when activated.

"Hopefully I won't need it..." Chen Yu carefully put away the communication talisman.

After completing all this, he sat cross-legged to cultivate and recover his depleted spiritual energy. At 1.2 times the time flow rate, he quickly entered a state of complete absorption in the world around him.

When Chen Yu exited the small world, it was almost dawn. He tiptoed to bed, and Qin Huairu turned over in her sleep, muttering, "Chen Yu... be careful..."

Chen Yu felt a warmth in his heart and gently embraced her.

There are still eight days until the Double Ninth Festival.

Eight days from now, everything will be clear.

He had made all the necessary preparations.

No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, he will overcome them one by one.

For this family, for the unborn child, and for... to truly gain a foothold in this era and forge a path that belongs to me.

Outside the window, the east was beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

A new day has begun, but the countdown continues.