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

On the morning of the sixth day of the second lunar month, Guangzhou was shrouded in a thin layer of spring mist. Chen Yu stood at the north gate of Yuexiu Park and looked up at Baiyun Mountain to the north—the peaks were hidden in the milky white mist, just as its name "Baiyun" (meaning "white clouds") suggests, like a fairyland.

"System, check-in for today." A morning breeze carrying the moist scent of grass and trees brushed against my face.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 2 feet of national cloth ration coupons, basic meteorological knowledge (small), portable hygrometer x1, 7 yuan cash]

He immediately applied his meteorological knowledge, gaining insights into cloud formation principles, humidity variation patterns, and the relationship between air pressure and weather. The hygrometer was German-made, with red and blue pointers on the dial. Chen Yu checked the reading: relative humidity 87%. No wonder the fog was so heavy.

He slung a canvas bag over his shoulder, containing the first six keys, a key-finding disc, elixirs, and essential tools. Today's destination was the Baiyun Mountain Moxing Ridge area—according to the key-finding disc, the last Yaoguang Key was located in that region.

It's about five miles from Yuexiu Park to the foot of Baiyun Mountain. Chen Yu didn't take a car, but walked there, observing the terrain as he went. Baiyun Mountain is the "lungs" of Guangzhou. The mountain is not particularly steep, but it covers a wide area with more than 30 peaks, the highest of which, Moxing Ridge, is 382 meters above sea level.

"Master, there's something going on at Baiyun Mountain." The voice of Pseudo-Man No. 7 sounded in my mind. "We found three people near Nengren Temple on the southern slope of the mountain. They are the same group of 'Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers' from Xiqiao Mountain. They changed into civilian clothes today, but they are carrying professional backpacks."

"What exactly are they doing?"

"They asked the monks at Nengren Temple about the 'ancient stone carvings' and the 'hidden cave.' The monks there said they didn't know, so they went to the back of the mountain on their own. Number Three is following them."

"Keep your distance, don't alert them," Chen Yu pondered. "Also, has the exact location of the key been determined?"

"The key disc points to the vicinity of 'Nine Dragon Spring' on the northwest side of Mount Moxing. However, the terrain there is complex, with many natural caves and man-made stone chambers, requiring on-site exploration."

Nine Dragon Spring... Chen Yu remembered that it was a famous spring in Baiyun Mountain. Legend has it that nine dragons lived in the spring, and the water was sweet and never ran dry. It was in line with the Taoist concept of "the highest good is like water" that Master Xuanzhen hid the last key near the water source.

At 8:00 AM, Chen Yu arrived at the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain. The entrance fee was 15 cents, and the accompanying map marked the main attractions: Yuntai Garden, Mingchun Valley, Stele Forest, Nengren Temple, Jiulong Spring, Moxing Ridge...

He didn't take the tourist route, but instead climbed the mountain via a side path. This path was rarely traveled, the stone steps were covered with moss, and dense bamboo groves lined both sides. A spring rain had just passed, and glistening water droplets clung to the bamboo leaves; the air was refreshingly clean.

After walking for about half an hour, the sound of gurgling water came from ahead. Turning a bend, a mountain spring gushed out from a crevice in the rocks, flowing down a stone trough to form a series of small waterfalls. The spring water was crystal clear, and the bottom was covered with colorful pebbles.

This is a tributary of Jiulongquan.

Chen Yu took out the Seven Star Key Finder. He infused it with spiritual energy, and the Yao Guang star on the surface of the disc flickered violently, its light even brighter than the previous six stars combined! The pointer trembled as it pointed in the direction from which the spring water flowed—that was inside the mountain of Moxing Ridge.

"The key is inside the mountain..." Chen Yu followed the spring upwards. The source of the spring was a cliff, covered with vines, with water seeping from the cracks in the rock. Activating his spiritual eye technique, he saw a faint light inside the cracks—the light of an array!

He parted the vines and discovered that behind the crevice in the rock was a man-made opening, about three feet high and two feet wide, just wide enough for one person to pass through sideways. There were signs of wear on the edges of the opening, indicating that people or animals frequently went in and out.

"This is it." Chen Yu bent down and crawled in. The cave was narrow at first, but after walking about ten meters, it suddenly opened up into a natural cave. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the ground was flat, obviously having been repaired.

The most striking feature is a pool in the center of the cave—about three zhang in diameter, with emerald green water that seems bottomless. This is the main spring of the Nine Dragons Spring! A thin white mist floats above the pool, a sign of liquefied spiritual energy.

Under the Spirit Eye Technique, the concentration of spiritual energy in the entire cave was more than ten times higher than that outside! There was also a spiritual vein node at the bottom of the pool, from which pure water-attribute spiritual energy continuously flowed.

"What a blessed land!" Chen Yu exclaimed. The Xuanzhen Master's choice of this place as the final hiding place was indeed insightful.

He observed carefully at the edge of the pool. In the center of the pool was a blue stone protruding from the water, its surface as smooth as a mirror. On the blue stone lay a white jade box, its surface engraved with the Big Dipper constellation, except for the position of the Yao Guang star, which was empty—clearly, the other six keys needed to be inserted to open the jade box and retrieve the Yao Guang key.

But the problem is... the bluestone is about two zhang away from the edge of the pool, and in the middle is a bottomless spring. Moreover, the white mist on the surface of the pool is not simple; with spiritual eyes, one can see runes flowing within the mist, indicating a complex defensive formation.

Chen Yu picked up a stone and threw it onto the surface of the pool. The stone had barely entered the white mist when it "whooshed" into powder!

"What a powerful formation!" He gasped. This mist not only had defensive capabilities but also possessed extremely strong corrosive properties.

How to get across? Swimming is definitely out of the question. Flying... he hasn't reached the Foundation Establishment stage yet and can't fly using magical artifacts. Building a bridge? There aren't any suitable materials in the cave.

Chen Yu sat cross-legged and began to ponder. Perhaps there were clues in the *Xuanzhen Yilu*...

He took out the first four volumes of the records and quickly flipped through them. At the end of the third volume, on formations, he found a passage: "Water-based formations use softness to overcome hardness. They are weak against the weak and strong against the strong. To break them, one must use water as a medium and follow its momentum..."

Following the natural flow... Chen Yu looked at the pool water. Spring water gushed from the bottom of the pool, flowing towards the cave entrance, forming a stream. If he could follow the direction of the water flow...

He took a rope from his backpack, tied one end to a stalactite on the cave wall, and the other end around his waist. Then he walked to the outlet of the pool—where the mist was thin and he could see the spring water flowing out of the pool, forming a stream.

Using his spiritual eye technique, he observed carefully and discovered that there was indeed a gap in the array at the exit. The flowing spring water had carried away some of the array's energy, forming a safe passage—but it was very narrow, only one foot wide.

Chen Yu took a deep breath and stepped into the stream. The water was icy cold, but bearable. He moved slowly with the current, each step landing in the middle of the stream. White mist swirled around him, but he dared not approach the water's edge.

After walking about ten steps, he arrived at the edge of the pool. Beyond that was the deep water. He spotted the bluestone, leaped out of the water, and simultaneously swung the rope—the other end of which was tied to an iron hook—which precisely caught the edge of the bluestone!

Using the momentum, Chen Yu landed steadily on the bluestone. The whole process was smooth and effortless, leaving only shallow watermarks on the bluestone.

It worked!

The jade box on the bluestone was within reach. Chen Yu took out the first six keys and inserted them into the grooves on the box in order, according to the positions of the Big Dipper. The moment the Tianquan key was inserted, the jade box emitted a soft white light; when the Kaiyang key was inserted, the white light turned red; finally, when the Yuheng key was inserted, all seven stars lit up simultaneously!

With a "click," the jade box opened automatically.

Inside the box was no token, only a transparent bead the size of a pigeon egg! Nebula-like specks of light swirled within the bead; upon closer inspection, these specks formed the pattern of the Big Dipper. And in the position of the star Yao Guang, there was a particularly bright speck of light, seemingly dancing as if alive.

[Obtained: Yao Guang Zhu]

The seventh of the Seven Star Keys corresponds to the Yao Guang star in the Big Dipper.

【Characteristics: Essence of water spirit, can transform into a key, containing pure water spirit energy】

It turned out that the last key wasn't a physical token, but rather a spiritual object! Chen Yu carefully picked up the Yao Guang Pearl. The pearl was cool to the touch, and the water-based spiritual energy inside automatically resonated with the spiritual energy within his body. A cool sensation flowed throughout his body, washing away his previous fatigue.

Just then, something unexpected happened!

The pool water suddenly boiled! The white mist contracted rapidly, condensing into a blurry human figure on the surface of the pool. The figure gradually became clearer, revealing itself to be the phantom of an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard, wearing a blue Taoist robe, holding a whisk, and with a kind yet dignified face.

"Finally, the destined one has arrived." The old Taoist's illusory figure spoke, his voice resounding directly in Chen Yu's mind. "I am Xuanzhen, leaving this divine thought to await a successor."

Chen Yu bowed respectfully and said, "Junior Chen Yu greets Senior Xuanzhen."

"No need for formalities." The illusory figure of Xuanzhen nodded slightly. "Your ability to collect the Seven Star Keys and pass the seven trials demonstrates your excellent character, perseverance, and wisdom. However, the path of cultivation is not solely reliant on external forces, but even more so on one's state of mind."

A phantom waved its sleeve, and three images appeared on the surface of the pool:

The first image shows someone engulfed in flames, screaming in agony.

The second picture shows mountains of gold and silver, with people greedily rushing towards the treasure;

The third image depicts a scene of beautiful women surrounding someone, where someone is indulging in a life of pleasure.

"This is a three-stage illusionary realm, for refining the mind, body, and spirit," Xuanzhen said. "You must enter in sequence. Only by guarding your true nature can you obtain my complete inheritance. If you become addicted, at best your foundation will be damaged, and at worst your soul will be scattered."

Chen Yu took a deep breath: "This junior is willing to give it a try."

"Good." The illusory figure nodded. "The first trial is refining the mind."

The moment he finished speaking, Chen Yu's surroundings changed drastically! He found himself in a burning alchemy room, surrounded by raging flames and waves of heat washing over him. Even worse, the spiritual energy within his body suddenly became chaotic, as if he were about to suffer a qi deviation!

A sharp pain shot through his meridians, as if he were truly being burned by flames. Chen Yu gritted his teeth, sat cross-legged, and circulated the mental cultivation method of the *Tai Xuan Zhen Jing*, forcibly calming the chaotic spiritual energy. At the same time, he silently recited in his heart: "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows..."

This is a sentence from the Diamond Sutra, and reciting it now has a miraculous effect. His heart gradually calmed down; the pain remained, but he could bear it. He recalled the words left by the True Man Xuanzhen on Xiqiao Mountain: "A restless and agitated mind will damage the foundation of the Dao."

We must not rush or act rashly.

After an unknown amount of time, the flames gradually died down. Chen Yu opened his eyes and found himself still on the bluestone, his body drenched in cold sweat. However, the spiritual energy in his meridians was purer and more refined than before.

"First test passed." The illusory figure's eyes revealed approval. "Second test: Body Refinement."

The scene shifts again. Chen Yu stands before a mountain of gold, gold, jewelry, antiques, and magical artifacts piled high, radiating an alluring glow. A voice whispers in his ear: "Take it, it's all yours. With this, you can buy all of Hong Kong, you can become the richest man in the world..."

Chen Yu was indeed tempted by the treasures. But then he thought of Qin Huairu in the courtyard house, and of his original aspiration to cultivate immortality. Money was important, but it was merely a tool, not the goal.

"I need money, but I won't become a slave to it," he said softly.

The gold mountain collapsed, and the jewels vanished. Chen Yu felt a lightness in his body; his physique, after the marrow cleansing, seemed to have improved even further.

"The third stage, Refining the Spirit." The voice of the illusory figure of Xuanzhen became serious.

This was the hardest hurdle. Chen Yu found himself back in a courtyard house in Beijing. Qin Huairu, heavily pregnant, was hanging clothes to dry in the yard. Seeing him return, she smiled gently, "You're back. Dinner is ready."

The aroma of food wafted from the house—his favorite braised pork. Neighbors greeted him with smiles; everything felt so real and warm.

"Stay here, don't take any more risks." Qin Huairu took his hand. "Let's live an ordinary life, have children, and live peacefully."

Looking at his wife's gentle face, Chen Yu felt a surge of longing. Yes, how wonderful it would be to stay...

But then, he remembered the secrets of the Xuanzhen Cave and the possibility of cultivating immortality. If he stayed, he might live a peaceful life, but after a hundred years, he would return to dust. If he continued on his journey, perhaps he could embark on the path to immortality and spend more time with his loved ones.

"Ru, wait for me." He gently released his wife's hand. "When I have achieved my goal, I will definitely come back to fetch you, and we will see the scenery of a thousand years together."

The illusion shattered.

Chen Yu returned to reality, tears streaming down his face. He knew it was an illusion, but the feelings were real. His guilt and longing for his wife would become his greatest motivation and his greatest inner demon on his path of cultivation.

"You have passed all three trials; you are qualified." The illusory figure of Xuanzhen revealed a relieved smile. "The Seven Star Keys are now complete; the cave can be opened. The cave is located at..."

Just as the phantom was about to deliver the crucial information, a sudden tremor shook the entire cave, causing the pool water to churn!

"Not good! Someone has triggered the outer barrier!" Xuanzhen's illusory figure's expression changed. "The inheritance has been passed on, and my divine sense is about to dissipate. Remember, the cave is..."

Before the words were finished, the illusory figure vanished. At the same time, hurried footsteps and shouts came from the direction of the cave entrance:

"Here it is! The entrance is here!"

"Quick! Don't let him get away!"

It's that mysterious group! They actually found their way here!

Chen Yu quickly put away the Yao Guang Pearl and the jade box, then leaped into the pool—to go underwater! He swallowed a Water-Repelling Pill and submerged to the bottom of the pool. Activating his Spiritual Eye Technique, he discovered a hidden passage at the bottom of the pool leading deep into the mountain.

Without hesitation, he swam downstream. Behind him came the sound of splashing and shouts—the men were chasing him!

The dark, winding passage was deep and secluded, and Chen Yu relied entirely on his spiritual energy to breathe. After swimming for about five minutes, light appeared ahead—it was the exit!

He surfaced and found himself in an unfamiliar valley. Dense primeval forest surrounded him, and the outline of Baiyun Mountain could be seen in the distance. This was the other side of the mountain, far from Jiulong Spring.

They've shaken off their pursuers.

Chen Yu climbed ashore and collapsed onto the grass, panting. The three trials he had just faced had taken a toll on his mental energy, and the escape had left him feeling utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

But it's worth it.

The Seven Star Keys are complete! The Yao Guang Pearl, nestled in his arms, emanates a cool spiritual energy, resonating with the other six keys. He can sense a mysterious connection established between the seven keys; given the right time and place, they can open the Xuanzhen Cave.

More importantly, he passed the three tests set by Master Xuanzhen and obtained the full qualification to inherit the mantle.

After resting for a while, Chen Yu checked his spoils. Besides being a key, the Yao Guang Pearl was also a precious water spirit essence; wearing it for a long time could nourish his meridians and enhance the power of water-attribute spells.

He tried to infuse spiritual energy into the Yao Guang Pearl, and a three-dimensional star map appeared on the surface of the pearl—the Big Dipper was aligned in a line, pointing northwest. And at a distance five times the extension of the seven stars, there was a particularly bright star.

"That's... Polaris?" Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. "The seven stars point north, so the cave is in the north?"

The exact location still needs to be calculated, but at least we have a direction.

As dusk fell, Chen Yu took a detour back to downtown Guangzhou. He didn't return to the shipyard's guesthouse, but instead went to the Overseas Chinese Hotel, which Lin Wanru had arranged—it was safer there.

In the hotel room, he gave the imposter new instructions: "Find out the true identities and backing of those three people from today. Also, prepare everything for the trip to Hong Kong on February 15th."

"Master, Lin Wanru sent another telegram today, asking if we need to send someone to Hong Kong to meet her."

"Reply to her that you need it. Also, ask her to help me find out if there are any experts in Hong Kong who are skilled in astrology and feng shui."

Chen Yu stood by the window, gazing at the city of Guangzhou in the night. Thousands of lights shone, and wisps of smoke rose from chimneys; it was an ordinary yet heartwarming night.

But he knew that the life of an ordinary person was becoming increasingly distant from him.

With the Seven Star Key in hand, the Mysterious Cave is about to open.

His trip to Hong Kong is imminent, and a new stage awaits him.

And in the courtyard house, the woman waiting for him to come home...

Chen Yu gripped the Yao Guang Pearl tightly in his hand; the coolness emanating from the pearl calmed his mind.

The road ahead is still long.

But the direction is clear.

Next, Hong Kong.

The next step is the cave dwelling.

Then... I went home.

Moonlight streamed through the window and into the room.

Chen Yu began packing his belongings.

Ten days later, he will board the "Red Star" and sail to Hong Kong.

Tonight, he wants to get a good night's sleep.

There's still a lot to do tomorrow.