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

February 26th, the 15th day of the first lunar month, is the Lantern Festival.

As dusk fell, lights began to illuminate both sides of Victoria Harbour. In his room at the Peninsula Hotel, Chen Yu was preparing for a banquet.

He changed into a newly tailored dark gray suit in Hong Kong—made by a Shanghai tailor in Central, with a perfect fit and made of an imported British wool blend. The collar of his white shirt was crisply pressed, paired with a dark red tie. On his left wrist was still the Shanghai brand watch, while on his right index finger was a newly purchased silver ring with a small piece of black jade set in the face—this was a disguise, which could be activated with spiritual power to provide simple protection if necessary.

The most crucial preparation was the Bagua bronze mirror. For the past three days, Chen Yu had been nurturing and refining this magical artifact every night in his small world using spiritual spring water and his own spiritual power. The bronze mirror gradually regained its luster, and the Bagua engravings on the back faintly glowed under the infusion of spiritual power. Although it was only a low-grade magical artifact, it might come in handy at a critical moment.

"System, check-in for today," Chen Yu muttered to himself as he straightened his tie in front of the mirror.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: HKD 100, Basic Business Negotiation Skills Experience Kit (Small), 1964 Hong Kong Social Etiquette Guide, Portable Recorder (Mini) x1, Three Spiritual Talismans]

Business negotiation skills were immediately applicable, and knowledge of bargaining strategies and psychological game theory was added to one's mind. The two-hundred-page guide to social etiquette detailed the various rules of Hong Kong's high society, from table manners to forms of address. The miniature recorder, only the size of a cigarette box, could record continuously for two hours—a high-tech spy device for this era. Most notably, there were three spiritual talismans—labeled by the system as "low-grade talisman materials, capable of carrying simple spells."

Chen Yu carefully put away the talisman and then placed the mini recorder in his suit's inner pocket. It's always good to be prepared for tonight's trap.

At 7 p.m., Lin Wanru's car arrived at the hotel on time. Today she was wearing a dark green cheongsam with a white mink shawl over it, her hair was styled in an exquisite updo, and she wore a pair of jade earrings, exuding elegance and nobility.

"Mr. Chen looks very handsome tonight," Lin Wanru praised with a smile.

"President Lin is the truly radiant one," Chen Yu replied politely.

The car drove towards Wan Chai Pier. Lin Wanru handed over a document: "I did a quick check of the guests who might attend tonight. Besides Zheng Yurong and his business friends, there are a few businessmen from Southeast Asia, and... two guests from Taiwan."

"Taiwan?" Chen Yu raised an eyebrow.

"They say he's in import/export trade, but I don't know his specific background," Lin Wanru said in a low voice. "Zheng Yurong has been in contact with people in Taiwan recently, he might have other plans. Be careful tonight, and try to avoid sensitive topics."

"clear."

The Jumbo Floating Restaurant is moored on the waterfront of Wan Chai. It is a three-story antique-style painted boat with upturned eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, and decorated with colorful lanterns all over. On the night of the Lantern Festival, the boat is even more brightly lit, with hundreds of lanterns illuminating the sea in a red glow.

Upon boarding the boat, waiters immediately led the way. The first floor was an open-plan restaurant, where many guests were already chatting and exchanging pleasantries. The second floor was a banquet hall, which had been reserved for the evening by Hesheng Company. The third floor consisted of VIP boxes and an open-air observation deck.

"Miss Lin, Mr. Chen, welcome, welcome!" Zheng Yurong personally greeted them at the banquet hall entrance. He was wearing a dark blue Zhongshan suit, his hair was slicked back, and he looked radiant. "It's an honor to have you both grace our humble abode with your presence!"

"Mr. Zheng, you're too kind," Lin Wanru replied with a smile.

As Chen Yu shook hands with Zheng Yurong, he slightly activated his spiritual eye and discovered that the other man's internal energy and blood were abundant, but there was a hint of darkness between his brows—a sign of recent bad luck. Upon closer inspection, Chen Yurong wore a string of dark wooden beads on his left wrist, each bead engraved with tiny talismans, faintly emitting spiritual energy fluctuations.

"A magical artifact?" Chen Yu thought warily. It seemed Zheng Yurong had indeed come into contact with people in the metaphysical world.

The banquet hall was already filled with thirty or forty guests, half men and half women, most of whom were well-dressed and whose demeanor revealed the shrewdness of businessmen. Waiters moved among them, serving champagne and snacks.

"Mr. Chen, it's an honor to meet you!" A man in his fifties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, approached to greet him. "My name is Huang Qitai, and I'm in the building materials business. I've heard that your explosion-proof coating is remarkable; even Sir Zhou praised it highly!"

"Mr. Huang, you flatter me. It's just some minor technique."

"You're too modest! Come, let me introduce you to some friends..."

For the next half hour, Chen Yu was constantly introduced to various businessmen, factory owners, and trading company bosses. Hong Kong's business circle is small, and news of Sir Zhou's successful order had already spread. Everyone wanted to meet this suddenly emerging technical prodigy.

Chen Yu handled the situation with finesse, neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite. His business negotiation skills allowed him to quickly assess each person's intentions, while his knowledge of social etiquette ensured his proper conduct. Several Southeast Asian businessmen were particularly interested in him, frequently inquiring about potential technological collaborations.

"Mr. Chen, have you considered applying for a patent for your technology?" a Singaporean businessman asked.

"It's being processed," Chen Yu replied, "but the level of patent protection in Hong Kong..."

"I understand, I understand!" The other party smiled knowingly. "So we can consider keeping the core technology and only licensing production to them. If you are interested in entering the Southeast Asian market, I can act as a go-between."

As they were talking, Chen Yu suddenly sensed a sharp gaze. Turning his head, he saw Su Man on the other side of the banquet hall, holding a wine glass and looking at him with scrutiny in her eyes. Standing beside her were two people: one was an elderly man in a Tang suit with a goatee, the feng shui master he had met at the antique shop; the other was a middle-aged Taoist priest around fifty years old, wearing a dark blue Taoist robe, with a gray-white pupil in his left eye—the one-eyed Taoist priest that the imposter had reported!

The three spoke in hushed tones, the Taoist's gaze occasionally sweeping over Chen Yu, his greyish-white eyes appearing eerie under the lamplight. Chen Yu activated his spiritual eye technique slightly, discovering a thin layer of spiritual energy surrounding the Taoist, not strong, but much denser than that of an ordinary person. The Feng Shui master also possessed faint fluctuations of spiritual energy, but far less than the Taoist's.

"A true cultivator..." Chen Yu thought warily, but remained outwardly calm as he continued his conversation with the others.

The banquet officially began at eight o'clock. The long table was laden with Cantonese delicacies: abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, lobster with noodles, steamed grouper, roast suckling pig... a dazzling array. Zheng Yurong, as the host, gave a speech, which consisted of nothing more than polite words of thanks for the guests' presence and best wishes for the Lantern Festival.

During the meal, Chen Yu noticed that the one-eyed Taoist priest hardly spoke, simply eating in silence, while his grayish-white eye scanned the entire room like a radar. The feng shui master, on the other hand, was quite talkative, constantly discussing feng shui and fortune-telling with others.

"Master Zhang has recently been looking at the feng shui of Mr. Zheng's new office," a businessman whispered to his companion. "I heard that after the layout was changed, Mr. Zheng's business has been doing much better."

"So effective? I'll have Master Zhang take a look another day..."

Chen Yu silently noted this information down. After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. Zheng Yurong approached with a wine glass in hand: "Mr. Chen, may I speak with you in private?"

The two walked to the corridor outside the banquet hall. The sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent, and the lights of Hong Kong Island in the distance shone like a galaxy.

"Mr. Chen is young and promising. What are your plans for the future?" Zheng Yurong asked directly.

"Let's finish Sir Zhou's order first, then we'll consider the next step."

"Sir Zhou's order is certainly important," Zheng Yurong changed the subject, "but you can't do business with just one or two clients. I have some new projects on my side, and I wonder if Mr. Chen would be interested in collaborating?"

"Please go ahead, Mr. Zheng."

"Taiwan needs a batch of special materials for...certain special occasions," Zheng Yurong said in a low voice. "The requirements are even higher than those for Sir Zhou, but the price is also 30% higher. If Mr. Chen can provide technical support, the profits can be split 50/50."

Chen Yu sneered inwardly. The so-called "special occasion" was probably for military purposes. Zheng Yurong was trying to drag him into this sensitive area.

"From a technical standpoint, I need to see specific requirements and samples."

"Of course." Zheng Yurong's eyes flashed with joy. "However... our clients in Taiwan would like to meet the developer in person. Someone from their team is coming to Hong Kong next month. Mr. Chen, would you be able to spare some time for a meeting?"

"My schedule is full next month, we'll see how it goes."

"I understand." Zheng Yurong didn't press the matter, and handed over a business card. "This is my personal phone number. Mr. Chen, please contact me anytime once you've made up your mind."

Back in the banquet hall, Chen Yu found Lin Wanru talking to Su Man. Both women were smiling, but the atmosphere was subtle.

"...So, women still have to rely on themselves." Su Man swirled her wine glass. "President Lin single-handedly supports such a large company; she's truly a heroine."

"Ms. Su, you flatter me. I did my best."

"But then again," Su Man changed the subject, "Aren't you worried about gossip about Mr. Lin and Mr. Chen working so closely together? After all, Mr. Chen has a family in mainland China..."

These words were quite blunt. Lin Wanru's expression changed slightly, but she quickly recovered: "Mr. Chen and I have a purely business partnership. As for Mr. Chen's private affairs, it's not my place to inquire, and it's none of my business."

"That's right, that's right, I was just being nosy." Su Man smiled, turning her gaze to Chen Yu who was walking over. "Mr. Chen, we were just talking about you."

Chen Yu walked over to the two of them and calmly asked, "What are you talking about that's making such a fuss?"

"You can't rely on men," Su Man said half-jokingly. "Mr. Chen, what do you think?"

"It depends on who you're saying that to," Chen Yu said calmly. "For a responsible man, both family and career require commitment."

Su Man's eyes flickered slightly, and she was about to say something when the one-eyed Taoist priest suddenly walked over.

"Esteemed benefactor," the Taoist priest said, bowing with one hand and staring directly at Chen Yu with his greyish-white eyes, "I am Jingxu. I observe that your appearance is quite remarkable, suggesting you may have some extraordinary destiny."

They've arrived. Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat, but he remained polite: "You flatter me, Daoist Master. I'm just an ordinary businessman."

"No, no," Daoist Jingxu shook his head. "Your forehead is full and your jaw is square, which is a sign of wealth and nobility. However, there is a faint bluish aura between your eyebrows, which may indicate that you are recently entangled by external things that could affect your fortune."

Lin Wanru frowned: "What do you mean by that, Daoist Master?"

"I am merely speaking frankly," Jingxu said, looking at Chen Yu. "Have you recently come into contact with any antiques? Especially... anything with a special aura?"

This is a test of the Seven Star Key! Chen Yu immediately became alert, but his expression remained unchanged: "I do technical research and development, so I only deal with modern materials. I occasionally look at antiques, but I wouldn't call myself a collector."

"Is that so?" The Taoist priest Jingxu narrowed his normal eye. "Then perhaps I misread it. However, if you have the time, you are welcome to visit the Xuanmiao Temple on Changzhou Island. I can then give you a detailed fortune telling."

I will definitely visit you if I have the chance.

The Taoist priest nodded, turned, and left. Su Man gave Chen Yu a meaningful look, then followed him.

"This Taoist priest is acting strangely," Lin Wanru said in a low voice. "Mr. Chen, don't mind him. There are many such charlatans in Hong Kong."

"Hmm," Chen Yu replied, but he knew in his heart that Daoist Jingxu was no ordinary sorcerer. When the other party spoke just now, he clearly sensed a probing spiritual force sweeping across his body—although it was naturally neutralized by the spiritual energy within his body, the other party had obviously noticed it.

The banquet continued. Around 9:30 p.m., the guests were free to explore; some continued their conversations inside the boat, while others went to the third-floor observation deck to admire the lanterns.

Chen Yu made an excuse to get some fresh air and went to the observation deck alone. The view was expansive, offering a panoramic view of the entire Victoria Harbour at night. Several boats adorned with colorful lights slowly sailed by on the water, their reflections stretching into long ribbons of light.

"Is Mr. Chen enjoying the scenery alone?" Su Man's voice came from behind.

Chen Yu turned around and saw her holding a glass of red wine, leaning against the railing.

"Isn't Miss Su here too?"

"It's too stuffy in there, I came out for some fresh air." Su Man took a few steps closer, the sea breeze ruffling her hair. "How long has Mr. Chen been in Hong Kong?"

"More than a month."

What do you think of Hong Kong?

"Prosperous, but also complex."

"Yes, it's complicated," Su Man chuckled. "Like this banquet tonight, on the surface everyone is having a good time, but underneath everyone has their own agenda. What do you think, Mr. Chen?"

That's just how it is in the business world.

"It's not just the shopping mall," Su Man said meaningfully. "Mr. Chen, let's not beat around the bush. I know what you're looking for."

Chen Yu was startled, but remained calm: "I don't understand what Miss Su means."

"The Seven Star Key." Su Man uttered three words, her voice soft yet ringing in Chen Yu's ears like thunder. "Those antiques you brought from Beijing are the keys to unlocking somewhere, aren't they?"

Chen Yu's eyes turned cold. This was his biggest secret; how could Su Man know?

"Miss Su is joking. What Seven Star Key? I've never heard of it."

"Mr. Chen, there's no need to deny it." Su Man took a photo out of her handbag and handed it over.

The photo shows an antique wooden box with the Big Dipper pattern carved on the lid. The box is half-open, and inside lies a jade artifact—its shape is extremely similar to the Tianxuan jade pendant in Chen Yu's hand, only the patterns are slightly different.

"This is..." Chen Yu's pupils contracted slightly.

"I have a 'key' in my possession." Su Man put away the photo. "Mr. Chen, we are not enemies. I also want to go to the place you're looking for. How about we cooperate?"

"What kind of cooperation?"

"Share the information, collect the seven key stars, and unlock that place. We can split what's inside."

Chen Yu was silent for a moment: "Why should I believe you?"

"Because I know more than you." Su Man lowered her voice, "Xuanzhen Cave, right? The blessed land left behind by Xuanzhenzi, the first generation of cultivation master in Lingnan. The Seven Star Keys are the seven keys to open the cave, scattered in various places. You have already collected four, I have one, and the whereabouts of the other two are unknown."

She even knew the name of the cave... Chen Yu's mind was in turmoil. Just who was this Su Man?

"Ms. Su is very knowledgeable about these things?"

"My ancestors had some connection with Xuanzhenzi, and some records remain," Su Man said. "Mr. Chen, it's difficult for you to collect all the keys on your own. Even if you did, the restrictions outside the cave won't be easy to break. Let's cooperate and each get what we need."

Chen Yu quickly weighed the pros and cons. Su Man clearly possessed more information, and cooperation was indeed advantageous. However, this woman was cunning and could not be easily trusted.

"I need time to think about it."

"Of course," Su Man smiled, "but we need to hurry. Master Jingxu is also looking for the Seven Star Key. He's the abbot of a Taoist temple in Taiwan and has been ordered to Hong Kong to search for cultivation resources. If he gets there first, none of us will benefit."

"Taoist Master, are you also here for the Seven Star Key?"

"It's not just him." Su Man looked into the boat. "Hong Kong is a deep pool, and we're not the only ones eyeing Xuanzhen Cave. Mr. Chen, give me an answer in three days, okay?"

"Can."

Su Man raised her glass in acknowledgment, then turned and left. Chen Yu stood alone on the observation deck, the sea breeze biting, but his heart was even colder.

The secret of the Seven Star Key has been revealed, which means the road ahead will be even more treacherous. Su Man, Taoist Jingxu, and possibly others... will all become competitors.

But from another perspective, this is also an opportunity. The key in Su Man's hand and the clues that Jing Xu might have can accelerate his process of collecting the Seven Star Keys.

The question is, who should we trust?

No, no one should be completely trusted. Chen Yu's eyes grew cold. The path of cultivation is inherently lonely; his only reliance is his own strength and the system.

By the time they returned to the banquet hall from the observation deck, the dinner was drawing to a close. Guests took their leave one by one, and Zheng Yurong saw them off at the door.

"Mr. Chen, it was a very pleasant chat tonight." As Zheng Yurong shook hands, he gently pressed his fingers against Chen Yu's palm and handed him a small rolled-up piece of paper. "It's a small gift, nothing special."

Chen Yu accepted it without showing any emotion. Back in his car, he opened the scroll and found a jade safety pendant inside. It was of ordinary quality, but the back was engraved with a phone number and a line of small print: "Mr. Wang from Taiwan, arriving in Hong Kong on March 5th."

Lin Wanru glanced at it: "Given by Zheng Yurong?"

"Yes. I'd like to connect you with business in Taiwan."

"Be careful." Lin Wanru started the car. "The situation in Taiwan is complicated; many businesses have political factors behind them."

"I see."

It was nearly midnight when Chen Yu returned to the Peninsula Hotel. Instead of resting, he immediately entered his inner world. He had gained too much information tonight; he needed to process and digest it.

First, there was the photo of the key in Su Man's hand. Chen Yu carefully recalled the details of the photo; that jade artifact should be the key to the "Tianquan" position. Adding to his own Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianshu, and Yuheng, as well as Su Man's Tianquan, he had collected five of the Seven Star Keys, with only the "Kaiyang" and "Yaoguang" keys remaining missing.

Secondly, there is the threat posed by Taoist Jingxu. He is clearly a cultivator, although his cultivation level may not be high, but he may have the support of a Taoist temple.

Finally, there was the business deal in Taiwan facilitated by Cheng Yu-jung. This was both a risk and an opportunity—if handled properly, it might yield more resources.

"Pseudo-human No. 7," Chen Yu said through the mental connection, "Investigate three things immediately: First, Su Man's family background, especially her mention of 'her ancestors having a connection with Xuanzhenzi'; second, the situation of Taoist Jingxu at Xuanmiao Temple on Cheung Chau Island; and third, whether any special figures from Taiwan are coming to Hong Kong recently."

"Yes, Master."

After giving his instructions, Chen Yu took out the three spiritual talisman papers. Following the simple talismanic method recorded in the "Tai Xuan Zhen Jing," he used his fingers as a pen and spiritual power as ink to outline the runes on the talisman papers.

The first one is a talisman. After it's drawn, the paper will feel slightly warm. You can carry it close to your body, and it will automatically activate its protective function when you encounter danger.

The second one is a calming talisman. It helps to stabilize the mind during cultivation.

The third one is a tracking talisman. After drawing it, he sealed a wisp of Suman's remaining aura (collected from their contact that night) into the talisman. Once activated, it can sense the location of the other party within a certain range.

Drawing the talisman had consumed a lot of spiritual energy, so Chen Yu took a Qi-Nourishing Pill to regulate his breathing. The pill entered his stomach, and the warm spiritual energy circulated throughout his body, replenishing what he had lost.

After finishing his meditation, he exited the small world. Outside the window, the Hong Kong night was still dazzling, and the lanterns for the Lantern Festival had not yet been completely extinguished.

But Chen Yu knew that beneath this dazzling night scene, undercurrents were surging.

He needed to give Su Man an answer in three days. Before that, he had to gather more information and improve his own strength.

The road ahead is long, but every step must be taken carefully.

He looked north, towards Beijing.

Qin Huairu, wait a little longer. Wait until I've collected all the puzzle pieces and have enough power...

At that time, nothing will be able to stop our family from reuniting.