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

On March 5th, a light morning mist shrouded the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal. Chen Yu, carrying a black leather briefcase, stood on the deck of the "Far East" ferry bound for Macau. The sea breeze, carrying a salty smell, ruffled the hem of his dark gray suit. Beside him stood the Taoist priest Jingxu, who had changed into a dark blue silk Tang suit and wore a melon-shaped hat, looking like a traditional feng shui master—this was to avoid his Taoist robes being too conspicuous in Macau.

"System, check-in for today." Chen Yu silently said to himself as the ferry sounded its horn and set sail.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: HKD 200, Basic Portuguese (Small), 1964 Macau City Map, Lucky Charm (Low Level) x2, Spiritual Dice Pair]

Portuguese knowledge flooded my mind, though it was only at a conversational level; it might be useful in Macau, a place jointly governed by Portugal and Macau. The Macau map clearly marked streets, casinos, government offices, and important buildings. The lucky charms were two pale gold paper talismans, which could slightly improve one's luck for a short time. The spiritual dice were made of white jade, with tiny spirit crystals embedded in the numbers; infusing them with spiritual power could slightly influence the outcome of the roll—perhaps useful in a place like a casino.

"Benefactor Chen is well prepared," said the Taoist priest Jingxu in a low voice as he watched the ferry sail away from Hong Kong.

"Better safe than sorry." Chen Yu took a folder out of his briefcase. "Information on He Hongchang, the latest intelligence sent by the fake people last night."

According to available information, Ho Hung-cheung, 43, was the owner of the "Wing Hing Casino" in Macau, and also ran pawnshops, hotels, and shipping businesses. After gambling was legalized in Macau in 1961, he, along with Yip Hon and others, won the gambling license, becoming Macau's new generation of gambling king. He was shrewd, capable, and sociable, a firm believer in feng shui and fortune telling, and maintained three feng shui masters in his home. He was an avid collector of antiques and jade, especially fond of old objects with auspicious meanings.

"The key he collected was supposedly bought ten years ago from a down-on-his-luck Manchu bannerman, who considered it just an ordinary antique at the time." Chen Yu turned to the next page. "But last year, a Taiwanese antique dealer offered a high price to buy it, which he refused. He said that the key was 'destined for me' and he couldn't part with it."

"The concept of fate..." Taoist Jingxu pondered, "Perhaps it was the spirituality of the key itself that made him sense it. Although ordinary people cannot use it, long-term contact with spiritual objects will subconsciously make them feel that it is precious."

After an hour's journey at sea, the outline of the Macau Peninsula gradually came into view. Unlike the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, Macau in 1964 still retained a large number of Portuguese-style buildings, with red-tiled and yellow-walled houses built against the hillside and church spires standing tall in the morning light.

As they docked, Chen Yu saw several people holding signs that read "Welcome Mr. Chen from Hong Kong." These were the reception staff arranged in advance by Su Man.

"Mr. Chen, Master Jingxu, you must be tired from your journey." A capable-looking man in his thirties came forward. "My name is A-Jie. Miss Su instructed me to pick you both up. The car is ready."

The black sedan drove away from the pier and through the narrow streets. Macau's streets are narrower than Hong Kong's, lined with weathered arcade buildings, their signs displaying a mix of Chinese and Portuguese. The pedestrians are also more diverse in their attire—there are businessmen in suits and ties, elderly men in traditional Chinese clothing, and gamblers in floral shirts.

"Mr. He is free at 3 pm today," Ah Jie said while driving. "He is presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Lisboa Hotel,' which is his new project and is planned to be the largest casino hotel in Macau. Ms. Su has already spoken to him, saying that Mr. Chen is a materials expert from Hong Kong and has unique insights into casino security."

"The Lisboa Hotel..." Chen Yu thought of the landmark building in Macau in later years. He never expected that its construction had already begun in this era.

The car was parked in front of a three-story Western-style building in Nam Van. This was Su Man's liaison office in Macau; it looked ordinary on the outside, but the interior was exquisitely decorated.

"Please rest first, I'll pick you up at 2 PM." Ah Jie left after arranging the rooms.

Chen Yu and the Taoist priest Jingxu settled in. The room was small but clean and tidy, with a view of the South Bay from the window.

"Fake Man No. 7," Chen Yu communicated via telepathy, "Is there anything unusual in Macau?"

"Master, there are several suspicious individuals around Ho Hung-cheung. One is his newly hired feng shui master, surnamed Huang, in his fifties, who is said to be from Guangdong. However, we have found that this person has had contact with Mr. Li from Hong Kong. In addition, Wang Shizhong from Taiwan also arrived in Macau yesterday and is staying at the New Central Hotel."

"Wang Shizhong is here too?" Chen Yu frowned. "Has he met He Hongchang?"

"Not yet. But he went to the 'Rong Hing Casino' this morning, lost two thousand Hong Kong dollars and left, seemingly just an ordinary gambler. But according to intelligence, Wang Shizhong has military connections in Taiwan, and the purpose of his trip to Hong Kong and Macau is unclear."

"Continue to monitor them. Pay special attention to the feng shui master surnamed Huang who is with He Hongchang."

"Yes."

After ending the call, Chen Yu stood by the window, lost in thought. Boss Li's men had infiltrated He Hongchang's inner circle, and Wang Shizhong had also appeared in Macau... This was no coincidence. The information about the Seven Star Key might have been leaked, or these people might have ulterior motives.

At noon, Ah Jie brought lunch and a brand-new suit: "Mr. Chen, Mr. He prefers formal occasions. This suit was specially prepared for you by Miss Su."

At 2 p.m., the car drove to an open area by the sea at the southern tip of the Macau Peninsula. Hundreds of people had already gathered there, colorful flags fluttering in the wind, and a banner reading "Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Lisboa Hotel" hung on a makeshift stage. Ho Hung-cheung, in his early forties, with slicked-back hair, wearing a white suit and gold-rimmed glasses, stood on the stage, delivering a speech in Cantonese.

"...The Lisboa Hotel will not only be the largest casino in Macau, but also a world-class entertainment center! We want to make Macau the Monte Carlo of the East!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Chen Yu observed from the crowd, his spiritual eye slightly activated. He Hongchang showed no spiritual energy fluctuations, but he wore a string of sandalwood prayer beads on his wrist, each bead engraved with tiny scriptures—a consecrated ritual object with a weak protective effect.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, He Hongchang, surrounded by bodyguards, walked towards a temporary reception area. Ah Jie stepped forward to inform them, and soon someone led Chen Yu and the Taoist priest Jingxu there.

"Mr. Chen, it's an honor to meet you!" Ho Hung-cheung shook hands warmly. "Ms. Su praised you to the skies on the phone, saying you're the most outstanding materials expert in Hong Kong! Come, come, sit down and let's talk."

The reception area was a temporary tent, furnished with tables, chairs, and refreshments. Besides He Hongchang, there were a few other people present: an elderly man in a black Zhongshan suit, presumably the butler; a young woman wearing glasses, taking notes in a notebook; and a middle-aged man in a gray robe, with a fair complexion, no beard, and shrewd eyes—the very same feng shui master surnamed Huang.

"This is my consultant, Master Huang," Ho Hung-cheung introduced. "Master Huang is well-versed in feng shui and metaphysics, and the design of the Lisboa Hotel was based on his advice."

"Master Huang." Chen Yu nodded in greeting. Under his spiritual eye technique, he saw a jade pendant hanging at Master Huang's waist, with a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy—this person did indeed know some esoteric arts, but his cultivation was not high, at most the second level of Qi Refining.

"Mr. Chen, you've come from Hong Kong. Do you have any suggestions for our casinos in Macau?" Ho Hung-cheung asked directly. "Ms. Su said your explosion-proof coating is amazing, even Sir Zhou praised it highly."

Chen Yu took out samples and test reports from his briefcase: "Mr. He, please take a look. This material is only 3 millimeters thick, but it can withstand handgun bullets and grenade fragments. If used in important areas such as VIP rooms, vaults, and accounting offices in casinos, security will be greatly improved."

He Hongchang carefully reviewed the report, a glint of interest in his eyes: "Indeed excellent. The Lisboa Hotel needs this kind of high-end material. However, the price..."

"The price is negotiable. But before that, I have a favor to ask," Chen Yu said, changing the subject.

"Oh? Please go ahead."

"I heard that Mr. He has an antique in his collection, a bronze key with the Big Dipper pattern on it. I have some knowledge of ancient astrology and would like to see the artifact in person."

The atmosphere inside the tent instantly became subtle. Master Huang's eyes sharpened, and He Hongchang's smile faded somewhat.

"Mr. Chen is interested in antiques?" Ho Hung-cheung said slowly. "That key is indeed with me. But it's one of my favorites, and I don't intend to sell it."

"I'm not looking to buy it, I just want to take a look," Chen Yu said sincerely. "To be honest, I'm researching an ancient astronomical instrument and need to refer to the ancient form of the Big Dipper. If Mr. He is willing to let me take a look, I can offer a 30% discount on the price of the explosion-proof coating."

A 30% discount was a significant concession. Ho Hung-cheung was clearly tempted, but still somewhat hesitant.

Master Huang suddenly spoke up: "Mr. He, that key is your treasured possession, and it's probably not appropriate to show it to others so easily. In Feng Shui, it's said that the leakage of the treasure's spiritual energy will affect the owner's fortune."

At this moment, the Taoist priest Jingxu spoke up: "I am Jingxu, and I have some knowledge of feng shui. In my opinion, it is the dust that truly affects one's fortune. A genuine spiritual object needs a discerning person to appreciate it in order to bring out its brilliance."

"This is..." Ho Hung-cheung looked at Jingxu.

"The Taoist priest from the Xuanmiao Temple in Hong Kong is my advisor," Chen Yu introduced.

Master Huang sized up Jingxu, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes—he could clearly tell that Jingxu's cultivation was higher than his own.

"Since the Taoist priest says so..." He Hongchang pondered for a moment, "Alright. However, the key is at my house. Mr. Chen and the Taoist priest are welcome to come to my residence tonight to take a look at the collection."

"Thank you, Mr. He."

The specific details of the cooperation regarding the explosion-proof coating were then discussed. He Hongchang was particularly interested in the electromagnetic shielding function: "The casino's monitoring and communication rooms definitely need shielding to prevent cheating using equipment. Mr. Chen, your material has come at just the right time!"

A preliminary agreement has been reached: the Lisboa Hotel will purchase 500 gallons of explosion-proof coating for the protection of its core areas. The contract amount is HK$80,000, with a 40% prepayment.

It was already 4 p.m. when they left the groundbreaking ceremony site. Ah Jie drove them back to their accommodation.

"I'll pick you both up at 7 p.m. to go to Mr. Ho's residence," Ah Jie said. "Mr. Ho lives in a villa on the hillside of Penha Hill, which is the best location in Macau."

Back at their lodgings, Chen Yu and Taoist Jingxu had a private conversation in their room.

"That Master Huang is suspicious," Jingxu said in a low voice. "The jade pendant at his waist is a 'Spirit-Locking Jade,' which can conceal one's cultivation level. If I didn't have the 'Eye of Insight,' I wouldn't have been able to tell that he possesses spiritual power."

"One of Boss Li's men?"

"Very likely. And the fact that he tried so hard to stop Mr. He from showing the key means he knew its value." Jingxu pondered, "Going to the He residence tonight probably won't go smoothly."

Chen Yu nodded. He took out the pair of spiritual dice from his briefcase and infused them with a wisp of spiritual energy. The dice warmed slightly, and the spiritual crystals at the numbered points glowed faintly.

"We'll see what happens tonight."

At 6:30 PM, Chen Yu changed into his new suit—a dark blue pinstripe suit, perfectly tailored. The Taoist priest Jingxu also changed into a formal silk Tang suit. As the two were tidying themselves in front of the mirror, Chen Yu suddenly felt the Six Keys in his arms vibrate slightly!

Not resonance, but... a warning?

He quickly took out the keys and found that all six keys were slightly warm, with a spiritual light flowing around them, pointing in the northwest direction—the location of West Penha Hill!

"The key is responding!" Taoist Jingxu also took out his compass, the pointer spinning wildly. "It's summoning other keys... or rather, resisting them?"

"Something might have happened at the He residence." Chen Yu's eyes sharpened.

At seven o'clock sharp, Ah Jie arrived to pick us up. The car drove towards Penha Hill, along a winding mountain road lined with lush trees and luxurious villas. Ho Hung-cheung's residence was halfway up the mountain; it was a three-story Portuguese-style villa with white walls, a red tiled roof, and a courtyard filled with tropical plants.

Upon entering the villa, Ho Hung-cheung was already waiting in the living room. He had changed into a casual silk Tang suit and was holding a pipe, looking much more relaxed.

"Mr. Chen, Master Jingxu, welcome, welcome," He Hongchang said with a smile. "Dinner is ready. Let's eat first, and then look at the collection."

The restaurant featured long Western-style tables laden with exquisite Cantonese and Portuguese dishes. Besides Ho Hung-cheung, several other guests were present: his third wife (a glamorous woman in her thirties), Master Wong, and a Portuguese official.

The atmosphere at the dinner was fairly harmonious. The Portuguese officials didn't understand much Chinese and mainly communicated with Master Huang in Portuguese—Master Huang's fluency in Portuguese only aroused Chen Yu's suspicions further.

After dinner, Ho Hung-cheung led everyone to his study. The study was large, with mahogany bookshelves on three walls and a floor-to-ceiling window on one wall overlooking the night view of Macau. In the center was a huge rosewood desk, and behind it, antique shelves displayed various antiques.

"The key is right here." He Hongchang took out a sandalwood box from the center of the display shelf.

Upon opening the box, one finds a red silk lining the interior, upon which rests a silver key, approximately fifteen centimeters long, with an engraving of the constellation "Yao Guang," the seventh star of the Big Dipper, on its handle. Unlike the other six keys, this one is entirely silver-white, radiating a cool, moonlit luster.

The moment the box was opened, the six keys in Chen Yu's arms vibrated violently! He could barely resist the urge to take out the keys!

At the same time, the Yaoguang Key also emitted a buzzing sound, and silver light flowed around it!

"This..." Ho Hung-cheung looked at the scene in surprise.

Master Huang's expression changed, and he quickly stepped forward: "Mr. He, there's something strange about these keys! Close the box immediately!"

But it was too late. The resonance between the seven keys had already been established! The six keys in Chen Yu's arms flew out uncontrollably, merging with the Yao Guang Key in mid-air!

The seven keys arranged themselves in the air into a complete Big Dipper formation, bursting forth with dazzling silver light! Within the silver light, the previously seen illusory landscape reappeared, and was ten times clearer than before!

Mountains, waterfalls, cave entrances... you can even see seven holes on the stone gate at the entrance, which perfectly match the shape of the Seven Keys!

"Xuanzhen Cave!" Taoist Jingxu exclaimed.

Ho Hung-cheung was dumbfounded. Master Wong, however, had a glint of greed in his eyes and suddenly reached out to grab the seven keys in mid-air!

"Stop!" Chen Yu reacted quickly, unleashing a burst of spiritual energy that shook off Master Huang's hand.

Master Huang sneered, pulled a black talisman from his robes, and chanted incantations. The talisman ignited with green flames, transforming into a green chain that coiled around Seven Keys!

"Evil magic!" Taoist Jingxu roared, his compass gleaming with golden light as it collided with the green chains!

The two forces collided, and a fierce wind swept through the study! Books and papers flew everywhere, and antiques on the display shelves crashed to the ground!

Stanley Ho and his third wife were so frightened that they hid in a corner, while the Portuguese officials shouted loudly in Portuguese.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Chen Yu channeled his spiritual power, attempting to retrieve the seven keys. However, the seven keys seemed to have formed a single entity in their resonant state, making them difficult to separate and retrieve.

Upon seeing this, Master Huang bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood mist. The blood mist merged with the green chains, causing the chains to become incredibly powerful, gradually dragging the Seven Keys towards him!

"He's going to use a blood sacrifice ritual to forcibly seize the key!" The Taoist priest, Jingxu, exclaimed, his face pale. "Benefactor Chen, we can't let him succeed!"

Chen Yu's eyes turned cold, and he held nothing back. He activated his fifth level of Qi Refining cultivation, unleashing a torrent of spiritual power! Simultaneously, he summoned the copper coin magic weapon, which transformed into a golden light and slashed towards the green chains!

"Clang!" The sound of metal clashing rang out! A section of the green chain was severed!

Master Huang grunted, clearly suffering from the backlash. But his madness intensified as he pulled out three more black talismans: "What Boss Li wants, we must get!"

Boss Li! He really is one of his men!

The three talismans ignited simultaneously, transforming into three larger green chains! The entire study was enveloped in an eerie green light!

The Taoist priest Jingxu gritted his teeth and pressed the compass to the ground: "The righteous energy of heaven and earth dispels evil and reveals justice!"

The compass burst forth with an unprecedented golden light, clashing with the green light. But it was clear that Jingxu was barely holding on.

Chen Yu knew he couldn't delay any longer. With a thought, he took out two lucky charms from his system space and used them immediately!

With the blessing of good fortune, he suddenly had a brilliant idea—since the seven keys resonated, why not take this opportunity to directly sense the location of the cave?

He stopped trying to retrieve the key and instead poured all his spiritual power into the array that resonated with the seven keys!

The seven keys surged with silver light! The illusory landscape instantly solidified, almost becoming tangible! The entrance to the cave was clearly visible, and two lines of ancient seal script could even be seen carved on the door:

The Xuanmen opens to the Heavenly Way

The true Dharma is transmitted to those with affinity.

In the lower right corner of the cave scene, a line of small coordinates appeared—latitude and longitude marked in ancient astronomical terms!

"Write it down!" Chen Yu shouted to Jingxu.

While maintaining the formation, Taoist Jingxu stared intently at the coordinates, rapidly chanting them aloud.

Seeing this, Master Huang panicked and rushed towards Qiyue without thinking! But he forgot that although He Hongchang did not understand magic, he was not someone to be manipulated!

"Making trouble in my house?!" Ho Hung-cheung pulled a pistol from his desk drawer and pointed it at Master Wong: "Stop! Or I'll shoot!"

Gunshots rang out!

But the bullet was stopped by the green chain. Master Huang grinned maliciously: "Ho Hung-cheung, Boss Li said that once you get the key, the Macau casino will give you half! Don't be ungrateful!"

"Bullshit!" Although Ho Hung-cheung was greedy, he still had his bottom line. "You stole my things from my house and you want to cooperate?"

He fired two more shots! This time, the bullets hit a weak point in the chain, creating a crack!

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chen Yu activated the Seven Keys with all his might! The Seven Keys shone brightly with silver light, completely suppressing the green light! Master Huang screamed and was blasted away by the silver light, crashing into a bookshelf, spitting blood and falling into a coma.

The seven keys slowly descended and hovered in front of Chen Yu. He reached out and grabbed them, and the seven keys obediently fell into his palm.

The study was in a mess, but the crisis was temporarily averted.

Stanley Ho was panting heavily, his hand holding the gun still trembling. His third wife had fainted from fright. The Portuguese official huddled in a corner, praying incessantly in Portuguese.

The Taoist priest Jingxu put away the compass, his face as pale as paper: "Benefactor Chen... the coordinates have been marked."

Chen Yu nodded and looked at He Hongchang: "Mr. He, about tonight's events..."

"I see it." Ho Hung-cheung took a deep breath, his gaze complex as he looked at the seven keys in Chen Yu's hand. "These things...aren't ordinary antiques, right?"

Chen Yu paused for a moment: "They are the keys to a place. That place... holds some ancient things."

"Something that can give someone that kind of power?" Ho Hung-cheung asked.

"perhaps."

He Hongchang stared at the seven keys for a long time, then suddenly laughed: "I, He Hongchang, have seen many strange things in my life, but tonight's is the strangest. Mr. Chen, you can take the keys. But I have one condition."

"Speaking."

"If there really is some treasure in that place, I want a share," Ho Hung-cheung said. "It's not greed, but... I almost lost my life tonight, so I have to make it up to you. Besides, if you get into any trouble in Macau in the future, I, Ho Hung-cheung, will protect you."

Looking at this future gambling king, Chen Yu saw shrewdness in his eyes, as well as the demeanor of a ruthless leader.

"make a deal."

Ho Hung-cheung extended his hand. The two hands clasped together.

Outside the window, the night view of Macau is dazzling.

Chen Yu finally collected all seven keys.

The Mysterious Cave is right before our eyes.

But Chen Yu knew that the real test was only just beginning.