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

On March 15th, a light drizzle fell in the afternoon, enveloping Hong Kong in a misty haze. In a suite on the 23rd floor of the Peninsula Hotel, Chen Yu stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the rain-washed Victoria Harbour, a cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea in his hand. The fragrant aroma of the tea, mingled with the fresh post-rain air, finally relaxed his nerves, which had been tense for days.

He had been back in Hong Kong for three days. During these three days, he had barely left his hotel room—not to rest, but to digest what he had gained from his cave dwelling. The spiritual spring essence integrated into his small world had an astonishing effect; now, each time he entered to cultivate, the concentration of spiritual energy was more than five times that of before. Combined with the core cultivation technique from the *Xuanzhen Daozang*, the *Xuanyuan Zhenjing*, his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds. Yesterday, he broke through to the sixth level of Qi Refining, his spiritual power solidified like mercury, and the range of his spiritual sense expanded to eighty zhang.

"System, check-in for today." Chen Yu took a sip of tea and silently checked in his mind.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: HKD 200, Basic Business Law Knowledge (Small), Detailed Explanation of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance 1964, Disguise Talisman (Low Level) x2, Spiritual Seal x1]

Business law knowledge flooded my mind: company law, contract law, intellectual property law... In Hong Kong, a society governed by the rule of law, this knowledge is sometimes more useful than force. The disguise talisman can temporarily alter facial features for half an hour, suitable for covert operations. The spiritual seal is a jade seal carved with mysterious patterns; when infused with spiritual power and stamped on documents, it leaves a unique mark that is difficult to counterfeit.

The phone rang. Chen Yu answered, and it was Lin Wanru's voice: "Mr. Chen, Sir Zhou's orders have all been delivered. The inspection went very smoothly, and the checks have been sent to the company. Also..." She paused, "...Boss Li has made some moves."

"What action?"

"He used his connections to report us to the Industry and Commerce Bureau, claiming that our explosion-proof coating technology was suspected of 'stealing foreign patents,' and demanded the closure of our laboratory and production facilities," Lin Wanru said angrily. "Fortunately, Sir Zhou intervened, and the Industry and Commerce Bureau only conducted a routine investigation and did not take any coercive measures. But the impact is very bad; two potential clients have already cancelled their negotiations."

A cold glint flashed in Chen Yu's eyes. Boss Li was resorting to underhanded tactics because he couldn't win through legitimate business methods.

"I understand. How's it going at the lab?"

"Zhang Min's team is very stable, but some employees are worried about the company's future, and morale is low."

"I'll go to the company this afternoon. Also, please make an appointment with Sir Zhou; I'd like to personally visit him tomorrow to express my gratitude."

"OK."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Yu walked to his desk. Several documents were spread out on the desk: the company's financial statements, the laboratory's research and development plan, and a copy of the "Xuanzhen Daoist Canon" jade slip he had brought back from the cave. He had already memorized all the contents of the jade slip in his small world, but to make it easier for Su Man and Jing Xu to study it, he still copied some of the core content in modern language.

A knock sounded at the door. Chen Yu scanned the area with his spiritual sense and saw it was Su Man and Taoist Jingxu.

"Come in."

The two entered. Su Man had changed into a smart white business suit, her long hair tied in a high ponytail, making her look energetic. The Taoist priest, Jingxu, wore a gray Zhongshan suit, looking like an ordinary scholar—this was a disguise he had specifically requested, as Taoist robes were too conspicuous on the streets of Hong Kong.

"Mr. Chen, have you heard about what happened with Boss Li?" Su Man sat down on the sofa and took out a document from her bag. "I checked, and the person who reported Boss Li is a section chief from the Industry and Commerce Bureau, surnamed Huang, who is Boss Li's cousin. This person... has some issues."

"What's the problem?"

"He bought a luxury mansion in the Mid-Levels three years ago, which is impossible for someone on his salary," Su Man sneered. "I had a private investigator follow him for a few days and discovered that he frequently gambles in Macau, winning or losing tens of thousands of dollars at a time. The source of his funds is suspicious."

Chen Yu took the document and quickly scanned it. It contained detailed records of Section Chief Huang's assets, itinerary, social relationships, and even several photos of him gambling heavily at casinos.

"If these materials are handed over to the Independent Commission Against Corruption..." Su Man said meaningfully.

"The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong will only be established next year," Chen Yu shook his head. "Right now, it's under the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption Department of the Hong Kong Police Force. Moreover, the investigation period for these kinds of cases is long, so it's too late to solve the immediate problem."

"Then what should we do?" Taoist Jingxu frowned. "We can't just let them defile us."

Chen Yu thought for a moment: "There are two ways. First, strike at the root of the problem—find Boss Li's real weakness and make him preoccupied with his own problems. Second, use his strength against him—use even greater power to suppress him."

"Greater power..." Su Man's eyes lit up. "Sir Zhou?"

"Not only that," Chen Yu said. "Ho Hung-cheung owes us a favor. The Macau gambling tycoon also has considerable influence in Hong Kong. And..." He looked at Jingxu, "Master, do you have any connections within the Taoist community in Taiwan that we can leverage?"

After a moment of contemplation, Taoist Jingxu said, "The Heavenly Dao Alliance is definitely out of the question. However, the Taoist community in Taiwan is not monolithic. There are several smaller sects that have a history of conflict with the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Among them, the abbot of Qingyun Temple has a past connection with me, so we can try to contact him."

"Alright. Three lines of investigation will proceed simultaneously: Miss Su will continue to dig deeper into the dirt on Boss Li and Section Chief Huang; the Taoist priest will contact Qingyun Temple to see if he can restrain the activities of the Heavenly Dao Alliance in Hong Kong; and I will visit Sir Zhou and contact Ho Hung-cheung."

With a clear division of labor, the three of them acted independently.

At 2 p.m., Chen Yu arrived at the office building in Causeway Bay. The company rented an entire floor, decorated in a simple and modern style, with a gold-plated signboard on the wall that read "Universal Technology Materials Co., Ltd." - this was a name suggested by Lin Wanru, with "Universal" meaning a vast world, which also subtly matched the "Yu" in Chen Yu's name.

"Director Chen!" The receptionist stood up in surprise when she saw him. "President Lin is in the conference room, and Dr. Zhang Min and the others are also there."

The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy. Lin Wanru, Zhang Min, Wang Hao, and other core members were present, and the investigation notice from the Industry and Commerce Bureau was spread out on the table.

"Mr. Chen is here." Lin Wanru breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him.

"I understand the situation." Chen Yu sat down in the head seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "There's no need to worry. First, our technology is completely independent, with complete R&D records and patent documents, so we're not afraid of investigation. Second, Sir Zhou has already intervened, so the Industry and Commerce Bureau won't dare to act recklessly. Third..." He paused, "...this problem will be completely resolved within three days at the latest."

Zhang Min adjusted her glasses: "Director Chen, we are absolutely confident in our technical skills. But the pressure from public opinion... a reporter already called this morning to inquire about it."

"A reporter?" Chen Yu raised an eyebrow.

"It's from Sing Tao Daily. They said they received a tip and want to verify the situation," Lin Wanru said with a wry smile. "I've already declined the interview, but I'm afraid I can't stop them."

Chen Yu pondered for a moment: "Since we can't stop them, let's take the initiative. Zhang Min, compile a technical white paper, explaining in detail our technical principles, innovations, and differences from foreign technologies. Wang Hao, create a set of comparative experimental videos to demonstrate the actual effects of our products. President Lin, contact a few reliable media outlets; we'll hold a small technical press conference."

"A press conference?" Lin Wanru asked in surprise. "Is this...appropriate?"

"That's the most suitable." Chen Yu smiled. "The more we are questioned, the more high-profile our response should be. The message we want to convey is: Huanyu Technology has excellent technology, we are not afraid of any investigation, and we are not afraid of malicious competition."

The group exchanged bewildered glances, but seeing Chen Yu's confident gaze, they gradually gained confidence.

"Furthermore," Chen Yu said, looking at Zhang Min, "the explosion-proof coating technology can now be patented in Hong Kong. I remember that Hong Kong patent registration takes 6-12 months, but we can apply for a UK patent at the same time—Hong Kong recognizes UK patents. Let's get this done as soon as possible."

"clear!"

After the meeting, Chen Yu kept Lin Wanru alone.

"Mr. Lin, you've worked so hard these past few days," he said sincerely. "The company has just started out and we've encountered so many problems..."

"Starting a business is never easy," Lin Wanru shook her head. "Besides, you're bound to run into a local tyrant like Boss Li sooner or later. I just didn't expect him to use such underhanded methods."

Chen Yu took an envelope from his briefcase and pushed it over: "This is your bonus. It's your share of the profits from Sir Zhou's order."

The envelope was thick. Lin Wanru opened it and found a check for HK$50,000 inside. She was stunned: "This... is too much. I was just doing my job."

"Without you, the company wouldn't be running so smoothly," Chen Yu said earnestly. "Take this. There may be tough battles ahead, and the company needs your full commitment."

Lin Wanru was silent for a moment, then accepted the check: "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Chen. However... I have a question I've been wanting to ask."

"Please speak."

"Who exactly are you?" Lin Wanru looked him straight in the eye. "An ordinary technical expert couldn't possibly have so many resources and connections. Ho Hung-cheung in Macau, the Taoist sect in Taiwan, and your... special methods."

Chen Yu didn't answer directly, but got up and walked to the window. The rain had stopped, and sunlight shone through the clouds onto the sea, making it sparkle.

"Mr. Lin, this world is vast, and there are many things we don't understand," he said slowly. "All I can say is that what I'm doing is legal and compliant, and it will guide the company back on track. As for the rest... you'll naturally find out when the time is right."

Lin Wanru was a smart woman; she understood the deeper meaning in his words and stopped asking questions.

In the evening, Chen Yu returned to the hotel. Pseudo-Man No. 7 was already waiting in the room.

"Master, we've found out. Boss Li went to Shenzhen this afternoon and met with a man called 'Director Wang.' Our people managed to eavesdrop and overheard them discussing 'special steel import quotas.' Boss Li wants to use Director Wang's connections to import a batch of special steel from the mainland and resell it to Taiwan, tripling his profit."

"Smuggling?" Chen Yu's eyes narrowed. "Do you have any evidence?"

"We recorded it, but the sound quality is so-so. However, we obtained photos of their transaction ledgers—in Boss Li's safe, which was taken by Agent Three last night."

The fake man number three handed over an envelope. Chen Yu pulled out a photograph, which clearly recorded multiple transactions between Boss Li and Director Wang: time, quantity, amount, receiving account... there were even a few sensitive transactions marked "military supplies"!

"This is... a capital offense," Chen Yu murmured. In 1964, smuggling military supplies to Taiwan would not only ruin Boss Li's business in Hong Kong and Macau, but the mainland would also never let him off the hook.

"Were there any other discoveries?"

"Yes. Mr. Li has recently been in contact with a Japanese chamber of commerce, wanting to import a 'new type of plastic production line.' But according to our investigation, that equipment is second-hand goods that Japan has phased out, refurbished and sold as new, at a price three times higher. Mr. Li may be trying to launder money through this project."

Chen Yu carefully put the photos away: "These materials... are enough to ensure he can never recover. But we need to use them wisely."

He thought for a moment, then took out a paper crane, wrote a few words, and infused it with spiritual power. The paper crane flapped its wings and flew out the window, its destination the residence of the Taoist Jingxu—to meet him the next morning to discuss how to use this evidence.

In the stillness of the night, Chen Yu entered his small world to cultivate.

The Spirit Spring Pool had expanded several times over, its water a jade-green hue, emanating a spiritual energy that almost condensed into mist. Beside the pool, the medicinal herbs he had planted earlier were growing remarkably well; the Purple Gold Grass had multiplied to more than twenty plants, and other herbs were also lush and verdant.

He sat cross-legged by the pool, circulating the *Xuan Yuan Zhen Jing* (Mysterious Origin True Scripture). This was the culmination of Xuan Zhenzi's life's work, directly pointing to the Golden Core path, several times more advanced than the previous *Tai Xuan Zhen Jing* (Great Mysterious True Scripture). The technique was divided into nine levels: the first three corresponded to the Qi Refining stage, the middle three to the Foundation Establishment stage, and the last three to the Golden Core stage. He was currently cultivating the first level, "Gathering Qi and Transforming Origin," to further purify the spiritual energy within his body and lay a solid foundation for Foundation Establishment.

Two hours later, Chen Yu opened his eyes, feeling the spiritual power within his body grow even stronger. At this rate, he would reach the Qi Refining Perfection stage within three months, at which point he could take the Foundation Establishment Pill to attempt a breakthrough.

But he knew that Foundation Establishment was no small matter. According to the "Xuanzhen Daozang," the success rate of Foundation Establishment was affected by multiple factors, including cultivation methods, elixirs, mental state, and environment. The three Foundation Establishment Pills left by Xuanzhenzi were of excellent quality and could increase the success rate by 30%. Combined with the "Xuanyuan Zhenjing" and the spiritual spring environment, he should have a 70% chance of success.

"Seventy percent... still not enough," Chen Yu muttered to himself. A failed Foundation Establishment attempt could result in a decline in cultivation level, or even damage to the meridians, preventing any progress for years. He needed to be fully prepared.

It was three in the morning when Chen Yu exited the small world. Unable to sleep, he took out the transcribed copy of the *Xuanzhen Daoist Canon* and began to peruse it. Besides the core cultivation techniques, it also contained a large number of auxiliary skills:

The Formation section includes forty-nine common formations such as Spirit Gathering Formation, Defense Formation, Attack Formation, and Illusion Formation, covering everything from setting up to breaking them.

The Alchemy section contains 365 elixir recipes, ranging from the Bigu Pill and Yangqi Pill for the Qi Refining stage, to the Foundation Building Pill and Ningyuan Pill for the Foundation Establishment stage, and then to the Golden Core Pill and Yuanying Pill for the Golden Core stage... Although the ingredients for high-level elixirs are hard to find, the ideas are clear.

The weapon crafting section explains the basic principles of weapon crafting, as well as the crafting methods for seventeen common weapon types, including flying swords, robes, and storage bags.

The section on talismans includes techniques for drawing talismans and how to draw 108 common types of talismans.

The section on divination includes the arts of fortune-telling, divination, and feng shui...

This knowledge is vast and complex, and Chen Yu plans to master it gradually over the next year. He especially needs a real flying artifact for weapon crafting—he can't rely on his legs or a car to get around all the time.

The sky outside the window was gradually brightening. Chen Yu took a shower, changed his clothes, and prepared to begin his day's activities.

At nine o'clock in the morning, Taoist Jingxu arrived on time. Chen Yu showed him the evidence from Boss Li.

"These..." Jingxu's expression was grave. "Once exposed, Boss Li will be dead for sure. But it will also alert the enemy; there might be someone else behind him."

"So we can't expose it directly," Chen Yu said. "I want to use this material to force Boss Li to withdraw from the Hong Kong market and never cause us any more trouble."

Will he give in?

"Unless he wants to go to jail or even lose his head."

Chen Yu wrote a letter, concisely listing several pieces of evidence against Boss Li, and concluded by saying, "Meet me at the Peninsula Hotel coffee shop at noon tomorrow. If you don't come, the materials will be sent to the Hong Kong Police Force, the Xinhua News Agency Hong Kong Branch, and Taiwan's 'Ministry of National Defense'."

Mr. Li will understand the significance of this letter.

"Fake Man Number Three, deliver the letter to Boss Li's office and hand it to him personally," Chen Yu instructed.

At 10 a.m., Chen Yu arrived at Sir Zhou's villa in Repulse Bay. It was a three-story European-style building facing the sea, with a garden full of roses.

Sir Zhou received him in his study. The old man, dressed in a silk Tang suit, was in high spirits and practicing calligraphy.

"Young Chen is here." Sir Zhou put down his brush. "Sit down. I heard you've been having some trouble lately?"

"Most of the problem has been resolved," Chen Yu said respectfully. "Many thanks to Sir Zhou for his mediation."

"It was nothing." Sir Zhou waved his hand. "I know Li Guohua. He's greedy and unscrupulous. You blocked his path to wealth, so naturally he'll retaliate. But..." He looked at Chen Yu, "You're no ordinary person either, are you? To be able to get orders from Ho Hung-cheung in Macau and still make Li Guohua suffer, you're quite a force to be reckoned with."

Chen Yu smiled: "It's all luck. Also, there's something I'd like to ask Sir Zhou for help with."

"explain."

"I would like to establish a 'Chinese Science and Technology Development Foundation' in Hong Kong to support local scientific research talent. I will contribute one million Hong Kong dollars as start-up capital, and I would like to invite Sir Chow to serve as honorary chairman."

Sir Zhou's eyes lit up: "National rejuvenation through science and technology... Excellent! This is a great idea! Hong Kong currently places too much emphasis on finance and real estate, neglecting industry and technology. I support your foundation!"

The two chatted for another half hour. When leaving, Sir Zhou personally escorted Chen Yu to the door, a very high honor in Hong Kong's business circles.

Noon, Peninsula Hotel coffee shop.

Boss Li arrived on time, but only with a secretary. His face was ashen, clearly indicating he hadn't slept all night.

"Chen Yu, you're ruthless." He gritted his teeth.

"Likewise," Chen Yu said calmly. "Boss Li struck first; I was just defending myself."

"What do you want?"

"Three conditions. First, withdraw all allegations and defamation, and issue a public apology. Second, compensate Universal Technology for reputational damages of HK$500,000. Third, you and your people will never set foot in the Hong Kong market again."

Boss Li clenched his fists, veins bulging: "Aren't you afraid of a lose-lose situation?"

"The fish will die, but the net won't break," Chen Yu said calmly. "I've made ten copies of your materials and stored them in ten different places. If something happens to me, all of these materials will be exposed at the same time. At that point, it won't just be mainland China and Taiwan that will take your life, but also your 'partners'."

Boss Li's expression shifted, and he finally slumped down, saying, "I... I agree."

"Smart." Chen Yu took out two agreements. "Sign this. Also, I'll give you a week to deal with your Hong Kong assets, then leave. Never come back."

Mr. Li signed his name with trembling hands. This local tycoon who had dominated Hong Kong's business world for twenty years was thus forced to leave the scene.

Watching Boss Li's dejected figure, Chen Yu picked up his coffee and took a small sip.

The situation in Hong Kong has temporarily come to a close.

But the path of spiritual practice has only just begun.

The sunlight outside the window is just right.

But Chen Yu knew that a bigger world awaited him ahead.