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

At 4:20 p.m. on April 11, a train on the Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway slowly pulled into Luohu Station.

Steam engines spewed white steam, and the platform was bustling with noise. This was the border, the dividing line between Hong Kong and the mainland, and the crossroads of two worlds.

Chen Yu helped the Taoist priest Jingxu off the train. The priest's complexion was better than in the morning, but black blood was still seeping from the wound on his chest—the one-eyed old man's poisoned dagger was made with the poison of "Bone-Rotting Grass." If Chen Yu hadn't used his spiritual power to seal his heart meridian in time, Jingxu would have already died from the poison.

"Daoist Master, hold on," Chen Yu whispered, stuffing a Qi-Nourishing Pill into Jingxu's mouth.

"This humble Taoist... is not yet dead." Jingxu forced a smile, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

The Lo Wu border crossing is a simple tin shed, divided into two areas by barbed wire. On the Hong Kong side, several Hong Kong police officers in khaki uniforms stand; on the mainland side, there are two serious-looking People's Liberation Army soldiers and an officer in a gray Zhongshan suit.

There weren't many people crossing the border; most were overseas Chinese carrying large bags and small packages, with a few well-dressed businessmen as well. Everyone was queuing, and the atmosphere was oppressive and tense.

Chen Yu helped Jingxu to the back of the line. He could feel at least four pairs of eyes watching him from the shadows—two from Hong Kong, agents from the Political Department; and two from the mainland, their identities unknown.

"Comrade, please show your pass and letter of introduction." When it was their turn, the mainland cadre said expressionlessly.

Chen Yu handed over his identification. The letter of introduction he used was arranged by He Hongchang—it was under the name of "a patriotic Hong Kong businessman returning to the mainland for investment and inspection," and it bore the official seal of the Guangdong Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. Jingxu's identification, on the other hand, was that of a Taoist priest from the Baiyun Temple in Guangzhou.

The cadre carefully checked the documents, then looked up at the two men, his gaze lingering for a moment on the bloodstains on Jingxu's chest: "This comrade is injured?"

"I was robbed by thugs on the road and suffered minor injuries," Chen Yu replied calmly. "It's already been treated."

The official didn't ask any more questions and stamped the pass with a red seal: "Go ahead."

Passing through the checkpoint, I stepped onto the Lo Wu Bridge. This iron bridge is about fifty meters long, with the turbid Shenzhen River flowing beneath it. The flag on the Hong Kong side is the Union Jack, while the flag on the mainland side is the Chinese national flag. Walking on the bridge, one can clearly feel the two different atmospheres—the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and the solemn simplicity of the mainland.

In the middle of the bridge, Chen Yu stopped and looked back. The outline of Victoria Harbour was no longer visible; only the rolling green hills and the receding train remained.

"What's wrong? You can't bear to part with it?" Jing asked weakly.

"No," Chen Yu shook his head, "I'm just thinking about when I can come back."

"That day will come."

After crossing the bridge, you'll reach Shenzhen. In 1964, Shenzhen was still a small border town with low-rise houses, dusty dirt roads, and the occasional bicycle passing by. Compared to Hong Kong, just across the river, it seemed like two different eras.

"Comrade, the train to Guangzhou is over there." A People's Liberation Army soldier pointed to the makeshift station ahead.

The train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou was a green-skinned hard-seat carriage, with conditions far worse than those on the Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway. The carriages were crammed with people, and the air was thick with the smells of sweat, tobacco, and the gamey odors of chicken and duck—a common sight on inland trains.

Chen Yu paid for two sleeper tickets and helped Jingxu to the sleeper car. It was a little better here; there were six beds in one compartment, but only the two of them were staying there.

After settling Jingxu in, Chen Yu took out a first-aid kit from his luggage and began treating the wound. Activating his Spiritual Eye Technique, he could see that the black toxin had invaded his meridians and was slowly spreading towards his heart.

"The poison of the Bone-Rotting Grass requires an antidote made primarily from 'Heart-Clearing Grass'," Jingxu said, panting. "But Heart-Clearing Grass grows in places rich in spiritual energy, and it's probably hard to find in the mainland..."

"I have a way." Chen Yu took out a bright green herb from his bosom—actually from his small world. This was the Qingxin Grass he had grown in his small world during his time in the courtyard house. Nourished by the spiritual spring, its medicinal properties were several times stronger than those of wild herbs.

"This is... a Heart-Cleansing Herb?!" Jingxu's eyes lit up. "And of such high quality! Fellow Daoist Chen, where did you get it from...?"

"By chance." Chen Yu didn't say much, and took out a simple alchemy tool. This was a small copper medicine grinder and alcohol stove that he had brought back from Hong Kong.

The Qingxin grass was crushed and mixed with licorice, honeysuckle, and other auxiliary herbs, then mixed with spiritual spring water to make a paste which was applied to the wound. A regular-quality Qingxin powder was then given to Jingxu to take—although its main function was to calm the mind, it also had some detoxifying effect.

After finishing all that, the train had already started moving. Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the fields of Lingnan in golden light.

"System, second sign-in for today," Chen Yu thought to himself. Although it was past 3 p.m., the weekly sign-in privilege was still valid.

[Ding! Weekly check-in successful]

【获得：全国粮票15斤、工业券5张、中级解毒术经验包×1、1964年内地上层动态简报（绝密级）、伪装用军大衣两件、灵性罗盘×1】

Knowledge of detoxification techniques flooded his mind, including the identification and antidote for dozens of common toxins. The briefing was only three pages long, but the information was astonishing—it mentioned several former leaders who were about to return to power, as well as subtle shifts in certain policies. The military overcoat was military style and in excellent condition. After being infused with spiritual power, the spiritual compass could detect spiritual energy fluctuations within a three-mile radius.

Chen Yu carefully read through the briefing, noted down the key information, and then used his spiritual power to burn it—this kind of thing cannot be left behind.

"Fellow Daoist Chen," Jingxu suddenly spoke, "do you know why the Heavenly Dao Alliance is so obsessed with the Seven Star Key?"

Chen Yu looked at him: "Does the Taoist priest know the reason?"

"Master Xuanzhenzi once mentioned in his notes," Jingxu said slowly, "that the Seven Star Key is not the only key to open the cave, but rather... one of seven keys. Collecting all seven keys can open an ancient secret realm, which is said to contain the secret to becoming an immortal."

"Seven keys?" Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. "Where are the other six?"

"I don't know." Jingxu shook his head. "Even the patriarch only obtained one. But it is said that these seven keys are scattered all over the world, some in the cultivation world, some in the secular world, and some may even be overseas. The Heavenly Dao Alliance is making such a big fuss, probably not just for the cave dwelling of Patriarch Xuanzhenzi."

Chen Yu pondered. If Jing Xu was telling the truth, then the value of the Seven Star Key far exceeded his imagination. No wonder Zhao Wuji was willing to take action in broad daylight.

"Master, how long will it take for your injuries to heal?"

"The poison of the Bone-Rotting Grass can be cleared in three days with an antidote. But it will take at least half a month to recover your fighting strength." Jingxu smiled bitterly, "I've dragged you down this time."

"Don't talk about that." Chen Yu waved his hand. "You rest first, I'll go to the platform to buy some food."

By the time the train stopped at Dongguan Station, it was completely dark. On the platform, vendors were selling tea eggs, sesame seed cakes, and porridge served in bamboo tubes. Chen Yu bought four servings, and also a few oranges—Jingxu needed to replenish her vitamins.

When they returned to the private room, Jingxu was already asleep, her breathing more even. Chen Yu sat by the window, watching the lights flash by outside.

This was his first journey home in four months since leaving Beijing. The prosperity and crisis of Hong Kong, the casinos and gunfights of Macau, the scheming and fierce battles at auctions... all flashed through his mind over those four months.

He thought of Su Man. The woman who shielded him from a bullet at the Macau docks, the woman who stood by him through thick and thin in Hong Kong—now she'd been taken away by the Guanghan Palace. The Guanghan Palace… that name appeared in the *Xuanzhenzi Daoist Canon*, a reclusive sect with a thousand-year history, cultivating with the power of moonlight, its rules strict and rigorous. Was Su Man's going there a blessing or a curse?

He thought of Lin Wanru. That decisive and powerful businesswoman, the way she held back her tears when she gave him the watch. Xinghua Group was handed over to her; it was the foundation they had built in Hong Kong, and also the bridge through which he might return to Hong Kong in the future.

He thought of Stanley Ho. That gambling tycoon, seemingly only involved in transactions, had secretly helped him multiple times. The protection of the Buddhist community, the favors from the Political Department, even the intervention of the Moon Palace... all bore Ho's shadow. He owed this man a huge favor.

But what I miss most is Beijing. It's the courtyard houses, the steel mill, and... Qin Huairu.

Counting the days, April 15th is my due date. Four days left.

He had to get back.

Night deepened, and the train wound its way through the darkness. Chen Yu sat cross-legged on his bed and began cultivating. The effects of the Qi Nourishing Pill were still present; spiritual energy surged through his meridians. Although last night's battle and today's arduous journey had been perilous, they had given him a deeper understanding of the seventh level of Qi Refining.

His spiritual awareness expanded, covering the entire carriage. He could "hear" the snoring from the next compartment, "see" the train conductor smoking at the end of the corridor, and "feel" the vibrations from the tracks beneath the train...

Suddenly, his spiritual senses trembled!

In the third hard-seat carriage, there were two people whose auras were off! They weren't cultivators, but their vitality far exceeded that of ordinary people, and... they exuded killing intent!

Chen Yu quietly got up and pushed open the compartment door. The corridor was dimly lit, and a train attendant was dozing against the door of the crew room.

He went to the outside of carriage number three and observed through the glass window in the door. Most people in the carriage were asleep, with only a few still awake. The two people with unusual auras were sitting in the middle of the carriage by the window—two men around thirty years old, wearing ordinary blue overalls, but with upright posture and sharp eyes.

Soldier? Or...a spy?

Without alerting the enemy, Chen Yu returned to the private room and woke Jingxu: "Daoist Master, there's something going on in the car."

Jingxu opened her eyes, weak but clear-eyed: "How many people?"

"Two of them, not cultivators, but probably skilled in martial arts. They're likely coming for us."

"Does the Heavenly Alliance also have influence in mainland China?"

"Not necessarily." Chen Yu pondered. "It could also be... someone from another group."

He recalled the two watchful eyes from the mainland at the Lo Wu border crossing. His trip to Hong Kong, though secretive, was not entirely untraceable. The rise of the Star Wah Group, its dealings with Ho Hung-cheung, the controversy at the auction... all of these could potentially attract the attention of relevant mainland authorities.

In mainland China during the 1960s, the vetting of people returning from overseas was extremely strict. Although he had legal documents, it would ultimately arouse suspicion.

"Shall we make a move?" Jingxu asked.

"Let's see," Chen Yu shook his head. "If they're just monitoring us, we don't need to pay attention. But if it's an assassination attempt..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

In the middle of the night, the train stopped at Shaoguan Station for ten minutes. The two men got off the train and smoked on the platform, seemingly casually, but their eyes never left Chen Yu's sleeper car.

At 5 a.m., the train arrived at Guangzhou Station. Before dawn, the platform was already crowded with people waiting to pick up passengers.

Chen Yu helped Jingxu out of the car. The other two people followed, keeping a distance of about twenty meters.

"Let's split up," Chen Yu whispered. "Daoist Master, you go to Baiyun Temple; it's safe there. I'll lead them away."

"You're all alone..."

"Don't worry," Chen Yu smiled, "This is the mainland after all; they won't dare to act openly."

Jingxu nodded, blended into the crowd, and quickly disappeared.

Chen Yu, carrying his suitcase, walked leisurely toward the exit. The two men followed him.

Stepping out of the train station, the streets of Guangzhou were shrouded in morning mist. Chen Yu hailed a pedicab: "To the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall."

The tricycle bumped along the stone-paved road. Chen Yu sensed through his spiritual awareness that the two men had also hired a vehicle to follow behind.

In front of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, elderly people were already practicing Tai Chi. Chen Yu got out of the car and walked into the alley next to the memorial hall. The alley was deep, with high walls on both sides, and ended in a dead end.

He stopped at the end of the alley and turned around.

The two men followed them in, and when they saw that it was a dead end, they paused for a moment, then regained their composure.

"Comrade, you must be tired after following us all this way?" Chen Yu said casually.

"Comrade Chen Yu," one of them said in a steady voice, "we mean no harm, we just want to ask you to come with us."

"Where to?"

"I need to see the leader," the other person said. "There are some things I need to ask you about."

Chen Yu looked at them and asked, "What if I don't go?"

"Then we'll have no choice but to take the necessary measures." The two stepped forward and assumed a grappling stance.

He's definitely a trained fighter, and he uses military grappling techniques.

Chen Yu smiled. If this were Hong Kong, he would have to put in some effort against cultivators from the Heavenly Dao Alliance. But against two ordinary people who had only practiced martial arts...

He flashed away!

With his improved physical condition after the marrow cleansing and his cultivation at the seventh level of Qi Refining, his speed was so fast that he was just a blur! The two of them didn't even have time to react before Chen Yu struck their acupoints, instantly paralyzing their entire bodies and rendering them unable to move!

"You..." One person's eyes showed horror.

"Go back and tell your superiors," Chen Yu said calmly, "I, Chen Yu, am a patriotic businessman. I returned to China to contribute to the nation's development, not to do bad things. If you really want to see me, please send a formal letter to the Beijing Steel Rolling Mill. Now..."

He released their pressure points: "Let's go."

The two exchanged a glance, realizing they were no match for each other, and quickly turned and left.

Chen Yu walked out of the alley and hailed another tricycle: "To Baiyun Mountain."

He was going to Baiyun Temple to find Jingxu first, and then turn back to Beijing.

At nine o'clock in the morning, in the quiet room behind Baiyun Temple, Jingxu had already taken the antidote pill refined by Chen Yu, and her complexion had improved a lot.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, someone just delivered a letter." Jingxu handed over a brown paper envelope.

The envelope was unsigned, with only one line: To Comrade Chen Yu.

Chen Yu opened it; inside was only a letter with two lines written in calligraphy:

"The matter in Hong Kong is settled. Be careful regarding the matter in Beijing. April 15th is the right time to return."

The signature is a red seal with the inscription: Guoan (National Security).

National security agencies.

Chen Yu burned the letter. It seems his every move in Hong Kong was being watched by certain people. But the letter's meaning was clear—the matter in Hong Kong would not be pursued, but he should keep a low profile after returning to Beijing.

"Master, you should stay here to recover from your injuries. I need to return to the capital as soon as possible."

"I understand." Jingxu nodded. "Once my injuries have healed, I will head north to find you. The matter of the Seven Star Key and the Ancestral Master's Cave still needs further discussion."

At noon, Chen Yu boarded the special express train from Guangzhou to Beijing. This time, no one followed him.

The train headed north, traversing the Nanling Mountains, crossing the Yangtze River, and heading towards the North China Plain.

The scenery outside the window changed from the lush greenery of Lingnan to the water towns of Jiangnan, and then to the fertile plains of the Central Plains.

I'm getting closer and closer to home.

On the evening of April 13th, the train pulled into Beijing Station. The familiar clock tower, the familiar platform, the familiar Beijing accent...

Chen Yu carried his luggage off the train and took a deep breath of the northern air. It was dry and dusty, but it smelled like home.

On the platform, he saw a familiar figure—He Yuzhu! Brother Zhu was wearing the steel rolling mill's work clothes and was standing on tiptoe, looking around.

"Brother Zhu!" Chen Yu waved.

"Xiao Chen! You're finally back!" He Yuzhu rushed over and hugged him tightly. "You've been gone for four months without a single letter! Everyone was so worried!"

"I've been busy at the factory, too busy to get away," Chen Yu said with a smile. "Brother Zhu, how did you know I'd be back today?"

"It was Qin's daughter who told me," He Yuzhu said in a low voice. "She said she dreamed last night that you were coming back today, and she insisted that I pick you up at the station. I told her she was just imagining things, but I didn't expect you to actually come back!"

Qin Huairu... Chen Yu felt a warmth in his heart. Is this the connection between husband and wife?

"How is Huairu?"

"I'm fine! Just a little nervous because I'm close to giving birth." He Yuzhu took the luggage. "Come on, let's go home! Everyone in the compound is waiting for you!"

Stepping out of Beijing Railway Station, the setting sun cast a vibrant red glow. Along Chang'an Avenue, bicycles flowed like a tide, their bells ringing incessantly. The locust trees lining the streets had already sprouted new buds, and the air was filled with the aroma of cooking smoke.

Beijing in 1964 was simple, profound, and full of vitality.

Chen Yu got on the back of He Yuzhu's bicycle. The bicycle rode through the alleys, turned a familiar street corner, and the street sign for Nanluoguxiang came into view.

Then, there was that familiar red-lacquered door.

I'm back in the courtyard house.