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

On the morning of April 20th, Taoist Jingxu changed into a slightly worn gray Zhongshan suit, slung a canvas satchel over his shoulder, and looked like an ordinary cadre or scholar. He ate a simple breakfast at Chen Yu's house—millet porridge, cornbread, and pickled vegetables—before preparing to go out.

"Master, this is a map of Beijing that I drew." Chen Yu handed over a hand-drawn map, which marked the locations of more than a dozen ancient temples. "Those marked with red circles have pagodas, and those marked with blue circles have no pagodas but have a long history."

Jingxu took the map and examined it carefully: "Fellow Daoist Chen, you've gone to a lot of trouble. Today, I'll first visit a few places in the western part of the city. The White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple, the Pagoda of Tianning Temple, the White Pagoda of Beihai... these are all in the western part of the city."

"Do you need me to go with you?"

"No need," Jingxu shook his head. "You've just moved to a new house and still have to go to work, so it's not advisable for you to take frequent leave. I'll be less conspicuous if I travel alone."

Chen Yu nodded and took out a small cloth bag from his pocket: "There are twenty yuan and some food coupons in here, the Taoist priest should keep them for backup. And this..." He then took out three talismans, "Invisibility talismans, although they can only last for a quarter of an hour, they might be useful in a critical moment."

Jingxu accepted it and carefully put it away: "Thank you."

After seeing Jingxu off, Chen Yu went to work at the steel rolling mill. The production department was holding its monthly summary meeting today, and as a technician's assistant, he needed to prepare the materials.

Liu Yuhua was already in the office, organizing documents. Seeing Chen Yu enter, she looked up and said, "Chen Yu, Director Li just called and said the deadline for applying for the Soviet study tour is next week. Are you really not considering it?"

Chen Yu sat down at his desk: "Sister Liu, I've thought about it. I won't go for now. My baby was just born, and someone has to stay home."

"That's true." Liu Yuhua nodded understandingly. "But this opportunity is rare. I heard that those who go this time will at least be promoted one level when they come back, and may even participate in key projects."

"There will be other opportunities in the future," Chen Yu said.

He opened his work notebook and began preparing meeting materials. But his mind was wandering to Jingxu—did those ancient temples truly hold the jade slips left behind by Xuanzhenzi? If they were found, what secrets would they uncover?

Meanwhile, Jingxu had already boarded a bus bound for Xicheng.

The buses in Beijing in 1964 were very basic, with wooden seats and windows that could be opened. They were crowded with workers going to work, housewives going to buy groceries, and students going to school. Jingxu found a window seat and looked at the street scene outside.

The streets were lined with single-story houses made of gray bricks and tiles, with the occasional Soviet-style building. Bicycles were the main mode of transportation, and occasionally a green Liberation truck or a black Volga sedan would pass by. People were dressed mainly in blue, gray, and black, but their faces mostly carried the youthful vigor unique to this era.

When the car arrived at Xisi Archway, Jingxu got off. According to the map, Miaoying Temple was nearby.

Miaoying Temple, also known as White Pagoda Temple, gets its name from a white pagoda dating back to the Yuan Dynasty that stands within its grounds. The temple gate is somewhat dilapidated, and the four large characters "Miaoying Chanlin" on the plaque above the entrance are faded and peeling. Jingxu bought a two-cent incense ticket and entered the temple.

There weren't many worshippers at the temple; a few elderly women were burning incense and praying in front of the main hall. The white pagoda, located in the northwest corner of the temple, was pure white and about fifty meters tall, gleaming in the sunlight.

Jingxu walked around the white pagoda, his spiritual sense quietly expanding. There were indeed faint fluctuations of spiritual energy within the pagoda, but they were very weak, as if they had formed naturally from years of incense smoke, rather than being a deliberately placed restriction. He quietly took out the Seven Star Key—the key did not react at all.

Not here.

Jingxu did not stay long before leaving the temple and heading to her next stop—Tianning Temple.

Tianning Temple is located outside Guang'anmen. It was first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Inside the temple is a thirteen-story brick pagoda with closely spaced eaves, which is one of the oldest existing pagodas in Beijing. The incense here is more abundant than at Miaoying Temple, and the sound of monks chanting sutras can be heard from the main hall.

Jingxu followed the same procedure, circling the pagoda to investigate. The spiritual energy of Tianning Temple Pagoda was stronger than that of Baita Temple, but the Seven Star Key still did not react.

Jingxu visited three temples in the morning but found nothing. At noon, she ate a bowl of noodles with soybean paste at a snack shop near Huguo Temple while studying the map.

The afternoon's destination was the White Pagoda in Beihai Park and the Five Pagoda Temple outside Xizhimen. Beihai Park was crowded with tourists, so Jingxu mingled with them and went up to Qionghua Island to observe the White Pagoda up close. This pagoda was built in the early Qing Dynasty and its style is similar to the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple, but it is smaller in scale. The exploration was still disappointing.

The Five Pagoda Temple is located north of the zoo. Inside the temple is a Vajra Throne Pagoda, its body carved with numerous Buddha statues. It's a very remote place, with almost no tourists. Jingxu walked around the pagoda several times, carefully examining every inch of its structure with her spiritual sense.

Suddenly, he sensed an extremely faint fluctuation of spiritual energy somewhere at the top of the tower! The fluctuation was very peculiar, like a deliberately concealed restriction!

Jingxu's heart stirred. He found a secluded corner, leaped, and landed lightly on the eaves of the second level of the tower—a feat effortless for someone at the sixth level of Qi Refining. He climbed up the eaves and quickly reached the top.

The top of the tower features five smaller towers surrounding a larger one, creating a complex structure. Following the fluctuations of spiritual energy, Jingxu arrived at the base of the central tower's spire. There, she found a stone slab that appeared identical to its surroundings, but her spiritual sense detected subtle cracks.

He took out the Seven Star Key and gently pressed it onto the stone slab.

The key is not working.

Jingxu frowned and tried to infuse his spiritual energy again, but there was still no change. He tapped the stone slab lightly with his hand; the sound was dull, and the back was solid.

"Not here..." He took back the key with some disappointment.

Just then, his spiritual alarm bells went off! Someone was coming down from the tower, and more than one! The footsteps were light, but the breathing was deep and even—they were trained martial artists!

Jingxu immediately concealed his aura and hid in the shadow of the tower eaves. Three people dressed in blue overalls entered the tower courtyard. They looked around casually, but their eyes were sharp and their movements were alert.

"Did someone just go up there?" one of them whispered.

"I didn't see anything, but there was some movement at the top of the tower."

"search!"

The three split up; one guarded the tower gate, while the other two began searching around the tower.

Jingxu felt a chill run down her spine. These people weren't ordinary tourists, nor were they temple staff. Who were they? And why were they so sensitive about the pagoda?

He slid silently down the other side of the tower, landing without disturbing a speck of dust, and quickly hid behind a clump of bamboo. Through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, he saw the three men, having searched unsuccessfully, huddle together and talk in hushed tones:

"The boss told us to keep an eye on these ancient temples, saying that suspicious people might come. We've been watching for half a month now, and we haven't seen a thing."

"Stop talking nonsense, just keep an eye on it. I heard the higher-ups are taking this very seriously."

"What exactly are you looking for?"

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. Let's go, to the next place."

After the three left, Jingxu waited in the same spot for another fifteen minutes, making sure no one was around before emerging. His expression was grave—sure enough, it wasn't just them searching; the authorities were also paying attention to these ancient temples!

This means that finding the jade slips has become much more difficult.

When Jingxu returned to the courtyard house in the evening, it was already dark. Chen Yu had just come home from get off work and was in the courtyard with little Chen An, basking in the sun—the April evening sunlight was gentle, perfect for a baby.

"The Taoist priest is back." Chen Yu noticed Jingxu's expression. "Didn't it go well?"

The two went inside and closed the door. Jingxu recounted the day's events in detail, finally mentioning the three mysterious people.

"Wearing work clothes, but quite skilled, probably in plainclothes." Chen Yu pondered, "From the National Security Bureau? Or...some other department?"

"They mentioned 'the boss ordered them to keep an eye on things,' which clearly means they were acting under orders," Jingxu said. "Fellow Daoist Chen, it seems the matter of the Seven Star Key has already attracted the attention of the authorities."

Chen Yu recalled the letter from the "National Security Bureau." Sure enough, the relevant departments had been paying attention.

"Which temple is most likely the one the Taoist priest visited today?"

"The Five Pagoda Temple," Jingxu said definitively. "There's a hidden restriction at the top of the pagoda there, though very faint, it definitely exists. It's just... it can't be opened with the Seven Star Key."

"Perhaps specific conditions are required, such as a full moon night."

"Perhaps." Jingxu nodded. "The book says 'on the night of the full moon,' perhaps then the restriction will manifest."

Chen Yu thought for a moment: "Today is the ninth day of the third month of the lunar calendar, and there are still six days until the full moon on the fifteenth. In these six days, we need to check all the other suspicious temples."

"That's what I think too." Jingxu took out a notebook from his satchel, which contained a detailed record of his investigation that day. "Tomorrow I'll go to the East City and the South City, and visit places like Fayuan Temple, Zhihua Temple, and Yonghe Temple."

"I'll go with you," Chen Yu said. "Tomorrow is Saturday, I'm off."

"Alright."

At this moment, Qin Huairu brought in the food: "Daoist Master, Chen Yu, dinner is ready."

Dinner consisted of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and cabbage and tofu soup—simple but delicious. Jingxu ate a lot, clearly exhausted from a day of travel.

After dinner, Qin Huairu cleared the dishes, while Chen Yu and Jingxu continued their discussion in the living room.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, there's one more thing," Jingxu said in a low voice. "Today at the Five Pagoda Temple, I sensed a faint...evil aura."

"Evil energy?"

"It's very faint, like someone who practiced evil arts once stayed there." Jingxu's expression was serious. "And it didn't last long, at most three to five days."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "People from the Heavenly Dao Alliance?"

"It's uncertain, but highly likely," Jingxu said. "If the Heavenly Dao Alliance also knows about the jade slip, then we must speed up our actions."

As the two were talking, there was a knock on the door.

Chen Yu opened the door, and there was He Yuzhu, holding a bowl of braised pork: "Little Chen, the factory is having a meal today, I brought some back for you to try."

"Brother Zhu, I can't accept this..."

"Don't mention it! Let Huai Ru have something nourishing!" He Yuzhu handed over the bowl, glancing into the room. When he saw Jingxu, he paused, "And this is...?"

"This is my distant cousin. He's in Beijing on business and staying for a few days," Chen Yu had already prepared his explanation.

"Oh, hello Uncle!" He Yuzhu greeted him warmly. "Where do you live? Just let me know if you need any help!"

"Thank you, benefactor. I'll stay with Xiao Chen for now." Jingxu stood up and bowed.

He Yuzhu exchanged a few more pleasantries and left. Chen Yu closed the door and said to Jingxu, "There are too many people and eyes in the courtyard. Daoist, please try to go out less to avoid arousing suspicion."

"I understand."

At night, after Qin Huairu and Xiao Chen'an fell asleep, Chen Yu entered his small world to cultivate. He had been at the seventh level of Qi Refining for some time now, and he could sense that he wasn't far from the eighth level. While the Qi Nourishing Pill was effective, long-term use would lead to resistance, so he needed to find better pills or cultivation methods.

He recalled a type of elixir mentioned in the *Xuanzhen Daozang*—the "Qi Gathering Pill," whose effects were several times greater than the Qi Nourishing Pill, but its main ingredient, the "Purple Spirit Grass," was extremely difficult to find. Perhaps the jade slip left behind by Xuanzhenzi contained relevant clues?

After cultivating for two hours, Chen Yu exited the small world. Jingxu was already asleep on the floor, breathing evenly, but her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were thinking even in her dreams.

Chen Yu walked into the courtyard. The April night was still a bit chilly, but the air was fresh. He looked up at the sky; the moon was a crescent, and the stars were sparse.

Six days later, it will be the night of the full moon.

At that time, all the mysteries may be revealed.

But he had a premonition that the night of the full moon would not be peaceful. The Heavenly Alliance, the government, and possibly other forces... would all be watching.

"Master," the voice of Pseudo-Man Number One echoed in his mind, "the surveillance team has changed shifts today, and the two new groups are more professional. Also, three people went to Wuta Temple this afternoon; their identities are unknown, but they should be government officials."

"Understood. Continue surveillance, but don't alert them."

"Yes."

Chen Yu stood in the courtyard for a long time until the night was deep and the dew was heavy before he went back inside to rest.

The next day was Saturday, and Chen Yu and Jingxu went out early in the morning. They both changed into ordinary clothes, making them look like an uncle and nephew on an outing.

Our first stop was Fayuan Temple, located in Jiaozihutong outside Xuanwumen. This temple was first built during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty and is the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Beijing. The temple's architecture is simple and ancient, and its incense is ever-burning.

Jingxu explored the temple, while Chen Yu pretended to be a tourist, strolling around the grounds. His spiritual sense quietly expanded, covering the entire temple.

The pagoda at Fayuan Temple is a stupa next to the Sutra Repository; it's not tall, but its design is unique. Jingxu examined it and shook his head—nothing was amiss.

Next were Zhihua Temple, Yonghe Temple, Dazhong Temple... After visiting seven temples in one day, I found nothing.

In the evening, the two sat on a bench in Beihai Park to rest. As the sun set, the lake shimmered with golden light.

"Only three places remain." Jingxu looked at the unmarked locations on the map. "Longquan Temple, Tanzhe Temple, and Jietai Temple are all in Xishan, quite far away."

"I'll go tomorrow," Chen Yu said. "Daoist Master, you rest at home and protect Huai Ru and the child."

"Alright then." Jingxu didn't insist. "But those temples in Xishan are all in the suburbs, so be careful if you go alone."

The two got up and started walking back. As they passed a rockery, Chen Yu suddenly sensed something—there was someone behind the rockery! And their presence was so well concealed that he almost missed them!

He remained calm and continued walking forward, but his spiritual sense locked onto that location. It was a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, reading a newspaper, but his gaze kept glancing at them.

Another surveillance operation.

Chen Yu sneered inwardly. It seemed that their every move was being watched by certain people.

It was already dark when they returned to the courtyard house. Qin Huairu had prepared dinner and was waiting for them, while little Chen An was sleeping soundly in his cradle.

During the meal, Qin Huairu said, "This afternoon, Jia Zhangshi came to visit."

"What's she doing here?" Chen Yu frowned.

"She said she was just checking on the child and brought two eggs." Qin Huairu looked somewhat uneasy. "But I felt... she seemed to be asking about the Taoist priest. She asked what my uncle did, how long he was staying in Beijing, and when he was leaving..."

Chen Yu and Jing Xu exchanged a glance. Jia Zhangshi, a troublemaker, was indeed a problem.

"Next time she comes, just say that your uncle is in Beijing for medical treatment and will leave in a few days," Chen Yu said.

"Um."

That night, while Chen Yu was cultivating, the fake human No. 1 reported again: "Master, the people following you today are from two different departments. One group is from the National Security Bureau, and the other group... their identities are more secretive, and we can't find out anything about them yet."

"Continue the investigation."

"Yes. Also, another person went to Wuta Temple this afternoon, alone, and stayed for half an hour. This person... is a cultivator, around the fifth level of Qi Refining."

Fifth level of Qi Refining! Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. It was either the Heavenly Dao Alliance or some other cultivation force!

"Find out his identity and whereabouts."

"We're already following him, but he's very wary, so we don't dare get too close."

Chen Yu withdrew from cultivation, his heart heavy. The situation was becoming increasingly complicated. The authorities, the Heavenly Dao Alliance, other cultivators... all were eyeing the Seven Star Key and the jade slip.

On the night of the full moon, there will likely be a contest involving multiple parties.

But no matter what, he had to get his hands on the jade slip. It might contain the true legacy of Xuanzhenzi, or it might hold clues to the ultimate secret of the Seven Star Key.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water.

Chen Yu gazed at the crescent moon, silently calculating the days ahead.

Five days left.

Five days from now, on the night of the full moon, everything will begin anew.

And he must be prepared.