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

April 25th, 6:00 AM, Peking Union Medical College Hospital ward.

Chen Yu opened his eyes, the first thing he did was check that the silk handkerchief in his arms was still there. The gossamer-thin silk fabric clung to his chest, its cool, smooth touch reminding him that everything from last night was not a dream. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a pale golden band of light on the hospital room floor.

The elderly man in the next bed was still fast asleep, his snores even. Jingxu was already awake, sitting cross-legged in the care chair, her eyes closed, trying to regulate her breathing. The two exchanged a glance, neither speaking, but their eyes confirmed that last night's events had passed safely.

At seven o'clock, the nurse came to check on me. She took my temperature and blood pressure, and everything was normal.

"Your gastroenteritis is getting better quite quickly." The nurse put away the thermometer. "You can be discharged today. Pay attention to your diet when you get home, and avoid raw and cold foods."

At 7:30, Qin Huairu arrived carrying little Chen An, her eyes slightly dark, clearly having not slept well all night.

"How are you? Does it still hurt?" She sat on the edge of the bed and gently placed her hand on Chen Yu's forehead.

"Much better, the doctor said I can be discharged." Chen Yu held her hand, feeling its slight coolness. "You didn't sleep all night?"

"I can't sleep, I'm worried about you." Qin Huairu lowered her voice. "Last night... did it go smoothly?"

Chen Yu nodded slightly.

At eight o'clock, we completed the discharge procedures. He Yuzhu came to pick us up on a handcart and immediately asked, "Xiao Chen, are you really alright? Should we stay a couple more days for observation?"

"I'm really fine now, it's just an upset stomach." Chen Yu had changed back into his ordinary blue overalls. Although his face was still a little pale, he looked much better than last night.

The cart slowly made its way back to the courtyard house. In the early morning, the alleyways were bustling with people going to work and school. Chen Yu lay on the cart, gazing at the azure sky, his mind preoccupied with the contents of the silk scroll.

"Tian Shu Realm"...what exactly is that place? Besides this line of text, what other information is in the silk left by Xuan Zhenzi?

Back in the courtyard, neighbors came over to check on him. Yi Zhonghai told him to take care of his health, Yan Bugui said that gastrointestinal problems are the most troublesome and need to be managed, and Zhang Xiulan brought over a jar of pickled vegetables she had made herself, saying they were good for the stomach.

Only Jia Zhangshi stood at her own door, pouting, "So delicate, making such a fuss over a little illness."

Chen Yu ignored her and went back to his room with Qin Huairu's help.

The door closed, and the world fell silent. Qin Huairu placed Xiao Chen in the cradle, then turned to Chen Yu: "Can you tell me now? What... exactly happened last night?"

Chen Yu took out a silk handkerchief from his pocket. The handkerchief shimmered with a faint golden luster in the morning light, and was covered with densely packed characters embroidered in gold thread, along with several simple diagrams.

"What...is this?" Qin Huairu's eyes widened.

"What we found last night." Chen Yu carefully laid the silk handkerchief on the table. "A clue left by Senior Xuanzhenzi."

Jingxu also came closer, put on his reading glasses, and examined it carefully. After a moment, he gasped: "This is... an ancient secret realm map!"

"A map to a secret realm?"

"Look here." Jingxu pointed to the upper left corner of the silk, "'Seven stars gather, the secret realm opens. Seven keys unite, one can enter the Heavenly Pivot Realm.' This means that by collecting all seven Seven Star Keys, one can open an ancient secret realm called the 'Heavenly Pivot Realm.'"

Chen Yu continued reading: "'The Heavenly Pivot Realm, opened up by ancient cultivators, contains three spiritual veins, countless spiritual herbs, and a legacy...' The words after that were blurred."

"A spiritual vein!" Jingxu's voice trembled. "Fellow Daoist Chen, do you know what this means? The spiritual energy on Earth today is scarce, making cultivation extremely difficult. But if there were a spiritual vein..."

Chen Yu understood. Spiritual veins are the source of spiritual energy; if one had three complete spiritual veins, it would be a paradise for cultivators!

"But we need to collect all seven keys." He frowned. "We only have one right now. Where are the others?"

Jingxu continued his interpretation: "'The seven keys are assigned to guard the seven directions: Azure Dragon in the east, White Tiger in the west, Vermilion Bird in the south, Black Tortoise in the north, Qilin in the center, Gouchen above, and Tengshe below...' This is based on the ancient constellation positions. Our key should be... 'Qilin in the center'."

The silk scroll contained a simple diagram marking seven directions. In the center was a depiction of a qilin (a mythical creature), next to which were written in small characters: "Central Plains, the Forbidden City."

The Forbidden City at its highest point? Beijing's Palace Museum?

"What about the others?" Chen Yu asked.

Jingxu carefully discerned: "'Eastern Azure Dragon' is on the shore of the East China Sea, 'Western White Tiger' is at the foot of Kunlun Mountain, 'Southern Vermilion Bird' is deep in the South China Sea, 'Northern Black Tortoise' is in Changbai Mountain, 'Upper Hooked Serpent' is at the top of Tianshan Mountain, 'Lower Soaring Serpent' is... at the Earth's core?"

The Earth's core? Chen Yu frowned; this was too far-fetched.

"This is just a general location," Jingxu said. "Even Ancestor Xuanzhenzi may not have found everything; he only recorded this information."

Chen Yu carefully put away the silk handkerchief. The amount of information was overwhelming; he needed to digest it slowly. But one thing was certain—the value of the Seven Star Key far exceeded his expectations. No wonder the Heavenly Dao Alliance was so persistent.

"That person from last night..." Jingxu suddenly said, "that man in black who can use shapeshifting techniques, did he see the silk?"

"He must have seen it, but he didn't see the contents clearly," Chen Yu recalled. "I put it away quickly; he only glanced at it."

"That's good." Jingxu breathed a sigh of relief. "If the Heavenly Dao Alliance knew about the existence of the Heavenly Pivot Realm, they would probably do anything to seize the Seven Star Key."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Qin Huairu opened it to find He Yuzhu carrying a net bag of apples: "Xiao Chen, here's some vitamins for you!"

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

"Don't be so polite with me!" He Yuzhu put down the apple, glanced at the silk on the table, and asked curiously, "What is this? It's embroidered quite exquisitely."

"Oh, this is... brought by my cousin. He said it's an heirloom embroidery." Chen Yu made up a reason on the spot.

"An old item!" He Yuzhu didn't think much of it. "You guys chat, I'm going to work."

After seeing He Yuzhu off, Chen Yu and Jingxu both breathed a sigh of relief. This thing couldn't be shown to just anyone.

At 10 a.m., Chen Yu felt that he had recovered enough and decided to go to work at the steel rolling mill—taking too many days off would arouse suspicion.

Before leaving, he instructed Qin Huairu: "Keep the silk handkerchief safe, and don't take it out for anyone."

"I know."

He then said to Jingxu, "Daoist Master, don't go out today. Stay home and study the silk. See if you can find more information."

"I understand."

Inside the steel rolling mill, everything seemed normal. When Chen Yu entered the production department office, Liu Yuhua was on the phone. Seeing him come in, she covered the receiver and said, "Chen Yu, Factory Director Li wants to see you. He wants you to go to his office."

"Now?"

"Hmm, seems pretty urgent."

Chen Yu's heart tightened. Could it be that what happened last night had been discovered? But he remained calm on the surface: "Okay, I'll go right away."

The factory manager's office was on the third floor. When Chen Yu knocked and entered, Factory Manager Li was looking at documents. Seeing him come in, he put down the documents and gestured for him to sit down.

"Xiao Chen, how are you feeling?"

"I'm much better, thank you for your concern, factory manager."

"Okay, that's good." Factory Director Li adjusted his glasses. "I called you here today because I have an important task. A project from above requires our factory's cooperation."

Chen Yu breathed a sigh of relief; it wasn't about last night.

"What project?"

"The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense is developing a special steel project that requires a group of key technical personnel," said Director Li. "I recommended you. If you pass the review, you can report to the project team next month."

Special steel research and development? Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. In this era, defense projects meant a higher level of secrecy, and also...more resources and protection.

"Factory manager, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."

"Don't be modest. I've seen your technical skills and learning ability," Director Li said seriously. "Moreover, this project will be very beneficial to your personal development. Participating in a national defense project and passing the political vetting will open up many career paths for you."

Chen Yu understood what Director Li meant. In this era, being able to participate in national defense projects was a form of political capital and also a form of protection.

"Thank you for your guidance, factory manager. I'm willing to go."

"Good!" Factory Director Li nodded in satisfaction. "However, the review will be very strict, so be prepared. During this time, watch your words and actions and don't cause any trouble."

"I see."

Emerging from the factory director's office, Chen Yu was filled with mixed emotions. The defense project was indeed an opportunity, but the scrutiny meant he would be investigated more closely. Would last night's events be exposed?

At lunchtime, Yang Jianguo came to the cafeteria again, this time carrying two lunchboxes. He handed one to Chen Yu: "Try this, we have braised ribbonfish today."

"Thank you, Comrade Yang."

The two ate in silence. Halfway through the meal, Yang Jianguo suddenly whispered, "Something happened at Jietai Temple in the western suburbs last night."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "What happened?"

"Someone broke in and clashed with the guards. Apparently, an artifact was stolen." Yang Jianguo looked at him. "You were in the hospital yesterday and didn't go out, right?"

"No, I've been in the hospital the whole time."

"That's good." Yang Jianguo nodded. "Things are tight lately, so don't go there unless it's absolutely necessary."

Chen Yu knew that Yang Jianguo was reminding him. It seemed that the authorities had already classified last night's events as "theft of cultural relics."

Before leaving get off work in the afternoon, Chen Yu went to the factory library and borrowed several books on metal smelting and materials science. Since he was going to participate in a national defense project, his professional knowledge had to be solid.

When they returned to the courtyard house, it was still early. Inside, Yan Bugui was squatting by his door tending to the few half-dead potted plants. Seeing Chen Yu, he waved and said, "Little Chen, come here for a moment."

"Third Uncle, is something the matter?"

Yan Bugui looked around and lowered his voice: "My student who works at the Cultural Relics Bureau came to my house today and said that an important cultural relic was stolen from Jietai Temple last night, and the higher-ups are taking it very seriously. He also said... that someone has been asking about you recently."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "Inquiring about me? Who?"

"He didn't go into details, only telling you to be careful lately and not to get involved in things you shouldn't." Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses. "Little Chen, your third uncle doesn't know what you're doing, but take my advice: some waters are too deep, don't wade in."

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle."

"Sigh, you'd better watch yourself." Yan Bugui shook his head and continued to tend to his flowers.

Chen Yu returned to his room, his heart heavy. Even Yan Bugui had heard rumors, meaning the authorities had begun an investigation. Although Yang Jianguo and Yan Bugui had both warned him, it also meant he was now under scrutiny.

Inside the room, Jingxu was studying the silk, with several ancient books spread out in front of him for comparison. Seeing Chen Yu return, he looked up, his expression grave: "Fellow Daoist Chen, I have discovered something."

"What?"

"Look here." Jingxu pointed to a line of small print in the lower right corner of the silk, "'The seven keys must be combined into one, using the Big Dipper array as a guide, and activated when the Ziwei star shines.' The Ziwei star is the North Star. In other words, to open the Tian Shu Realm, not only are seven keys needed, but also a specific time and array."

Chen Yu looked at the line of text carefully, and it was indeed so.

"And here too." Jingxu pointed to another spot. "'The secret realm opens once every sixty years, lasting for three months, and then closes.' Sixty years is a cycle. It doesn't say when it last opened or when it will open next."

The information is incomplete. The clues left by Xuanzhenzi seem to represent only a part of the whole secret.

"Master, do you really think we can find the other six keys?"

"Difficult." Jingxu shook his head. "A thousand years have passed, and the world has changed. Some keys may have been lost, some may be buried deep underground, and some... may have already been obtained by someone."

Chen Yu thought of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Why were they so obsessed with the Seven Star Key? Had they already obtained other keys? Or did they know their whereabouts?

That night, after Qin Huairu and Xiao Chenan had fallen asleep, Chen Yu entered his small world to cultivate. Although the battle last night was dangerous, it had given him a deeper understanding of the seventh level of Qi Refining. He could sense that the opportunity to break through was approaching.

Within the small world, a spiritual spring gurgled forth. Chen Yu sat cross-legged beside the spring, circulating the "Tai Xuan True Scripture." Spiritual energy surged through his meridians, repeatedly challenging the bottleneck of the eighth level.

Suddenly, the Seven Star Key in his arms warmed slightly, resonating with the silk. A stream of pure spiritual energy flowed from the key, merging into his meridians!

Is this... the key giving back to its owner?

Chen Yu was both surprised and delighted. He circulated his cultivation technique with all his might to absorb this spiritual energy. The spiritual energy was vast and gentle, as if it had accumulated over thousands of years, flowing through his meridians and nourishing every inch of his flesh and blood.

Two hours later, Chen Yu opened his eyes, a flash of light passing through them. He had broken through! He had reached the eighth level of Qi Refining!

He could feel that the spiritual energy within his body was more than twice as abundant as before, and the range of his spiritual sense had expanded to fifteen zhang. More importantly, his control over his spiritual energy had become much more precise.

It was already past midnight when Chen Yu exited the small world. Lying in bed, feeling the surging power within him, he felt somewhat at ease. With each increase in strength, his ability to protect himself also improved.

But at that moment, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration—there was someone outside the courtyard wall!

It wasn't an undercover officer monitoring them; that aura was familiar... It was the man in black from last night!

Chen Yu quietly got up and moved to the window. In the moonlight, a dark figure was crouching on the courtyard wall—it was the black-clad man who could use shapeshifting magic from last night! He seemed to be observing the situation inside the courtyard, his gaze sweeping across the windows of each house.

Chen Yu held his breath, his hand resting on the Demon-Slaying Sword. But the man in black didn't enter the courtyard; he merely observed for a few minutes before turning and leaving, disappearing into the night.

Was he scouting the location? Or...?

Chen Yu's expression turned grave. The man in black had found this place, meaning his identity had been exposed, or was about to be exposed. The courtyard house was no longer safe.

Back in bed, Chen Yu couldn't sleep. The secret of the silk, the allure of the Heavenly Pivot Realm, the pursuit by the Heavenly Dao Alliance, the official investigation, the opportunities presented by the defense project... all these things were intertwined, like an invisible net tightening around him.

He must find a way to break the deadlock before the net tightens.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

But Chen Yu knew that the real darkness had only just begun.