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

On April 27th, at six o'clock in the evening, Chen Yu stood by the window of his courtyard house, watching the sky gradually darken. He had been somewhat restless all day, his mind replaying the handwriting on the note—"Tomorrow night at midnight, Qionghua Island in the North Sea, one person will come. It concerns the Seven Star Key."

"Master, three more plainclothes officers were added to Beihai Park this afternoon; they're all from the Ministry of Public Security," the voice of Pseudo-Man No. 1 echoed in my mind. "There are also guards around the White Pagoda on Qionghua Island, but they're not official; they seem to be江湖人士 (jianghu figures, people from the martial arts world)."

"What about the old Taoist priest?"

"Four people entered and exited the courtyard in Xidan today, all of them cultivators, with cultivation levels between the fourth and sixth levels of Qi Refining. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the old Taoist priest went out alone to Jingshan Park and sat in Wanchun Pavilion for two hours, as if waiting for someone, but no one came."

Chen Yu pondered. The old Taoist priest, Xuanji, what was the purpose of this suddenly appearing senior from the cultivation world? Was he friend or foe?

At eight o'clock in the evening, Qin Huairu prepared dinner: millet porridge, cornbread, a plate of stir-fried cabbage, and half a fish left over from lunch. While eating, she was clearly distracted, hesitating to speak several times.

"Say what you want to say." Chen Yu put down his chopsticks.

"Do you really have to go tonight?" Qin Huairu looked at him, her eyes full of worry. "I have a feeling... something's not right."

"We have to go." Chen Yu grasped her hand. "The more people who know about the Seven Star Key, the greater the danger. Since this old Taoist priest has come knocking, there's no escaping him. We might as well go see him and see what he's up to."

Qin Huairu sighed and didn't try to persuade her further. She knew that there were some things a man had to do.

After dinner, Chen Yu began preparations. He changed into a dark blue work uniform with a worn black jacket over it, looking like an ordinary night shift worker. The Demon-Slaying Sword was wrapped in cloth, disguised as a long staff. Various talismans and pills were categorized and placed in different pockets.

Jingxu also changed into a gray Taoist robe and hid the Green Bamboo Sword in an oil-paper umbrella.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, I will meet you in the woods across from Qionghua Island. If anything changes, signal with fireworks."

"it is good."

At nine o'clock sharp, Chen Yu went out. He didn't ride a bicycle, but walked to Beihai Park. The Beijing night in April was still a bit cool, and there weren't many pedestrians on the street, with only the occasional worker hurrying past after finishing his night shift.

The moonlight was bright, illuminating the streets. Chen Yu kept his spiritual sense constantly extended, and he could sense that at least two groups of people were secretly following him—one group was plainclothes government officials, maintaining a distance of about fifty meters; the other group was more concealed, their presence barely perceptible, like cultivators.

He ignored them and walked straight to the north gate of Beihai Park. The park was already closed, but the wall was low and practically useless to cultivators. Chen Yu found a secluded spot, lightly leaped over the wall, and entered.

Beihai Park is exceptionally tranquil under the night sky. The lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the bright moon and stars. Qionghua Island sits in the center of the lake, its white pagoda gleaming silvery-white in the moonlight, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

Chen Yu moved silently along the lakeshore. His footsteps were light, almost silent on the grass. His spiritual sense scanned his surroundings, detecting at least a dozen auras scattered in different locations within the park—some meditating under trees, some drinking tea in pavilions, and others fishing by the lake. These were not ordinary tourists, but cultivators.

Beihai is indeed not peaceful tonight.

At 10:30, Chen Yu arrived at the opposite shore of Qionghua Island. Across the lake, he could see the outline of the white pagoda on the island. As agreed, there was still half an hour until midnight.

He didn't immediately go to the island, but instead found a rock by the lake, sat down, and quietly observed. His spiritual awareness spread out like a spider web, covering the entire Qionghua Island.

There were people on the island. Beneath the white pagoda, an elderly man in a grey Taoist robe sat cross-legged, a low table before him with tea utensils on it. The old man had white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and closed his eyes, seemingly meditating. His aura was as deep as the sea; he was at least at the ninth level of Qi Refining!

That must be the Taoist Master Xuanji.

In addition, there are three other auras hidden in the woods around the White Pagoda on the island. All of them are at the mid-stage of Qi Refining and are likely the old Taoist's followers.

In the woods across the lake, Jingxu was already in position, his presence well concealed.

Chen Yu then explored other corners of the park. The plainclothes officials remained on the perimeter, not entering. The martial arts practitioners were scattered throughout the park, seemingly casually, but in reality, they subtly formed a circle, encircling Qionghua Island in the center.

Are these people... just here to watch the show? Or do they have ulterior motives?

At eleven o'clock, Chen Yu stood up, leaped across the lake like a falling leaf, and gently landed on Qionghua Island. This display of lightness skill surprised those observing in the shadows—to be able to walk across water so easily required at least the cultivation level of the late stage of Qi Refining.

The old Taoist priest opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over Chen Yu.

"Young friend Chen, please have a seat." He gestured to the prayer mat opposite him.

Chen Yu walked over and sat down, looking openly at the old Taoist priest: "Senior, are you Master Xuanji?"

"It is indeed I, the old Taoist." The old Taoist Xuanji picked up the teapot, poured two cups of tea, and said, "I apologize for inviting you so late at night. I will offer you tea instead of wine."

The tea had a delicate aroma; it was top-quality Longjing. Chen Yu didn't touch his teacup: "Master, you invited me here; what brings you here?"

"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance," the old Taoist Xuanji smiled. "I simply wish to discuss the Seven Star Key with you, young friend."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly said, "Young friend, do you know the origin of the Seven Star Key?"

"I've heard a little about it; it's said to be the key to unlocking a certain secret realm."

"That's not all." The old Taoist Xuanji put down his teacup. "The Seven Star Key was forged by the ancient cultivator 'Beidou Zhenren' to suppress seven spiritual vein nodes. Collecting all seven keys not only opens the Tian Shu Secret Realm but also allows one to control the seven spiritual veins, making it a supreme treasure in the cultivation world."

Chen Yu was shocked, but remained outwardly calm: "The Daoist Master knows quite a lot."

"I have lived in Beijing for sixty years, so I know some things." A trace of vicissitude flashed in the eyes of the old Taoist Xuanji. "Sixty years ago, my master participated in a battle for the Seven Star Key. He was seriously injured and returned home. Before he died, he instructed me that if the Seven Star Key reappeared, I must find a way to stop a large-scale battle to prevent the deaths of many people."

"So, the Taoist priest summoned me here because he wants me to hand over the Seven Star Key?"

"No." The old Taoist Xuanji shook his head. "The Seven Star Key has already recognized its master, and it cannot be forced. I summoned you here to remind you—you have already been drawn into a great vortex."

He took a map from his pocket and spread it on the low table. It was a yellowed silk map with seven red dots marked on it.

"These are the approximate locations of the Seven Star Keys. You see, the Central Qilin Key is in Beijing, which you have already obtained. The Eastern Azure Dragon Key is in the East China Sea, and it is said to have been acquired by the 'East China Sea Sword Sect'; the Western White Tiger Key is in Kunlun, guarded by the 'Kunlun Immortal Sect'; the Southern Vermilion Bird Key is in the South China Sea, and its whereabouts are unknown; the Northern Black Tortoise Key is in Changbai Mountain, and it is said to be collected by the descendants of the Manchu imperial family; the Upper Hooked Chen Key is in Tianshan, and it is guarded by the Western Regions Buddhist sect; the Lower Soaring Serpent Key is in the Earth's core, but this is just a legend, and no one knows its whereabouts."

Chen Yu carefully examined the map. Seven red dots were distributed across the country and even overseas.

"Why did the Taoist priest tell me all this?"

"Because the balance is being broken." The old Taoist Xuanji said solemnly, "The Heavenly Dao Alliance has obtained the Eastern Azure Dragon Key and is secretly searching for the other keys. If they gather all seven keys, the consequences will be unimaginable."

The Heavenly Alliance has obtained a key! Chen Yu was shocked.

"So, Taoist Master, you want to... form an alliance?"

"Indeed." The old Taoist Xuanji nodded. "Although I live in seclusion, I still have some connections. I can contact other sects that hold the keys to form an alliance to fight against the Heavenly Dao Alliance. But we need a leader—someone who doesn't belong to any sect but is capable."

Chen Yu understood. The old Taoist priest had taken a liking to his identity—a rogue cultivator with no sect affiliation, yet possessing considerable strength.

"Master, you flatter me. I am merely a minor cultivator in the Qi Refining stage; what merit do I possess..."

"Young friend, there's no need for modesty," the old Taoist Xuanji interrupted him. "To be able to protect the Seven Star Key under the dual pressure of the Heavenly Dao Alliance and the authorities, and to escape unscathed from Jietai Temple, is something no ordinary Qi Refining stage cultivator could accomplish. Moreover..."

He paused, a strange glint in his eyes: "Young friend, it seems you have other secrets."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. This old Taoist priest has a sharp eye!

"You jest, Taoist priest. What secrets could I possibly have?"

"Everyone has their own secrets, and I have no intention of prying into them." The old Taoist Xuanji waved his hand. "Let's get back to the main topic. If you'd like, young friend, I can introduce you to the other key holders. We can agree that each of the seven keys will keep them, but if the Heavenly Dao Alliance attacks, we will unite to defend against them."

The suggestion sounded good, but Chen Yu dared not believe it easily. The cultivation world was treacherous; who knew if this old Taoist was setting a trap?

"Master, please allow me a few days to consider this."

"Of course." The old Taoist Xuanji didn't insist. "Three days from now, at the same time and place, you can give me your answer."

As they were talking, Chen Yu suddenly sensed something – someone was coming! And not just one! Their auras were very strong, at least three late-stage Qi Refining cultivators!

The old Taoist priest Xuanji also noticed, and his expression changed slightly: "Someone's coming, young friend, hurry and leave!"

"Who is it?"

"I don't know, but they don't seem to have good intentions." The old Taoist Xuanji stood up and took out a bronze mirror from his sleeve. "Go through the back mountain. I'll hold them off."

Without hesitation, Chen Yu leaped towards the back of the island. But just as he reached mid-air, three dark figures descended from the sky, blocking his path!

They were three men dressed in black, with cold, stern faces and sharp eyes. The leader was a middle-aged man in his forties with a scar on his face; he was the same man in black who had fought Chen Yu at Jietai Temple the previous night!

"Chen Yu, we meet again." The scarred man sneered. "Hand over the Seven Star Key and the silk handkerchief, and I'll leave you with a whole corpse."

"Dream on." Chen Yu drew his Demon-Slaying Sword.

The old Taoist priest Xuanji also rushed over, pointing his bronze mirror at the three of them: "Gentlemen, this is Beijing, not a place for you to run wild."

"Old man, mind your own business!" shouted a fat man next to the scarred man. "The Heavenly Alliance is handling this; if you know what's good for you, get out of the way!"

The Heavenly Alliance! It really was them!

With a wave of his hand, the three men attacked simultaneously! Three streaks of black light shot towards Chen Yu and the old Taoist Xuanji like venomous snakes!

The old Taoist priest's bronze mirror flickered, and a beam of golden light shot out, colliding with the black light and producing a hissing sound. Chen Yu then slashed out with his sword, the blood-red sword light cleaving away a beam of black light.

But Scarface was even stronger than last night! He blurred into three afterimages, attacking Chen Yu from three directions!

Illusion Technique! Chen Yu dared not be careless and activated his cultivation technique with all his might, transforming the Evil-Slaying Sword into countless sword shadows to protect his body.

"Clang clang clang!"

Sword and claw clashed, sparks flying! Chen Yu was forced back three steps, his hands numb. This scarred man had at least the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining!

The situation wasn't easy for the old Taoist Xuanji either. Although he was highly skilled, he was fighting two opponents at once and also had to protect Chen Yu, so he gradually fell into a disadvantageous position.

"Young friend Chen, you go first!" the old Taoist shouted, and the bronze mirror burst out with dazzling golden light, forcing back the two opponents.

But Scarface pressed on relentlessly: "Trying to leave? Not so easy!"

He took out a small black flag from his pocket and planted it in the ground! Instantly, black mist billowed out, enveloping the entire Qionghua Island!

"A trap!" the old Taoist priest Xuanji exclaimed in alarm. "Break the formation quickly!"

Chen Yu swung his sword at the black flag, but the scarred man was already blocking his way: "Your opponent is me!"

The two clashed again. Although Chen Yu had just broken through to the eighth level of Qi Refining, his combat experience was inferior to Scarface's, and he was gradually suppressed. Meanwhile, the black mist grew thicker, obstructing his vision and interfering with his spiritual sense.

This won't do! Chen Yu gritted his teeth, took out three explosive talismans from his pocket, and threw them all at the scarred man!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Three loud bangs! Flames shot into the sky! Scarface was blasted back several steps, his clothes torn, but he was not seriously injured.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chen Yu leaped towards the lake. But the black fog blocked his path like a wall.

"Trying to run?" Scarface grinned maliciously. "This trapping formation can last for at least an hour; you won't be able to escape!"

Just then, a long howl suddenly rang out from the opposite bank of the lake! A streak of azure sword light pierced through the air, heading straight for the black flag!

It's Jingxu! He's made his move!

The Green Bamboo Sword transformed into countless bamboo shadows, piercing towards the Black Flag. Scarface's expression changed, and he hurriedly retreated to defend. However, Jingxu's swordsmanship was exquisite, alternating between feints and real attacks, making it impossible for him to defend against.

"laugh!"

The green bamboo sword pierced the black flag! The trapping formation was broken!

The black mist quickly dissipated. Chen Yu and the old Taoist priest Xuanji were invigorated and attacked simultaneously!

"Let's go!" Chen Yu shouted to Jingxu.

The three reunited and rushed towards the other side of the lake. Scarface wanted to give chase, but the old Taoist Xuanji's bronze mirror flashed, and a golden light blocked their path like a wall.

"That's enough for today," the old Taoist said coldly. "Go back and tell Zhao Wuji that Beijing is not a place for him to run wild!"

Scarface's expression shifted, but he finally gritted his teeth and said, "You old fool, we'll see!"

The three men quickly retreated with their subordinates. Chen Yu and the others did not pursue them and quickly left Beihai Park.

It was 1 a.m. when we got back to safety.

"Thank you for saving me, Daoist Master." Chen Yu bowed to the old Daoist Xuanji.

"No need to be so polite." The old Taoist waved his hand. "I didn't expect the Heavenly Dao Alliance to arrive so quickly. It seems they've already set their sights on you."

"So how should I deal with this?"

"Two choices," the old Taoist Xuanji said solemnly. "One is to leave Beijing and temporarily avoid the limelight. The other is... to join the alliance and fight against the Heavenly Dao Alliance together."

Chen Yu pondered for a moment: "I choose the second one."

"Good!" The old Daoist Xuanji's eyes showed appreciation. "Three days later, I will take you to meet the other fellow Daoists. Be careful during these three days; the Heavenly Dao Alliance will not let this go."

"I see."

The old Taoist Xuanji gave a few more instructions and then drifted away. Jingxu walked over: "Fellow Daoist Chen, do you really believe him?"

"At least for now, he's on the opposite side of the Heavenly Dao Alliance," Chen Yu said. "And we do need allies."

The two returned to the courtyard house under the cover of night. Qin Huairu was still awake, anxiously waiting inside. She only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Chen Yu return safely.

"Are you alright?"

"It's nothing," Chen Yu briefly explained what happened tonight.

Upon hearing this, Qin Huairu's face turned pale: "Will the Heavenly Alliance...come to the courtyard?"

"Not in the short term," Chen Yu analyzed. "They suffered a loss tonight and exposed their whereabouts, so they'll be more cautious for a while. But we need to be prepared."

Chen Yu didn't sleep that night. He sat by the window, looking at the moon, contemplating his future.

Seven Star Key, Celestial Pivot Realm, Heavenly Dao Alliance, Alliance...

A larger net is slowly unfolding.

And he was already in the center of the net.