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

At 6:00 AM on April 28th, Chen Yu finished his cultivation in the small world. After breaking through to the eighth level of Qi Refining, his control over spiritual power became more refined, and the range of his spiritual sense expanded to twenty zhang. However, facing the upcoming Alliance Gathering, this level of strength was still insufficient.

When Qin Huairu exited the small world, she was already up and breastfeeding Xiao Chen'an. The morning light shone through the window onto her face, gilding it with a soft golden edge.

"Who are we going to see today?" she asked softly.

"Yes, it's a gathering arranged by Master Xuanji, in Xiangshan." Chen Yu took the child and told Qin Huairu to go wash up. "Go this afternoon and come back tonight."

Qin Huairu hesitated for a moment: "Can I not go? I just feel... it's not safe."

"I have to go." Chen Yu looked at his babbling son in his arms. "Some things can't be avoided. To protect you, I must become stronger, and I must... have allies."

Qin Huairu stopped trying to persuade him, and simply hugged him tightly: "You must be careful."

In the morning, Chen Yu went to work at the steel rolling mill as usual. The review results for the defense project hadn't come out yet, but rumors were already circulating in the factory—Chen Yu might be transferred to a research institute under the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. In those days, this was a tremendous honor, but also a heavy responsibility.

In the production department office, Liu Yuhua looked at him with a more complicated expression: "Chen Yu, I heard you're leaving?"

"It's not decided yet, it's just in the review stage." Chen Yu sorted through the documents. "Even if I really have to leave, it will be next month."

"It's not easy for the factory to train a technical backbone..." Liu Yuhua sighed, "But being able to go to a defense project is indeed a good opportunity. In the future... come back to visit often."

Chen Yu nodded. He could understand Liu Yuhua's feelings; the production department was where he started out, and these people had been kind to him.

At lunchtime in the cafeteria, Yang Jianguo came again, this time with a serious expression: "Chen Yu, there's something I need to remind you. The higher-ups know about what happened at Beihai Park yesterday."

Chen Yu's heart tightened.

"However, the higher-ups don't intend to pursue this matter. They just asked me to tell you—be careful and don't cause too much of a commotion." Yang Jianguo lowered his voice. "Beijing is the capital, and some things...can't be brought up in the open."

"I see."

"Also, have you been in contact with any... unusual people lately?" Yang Jianguo stared into his eyes. "Is there a gathering in Xiangshan this afternoon?"

They even know this? Chen Yu gained a new understanding of the official surveillance capabilities.

"Yes, a few friends who are interested in ancient architecture."

"Whether we're friends or not, you know the answer yourself." Yang Jianguo stood up. "In short, remember my words—be mindful of your boundaries."

After Yang Jianguo left, Chen Yu felt heavy-hearted. The authorities were clearly aware of the existence of the cultivation world, and might even have been secretly monitoring it. This gathering was likely also under the watchful eyes of certain individuals.

At 2 PM, Chen Yu asked for leave and left work early. When he returned to the courtyard house, Jingxu was already prepared.

"Master, is everything arranged?"

"Yes, Master Xuanji sent someone to deliver the invitation and map." Jingxu handed over a gold-embossed invitation and a hand-drawn map. "The gathering will be at 'Hidden Dragon Manor' deep in Xiangshan. It's a gathering place for the cultivation world, concealed by an array, so ordinary people can't find it."

Chen Yu accepted the invitation, which was written in seal script: "I sincerely invite Fellow Daoist Chen Yu to visit Hidden Dragon Manor for a chat and to discuss the matter of the Seven Star Key." It was signed "Xuanji" and stamped with a yin-yang symbol.

"What's the background of this Hidden Dragon Manor?"

"It's said to be a villa built by a prince during the Qing Dynasty, which was later bought by the cultivation community and transformed into a gathering place," Jingxu explained. "It's protected by an array, so outsiders can't see it or get in. It's considered a base for the cultivation community in Beijing."

The two changed their clothes. Chen Yu was still wearing his dark blue overalls, but underneath he wore a soft armor—something he had brought back from Hong Kong, capable of protecting against ordinary swords and knives. Jingxu, on the other hand, wore a brand-new Taoist robe, with his Green Bamboo Sword wrapped in cloth and slung over his back.

At 3 p.m., the two set off. Instead of cycling, they took a bus to the foot of Fragrant Hills and then hiked up the mountain.

In April, Fragrant Hills is covered in fresh greenery, with the occasional late-blooming peach tree. There aren't many tourists, mostly concentrated in the red leaf area, and the further you go in, the fewer people there are.

Following the map, the two arrived at a secluded valley. At the valley entrance stood a stone tablet with the three large characters "Hidden Dragon Valley" engraved on it, though the characters were already blurred and illegible.

"This is it." Jingxu checked the map. "After entering the valley, walk a hundred paces and you will see an ancient pine tree. Turn left three times and right three times, and the formation will open automatically."

The two entered the valley. The valley was shrouded in mist, and visibility was very low. After walking about a hundred paces, they indeed saw a huge ancient pine tree, its trunk requiring three people to encircle it, and its canopy like a magnificent parasol.

Following the instructions, turn left three times and right three times. When you finish the last turn, the fog suddenly dissipates, revealing a small path paved with bluestone slabs that winds its way into the depths of the valley.

The path was lined with lush bamboo, which rustled in the wind. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the view suddenly opened up—an ancient manor appeared before us.

The manor covers a large area, with blue bricks and gray tiles, flying eaves and brackets, typical of Ming and Qing architectural style. A plaque hangs above the gate, with four gilded characters "Yinlong Manor" written in vigorous strokes.

Two young Taoist disciples stood at the entrance. Upon seeing the two arrive, they bowed and greeted them, "Are you Fellow Daoist Chen Yu and Daoist Jingxu?"

"Exactly."

"Master Xuanji and the other fellow Daoists are already waiting at the Juxian Hall. Please follow me."

The young Taoist led the two into the manor. The garden was filled with pavilions and towers arranged in a harmonious and picturesque manner, with flowing streams, winding paths, and secluded spots, resembling a paradise. Chen Yu could sense that the spiritual energy concentration here was more than twice as high as outside, clearly indicating the presence of a spirit-gathering array.

Juxian Hall is the main hall of the manor, spacious and bright. At this moment, five people were already seated inside.

The old Taoist priest Xuanji sat in the main seat. When Chen Yu entered, he smiled and nodded in greeting. To his left sat two people: one was an elderly nun in her fifties, dressed in gray robes, holding prayer beads, with a kind face; the other was a swordsman in his thirties, dressed in black, with a stern face, holding a sheathed longsword in his arms.

Two other people were sitting on the right: one was a fat monk with a big smile on his face, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand; the other was a middle-aged scholar in his forties, wearing a blue long robe and holding a folding fan.

Including Chen Yu and Jingxu, there were seven people in total. Chen Yu noticed that each person had a wooden plaque in front of them with a character engraved on it. The old Taoist priest Xuanji had "Center" in front of him, the old nun had "West" in front of her, the black-clad swordsman had "East" in front of him, the fat monk had "North" in front of him, and the middle-aged scholar had "South" in front of him. There was also an empty space with a plaque that read "Above".

"Young friend Chen, fellow Daoist Jingxu, please have a seat." The old Daoist Xuanji pointed to the remaining two seats. "Let me introduce you all. This is the holder of the Central Qilin Key, fellow Daoist Chen Yu. This is his fellow Daoist, Daoist Jingxu."

All eyes were on Chen Yu. Among those gazes were curiosity, scrutiny, suspicion, and... hostility.

"This humble nun is Liaokong, a disciple of the Kunlun Immortal Sect, and the guardian of the Western White Tiger Key." The old nun spoke first, her voice gentle. "Benefactor Chen, you are so young yet you have already obtained the Seven Star Key's recognition of you. You are truly a formidable young man."

"I am fortunate," Chen Yu said, bowing with clasped hands.

"Ye Gucheng of the East Sea Sword Sect, holder of the Eastern Azure Dragon Key," the black-clad swordsman said coldly, his gaze sharp as a sword. "I heard you seized the silk from the Heavenly Dao Alliance at Jietai Temple?"

"Yes."

"Where is the silk?"

"It's with me," Chen Yu said frankly, "but I've already written down the contents, and it's inconvenient to show it to anyone on the silk."

A cold glint flashed in Ye Gucheng's eyes, but he said nothing more.

"Haha, I am Huiming from Hanshan Temple in Changbai Mountain, the guardian of the Northern Xuanwu Key," the fat monk said with a smile. "Young friend Chen, don't be nervous. We're here today to discuss how to deal with the Heavenly Dao Alliance, not to fight."

"Thank you, Master."

The middle-aged scholar shook his folding fan: "Wen Ruoxu of the 'Listening to the Waves Academy' in the South China Sea, the holder of the Southern Vermilion Bird Key." He sized up Chen Yu, "Fellow Daoist Chen's cultivation is not weak, but compared to Zhao Wuji of the Heavenly Dao Alliance... he is probably still lacking."

These words were direct, but also sincere. Chen Yu nodded: "I am aware of my own inadequacy, which is why I need the assistance of you seniors."

"The representative of Shanggou Chenyue hasn't arrived yet," the old Taoist Xuanji said. "The Tianshan Buddhist sect has recently experienced some changes, so they may have to wait a while before sending anyone. As for Xia Tengshe Yue... it's just a legend; no one has ever seen it."

He paused, then looked around at everyone: "You all know why I've invited you all here today. The Heavenly Dao Alliance has obtained the Eastern Azure Dragon Key and is searching for the other keys. Individually, none of us are a match for the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Only by uniting can we have a chance of survival."

Ye Gucheng said coldly, "An alliance is fine, but who will take the lead? How will the Seven Star Keys be distributed?"

"I suggest we establish the 'Seven Star Alliance'," said the old Taoist Xuanji. "Each of the seven keys should be kept by itself, but if the Heavenly Dao Alliance attacks, they must support each other. As for leadership... it can be rotated among the seven, changing every three years."

"I agree," Master Liaokong stated first. "The Kunlun Immortal Sect is willing to join the Seven Star Alliance."

"I have no objection either," Monk Huiming laughed. "Anyway, I'm the only one in Hanshan Temple, so of course I'll join in the fun."

Wen Ruoxu pondered for a moment: "Tingtao Academy can join, but I have one condition—the alliance's intelligence must be shared."

"That's natural."

All eyes turned to Ye Gucheng. The East Sea Sword Sect was the strongest, and his attitude was of paramount importance.

Ye Gucheng remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "It's fine. But if anyone betrays the alliance or colludes with the Heavenly Dao Alliance... my East Sea Sword Sect will be the first to object."

"This is a consensus," the old Taoist priest nodded.

Finally, everyone's eyes fell on Chen Yu.

"I'm joining you," Chen Yu said, standing up. "But I have one condition—the alliance's actions must not harm innocent civilians."

"Of course." The old Taoist priest smiled with satisfaction. "Young friend Chen is kind-hearted, a rare find."

The initial alliance has been reached. The next step is to discuss the details: contact methods, emergency support mechanisms, the scope of intelligence sharing...

Chen Yu listened quietly while observing everyone present.

Master Liaokong has the highest cultivation level, at least at the ninth level of Qi Refining, but she has a gentle personality and should be a trustworthy elder.

Monk Huiming may seem carefree, but a glint of shrewdness occasionally flashes in his eyes, indicating he is not simple.

Wen Ruoxu was very shrewd and his words were always carefully chosen.

Ye Gucheng is the most dangerous, with his sharp edge fully exposed, but such people often disdain to resort to scheming.

As for the old Taoist priest Xuanji... Chen Yu had a feeling that the old Taoist's purpose was not limited to that. But he didn't say it out loud.

The discussion lasted for an hour. Finally, the old Taoist Xuanji took out a jade slip: "This is the method for making the 'Seven Star Communication Talisman.' Everyone should make one when you get back so that you can communicate with each other."

The jade slip was passed around among the people. When Chen Yu took it, he probed it with his spiritual sense. Inside was a complex method for making talismans. It required a trace of one's own spiritual power to be injected into the jade talisman. Once made, it could transmit messages within a thousand miles.

"Furthermore, the Heavenly Dao Alliance will be conducting an operation in Tianjin in three days." The old Taoist Xuanji said solemnly, "According to reliable sources, they are going to pick up a batch of supplies shipped from overseas at Tianjin Port, which are likely magical artifacts or elixirs to deal with us. We need to send someone to investigate."

"I'll go," Ye Gucheng was the first to speak.

"I'm going too!" Monk Huiming patted his chest.

"This humble nun may also go," said Abbess Liaokong.

"Tingtao Academy has a branch in Tianjin, so it's most suitable for me to go there," Wen Ruoxu said.

Chen Yu thought for a moment and said, "I'll go too."

Everyone looked at him. The old Taoist Xuanji frowned: "Young friend Chen, your cultivation is still shallow; this journey will be dangerous..."

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that I have to go," Chen Yu said calmly. "Now that I've joined the alliance, I can't just enjoy the protection. Besides, I probably know more about the Heavenly Dao Alliance than any of you."

That's the truth. He has clashed with the Heavenly Alliance multiple times in Hong Kong and Macau, and has a certain understanding of their modus operandi.

The old Taoist Xuanji pondered for a moment: "Very well. Then Fellow Daoist Ye, Mr. Wen, and Young Friend Chen will go. Master Huiming and Abbess Liaokong will stay in Beijing to guard against the Heavenly Dao Alliance's feint attack."

The group discussed the details of the operation until evening.

Before the gathering ended, the old Taoist Xuanji solemnly said, "The Seven Star Alliance is established today. I hope everyone will work together to fight against the powerful enemy. If anyone has a divided heart..." He didn't finish his sentence, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

It was already late when they left Hidden Dragon Manor. Chen Yu and Jing Xu retraced their steps, remaining silent the entire way.

Only after they left the valley did Jingxu speak: "Fellow Daoist Chen, do you think... this alliance is reliable?"

"It's reliable for now," Chen Yu said. "At least in terms of confronting the Heavenly Dao Alliance, our interests are aligned. But what about the future... it's hard to say."

It was already 8 p.m. when they returned to the courtyard house. Qin Huairu had been waiting and only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Chen Yu return safely.

"How is it?"

"We've formed an alliance called the Seven Star Alliance," Chen Yu explained briefly. "I'll be going to Tianjin in three days."

"Are you leaving again?" Qin Huairu's eyes were full of reluctance.

"It'll be quick this time, I'll be back in two days at most." Chen Yu hugged her. "Once this is all settled, I'll stay home with you and the kids."

That night, Chen Yu entered his small world to cultivate. He needed to improve his strength as soon as possible; his trip to Tianjin three days later would not be peaceful.

After cultivating for two hours, he exited the small world and began making the Seven Star Communication Talisman. Following the method in the jade slip, he took out a jade pendant, infused it with a trace of his natal spiritual power, and engraved complex runes on it.

When the talisman was completed, the jade pendant emitted a faint glow, and the pattern of the Big Dipper appeared on it.

He carefully put the jade pendant close to his body. It was the token of the alliance, and also... a constraint.

Outside the window, the moon is missing a corner again.

Three days later, in Tianjin.

A new storm is brewing.