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

At 8:00 a.m. on May 3, a train bound for Beijing from Tianjin slowly pulled into Beijing Station.

Chen Yu carried his simple luggage out of the train carriage and stood on the platform, taking a deep breath of the northern air. Dry, slightly cool, carrying the familiar smell of coal smoke and the scent of people—this was the smell of home. Ten days ago, he left to carry out a dangerous mission; ten days later, he returned, still bearing lingering injuries, but feeling much more at ease.

"System, check-in for today," he thought to himself. Although he had checked in every day while recuperating in Tianjin, he hoped for a good omen on his first day back home.

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 10 jin of national grain coupons, 5 chi of cloth coupons, a small basic navigation knowledge experience pack, a simplified version of the 1964 South China Sea nautical chart, a fisherman's certificate for disguise, and 1 spiritual water-repelling bead]

Nautical knowledge flooded his mind, including basic sailboat operation, wind direction identification, and tidal patterns. The South China Sea nautical chart marked several major islands and shipping lanes; though brief, it was a valuable resource for that era. His fisherman's certificate was sufficient to handle routine maritime inspections. The water-repelling bead was a blue bead the size of a pigeon's egg; when infused with spiritual energy, it could form a water-repelling film on his body, lasting for an hour.

Preparations for the trip to the South China Sea have already begun quietly.

Chen Yu carefully put away the water-repelling bead, picked up his luggage, and left the station. He didn't go straight back to the courtyard house, but went to the steel rolling mill first—Yang Jianguo said the transfer order would be issued this week, and he needed to confirm it.

In the production department office of the steel rolling mill, Liu Yuhua was on the phone. Seeing Chen Yu enter, her eyes lit up, and she covered the receiver, saying, "Chen Yu! You're back? Factory Director Li is looking for you!"

Chen Yu put down his luggage: "Sister Liu, has the transfer order come down yet?"

"He's here! He just arrived yesterday!" Liu Yuhua hung up the phone, took out a document from the drawer, and wrote, "The Special Materials Research Institute under the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, located in Xishan. Report to work next Monday."

Chen Yu accepted the transfer order. The official document, bearing the seal of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, listed his name, position (assistant researcher), and reporting time and location in black and white.

"Congratulations." Liu Yuhua's tone was complicated. "Work hard over there, and don't embarrass our steel rolling mill."

"Thank you, Sister Liu, for taking care of me all these years," Chen Yu said sincerely.

"Don't mention it." Liu Yuhua waved her hand, her eyes a little red. "Come back and visit often in the future."

After leaving the production department, Chen Yu went to the factory director's office to thank Director Li. The old leader was very pleased, patted him on the shoulder and said many encouraging words, finally advising, "When you get to the research institute, talk less and do more. National defense projects are different from the factory; discipline is stricter and confidentiality requirements are higher, so you must always be vigilant."

"I've got it."

It was already 10 a.m. when Chen Yu left the steel rolling mill. He bought two jin of peach shortbread and one jin of fruit candy at the small shop at the factory gate—for his neighbors in the courtyard. He then went to the department store and bought a piece of floral fabric to make a new dress for Qin Huairu; he also bought a few small toys like rattles for his son.

When I returned to Nanluoguxiang carrying large and small bags, several elderly women who were sunbathing in the alley looked over.

"Hey, Xiao Chen's back!"

"Huai Ru has been talking about me every single day since I left on this business trip!"

"Buying so much stuff, you've struck it rich?"

Chen Yu greeted them with a smile and handed out some fruit candies to the children. As he approached the courtyard gate, his heart involuntarily quickened—a sense of trepidation creeped in; ten days away from home felt like an eternity.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, Qin Huairu was holding little Chen An under the jujube tree in the middle courtyard, basking in the sun. Hearing the noise, she looked up and froze the moment she saw Chen Yu.

Then, tears streamed down her face.

She walked quickly over, carrying the child, without saying a word, but buried her face in Chen Yu's shoulder, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed. Little Chen An, sandwiched between them, squirmed uncomfortably, making babbling sounds.

Hearing the commotion, the other neighbors in the courtyard all came out. He Yuzhu was the first to rush over: "Xiao Chen! You're finally back! If you hadn't come back, Huai Ru would have cried herself blind!"

Zhang Xiulan came over too, wiping her eyes, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."

Uncles Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui also gathered around, bombarding them with questions. Only Jia Zhangshi stood at her doorway, pouting, "It's just a business trip, why are they making it sound like a life-or-death situation..."

But nobody paid any attention to her.

After finally calming Qin Huairu down, Chen Yu was pulled into the house by He Yuzhu: "Tell me, how's it going in Tianjin? We heard there was an accident at the port, we were worried about you!"

Chen Yu had already prepared his explanation: "It's nothing, it's just that one of the boats was operating illegally, and a small conflict broke out. I suffered some minor injuries and stayed in the hospital for a few days."

"Are you injured? How serious is it?" Qin Huairu immediately became anxious.

"It's nothing serious, just a slight twist in my back, it's all better now," Chen Yu said casually. "By the way, I have some good news to share—I've been transferred to a research institute under the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense."

The courtyard immediately erupted in chaos.

"The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense! That's a huge organization!"

"Little Chen, you've really made something of yourself this time!"

"Our institute has produced a national defense research scientist—what an honor!"

Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses, a shrewd glint in his eyes: "Little Chen, how are the salaries and benefits in the defense sector?"

"I don't know yet; I'll find out when I report for duty next week."

"It's definitely more than the steel rolling mill!" He Yuzhu exclaimed. "We have to celebrate tonight! I'll cook some good dishes!"

Everyone agreed. Chen Yu couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to agree.

In the afternoon, Chen Yu was tidying up at home. After Qin Huairu put their son to sleep, she sat by the bed looking at him with worry in her eyes: "Chen Yu, tell me the truth... what exactly happened in Tianjin? Did you really just twist your back?"

Chen Yu knew he couldn't hide it from her, so he sighed and unbuttoned his shirt. On his chest, although the external wounds had healed, there was still a faint bluish-black bruise on his skin—a trace of the Yin energy invading his meridians.

Qin Huairu gasped, her fingers trembling as she lightly touched the bruise: "This...this is..."

"I ran into a little trouble, but it's been resolved." Chen Yu held her hand. "It's really alright now. The nun said I'll be fully recovered in another half month."

"Master? What master?"

"A... senior." Chen Yu briefly mentioned Master Kong's matter, but omitted the details of the cultivation world. "She took care of me in Tianjin for a few days."

Qin Huairu remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "I know there are many things you can't tell me... I won't ask. But you must promise me you'll stay safe."

I promise you.

In the evening, He Yuzhu indeed prepared a table full of dishes: braised pork, sweet and sour fish, scrambled eggs, stewed cabbage with vermicelli, and a pot of tomato and egg soup. Everyone who could come from the courtyard came, even Jia Dongxu was dragged over by Zhang Xiulan. Although Jia Zhangshi did not come, she had Banggeng take away a bowl of braised pork.

During the gathering, everyone congratulated Chen Yu. Yi Zhonghai, offering tea in lieu of wine, said, "Young Chen, you're the first person from our institute to join a national defense unit! You've brought honor to our institute! Keep up the good work and contribute to the country!"

Yan Bugui was more practical: "Xiao Chen, when you get to your new workplace, make sure you get along well with your superiors, and don't be stingy when it comes to giving gifts..."

Zhang Xiulan was concerned about something else: "Xiao Chen, does your new workplace have dormitories? Do you need to move?"

"Not for now. I'm still in Beijing, just a bit far away, in the Western Hills area. I might have to stay in the company dormitory from now on and come back on weekends."

Qin Huairu's eyes darkened upon hearing this, but she said nothing.

The meal didn't end until 8 PM. After seeing the neighbors off, Chen Yu and Qin Huairu cleaned up the dishes, while little Chen An slept soundly in his cradle.

"Huai Ru, there's something I need to discuss with you," Chen Yu said while washing the dishes. "Next month, I might have to go on a long trip."

"Where to?"

"South China Sea, business trip." Chen Yu didn't dare to say the specific task, "It'll probably take about a month."

Qin Huairu paused in her washing of dishes, water splashing out. She remained silent for a long time before softly asking, "Is it absolutely necessary to go?"

"I absolutely have to go." Chen Yu dried his hands, put his arm around her shoulder, and said, "This business trip is very important...it involves some very important matters. I promise you, this is the last time I'll take this risk. From now on, I'll focus on my work and spend time with you and the children."

Qin Huairu leaned against him, her voice muffled: "You always say that..."

"This time it's for real," Chen Yu said solemnly. "Once this matter is settled, I will apply to be transferred back to the research institute in Beijing and never travel far again."

At ten o'clock at night, after Qin Huairu and the child had fallen asleep, Chen Yu quietly left the courtyard. He needed to see the Taoist Xuanji to discuss the trip to the South China Sea.

As agreed, he tied a red rope to a locust tree at the entrance of the alley—this was the Seven Star Alliance's secret communication code. Less than fifteen minutes later, a boy who looked like a Taoist acolyte appeared at the alley entrance and gestured for him to "follow me."

The two walked one after the other through several alleys and arrived at the back gate of Jingshan Park. The young Taoist knocked on the door three times long and two times short. The door opened, revealing a small courtyard where the old Taoist Xuanji was meditating.

"How is young friend Chen's injury?" The old Taoist opened his eyes.

"I'm much better now, thank you for your concern, Daoist Master." Chen Yu bowed. "Mr. Wen mentioned the South China Sea to me."

The old Taoist Xuanji gestured for him to sit down: "The strange phenomena in the South China Sea have been going on for three months. The branch of Tingtao Academy in the South China Sea has reported that red light often shoots into the sky from the depths of the South China Sea, accompanied by the sound of a phoenix. According to ancient records, this is very likely a sign that the Southern Vermilion Bird Key has appeared in the world."

"Isn't the Southern Vermilion Bird Key missing?"

"It is missing, but not vanished," said the Taoist master Xuanji. "The last time the Southern Vermilion Bird Key appeared was during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, when Zheng He saw it during his voyages to the Western Ocean. After that, no one knew about it again. This strange phenomenon may very well mean that it is about to reappear in the world."

Chen Yu pondered: "Does the Heavenly Dao Alliance know about this?"

"Of course we know." The old Taoist Xuanji said solemnly, "The South China Sea is a region where the Heavenly Dao Alliance has a strong presence. They have strongholds in Southeast Asia. Therefore, this operation must be swift; we must find the key before the Heavenly Dao Alliance does."

"When are we leaving?"

"By the end of May," said the old Taoist Xuanji. "The South China Sea enters typhoon season in June, so we must finish this matter by May. Wen Ruoxu has already gone south to the South China Sea branch to make preparations. Ye Gucheng and Huiming will also go, while Master Liaokong will stay in Beijing."

"What preparations do I need to make?"

"Two things," the old Taoist Xuanji said, holding up two fingers. "First, consolidate your cultivation. The journey to the South China Sea is fraught with danger; you must at least recover to your peak condition. Second, learn some survival and combat skills at sea—after all, it's at sea, unlike on land."

Chen Yu nodded: "I understand."

The old Taoist priest went on to explain some more details, and finally said, "There's one more thing... I already know about your transfer to the National Defense Research Institute. This is a good opportunity, so make the most of it. On the official side, Yang Jianguo will cooperate with us and provide some assistance during our operations in the South China Sea."

"Did the authorities know we were going to the South China Sea?"

"They know part of it," the old Taoist Xuanji said meaningfully. "They don't know about the Seven Star Key, they only know that we are going to the South China Sea to 'investigate abnormal phenomena.' Yang Jianguo will arrange a ship, ostensibly for marine scientific research."

That's good news. With official vessels providing cover, the operation will be much easier.

It was 11 p.m. when Chen Yu left Jingshan Park. Walking through the quiet alley, he mentally organized his plans: report to the research institute next week and adapt to the new job; simultaneously focus on his training to recover from his injuries; learn about navigation; head south at the end of May...

Time is tight, but it must be completed.

When he returned to the courtyard, he found a man squatting outside the gate—it was He Yuzhu, smoking.

"Brother Zhu? Why aren't you asleep so late?"

He Yuzhu looked up, his eyes bloodshot: "Xiao Chen, I've been waiting for you. There's something... I'd like to ask you for help with."

Chen Yu sat down next to him: "What's wrong? Tell me, Brother Zhu."

He Yuzhu took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled a cloud of white smoke: "My sister... Yushui, do you remember her? The one who worked at the textile factory."

"I remember, what's wrong?"

"Her...her boyfriend's family is in trouble." He Yuzhu's voice was low. "Her boyfriend is from Tianjin, his family runs a small business. A few days ago, there was an accident at Tianjin Port, and their warehouse was affected. All their goods were gone, and they're left with a mountain of debt. Now they want to call off the engagement..."

Chen Yu's heart tightened. An accident at Tianjin Port...could it be related to the Heavenly Dao Alliance's ship?

"Brother Zhu, how much do you need?"

"It's not about the money," He Yuzhu shook his head. "Yushui is stubborn; she insists on being with that guy. But given his family's current situation... I'm afraid she'll suffer if she marries him. I was thinking... could you help me inquire in Tianjin to see if we can find a way to get his family's goods back, or... at least prevent them from being in debt?"

Chen Yu pondered. This matter might indeed be related to the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Perhaps it could be resolved through Yang Jianguo's connections.

"I'll give it a try, but I can't guarantee it will work."

"Just hearing that is enough!" He Yuzhu grasped his hand, his eyes reddening. "Xiao Chen, thank you so much..."

After seeing He Yuzhu off, Chen Yu returned to his room. Qin Huairu was still awake, sewing clothes under the lamp.

"What does Brother Zhu want with you?"

"It's about the rain-related family," Chen Yu explained briefly. "I'll see if I can help."

Qin Huairu sighed, "I've met Yushui; she's quite sensible. Let's help her if we can."

It was late at night. Chen Yu lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind flashing through a series of faces: Taoist Xuanji, Wen Ruoxu, Ye Gucheng, Abbess Liaokong, Monk Huiming, Yang Jianguo... and Zhao Wuji's grinning face.

The trip to the South China Sea will not be peaceful.

But before that, he had a family to take care of, a job to adapt to, and problems with his neighbors to solve...

This is his life, a blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary, a coexistence of the mundane and the dangerous.

The moon outside the window has become a little fuller.

There is less than a month left until the end of May.

He must make all the necessary preparations during this period.