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

Monday, May 20th.

More than thirty people were seated in the conference room on the second floor of the Special Materials Research Institute. Besides members of Lin Zhenhua's research group, there were also heads and key technical personnel from several other related research groups. This was the institute's monthly technical exchange meeting, and today Chen Yu was to give his first professional academic report here.

Chen Yu stood at the podium and took a deep breath. Below the stage, Lin Zhenhua cast an encouraging glance his way, Su Hongmei gave him a thumbs-up, and Zhou Zhigang nodded in acknowledgment. In the back corner sat several elderly experts with gray hair—all technical authorities within the institute.

"Distinguished leaders and colleagues, the topic of my presentation today is 'The Influence of Dual-Groove Gradient Quenching on the Grain Boundary Properties of High-Temperature Alloys'," Chen Yu said, opening his prepared remarks in a steady voice.

The report lasted twenty minutes. He not only explained the experimental design, data analysis, and conclusions in detail, but also, drawing on his experience working in a steel rolling mill, presented a feasibility analysis for extending this process to industrial production. Finally, he used a projector to display several metallographic photographs—taken using imported equipment from the institute—clearly showing the comparison of grain boundary cracks before and after optimization.

"...In conclusion, the use of a dual-groove gradient quenching process can increase the creep life of the sample at 800 degrees Celsius by approximately 15%. That concludes my report. Please feel free to offer your criticisms and suggestions."

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds, then applause broke out.

An elderly expert wearing glasses was the first to ask: "Comrade Chen, regarding the cooling rate control precision you mentioned, can the existing equipment achieve that?"

"It's possible." Chen Yu was prepared. "We solved this problem using a makeshift method: the first water tank uses an electric heating rod to control the temperature, with an accuracy of plus or minus 2 degrees; the second water tank uses an ice-water mixture, keeping the temperature constant at around 0 degrees. Although it's rudimentary, the effect is remarkable."

"What about costs? Costs need to be considered when promoting industrialization," another middle-aged technical cadre asked.

"Preliminary estimates suggest that the cost of upgrading a dual-tank quenching system is around 3,000 yuan, mainly for heating equipment and temperature control instruments. However, the improved yield and material properties mean that the investment can be recovered within a year."

The Q&A session lasted fifteen minutes. Chen Yu answered all the questions fluently and also proposed several directions for future research. The senior experts in the audience nodded frequently.

After the report concluded, Lin Zhenhua walked over, beaming, and said, "Xiao Chen, that was excellent! Chief Engineer Zhang just told me that your approach is very innovative, and the institute is preparing to apply for a youth grant for you!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Professor Lin."

"It's because you're capable," Lin Zhenhua said in a low voice. "The institute leaders have a very good impression of you. Aren't you supposed to go on a business trip next month? I've already arranged it for you. Your salary will be paid as usual during your trip, and the project will be registered under my name until you return."

Chen Yu was deeply moved. Lin Zhenhua was genuinely trying to help him.

"Oh, right," Lin Zhenhua remembered something, "Is the business trip application form filled out? Give it to me tomorrow, and I'll get it stamped by the personnel department."

"It's already filled out." Chen Yu took the application form out of the file bag. It said "Going to Guangzhou to participate in a joint marine geological scientific expedition for one month," with an official letter from the Ocean Bureau as an attachment.

"Good, as long as the paperwork is complete." Lin Zhenhua patted him on the shoulder. "Go there and do a good job, collect as much data as possible. Our institute may also get involved in the field of marine materials in the future, so you've paved the way for us this time."

Back in the office, Su Hongmei excitedly surrounded him: "Chen Yu, you were so cool just now! Those old experts are usually so strict, but they didn't find a single fault with you today!"

"It's all thanks to Teacher Lin's excellent guidance," Chen Yu said modestly.

"Don't be modest!" Su Hongmei took a notebook out of the drawer. "Quick, explain the mechanism of this grain boundary strengthening to me. I haven't fully understood it yet..."

In the afternoon, Chen Yu took some time to go to the finance department and received an advance on his business trip allowance—fifty yuan and thirty jin of national grain coupons. He then went to the logistics department to collect his business trip supplies: a canvas travel bag, a military water bottle, a towel, and two bars of soap.

After finishing these tasks, he left work half an hour early—Lin Zhenhua had given him special permission to prepare for his business trip.

Back at the courtyard house, Chen Yu noticed something was off. In the central courtyard, Jia Zhangshi was arguing with He Yuzhu, hands on her hips, surrounded by a group of people.

"Silly Zhu! Don't make false accusations! Our Banggeng is a good boy, how could he steal your chickens?" Jia Zhangshi's shrill voice was so loud it hurt people's ears.

He Yuzhu's face turned ashen with anger: "I raised three hens. They were here yesterday, but only two are left today! If it wasn't your hen that stole them, who else could it be?"

"Do you have any evidence? If you don't have evidence, it's slander!"

"What other evidence do you need? Your dog is the only one in the entire hospital with a criminal record!"

The two argued fiercely. Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui tried to mediate, but to little avail.

Chen Yu walked over: "Brother Zhu, what happened?"

"Xiao Chen, you be the judge!" He Yuzhu pointed at the chicken coop. "I painstakingly raised three chickens, hoping they would lay eggs to improve our diet. They were fine yesterday, but one is missing today! It wasn't stolen by Bang Geng, could it have flown away by itself?"

Chen Yu looked at Banggeng. The child was hiding behind Jia Zhangshi, his eyes darting around, and there were still a few chicken feathers stuck to his hands.

"Hey," Chen Yu asked calmly, "did you see Uncle Zhu's chicken?"

"No...no!" Bang Geng stubbornly insisted, but his voice was weak.

Chen Yu activated his spiritual eye technique and glanced at the Jia family's kitchen. In the woodpile behind the stove, he saw a faint sign of life—a chicken that was tied up.

"Aunt Jia," Chen Yu turned to Jia Zhangshi, "why don't we go to the neighborhood office and ask Director Wang to investigate? The theft is something the neighborhood office has to deal with."

Madam Jia's expression changed: "Why go to the neighborhood committee! Matters within the compound should be resolved within the compound!"

"Then let Banggeng tell the truth." Chen Yu stared at Banggeng. "A child who lies will never amount to anything when he grows up."

Banggeng felt uneasy under their gaze and burst into tears: "I...I just wanted to pick up an egg...the chicken ran away, so I chased after it...I didn't mean to..."

The truth came out. He Yuzhu was so angry he wanted to hit someone, but Chen Yu stopped him: "Brother Zhu, it's good that the chicken was found. Bang Geng is still young, he needs to be properly disciplined."

He then looked at Madam Jia: "Aunt Jia, the child needs to be disciplined. This time it was stealing a chicken, but what about next time? You can't protect him forever."

Jia Zhangshi's face turned pale and then red, and she dragged Banggeng home. He Yuzhu took the chicken out of the Jia family's kitchen. Although he was furious, he didn't pursue the matter further for Chen Yu's sake.

That evening, He Yuzhu came to find Chen Yu carrying a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).

"Xiao Chen, thanks to you today." He poured two glasses of wine. "If it weren't for you, I would have had another fight with that old hag."

"Neighbors should be considerate of each other." Chen Yu clinked glasses with him.

"What's there to be understanding about! That family is completely unreasonable!" He Yuzhu took a swig of his drink and sighed. "By the way, Yushui's girlfriend's family matter is resolved. Your friend in Tianjin is really kind; he helped negotiate with the creditors and settled things over two years. Yushui said she wants to thank you properly."

"That's good."

The two men drank and chatted about things in the courtyard. He Yuzhu suddenly said, "Xiao Chen, you're going to the south on your business trip this time, right?"

"Yes, in Guangzhou."

"Um... could you help me bring something?" He Yuzhu asked somewhat shyly. "My girlfriend has a distant relative in Guangzhou who's reportedly sick. I'd like to send some Beijing specialties there, but mailing them isn't convenient. If you're passing by..."

"Okay, give me the address."

He Yuzhu handed over a slip of paper and a small package. Inside the package were two boxes of Beijing preserved fruit, a packet of Poria cocos cakes, and a letter.

"Thank you for your help."

"It's no trouble at all."

After seeing He Yuzhu off, Chen Yu entered the small world. With eight days until departure, he needed to make final preparations.

The purple-gold grass by the spirit spring has bloomed again, this time with three flowers. Chen Yu carefully picked them, preparing to refine another batch of Qi-Nourishing Pills. With the previous experience, the pill refining went much more smoothly this time, producing fifteen pills, all of good quality.

Next, he refined two bottles of hemostatic and tissue-regenerating powder and one bottle of calming powder. The sea was dangerous; these elixirs might save his life.

After finishing the alchemy, Chen Yu began practicing his new spells. He could now cast Fireball steadily, and he was also proficient in Concealing Breath and Lightness of Body. But he always felt that something was missing—a means to conduct reconnaissance over a large area at sea.

"System, check-in for today."

[Ding! Japanese visa successfully obtained]

[Received: 5 jin of grain coupons, 1 jin of meat coupons, a small basic wind manipulation experience pack, a 1964 southern coastal tide table, and a spiritual compass x1]

Wind manipulation technique! Chen Yu's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he needed!

After using the experience pack, basic techniques for controlling airflow flooded his mind. Although it was only at the beginner level, it already allowed him to sense changes in airflow within a radius of a hundred feet, and even to create a gentle breeze in a small area.

The spiritual compass is even more practical—not only can it indicate direction, but after being infused with spiritual power, it can also sense the fluctuations of spiritual energy in the vicinity, which should be helpful in finding the Southern Vermilion Bird Key.

Chen Yu tested the Wind Control Technique several times. At first, he could only make a single leaf float, but as he gradually became more proficient, he was able to create a small airflow around himself, interfering with his opponent's judgment.

"This spell should be very useful at sea," he thought to himself.

It was late at night when Chen Yu exited the small world. He sat at his desk and began writing a letter home. This business trip was going to be long, and he wanted to leave some words for his wife and children.

"Huai Ru, it's as if I'm seeing you in person. By the time you read this letter, I'll already be on the South China Sea. This business trip is important, and my return date is uncertain, but it won't be later than the beginning of July. I've entrusted everything at home to Brother Zhu and Second Uncle. You haven't fully recovered yet, so don't overexert yourself. Remember to give your baby formula every day. If Xiao Chen An is crying, you can go ask Aunt Zhang for help..."

He wrote slowly, carefully considering each sentence. After finishing, he attached a bankbook—containing all his savings from his working years, 487 yuan. There were also various other receipts, such as grain coupons and cloth coupons.

"Keep this money safe and spend it as needed. Don't be stingy. If you need money urgently, go to the steel mill and find Director Li. He has promised to help. Remember to take good care of yourself and the children, and wait for me to come back."

After writing the letter, Chen Yu carefully sealed it and put it in the drawer. He planned to give it to Qin Huairu the night before his departure.

On Wednesday morning, Chen Yu took half a day off to visit the Taoist priest Xuanji at Jingshan Park.

The old Taoist priest wasn't in the courtyard today, but in a secluded pavilion on the back hill. Besides him, there were two other people—a strong, muscular man in his thirties with dark skin and sharp eyes; and a young woman in her early twenties with a ponytail and carrying a drawing board.

"Young friend Chen has arrived," the old Taoist Xuanji introduced. "These two are comrades from the South China Sea branch. This is Zhao Haitao, the 'Living Map' of the South China Sea; there's no waterway he's unfamiliar with. This is Shen Qingzhu, the academy's best cartographer, who is in charge of recording and surveying this time."

"Comrade Chen Yu, I've heard so much about you." Zhao Haitao extended his hand and shook it firmly. "Mr. Wen instructed that you would be the official leader of this operation."

"I'm just a cover," Chen Yu said modestly. "The real work is up to you all."

Shen Qingzhu looked Chen Yu up and down curiously: "You're the new cultivator from Beijing? You're so young, but your cultivation level is quite high."

"Just lucky."

"Please sit down," the old Taoist priest Xuanji gestured. "Tell me the specific arrangements."

Zhao Haitao spread out a hand-drawn nautical chart: "This is a detailed nautical chart of the central South China Sea, even more detailed than the one used by the military. The red markers are the known areas of activity of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, and the blue markers are the places where strange phenomena have occurred."

Chen Yu carefully examined the map. The anomalies were scattered across three areas: near the Xisha Islands, north of the Zhongsha Islands, and in the central part of the Nansha Islands.

"The area is that big?"

"So we need to split up and search," Zhao Haitao said. "Qingzhu and I will be in one group, responsible for the Xisha and Zhongsha areas. Mr. Wen and Senior Ye will be in another group, responsible for the Nansha area. Comrade Chen Yu, you will travel with the research vessel as mobile support."

"The research vessel's route is fixed," Shen Qingzhu added. "We've prepared a small radio transmitter for you, disguised as a weather instrument. If you find any clues, send a signal on a specific frequency, and we'll rush over."

She took a metal box about the size of a lunchbox from her backpack and handed it to Chen Yu: "It's very easy to use. Just press this button to send a signal. But the battery will only last for three days, so don't use it unless it's an emergency."

Chen Yu took the transmitter and carefully put it away.

"There's one more thing," the old Taoist Xuanji said solemnly. "According to the latest intelligence, the Heavenly Alliance has sent more than just Long San this time. They've also sent 'Mist-Hidden' Rakshasa, a woman skilled in illusion and poison. She's treacherous and vicious; you must be especially careful."

"Rakshasa..." Chen Yu remembered the name.

"Departure time is set for the morning of May 28th," said the Taoist priest. "Young friend Chen, you will arrive in Guangzhou on the evening of the 27th, and Comrade Wang Haiyang from the Ocean Bureau will arrange your accommodation. You will board the ship on the 28th, and the ship will first go to Yongxing Island for resupply before entering the designated sea area."

"Understood."

After the discussion, Zhao Haitao and Shen Qingzhu left first. The old Taoist Xuanji left Chen Yu alone.

"Young friend Chen, this trip to the South China Sea is far more dangerous than the one to Tianjin." The old Taoist looked into his eyes. "You've just started a family, so you shouldn't be putting yourself in danger. But the Seven Star Keys are of great importance. If the Heavenly Alliance collects all seven keys, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Rest assured, Master, I will not back down now that I have promised."

"Alright." The old Taoist Xuanji took out a jade bottle from his robes. "Inside are three 'Rejuvenation Pills,' holy medicines for healing. As long as there's a breath left, they can keep you alive. Keep them safe."

Chen Yu solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, Daoist Master."

"And this too." The old Taoist handed over another talisman. "This is a 'Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman,' which can only be used once. If you encounter a life-or-death crisis, tear it apart, and I will sense your location."

Chen Yu carefully put the talisman away from his body. With these safeguards in place, he felt much more at ease.

After leaving Jingshan Park, Chen Yu went to the department store and bought some items that might be needed in Nanhai: waterproof tarpaulin, sturdy ropes, a multi-functional military knife (a special supply obtained through Yang Jianguo), and several boxes of waterproof matches.

Passing by Xinhua Bookstore, he went in and bought a copy of "Geography of the South China Sea Islands" and a copy of "Illustrated Guide to Marine Life." He needed to fully embody the role of a research expedition member.

When they returned to the courtyard house in the evening, Qin Huairu had already prepared dinner. It consisted of four dishes and a soup: braised ribbonfish, scrambled eggs, smashed cucumber, braised eggplant, and a bowl of tomato and egg soup. It was much more lavish than usual.

"What day is it today?" Chen Yu asked with a smile.

"You're about to go on a long trip, so I've made you something nice to eat." Qin Huairu served him a full bowl of rice. "Eat up, it'll be tough at sea."

Little Chen An sat in the cradle, babbling and waving his little hands. Chen Yu picked up his son and kissed his little face. The little guy giggled and grabbed his fingers tightly.

"Look, your son doesn't want you to leave." Qin Huairu's eyes reddened again.

"I'll be back soon." Chen Yu hugged his wife. "When I get back, we'll move to a new house and live a good life together."

After dinner, Chen Yu began packing his luggage. The canvas travel bag was stuffed full: clothes, daily necessities, books, medicine, equipment... Finally, he carried the most important things—the sensing jade token, the water-repelling bead, the pills, and the transmitter—closely to his body.

As night deepened, Qin Huairu leaned on Chen Yu's shoulder and whispered, "Chen Yu, I had another dream last night. I dreamt you were at sea, surrounded by thick fog, and someone was laughing in the fog, a really eerie laugh..."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat. The description of this dream was very similar to the "Hidden Mist" Rakshasa that the old Taoist Xuanji had mentioned. Could it be that Qin Huairu possessed some kind of precognitive ability?

"It was just a dream," he reassured you. "I promise you, I will come back safely."

"You must be careful." Qin Huairu hugged him tightly. "My child and I can't live without you."

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water.

Five days until departure.

Meanwhile, undercurrents have begun to stir in the South China Sea.