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

The black Volga sedan drove smoothly along Chang'an Avenue. June in Beijing already had the sweltering heat of midsummer, but with the car window open, a gentle breeze dispelled the slight unease in Chen Yu's heart. He leaned back in his seat, his right arm still fixed to his chest, his left hand unconsciously caressing the warm outline of the Vermilion Bird Key in his pocket.

Yang Jianguo, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at Chen Yu in the rearview mirror and broke the silence: "Are you badly injured?"

"It's alright, Dr. Zhou said I should be able to recover in another half month," Chen Yu replied cautiously.

"Zhou Mingyuan..." Yang Jianguo murmured the name, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. "He's a capable man; the people at the Observatory are all extraordinary."

Chen Yu's heart skipped a beat: "Director Yang knows about the observatory?"

"I know some things." Yang Jianguo didn't go into details, then changed the subject, "Chen Yu, you don't need to report the details of the South China Sea matter to me. But there are some things you need to know."

He took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Chen Yu in the back seat: "Take a look at this."

The document cover was plain kraft paper, without a title, only the word "Confidential" printed in red in the upper right corner. Chen Yu opened it; the first page contained a brief report:

Statement Regarding Anomalous Energy Fluctuations and Suspected Paranormal Events in the South China Sea

时间：1964年5月31日至6月1日

Location: Central South China Sea

Observation record: ...vortex phenomenon ...sky-piercing beam of light ...energy level assessment: A...recommendation: initiate the "Ninth Bureau" intervention investigation.

"The ninth inning?" Chen Yu looked up.

"A special department." Yang Jianguo retrieved the document and put it back into his briefcase. "It specializes in handling...events that cannot be explained by conventional means. The commotion in the South China Sea this time is too great; satellites have detected abnormal energy fluctuations, and the Ninth Bureau has already intervened."

Chen Yu's heart sank. With state intervention, things became complicated.

"But you don't need to worry." Yang Jianguo seemed to see through his thoughts. "The Ninth Bureau knows about the existence of the cultivation world, as well as the Seven Star Alliance and the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Our position is: as long as it does not endanger national security and social stability, and does not interfere with the lives of normal people, we will not interfere too much in the affairs of the cultivation world."

"And this time..."

"This situation is special." Yang Jianguo said solemnly, "The Heavenly Dao Alliance has overreached. They not only operate domestically, but also collude with foreign forces. We have already investigated that cargo ship in the South China Sea. The crew on board are mercenaries from a Southeast Asian country, employed by a middleman in Hong Kong, and this middleman has connections with the Heavenly Dao Alliance."

Chen Yu recalled the cargo ship that had attempted to attack the research vessel, and the armed bandits. It turned out there were so many layers of connections behind it all.

"So, what does 'ninth inning' mean?"

"Cooperation." Yang Jianguo turned to face Chen Yu. "We need someone who understands the cultivation world, is based in China, and has official status, to act as a bridge. You are perfect."

The car drove into a quiet alley in Xicheng District and stopped in front of an inconspicuous courtyard house. The gate was an ordinary black lacquered wooden door with a sign above it that read "No. 17 Huaiyin Hutong," without any other identification.

"This is a liaison point for the Ninth Bureau." Yang Jianguo got out of the car. "Let's go inside and talk."

The courtyard was quiet, with several old locust trees whose shade covered most of it. A woman in her thirties stood at the entrance of the main house, with short hair, wearing a dark blue Lenin suit, and exuding a capable air.

"Director Yang." The woman nodded in greeting, then turned her gaze to Chen Yu. "This must be Comrade Chen Yu, right? I'm Lin Wei from the Third Division of the Ninth Bureau."

"Hello, Director Lin."

"Come in and speak."

The main room had been converted into an office, simply but practically furnished. Maps of China and the world hung on the walls, the bookshelves were filled with file boxes, and a black telephone and several notebooks sat on the desk.

The three sat down, and Lin Wei got straight to the point: "Comrade Chen Yu, we already know your basic information. You are the orphan of a martyr, a steel mill worker, and were transferred to the National Defense Research Institute due to your outstanding performance. You are now an assistant researcher at the Special Materials Research Institute. At the same time, you are also a cultivator, with a cultivation level of around the fourth level of Qi Refining. Recently, you obtained the Southern Vermilion Bird Key by chance, which led to your enmity with the Heavenly Dao Alliance."

She spoke calmly, but every word she uttered sent a chill down Chen Yu's spine—the other party possessed far too much detailed information!

"What are you doing...?"

"We have our own intelligence channels," Lin Wei interrupted his question. "The Observatory is a neutral organization, but according to the agreement, they are required to report important events that may affect national security to the Ninth Bureau. Zhou Mingyuan has already submitted a preliminary report on the South China Sea incident."

She paused, her tone softening slightly: "You don't need to be nervous. The purpose of establishing the Ninth Bureau is not to suppress cultivators, but to maintain balance. The Heavenly Dao Alliance's activities in recent years have become increasingly unscrupulous, and have already crossed our bottom line."

"What do you want me to do?" Chen Yu asked directly.

"Two things." Lin Wei held up two fingers. "First, as the liaison between the Ninth Bureau and the cultivation world, regularly provide us with updates on the cultivation world, especially the movements of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Second, within your capabilities, assist us in handling some... special incidents."

"What can I get in return?"

"Protection," Yang Jianguo continued, "We will provide you and your family with the necessary security. At the same time, your work at the research institute will be supported, including resource allocation and promotion opportunities. Of course, all of this will be within the scope of legality and compliance."

Chen Yu pondered in silence. Cooperating with the authorities had its advantages and disadvantages, but given his current situation—possessing the Vermilion Bird Key, being targeted by the Heavenly Dao Alliance, and facing potential threats to his family—having the power of the state as a backing was indeed a better choice.

"I need to think about it," he finally said.

"Okay." Lin Wei took out a business card from the drawer; it only had a phone number on it. "Give us a reply within three days. Also, this is for you."

She then took out a small iron box, opened it, and inside was a silver badge with a design of the Great Wall surrounding a sword.

"A temporary badge from the Ninth Bureau. It can be shown in emergency situations to mobilize certain resources from local public security and armed forces departments. But it should be used with caution."

Chen Yu took the badge; it felt heavy in his hand.

"Your injury needs treatment." Lin Wei glanced at his right arm. "We can arrange for you to go to a special ward at 301 Hospital, with the best medical care."

"No need," Chen Yu shook his head. "I want to go home first."

Yang Jianguo and Lin Wei exchanged a glance and nodded: "Okay. But for safety, we'll send people to keep watch around Nanluoguxiang, discreetly, of course. Also, this is for you."

Yang Jianguo handed over a paper bag: "There's three thousand yuan inside, as a subsidy and medical expense for your trip to the South China Sea. The formalities have been completed; it's legal income."

Three thousand dollars! This was a huge sum of money in 1964, equivalent to ten years' wages for an average worker!

Chen Yu didn't refuse; he really needed the money. With it, he could improve his family's life, buy medicine to treat his injuries, and do many other things.

It was already 4 p.m. when they left No. 17 Huaiyin Hutong. Yang Jianguo arranged for a car to take Chen Yu back to Nanluoguxiang.

"Remember," Yang Jianguo said solemnly before parting, "whether you agree to cooperate or not, you are a citizen of this country. If you have any difficulties, you can come to us. No matter how arrogant the Heavenly Dao Alliance is, it will not dare to openly take action in this country."

"Thank you, Director Yang."

The car drove away. Chen Yu leaned back in his seat, looking at the familiar street scene outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

From the secret locations of the South China Sea to the offices of the Ninth Bureau, from life-or-death struggles to political maneuvering, so much happened that day. But what he wants most now is to go home.

The car stopped at the entrance of Nanluoguxiang.

"Comrade Chen, we'll drop you off here," the driver said. "There are too many people and too much attention in the alley; it's inconvenient for the car to go in."

"Okay, thank you."

Chen Yu got off the car, carrying simple luggage in his left hand and with his right arm fixed to his chest, and slowly walked into the alley.

The alleyways in June are full of life. Several old ladies sit at their doorways picking vegetables, a few children are playing jump rope in the open space, bicycle bells are ringing, and revolutionary songs are playing on someone's radio.

"Hey, Xiao Chen's back!"

"What happened to this arm?"

"You got injured while on a business trip? Is it serious?"

The neighbors greeted him warmly, offering their kind words. Chen Yu responded to each one, a feeling of warmth welling up inside him. This was the life he knew and wanted to protect.

His hands trembled slightly as he reached the entrance of the courtyard house. He pushed open the gate—

In the courtyard, Qin Huairu was sitting under the jujube tree sewing clothes, while little Chen An lay in a cradle beside her, babbling and waving his little hands. Hearing the door open, Qin Huairu looked up.

Eyes facing each other.

Time seemed to stand still for a few seconds.

Then, Qin Huairu dropped the needle and thread in her hand, stood up, and her eyes instantly turned red.

"Chen Yu..."

"Huai Ru, I'm back."

Qin Huairu walked over quickly, wanting to hug him, but then she saw the bandage on his chest and her hand froze in mid-air: "Your hand..."

"It's nothing, just a minor injury, it'll heal with rest." Chen Yu put his left arm around her. "Where's the baby? Let me see."

Little Chen An is over four months old now. He's gotten a bit fatter than when Chen Yu left, with a chubby little face. He's not shy around Chen Yu and even giggles when he sees him.

"Look, Daddy's back." Qin Huairu picked up the child, tears finally falling. "You've been gone for over a month... I thought..."

"You thought I wouldn't come back?" Chen Yu gently wiped away her tears. "I promised you I would come back."

Hearing the commotion, the other neighbors in the courtyard all came out.

"Xiao Chen is back!"

"Ouch, how did you hurt your arm?"

"Come inside and rest!"

He Yuzhu was the first to rush over. Seeing Chen Yu's injuries, his face darkened: "What happened? Weren't we supposed to be on a scientific expedition? How did you get injured like this?"

"There was a slight mishap, but it's been dealt with." Chen Yu didn't want to say more.

Zhang Xiulan also came over and carefully examined the bandage: "This injury is quite serious... Come inside, I'll make you some bone broth to help you recover."

Uncles Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui also arrived, asking all sorts of questions. Jia Zhangshi stood at her doorway, glanced over, pursed her lips, and didn't say anything, but she also didn't offer her usual sarcastic remarks.

Back in his house, Chen Yu found the room spotless, with a bunch of wildflowers on the table.

"I clean every day, thinking you might come back at any time." Qin Huairu put the baby back in the cradle and went to pour some water. "Are you hungry? I'll cook for you."

"No rush, sit down for a while." Chen Yu sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at his wife and children, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.

This is what he desperately wants to protect.

Qin Huairu sat down beside him and gently touched his bandages: "Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt anymore." Chen Yu held her hand. "I just missed you and the baby."

"You're so glib." Qin Huairu blushed, but her eyes were full of joy. "How long can you stay at home this time?"

"I should be able to stay for a while," Chen Yu said. "The institute won't arrange for me to go on business trips until my injury has fully healed."

"That's good." Qin Huairu leaned on his shoulder. "Chen Yu, I've had so many dreams while you were gone... I dreamt that something happened to you. Please, don't take any more risks in the future?"

Chen Yu remained silent. He couldn't guarantee anything. Once one embarks on the path of cultivation, it's no longer their own choice. But looking at his wife's worried eyes, he could only say, "I'll try my best."

Dinner consisted of bone broth brought by Zhang Xiulan and two dishes prepared by He Yuzhu. Several families from the courtyard gathered together to welcome Chen Yu back. During the meal, everyone tacitly refrained from asking too many questions about Nanhai, only reminding him to take good care of his injuries.

"Xiao Chen, you're a cadre now, you need to take care of your health," Yi Zhonghai said. "Health is the foundation of everything."

"The old man is right." Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses. "By the way, the paperwork for your house is almost done. Once you're better, you can move in."

"A house?" Qin Huairu looked at Chen Yu.

"The neighborhood committee allocated those two rooms to us, Xu Damao," Chen Yu explained. "Once we move in, you and the kids will have more room to live in."

Qin Huairu was both surprised and delighted, but then worried: "What about Xu Damao's family..."

"Xu Damao was sentenced to three years, and Lou Xiao'e has moved back to her parents' home," He Yuzhu interjected. "The house is just sitting empty anyway, so it's reasonable for the street to be allocated to Xiao Chen."

The meal didn't end until 8 PM. After seeing their neighbors off, Chen Yu and Qin Huairu cleaned up the dishes; the child was already asleep.

In the stillness of the night, Qin Huairu leaned against Chen Yu's chest and whispered, "Chen Yu, I always feel... that you're different this time you've come back."

"What's different?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it." Qin Huairu looked up into his eyes, "It's just that... you seem to have more on your mind, and your burdens are heavier."

Chen Yu sighed inwardly at his wife's sensitivity. He hugged her tighter: "No matter how heavy the burden on my shoulders, you and the children are the most important people to me. I promise you, I will protect you."

"I believe you." Qin Huairu closed her eyes. "As long as you're safe, anything is fine."

After Qin Huairu fell asleep, Chen Yu quietly got up and went to the outer room.

He took out the Vermilion Bird Key and examined it closely in the moonlight. The crimson-gold key emitted a warm glow, and the Vermilion Bird carving on the key handle was lifelike. He could feel that the Vermilion Bird's primordial power contained within the key was resonating with the Fire Spirit Root within his body.

"System, use the small world to upgrade the fragment."

[Confirm use of Small World Upgrade Fragment]

[The small world is being upgraded...]

As his consciousness sank into the small world, Chen Yu saw the rhombus-shaped fragment transform into countless points of light, merging into every corner of the small world.

The earth trembled slightly, the spring water flowed more rapidly, and the pool expanded once more. The most noticeable change was the gray mist at the edge of the space—it retreated, revealing new land!

The original small world of about ten acres has expanded to fifteen acres! The newly added land is fertile black soil, exuding a rich spiritual energy. Moreover, at the edge of the new land, the source of a stream has appeared, with clear water flowing with a faint spiritual energy.

[Small World Upgrade Complete]

Current level: 2

Area: 15 mu (approximately 0.16 acres)

[New Feature: Time Flow Adjustment (up to 2 times the external speed)]

[Spiritual energy concentration increased by 50%]

Time flow adjusted! Chen Yu was overjoyed. This meant that he could have twice the time to cultivate in the small world!

He immediately experimented, adjusting the flow of time in his small world to 1.5 times that of the outside world. He didn't feel much change, but through his spiritual sense, he could see that the speed of the spiritual spring water had indeed increased.

"Great..." With this function, the time it takes for him to recover from his injuries and cultivate his supernatural powers will be greatly shortened.

After exiting the small world, Chen Yu began studying the "True Technique of Separating Fire" again. The first level, "Separating Fire Body Protection," requires mobilizing the spiritual power of separating fire to form a protective shield on the body's surface. His right arm was injured, and the flow of spiritual power was not smooth, but he could first familiarize himself with the incantation and the energy circulation route.

Before I knew it, it was already 2 a.m.

Chen Yu finished his practice and was about to rest when suddenly his spiritual sense stirred—

Outside the courtyard wall, there were faint footsteps! It wasn't a neighbor getting up in the middle of the night; the footsteps were very light, deliberately concealed, and... they carried a trace of familiar spiritual energy fluctuations!

It's the same person from the airport during the day!

Chen Yu felt a chill run down his spine. He silently approached the window, activated his concealment technique, and unleashed his spiritual sense.

Within a radius of thirty feet, he "saw" a figure—it was the middle-aged man wearing a hat! At that moment, he was squatting on the rooftop opposite the courtyard house, observing this direction!

The people from the Heavenly Alliance actually followed him all the way to Beijing! They even found his home!

Chen Yu's eyes turned cold.

It seems that some things can't wait any longer.