Courtyard House: The Cultivation System Takes Me Flying

Since breaking through to the second level of the Foundation Establishment Realm on the night of the full moon, his spiritual sense now encompasses the entire capital city, and his physical body has achieved immortality, the last trace of concern Qin Lindong had for the mortal world has completely vanished. He used to have to carefully conceal his cultivation, guard against accidents, and worry about making a living, but now, with the entire city in his sights, an immortal body, a system at his side, and endless spiritual valleys, nothing in the world can threaten his safety anymore.

With a clear mind and a firm Dao heart, Qin Lindong no longer deliberately pursued rapid breakthroughs, nor did he pay attention to the changing winds of the outside world. Instead, he completely calmed his mind and embraced his own ordinary happiness. He didn't ask for much, just a peaceful courtyard, a long and leisurely life, harmonious neighbors, and a carefree life. And all of this, after his breakthrough, was easily within his grasp.

From then on, Qin Lindong's life entered a truly carefree, stable, and smooth track.

Every day before dawn, before the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, Qin Lindong rises precisely on time. He needs no alarm clock, no one to urge him; his body and soul have long since reached a transcendent state, his daily routine naturally synchronized with the heavens and earth. After rising, he doesn't rush to wash or prepare food, but instead walks straight to the center of the courtyard, where he sits cross-legged, enjoying the cool morning breeze.

This was the purest and most concentrated time of day for the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Countless invisible particles of spiritual energy floated in the air, slowly rising with the sunrise. Qin Lindong closed his eyes and concentrated. With a thought, the system's cultivation technique automatically activated. All the pores on his body opened, like a whale sucking in water, frantically absorbing the spiritual energy from all directions. Within his dantian, the well-supplied fourth-tier spiritual grain slowly released gentle yet powerful spiritual energy, merging with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, flowing through his meridians and nourishing his indestructible body.

His Foundation Establishment Stage 2 cultivation was already far beyond that of ordinary cultivators. Coupled with the constant nourishment from the spiritual grains, his cultivation progress had already exceeded all expectations. While others might struggle for a year of arduous training and only make a small step forward, Qin Lindong's mere one hour of cultivation each morning allowed his cultivation to steadily increase, solidifying his foundation without any superficiality. For him, cultivation was no longer a tedious and painful ordeal, but a natural and effortless enjoyment, as natural as breathing.

By the time the cultivation ended, it was already broad daylight.

Qin Lindong stood up and stretched his limbs, a faint rumbling sound emanating from his body—a sign of spiritual energy rapidly circulating within his flesh and blood. He went to the kitchen, casually grabbed a handful of fourth-grade spiritual grains, and steamed them briefly in a pot. In no time, a refreshing fragrance filled the entire courtyard; the aroma of the spiritual grains was rich and lingering, invigorating even a single breath.

What would be an incredibly precious fourth-tier spirit grain to ordinary people is now nothing more than the most common food for Qin Lindong. His cultivated spirit fields, enhanced by the system, grow at a rate far exceeding normal, maturing every three days, with each harvest resulting in mountains of spirit grain. His system space's storage compartments are already overflowing, filled with spirit grain, spirit rice, spirit vegetables, and spirit materials—enough to last a lifetime, even ten or a hundred lifetimes, to never run out. Abundant resources and a life free from worries about food and clothing—this is the life countless people in the mortal world dream of, and Qin Lindong already possesses it with ease.

After a quick breakfast, Qin Lindong tidied his clothes and walked slowly toward the steel rolling mill.

Now, as the officially appointed deputy workshop director of the steel rolling mill, he enjoys a stable position and leisurely power, and is highly valued and respected by everyone in the factory. Firstly, his strength is unfathomable, and he is calm and decisive in handling matters. Any workshop problem, technical failure, or personnel conflict can be easily resolved in his hands without the slightest mistake. Secondly, he has a gentle temperament but an inherent authority. He is kind to others but does not compromise his principles. No one in the factory dares to provoke him easily, let alone spread rumors in his presence.

The backstabbing, power struggles, and buck-passing that were once common in factories completely disappeared in the area under Qin Lindong's responsibility. The workers respected, trusted, and loved him; the leaders trusted, relied on, and valued him. His work was easy and comfortable; he only needed to handle a few simple tasks each day, and he could arrange the rest of his time freely. His salary and benefits were among the best in the entire factory, ensuring his affluent and worry-free life.

For Qin Lindong, working at the steel rolling mill was no longer just about making a living, but a way to integrate into the mundane world and experience life. He didn't need to rely on a salary to survive, nor did he need to fight for power through his position. By simply maintaining this simple identity, he could perfectly conceal his extraordinary strength and live a peaceful and ordinary life.

After finishing his work in the morning, Qin Lindong declined his colleagues' invitation to have dinner together and returned to the courtyard house on time.

Back in the courtyard, the first thing he did was head to the spirit field he had cultivated in the corner. This field, blessed by the system, had fertile soil and abundant spiritual energy. The spirit grains grown there were thriving, with lush green leaves and plump grains, a sight that brought a sense of peace. Qin Lindong bent down and gently touched the leaves, his spiritual sense stirring as he felt the vibrant life force within the spirit field, a sense of tranquility washing over him.

For a cultivator like him who stands at the pinnacle of the mortal world, power, wealth, and fame are all fleeting clouds. Instead, it is these small things, like tending to crops and watching life grow, that allow him to feel the beauty and peace of mind of life.

After tending to the spirit field, Qin Lindong sat in the courtyard basking in the sun, sometimes reading a few books, sometimes closing his eyes to rest. His spiritual sense still silently enveloped the entire capital city; he was aware of everything happening in the palace, streets, factories, and alleys, yet nothing could disturb his peace of mind. He was like a hermit immortal living in seclusion amidst the bustling city, observing the world with detached indifference, yet only guarding the tranquility of his own little courtyard.

Evening is the liveliest time in the courtyard.

People were leaving get off work and school, and smoke curled from chimneys in every household, filling the air with the aroma of cooking. Ever since Qin Lindong moved into this courtyard house and gradually demonstrated his strength and changed the landscape, this once chaotic and quarrelsome little courtyard has been completely transformed.

The Jia family, who had once caused unrest throughout the courtyard, had long since curbed their arrogance after several subtle warnings and appropriate assistance from Qin Lindong. Madam Jia Zhang no longer dared to throw tantrums, take advantage of others, or stir up trouble; Qin Huairu became obedient and thrifty, focusing on caring for her children and family; Banggeng also became sensible and obedient, no longer stealing or causing trouble. The family, relying on Qin Lindong's occasional assistance, barely managed to make ends meet. Though not wealthy, they lived a peaceful and stable life, no longer daring to cause any trouble for the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Yi Zhonghai, who had always favored Sha Zhu and was eager to retire, was thoroughly targeted by the neighborhood committee because of his previous actions. Under supervision and education, he obediently accepted labor reform, deeply reflected on his mistakes, and never dared to set foot in the courtyard again. With this troublemaking old hag gone, the courtyard had far fewer conflicts.

Uncle Yan Bugui, who had been stingy and calculating his whole life, completely restrained himself under Qin Lindong's aura. He was still meticulous in his calculations and reluctant to waste a single grain of rice or a penny, but he no longer dared to scheme against his neighbors, take advantage of others, or sow discord. He honestly lived his life in his own little family and became an ordinary old man who obeyed the rules and knew his place.

Liu Haizhong, the second uncle who had always enjoyed displaying his official power, putting on airs, and establishing a hierarchical system at home, completely abandoned all his unrealistic fantasies. Faced with Qin Lindong's absolute power and prestige, his laughable official airs had no room to be displayed. Now, Liu Haizhong spends his days tending to his flowers and taking walks, content with his lot, no longer interfering with his children, no longer attempting to control the entire courtyard, and peacefully enjoying his old age.

For a time, the entire courtyard was peaceful and harmonious.

There were no arguments, no insults, no backstabbing, and no chaos.

The Zhang family lent vinegar, the Li family delivered vegetables, the Wang family helped repair doors and windows, and the Zhao family offered their assistance. Every household was as close as family, filled with warmth, and the place truly became a paradise.

Among all the people in the hospital, besides Qin Lindong, the one who was living the most prosperous life was He Yuzhu.

Since following Qin Lindong, He Yuzhu's life has been completely rewritten. He is no longer troubled by love, no longer schemed against, and no longer suffers injustice. Every day, he follows Qin Lindong to eat spiritual food, train his body, and learn how to handle things. His body is getting stronger and stronger, his spirit is getting more and more energetic, and his cooking skills are improving by leaps and bounds. He is doing very well in the steel rolling mill canteen and is very popular with the leaders and workers.

With Qin Lindong backing him up, no one in the entire courtyard or factory dared to bully He Yuzhu anymore. He was upright and righteous, and his popularity and position grew increasingly stable, making him the second most important person in the courtyard after Qin Lindong. Every evening, He Yuzhu would bring food and wine to Qin Lindong's courtyard. The two would eat and drink together, chatting about everyday life and factory anecdotes, their laughter filling the air, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The subtle spiritual energy contained in the spiritual food not only nourished Qin Lindong, but also subtly influenced the neighbors in the entire courtyard.

On ordinary days, Qin Lindong would often casually share some spirit rice and spirit vegetables with everyone. These seemingly ordinary grains and vegetables had a fragrant taste and were incredibly nutritious. Long-term consumption could strengthen the body, eliminate ailments, and prolong life. In just a few months, the elderly in the courtyard no longer suffered from backaches or leg pains, the adults were full of energy and free from illness, and the children were lively, healthy, and intelligent. Every household was harmonious and happy, and they rarely even had to visit the hospital.

Everyone knows perfectly well that all these changes are due to Qin Lindong.

He was like a silent guardian, quietly protecting this small courtyard and everyone in it. The neighbors' gratitude and reverence for him were deeply ingrained; every household regarded him as the most respected person and dared not show him the slightest disrespect.

During festivals and holidays, the courtyard house is at its liveliest.

Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chinese New Year, all the neighbors in the courtyard would spontaneously present gifts to Qin Lindong. Some would give him a pair of cloth shoes, some a basket of eggs, some a few kilograms of flour, and some hand-sewn clothes. The gifts were inexpensive, but they carried the most sincere sentiments and gratitude from everyone in the courtyard.

Qin Lindong never refused, always accepting with a smile, and then reciprocating with even more spirit rice, spirit grains, and spirit vegetables. For him, it was just a small act, yet it ensured his neighbors' health and peaceful lives—this was the scene he most wanted to see.

The days passed peacefully, and before we knew it, it was the Spring Festival.

This year's Spring Festival was the most lively, peaceful, and happy New Year in the history of the courtyard house. Every household cleaned their houses in advance, pasted up bright red Spring Festival couplets and the character "福" (good fortune), and hung up festive lanterns. The courtyard was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with joy and the atmosphere of the New Year.

On New Year's Eve, everyone in the hospital gathered in the courtyard without prior arrangement.

Some people moved tables, some set out bowls and chopsticks, some served dishes, and some poured wine. He Yuzhu even cooked a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner himself, using the spiritual rice and vegetables provided by Qin Lindong. The food smelled wonderful and was filled with spiritual energy, making people's appetites whetted just by smelling it.

Adults and children sat together, eating ceremonial food and drinking wine, watching the lively Spring Festival Gala on TV. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the air, and happy smiles graced everyone's faces. There were no conflicts, no disputes, no complaints, only reunion, warmth, and happiness.

Standing in the center of the courtyard, Qin Lindong looked at the warm and lively scene before him, and at the sincere and happy smiling faces, and felt an indescribable warmth and satisfaction welled up in his heart.

He comes from another world, and was once a helpless orphan on the verge of starvation, experiencing the coldness and warmth of the world and tasting all the hardships of life. But now, he has defied fate, gained a system, possessed extraordinary cultivation, has no worries about food and clothing, has a peaceful courtyard, harmonious neighbors, a respected status, and a future of immortality.

From hell to heaven, from dust to clouds, his life has already been fulfilled.

Just then, a familiar and crisp system notification sounded in his mind:

[Ding! The host has been immersed in a peaceful and tranquil life for a long time, and his state of mind is perfect and flawless. He has successfully advanced to the extraordinary state of mind!]

[Reward: Foundation Establishment Realm Level 2 cultivation progress +20%, current progress 30%!]

[Unlock a special permanent buff: Eternal Peace]

[Effect: The courtyard house where the host resides will forever be peaceful and tranquil, free from disasters, hardships, misfortunes, and strife; as time flows by, happiness will endure!]

A gentle yet powerful force instantly enveloped the entire courtyard, and an invisible law quietly descended, completely protecting this small courtyard. From then on, natural disasters could not invade, man-made calamities could not approach, and conflicts could not arise. This courtyard would truly become an eternal and unchanging paradise.

And Qin Lindong is the sole guardian of this paradise, an eternal immortal.

A gentle evening breeze stirred, lanterns swayed, and laughter echoed through the courtyard.

Qin Lindong looked up at the starry sky, a gentle and relieved smile appearing on his lips.

Reborn through time travel, defying fate and changing destiny.

Transcending the mundane, looking down upon the mortal world.

Guarding this small courtyard, protecting its peace.

May you enjoy peaceful times and live a long and carefree life.

This life is complete and without regrets.

Time flows on and on, quietly passing by.

The happy life in the courtyard house will never end.

Qin Lindong's extraordinary path to immortality is also slowly moving towards a more distant future in this peaceful environment.