The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Outside Cuiping Mountain, there was a scene of utter devastation.

Of the more than three hundred cultivators of the Ghost Spirit Sect, only Wang Chan managed to escape using the Escape Talisman. Five Core Formation cultivators, forty Foundation Establishment cultivators, and more than two hundred Qi Refining cultivators all perished under the Five Elements Divine Light.

With a wave of his hand, Han Mu sent the storage bags and magical artifacts scattered across the battlefield flying up and landing in his sleeve. Although these were just ordinary items, they were a decent source of resources for the lower-ranking members of the Han family.

"Father!" Han Changqing led his clansmen out of the formation, and was dumbfounded by the scene before him.

He knew his father's strength was unfathomable, but witnessing such a feat firsthand still left him utterly shocked. Those were five Core Formation cultivators! Gone just like that?

"Clean up the battlefield and erase all traces," Han Mu said calmly. "Civilize all the corpses on the spot and leave no clues related to the Han family."

"Yes!" Han Changqing snapped out of his daze and quickly directed his clansmen to take action.

Doctor Mo stepped forward and whispered, "Master, Wang Chan has escaped, and the Ghost Spirit Sect will never let this go. I'm afraid the next one to come will be a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Han Mu nodded: "I know. So we need to hurry up and strengthen our forces."

"But a Nascent Soul cultivator..." Doctor Mo looked worried. Although he was in the late Foundation Establishment stage, he was still like an ant in front of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"So what if I'm a Nascent Soul cultivator?" Han Mu chuckled. "I have my own plans. Go and assist Chang Qing in dealing with the battlefield first, then come find me in the council hall."

"Yes."

Han Mu turned and returned to the main hall, sat down cross-legged, and began to regulate his breathing. Although the attack just now seemed easy, it actually consumed a lot of energy. The Qiankun Fan is a spiritual treasure; although its power is great, its consumption is also astonishing. With his mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, activating the Five Elements Divine Light once consumes 30% of his mana.

"System, check the current status."

Name: Han Mu

[Actual Cultivation Level: Mid-Nascent Soul Stage (Appears to be Late-Core Formation Stage)]

[Cultivation Techniques: Primordial Longevity Technique (Fourth Level Peak), Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique (Great Completion)]

[Magic Item: Qiankun Fan (Natal Spiritual Treasure, Twelve Layers of Restrictions)...]

[Family Status: 1032 members, 1 Core Formation cultivator (on the protagonist's surface), 47 Foundation Establishment cultivators, 584 Qi Refining cultivators]

[Family Contribution Points: 24550]

Main Quest: Rise of the Clan (80% Progress)

[Special Mission: Merge Three Disintegrated Families (3/3, Completed)]

[New Mission: Repel the Ghost Spirit Sect's Attack (Completed)]

[Task Rewards: 10000 Contribution Points, Special Building "Heart Refining Tower" Blueprint x1]

"The Heart Refining Tower?" Han Mu's eyes lit up. This Heart Refining Tower is a special building specifically designed to temper one's mind, helping clansmen break through bottlenecks and reduce interference from inner demons. It is especially useful for Foundation Establishment cultivators attempting to form their Core Formation.

"Redeem reward".

[Received 10000 contribution points]

[Obtained Refining Heart Tower Blueprint x1]

[Construct the Heart Refining Tower now? Requires 100,000 spirit stones, construction time is 30 days]

"The construction site has been chosen at the confluence of the spiritual veins on the west side of Cuiping Mountain. Construction should begin immediately."

[Command received. Construction of the Heart Refining Tower has begun. Countdown: 29 days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes...]

After arranging the construction of the Heart Refining Tower, Han Mu checked his newly added contribution points. Adding to the previous 14550, he now had a total of 24550 contribution points, enough to exchange for quite a few good items.

"System, open the redemption list."

A virtual screen appeared before him, listing various redeemable items. Han Mu browsed for a moment and selected a few.

「兑换三阶上品聚灵阵一套（5000贡献点）、兑换三阶上品防御阵盘×5（2500贡献点）、兑换筑基丹丹方（3000贡献点）、兑换凝金丹丹方（8000贡献点）、兑换五行凝丹散材料十份（6000贡献点）」

[Exchange successful. 24500 contribution points consumed. 50 contribution points remaining.]

The item has been delivered to the storage space.

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. The Spirit Gathering Array could increase the concentration of spiritual energy in Cuiping Mountain and accelerate the cultivation of the clansmen; the defensive array plate could enhance the power of the array; the formulas for Foundation Establishment Pill and Golden Core Pill were the foundation for the long-term development of the clan; and the materials for the Five Elements Core Formation Powder could be used to prepare for Han Changqing to form his core.

"Father, the battlefield has been cleared." Han Changqing said respectfully as he entered the main hall.

"What were the losses?"

"No one in the family was injured or killed, only three suffered minor injuries. The great formation consumed about 50,000 spirit stones, which have been replenished," Han Changqing reported. "We seized more than 200 magic artifacts, including 18 second-tier magic artifacts and more than 200 first-tier magic artifacts; and more than 300 storage bags containing spirit stones, pills, and materials, with a total value of about 200,000 spirit stones."

Han Mu nodded: "Distribute the magical artifacts to enhance the clansmen's combat strength. Store the spirit stones and materials in the warehouse, and distribute the pills to those who have made contributions."

"Yes." Han Changqing hesitated for a moment, "Father, Wang Chan escaped, and what about the Ghost Spirit Sect..."

"He will return, bringing Nascent Soul cultivators with him," Han Mu said calmly. "But before that, we have more important things to do."

"What is it?"

"Form an alliance with Yellow Maple Valley."

Han Changqing was taken aback: "Yellow Maple Valley? Would Ancestor Linghu agree? We are merely a Foundation Establishment family, while Yellow Maple Valley is one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom..."

"Times have changed," Han Mu said. "With the invasion of the demonic path, the seven sects of Yue Kingdom are barely able to protect themselves. Although Huangfeng Valley is strong, it cannot withstand the combined might of the six demonic sects. We need allies, and they need them too."

"But what bargaining chips do we have?"

"Golden Core Formation Pill." Han Mu took out the pill formula he had just exchanged. "What does Huangfeng Valley lack most right now? Core Formation cultivators. Ancestor Linghu's lifespan is running out, and Huangfeng Valley is facing a talent shortage. If we can provide Golden Core Formation Pills, or even the method of refining them, they will definitely be interested."

Han Changqing's eyes lit up: "Father can refine the Golden Core Pill?"

"Not now, but soon," Han Mu said. "Go and make preparations. I will personally go to Yellow Maple Valley in three days."

"Father going in person? Isn't that too dangerous?"

"It's alright, I know what I'm doing." Han Mu waved his hand. "You can go now and call Doctor Mo over."

"Yes."

A moment later, Doctor Mo arrived at the main hall.

"Owner."

"Sit down." Han Mu gestured to the chair beside him. "What are your thoughts on the Ghost Spirit Sect matter?"

Doctor Mo pondered for a moment and said, "Wang Chan is a vengeful person. After this crushing defeat, he will surely call for reinforcements. The Ghost Spirit Sect has three Nascent Soul cultivators: the sect leader, Wang Tiangu, is in the mid-Nascent Soul stage, and the other two elders are in the early Nascent Soul stage. If all three arrive, the Emerald Screen Mountain formation may not be able to withstand them."

"So we need to find allies before they arrive," Han Mu said. "I'll go to Yellow Maple Valley in three days. You stay and guard Emerald Screen Mountain. If the Ghost Spirit Sect attacks, there's no need to fight head-on. Just activate the great formation and hold your ground. I'll leave behind three Nascent Soul level talismans, which can be used in critical situations."

Doctor Mo was shocked. Nascent Soul level talismans! Those were treasures capable of threatening Nascent Soul cultivators, priceless. The master could casually produce three; truly unfathomable.

"Yes, this old servant understands."

"In addition, the Heart Refining Tower is under construction and will be completed in thirty days. During this period, you must urge your clansmen to intensify their cultivation, especially those few at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Make them prepare so that they can immediately attempt to form their core after the Heart Refining Tower is completed."

"Peak Foundation Establishment?" Doctor Mo thought for a moment. "Currently, the family has five people at the peak of Foundation Establishment: Han Yunshan, Han Yunhai, Han Yunhe, and the two elders who surrendered from the Hidden Moon Sect, Lin Feng and Zhao Mingyue. However, Lin Feng and Zhao Mingyue have only recently submitted, and their loyalty still needs to be tested."

"It's alright, give them a chance," Han Mu said. "I can refine the Golden Condensation Pill, but the materials are limited. Prioritize those who are loyal and have potential. Observe secretly and write down who is worth cultivating."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Han Mu waved for Doctor Mo to leave, and then began to study the formula for the Golden Elixir.

The Golden Condensation Pill is a third-tier pill that can increase the chance of a Foundation Establishment peak cultivator forming a Core by 30%, making it an essential pill for Core Formation. Although Han Mu doesn't know how to refine pills, Han Yunge has a talent for it and can be trained.

"System, exchange for the later parts of 'Qingyuan Danjue'."

[To exchange for "Qingyuan Danjue" (Core Formation Chapter), 3000 contribution points are required. Insufficient contribution points are needed.]

[Note: Completing the quest "Reaching 50 Foundation Establishment cultivators in your family" will earn you 5000 contribution points.]

"View task".

[Side Quest: Reach 50 Foundation Establishment cultivators in your clan]

Current progress: 47/50

[Reward: 5000 Contribution Points]

Three more are needed. Han Mu thought for a moment. There were still more than a dozen members of his clan at the peak of Qi Refining, three of whom were close to breaking through. If he provided enough resources, they should be able to reach that level within three months.

"Then let's talk about it in three months."

Han Mu put away the pill formula and began his secluded cultivation to regulate his breathing. Although the battle with the Ghost Spirit Sect was easy, he knew that the real test was yet to come.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away.

Wang Chan fell awkwardly from the void, his face pale and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Although the Void Escape Talisman could save his life, it put a tremendous strain on his body. At this moment, his magical power was exhausted, his soul was damaged, and he had almost lost his ability to fight.

"Han Mu! I will kill you!" Wang Chan gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with hatred.

Three hundred cultivators, including five Core Formation cultivators, all perished. This was a significant loss for the Ghost Spirit Sect, and he would surely face severe punishment upon his return. But what enraged him even more was that he had been so frightened into fleeing in disarray by a mere "late-stage Core Formation" cultivator—a truly humiliating disgrace.

"Young Master!" Several streaks of light flew in from afar; they were Ghost Spirit Sect disciples who had stayed behind to guard the area.

"Help me back," Wang Chan said weakly.

"Young Master, where are the others?"

"They're all dead." Wang Chan closed her eyes. "Inform my father that I want to see the three Supreme Elders."

"yes!"

A few days later, at the Ghost Spirit Sect's main altar.

Inside the main hall, a middle-aged man in black robes sat in the main seat. His face bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Wang Chan, but his aura was as deep as the sea. He was none other than Wang Tiangu, the sect leader of the Ghost Spirit Sect, with a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivation.

Two elderly men sat below, both at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and were the Supreme Elders of the Ghost Spirit Sect.

Wang Chan knelt in the hall and recounted the events in detail, omitting his own underestimation of the enemy and recklessness. He only said that Han Mu, the patriarch of the Han family, had concealed his cultivation level and was actually a fake Nascent Soul cultivator, and that he had the assistance of a powerful formation, making them no match for him.

"A fake infant cultivator?" Wang Tiangu frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely true," Wang Chan said. "With a single wave of Han Mu's fan, the Five Elements Divine Light swept down, and Elder Liu and the other four perished instantly. If it weren't for my escape talisman, I wouldn't have been able to return."

"The Five Elements Divine Light..." a senior elder murmured, "This seems to be an ancient divine power, long lost. Where did Han Mu learn it?"

"No matter where he learned it, killing three hundred disciples of my Ghost Spirit Sect is a vengeance we will exact," another elder said coldly. "Sect Master, I am willing to personally go and capture Han Mu, to extract his soul and refine his spirit!"

Wang Tiangu did not answer immediately, but looked at Wang Chan: "Are you sure the Han family only has one Core Formation cultivator, Han Mu?"

"Confirmed," Wang Chan said. "The Han family was originally just a Foundation Establishment family, and it has only recently risen to prominence. Han Mu must have obtained some kind of fortuitous opportunity to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Apart from him, the strongest member of the Han family is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, and is not worth worrying about."

"Then how were you able to kill five of my Core Formation cultivators?"

"It's an array," Wang Chan said. "The Han family's protective array is extremely powerful, possibly even a high-grade third or fourth rank. I suspect that Han Mu's opportunity lies in obtaining some ancient array-based inheritance."

"Ancient array formation inheritance..." A greedy glint flashed in Wang Tiangu's eyes. If that were true, then the Han family would be a piece of fat meat.

"Sect Master, let me go," said the Supreme Elder who had spoken earlier. "A mere Nascent Soul cultivator and a third-tier formation are nothing to me. I will break their formation and capture their master within three days."

Wang Tiangu thought for a moment and nodded: "Alright. But just in case, Elder Li will go with you. If Han Mu is really strange, the two of you working together can ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"yes!"

The two elders accepted the order and left.

A look of satisfaction flashed in Wang Chan's eyes: "Han Mu, let's see where you can run this time!"

However, what they didn't know was that Han Mu had already left Cuiping Mountain and was flying towards Huangfeng Valley.

His goal was clear—to form an alliance with Yellow Maple Valley and fight against the demonic forces together.

As for the Ghost Spirit Sect? When he returns, it will be time for reckoning.