The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The news of the destruction of the Ghost Spirit Sect swept through the entire cultivation world of Yue Kingdom like a whirlwind.

At first, no one believed it—how could the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path, with a history of thousands of years and three Nascent Soul elders, be wiped out overnight?

But three days later, when spies from all sides arrived at the Yinsha Mountains and saw the ruins that had been burned to the ground, everyone fell silent.

In the center of the ruins, a ten-zhang-tall stone pillar stands, with eight large characters carved on it:

Anyone who offends the Han family will have their entire family executed.

The characters were deeply etched into the stone, their strokes sharp and powerful, exuding a chilling killing intent.

"It was the work of a sword cultivator."

"Moreover, he is a Nascent Soul sword cultivator, whose sword energy is condensed and does not dissipate, indicating that he is at least at the mid-Nascent Soul stage."

"The Han family...the Han family of Yanling Fortress?"

"Impossible, right? Wasn't Han Mu, the patriarch of the Han family, in the mid-stage of Core Formation?"

"A mid-stage Core Formation cultivator can destroy the Ghost Spirit Sect? You believe that?"

"Could it be that there's a powerful figure behind the Han family?"

The various factions were abuzz with discussion, and people were filled with unease. In particular, the other five sects, which were among the six major sects of the demonic path along with the Ghost Spirit Sect, were even more restless.

The Nascent Soul elders of the five sects—Demon Flame Sect, Heavenly Fiend Sect, Joyful Union Sect, Spirit Control Sect, and Blood Slaughter Sect—gathered to discuss countermeasures.

"The Ghost Spirit Sect has been destroyed, the withered bones and blood demons have perished, Wang Tiangu's fate is unknown, the sect has been destroyed, and the disciples have been almost all killed or wounded." The Flame Demon Ancestor, the sect master of the Demon Flame Sect, said in a deep voice, "This is an unprecedented upheaval in the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom in the past thousand years."

"Have you found out who did it?" asked Yin Sha Laoguai, the sect leader of the Tian Sha Sect.

"Only sword energy and Five Elements spells remained at the scene. The person who attacked was at least in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and there was more than one." The Hehuan Sect Master, Madam Hehuan, spoke with a charming voice, but her eyes were full of solemnity. "To be able to destroy the Ghost Spirit Sect overnight, this level of strength requires at least three mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators or one late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."

"Late Nascent Soul stage?" Everyone's expression changed.

In the entire Tiannan cultivation world, there are only a handful of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, each a powerful figure in their own right. Why would they attack the Ghost Spirit Sect?

"Could it be those hypocrites from the Righteous Alliance?" asked Blood Slaughter Sect Leader Bloodhand Butcher.

"It doesn't seem like it." The Flame Demon Ancestor shook his head. "If the Righteous Path Alliance really had this strength, they would have attacked us long ago. Why wait until now? Besides, we know all the Nascent Soul cultivators in the Righteous Path Alliance. None of them are late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators who use swords."

Everyone fell silent.

"Could it be... the Han family?" the Spirit Beast Master of the Yu Ling Sect suddenly asked.

"The Han family? That Core Formation family?" The Yin Sha Old Monster sneered. "Fellow Daoist Spirit Beast, have you been scared out of your wits?"

"No, think about it carefully," said the Spirit Beast Master. "A month ago, Wang Chan led his men to besiege Cuiping Mountain, but they were all wiped out. Wang Tiangu sent Kugu and Xue Sha to take revenge, but they also died. After that, the Ghost Spirit Sect sealed off the mountain, and Wang Tiangu was probably in seclusion suppressing his inner demons. Then, on the night of the full moon, the Ghost Spirit Sect was destroyed—the timing and circumstances were perfect."

"Moreover, the inscription on that stone pillar reads, 'Those who offend the Han family shall have their entire family executed,' which is clearly a tone of revenge."

The expressions on everyone's faces turned serious.

"You mean, the Han family really has a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator backing them up?" Madam Hehuan asked.

"At least mid-Nascent Soul stage, and more than one," said the Spirit Beast Master. "Otherwise, it doesn't make sense. Han Mu's mid-Core Formation stage cultivation is most likely a disguise; he may have already been a Nascent Soul cultivator, just hiding it all along."

"So what do we do now?" Bloodhand Butcher asked. "With the Ghost Spirit Sect destroyed, our five sects must advance and retreat together. Or... how about joining forces to wipe out the Han family?"

"Are you insane?" The Flame Demon Ancestor glared at him. "To be able to wipe out the Ghost Spirit Sect in one night, your strength is at least equivalent to two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Our five sects joining forces can indeed destroy the Han family, but at least three or four Nascent Soul cultivators will die. Are you willing to go and die?"

Bloodhand Butcher fell silent.

"So we're just going to let it go like this?" The Yin Sha Old Monster was unwilling to give up.

"For now, we can only endure it," the Flame Demon Ancestor said in a deep voice. "Let's send someone to the Han family to sound them out and see what they're up to. If it's just revenge, that's fine. But if they want to expand..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood.

If the Han family wants to expand, then the remaining five of the six demonic sects will be the first to be affected.

……

Cuiping Mountain, the main hall of the Han family.

Han Mu sat in the main seat, listening to Doctor Mo's report.

"The five major sects of the demonic path all sent envoys with congratulatory gifts, saying they congratulated the Han family on destroying the Ghost Spirit Sect and acting on behalf of Heaven." Doctor Mo said, a hint of sarcasm on his face. "They also said they were willing to form an alliance with the Han family to jointly fight against the righteous alliance."

"An alliance?" Han Mu said calmly, "Is it to test our strength?"

"Yes," Doctor Mo said. "I have accepted the gifts as instructed by my master, but I did not agree to form an alliance. I only said that the Han family only wants to develop in peace and will not participate in the conflict between the righteous and the demonic."

"What about the Righteous Alliance?"

"They also sent someone, Fuyunzi from the Qingxu Sect, who is in the late stage of Core Formation. He represents the Righteous Path Alliance and invites the Han family to join them in fighting against the Demonic Path," said Doctor Mo. "I also politely declined, saying that the Han family is weak and only wants to protect themselves."

Han Mu nodded. This was a good response; it was neither too weak nor too forceful, leaving room for maneuver for all parties.

"What about over at Yellow Maple Valley?" Han Mu asked.

"Elder Linghu has come in person and is currently in the Guest Courtyard, saying he wishes to see the master," said Doctor Mo.

A glint of light flashed in Han Mu's eyes. The Ancestor Linghu has come in person? It seems this patriarch of Yellow Maple Valley can no longer remain seated.

"Please invite Fellow Daoist Linghu to the main hall for a chat."

"Yes."

A moment later, Patriarch Linghu arrived at the main hall. He still looked old and frail, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp light, clearly indicating that his cultivation had improved again.

"Fellow Daoist Han, what impressive skills!" Elder Linghu laughed as soon as he entered. "The destruction of the Ghost Spirit Sect overnight has shaken the entire cultivation world of Yue Kingdom."

"Fellow Daoist Linghu, you flatter me." Han Mu invited Linghu Patriarch to sit down. "It's just that the Ghost Spirit Sect has gone too far, and I had no choice but to retaliate."

"Forced to retaliate?" Elder Linghu smiled faintly. "Three Nascent Soul cultivators, dozens of Core Formation cultivators, and over a thousand disciples of the Ghost Spirit Sect, all killed by Fellow Daoist Han alone?"

Han Mu's expression remained unchanged: "Fellow Daoist Linghu is joking. How could I possibly have such an ability? It was an elder of the Han family who had been in seclusion for many years who took action. I was merely assisting from the sidelines."

"An ancestor who has been in seclusion for many years?" Ancestor Linghu's eyes flashed. "Where is that ancestor now? Could you perhaps introduce us?"

"Our ancestor has already left and gone to travel the world," Han Mu said. "He said that he will no longer concern himself with the affairs of the Han family and that we should take care of ourselves."

Linghu Patriarch gave Han Mu a deep look, clearly disbelieving. But since Han Mu wouldn't say anything, there was nothing he could do.

"So, what are Fellow Daoist Han's plans for the future?" Elder Linghu asked.

"What plans could I possibly have?" Han Mu smiled wryly. "Although the Ghost Spirit Sect has been destroyed, the Han family has also suffered heavy losses and needs to recuperate. I plan to close myself off for a hundred years, develop in seclusion, and not participate in external conflicts."

"A hundred years of seclusion?" A hint of surprise flashed in Elder Linghu's eyes. "Fellow Daoist Han, in the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom, your Han family is now the seventh largest force, on par with the Righteous Alliance and the Five Demonic Sects. To seal off your mountain at this time, wouldn't that be handing over your territory to others?"

"The Han family is weak and isolated. It would be good enough if they could protect Cuiping Mountain. How could we dare to hope for anything else?" Han Mu shook his head.

"Why should Fellow Daoist Han belittle himself?" said Patriarch Linghu. "I have come here this time to form an alliance with the Han family. No, not an alliance, but a merger."

"Merge?" Han Mu raised an eyebrow.

"That's right." Patriarch Linghu said solemnly, "Yellow Maple Valley will be merged into the Han family and will serve the Han family as its master. From now on, there will only be the Han family in the Yue Kingdom, and no Yellow Maple Valley."

Han Mu's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "Fellow Daoist Linghu is joking. Huangfeng Valley has a thousand-year history; how can it be merged so easily?"

"This is no joke," Elder Linghu sighed. "Fellow Daoist Han, my lifespan is running out; I have at most a hundred years left. Once I'm gone, Huangfeng Valley will have no successor and will inevitably be swallowed up by other forces. Rather than letting outsiders benefit, it's better to merge it into the Han family, at least ensuring the continuation of our lineage."

He looked at Han Mu with earnestness in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Han, I know that the Han family has powerful figures behind them, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to destroy the Ghost Spirit Sect. But the cultivation world in Yue Kingdom is very complex. The Ghost Spirit Sect is only what's on the surface. Nobody knows how many old monsters are lurking in the shadows. If the Han family wants to establish a foothold in Yue Kingdom, they can't do it alone; they need allies."

"Although Huangfeng Valley is not as good as it used to be, its foundation is still there. Three spiritual mountains, a medium-sized spirit stone mine, seven herb gardens, thirteen markets, and thousands of disciples—these are all things the Han family needs."

"Moreover, Huangfeng Valley has been operating within the Righteous Alliance for many years, and its network of connections extends throughout the Yue Kingdom, which will also be helpful to the development of the Han family."

Han Mu remained silent. Linghu Patriarch was right. Although the Han family had destroyed the Ghost Spirit Sect, their foundation was too shallow. To establish a firm foothold in the Yue Kingdom, they indeed needed allies. Huangfeng Valley's initiative to join them was indeed a good choice.

But nothing comes for free, and Linghu Laozu's purpose in doing this was probably not just to preserve the legacy.

"What are Fellow Daoist Linghu's conditions?" Han Mu asked.

"First, the Han family must treat all disciples of Huangfeng Valley equally and must not discriminate against them."

"Secondly, the Han family must preserve the Huangfeng Valley's heritage intact and it must not be passed on to outsiders."

"Third, after I pass away, the Han family must ensure that the lineage of Huangfeng Valley continues unbroken."

"Is that all?" Han Mu asked.

"That's all," said Elder Linghu.

Han Mu looked at Linghu Patriarch, this old fox who had lived for over a thousand years, his eyes full of sincerity. But Han Mu knew that things weren't that simple.

"System, check Linghu Ancestor's true intentions," Han Mu silently commanded.

[Consume 1000 contribution points to conduct in-depth analysis of the target]

[Analysis Result: What Elder Linghu said is true, but he concealed some information.]

[Hidden Information 1: Linghu Patriarch's lifespan is less than fifty years, not a hundred years]

[Hidden Information 2: There are many factions within Huangfeng Valley, which Elder Linghu is unable to suppress, and he wants to use the Han family to cleanse them.]

[Hidden Information 3: Patriarch Linghu wants to use the power of the Han family to break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm]

Han Mu understood. Sure enough, this old fox had ill intentions. However, all of this was within his expectations.

"I can agree to Fellow Daoist Linghu's conditions," Han Mu said slowly, "but I also have a few conditions."

"Fellow Daoist Han, please speak."

"First, after Huangfeng Valley is merged into the Han family, it must be renamed 'Han Family Huangfeng Hall,' and all disciples must swear an oath of loyalty to the Han family."

"Secondly, all resources of Huangfeng Valley, including spiritual mountains, mineral veins, medicinal gardens, and markets, will be under the unified allocation of the Han family."

"Third, Fellow Daoist Linghu must serve as a guest elder in the Han family for a hundred years before he can leave."

Linghu Patriarch's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "Fellow Daoist Han's conditions are a bit harsh."

"Harsh?" Han Mu said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Linghu, you and I both know the current situation of Huangfeng Valley. Beset by internal and external troubles, it's on the verge of collapse. The Han family taking over Huangfeng Valley means taking on risks. Without sufficient benefits, why would the Han family take such a risk?"

Linghu Patriarch remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Fellow Daoist Han is right. Very well, I agree."

"Words are no proof." Han Mu took out a scroll of animal hide. "This is a blood pact. Fellow Daoist Linghu, please sign it."

Linghu Patriarch took the scroll, scanned it with his divine sense, and his expression changed again. This blood pact was extremely harsh; once signed, he had to keep his promise, otherwise his inner demons would backfire, and his cultivation would be completely ruined.

But now that things have come to this, he has no way out.

"Enough, enough." Old Ancestor Linghu bit his fingertip, letting the blood drip onto the scroll.

The scroll flashed, transforming into two streaks of blood-red light that disappeared between Han Mu's and Linghu Ancestor's brows. The blood pact was complete.

"From this day forward, Yellow Maple Valley will be incorporated into the Han family and become the Yellow Maple Hall of the Han family." Han Mu stood up, cupped his hands to Elder Linghu, and said, "Fellow Daoist Linghu, from now on we are all family."

"One family..." Patriarch Linghu smiled wryly, but also breathed a sigh of relief. At least, the legacy of Huangfeng Valley was preserved.

"System, check the main quest progress," Han Mu silently instructed.

Main Quest: The Rise of the Clan

Progress: 95%

The family's influence has expanded, with the addition of three new spiritual mountains, a medium-sized spirit stone mine, seven herb gardens, and thirteen market towns.

[Family members increased: Huangfeng Valley disciples numbered 3274, including 89 Foundation Establishment cultivators and 2 Core Formation cultivators (Ancestor Linghu and Elder Chen)]

[Task Rewards: 50000 Contribution Points, Blueprint for the Special Building "Transmission Pavilion" x1, Random Skill Inheritance x1]

[Hint: You have completed the requirement to "become the seventh largest sect in Yue Kingdom". Do you wish to claim the reward?]

"I won't collect it for now," Han Mu thought to himself.

"Fellow Daoist Linghu, please take me to see Huangfeng Valley," Han Mu said to Linghu Patriarch.

"Yes, Patriarch." Patriarch Linghu quickly changed his tune.

The two left the main hall and flew towards Yellow Maple Valley.

The world of cultivation in Yue Kingdom is about to change.