The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The news of the Yin Sha Old Monster's demise swept through the entire cultivation world of Yue Kingdom like a whirlwind.

Within just three days, all the major sects and families in the Yue Kingdom knew about this: the sect leader of the Tian Sha Sect, the mid-Nascent Soul cultivator Yin Sha Laoguai, was killed by Han Mu, the head of the Han family, with an array at the banquet in Huangfeng Valley, leaving no trace of his body.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the country.

The Righteous Alliance reacted the fastest. The Nascent Soul elders of the four major sects—Qingxu Sect, Tianque Fortress, Huadaowu, and Lingshou Mountain—immediately dispatched envoys to Huangfeng Valley, presenting generous gifts and solemnly acknowledging the Han family as the seventh major sect in Yue Kingdom, expressing their willingness to form an alliance with the Han family to jointly resist the demonic path.

The four demonic sects reacted differently. The Flame Demon Sect publicly stated that the Yin Sha Old Monster had provoked them first and deserved to die, but had no enmity with the Han family. The Joyful Union Sect and the Beast Taming Sect also sent envoys with congratulatory gifts, expressing their willingness to coexist peacefully with the Han family. Only the Blood Fiend Sect remained silent, but also took no drastic action.

The Heavenly Fiend Sect was in complete chaos. With the sect leader dead, the three Core Formation elders fought each other for the position, and the disciples scattered and fled. The once mighty demonic sect that had shaken the Yue Kingdom had fallen apart overnight.

Meanwhile, Han Mu, the mastermind behind all of this, was at this moment preparing to refine a second clone in the Fire Chamber of Yellow Maple Valley.

The Earth Fire Chamber is located a hundred feet underground in Yellow Maple Valley, drawing fire from the earth's core, resulting in extremely high temperatures. This place was the most treasured site for generations of alchemists and weapon refiners in Yellow Maple Valley, and it now belongs to the Han family.

Han Mu sat cross-legged in the center of the formation, with five materials floating in front of him: ten-thousand-year-old warm jade, thunder bamboo, black iron essence, earth core fire crystal, and one-element heavy water.

These five materials correspond to the five elements. The Ten-Thousand-Year Warm Jade belongs to Wood, the Heavenly Thunder Bamboo belongs to Wood with Thunder, the Mysterious Iron Essence belongs to Metal, the Earth Core Fire Crystal belongs to Fire, and the Primordial Heavy Water belongs to Water. These are all rare materials collected by Han Mu over the years, and are priceless.

"System, exchange for the Five Elements Clone Technique to refine an auxiliary formation," Han Mu silently recited in his mind.

[Exchange for "Five Elements Return to One Formation" - Consumed 2000 Contribution Points, Remaining Contribution Points: 550]

A complex array diagram flooded his mind. Han Mu formed hand seals, and beams of spiritual light shot out, inscribing array patterns on the floor of the Earth Fire Chamber. This array could harmonize the power of the five elements, perfectly fusing five materials with different attributes to create an external avatar.

It took three days to inscribe the array patterns. Three days later, a five-colored array with a diameter of three zhang was completed. The five directions in the center of the array corresponded to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, respectively.

Han Mu placed the five materials into their corresponding positions, then sat cross-legged and began to circulate the "Five Elements Body Splitting Technique".

"Wood belongs to the East, the Azure Dragon position, and represents harmony!"

"Fire belongs to the South, the Vermilion Bird position, and the element of 'melting'!"

"Earth belongs to the center, the Qilin position, and the element of harmony!"

"Metal in the West, White Tiger position, fusion!"

"Water belongs to the North, the Black Tortoise position, and represents harmony!"

With each command from Han Mu, the five materials gradually melted within the formation, transforming into a five-colored liquid that converged towards the center. The temperature inside the Earth Fire Chamber soared; were it not for the formation's isolation, the entire Yellow Maple Valley would have felt the heatwave.

Han Mu bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood essence, which merged into the five-colored liquid.

"With my lifeblood, I forge my true form. The five elements interact, and my transformation is complete!"

The five-colored liquid began to wriggle and condense, gradually forming a seated human figure. This figure bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Han Mu, but his face appeared younger, around twenty years old, with delicate features and a scholarly air.

"Freeze!"

Han Mu formed hand seals, and the earth's core fire surged in, enveloping the humanoid outline. Within the flames, the physical body gradually solidified, with skin, bones, meridians, and internal organs taking shape one by one.

Seven more days passed.

Inside the Earth Fire Chamber, the flames gradually died down. In the center of the formation, a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Han Mu sat cross-legged, completely naked, his skin as translucent as jade, radiating a faint five-colored spiritual light.

Han Mu opened his eyes, looked at the avatar in front of him, and nodded in satisfaction.

"rise."

The avatar slowly stood up and bowed to Han Mu, saying, "Greetings, Your Excellency."

"No need for formalities," Han Mu said with a smile. "From this day forward, your name will be Han Qing, and you will be the chief alchemist of the Han family's Pill Hall."

"Han Qing understands." The avatar nodded.

This avatar inherited 40% of Han Mu's strength, equivalent to the mid-stage of Core Formation. More importantly, it possessed all of Han Mu's alchemy memories, and its alchemy level could reach the fourth rank, enough to refine pills for the Nascent Soul stage.

"System, view Han Qing's attributes."

[Avatar: Han Qing]

[Realm Level: Mid-stage Core Formation]

【Attributes: Balanced among the Five Elements (primarily Wood and Fire)】

[Technique: The Five Elements Alchemy Classic]

[Alchemy: Fourth Rank]

[Combat Strength: Late Core Formation Stage]

[Characteristics: Can cultivate independently, can share some of the original body's memories, and can act independently]

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. With Han Qing as an avatar, the Han family would no longer have to worry about their pills. Moreover, Han Qing could cultivate independently, and might even break through to the Nascent Soul stage in the future, becoming another asset to the Han family.

"Stay here and consolidate your cultivation. You will emerge from seclusion in three days," Han Mu said to Han Qing.

"Yes."

Han Mu left the Earth Fire Chamber and returned to the surface.

Doctor Mo had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Han Mu come out, he quickly stepped forward to report: "Master, Elder Linghu requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."

"Oh? Let him come to the council chamber."

"Yes."

A moment later, in the council chamber.

Linghu Patriarch looked solemn. Upon seeing Han Mu arrive, he immediately stood up and said, "Patriarch, there is something I must report to you."

"Sit down and let's talk." Han Mu sat down in the main seat.

Linghu Patriarch took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I just received a secret report that the six sects of the Demonic Path are gathering their forces and seem to be preparing to attack the Yue Kingdom."

Han Mu's expression remained unchanged: "Is the information reliable?"

"Reliable." Ancestor Linghu nodded. "It came from my inside source within the Demonic Path. The six sects of the Demonic Path have reached an agreement to launch a simultaneous attack on the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom within half a month. The goal is clear—to completely annihilate the righteous path of Yue Kingdom and unify Tiannan."

Han Mu tapped his fingers lightly on the table. In the original story, the invasion of Yue Kingdom by the demonic forces was an inevitable event, only a matter of time. Unexpectedly, the death of the Yin Sha Old Monster accelerated this process.

"How strong are the six sects of the Demonic Path?" Han Mu asked.

"Very strong." Ancestor Linghu's expression was solemn. "The six sects of the demonic path are the Heavenly Demon Sect, the Ghost Spirit Sect, the Spirit Control Sect, the Joyful Union Sect, the Flame Demon Sect, and the Heavenly Fiend Sect. Originally there were six sects, but now that the Yin Fiend Old Monster is dead and the Heavenly Fiend Sect is in internal strife, only five sects remain. But even so, these five sects, when they join forces, have more than ten Nascent Soul cultivators. Among them, the Six Paths Supreme Saint of the Heavenly Demon Sect is a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator with unfathomable strength."

"Looking at the righteous path of my Yue Kingdom, there were originally seven major sects, but now the Ghost Spirit Sect has been destroyed and the Yellow Maple Valley has been merged into the Han family, leaving only five sects. There are only eight Nascent Soul cultivators in total, and most of them are in the early stage of Nascent Soul. Only Fuyunzi of the Qingxu Sect is in the middle stage of Nascent Soul. Compared with the Six Paths Extreme Saints, the gap is too great."

"That's why Fuyunzi is so eager to form an alliance with my Han family." Han Mu understood.

"Exactly." Patriarch Linghu nodded. "Fuyunzi wants to rely on your array power to resist the demonic path. After all, you were able to suppress the Yin Sha Old Monster with an array, so your mastery of arrays is at least at the fourth-grade high level. If you are here, Yue Kingdom may still have a glimmer of hope."

Han Mu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Elder Linghu, how do you think the Han family should respond?"

Linghu Patriarch smiled wryly: "Patriarch, I dare not speak rashly on this matter. If it were before, I would have suggested that Huangfeng Valley retreat to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance along with the other sects. But now... Huangfeng Valley is already part of the Han family, and everything is up to you, Patriarch."

Han Mu looked at Elder Linghu and suddenly smiled: "Elder Linghu, you actually have ideas, but you just don't dare to say them, right?"

Linghu Patriarch was taken aback, then sighed, "Patriarch, you are wise. I do have some ideas, but I don't know if they are feasible."

Tell me about it.

"Yes," Elder Linghu said solemnly. "In my opinion, the invasion of the demonic path is both a crisis and an opportunity for the Han family."

"Oh? Tell me more."

"The crisis lies in the overwhelming power of the demonic path. If the Han family were to confront them head-on, even if they were to win, they would suffer heavy losses. The opportunity lies in the fact that the Yue Kingdom is in chaos, which presents the Han family with an excellent opportunity to expand their influence."

A glint of light flashed in Linghu Patriarch's eyes: "Has the Patriarch ever considered why the five sects of Yue Kingdom would ally with the Han family? It's not because they genuinely acknowledge the Han family, but because they need the Han family's array power. We can use this to demand more resources, and even... annex other sects."

Han Mu gave Linghu Laozu a deep look. This old fox was indeed no pushover. However, this suggestion coincided with Han Mu's own thoughts.

"Go on."

"Yes." Seeing that Han Mu did not object, Patriarch Linghu became bolder. "I suggest that the Han family agree to form an alliance with the righteous path to jointly fight against the demonic path. However, the Han family must take the lead in the terms of the alliance. For example, the five righteous sects must provide a large amount of spirit stones and materials for the family head to set up the grand formation. At the same time, each family must send disciples to the Han family to take orders and coordinate operations in wartime."

"In this way, during wartime, the Han family can use the power of the righteous path to resist the demonic path, and after the war, the Han family can take the opportunity to absorb those sects that have suffered heavy losses. With this shift in power, the Han family will surely become the number one sect in Yue Kingdom, and even in the entire Tiannan!"

After listening, Han Mu slowly nodded: "Elder Linghu's words coincide with my own. However, it's not enough."

"What the head of the family means is..."

"We must fight the demonic path and devour the righteous path, but the Han family cannot be the first to take the lead," Han Mu said calmly. "I will agree to the alliance with Fuyunzi, but the Han family will not confront the enemy head-on. The Han family will only be responsible for setting up the grand formation and guarding the rear. As for the fighting on the front lines, that is the business of the five righteous sects."

Linghu Patriarch's eyes lit up: "Patriarch, your insight is brilliant! This way, we can preserve the Han family's strength while reaping the benefits!"

"But before that, there's something else to do." A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "The internal strife within the Heavenly Fiend Sect presents the perfect opportunity for the Han family to absorb its power. Elder Linghu, you will personally make the trip, taking Han Bai with you, and subdue the remaining members of the Heavenly Fiend Sect with swift and decisive action. Anyone who resists will be killed."

"Yes!" Patriarch Linghu accepted the order, secretly alarmed. Han Bai, Han Mu's sword cultivator clone, possessed strength comparable to the peak of the Core Formation stage, and was decisive in killing, making him the best candidate to handle this matter.

"Furthermore, have Han Changqing and Doctor Mo expedite the integration of Huangfeng Valley's resources, and quickly and completely integrate Huangfeng Valley into the Han family system," Han Mu continued to instruct. "Han Yunge is about to establish her foundation and will require substantial resource support. Huangfeng Valley's resources will come in handy."

"Understood."

"Go."

After Elder Linghu left, Han Mu sat alone in the council hall, lost in thought.

The invasion of the demonic path is both a calamity and an opportunity. If they can seize it, the Han family can leap to become a top power in Tiannan, laying a solid foundation for their future ascension to the Spirit Realm.

"System, check the main quest progress."

Main Quest: The Rise of the Clan

Progress: 99%

[Completed Event: Slay a Nascent Soul cultivator, annex Yellow Maple Valley, and intimidate the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom]

[Contribution Points Earned: 5000]

Current contribution points: 5550

One percent short. Han Mu knew that this final 1 percent meant successfully weathering the calamity of the demonic invasion and allowing the Han family to truly establish itself in the Yue Kingdom.

"It'll be soon." Han Mu looked into the distance, his eyes flashing with anticipation.

"grandfather!"

Just then, Han Yunge ran in excitedly, holding a jade slip in her hand: "Grandpa, I succeeded! I refined the Foundation Establishment Pill!"

Han Mu took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. It contained a detailed record of Han Yunge's process and insights in refining Foundation Establishment Pills. Although it was only her first time refining them, the success rate reached 30%, and the quality was quite good.

"Good, very good." Han Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Yun Ge, you truly have a talent for alchemy. From this day forward, you will be the disciple of the chief alchemist of the Han family's Pill Hall..."

Han Mu originally wanted to say Chief Alchemist, but thinking of Han Qing's avatar, he changed his words at the last minute.

"Disciple?" Han Yunge was taken aback. "Grandpa, are you going to find me a master?"

"Yes." Han Mu nodded. "He will emerge from seclusion in three days. At that time, you will become his disciple and learn alchemy from him."

"Yes!" Han Yunge nodded emphatically, her eyes full of anticipation.

She was already quite satisfied with being able to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill. But if she could become an apprentice of an even more skilled alchemist, her alchemy skills would surely reach a new level.

"In addition, here are three 'Soul Nourishing Pills'." Han Mu took out another jade bottle. "You have already reached the peak of the twelfth level of Qi Refining and can establish your foundation at any time. These three Soul Nourishing Pills can nourish your soul and increase your success rate in establishing your foundation. Keep them safe and wait for the right time to go into seclusion and establish your foundation."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" Han Yunge took the jade bottle and left happily.

Watching his granddaughter's departing figure, a thoughtful look flashed in Han Mu's eyes.

Han Yunge possesses dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, and has exceptional talent in alchemy; she is destined to become a core figure in the Han family. Her interactions with Han Li will begin soon.

"The Bloodstained Forbidden Land..." Han Mu murmured to himself.

According to the original timeline, the Crimson Forbidden Land is about to open. At that time, Han Yunge will enter with Han Li and begin her own destiny.

"Perhaps it's time to make some preparations in advance."

Han Mu took out a blank jade slip and began to inscribe an array on it. This was a simplified version of the "Minor Five Elements Sword Array". Although its power was not as great as the original, it was enough to withstand the attack of a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator.

He wanted to inscribe this sword formation into a talisman and have Han Yunge take it into the Crimson Forbidden Land, just in case.

"Han Li..." Han Mu's lips curled up slightly, "In this life, with me here, your path will be much easier."