The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Chapter 112 The Han Family Prepares for the Demonic Invasion

Three days later, the stone door to the Earth Fire Chamber opened, and Han Qing slowly walked out.

He wore a blue robe, had a handsome face, and a scholarly air about him, making him appear at first glance like a frail scholar. But upon closer inspection, one could sense the immense spiritual power contained within him, as well as the occasional glint of brilliance in the depths of his calm eyes.

"Elder Han Qing has emerged from seclusion!" Doctor Mo, who was waiting outside, hurriedly went to greet him.

"Elder Mo," Han Qing nodded slightly, his voice gentle, "Where is the true form?"

"The patriarch is in the main hall, discussing important matters with Elder Linghu," said Doctor Mo. "Elder Han Qing, please follow me."

The two walked one after the other towards the main hall. The Han family disciples they encountered along the way couldn't help but glance at Doctor Mo, who was so respectful to this unfamiliar young man, and speculate about his identity.

Inside the council hall, Han Mu and Linghu Laozu sat facing each other, with a map of the Yue Kingdom spread out between them.

"...This is the Yin Sha Mountain Range, the original site of the Ghost Spirit Sect's mountain gate. After the Ghost Spirit Sect was destroyed, this place was divided up by the Flame Demon Sect, the Joyful Union Sect, and the Beast Taming Sect, but some spiritual veins are still unattended." Ancestor Linghu pointed to a spot on the map, "If the Han family can take advantage of the chaos to seize it, they can add another third-tier spiritual mountain."

Han Mu nodded: "Han Bai will handle this matter. He is currently cleaning up the remnants of the Heavenly Fiend Sect. Once things are settled there, he will make a trip to the Yin Fiend Mountains."

"Yes," Elder Linghu replied, secretly alarmed. He had witnessed the strength of Han Bai's clone; it was decisive and ruthless, with strength comparable to the peak of the Core Formation stage. With him taking action, the matter of the Yin Sha Mountain Range was almost certain to be resolved.

"Master, Elder Han Qing has emerged from seclusion," Doctor Mo reported from outside the door.

"Let him in."

Han Qing entered the council hall and bowed to Han Mu, saying, "Your Excellency."

"Sit down," Han Mu said, pointing to the chair next to him.

Linghu Patriarch looked at Han Qing, a look of surprise and doubt flashing in his eyes. This person's aura was only at the mid-stage of Core Formation, but he addressed Han Mu as "this one," which meant... this was another clone of Han Mu? Moreover, this clone's aura was profound, and his spiritual power was pure, clearly indicating that his foundation was extremely deep.

"Han Qing, this is Elder Linghu, a guest elder of the Han family," Han Mu introduced.

"Greetings, Elder Linghu." Han Qing bowed.

"You flatter me, Elder Han Qing, you're too kind," Elder Linghu quickly returned the greeting. Han Mu's clone naturally held a high position.

"Han Qing, now that you've emerged from seclusion, I'm entrusting the affairs of the Pill Hall to you," Han Mu said. "Yun Ge has a talent for alchemy, and I've already arranged for her to become your apprentice. You must teach her diligently. In addition, the Han family now has many disciples, greatly increasing the demand for pills. You must increase production as soon as possible."

"Han Qing understands." Han Qing nodded. "On the way here, Elder Mo already informed me of the general situation. Huangfeng Valley originally had three second-tier alchemists, and I will incorporate them into the Pill Hall for unified management. With the reserves of Huangfeng Valley's medicinal garden, we can refine ten Foundation Establishment Pills, one hundred Qi Condensation Pills, and three hundred Healing Pills and three hundred Qi Recovery Pills each per month. If there are special needs, we can also refine other pills."

"Not enough." Han Mu shook his head. "With the demonic invasion imminent, our elixir reserves must at least triple. If we lack materials, have Doctor Mo procure them, and draw spirit stones from the warehouse. I need you to stockpile enough elixir for three thousand people for three years within six months."

"Three years?" Patriarch Linghu's expression changed. "Patriarch, is this great war going to last that long?"

"The six sects of the Demonic Path have been plotting for many years and will not back down easily," Han Mu said calmly. "Moreover, Yue Kingdom is just the beginning. Of the nine kingdoms in Tiannan, the Demonic Path has its sights set on at least five. This great war will not be decided for at least ten years."

Linghu Patriarch gasped. A ten-year war—how many resources would that consume? How many cultivators would die? No wonder Han Mu needed to stockpile three years' worth of pills; he was clearly preparing for a long-term battle.

"Elder Linghu, continue to contact the four righteous sects and try to secure as many resources as possible," Han Mu continued to instruct. "Tell them that the Han family can provide array protection, but on the condition that they meet the Han family's requirements."

"Yes, I will take care of it right away." Ancestor Linghu rose and took his leave.

Only Han Mu and Han Qing remained in the council chamber.

"My Lord, is the invasion of the demonic path really that serious?" Han Qing asked. Although he had inherited Han Mu's memories, he was, after all, a newly created clone, and his grasp of the situation was not as thorough as that of the original.

"It's more serious than you imagine," Han Mu said in a deep voice. "Although I've never met the Six Paths Supreme Saint, I've heard rumors about him. He's extremely ambitious and single-mindedly wants to unify Tiannan and establish a demonic empire. This invasion of Yue Kingdom is just the first step. Next, Yuanwu Kingdom, Zijin Kingdom, Xi Kingdom... will all be drawn into the war."

"Then what about our Han family..."

"Our Han family will rise amidst the flames of war." A glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "Heroes emerge in times of chaos. The invasion of the demonic path is a calamity for the Yue Kingdom, but an opportunity for the Han family. If we seize it, the Han family can leap to become a top power in Tiannan, and even... replace the position of the six sects of the demonic path."

Han Qing pondered for a moment: "Does my intention mean to use the demonic path to weaken the other sects in Yue Kingdom, and then let the Han family reap the benefits?"

"Exactly." Han Mu nodded. "Therefore, the Han family cannot be at the forefront; we must conserve our strength. Let the four righteous sects fight the demonic path, and once they are both exhausted, we can then step in to clean up the mess."

"Understood," Han Qing said. "I will speed up the alchemy process at the Pill Hall. Also, regarding Yun Ge's Foundation Establishment..."

"Let her prepare; she'll begin her Foundation Establishment in three days," Han Mu said. "You will personally protect her. She possesses both wood and fire spiritual roots and has a talent for alchemy; she is the future hope of the Han family and cannot be allowed to fail."

"Yes."

After Han Qing left, Han Mu took out the talisman engraved with the Minor Five Elements Sword Formation, and then took out a jade slip, and began to inscribe information on it.

This jade slip was prepared for Han Yunge. It contained a partial map of the Crimson Forbidden Land, as well as the locations of several precious spiritual herbs. Of course, this information had been filtered to ensure it wouldn't reveal Han Mu's true nature.

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

According to the original story, Han Li will obtain a large number of spiritual herbs in the Crimson Forbidden Land, laying a solid foundation for his Foundation Establishment. The encounter between Han Yunge and Han Li will also change their destinies.

Han Mu didn't intend to interfere excessively, but he would still provide appropriate assistance. After all, Han Yunge was his granddaughter, and Han Li... was the future Old Devil Han, worthy of investment.

"System, exchange for ten 'Concealing Breath Talismans' and ten 'Earth Escape Talismans'," Han Mu thought to himself.

[Exchange for 10 Tier 3 Mid-Grade Concealment Talismans, consuming 3000 Contribution Points]

[Exchange for 10 Tier 3 Mid-Grade Earth Escape Talismans, consuming 3000 Contribution Points]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -450]

The contribution points have turned negative again. However, Han Mu doesn't care. As long as Han Yunge can gain something in the Crimson Forbidden Land, this investment is worthwhile.

"Also, exchange for one copy of 'Foundation Establishment Experience'," Han Mu continued. This was prepared for Han Yunge, and could increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment.

[Exchange for "Foundation Building Insights" (Exclusive to Wood and Fire Dual Spiritual Roots), consuming 1000 Contribution Points]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -1450]

After exchanging the items, Han Mu put the talisman, jade slip, and insights into a storage bag, then got up and walked towards Han Yunge's residence.

……

Han Yunge's residence is located on the east side of Huangfeng Valley. It is a secluded courtyard in a quiet and secluded environment. There is a century-old peach tree in the courtyard, and at this moment, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, with petals falling everywhere.

When Han Mu arrived, Han Yunge was meditating under the peach tree. She was surrounded by spiritual energy, and her aura had reached the peak of the twelfth level of Qi Refining, ready to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage at any time.

"Grandpa!" Han Yunge quickly stood up when she saw Han Mu arrive.

"No need for formalities." Han Mu waved his hand and sat down on the stone bench. "How are the preparations going?"

"That's about it," Han Yunge said. "I've already taken one Soul Nourishing Pill, and my soul has become much more stable. In addition, I've carefully checked the three Foundation Establishment Pills that Master gave me; they're of excellent quality and should be enough."

"Master?" Han Mu raised an eyebrow.

"It's Elder Han Qing," Han Yunge said with a smile. "He came to see me yesterday, gave me a lot of pointers on alchemy techniques, and even said I have good talent and wants to take me as his apprentice. Grandpa, what do you think, should I agree?"

"Of course I agree." Han Mu nodded. "Elder Han Qing has extremely high attainments in alchemy. It is your blessing to be able to become his disciple."

"Yes!" Han Yunge nodded emphatically. "I also think Master is amazing. He just gave me a few pointers, and it all became clear to me. Grandpa, did you know that Master said he can refine fourth-grade pills!"

"A fourth-tier pill?" Han Mu feigned surprise. "That's truly remarkable. Yun Ge, you must diligently learn from your master and not slack off."

"Yun Ge understands," Han Yun Ge said earnestly.

Han Mu took out a storage bag and handed it to Han Yunge: "These are some things that Grandpa prepared for you. Keep them safe."

Han Yunge took it, scanned it with her divine sense, and immediately widened her eyes: "Grandpa, this...this is too precious!"

In the storage bag, besides talismans, jade slips, and insights, there were also three second-tier high-grade magic artifacts, a set of second-tier high-grade array flags, and 100,000 spirit stones.

"Take it," Han Mu said. "You're about to reach Foundation Establishment and will soon be entering the Crimson Forbidden Land, so it's always good to be prepared. Remember, once you enter the forbidden land, safety comes first. If you encounter danger, survival is paramount; opportunities can be sought again."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Han Yunge's eyes were slightly red. She knew that although Grandpa didn't talk much, he was really good to her.

"By the way, Grandpa, there's something I want to ask you." Han Yunge hesitated for a moment before saying, "In the Crimson Forbidden Land, I might encounter someone named Han Li. He's a disciple of Yellow Maple Valley and possesses the aptitude of four spiritual roots. Grandpa, what do you think I should do towards him?"

Han Mu's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unchanged: "Han Li? I've heard of him. I've heard he's a good person. You can judge for yourself how you feel about him. But remember, you can never be too careful, but if someone treats you sincerely, you can treat them sincerely in return."

"Yun Ge has remembered." Han Yun Ge nodded.

"Alright, get ready. You'll be establishing your foundation in three days." Han Mu stood up. "Grandpa will protect you, so don't worry."

"Yes."

Leaving the courtyard, Han Mu returned to the main hall. Doctor Mo was already waiting, his expression solemn.

"Master, we have just received news that the five major sects of the demonic path have officially declared war and will simultaneously attack five passes on the border of Yue Kingdom within three days," Doctor Mo reported. "The four major sects of the righteous path have urgently requested assistance, hoping that the Han family can lend a hand."

"So fast?" Han Mu frowned slightly. It seemed that the death of the Yin Sha Old Monster had accelerated the pace of the demonic path.

"Fu Yunzi personally sent a message, saying he's willing to offer three spiritual mountains and two spirit stone mines in exchange for the Han family's help," Doctor Mo said. "This is the greatest sincerity they can offer."

Han Mu pondered for a moment and said, "Tell Fu Yunzi that the Han family can send two Core Formation elders to assist in the defense. However, the Han family will not engage the enemy head-on; they will only be responsible for setting up formations and reinforcing the defense. In addition, the three spiritual mountains and two mines must be transferred in advance, and will not be returned regardless of victory or defeat after the battle."

"Yes," Doctor Mo replied, then hesitated for a moment before asking, "Master, which two elders should we send?"

"Elder Linghu and Han Bai," Han Mu said. "Elder Linghu is familiar with the Righteous Path Alliance and can mediate. Han Bai is strong enough to handle unexpected situations. Tell them that their priority is self-preservation, not to risk their lives. If things become unbearable, they should retreat immediately."

"Understood."

After Doctor Mo left, Han Mu stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky.

The great battle is about to begin.

And the Han family will take center stage in the cultivation world of Tiannan during this great battle.

"System, check the current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

[Cultivation Level: Late Stage of True Nascent Soul / Mid Stage of Superficial Core Formation]

[Cultivation Techniques: Fifth Level of the Primordial Longevity Technique, Fourth Level of the Heavenly Gathering Technique]

[Avatars: Han Bai (Peak Core Formation), Han Qing (Mid-Core Formation)]

[Family: Han Family]

Family members: 4573

Foundation Establishment cultivators: 63