The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Seven days later, Han Mu awoke from his seclusion in the early morning.

A faint medicinal fragrance permeated the cave, the lingering scent of the "Restoration Pill" he had refined while healing. After seven days of recuperation, most of the damage to his meridians had been restored, and his spiritual power had returned to its peak.

"System, retrieve the current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

[Realm: Foundation Establishment Level 7 (True) / Foundation Establishment Level 1 (Surface)]

[Cultivation Technique: Primordial Longevity Technique (Second Level, Minor Success)]

[Cultivation Progress: 18%]

[Status: Healthy (92% recovery of meridian damage)]

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. Although this forced breakthrough was risky, the gains were considerable. His cultivation at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment was already top-tier in the Yanling Fortress region, and coupled with the power of the Five Elements Sword Formation, even ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators would find it difficult to deal with him.

But he knew this was only temporary.

The three-year agreement is like a sword hanging over our heads; we must seize every moment to strengthen the Han family.

"Father, you've emerged from seclusion?" Han Changqing's voice came from outside the cave.

"Come in."

Han Changqing pushed open the door and entered, holding a ledger in his hands: "This is the expenditure and reconstruction progress for the past few days. Please take a look."

Han Mu took the account book and quickly browsed through it. After the demonic path retreated, the Han family began a full-scale reconstruction. With the six thousand spirit stones, they repaired the mountain-protecting array, purchased materials for alchemy and weapon forging, and recruited more than thirty teenagers with spiritual roots from surrounding villages and towns. Among them, five had good aptitude and had already begun cultivating the Qi Refining Chapter of the "Primordial Longevity Technique".

"Well done." Han Mu closed the ledger. "How about the Li and Zhang families?"

"Li Yuanming and Zhang Xuanfeng's injuries have healed, and they have moved to Qingyang Peak with their clansmen for temporary residence." Han Changqing paused, "Both seniors have expressed their willingness to serve the Han family as their masters, and from now on, Yanling Fort will follow the Han family's lead."

This was to be expected. After this ordeal, the Li and Zhang families were no longer able to stand on their own, and relying on the Han family was their only option.

"Tell them that the three families are of one mind and share the same lineage, with no distinction between master and servant," Han Mu pondered. "However, family integration is imperative. You draft a set of regulations to unify the management of the three families' cultivation techniques and resources, and to focus on cultivating promising disciples."

"Yes," Han Changqing replied, then asked, "Father, what about Yun Ge... what are your thoughts on how to arrange things?"

Mentioning Han Yunge, a smile flashed in Han Mu's eyes. These past few days, aside from assisting with family affairs, this girl had spent almost all her time in the alchemy room. Yesterday, she successfully refined a batch of "Solidifying Essence Pills," achieving a success rate of 50%, which was astonishing talent for a girl who had only recently begun alchemy.

"Yun Ge has dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, which is suitable for the path of alchemy," Han Mu said slowly. "I plan to send her to Yellow Maple Valley."

"Yellow Maple Valley?" Han Changqing was taken aback. "The Yellow Maple Valley, one of the seven major sects?"

"That's right." Han Mu nodded. "Yanling Fortress is too small to contain a true dragon and phoenix. Huangfeng Valley is the number one alchemy sect in Yue Kingdom, with a complete heritage and resources, which can allow her to go further."

More importantly, according to the original plot, Han Li is in Huangfeng Valley. Having Han Yunge join Huangfeng Valley would not only give her a better platform for development, but also allow her to establish a connection with the future Han Tianzun, killing two birds with one stone.

"But..." Han Changqing hesitated, "The seven major sects are strict in accepting disciples. Although Yun Ge has good aptitude, she has no background after all, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for her to join."

"I have my own arrangements for this," Han Mu said calmly. "Go and make preparations first. I will personally escort her to Yellow Maple Valley in three days."

After Han Changqing withdrew, Han Mu got up and walked out of the cave.

Instead of immediately going to find Han Yunge, he went to the family's library. This was a newly built three-story building, which contained cultivation manuals seized from the Blood Refining Sect, as well as the original inheritances of the Han, Li, and Zhang families.

Han Mu found the "Azure Origin Elixir Manual" on the second floor. This was the alchemy inheritance he obtained from the system, which he had already passed on to Han Yunge. But at this moment, he had something else to do.

"System, based on the 'Qingyuan Danjue', deduce a complete cultivation method suitable for cultivators with both wood and fire spiritual roots."

[Deduction begins...]

[Based on the consumption of 9 cultivation techniques including "Qingyuan Danjue", "Lihuo Jue", and "Qingmu Changsheng Gong"]

[Deduction complete]

[New Cultivation Technique: The Azure Primordial Longevity Scripture (Wood and Fire Chapter)]

[Grade: Can be cultivated up to the Foundation Establishment stage]

【Features: Increases cultivation speed by 20%, increases alchemy success rate by 10%, and grants spiritual power a wood-fire generating effect】

Han Mu inscribed the deduced cultivation method onto a jade slip. Although this "Qingyuan Longevity Scripture" is not as comprehensive as the "Hunyuan Longevity Technique," it is particularly suitable for alchemists like Han Yunge, who possess both wood and fire spiritual roots, allowing her to progress more smoothly on the path of alchemy.

After doing all that, he went to the alchemy room.

Han Yunge was focused on controlling the heat, and the aroma of medicine filled the furnace. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, but her eyes were bright, and her technique was already quite skillful.

Han Mu did not disturb her and watched quietly. Only when a batch of "Gathering Qi Powder" was completed, producing six pills of medium quality, did Han Yunge breathe a sigh of relief and notice her grandfather standing at the door.

"Grandfather!" she quickly bowed.

"Not bad," Han Mu praised. "Although the Qi Gathering Powder is just a basic pill, the fact that you were able to master it in such a short time shows that you do have talent in alchemy."

Han Yunge blushed: "My granddaughter still has many shortcomings..."

"No need to be modest," Han Mu interrupted her, taking out the jade slip. "This is for you."

Han Yunge took the jade slip, probed it with her divine sense, and immediately revealed a look of surprise: "This is... a complete cultivation technique for both wood and fire spiritual roots?"

"Yes, I improved it based on the 'Azure Origin Elixir Manual,' making it more suitable for you." Han Mu looked at her. "Yun Ge, let me ask you, how far do you want to go in the path of alchemy?"

Han Yunge replied without hesitation, "My granddaughter wants to become a true alchemy master, to refine elixirs that can help people break through bottlenecks and prolong their lives!"

"That's ambitious," Han Mu nodded. "But if you stay in Yanling Fortress, you can only reach the first-level alchemist at most. If you want to go further, you need a wider world to explore."

Han Yunge seemed to understand something, and a hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes.

"I will send you to Yellow Maple Valley in three days," Han Mu said directly. "Yellow Maple Valley, one of the seven major sects, is a sacred place for alchemy in Yue Kingdom. I have already put in a good word for you, and you can directly join the inner sect."

"Yellow Maple Valley..." Han Yunge murmured, her eyes filled with longing and reluctance. "But Grandfather, the family is in dire need of manpower right now. If I leave..."

"Family matters are for your father and me to handle." Han Mu waved his hand. "Your going to Yellow Maple Valley is not only for yourself, but also for the family. If you can join Yellow Maple Valley, the Han family will have connections with the seven major sects, which will make things much easier in the future."

That's true. In the cultivation world, background and powerful backers are crucial. If the Han family can establish a connection with Yellow Maple Valley, those forces that covet Yanling Fortress will have to think twice.

Han Yunge took a deep breath and nodded emphatically: "Granddaughter understands. I will definitely cultivate diligently and live up to grandfather's expectations."

"Alright." Han Mu smiled. "Prepare well for these three days. Just ask if you need any cultivation techniques, pills, or magical artifacts."

After leaving the alchemy room, Han Mu returned to his cave.

He still has one more thing to do.

"System, issue a side quest: Subdue Doctor Mo."

[Side quest generated]

[Task Name: Recruiting Guest Retainers]

[Mission Requirements: Go to Jiayuan City and recruit Doctor Mo, a Qi Refining Level 10 cultivator, to become a guest retainer of the Han family.]

[Task Rewards: Five Elements Elixir Powder Main Ingredient "Five Elements Fruit" x3, Special Building "Heart Refining Tower" Construction Blueprint]

[Failure Penalty: None]

Doctor Mo is an important character in the original novel, possessing superb medical skills and a meticulous mind. If he could be won over, it would greatly benefit the Han family's development. Moreover, his cultivation has already reached the peak of the tenth level of Qi Refining; with the aid of Foundation Establishment Pills, his chances of achieving Foundation Establishment are quite high.

Han Mu calculated the time. Sending Han Yunge to Yellow Maple Valley and back would take about ten days. Adding the time to subdue Doctor Mo, he should be able to return within half a month.

"It's settled then."

He sat down cross-legged and began to regulate his breathing. The journey ahead would not be easy, and he needed to maintain peak condition.

Three days later, at dawn.

Outside the Han Family Mountain Gate, Han Yunge carried a cyan package on her back and had a storage bag given to her by Han Mu hanging at her waist, containing pills, talismans, and some essential items.

Han Changqing, Li Yuanming, Zhang Xuanfeng, and others were all seeing him off.

"Yun Ge, when you get to Huangfeng Valley, listen to your master and cultivate diligently," Han Changqing instructed.

"Sister, remember to come back and visit us often!" several younger members of the Han family called out.

Han Yunge's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded emphatically: "I will."

Han Mu walked up to her and took out a jade pendant: "This is a 'Protective Spirit Pendant,' which can withstand a full-force attack from an early Foundation Establishment cultivator. In addition, three of my sword energies are sealed inside, which can be used in critical situations."

"Thank you, Grandfather." Han Yunge took the jade pendant and carefully put it away.

"Let's go."

Han Mu released his flying sword, which transformed into a streak of azure light, carrying Han Yunge as they soared into the sky and flew towards Huangfeng Valley.

On the ground, everyone watched them disappear into the horizon.

Han Changqing took a deep breath, turned to the crowd and said, "Alright, go back and cultivate. We can't slack off either. Three years is neither a long nor a short time."

Everyone nodded and dispersed.

Above the sky, Han Mu flew on his sword at an incredible speed. Han Yunge stood behind him, clutching her grandfather's clothes tightly, both nervous and excited.

"Grandfather, what kind of place is Yellow Maple Valley?" she couldn't help but ask.

"A place where you can spread your wings and fly high." Han Mu gazed at the sea of ​​clouds ahead, a profound meaning flashing in his eyes.

This trip to Huangfeng Valley is not only for Han Yunge's future, but also for the future of the Han family.

His next destination, Jiayuan City, is also related to the family's development plan.