The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Nine alarm bells sound – this is the highest level of enemy attack alert.

Luoyun Town instantly descended into chaos. The cultivators on the streets all looked up at the crimson light rapidly approaching the gate of Huangfeng Valley. The late-stage Foundation Establishment pressure emanating from that light was like a tangible mountain, making many Qi Refining cultivators breathless.

"They're from the Blood Fiend Sect!"

"Late Foundation Establishment stage! Are they insane? Daring to directly attack the Yellow Maple Valley's mountain gate?"

"Quickly, return to the sect!"

The disciples of Huangfeng Valley in the town all took to the air on their magical artifacts and rushed towards the mountain gate. Other rogue cultivators scattered and hid, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.

Han Mu stood by the inn window, his gaze slightly narrowed. He recognized the person in the crimson light—it was Elder Blood Fiend of the Blood Fiend Sect, with an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivation. He had clashed with him before at Yanling Fortress, where Han Mu had tricked him into retreating.

"Why would he come to Yellow Maple Valley? And alone?" Han Mu wondered. Although Elder Blood Fiend's cultivation was not low, attacking Yellow Maple Valley alone was tantamount to courting death. Yellow Maple Valley had a Nascent Soul Ancestor, several Core Formation Elders, and dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators. How could he possibly shake them alone?

Unless... he has other motives.

"System, scan Elder Blood Fiend's status."

[Scanning in progress...]

[Target: Blood Fiend Elder (Blood Fiend Sect)]

[Realm: Foundation Establishment Level 8 (True)]

[Status: Severely injured (30% of meridians damaged, spiritual energy disordered), abnormal Yin energy fluctuations within the body]

Danger Level: High (Tendency to self-destruct)

Seriously injured? Yin energy fluctuations within his body? Suicidal tendencies?

Han Mu was startled. Could it be that Elder Blood Fiend had been controlled by the Yin Fiend Ghost King? Or... had something happened to him at Black Wind Ridge?

Just then, a deafening roar came from the direction of the Yellow Maple Valley gate: "Blood Fiend Old Demon, you're courting death!"

A streak of azure light shot into the sky, meeting the crimson light. It was a middle-aged cultivator dressed in the robes of an elder of Yellow Maple Valley, his aura clearly at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment. Behind him, five more streaks of light flew out, all Yellow Maple Valley cultivators at the early to mid-stages of Foundation Establishment.

Six against one, seemingly an advantage. But Elder Blood Fiend's condition is clearly not right.

"System, predict the outcome of the battle."

[Driving simulation in progress...]

[Based on the current situation: Elder Blood Fiend is seriously injured but his combat power has increased by 30%, and he has a tendency to self-destruct.]

[Yellow Maple Valley side: 1 person at Foundation Establishment Level 7, 2 people at Foundation Establishment Level 4, and 3 people at Foundation Establishment Level 2]

[Analysis results: Huangfeng Valley has a 65% chance of winning, but will lose at least two Foundation Establishment cultivators. If Elder Blood Fiend self-destructs, the casualties will be even greater.]

No, we can't let Elder Blood Fiend self-destruct in Yellow Maple Valley. This is where Han Yunge cultivates, and it's also the future backing of the Han family. Moreover, if Elder Blood Fiend is truly controlled by the Yin Fiend Ghost King, the power of his self-destruction might have a wider impact.

Without further hesitation, Han Mu took to his sword and flew towards the battlefield. He did not directly engage in combat, but instead landed on a mountain peak at the edge of the battlefield, concealing his aura and observing in secret.

High in the sky, the battle has already begun.

Elder Blood Fiend appeared to be insane, his body surging with crimson light, each strike carrying an aura of mutual destruction. The technique he used was clearly different from before, possessing a more sinister and ghostly aura, yet its power had greatly increased.

"Blood Demon, how dare you cultivate evil ghost arts!" The leading elder of Huangfeng Valley shouted, his cyan flying sword transforming into countless sword shadows that enveloped Elder Blood Demon.

"Hahaha! Cultivation? I was forced into it!" Elder Blood Fiend laughed wildly, his voice shrill and wicked. "The monster of Black Wind Ridge... it controlled me! You all deserve to die! Everyone deserves to die!"

It really is the Yin Sha Ghost King!

Han Mu's eyes narrowed. It seemed the seal on Black Wind Ridge was loosening faster than he had imagined. The Yin Sha Ghost King had already begun to control the cultivators and expand outwards.

"Form the formation! Trapped him!" Elder Huangfeng Valley shouted.

Six cultivators from Yellow Maple Valley quickly formed a Six Harmony Formation, surrounding Elder Blood Fiend in the center. Once the formation was complete, the spiritual power of the six cultivators was linked, multiplying their strength and firmly suppressing Elder Blood Fiend's attacks.

But Elder Blood Fiend was utterly unfazed, his laughter growing even more maniacal: "Useless! Once the Ghost King breaks the seal, you will all die! The entire Yue Kingdom will be transformed into a ghost realm!"

Before he finished speaking, his body suddenly surged with blood-red light, began to swell, and black lines appeared on his skin.

"Oh no! He's going to self-destruct!" Elder Huang Fenggu's expression changed drastically.

The self-destruction of an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator was powerful enough to severely injure an early-stage Core Formation cultivator. Within a ten-mile radius, no one below the Foundation Establishment level would survive. Even if the six of them formed an array, most of them would be seriously injured.

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!"

But it was too late. Elder Blood Fiend's body swelled to its limit, and it looked like it was about to explode—

At this critical moment, a figure in blue suddenly appeared at the edge of the battlefield.

It's Han Mu.

He couldn't just stand by and watch Elder Blood Fiend self-destruct; that would be a devastating loss for Yellow Maple Valley, and would benefit neither him nor the Han family. Moreover, he wanted to try and see if he could extract more information about the Yin Fiend Ghost King from Elder Blood Fiend.

"Five Elements Sealing Spirit Array, activate!"

Han Mu formed hand seals, and five array flags of different colors flew out from his sleeves, instantly setting up a small spirit-sealing array. This array was a variant of the Minor Five Elements Sword Array; it had no offensive power, but it could temporarily seal the flow of spiritual energy.

The formation enveloped Elder Blood Fiend, causing his swollen body to freeze abruptly. The self-destruction was forcibly interrupted, but the violent spiritual energy surging within him caused him to roar in agony.

"Who?! Who dares to stop me!" Elder Blood Fiend glared at Han Mu with his blood-red eyes.

"It's me," Han Mu said calmly. "Elder Blood Fiend, it's been a long time."

"It's you... Han Mu!" Elder Blood Fiend recognized Han Mu, his eyes flashing with resentment. "It's all your fault! If you hadn't disrupted the Black Wind Ridge ritual, Lord Ghost King wouldn't have awakened prematurely! And I wouldn't have been controlled!"

It was indeed because of the Black Wind Ridge incident.

Han Mu stopped wasting words, his hands flashing, and five array flags shone brightly, forming five-colored chains that tightly bound Elder Blood Fiend. At the same time, he transmitted his voice to Elder Huangfeng Valley: "Senior, this person has been controlled by a ghost. We must suppress him as soon as possible and interrogate him for information."

The elder of Huangfeng Valley was taken aback and looked at Han Mu. He was surprised and suspicious to see that Han Mu was only at the first level of Foundation Establishment, yet he could set up such an exquisite sealing formation. But now was not the time to ask such questions. He immediately cooperated and cast several sealing talismans to strengthen the suppression of Elder Xue Sha.

Elder Blood Fiend struggled frantically, but most of his spiritual power had already been sealed, and with the combined efforts of six Foundation Establishment cultivators, he was quickly subdued.

"Seal his cultivation and take him back to the sect for interrogation," Elder Huangfeng Valley ordered.

Two Foundation Establishment cultivators stepped forward and bound Elder Blood Fiend with specially made chains, then imbued him with several restrictions to ensure he could not self-destruct or escape.

With the crisis averted, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The elder of Huangfeng Valley then looked at Han Mu, cupped his hands and said, "I am Li Huayuan, the external affairs elder of Huangfeng Valley. Thank you for your help, fellow Daoist. If it weren't for your timely sealing formation, Huangfeng Valley would have suffered a great calamity today."

Li Huayuan? Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't this the martial uncle that Chen Song had said he would introduce?

"I am Han Mu from Yanling Fortress. Greetings, Senior Li." Han Mu returned the greeting. "It was nothing, not worth mentioning."

"Han Mu..." Li Huayuan sized him up, admiration flashing in his eyes. "Although you are only at the first level of Foundation Establishment, your mastery of formations is profound. That spirit-sealing formation just now was exquisite. May I ask who your master is?"

"My family's teachings are nothing to boast about," Han Mu said modestly.

"A family heirloom?" Li Huayuan seemed thoughtful, but didn't press further. Instead, he asked, "Fellow Daoist Han, what brings you to Yellow Maple Valley this time...?"

"I have some personal matters to discuss with Master Chen Songdan," Han Mu said.

"Junior Nephew Chen?" Li Huayuan nodded. "In that case, Fellow Daoist Han, why don't you come back to the sect with me for a chat? I still need to inquire in detail about what just happened. Also, since you helped my Yellow Maple Valley repel the enemy, the sect will definitely reward you."

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

Han Mu followed Li Huayuan and the others, flying towards Huangfeng Valley. As they passed the mountain gate, he saw Han Yunge standing among a group of disciples, anxiously looking around. She breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that Han Mu was safe and sound.

Han Mu nodded slightly to her, indicating that everything was alright.

The group arrived at the Enforcement Hall of Yellow Maple Valley. Elder Blood Fiend was imprisoned in the dungeon and placed under strict guard. Li Huayuan led Han Mu to a side hall and served him spiritual tea.

"Fellow Daoist Han, what did that Blood Fiend Old Demon say about the monsters in Black Wind Ridge? What's going on?" Li Huayuan asked directly.

Han Mu did not hide anything and told the story of the Yin Sha Ghost King of Black Wind Ridge, but omitted the parts about his disruption of the ritual and his transaction with the Ghost Spirit Sect. He only said that Yin Sha Qi appeared near his family and that when he sent people to investigate, they discovered the anomaly.

"The Yin Sha Ghost King... mid-stage Core Formation..." Li Huayuan's expression was solemn. "This matter is of utmost importance. If what that old demon said is true, the Ghost King is about to break free of his seal, and the entire Yue Kingdom will face a catastrophe."

"That's right," Han Mu said. "That's why I came to Huangfeng Valley this time to seek out techniques or elixirs to subdue ghosts, just in case."

"I see." Li Huayuan pondered for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Han just helped our sect repel the enemy and provided such important intelligence. It is only right and proper that our Yellow Maple Valley should express its gratitude. In that case, I will immediately report to the sect leader and apply for the position of Guest Elder for you. Once approved, you will be able to exchange for a portion of the Pure Yang True Fire Technique, as well as the formulas for the Yang Flame Pill and the Demon-Slaying Pill."

"Thank you, Senior Li!" Han Mu stood up and bowed.

"No need for formalities." Li Huayuan waved his hand. "However, the review of guest elders will take some time, at least three days. During these three days, you can stay at the sect, and I will make the necessary arrangements."

Thank you for your trouble.

Just then, a disciple rushed in and whispered a few words in Li Huayuan's ear. Li Huayuan's expression changed slightly, and he said to Han Mu, "Fellow Daoist Han, there's been a problem with Blood Fiend Old Demon."

"What's going on?"

"The Yin energy within him suddenly erupted, and he completely lost his mind, transforming into a murderous monster," Li Huayuan said in a deep voice. "The junior brothers of the Enforcement Hall are suppressing it, but that Yin energy is extremely difficult to deal with and risks spreading."

The spread of malevolent energy? That would be terrible!

Han Mu's heart stirred, and he said, "Senior Li, I might have a way to temporarily suppress the Yin energy. Would you allow me to give it a try?"

"Oh?" Li Huayuan's eyes lit up. "Fellow Daoist Han, please follow me."

The two arrived at the dungeon. There, they saw Elder Blood Fiend imprisoned in a specially made cage, his body churning with black energy, his face contorted in a ferocious expression, constantly pounding against the cage. Four Foundation Establishment cultivators around him were doing their best to maintain the sealing formation, but black energy continued to seep out from the gaps.

"This Yin energy can corrode spiritual power and is extremely difficult to remove." A cultivator's face was pale, clearly indicating that he had expended a great deal of energy.

Han Mu observed for a moment and made a plan. He walked to the cage, made hand seals, and released rays of five-elemental spiritual light. The spiritual light entered the black mist and, according to the principle of mutual generation and restraint, began to gradually wear down the yin energy.

"The five elements cycle, purifying!"

The five-colored spiritual light formed a vortex, drawing the black energy into it and slowly refining it. The process was slow, but undeniably effective. After a stick of incense had burned, the black energy surrounding Elder Blood Fiend noticeably thinned, and the force of the impact lessened.

"It works!" Li Huayuan exclaimed in surprise.

Another half hour passed, and most of the black energy was purified. Elder Blood Fiend collapsed to the ground, still unconscious, but no longer in mortal danger.

"Fellow Daoist Han, I am deeply grateful," Li Huayuan said solemnly. "I will report this matter truthfully to the sect leader. As for the matter of the guest elder, I, Chen, will take care of it."

"Thank you, Senior Li."

After leaving the dungeon, Li Huayuan personally arranged a quiet courtyard for Han Mu to stay in temporarily. Just as Han Mu settled in, Chen Song rushed over.

"Fellow Daoist Han, are you alright?" Chen Song asked with concern. "The attack on our mountain gate just now worried me to death. Yun Ge was especially anxious and insisted on coming to find you, but I stopped her."

"Thank you for your trouble, Master Chen. I have nothing to do," Han Mu said.

"That's good." Chen Song breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "Uncle Li speaks highly of you, and the matter of becoming a guest elder is basically settled. However... just now, news came from the Enforcement Hall that some information about Black Wind Ridge was extracted from the Blood Fiend Old Demon's memory fragments."

"What information?"

"That Yin Sha Ghost King is probably more than just a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator." Chen Song's expression was solemn. "It seems to be preparing a blood sacrifice, using the essence and souls of 100,000 living beings to break through to the late-stage Core Formation stage, or even... the Nascent Soul stage."

One hundred thousand lives?

Han Mu's heart sank.

If it succeeds, not only will Yanling Fort be devastated, but the entire Yue Kingdom will suffer immense loss of life.