The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Three days later, in the council hall of Yellow Maple Valley.

Han Mu stood in the hall, surrounded by more than ten elders of Huangfeng Valley. The weakest among them was at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and three of them were even at the Core Formation stage. Sitting in the main seat was an old man with a white beard, none other than Qingyun Zhenren, the sect leader of Huangfeng Valley, who was at the late Core Formation stage, and whose eyes gleamed with a sharp light as they opened and closed.

"Han Mu, the patriarch of the Han family of Yanling Fortress, is a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator, proficient in formations. Three days ago, he assisted our sect in repelling the attack from the Blood Fiend Sect and sealed the Yin Fiend Qi, preventing casualties within the sect." Li Huayuan stood in the hall, loudly proclaiming Han Mu's achievements. "After joint deliberation by the Enforcement Hall and the Foreign Affairs Hall, it is proposed that Han Mu be granted the position of Guest Elder, enjoying the treatment of a Level Three Guest Elder. What do you all think?"

The hall was silent. More than a dozen elders looked at Han Mu, some scrutinizing him, some curious, and some dismissive.

"Even with the highest level of array formation mastery, one is still only at the first level of Foundation Establishment," a red-faced elder said calmly. "A third-level guest elder receives three hundred spirit stones and three bottles of Qi Gathering Pills every month, and can also exchange for all cultivation techniques below the third floor of the sect's Scripture Pavilion. Isn't this treatment a bit too generous?"

"Junior Brother Chen, you are mistaken," Li Huayuan retorted. "Although Fellow Daoist Han's cultivation is not high, his mastery of formations is profound. His Five Elements Sealing Spirit Formation can seal the self-destruction of an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. Who among you present dares to say that you could achieve such a feat at the first level of Foundation Establishment?"

The red-faced elder paused, then fell silent.

Another elder in blue robes spoke up: "Fellow Daoist Han's contributions certainly deserve the position of Guest Elder. However, there is one thing I don't understand—Fellow Daoist Han seems to know a great deal about the Yin Sha Ghost King. May I ask how you learned such a secret?"

This is a tricky question. If Han Mu doesn't answer it well, he could easily be suspected of having ties to the demonic path.

"Replying to Senior," Han Mu said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "My family is located in Yanling Fortress, only three hundred miles from Black Wind Ridge. Several months ago, a malevolent aura appeared near my family, harming people and livestock. I sent people to investigate and discovered the anomaly at Black Wind Ridge. Later, we encountered cultivators from the Ghost Spirit Sect and learned some information from them. Combining this with what Elder Blood Fiend just said, we were able to deduce the matter of the Malevolent Ghost King."

This explanation makes perfect sense. Yanling Fortress is indeed close to Black Wind Ridge, and it's normal for the family to send people to investigate, given the negative energy affecting them.

"I see." The elder in blue nodded and did not ask any further questions.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" Master Qingyun spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

No one spoke again inside the hall.

"In that case, I hereby declare that Han Mu is officially a guest elder of Huangfeng Valley, enjoying the treatment of a third-level guest elder." Qingyun Zhenren raised his hand, and a golden token flew towards Han Mu. "This is the guest elder token. With this token, you can enter and exit most areas of the sect, exchange resources, and issue missions. You can collect your salary at the Foreign Affairs Hall on the first day of each month."

Han Mu took the token, which was warm to the touch. The front was engraved with the words "Huang Feng" and the back with the words "Guest Elder Han Mu". There was a faint array fluctuation, which was obviously an identity certificate.

"Thank you, Sect Leader, and thank you, Elders." Han Mu cupped his hands in thanks.

"Guest Elder Han," Master Qingyun continued, "the matter of the Yin Sha Ghost King is of utmost importance. I have already informed the other six sects that a seven-sect meeting will be held soon to discuss countermeasures. During this time, as a guest elder, you should contribute to your sect. I order you to assist Elder Li in investigating the spread of the Yin Sha Qi in Black Wind Ridge and to draw up a detailed map. Do you have any questions?"

"I will certainly do my best," Han Mu replied. This was exactly what he wanted—to investigate Black Wind Ridge in the name of Yellow Maple Valley, which would not only allow him to obtain firsthand information but also make use of the sect's resources.

"Let's disperse." Master Qingyun waved his sleeve.

Everyone got up and left. Li Huayuan walked to Han Mu's side and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Guest Elder Han. Come, I'll take you to collect your guest elder benefits, and we'll also go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a cultivation technique."

"Thank you for your trouble, Elder Li."

After leaving the council hall, the two went to the Foreign Affairs Hall to collect their monthly salary—three hundred spirit stones and three bottles of Qi Gathering Pills. Then they went to the Scripture Pavilion.

The Sutra Repository is a nine-story tower, ancient and weathered, exuding a strong scholarly atmosphere. Li Huayuan led Han Mu directly up to the third floor, the highest floor that Foundation Establishment stage guest elders could enter.

"Guest Elder Han, according to the rules, you may choose two cultivation techniques and three spells here." The elder guarding the pavilion was an old woman with white hair, at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, with a profound aura. "The cultivation technique jade slips cannot be taken out; you can only make a copy here. The spell jade slips can be taken away, but they must not be passed on to others."

"Understood." Han Mu nodded.

He walked around the third floor, where hundreds of jade slips were displayed in the cultivation technique area, categorized by type: fire, water, wood, metal, earth, special attributes... a dazzling array.

Han Mu went directly to the special attribute area and found the jade slip containing the "Pure Yang True Fire Technique." Next to the jade slip was a description: A third-tier fire attribute cultivation technique, specifically designed to counter evil spirits. Upon mastery, it can condense pure Yang true fire, tripling the damage dealt to ghosts. Exchange requires 5,000 contribution points or the privilege of a guest elder.

"This is it." Han Mu picked up the jade slip.

He then chose the "Five Elements Escape Technique," a life-saving escape technique that, while not directly increasing combat power, is very practical.

In the spell section, Han Mu chose "Fire Rain," "Golden Light Shield," and "Earth Spike," all of which are common but practical spells.

After copying the cultivation method, Han Mu and Li Huayuan left the Scripture Pavilion.

"Guest Han, what are your plans for the future?" Li Huayuan asked.

"I'd like to go to Danxin Pavilion first to exchange for the recipes for Yangyan Pill and Posha Pill," Han Mu said. "In addition, I need to purchase some array-setting materials. We can't investigate Black Wind Ridge without being prepared."

"Indeed." Li Huayuan nodded. "I'll have Junior Nephew Chen help you with the pill formula. As for the array materials, you can buy them at the sect's 'Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion,' where guest elders get a 20% discount. If needed, you can also post a task and have a disciple collect them on your behalf."

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Li."

After the two parted ways, Han Mu went to Danxin Pavilion first. Chen Song had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing him arrive, he greeted him with a smile: "Guest Elder Han, congratulations! The pill formula is ready, but according to the rules, exchanging the pill formula requires contribution points or completing the corresponding pill refining task."

"How many contribution points are needed?" Han Mu asked.

"The recipe for Yangyan Pill costs 800 contribution points. The recipe for Posha Pill costs 1,200 contribution points," Chen Song said. "Alternatively, you can exchange it for refining ten batches of Qi Gathering Pills and twenty batches of Qi Consolidation Pills for the sect."

Han Mu thought for a moment. He didn't have any contribution points, but alchemy... with his current level, refining these low-level pills wouldn't be difficult, it just would take time.

"I choose the alchemy mission," Han Mu said.

"Alright." Chen Song took out a mission jade slip. "This is the mission details. The materials will be provided by the sect, and the success rate of pill formation must reach more than 50%. Upon completion, the pill formula will be provided, and you can keep 30% of the excess pills for yourself."

"Very fair terms." Han Mu took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense to confirm its accuracy, left a mark on the jade slip, and accepted the mission.

"The alchemy room is over there; Guest Elder Han can use it at any time," Chen Song pointed to the back hall.

Han Mu did not immediately begin refining pills, but instead went to the Wanbaolou first. The Wanbaolou was an internal trading place within Huangfeng Valley, with five floors corresponding to disciples of different cultivation levels. Guest elders could go up to the fourth floor.

Han Mu walked around the fourth floor and purchased a batch of array-setting materials: ten mid-grade spirit stones of each of the five elements, twenty array flags, five array plates, and some special sealing talismans and exorcising magic artifacts. The total cost was 1,200 spirit stones, which, after a 20% discount, was 960. Almost all of his newly received salary was spent on it.

It was worth it. These materials were more than enough for him to set up several medium-sized formations, more than enough to deal with the investigation at Black Wind Ridge.

After purchasing the materials, Han Mu returned to Danxin Pavilion and began his alchemy task. He first refined Qi Gathering Pills, the most basic pills for the Qi Refining stage. With his level three alchemist skills, refining them was a piece of cake. One batch of twelve pills yielded ten successful pills, eight of which were of superior quality and two of medium quality, far exceeding the task requirement by more than 50%.

Next up is the Qi-Strengthening Pill, which is slightly more difficult, but still no problem for Han Mu. One batch of nine pills yielded seven pills: six high-grade and one mid-grade.

Ten batches of Qi Gathering Pills and twenty batches of Yuan Consolidation Pills, which would normally take several days, were all completed by Han Mu in just two days. The success rate of the pills was consistently above 70%, and the quality was mostly top-grade.

As Chen Song inventoried the pills, his eyes widened in astonishment: "Guest Elder Han, your alchemy skills... are probably more than just at the third-tier level, aren't they?"

"Practice makes perfect," Han Mu said modestly.

Chen Song gave him a deep look, but didn't ask any more questions. He handed the jade slips containing the formulas for the Yangyan Pill and the Posha Pill to Han Mu: "Guest Elder Han, these are the formulas. Also, according to the rules, you can keep 30% of the extra pills for yourself. Here is the list."

Han Mu glanced at the list. He had refined a total of 103 Qi Gathering Pills and 148 Yuan Consolidation Pills. He kept 30% for himself, which would yield 31 Qi Gathering Pills and 44 Yuan Consolidation Pills. Although they were all low-grade pills, they were excellent cultivation resources for the Qi Refining stage disciples of his family.

"Thank you for your trouble." Han Mu put away the pills and the prescription.

After leaving Danxin Pavilion, Han Mu returned to his residence and began studying the pill formulas. Both Yangyan Pill and Posha Pill were third-tier pills, and their refining difficulty was not low. The main ingredients, "Yangyan Grass" and "Posha Grass," were even rarer. Fortunately, the formulas contained alternative solutions, allowing the use of other spiritual herbs with similar attributes, although the effects would be diminished.

"System, deduce the optimal refining schemes for Yangyan Pill and Posha Pill."

[Driving simulation in progress...]

[Yangyan Pill: Replacing "Yangyan Grass" with "Crimson Sun Fruit" and adding "Vermilion" and "Blazing Sun Flower" can retain 80% of the original pill's effects. Estimated success rate: 65%]

[Breaking Evil Pill: Replacing "Breaking Evil Grass" with "Soul-Suppressing Wood" and adding "Lightning-Struck Wood" and "Heart-Cleansing Grass" can retain 70% of the original pill's effects. Estimated success rate: 60%]

Materials can be purchased on the fourth floor of Wanbaolou.

How many contribution points are needed to exchange for these materials?

【Red Sun Fruit: 50 contribution points/fruit, 3 fruits required】

【Cinnabar: 10 contribution points/tael, requires 2 taels】

【Radiant Sunflower: 30 contribution points/plant, 2 plants required】

【Soul-Suppressing Wood: 80 Contribution Points/Stage, Requires 1 Stage】

[Lightning-struck wood: 60 contribution points/piece, requires 1 piece]

【Heart-Cleansing Grass: 20 contribution points/plant, 3 plants required】

【总计：50×3+10×2+30×2+80+60+20×3=150+20+60+80+60+60=430贡献点】

430 contribution points isn't much, but Han Mu currently has zero contribution points. Looks like he'll have to take on some missions.

He took out the Guest Elder Token and probed it with his divine sense. Inside was a "Task List". There were many kinds of tasks, such as hunting monsters, collecting spiritual herbs, escorting supplies, and refining pills, with rewards ranging from tens to thousands of contribution points.

Han Mu browsed for a moment and selected a task: "Investigate the spread of Yin energy in Black Wind Ridge and draw a detailed map. Reward: 500 contribution points. Issued by: Foreign Affairs Hall."

Perfect timing! This task overlaps with what Master Qingyun instructed, killing two birds with one stone.

Han Mu accepted the mission and was preparing to depart when his guest advisor's token suddenly vibrated; it was a message from Han Changqing.

"Father, Elder Mo has successfully established his foundation! Just half an hour ago, spiritual energy flowed into his cave, and his cultivation has now stabilized, officially marking his entry into the Foundation Establishment stage!"

It's done! Doctor Mo has successfully completed his Foundation Establishment!

Han Mu was overjoyed. With this, the Han family would now have two Foundation Establishment cultivators, completing two-thirds of the family's development mission.

"In addition," Han Changqing continued, "Li Yuanming and Zhang Xuanfeng have also taken Foundation Establishment Pills and begun seclusion. The total number of cultivators in the family has reached ninety-seven, only three short of one hundred. Construction of the Heart Refining Tower can begin tomorrow."

Good news keeps coming.

Han Mu replied, "Very well, I will return in three days. In the meantime, keep the mountain gates tightly closed and strengthen security. Do not send anyone near Black Wind Ridge for the time being."

"My son understands."

After ending the message, Han Mu looked northwest with a determined gaze.

Doctor Mo has successfully established his foundation, greatly increasing the family's strength. Next, they must focus all their efforts on dealing with the threat of the Yin Sha Ghost King.

He took off on his sword and flew towards Black Wind Ridge.

The investigation has officially begun.