The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Inside the cave on Green Bamboo Peak, Han Mu sat cross-legged, looking at the Spirit Eye Spring floating in front of him.

It was a fist-sized, milky-white water sphere, its surface shimmering with a faint spiritual light and emanating a refreshing spiritual energy. This Spirit Eye Spring, a reward from the system, was not a physical object, but a special energy body that could be placed on a spiritual vein node.

"Three miniature spiritual veins converge at Qingzhu Peak, and this is the most suitable point."

Han Mu pressed his palm down, and the Spirit Eye Spring slowly sank into the ground of the cave.

hum-

With a soft hum, the concentration of spiritual energy within the cave suddenly increased! The originally thin spiritual energy became as visible as a thin mist, and taking a breath made one feel refreshed.

[The Spirit Eye Spring has been successfully installed]

[Current spiritual energy concentration: Increased by three times]

[Area of ​​influence: A radius of 30 zhang centered on the node]

"Three times the concentration." Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. "This way, the clansmen can cultivate here at least 20% faster."

However, while the Spirit Eye Spring is beneficial, it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. The Blood Refining Sect's retaliation could come at any time, so the family's strength must be increased as soon as possible.

"System, retrieve detailed family data."

[Family: Han Clan (Yanling Fortress)]

Total number of clan members: 87

Number of cultivators: 13 (12 Qi Refining stage, 1 Foundation Establishment stage)

[Family Fortune: Gray (Crisis)]

[Family Talent: Resilient Bloodline (Activated)]

[Special Building: Spirit Eye Spring x1]

[Clan Development Task Progress: Number of cultivators 13/100, Foundation Establishment members 1/3]

[Remaining time: 2 years and 11 months]

At least two more Foundation Establishment cultivators are needed.

Han Mu pondered for a moment. Han Changqing was currently at the ninth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from Foundation Establishment, and could use the Five Elements Core Formation Powder to assist in core formation. But the other person…

Just then, Han Changqing's voice came from outside the cave: "Father, there is something I need to report to you."

"Come in."

Han Changqing strode in, his face grave. "I just received news that there's been some movement from the Blood Refining Sect. The disciples who escaped said Zhao Wuxue was killed, and the entire sect is furious. The Grand Elder, Zhao Xuesha, has emerged from seclusion and is reportedly gathering forces, possibly planning a full-scale revenge!"

"Elder Zhao Xue Sha..." Han Mu raised an eyebrow slightly, "What is his cultivation level?"

"Fourth level of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment," Han Changqing said in a deep voice. "This person cultivates the 'Blood Fiend Demon Art,' and is infamous for his ferocity. He once single-handedly slaughtered three Qi Refining families. Moreover, the Blood Refining Sect also has the Third Elder, Zhao Xuehun, who is at the third level of Foundation Establishment and is skilled in Blood Soul Curses. He is impossible to defend against."

Two are at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and one is at the early-Foundation Establishment stage.

With Han Mu's current cultivation level of the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, coupled with the Lesser Five Elements Sword Formation, dealing with these three would not be difficult. The difficulty lies in how to defeat them "reasonably" without revealing his true strength.

"Father, should we evacuate?" Han Changqing couldn't help but ask. "The spiritual vein is good, but if the family is destroyed..."

"No need," Han Mu shook his head. "Go and call Yun Ge over; I have something to tell you."

Han Changqing was taken aback, but still stepped back in response.

A moment later, Han Yunge came running in, her eyes sparkling: "Grandfather, you wanted to see me?"

"Hmm." Han Mu looked at her. "How's your alchemy learning going?"

Han Yunge blushed: "I can refine several basic pills from the 'Qingyuan Pill Manual,' but the success rate is not high..."

"That's enough." Han Mu took out several spiritual herbs from his storage bag, which he had previously plundered from Zhao Tieshan and the others' storage bags. "These are 'Blood-Coagulating Grass,' 'Soul-Slaying Flower,' and 'Bone-Rotting Vine,' all materials for refining poison pills. I'll give you a pill formula; within three days, refine three batches of 'Bone-Corroding Blood-Rotting Powder.'"

Han Yunge took the spiritual herb, somewhat bewildered: "Grandfather, this poison pill..."

"Since the Blood Refining Sect is coming, we should prepare some 'gifts' for them," Han Mu said calmly. "This is something only you and I know; don't tell anyone else."

Han Yunge trembled, then nodded emphatically: "Yes!"

After Han Yunge left, Han Mu summoned Han Changqing and said, "Go to the area around Yanling Fort and draw detailed topographical maps of these three places."

He pointed his finger in the air, and spiritual energy condensed into three points of light, which landed on the wall of the cave.

"These three places are all dangerous valleys, the most suitable for setting traps," Han Mu said. "I want you to lead people to set up simple mazes in these three places within three days. They don't need to be very sophisticated, just enough to trap a Qi Refining stage cultivator for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea."

Han Changqing's eyes lit up: "Father wants to..."

"Since they dare to come, they can forget about leaving alive." A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "But remember, this matter must be kept secret. Use the materials from our inventory for the formation, and don't attract attention."

"yes!"

For the next three days, things appeared calm and peaceful at the Han family's residence.

In reality, Han Yunge was refining pills day and night in a secret chamber, while Han Changqing, along with several trusted disciples, was quietly setting up an array in the valley. Han Mu himself was in seclusion in his cave on Qingzhu Peak, actually rehearsing tactics.

On the evening of the fourth day, Han Yunge finally arrived at the cave dwelling carrying a jade box.

"Grandfather, it's finished." She looked tired, but her eyes were excited. "Three batches of 'Bone-Corroding and Blood-Corroding Powder,' a total of seventy-two pills. Following your instructions, I mixed them with 'Exploding Flame Stone' powder to make these poison pills that explode upon contact with spiritual energy."

Han Mu opened the jade box, inside were dozens of black pills the size of soybeans, with smooth surfaces and a faint, sweet-smelling odor.

"Well done." Han Mu nodded approvingly. "Go back and rest. Leave the rest to Grandfather."

After Han Yunge left, Han Mu put the poison pill into his storage bag and then took out the three valley topographic maps to study them carefully.

"The first valley is narrow, suitable for an ambush; the second valley has an underground river, which can be used to set up a water-attribute trap; the third valley..." Han Mu pointed to the last map, "This open terrain is actually the most suitable for a head-on confrontation."

He already had a plan in mind.

Just then, a rumbling thunder came from the distant horizon!

Boom—

It wasn't real thunder, but a sonic boom caused by a large number of cultivators using their magical artifacts to break through the air!

Han Mu got up and walked out of the cave, looking up. He saw dozens of blood-red streaks of light streaking across the western sky like shooting stars. The three leading streaks of light were incredibly powerful, and they were all Foundation Establishment cultivators!

"They're here."

Han Mu remained calm and waved his hand to send out a communication talisman.

Soon, Han Changqing led all his clansmen to retreat into the back mountain and hide in the formation, leaving only Han Mu on the entire Green Bamboo Peak.

The crimson light arrived in an instant, landing in front of Green Bamboo Peak.

Leading the group was an elderly man with red hair, a gaunt face, and bloodshot eyes—Zhao Xue Sha, the Great Elder of the Blood Refining Sect, at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment! To his left was a middle-aged man in black robes, his face as pale as a ghost—Zhao Xue Hun, the Third Elder, at the third level of Foundation Establishment! To his right was a woman in red, her aura slightly weaker but still at the first level of Foundation Establishment—Zhao Xue Mei, the Fourth Elder.

Behind him, more than fifty Qi Refining stage disciples exuded murderous intent.

"Han Mu!" Zhao Xuesha's voice was hoarse as if he were sharpening a knife. "He killed my second brother, and today I will use the blood of your entire clan to appease his soul!"

Han Mu, his face pale, forced himself to maintain the pressure of a first-level Foundation Establishment cultivator: "Elder Zhao, Zhao Wuxue was the one who bullied others first..."

"Enough nonsense!" Zhao Xuesha roared. "Set up the Blood Fiend Formation! Today I will transform this mountain into a pool of blood!"

More than fifty disciples quickly dispersed, forming hand seals, and crimson spiritual energy soared into the sky, weaving into a huge crimson light net that enveloped Green Bamboo Peak!

This is the combined attack formation of the Blood Refining Sect. Fifty Qi Refining stage disciples working together have a power comparable to a mid-Foundation Establishment stage attack!

Han Mu gritted his teeth, formed hand seals, and fully activated the Green Bamboo Spirit Protection Array.

boom!

The crimson light net collided with the cyan light screen, causing the screen to vibrate violently and cracks to appear on its surface.

"Pfft!" Han Mu spat out a mouthful of blood, his breath weakening once more. "You... really intend to wipe us all out?"

"Exterminate them all?" Zhao Xue sneered. "I'll wipe out your Han family, leaving not a single one alive!"

He turned to Zhao Xuehun: "Third brother, make your move!"

Zhao Xuehun nodded, took out a small blood-red banner from his bosom, and gently shook it.

Instantly, countless vengeful spirits flew out from the small banner, emitting mournful shrieks, and rushed towards the mountain-protecting formation!

These vengeful spirits crashed into the light barrier, constantly eroding the array's spiritual power, causing the light barrier's color to dim at a visible speed.

"At most half an incense stick's time, and the formation will be broken," Zhao Xuehun said sinisterly.

With a look of despair on his face, Han Mu suddenly turned and fled towards the back of the mountain!

"Trying to run?" Zhao Xue Sha sneered. "Chase him!"

He took the lead, transforming into a streak of blood-red light in pursuit. Zhao Xuehun and Zhao Xuemei followed closely behind, and the fifty disciples also dispelled their formations and flew away on their magical artifacts.

Han Mu, in a panic, fled into the first valley.

The valley is narrow, with steep mountain walls on both sides.

"You're courting death!" Zhao Xuesha laughed, about to rush in—

Suddenly, dozens of black pills appeared out of thin air on the mountain walls on both sides of the valley and exploded at the same time!

hiss hiss hiss—

Black poisonous fog instantly filled the entire valley!

"Poison?!" Zhao Xue Sha's expression changed, and he hurriedly raised his protective spiritual light. But the Qi Refining stage disciples behind him were not so lucky. The dozen or so people at the front were caught off guard and inhaled the poisonous mist.

"ah--!"

A series of agonizing screams rang out, and the disciples' skin rapidly ulcerated, their flesh dissolved, and within a few breaths they turned into bones!

"Bone-Corroding and Blood-Rotting Powder?!" Zhao Xuemei exclaimed in shock, "This is a lost poison pill!"

"Retreat! Retreat now!" Zhao Xuesha roared.

But it was too late.

Han Mu "reluctantly" stood at the other end of the valley, his hands forming a hand seal: "Explode!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

On both sides of the valley, the buried explosive rocks exploded simultaneously! The mountain collapsed, completely blocking the retreat route!

Poisonous fog filled the air, and screams of agony echoed endlessly.

Of the fifty Qi Refining stage disciples, more than half were killed or injured in the blink of an eye!

"Han Mu! I will extract your soul and refine your spirit!" Zhao Xue Sha's eyes were bloodshot as he frantically channeled his spiritual power to force the poisonous mist away.

He, Zhao Xuehun, and Zhao Xuemei were all Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the poisonous mist couldn't harm them for the time being.

But just as they were fighting off the poisonous fog—

Five-colored sword light silently shone through the poisonous fog.

Minor Five Elements Sword Formation, activated!