The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

"Take Green Bamboo Peak flat?" A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "It seems Black Wind Stronghold has a death wish. Changqing, tell me in detail what happened last night."

Han Changqing said in a deep voice, "Last night at midnight, six black-clad cultivators infiltrated the Spirit Eye Spring area and were discovered by the warning array set up by Senior Li Yuanming. Three of them were at the ninth level of Qi Refining, two were at the tenth level of Qi Refining, and one was at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. During the battle, we injured two of them, and the other side lost three Qi Refining cultivators. The Foundation Establishment cultivator and the two Qi Refining tenth level cultivators escaped."

"Early Foundation Establishment stage?" Han Mu frowned. "Isn't the Black Wind Stronghold leader supposed to be in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage? Why did they only send someone in the early Foundation Establishment stage?"

"That's exactly what's strange." Li Yuanming walked over, his arm wrapped in bandages, his face somewhat pale. "When I fought this person, his techniques were ruthless, unlike those of an ordinary rogue cultivator, more like those of a branch of the demonic path. Moreover, before he fled, he deliberately made a statement, as if... he was intentionally provoking us."

Intentionally provoking them? Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. This was interesting. If Black Wind Stronghold truly intended to attack, they should have done so by surprise; why would they alert them?

"System, analyze the motivations behind Black Wind Stronghold's actions."

[Analysis in progress...]

[Possibility 1: Testing the strength of the Han family to assess whether a full-scale attack is worthwhile (40% probability)]

[Possibility 2: Instigated by others to deliberately create friction (probability 35%)]

[Possibility 3: A feint attack; the real target is not Qingzhu Peak (probability 25%)]

Under someone else's orders? Han Mu's eyes narrowed. If so, who was the instigator? Remnants of the Ghost Spirit Sect? Or some other force hostile to the Han family?

"Father, how should we deal with this?" Han Changqing asked. "Should we strengthen our defenses, or...?"

"Defense?" Han Mu sneered. "They've already attacked our doorstep, what's the point of defending? I'm going to Black Wind Stronghold."

"What?!" Han Changqing exclaimed in shock. "Father, your injuries haven't healed yet, and Black Wind Stronghold has a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator stationed there, along with dozens of subordinates. It's too dangerous for you to go alone!"

"It's alright." Han Mu waved his hand. "I know what I'm doing. You all guard Green Bamboo Peak and activate all the formations. No one is allowed to leave until I return."

"But……"

"No buts." Han Mu's tone was firm. "If this matter is not resolved, the consequences will be endless. Black Wind Stronghold must be destroyed, and destroyed cleanly and decisively, so that other covetous individuals will know that the Han family is not to be trifled with."

Seeing that Han Mu had made up his mind, Han Changqing could only nod and say, "Father, please be careful."

Han Mu said no more, took off on his sword, and flew towards Black Wind Stronghold. On the way, he took out his Guest Elder Token and sent a message to Li Huayuan: "Elder Li, the Han family has been attacked by Black Wind Stronghold. I'm going to handle it. If I don't return within three days, please look after the family."

Soon, Li Huayuan replied: "Guest Elder Han, be careful. Black Wind Stronghold's leader, Black Wind Old Demon, is at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, skilled in wind magic, and possesses a third-tier magic artifact, the 'Black Wind Banner.' Do you need support?"

"No need, I am enough on my own."

After ending the message, Han Mu moved even faster. Black Wind Stronghold was located in a valley eighty miles southwest of Green Bamboo Peak. It was easy to defend and difficult to attack. There were about fifty cultivators in the stronghold, including more than ten late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, three early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and one mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

After an incense stick's time, Black Wind Stronghold came into view. There were two arrow towers at the entrance of the valley, each guarded by two Qi Refining stage cultivators. Han Mu did not conceal his presence and landed directly on his sword.

"Who goes there?!" the guard shouted.

"Han Mu, come and see your chieftain," Han Mu said calmly.

"Han Mu?" The guard was taken aback, then realized, "A member of the Han family from Green Bamboo Peak? How dare you venture into Black Wind Stronghold alone!"

"Get out of my way, or die," Han Mu said calmly.

"Arrogant!" the guards roared, one of them taking out a warning talisman to crush it. But Han Mu was faster; with a flash of his sword, all four guards coughed up blood from their throats and collapsed dead.

Han Mu didn't even glance at them, heading straight into the valley. Along the way, he encountered three more groups of guards, eleven in total, all of whom he killed with a single sword strike. He showed no mercy; having decided to wipe out the stronghold, he couldn't leave any survivors.

Soon, alarm bells rang throughout the village. Dozens of cultivators rushed out from all directions and surrounded Han Mu. The leader was a one-eyed giant with a Foundation Establishment Level 3 cultivation, the very same early Foundation Establishment cultivator who had escaped the previous night.

"It's you!" the one-eyed man exclaimed, both shocked and enraged. "You dare come here to die?"

"Where is the Black Wind Demon? Tell him to come out." Han Mu glanced at everyone, his tone calm.

"Why would the chieftain need to lift a finger to deal with you!" the one-eyed giant sneered. "Brothers, form ranks! Kill him, and all the treasures of Green Bamboo Peak will be ours!"

Fifteen late-stage Qi Refining cultivators swiftly formed a "Black Wind Killing Array." The moment the array was completed, a howling wind transformed into countless wind blades that shot towards Han Mu. This array was incredibly powerful; the combined strength of the fifteen cultivators was enough to rival a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But Han Mu merely raised his hand. Five sword lights flew out, transforming into a small Five Elements Sword Formation, shredding all the wind blades. Then, the sword formation spun, instantly breaking through the Black Wind Killing Formation. Fifteen cultivators screamed as they were sent flying backward, either dead or seriously injured.

"How is this possible!" The one-eyed giant's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected Han Mu to be so strong; despite only having the aura of the first level of Foundation Establishment, his combat power was terrifying.

"Your turn." Han Mu looked at the one-eyed giant, took a step forward, and was already in front of him.

"I'll fight you to the death!" The one-eyed giant gritted his teeth, drew a black dagger, and thrust it straight at Han Mu's heart. Black smoke swirled around the blade, clearly indicating it was coated with a potent poison.

Han Mu neither dodged nor evaded; with a swift movement of his left hand, he directly grasped the blade. Pure Yang True Fire surged forth, hissing as the black energy was instantly purified. His right hand, fingers joined like a sword, touched the one-eyed giant's brow.

puff--

The force of the finger penetrated his brain; the one-eyed giant's eyes widened, and he collapsed limply to the ground.

"System, Soul Search." Han Mu placed his hand on the one-eyed giant's head, activating the Soul Search technique. He needed to know the true purpose of Black Wind Stronghold and whether there was a mastermind behind it.

A moment later, Han Mu withdrew his hand, his face grim. From the one-eyed giant's memories, he learned the truth—Black Wind Stronghold was indeed acting under orders, and the one who ordered it was a member of the "Blood Fiend Sect"!

The Blood Fiend Sect, one of the six sects of the demonic path, belongs to the same demonic path as the Ghost Spirit Sect. After the Black Wind Ridge incident, the Blood Fiend Sect sent someone to contact the Black Wind Old Demon, promising that if he could destroy the Han family, he would receive three Foundation Establishment Pills, 50,000 spirit stones, and become an external force of the Blood Fiend Sect.

"As expected, something fishy is going on." Han Mu's eyes were icy. The Blood Fiend Sect was seeking revenge because the Han family was the catalyst for the Black Wind Ridge incident. Moreover, since they didn't dare to directly confront Yellow Maple Valley, they were targeting the Han family instead.

"Since we're here, let's not leave." Han Mu looked towards the depths of the village. There, a powerful aura was rapidly approaching.

boom!

A black wind descended from the sky, transforming into an old man in black robes. The old man had a gaunt face and sunken eyes, and held a black banner in his hand. He was none other than the Black Wind Demon, with a cultivation level of the fifth stage of Foundation Establishment.

"You brat, how dare you kill my men!" The Black Wind Demon's voice was hoarse, like a broken gong.

"Your men struck first," Han Mu said calmly. "Moreover, your collusion with the Blood Fiend Sect adds to your crime."

Black Wind Demon's pupils contracted: "You know? Then you can't be allowed to live even more!"

Without further ado, he unfurled the Black Wind Banner, instantly conjuring a fierce gale that transformed into a black wind dragon, roaring as it pounced towards Han Mu. This was his signature move, "Black Wind Dragon Transformation," whose power was comparable to a full-force strike from a sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Han Mu dared not be careless and summoned the defensive spell "Hun Yuan Shield" recorded in the "Hun Yuan Yi Qi Jue" given to him by Qingyun Zhenren. A layer of pale golden light enveloped his entire body, and the wind dragon crashed into the light shield, making a piercing friction sound.

"A third-tier defensive spell?" The Black Wind Demon's expression changed slightly. "You are indeed not simple. But do you think this can stop me?"

He bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the Black Wind Banner. The banner shone with a brilliant black light, the wind dragon doubled in size, and its power increased even further.

The Chaos Shield trembled violently, cracks appearing everywhere. Han Mu's eyes narrowed; he knew he couldn't withstand the attack head-on. He flashed forward, using the Five Elements Escape Technique, instantly appearing behind the Black Wind Demon and thrusting his sword out.

"A mere trick!" the Black Wind Demon sneered, sweeping his banner backhand. The banner collided with the longsword, unleashing a terrifying shockwave. Han Mu grunted and flew backward, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator dares to fight me?" the Black Wind Demon Lord smugly declared. "Today, I'll use your blood to sacrifice for my Black Wind Banner!"

Just as he was about to press his advantage, he saw Han Mu suddenly smile.

"What are you laughing at?" Black Wind Demon frowned.

"I laugh at you for not realizing you're about to die." Han Mu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his aura beginning to rise. From the first level of Foundation Establishment, to the second, third, fourth... finally stopping at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment!

"You've been hiding your cultivation level?!" The Black Wind Demon's expression changed drastically.

"Now you know, it's too late." Han Mu no longer suppressed his power, and his cultivation at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment erupted completely. He formed hand seals, and the Five Elements Sword Formation was fully activated. Five sword lights transformed into five-colored giant dragons, completely surrounding the Black Wind Demon.

"No—!" Black Wind Demon roared in terror, desperately trying to activate the Black Wind Banner. But faced with an absolute difference in strength, it was all in vain.

When the five-colored dragons joined forces, the Black Wind Banner shattered, and the Black Wind Demon was minced into a bloody pulp.

After the battle, Han Mu was "pale-faced" and his aura "dropped" back to the first level of Foundation Establishment. He glanced around and saw that the dozen or so surviving Black Wind Stronghold cultivators were already terrified and kneeling on the ground begging for mercy.

"Leave none alive," Han Mu said coldly. To be merciful to the enemy is to be cruel to oneself. He took to the air on his sword, the sword light flashing, and more than ten cultivators were all killed.

After clearing the battlefield, Han Mu searched the Black Wind Stronghold's storeroom, obtaining over 20,000 spirit stones, various pills and materials, three cultivation manuals, and several magical artifacts. Most importantly, he found a blood-red token, the very communication token of the Blood Fiend Sect.

"Blood Fiend Sect..." Han Mu put away the token, his eyes flashing with cold light. He would remember this grudge.

A fire was set ablaze over Black Wind Stronghold, and Han Mu flew back to Green Bamboo Peak on his sword. Just as he reached the foot of the mountain, he saw Han Changqing anxiously waiting with his clansmen.

"Father!" Han Changqing breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Han Mu return safely.

"Black Wind Stronghold has been destroyed, and no one should dare to provoke us for a while," Han Mu said. "However, the mastermind behind this is the Blood Fiend Sect, so this matter won't be that simple. From today onwards, we must strengthen our vigilance, and all clansmen must double their cultivation."

"yes!"

Back in his cave, Han Mu checked the system panel.

[Host: Han Mu]

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

[Mission: Rise of the Clan (Phase Two)]

【当前进度：修士124/200，筑基修士4/10，资源1/1（黑风寨资源点）】

[Reward pending]

The resource point is complete! Han Mu was overjoyed. Although Black Wind Stronghold was small, it occupied a small spiritual vein, with a herb garden and a mine, which was quite valuable and could be considered a resource point.

"Claim your reward."

[Rewards: Five Elements Condensation Elixir Powder (Complete Formula), Ten Years of Cultivation Initiation, Special Building "Transmission Pavilion"]

[Should I receive the cultivation initiation immediately?]

"accept."

With ten years of cultivation surging in, Han Mu's aura surged once again, breaking through from the late stage of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment to the early stage of the eighth level! Moreover, his foundation was solid, without any sense of instability.

"Finally, I've reached the eighth level of Foundation Establishment." Han Mu felt the abundant spiritual energy within his body, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. At this rate, reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment within three years and then attempting to break through to Core Formation was not impossible.

He took out the complete formula for the Five Elements Core Formation Powder and studied it carefully. This was a rare elixir that could increase the success rate of Core Formation. Although he couldn't use it now, he could prepare the materials in advance. Once Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, and the others reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, they could use it.

As for the Hall of Transmission, it needs to be built. Han Mu decided to begin preparations after the victory celebration ceremony.

Three days later, Han Mu had fully recovered from his injuries and prepared to go to Huangfeng Valley to attend the victory celebration. Before leaving, he entrusted family affairs to Han Changqing and Doctor Mo, and then went to visit Han Yunge.

"Grandfather, you must be careful," Han Yunge said worriedly. She knew that Han Mu would definitely be the focus of attention at the celebration ceremony, and would attract attention, even jealousy.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Han Mu said with a smile. "You should cultivate diligently in Yellow Maple Valley and not let Master Chen's teachings down."

"Yun Ge understands."

Leaving Green Bamboo Peak, Han Mu flew towards Yellow Maple Valley on his sword. He knew that this victory celebration would likely not be peaceful.

But what's coming will come, and Han Mu can handle it.