The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The next morning, at Tianzhu Peak Square.

Colorful flags fluttered, and bells and drums resounded. Hundreds of jade tables had been set up in the square, with cultivators from the seven major sects seated in seven directions, Huangfeng Valley occupying the main position, and the other six sects arranged in order. There were over a thousand independent cultivators and representatives of small families who came to observe the ceremony, gathered around the perimeter of the square.

Han Mu sat in the second row of the Yellow Maple Valley camp, behind Li Huayuan, with the white-browed old Taoist in front of him. This position was delicate, showing that he was valued without being too conspicuous. He was still dressed in a blue robe today, his aura controlled at the first level of Foundation Establishment, and his expression was calm.

"That's Han Mu? He looks pretty ordinary."

"How much ability can someone at the first level of Foundation Establishment possess? It's definitely just luck."

"Shh, keep your voice down. I heard he defeated a Foundation Establishment Level 3 cultivator from Huadaowu with a single blow yesterday."

"Really?"

Whispers rippled through the crowd, but Han Mu paid them no heed. His gaze swept over the other six factions, observing the key figures. From the direction of Tianque Fortress, an old man with a hooked nose, his aura reaching the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, was coldly observing; he was an enforcement elder of Tianque Fortress. On the side of the Yuling Sect, a middle-aged man in brocade robes was toying with a golden spirit rat on his shoulder; the rat was actually a second-tier demonic beast. The one-armed swordsman of Huadao Dock had a grim expression; the disciple injured yesterday stood behind him.

"Guest Han, there's no need to be nervous," Li Huayuan transmitted his voice. "Our sect leader has his own arrangements."

Han Mu nodded, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip.

At the third quarter of Chen hour, the bell tolled nine times. Master Qingyun emerged from the main hall, followed by five Core Formation elders. The plaza immediately fell silent.

"Fellow Daoists, today our seven major sects have gathered at Tianzhu Peak to celebrate the annihilation of the Yin Sha Ghost King and the resolution of the calamity of ten thousand blood demons." Master Qingyun's voice was calm, yet clearly reached everyone's ears. "In this battle, the seven major sects united as one against a common enemy, overcoming difficulties together, demonstrating the united strength of the righteous path of our Yue Kingdom."

"After discussions among the various factions, it has been decided that resources will be allocated according to contributions in this reward ceremony. The specific details have been agreed upon by the elders of each faction and will be announced later." Master Qingyun paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire room. "However, one person deserves special commendation here—Han Mu, the guest elder of Huangfeng Valley."

All eyes immediately turned to Han Mu.

"With his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, Elder Han ventured deep into the tiger's den, destroyed the array's core, rescued five Core Formation cultivators, and prevented the Ghost King from self-destructing. His merits are outstanding," said True Man Qingyun in a loud voice. "By resolution of the Huangfeng Valley Elders' Council, Elder Han is hereby granted the honorary title of 'Guardian Elder,' enjoying the treatment of an elder, and is permitted to enter the fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion, receiving double the annual offerings."

As soon as he finished speaking, the whole room erupted in uproar.

"A Dharma Protector Elder? What qualifications does a Foundation Establishment cultivator have?"

"The fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion? Only Core Formation Elders can enter that!"

"Is Huangfeng Valley trying to flatter him to death?"

Whispers rose and fell. Han Mu remained expressionless, rose and bowed to Qingyun Zhenren and those around him: "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader, and thank you for your recognition, fellow Daoists. I will certainly do my utmost and live up to your expectations."

"Wait!" The hook-nosed elder from the Tianque Fortress camp suddenly spoke up. "Fellow Daoist Qingyun, I have a question. We acknowledge Han's contributions. However, the position of Protector Elder is no ordinary one; it requires both virtue and talent, and the ability to command respect. Han is only at the early Foundation Establishment stage; I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to gain such respect?"

They've arrived. Han Mu sneered inwardly.

"Oh? Then what is Elder Li's opinion?" Master Qingyun said calmly.

"Simple." Elder Li stood up, his gaze sharp as he looked at Han Mu. "Let young friend Han spar a few moves with a disciple of my Tianque Fortress. If he wins, I will be completely convinced. If not... it would be best to postpone this position of Protector Elder for now."

"Elder Li, are you challenging the decision of my Yellow Maple Valley?" Master Qingyun's eyes turned slightly cold.

"I wouldn't dare, it's just for the sake of the righteous path of Yue Kingdom." Elder Li smiled insincerely. "Guardian Elder, you will inevitably have to represent Huangfeng Valley in the future. If your strength is insufficient, wouldn't you disgrace the Seven Great Sects?"

These words, though seemingly righteous, had cornered Han Mu. To refuse would be to appear weak; to accept would mean facing the challenge from Tianque Fortress.

"This junior is willing to accept the challenge," Han Mu said calmly.

"Good!" Elder Li's eyes flashed with smugness. "Li Feng, go and learn a few moves from Elder Han. Remember, stop when you've struck a blow."

"Yes!" A young man in black responded and leaped onto the arena in the center of the square. He was about thirty years old, with a Foundation Establishment level four cultivation, a sword at his waist, and a sharp aura.

"Li Feng of Tianque Fortress, please enlighten me, Elder Han." The young man in black clasped his hands in greeting, but his eyes were filled with contempt.

Han Mu slowly walked onto the arena. The two stood facing each other, and protective light screens rose around the arena.

"Begin!" Elder Li shouted.

Li Feng drew his sword, its blade flashing like lightning, unleashing nine slashes in an instant. The sword energy crisscrossed, sealing off all of Han Mu's escape routes. This was Tianque Fortress's ultimate technique, "Nine-Slash Chain," a technique of considerable power.

Han Mu neither dodged nor evaded, but pointed his right index finger into the air. Five sword energies of the Five Elements shot out, accurately striking the weakest point among the nine blade energies. The blade energies instantly dissipated, but the remaining momentum of the sword energies of the Five Elements remained undiminished, thrusting straight towards the sharp edge.

Li Feng was shocked and hurriedly swung his sword to block. With three clangs, he staggered back three steps, his hand split open, and the long sword almost slipped from his grasp.

"How is this possible!" Li Feng exclaimed in shock. He was at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, while his opponent was clearly only at the first level, yet his spiritual power was incredibly profound, and his swordsmanship was exquisite, with every strike aimed directly at his weaknesses.

"Is that all you've got?" Han Mu shook his head. "Then it's my turn."

He moved with lightning speed, using the Five Elements Escape Technique to instantly appear to Li Feng's left, striking out with a palm. This palm strike appeared slow, but in reality, it contained the transformations of the five elements, sealing off all of Li Feng's evasion routes.

Li Feng gritted his teeth, activated his protective spiritual light, and swung his sword at Han Mu's arm, a move that resulted in mutual destruction.

Han Mu didn't dodge, his palm striking Li Feng's chest. The protective aura shattered with a "crack," and Li Feng was sent flying backward as if struck by a heavy blow, crashing heavily into the protective light barrier, coughing up blood and collapsing to the ground.

The entire room fell silent.

One move! Li Feng, a Foundation Establishment Stage 4 cultivator, couldn't even withstand a single move!

"You flatter me." Han Mu withdrew his hand, his breathing steady, as if he had just casually swatted away a fly.

Elder Li's face was ashen. He had thought that Li Feng could at least force Han Mu to reveal some of his strength, but he hadn't expected such a decisive defeat. Tianque Fort had lost face big time.

"Is there any other fellow Daoist who would like to offer their guidance?" Han Mu looked around calmly.

From the Yu Ling Sect's camp, the middle-aged man in brocade robes suddenly laughed, "Elder Han is indeed quite powerful. However, the path of cultivation is not just about fighting and killing. My 'Golden Spirit Rat' loves nothing more than treasure hunting and exploration. I wonder if Elder Han would be interested in playing a game with it?"

As he spoke, the golden spirit rat on his shoulder darted out with a "whoosh," transforming into a golden light that darted across the arena. The spirit rat was extremely fast, leaving behind afterimages, and at the same time, it opened its mouth and spat out dozens of golden light spots. These light spots took root on the ground and instantly grew into golden vines, turning the arena into a golden forest.

"This is the 'Golden Illusion Maze.' If Elder Han can catch the spirit rat within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, then you win," the middle-aged man in brocade robes laughed. "If you can't catch it... hehe, then consider it playing with the spirit rat."

This is a battle of wits, testing one's agility, eyesight, and ability to break formations. It appears gentle, but is actually dangerous. The golden vines can interfere with divine sense, and the spirit rats are extremely fast; a slight misstep can lead to being trapped.

Han Mu remained expressionless and closed his eyes. He extended his divine sense, but it was interfered with by the golden vines, making it difficult to lock onto the spirit rat. With a thought, he condensed pure Yang true fire in his palm, transforming it into a pale golden fire lotus.

"go."

The fiery lotus flew out, growing larger with the wind until it reached a size of ten feet, hovering above the arena. The pure Yang true fire, supremely Yang and powerful, was specifically designed to counter illusions and deceptions. When the golden light encountered the flames, it melted like ice and snow; the golden vines withered rapidly, revealing the spirit rat's tracks.

Han Mu flashed and appeared before the spirit rat. The spirit rat was startled and tried to escape, but was suppressed by the aura of pure Yang true fire, and its movements faltered. Han Mu reached out and gently pinched the back of its neck.

"Squeak!" The clever mouse struggled, but couldn't break free.

"Thank you for the favor." Han Mu tossed the spirit rat back into the hands of the middle-aged man in brocade robes.

The middle-aged man in brocade robes took the spirit rat, his expression shifting before he finally sighed, "Elder Han, your methods are truly impressive. I am convinced."

After two consecutive defeats, no one dared to challenge him anymore. Han Mu's strength was now widely recognized.

Master Qingyun spoke up at the opportune moment: "Since no one has any further objections, then..."

"Wait a minute," an old voice rang out.

Everyone looked over and saw that it was the white-browed old Taoist priest from the Qingxu Sect. He slowly stood up and looked at Han Mu with a complicated expression.

"Young friend Han, I have a request," said the white-browed Taoist priest. "The Qingxu Sect possesses a fragment of an ancient array diagram, which involves ancient traditions and has remained unsolved for many years. I observe that your array formation skills are extraordinary, and I would like to ask you to help me decipher it in your spare time. In return, the Qingxu Sect is willing to gift you three drops of 'Pure Heart Jade Dew'."

The Pure Heart Jade Dew! That's a rare spiritual liquid that helps with Core Formation! Everyone gasped; the reward was too great.

Han Mu's heart stirred. The white-browed old Taoist was offering him an opportunity in front of everyone, while also trying to further strengthen their relationship. He cupped his hands and said, "If senior has given the order, this junior will certainly do his best."

"Good, good!" The white-browed old Taoist stroked his beard and laughed.

From this point on, no one dared to question him anymore. The victory celebration continued, with rewards given for meritorious service and resources allocated. Han Mu firmly held his position as a Dharma Protector Elder, and no one dared to underestimate him anymore.

The ceremony lasted until evening. After it ended, Han Mu was kept behind by Master Qingyun.

"You did well today," Master Qingyun praised. "However, you must be careful. Tianque Fortress and Yuling Sect will not let this go easily. Also, the Blood Fiend Sect has been making unusual moves at the border, so you must be extra vigilant."

"I understand," Han Mu nodded.

"There's one more thing," Master Qingyun said thoughtfully, "The Crimson Forbidden Land will reopen in three years. At that time, the seven major sects will select Qi Refining stage disciples to enter. If you have suitable candidates, you can prepare in advance."

The Crimson Forbidden Land? Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. That was the key place for Han Li's rise to power in the original story. It seemed the plot was about to begin.

"Thank you for the reminder, Sect Leader," Han Mu said solemnly.

Leaving the Heavenly Pillar Hall, Han Mu gazed into the distance. Family, sect, conspiracies, opportunities... the road ahead was long, but he was fearless.