The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

"Three factions betrayed us?"

Inside the cave on Qingxia Peak, Han Mu listened to Qingyun Zhenren's account with a solemn expression. Although he had a premonition, he hadn't expected Tianque Fortress, Yuling Sect, and Huadaowu to be so resolute, withdrawing from the Seven Sects Alliance and siding with the Reverse Star Alliance.

"This is the intelligence jade slip that was just sent back." Master Qingyun handed a blood-red jade slip to Han Mu. "The three factions have issued a joint statement accusing us of eliminating dissidents and monopolizing resources during the Blood Moon Incident. They claim they want to 'set things right' and join forces with the Reverse Star Alliance to rebuild order in Tiannan."

Han Mu scanned the jade slip with his divine sense. The contents were consistent with what Qingyun Zhenren had said, but the wording was more intense, directly targeting Huangfeng Valley and Han Mu himself, saying that he was "deceiving the world and stealing fame" and "usurping a high position".

"A lame excuse." Han Mu sneered. "Their real purpose is to take advantage of the chaos to expand their power. Tianque Fortress borders my Huangfeng Valley and has long coveted several of our mines. Now that they have the backing of the Reverse Star Alliance, they will naturally make their move."

"Ancestor Linghu has gone to Qingxu Sect to discuss countermeasures with Qingxuzi and Tiezhan," Qingyun Zhenren said in a deep voice. "Yanyue Sect and Lingshou Mountain have ambiguous attitudes and have not yet expressed their opinions. The seven major sects are now only in name."

"What are the sect leader's plans?" Han Mu asked.

"The Ancestor's intention is to consolidate our defenses and hold onto Yellow Maple Valley," said Master Qingyun. "With the three factions betraying us, plus the Reverse Star Alliance, we are at a disadvantage. A direct confrontation is not a wise move. But if we do that, we'll probably have to give up our three mines and five herb gardens outside."

Han Mu pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Simply defending will only make us more and more passive. Since the Reverse Star Alliance has made its move, they won't give us a chance to breathe. They will continuously erode our resources and weaken our strength. When we are weakened to a certain extent, that will be the time for a final offensive."

"So, what does Elder Han mean...?"

"Take the initiative, but with strategy." A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "Although the three factions have betrayed us, they each have their own agendas and are not a monolithic entity. Tianque Fortress and Yuling Sect have a long-standing feud, and Huadaowu has always acted alone. They can cooperate because they have the Reverse Star Alliance as their common backer. But if this backer has problems, or if their interests conflict, the alliance will collapse on its own."

"Go on."

"The first step is to sow discord," Han Mu said. "Spread the word that the Reverse Star Alliance has secretly promised to transfer the 'Crimson Gold Mine' of Tianque Fortress to the Yuling Sect after Tiannan is pacified. Then spread another message that Huadaowu is secretly contacting us and preparing to defect. Mix the truth with the lies, and make them suspicious of each other."

Master Qingyun's eyes lit up: "Brilliant! The three sects don't trust each other, this plan can sow discord among them."

"The second step is decapitation," Han Mu continued. "The three factions have rebelled, led by Li Tianxing, Jinpeng Zhenren, and Duan Feng. If anything happens to these three, the three factions will inevitably fall into chaos. However, Nascent Soul cultivators are difficult to kill, so we can settle for second best—killing their successors or destroying their most important resource points."

"This..." Master Qingyun hesitated, "Wouldn't this be too much?"

"Sect Leader, this is war," Han Mu said coldly. "Mercy towards the enemy is cruelty towards oneself. Since they chose to betray us, they must be prepared to bear the consequences. 'Li Feng' of Tianque Fortress, 'Jin Lingzi' of Yuling Sect, and 'Duan Lang' of Huadao Dock—these three are all at the peak of Foundation Establishment and are the future of their respective sects. If we can eliminate them, we can sever their lineages."

Master Qingyun pondered for a long time before finally nodding: "Elder Han is right. However, these three are under tight protection, so killing them will not be easy."

"I'll go myself," Han Mu said.

"What?!" Master Qingyun exclaimed in shock. "Elder Han, although you have the cultivation of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, Li Feng and the other two are all at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and they are also protected by Core Formation cultivators. It's too dangerous for you to go!"

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that others wouldn't expect it," Han Mu said. "I'll do it during the breaks in the Five Elements Spirit Pool's body tempering. After each tempering, I have a three-day recovery period. These three days are enough for me to carry out a mission. Moreover, the Five Elements Escape Technique and the Heaven-Gathering Divine Art that I cultivate are best suited for stealth assassinations."

"This..." Master Qingyun was still hesitating.

"Sect Leader, there's no time," Han Mu said in a deep voice. "Since the Reverse Star Alliance has instigated the three sects to betray us, they must have follow-up actions. We must act before them and disrupt their plans. Moreover, this is also my opportunity—if I can break through amidst the chaos of war, my chances of reaching the Core Formation stage will be much greater."

Master Qingyun gave Han Mu a deep look, and finally sighed, "Since Elder Han has made up his mind, I will not stop him. But you must promise me that safety comes first, and if things become unbearable, you must retreat immediately. Huangfeng Valley can lose resources, but it cannot lose you."

"I understand," Han Mu said solemnly.

What kind of support do you need?

"Three fourth-tier 'Escape Talismans,' one fourth-tier 'Substitute Death Talisman,' and three assassins," Han Mu said. "The assassins don't need to have high cultivation levels, but they must be proficient in disguise, infiltration, and communication. They are responsible for providing support and creating chaos."

"I will arrange these," said Master Qingyun. "In addition, I will dispatch the 'Shadow Guards' to assist you. They are an assassination force I have trained, specializing in stealth and assassination, and their leader is at the early stage of Core Formation."

The Shadow Guards! This is the most secretive force in Yellow Maple Valley, said to be known only to the sect leader and Elder Linghu. The fact that True Person Qingyun entrusted the Shadow Guards to Han Mu demonstrates his trust in them.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

"No need to thank me, this is for the sect's sake," said Master Qingyun. "Besides, you don't need to worry about the family. Qingxia Peak has a protective formation, and with me personally overseeing it, it's as solid as a rock unless it's a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator attacking."

"With the sect leader's words, this junior can rest assured."

After seeing Qingyun Zhenren off, Han Mu immediately began preparations. His first target was Li Feng of Tianque Fortress. There were two reasons: first, Li Feng had provoked him many times, and he harbored a personal grudge; second, Li Feng was the number one young talent in Tianque Fortress, and killing him would be the biggest blow to Tianque Fortress.

"System, retrieve Li Feng's detailed information."

[Li Feng: Grandson of Li Tianxing, the lord of Tianque Fortress, with peak Foundation Establishment cultivation, Heavenly Spiritual Root, and cultivates the "Nine Swords of Tianque"]

[Recent Location: Permanently stationed at the 'Crimson Gold Mine', with guards consisting of: 1 early-stage Core Formation cultivator, 4 late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and 8 mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.]

[Weaknesses: Arrogant, lecherous, and goes to the "Drunken Immortal Pavilion" outside the mine every day at noon to drink and make merry, at which time the guards will be less vigilant.]

[Best time for assassination: Noon three days later, in a private room on the third floor of Zuixianlou Restaurant]

Three days later, it would be his recovery period after the second body tempering. The timing was perfect.

"System, simulate the assassination plan."

[Driving simulation in progress...]

[Option 1: Poison at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion using a third-tier "Soul-Destroying Powder," which is colorless and odorless, and will kill any Foundation Establishment cultivator upon contact. Success rate: 70%, but may accidentally harm others and expose the method of poisoning.]

[Option Two: Infiltrate as a singer and assassinate at close range. Success rate 65%, but requires mastery of disguise and charm techniques.]

[Option 3: Ambush Li Feng on his way back to the mine and use the Five Elements Sword Formation to kill him. Success rate: 60%, but may alert the Core Formation guards.]

[Recommended Plan: Combine Plans 1 and 3. First, add a non-lethal "muscle-weakening powder" to the wine to weaken its strength, then ambush and kill it en route. Success rate: 85%]

"Adopt the recommended solution."

Han Mu began preparations. The muscle-softening powder wasn't difficult to obtain; Doctor Mo could refine it. Disguise required practice, but with his Foundation Establishment level nine cultivation, controlling muscle movements wasn't difficult. The key was the escape route; he needed to escape the pursuit of a Core Formation cultivator after the assassination.

"The Escape Talisman can teleport you a hundred miles in an instant, but it requires three breaths of preparation time. The Substitute Death Talisman can block a fatal blow, but it can only be used once." Han Mu calculated, "I must kill with one blow, and then immediately escape to a distant place."

Over the next three days, Han Mu underwent his second Five Elements Spirit Pool tempering while preparing for the assassination. The tempering went smoothly, increasing his physical strength by another ten percent, and his comprehension of the "True Understanding of the Five Elements" deepened. After the tempering was completed, he adjusted himself to his peak condition and quietly left Yellow Maple Valley.

The Crimson Gold Mine is located at the border of Yellow Maple Valley and Tianque Fortress. It is a medium-sized metallic vein with an annual output of 100,000 jin of crimson gold, making it extremely valuable. Li Feng's presence here serves both as a training ground and a means of gaining experience.

Three days later, at noon, at Zuixianlou.

Li Feng was embracing two alluring female cultivators, drinking and making merry in a private room on the third floor. Four Foundation Establishment guards stood outside the door, their expressions relaxed. In their view, this was Tianque Fortress territory, and no one dared to cause trouble here.

"Young Master, this is the newly arrived 'Hundred Flowers Wine,' please have a taste." A female cultivator poured the wine with a charming smile.

Li Feng took the wine glass, drank it all in one gulp, and exclaimed, "Good wine! My beauty, you can stay in my room tonight."

"Young Master, you're so annoying~" the female cultivator said coquettishly, but a glint of joy flashed in her eyes. If she could get close to Li Feng, her position in the Drunken Immortal Pavilion would be secure.

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Feng suddenly felt weak all over and his spiritual energy circulation became sluggish.

"What's going on?" His expression changed, and he tried to stand up, but his legs were too weak.

"The wine is poisoned!" he realized, and shouted sharply, "Guards!"

The door was pushed open, but instead of his guards, a masked man in blue entered. The man in blue held an ordinary iron sword in his hand, the tip of which was dripping blood.

"Who are you?!" Li Feng was both shocked and furious. He tried to activate his magic weapon, but he couldn't muster any spiritual power.

The man in blue did not answer, but thrust out his sword. The sword strike was unremarkable, yet it was as fast as lightning, aimed straight for Li Feng's throat.

"No—!" Li Feng roared in despair, desperately trying to dodge, but his body wouldn't obey him.

laugh!

The sword tip pierced his throat, and blood gushed out. Li Feng's eyes widened in disbelief. He was the young master of Tianque Fortress, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator—how could he die here? And in such a pathetic way?

The man in blue drew his sword, not even glancing at the fallen Li Feng, and turned to leave. The entire process took less than three breaths.

Outside the door, four guards lay dead in pools of blood. The Shadow Guards had acted swiftly and cleanly.

"Retreat." Han Mu, the man in blue, shouted in a low voice, and simultaneously crushed the escape talisman along with the three Shadow Guards.

hum-

The four figures vanished. Almost simultaneously, a terrifying aura descended from the sky; it was the Core Formation cultivator overseeing the Crimson Gold Mine. He saw Li Feng's corpse, his eyes wide with rage.

"Who?! Show yourself!"

But Han Mu and his group were already a hundred miles away.

The first assassination attempt was successful.

But Han Mu knew that this was just the beginning.

An even bigger storm is coming.