The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The vortex of spiritual energy above Qingxia Peak lasted for three whole days.

For three days, the terrifying fluctuations of spiritual energy could be felt throughout the entire Yellow Maple Valley. Countless cultivators gazed at Azure Cloud Peak with awe in their eyes. The cultivator who broke through to this peak must possess an exceptionally strong foundation to attract such a massive gathering of spiritual energy.

Inside the cave, Han Mu sat cross-legged, his body surrounded by flowing five-colored spiritual light. In his dantian, the originally gaseous spiritual energy had been compressed to its limit, forming a fist-sized ball of liquid spiritual energy. The surface of the ball of spiritual energy had faint golden patterns, and at its center, a golden light the size of a grain of rice was faintly visible—this was the prototype of a false core.

The so-called "false core" is not a true golden core, but a solid embryonic form formed by compressing spiritual energy to its extreme. The strength of a false core cultivator far exceeds that of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, but is still a step below a true Core Formation cultivator; it is a transitional stage between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation.

"Freeze!"

Han Mu let out a low shout and formed hand seals. The liquid spiritual energy ball in his dantian spun wildly, and the golden light at the center grew brighter and brighter. Finally, with a "boom," it solidified completely, transforming into a "fake pill" the size of a pigeon egg, golden in color, with faint five-colored patterns on its surface.

The fake elixir is complete!

In an instant, Han Mu's aura surged, his total spiritual power tripled, and its purity increased fivefold. His physical body and divine sense also surged accordingly, and his five senses became exceptionally sharp, allowing him to clearly distinguish even the slightest movement of wind or grass within a ten-mile radius.

"System, check the current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

[Realm: Early Stage of Pseudo-Core Formation (True) / Third Level of Foundation Establishment (Surface)]

[Spiritual Power: 100% (Stable)]

[Divine Sense: Radius of ten miles (comparable to mid-stage Core Formation)]

[Physical Body: Peak Third Tier (Capable of withstanding a third-tier magic weapon)]

[Cultivation Techniques: The second level of the Primordial Longevity Technique is complete; the first level of the Five Elements True Explanation is introductory]

[Supernatural Powers: Great Five Elements Sword Formation (Minor Success), Five Elements Escape Technique (Major Success), Pure Yang True Fire (Minor Success), Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique (Major Success)]

Early stage of Pseudo-Core Formation! Han Mu felt the surging power within his body and was invigorated. With his current true combat strength, combined with various supernatural abilities and magic treasures, he was capable of fighting against mid-stage Core Formation cultivators, and even surviving against late-stage Core Formation cultivators. Meanwhile, by maintaining his outward cultivation at the third level of Foundation Establishment, he could still feign weakness and outmaneuver strength.

"It's time to emerge from seclusion."

Han Mu stood up, removed the restrictions on the cave, and walked out of the cave. Outside the cave, Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, Li Yuanming, and others had been waiting for a long time. When they saw Han Mu emerge from seclusion, they all stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Congratulations to the patriarch (father) on your breakthrough!" everyone exclaimed in unison.

Han Mu nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and he was pleased to find that everyone's cultivation had improved. Han Changqing was already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, Doctor Mo was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, Li Yuanming was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and most of the other clansmen had also made breakthroughs. In the past three years, with the support of the rich spiritual energy and abundant resources of Qingxia Peak, the Han family had developed rapidly.

"Father, during your seclusion, the sect sent several batches of resources, all of which were 30% of what Medicine King Valley had obtained," Han Changqing reported. "They have been inventoried and stored: 27 thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, 1,200 hundred-year-old spiritual herbs, more than 3,000 bottles of various pills, as well as a large amount of refining materials and spirit stones. The family warehouse is full, and I had Elder Mo open three new underground warehouses."

"Very good." Han Mu nodded. "How is the construction of the Trial Tower progressing?"

"It's completed, and the final adjustments were just finished yesterday," Li Yuanming replied. "As per the patriarch's requirements, the Trial Tower has seven levels, corresponding to the difficulty of trials from Qi Refining to Nascent Soul. The first three levels are already open, and the clan disciples have entered for trials with remarkable results; five people have already broken through to the next minor realm."

"Where is the Transmission Hall?"

"It's operating normally," Doctor Mo said. "The Nine Swords of Heavenly Palace brought back by the patriarch has been inscribed into the inheritance jade. However, this technique has a heavy aura of malevolence, so I've set up a restriction. One must pass a mental test to comprehend it. Currently, eight sword cultivators from the clan have comprehended it, and three of them have made progress."

Han Mu was very satisfied with the development of his family. In just three years, the Han family had grown from a small Foundation Establishment family to a medium-sized family with three Foundation Establishment cultivators, more than 170 Qi Refining cultivators, occupying the spiritual mountain of Qingxia Peak, and possessing the Transmission Pavilion and the Trial Tower. The speed of growth had far exceeded expectations.

"In addition, the sect leader sent a message yesterday, asking the patriarch to come to Qingyun Palace after emerging from seclusion, as there are important matters to discuss," Han Changqing added.

"Understood." Han Mu pondered for a moment, "You all go back first, I'm going to see the sect leader."

Qingyun Palace.

When Han Mu arrived, True Person Qingyun was discussing matters with several elders. Upon seeing Han Mu, everyone's eyes lit up. Although Han Mu's cultivation level only appeared to be at the third level of Foundation Establishment, his calm and composed demeanor, as well as the subtle pressure he exuded, made the Core Formation elders present feel a sense of pressure.

"Elder Han has emerged from seclusion? Congratulations!" Master Qingyun said with a smile. "Judging from Elder Han's aura, he seems to have made further progress?"

"I've gained something," Han Mu said calmly. "What important matter has the sect leader summoned me for?"

"Two things." Master Qingyun's expression turned serious. "First, Tianque Fortress has been officially disbanded, and its remaining forces have been divided up by the Yuling Sect and Huadaowu. However, the Yuling Sect and Huadaowu have not restrained themselves; on the contrary, they have become even more rampant, frequently harassing the borders of our three sects. The Ancestor judges that the Reverse Star Alliance is likely brewing an even bigger conspiracy."

"Secondly, the Crimson Forbidden Land will open in three months. Each of the seven major sects will send thirty Qi Refining disciples to enter in search of opportunities. My Yellow Maple Valley has already selected its participants, including... your granddaughter, Han Yunge."

Han Yunge? Han Mu's eyes flickered. Han Yunge possessed dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, and had exceptional talent in alchemy. Three years ago, he joined the Yellow Maple Valley and had already reached the tenth level of Qi Refining, thus meeting the requirements for entering the Crimson Forbidden Land.

"Does Yun Ge know?" Han Mu asked.

"I've already informed her, and she's willing to go herself," said Master Qingyun. "Elder Han, while the Crimson Forbidden Land is a place of opportunity, it's also extremely dangerous. In the past, every time it opened, the casualty rate among disciples was over 30%. If you're unwilling, I can find someone else."

"No need," Han Mu shook his head. "The path of cultivation is inherently a struggle against fate. Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the storms. Since Yun Ge has chosen this path, she should bear the risks. However, I would like to see her."

"Of course," Master Qingyun nodded. "She's in Danxin Pavilion; you can go there anytime."

Leaving Qingyun Palace, Han Mu headed towards Danxin Pavilion. Along the way, he pondered. The Crimson Forbidden Land was a crucial plot point in the original story; it was there that Han Li rose to power and acquired vast resources. Han Yunge's entry at this time was perfectly timed; perhaps she could cross paths with Han Li.

"System, retrieve Han Yunge's current status and calculate her survival rate in the Crimson Forbidden Zone."

[Scanning in progress...]

[Han Yunge: Qi Refining Level 10, Dual Wood and Fire Spiritual Roots, First-Rank High-Grade Alchemy]

[Current combat strength: Above average for Qi Refining stage]

Survival rate in the Crimson Forbidden Zone (without intervention): 35%

[Survival Rate Enhancement Plan: Provides life-saving talismans, elixirs, and magical artifacts, and teaches escape techniques; survival rate can be increased to 65%]

[Side Quest Detected: The Crimson Forbidden Lands Uprising]

[Mission Requirements: Ensure Han Yunge survives in the Crimson Forbidden Zone and interacts with Han Li]

[Task Reward: Family Talent "Alchemy Prodigy" (increases family's alchemy success rate by 20%), Han Li's Favorability +30]

As expected, there was a mission. Han Mu felt certain. The presence of a system mission meant that Han Yunge's trip was indeed dangerous, but it also presented an opportunity.

Danxin Pavilion, Alchemy Room.

Han Yunge was refining a batch of "Qi Condensation Pills" with skillful technique and precise control of the fire. She was eighteen years old this year, and had grown into a graceful young woman. She had a bit of Han Mu's features in her brows, but with more of a girl's liveliness.

"Grandpa!" Han Yunge's eyes lit up when she saw Han Mu, but her hands didn't stop moving. She steadily put the last portion of medicinal liquid into the alchemy furnace before finishing her work and getting up.

"Not bad, you've already mastered some fire control," Han Mu praised.

"It's all thanks to Grandpa's excellent teaching." Han Yunge smiled playfully, then asked seriously, "Grandpa, you know about the Crimson Forbidden Land?"

"Hmm. You really want to go?"

"I'm going," Han Yunge said firmly. "I've been in the sect for three years, and my cultivation has reached the bottleneck of the tenth level of Qi Refining. I need an opportunity to break through. Moreover, there are several rare spiritual herbs in the Crimson Forbidden Land that will greatly benefit my alchemy skills. Grandpa, I don't want to live under your protection forever."

Looking at his granddaughter's determined eyes, Han Mu felt gratified. The Han family's children should have such ambition.

"Alright, since you've made up your mind, Grandpa supports you." Han Mu took out three items: a jade pendant, a bottle of pills, and a stack of talismans.

"This 'Mysterious Tortoise Pendant' is a defensive magic treasure, capable of withstanding three full-force attacks from an early Foundation Establishment stage cultivator. This bottle contains the 'Life-Creating Pill,' which can sustain life as long as one has a breath left. These talismans include various types for attack, defense, and escape; keep them safe for life-saving moments."

Han Yunge accepted it, her eyes slightly red: "Thank you, Grandpa."

"Also," Han Mu pondered, "if you encounter a disciple named Han Li in the Crimson Forbidden Land, you may befriend him appropriately, but do not reveal your relationship with me. This person... is not simple."

"Han Li?" Han Yunge noted down the name.

"In addition, I will teach you a simplified version of the 'Five Elements Escape Technique' and the 'Breath Concealment Technique' in the next few days. After entering the forbidden area, prioritize survival and seek opportunities as a secondary goal. Remember, only by staying alive can you have everything."

"Yun Ge understands."

For the next month, Han Mu personally guided Han Yunge in cultivating the Five Elements Escape Technique and the Breath Concealment Technique. Han Yunge had good talent and mastered about 70-80% of it within a month. At the same time, Han Mu also crafted several life-saving magical artifacts for her and prepared ample elixirs.

Three months passed in the blink of an eye.

The day the Crimson Forbidden Land opens has finally arrived.

At the Yellow Maple Valley Square, thirty Qi Refining disciples stood ready to depart. Han Yunge stood among the crowd, dressed in a green robe, exuding a heroic and spirited air. Han Muyin watched from afar as she boarded the flying boat.

"System, mark Han Yunge's location and monitor her safety at all times."

[Marking complete]

Monitoring is now enabled.

The flying boat took off, transformed into a streak of light, and disappeared into the horizon.

Han Mu gazed into the distance, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

A blood-red forbidden land, where storms are brewing.

And the Han family will officially step onto the Tiannan stage.