The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Huangfeng Valley, one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom, is located in the southern part of Yue Kingdom. Its mountain gate stretches for thousands of miles, shrouded in clouds and mist, and rich in spiritual energy. Han Mu led Han Yunge and flew for half a day to arrive at the gate of Huangfeng Valley.

"Who goes there?" The gatekeepers blocked their way; they were two young men at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

"Han Mu of the Han family of Yanling Fortress, accompanied by his granddaughter Han Yunge, has come to pay respects to Ancestor Linghu." Han Mu took out the token given to him by Ancestor Linghu.

Upon seeing the token, the gatekeeper immediately became respectful: "So it's Senior Han. The Ancestor instructed that you should go directly to the main peak upon your arrival. Please follow me."

A disciple led the way, with Han Mu and Han Yunge following behind. Han Yunge looked around curiously; this was her first time visiting a major sect, and everything seemed new and exciting.

"Ancestor, Huangfeng Valley is so big, and the spiritual energy is much richer than that of our Qingxia Peak," Han Yunge whispered.

"The mountain gates of the seven major sects are naturally incomparable to ordinary spiritual mountains," Han Mu said. "However, spiritual energy is only the foundation; the real difference lies in inheritance and resources. If you are fortunate enough to join the Yellow Maple Valley, remember to cherish the opportunity and cultivate diligently."

"Yun Ge understands." Han Yun Ge nodded emphatically.

The three arrived at the main hall of the peak, and the disciple who had led the way announced their arrival before withdrawing. A short while later, a middle-aged cultivator at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage emerged, cupping his hands in greeting, and said, "Fellow Daoist Han, the Ancestor is currently refining pills and has asked me to take you to Danxia Peak first. Uncle-Master Yunhe has already received the Ancestor's message and is waiting for you."

"Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist." Han Mu returned the greeting.

The middle-aged cultivator mounted his flying artifact and carried Han Mu and his companion towards Danxia Peak. Danxia Peak was a mountain in Huangfeng Valley specifically for training alchemists. From afar, one could see several alchemy furnace-shaped buildings on the summit, and the faint aroma of medicinal herbs wafted through the air.

Upon landing in front of the main hall of Danxia Peak, an elderly man with white hair was already waiting there. The old man had a gaunt face, bright and piercing eyes, and a deep aura. He was none other than Yunhe Zhenren, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator and one of the three great fourth-level alchemists of the Yue Kingdom.

"Fellow Daoist Han, I've long admired you." True Person Yunhe sized up Han Mu, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had heard that Han Mu was only at the Pseudo-Core stage, but the man before him had such a restrained aura that he couldn't quite see through him.

"Master Yunhe, I apologize for disturbing you," Han Mu said, bowing.

"It's alright, Senior Brother Linghu has already sent me a message." Master Yunhe turned his gaze to Han Yunge, "Is this the alchemy genius you were talking about?"

"It is indeed my granddaughter, Han Yunge." Han Mu gestured for Han Yunge to step forward and pay her respects.

"Junior Han Yunge pays respects to Master Yunhe." Han Yunge bowed politely.

Master Yunhe nodded slightly and asked, "What kind of pills have you refined?"

"Reporting to the Master, this junior has refined Qi Condensation Pills, Rejuvenation Pills, and Qi Nourishing Pills, all of which are first-tier pills," Han Yunge replied truthfully.

"Have you ever refined a high-grade one?"

"I've refined three high-grade Qi Condensation Pills in one batch. I've refined two mid-grade Rejuvenation Pills, but I've only refined one low-grade Qi Nourishing Pill," Han Yunge said somewhat embarrassedly.

A hint of interest flashed in Master Yunhe's eyes: "Sixteen years old, sixth level of Qi Refining, dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, capable of refining high-grade Qi Condensation Pills. The talent is indeed remarkable. However, in the path of alchemy, talent is only one aspect; more important are temperament, perseverance, and comprehension. Our Danxia Peak does not accept those who are restless and impatient."

"Yun Ge understands," Han Yun Ge said earnestly. "This junior is willing to accept any test."

"Alright." Master Yunhe nodded in satisfaction. "Today, several outer disciples have applied to join my Danxia Peak. You will participate in the assessment with them. If you pass, I will accept you as a disciple. If you fail, you will return to where you came from."

"Yes."

Master Yunhe instructed a disciple to take Han Yunge to the assessment venue, then said to Han Mu, "Fellow Daoist Han, the assessment will take two hours. Why don't you come with me to the side hall for tea while we wait?"

"Thank you, Master."

In the side hall, Master Yunhe personally brewed tea, filling the air with its aroma. Han Mu took a sip and praised, "Excellent tea, brimming with spiritual energy; it must be a third-grade spiritual tea, 'Cloud Mist Green'."

"Fellow Daoist Han has a good eye," said Master Yunhe with a smile. "This is what I gathered from Cloud Mist Mountain; I only get three ounces a year. If Fellow Daoist Han likes it, please take some with you when you leave."

"Then I'll accept it without hesitation." Han Mu said without being polite.

After chatting for a while, Master Yunhe asked, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Han defeated Xuan Chengzi of the Qingxu Sect at the Crimson Gold Mine a few days ago?"

The news spread incredibly fast. Han Mu thought to himself, but remained outwardly calm: "It was just luck. Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi didn't use his full strength, otherwise I wouldn't be a match for him."

"Fellow Daoist Han is too modest." Master Yunhe gave Han Mu a meaningful look. "Although Xuan Chengzi is only at the early stage of Core Formation, his Qingyuan Sword Technique is quite skilled. Fellow Daoist Han was able to fight him to a draw with his pseudo-Core Formation cultivation, which shows his extraordinary strength."

Han Mu knew this was a test, and said calmly, "My cultivation method is somewhat effective against the Five Elements spells, which happens to counter Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi's method, which is why I was able to avoid defeat. If it were a True Person making a move, I'm afraid I wouldn't last three moves."

Master Yunhe smiled and didn't continue the topic. He could tell that Han Mu didn't want to say more, and it would be impolite to ask any further.

"Your granddaughter's talent is indeed remarkable. If she can pass the assessment, I will nurture her well," said Master Yunhe. "However, Danxia Peak has its own rules. Once you join my sect, you cannot leave the mountain for ten years and must concentrate on studying alchemy. Fellow Daoist Han, are you willing to do that?"

"I'm willing," Han Mu said. "It's Yun Ge's blessing to receive guidance from a true master. As for leaving the mountain, ten years isn't a long time; it's just right for her to cultivate in peace."

"Alright." Master Yunhe nodded. "Then let's see how she performs."

On the assessment field, Han Yunge stood with five other outer sect disciples. These five, both men and women, were all at the late stage of Qi Refining, the oldest appearing to be in his early twenties. Seeing that Han Yunge was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, they all showed disdain in their eyes.

"Another one who got in through connections," a female cultivator in red whispered.

"I heard he's from the Han family, a Foundation Establishment family. What kind of talent could he possibly have?" another blue-clad male cultivator sneered.

Han Yunge pursed her lips upon hearing these words, offering no rebuttal. The ancestor had said that strength was the best response.

The assessment began, with the first challenge being the identification of medicinal herbs. Thirty kinds of herbs, some common and some rare, were laid out on the table. The examinee had to write down the name, medicinal properties, and common uses of all the herbs within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

This wasn't difficult for Han Yunge. She had learned alchemy from Doctor Mo since childhood, so her foundation was very solid. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, she had finished writing down all the answers.

The second challenge is fire control. Each person has a furnace in front of them and must use their own spiritual power to control the earth fire, melting a "fire-testing stone" inside the furnace into liquid and maintaining a stable temperature for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. This is a great test of spiritual power control and patience.

Han Yunge possesses dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, with a strong affinity for fire. She carefully controlled the earth fire, the fire-testing stone slowly melting, and the temperature inside the furnace remaining stable. In contrast, the other five individuals were in different situations: some used too much heat, scorching their fire-testing stones; others used too little heat, preventing the stones from melting; and still others initially maintained stability, but their spiritual energy waned, causing the temperature to plummet.

After an incense stick had burned, only Han Yunge and a girl in green robes had passed this test. The girl looked to be eighteen or nineteen years old, with an eighth-level Qi Refining cultivation level, and her gaze towards Han Yunge became more serious.

The third test is alchemy. The test requires refining a batch of "Qi-restoring pills," a mid-grade first-level pill. The test standard is a success rate of over 30%, with at least one mid-grade pill.

This stage is the most difficult. Although the Qi-restoring pill is only a mid-grade pill, it involves the proportion and fusion of thirteen medicinal herbs, and the slightest mistake will ruin the process. Moreover, time is limited, with only one hour.

The girl in green went first. Her technique was skillful, clearly showing she had practiced diligently. An hour later, the furnace was opened, revealing four pills at the bottom: one mid-grade and three low-grade. The success rate was 40%, a pass.

"Not bad," commented the Foundation Establishment cultivator from Danxia Peak who was supervising the exam. "Next up, Han Yunge."

Han Yunge took a deep breath and walked to the alchemy furnace. She didn't rush to start, but first carefully checked all thirteen medicinal herbs to make sure everything was correct before lighting the fire.

Her movements were slow but steady. The timing of adding each medicinal herb, the control of the heat, and the input of spiritual energy were all just right. Half an hour later, the fragrance of herbs wafted from the alchemy furnace, refreshing and delightful.

"This medicinal fragrance... is very pure." The proctor's eyes lit up.

An hour later, the alchemy furnace was opened. At the bottom of the furnace lay five pills, two of which gleamed faintly and were actually of superior grade! The other three were also of medium grade.

"All five pills were successfully made, two of them were of superior quality, and three were of medium quality!" The proctor was shocked. Such a success rate and quality of pills was something that many second-tier alchemists could not achieve.

Master Yunhe, who was watching from the sidelines, suddenly stood up, his eyes gleaming: "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Sixteen years old, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and with such results on his first attempt at refining a Qi-restoring pill! This child's talent is no less than mine at that age!"

Han Mu smiled as well. Han Yunge's performance was even better than he had expected.

After the assessment, Han Yunge unsurprisingly came in first place. Of the other five outer disciples, only the girl in green passed the assessment; the other four were eliminated.

"Your name is Han Yunge?" Master Yunhe walked up to Han Yunge with a kind and gentle expression.

"Yes, it's a real person."

"Would you be willing to become my disciple?" Master Yunhe asked directly.

Han Yunge glanced at Han Mu, and seeing Han Mu nod, she immediately knelt down: "Disciple Han Yunge greets Master!"

"Good, good disciple!" Master Yunhe helped Han Yunge up, looking at him with increasing fondness. "From this day forward, you will be my last disciple. I will impart all the knowledge I have acquired in my life to you."

"Thank you, Master!" Han Yunge said happily.

"Fellow Daoist Han, I'll accept your granddaughter," Master Yunhe said to Han Mu. "Don't worry, no one on Danxia Peak will dare to bully her. Ten years from now, I'll return a third-tier alchemist to you."

"With your words, I am relieved," Han Mu said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Master Yunhe arranged for a disciple to take Han Yunge to complete the sect entry procedures and receive her disciple token and cave dwelling. Han Mu chatted with Master Yunhe for a while longer, leaving some cultivation resources prepared for Han Yunge, before taking his leave.

After leaving Danxia Peak, Han Mu did not immediately return to Qingxia Peak, but instead went to the main peak to pay his respects to Ancestor Linghu.

"Han Mu greets the Ancestor." Han Mu bowed in the main hall.

"No need for formalities," Elder Linghu said with a smile. "Junior Brother Yunhe has already sent me a message. He is very satisfied with your granddaughter and has taken her as his last disciple. Fellow Daoist Han, you have made a good move."

"You flatter me, Ancestor. It's just that the child has talent and we don't want to let it go to waste," Han Mu said.

"Talent is important, but opportunity is equally crucial," Elder Linghu said meaningfully. "Fellow Daoist Han, my Yellow Maple Valley and the Han family are now allies. Your granddaughter joining my sect would benefit both of us. However, I must remind you of something: the Qingxu Sect will not let this go easily. You must be careful."

"What does the Ancestor mean?"

"After Xuan Chengzi returned, the Qingxu Sect made another move," said Patriarch Linghu. "I received news that they sent people to the Tianque Fortress ruins, seemingly looking for something. Moreover, there have been some unusual movements from the Ghost Spirit Sect as well. Your Han family ruined their plans at Yanling Fortress a few days ago, and they will probably retaliate."

Han Mu frowned slightly: "Thank you for the reminder, Ancestor. I will be careful."

"If needed, you can send me a message," said Patriarch Linghu. "Also, the Seven Great Sects' Blood Forbidden Land Trial will be held in six months. Will your Han family send anyone to participate?"

The Crimson Forbidden Land? Han Mu's heart stirred. In the original story, Han Li obtained a large number of spiritual herbs in the Crimson Forbidden Land, laying the foundation for his Foundation Establishment. If Han Yunge could participate, perhaps she could cross paths with Han Li.

"Yun Ge has just entered Huangfeng Valley and her cultivation is still shallow, so she won't be participating this time," Han Mu said. "However, the Han family will send a few late-stage Qi Refining disciples to participate as independent cultivators and try their luck."

"Very well." Ancestor Linghu nodded. "Although that secret realm is dangerous, it also holds many opportunities. Prepare well."

Leaving Huangfeng Valley, Han Mu rode his escape light towards Qingxia Peak. On the way, he kept thinking about what Elder Linghu had said. Qingxu Sect, Guiling Sect, and the Crimson Forbidden Land six months later… these were turbulent times.

However, crisis can also be an opportunity. If managed properly, the Han family may be able to gain greater room for development in this chaotic situation.

"System, check the current task progress," Han Mu thought to himself.

Main Quest: Family Rise (Phase 1)

[Mission Objective: Develop the Han family into a first-rate power in the Yue Kingdom]

Current progress: 28%

Side Quest: The Inheritance of Alchemy

[Task objective: Train Han Yunge to become a third-tier alchemist]

Current progress: 1%

[Special Event: Crimson Forbidden Land Trial (Opens in six months)]

[Recommendation: Plan ahead to obtain a large number of rare and precious medicinal herbs]

A glint of light flashed in Han Mu's eyes. The Crimson Forbidden Land was indeed an opportunity. But before that, he needed to complete the Five Elements Spirit Pool and enhance the overall strength of the clan.

Qingxia Peak is now in sight.