The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Upon returning to Qingxia Peak, Han Mu immediately summoned Han Changqing and Doctor Mo.

"Father, what about Yun Ge...?" Han Changqing asked with concern.

"She has already become a disciple of Master Yunhe of Danxia Peak, and is now his last disciple." Han Mu briefly explained the situation. "Master Yunhe is a fourth-level alchemist with a prestigious position in Huangfeng Valley. Yun Ge has a bright future with him."

Han Changqing breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "That's good, that's good."

"How is the construction of the Spirit Pool progressing?" Han Mu asked Doctor Mo.

"Reporting to Ancestor, the Five Elements Spirit Pool is basically completed, with only the final core array plate remaining to be installed," Doctor Mo said respectfully. "The Five Elements Spirit Stones sent by Yellow Maple Valley are of excellent quality. Once installed, the Spirit Pool will be ready for immediate use."

"Take me to see it."

The three arrived at the forbidden area behind the mountain. A circular pool, about ten zhang in diameter and three zhang deep, had been built on the former open space. The pool walls were made of white jade and engraved with intricate runes. The pool water was divided into five colors, corresponding to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which converged in the center of the pool to form a slowly rotating vortex.

The pool was surrounded by a triple array of formations: a spirit-gathering array, a spirit-locking array, and a defensive array, to ensure that the spiritual energy did not leak out and to prevent outsiders from spying on it.

"Ancestor, this is the core array plate of the Five Elements Spirit Pool." Doctor Mo took out a five-colored jade plate, about the size of a palm, which emitted a rich five-element spiritual energy.

Han Mu took the array plate, scanned it with his divine sense, and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, it's a high-grade array plate. You all step back, I'll set it up."

Han Changqing and Doctor Mo retreated ten zhang away. Han Mu made a hand seal and threw the array plate towards the center of the spirit pool. The array plate transformed into five streams of light in the air, which fell into the five colored areas of the pool water respectively.

"Buzz—"

The spirit pool trembled, and its five-colored light shone brightly. The pool water began to rotate faster, and spiritual energy gathered from all directions, forming a small vortex above the spirit pool. The already abundant spiritual energy increased several times over.

"Such rich spiritual energy!" Han Changqing took a deep breath and felt the spiritual energy in his body become more active.

Doctor Mo was so excited that his body trembled slightly. He had been stuck at the late Foundation Establishment stage for thirty years, and with such a cultivation environment, he might really have a chance to break through to Core Formation.

"System, how effective is the Five Elements Spirit Pool?" Han Mu asked in his mind.

The Five Elements Spirit Pool has been completed.

[Effects: Spiritual energy concentration increased by 300%, affinity with the five elements increased by 50%, cultivation speed increased by 200%]

[Special Effect: Has a certain chance to allow cultivators to comprehend the Five Elements Laws (ineffective for those below the Core Formation stage)]

[Coverage Area: Core area of ​​Qingxia Peak (10 li in diameter)]

[Note: The Spirit Pool can be upgraded, but requires the consumption of Five Elements Essence]

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. The spiritual energy concentration had tripled, and the cultivation speed had doubled; the effect was even better than expected. With the Five Elements Spiritual Pool, the cultivation speed of the Han family cultivators would greatly accelerate, and a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators should emerge within the next few years.

"Changqing, arrange for the clansmen to use the spirit pool in turns," Han Mu instructed. "Prioritize those in the late Qi Refining stage and Foundation Establishment stage. Each use must not exceed three hours to avoid damaging their foundation."

"Yes."

"Elder Mo, you are in the late Foundation Establishment stage, so you can cultivate in the Spirit Pool for one hour every day. In addition, you made a great contribution to the construction of the Spirit Pool. I bestow this bottle of 'Solidifying Essence Pill' upon you, hoping it will help you advance further." Han Mu took out a bottle of pills and handed it to Doctor Mo.

The Foundation Establishment Pill, a high-grade second-tier elixir, can strengthen the foundation and nourish the vital energy, and is remarkably effective for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators attempting to break through to the Pseudo-Core stage. Han Mu redeemed this with system contribution points; it is quite valuable.

Doctor Mo trembled as he accepted the pills, then knelt down with a thud: "Grandmaster, I will never forget your great kindness! I will do everything in my power to refine pills and medicines for the Han family, even unto death!"

"Get up." Han Mu helped him up. "Cultivate diligently and form your core as soon as possible. The day you form your core will be the day the Han family honors you as an elder."

"Mo Chen will certainly live up to the Ancestor's expectations!"

After Doctor Mo left, Han Mu asked Han Changqing, "What's the situation at Qingxu Sect?"

Han Changqing's expression was solemn: "According to reports from our scouts, the Qingxu Sect did indeed send people to the Tianque Fortress ruins, and they made quite a commotion, seemingly digging something. In addition, the Guiling Sect has been active around Yanling Fortress, but they haven't discovered our secret stronghold yet."

"Tianque Fortress..." Han Mu pondered. Tianque Fortress was a medium-sized sect a thousand years ago, later destroyed by the demonic path, its gates reduced to ruins. What is the Qingxu Sect looking for there?

"Father, should we send someone to take a look as well?" Han Changqing asked.

"No need," Han Mu shook his head. "The Tianque Fortress ruins are fraught with danger, and since the Qingxu Sect is going there in such a grand manner, it means they're determined to get it. We shouldn't confront them directly now. As for the Ghost Spirit Sect, just strengthen our defenses. By the way, how are the preparations for the Blood Forbidden Land trial going?"

"We have selected five disciples at the late stage of Qi Refining. They are all elites of the family. The weakest is at the tenth level of Qi Refining, and the strongest, Han Tianyu, is already at the twelfth level of Qi Refining and can establish his foundation at any time," Han Changqing said. "In addition, as you instructed, we have allocated a batch of talismans, magic tools, and pills from the warehouse for their use in the trials."

"Very good." Han Mu nodded. "Give them six months to cultivate diligently in the spirit pool and try to improve their cultivation level by another level before the trial. Also, I have a few secret techniques suitable for Qi Refining stage cultivators; please copy them down for them."

Han Mu took out a jade slip containing three practical spells: "Concealing Breath," "Lightness of Body," and "Diamond Technique." Although these spells were not of high rank, they might be able to save one's life in a place like the Crimson Forbidden Land.

"Yes." Han Changqing took the jade slip.

"Furthermore, notify the Zhao and Sun families to send their children to participate in the trial. Each family should send two children, with a cultivation level of at least Qi Refining Level 10," Han Mu added. "Tell them that the Han family will only take 30% of the trial's rewards, and they can distribute the rest among themselves. If there are any casualties, the Han family will provide compensation."

This is a good opportunity to win people's hearts. The Zhao and Sun families have only recently submitted to us. Letting them participate in the Blood Forbidden Zone trial will not only enhance their sense of belonging, but also give the Han family members more help in the forbidden zone.

"I'll take care of it right away."

After Han Changqing left, Han Mu stood alone by the spirit pool, lost in thought. Qingxu Sect, Guiling Sect, the Blood Forbidden Land… the next six months would not be peaceful in Yue Kingdom. The Han family must quickly increase its strength to protect itself and even profit from the chaos.

"System, check my current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

Cultivation Level: Mid-stage True Core Formation (Early-stage False Core Formation)

[Cultivation Techniques: Primordial Longevity Technique (Fourth Level, 78%), Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique (Great Completion)]

[Supernatural Abilities: Five Elements Sword Formation (Minor Success), Five Elements Escape Technique (Major Success), Breath Concealment Technique (Perfect), Spiritual Eye Technique (Perfect)]

[Magic Items: Qiankun Fan (Form Form, Mid-Grade Spiritual Artifact), Five Elements Spiritual Pearl (Low-Grade Spiritual Artifact)]

[Family Contribution Points: 3150]

Main Quest: Family Rise (Phase 1)

Progress: 30%

[Recent Events: Han Yunge becomes a disciple of Danxia Peak in Huangfeng Valley; the Five Elements Spirit Pool is completed]

His cultivation level has increased to 78% of the mid-stage Core Formation, not far from the late stage. However, each breakthrough in the Core Formation stage is much more difficult than the Foundation Establishment stage, and under normal cultivation, it would take at least ten years. But with the system's assistance and the Five Elements Spirit Pool, Han Mu can shorten this time to three years.

"I still don't have enough contribution points," Han Mu thought to himself. There were many good items in the system shop, but they often cost thousands or even tens of thousands of contribution points. With his current number of contribution points, he could only exchange for some low-level items.

We need to find ways to earn more contribution points. Contribution points can be earned through clan development, improving clan members' cultivation levels, and completing special events. Right now, the fastest way is to help more clan members break through their limits.

"Looks like I need to urge those kids to work harder at their training." A smile appeared on Han Mu's lips.

Over the next few days, the Han family disciples entered the Five Elements Spirit Pool to cultivate. The effects were immediate; on the first day, three disciples at the eighth level of Qi Refining broke through to the ninth level. Han Changqing was overjoyed and immediately adjusted the cultivation plan, allowing all disciples at the late stage of Qi Refining to enter the Spirit Pool in batches.

Doctor Mo also began his seclusion. He had been stuck at the late Foundation Establishment stage for many years and had a profound foundation. Now, with the help of the Five Elements Spirit Pool and the Qi-Consolidating Pill, he touched the threshold of the Pseudo-Core stage in just three days.

On the seventh day, intense fluctuations of spiritual energy emanated from the cave where Doctor Mo was in seclusion.

"Someone is attacking the fake core!" Han Changqing sensed the fluctuation and immediately rushed to the back mountain.

Han Mu also appeared, looking at the vortex of spiritual energy above Doctor Mo's cave, and nodded slightly: "With a solid foundation and a tenacious mind, breaking through to the False Core stage should not be a problem."

Sure enough, half an hour later, the spiritual energy vortex stabilized, and an aura several times stronger than before emanated from the cave.

Pseudo-Core Formation Realm!

The cave door opened, and Doctor Mo walked out. He looked more than ten years younger; his originally gray hair had turned mostly black, his wrinkles had lessened considerably, and his aura was robust—he was clearly a pseudo-core cultivator.

"Congratulations, Elder Mo!" Han Changqing stepped forward to offer his congratulations.

Doctor Mo nodded to Han Changqing, then quickly walked to Han Mu and bowed deeply: "Thank you for the pill, Ancestor. I, Mo Chen, have been fortunate enough to break through, and I will certainly live up to your high expectations!"

"No need for formalities." Han Mu helped him up. "The False Core is just the beginning; the True Core is the ultimate path. Now that you have broken through, you should consolidate your cultivation. Furthermore, from today onwards, you will be the second honorary elder of the Han family, with a status equal to Changqing, and you will enjoy all the family's resources."

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Doctor Mo said excitedly. He had risen from a rogue alchemist to a guest elder of a Foundation Establishment family, and now to a Pseudo-Core Formation elder—all thanks to Han Mu. He would forever remember this kindness.

Doctor Mo's breakthrough caused a sensation in the Han family. A pseudo-Core Formation cultivator was already considered a master in the Yue Kingdom. The Han family originally only had Han Mu as a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator (in appearance), but now with the addition of Doctor Mo, their strength had greatly increased.

Once the news spread, surrounding powers became even more wary of the Han family. Some families that had been harboring ambitions immediately withdrew their plans.

But not everyone is wary of it.

Ten days later, the people from Qingxu Sect arrived.

The one who arrived was Xuan Chengzi, along with three Foundation Establishment cultivators. They did not directly enter the mountain, but instead presented a visiting card outside the mountain gate, saying that they were "paying a visit to Fellow Daoist Han".

Han Mu received them in the main hall.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanchengzi, how have you been?" Han Mu sat in the main seat, his expression calm.

Xuan Chengzi's expression was not good. Last time at the Crimson Gold Mine, he failed to defeat Han Mu and was reprimanded by the sect leader upon returning. This time, he came with a mission.

"Fellow Daoist Han, let's not beat around the bush," Xuan Chengzi said bluntly. "Our Qingxu Sect is determined to obtain the Tianque Fortress ruins. I hope the Han family will not interfere, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" Han Mu picked up his teacup and gently blew on it.

A flash of anger crossed Xuan Chengzi's eyes, but he suppressed it: "Fellow Daoist Han, I know you have some skills and can fight me to a draw. But my Qingxu Sect has three Core Formation cultivators, and our sect leader is even at the mid-Core Formation stage. If we really break off relations, the Han family cannot afford it."

"So, Fellow Daoist Xuanchengzi, you've come to threaten me?" Han Mu put down his teacup, his gaze growing cold.

"It's a reminder," Xuan Chengzi said. "The Tianque Fortress ruins are fraught with danger. If the Han family wants a share, they'll likely suffer heavy losses. Perhaps we should take a step back and offer compensation from my Qingxu Sect."

"What compensation?"

"Three thousand spirit stones, plus a high-grade spiritual weapon," Xuan Chengzi said.

Han Mu laughed: "Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi, do you think I lack this?"

"So what do you want?"

"The Han family can opt out of the Tianque Fortress ruins," Han Mu said slowly, "but the Qingxu Sect must agree to one condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"During the Bloodstained Forbidden Land trial six months from now, the Qingxu Sect must not target any of my Han family disciples," Han Mu said. "Furthermore, if any Han family disciple clashes with a Qingxu Sect disciple in the forbidden land, the Qingxu Sect disciple must yield three times."

Xuan Chengzi frowned: "This... I can't make that decision."

"Then let's go back and consult with the person who can make the decision," Han Mu said. "My conditions will not change. If you agree, the Han family will not interfere with Tianque Fort. If you don't agree, then it's up to each of us to decide."

Xuan Chengzi stared at Han Mu for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Han, are you sure you want to be an enemy of my Qingxu Sect?"

"It's not that I want to be enemies with Qingxu Sect, it's that Qingxu Sect has gone too far," Han Mu said calmly. "Regarding the Crimson Gold Mine, I have already backed down. As for the Tianque Fortress ruins, I can also refrain from competing for them. But if Qingxu Sect doesn't even have this much sincerity, then I am not a pushover to be easily manipulated."

Xuan Chengzi took a deep breath: "Alright, I will relay Fellow Daoist Han's words back. However, before that, I hope the Han family will not act rashly."

"Can."

Xuan Chengzi led his men away. Han Mu watched their retreating figures, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Father, will Qingxu Sect agree?" Han Changqing walked out from the back hall.

"Yes," Han Mu affirmed. "The Tianque Fort ruins are very important to the Qingxu Sect, and they won't risk losing more than they gain. Besides, my conditions aren't unreasonable, and they have no reason to refuse."

"So we really won't interfere with Tianque Fortress?"

"Who said that?" Han Mu smiled. "We won't interfere, but we can let others interfere."

Han Changqing was taken aback: "Others?"

"Hasn't the Ghost Spirit Sect been active in Yanling Fortress all along?" Han Mu said meaningfully, "Secretly reveal to them the news that the main ingredient of the 'Nascent Soul Pill' is in the Tianque Fortress ruins. The Ghost Spirit Sect will definitely be interested."

Han Changqing's eyes lit up: "Using someone else to do the dirty work?"

"It's about using one tiger to devour another," Han Mu corrected. "Only when the Qingxu Sect and the Guiling Sect fight can we develop in peace. Once they're both weakened, we might even be able to pick up some benefits."

"Father is brilliant!"

"Go and do it, but do it cleanly, so that no one can tell that we leaked the information."

"yes!"

Han Changqing left in a hurry. Han Mu stood in the hall, looking towards the direction of Tianque Fortress.

The Tianque Fortress Ruins, the main ingredient for the Nascent Soul Pill… This news was actually just a system notification. The system issued a new mission—[Disrupt the Qingxu Sect's Nascent Soul Pill Plan], with a reward of 3,000 contribution points and a Core Formation stage divine ability.

"Qingxu Sect wants to cultivate Nascent Soul cultivators?" Han Mu sneered inwardly. "It's not that easy."

He wanted to see which of the Qingxu Sect and the Guiling Sect would have the last laugh.