The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The Golden Core Formation Ceremony ended unhappily.

After Xuan Chengzi stormed off, the other guests also took their leave one after another. Before leaving, True Person Qingyun specifically reminded Han Mu: "Fellow Daoist Han, the Qingxu Sect has suffered a great loss this time and will not let it go easily. That Xuan Chengzi is an elder of the Qingxu Sect's Punishment Hall, with a mid-stage Core Formation cultivation, and he is ruthless. Your Han family must be extra careful."

"Thank you for the reminder, fellow Daoist," Han Mu said, cupping his hands in greeting. "I understand."

"Also, there's something I need to tell Fellow Daoist Han," Master Qingyun said in a low voice. "The Yellow Maple Valley's recruitment of outer disciples, which takes place every three years, will begin next month. Your granddaughter, Han Yunge, has excellent aptitude. If she is interested in joining the Yellow Maple Valley, she can prepare in advance."

Han Mu's eyes lit up: "Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist. I will consider it."

After seeing off Master Qingyun, Han Mu returned to the main hall, where Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, and others were already waiting.

"Father, what about Qingxu Sect..." Han Changqing said with a worried expression.

"It's alright." Han Mu waved his hand. "Xuan Chengzi is just testing us. Qingxu Sect is currently preoccupied with its own problems and won't really attack us anytime soon. However, we should still take precautions."

He looked at Doctor Mo: "Elder Mo, from today onwards, activate 30% of the power of the Five Elements Mountain Protection Array. Without my permission, no one is allowed to enter or leave Qingxia Peak."

"Yes," Doctor Mo replied.

"Changqing, you have just formed your core and need to consolidate your cultivation. This is the Core Formation chapter of the 'Primordial Longevity Technique.' Study it carefully." Han Mu took out a jade slip and handed it to Han Changqing.

"Thank you, Father!" Han Changqing accepted the gift respectfully.

"Furthermore, leave family affairs to the elders for now, and focus on your cultivation. Within three months, I want to see you fully master the strength of the Core Formation stage."

"I understand."

After arranging these things, Han Mu went to the family's alchemy room.

Inside the alchemy room, Han Yunge was intently manipulating the flames to refine a batch of Qi-gathering pills. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, but her expression remained focused, and her technique was skillful.

Han Mu did not disturb them, but stood quietly to the side and watched.

Half an hour later, a fragrant aroma wafted from the alchemy furnace. Han Yunge's eyes lit up, and she quickly formed a pill-collecting incantation with both hands. The furnace lid opened, and five round Qi-gathering pills flew out, which she caught in a jade bottle.

"Five pills were successfully formed, of above-average quality, not bad," Han Mu said with a smile.

"Grandpa!" Han Yunge noticed Han Mu then and quickly stood up to greet him. "When did you arrive?"

"I've been here for a while, but seeing you so engrossed in alchemy, I didn't want to disturb you." Han Mu walked to the alchemy furnace, looked at the five Qi Gathering Pills, and said, "Your alchemy skills have improved rapidly; you've already reached the level of a second-tier alchemist."

Han Yunge was a little embarrassed: "It's all thanks to Grandpa's good teaching. However, this Qi Gathering Pill is only a second-grade low-level pill. I also want to try refining a second-grade mid-level Qi Consolidation Pill, but I always fail when I try to condense the pill."

"The Qi-Strengthening Pill requires even higher control over flames, so you still need to practice more." Han Mu took out a small jade bottle from his storage bag. "This is a second-tier alchemist's notes; take a look. Also, here are ten sets of Qi-Strengthening Pill materials. Feel free to practice; don't worry about wasting them."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" Han Yunge accepted the jade bottle and materials, her eyes filled with gratitude.

It's important to know that while the ingredients for the Qi-Strengthening Pill aren't particularly rare, each portion still costs over ten spirit stones. Ten portions would amount to over a hundred spirit stones, a sum that ordinary alchemy apprentices don't receive.

Han Mu looked at his granddaughter, pondering in his heart. Han Yunge's dual spiritual roots of wood and fire were indeed a promising talent for alchemy, and with the "Azure Origin Pill Manual" in hand, her future achievements were limitless. However, what she lacked now was systematic learning and guidance from a renowned teacher.

"Yun Ge, Grandpa asks you, are you willing to join Huangfeng Valley?" Han Mu suddenly asked.

Han Yunge was stunned: "Join Yellow Maple Valley? Grandpa, don't you want me anymore?"

"Silly child, what are you saying?" Han Mu laughed. "You are my granddaughter, so naturally you will always be a member of the Han family. But Huangfeng Valley is one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom, with a complete alchemy tradition and a dedicated alchemy hall. If you join Huangfeng Valley, you will not only receive better training, but you will also make more connections, which will benefit both yourself and your family."

"But..." Han Yunge hesitated, "I don't want to leave home."

"The path of cultivation requires traveling thousands of miles and meeting countless people," Han Mu said solemnly. "You can't stay on Qingxia Peak forever. Besides, Huangfeng Valley isn't far from Yanling Fortress, so you can come back anytime you miss home. Grandpa will also visit you often."

Seeing that Han Yunge was still hesitating, Han Mu added, "Besides, Master Qingyun of Huangfeng Valley has some connections with my grandfather. If you join Huangfeng Valley, he will take care of you. Moreover, Huangfeng Valley will be recruiting outer disciples next month, which is a good opportunity."

Han Yunge bit her lip: "Then... I'll go. But Grandpa, you have to promise me you'll come see me at least once a year."

"Okay, Grandpa promises you." Han Mu smiled and patted his granddaughter's head.

Having persuaded Han Yunge, Han Mu then went to the family's training ground.

On the training ground, more than a dozen members of the Han family were sparring. Han Ling'er was among them. She was eleven years old and had already reached the fourth level of Qi Refining. Her talent as an Ice Spirit Root allowed her to cultivate at a speed far exceeding that of her peers.

"Ling'er, come here." Han Mu beckoned.

"Grandmother!" Han Ling'er ran over with a sweet smile on her face.

"How's your cultivation going?" Han Mu asked.

"Reporting to our Ancestor, I have already reached the peak of the fourth level of Qi Refining, and I should be able to break through to the fifth level in a few days," Han Ling'er said proudly.

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded. "You have an ice spirit root, so cultivating ice-type techniques will be twice as effective. Grandpa has a copy of the 'Frost Ice Technique' here, which is a mid-grade Earth-rank technique. Take a look. Remember, don't pass it on to anyone else."

As he spoke, Han Mu took out an ice-blue jade slip.

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Han Ling'er's eyes lit up, and she quickly accepted the gift.

"Cultivate diligently. In three years, your grandfather will send you to join the Hidden Moon Sect. It is the sect with the most complete ice-type cultivation techniques in the Yue Kingdom, and it is most suitable for you," Han Mu said.

"The Hidden Moon Sect?" Han Ling'er asked curiously. "Ancestor, is it fun there?"

"I don't know if it's fun or not, but it will help your cultivation," Han Mu said with a smile. "However, that's three years from now. Right now, you should focus on building a solid foundation."

"yes!"

After arranging the cultivation paths for the two juniors, Han Mu returned to his meditation room.

Bring up the system interface to view the current status.

[Host: Han Mu]

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

[Cultivation Technique: Primordial Longevity Technique (Fourth Level, 95%)]

[Supernatural Abilities: Five Elements Divine Light (Beginner), Five Elements Sword Formation (Minor Mastery), Five Elements Escape Technique (Advanced), etc.]

[Family Contribution Points: 2350]

Main quest progress: 40%

[Family members: Han Changqing (early stage of Core Formation), Doctor Mo (early stage of Pseudo-Core Formation), Han Yunge (level 10 of Qi Refining), Han Ling'er (level 4 of Qi Refining), etc.]

[Recent Events: Han Changqing successfully forms his Core, boosting the family's reputation]

My cultivation has reached 95% of the mid-stage Core Formation realm, just one step away from breaking through. I still have 2350 clan contribution points left, which I can exchange for some items.

"System, what resources in the shop are suitable for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages?" Han Mu wondered.

[Filtering in progress...]

[Recommended redemption:]

[1. Foundation Establishment Pill Recipe (2000 Contribution Points) - Can be used to refine Foundation Establishment Pills, increasing the success rate of Foundation Establishment for Qi Refining cultivators]

【2. Second-Tier Spirit Gathering Array (1500 Contribution Points) - Increases cultivation speed, suitable for those below Foundation Establishment stage】

3. Marrow Cleansing Pill (100 contribution points/pill) - Improves aptitude, limited to three pills per person.

4. Amulet (50 Contribution Points/piece) - Can withstand a full-force attack in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

After a moment's thought, Han Mu exchanged for the Foundation Establishment Pill recipe and ten Marrow Cleansing Pills. Although the Foundation Establishment Pill recipe was expensive, it was very valuable in the long run. The Marrow Cleansing Pills could improve the aptitude of the family's descendants and enhance their overall potential.

[Exchange successful, 3000 contribution points deducted]

Current contribution points: -650

[Note: Contribution points can be negative, but must be made up within one year, otherwise the family rating will be lowered.]

Han Mu's contribution points had turned negative, but he didn't care. With the system tasks in place, earning back 650 contribution points within a year wouldn't be difficult.

"System, view available tasks."

[Currently available quests:]

[1. Clan Expansion (Long-Term): When the clan members exceed 1000, a reward of 5000 contribution points and the special building "Scripture Pavilion" will be given.]

[2. Talent Cultivation: Cultivate three second-tier professionals (alchemist, formation master, weapon refiner, etc.), and receive 2000 contribution points and a cultivation technique as a reward.]

[3. Crimson Trial: Ensure that at least three members of the Han family survive the Crimson Forbidden Land Trial. Reward: 3000 contribution points and a map of the forbidden land.]

[4. Sect Pact: Successfully send Han Yunge to Huangfeng Valley, reward 1500 contribution points, Huangfeng Valley's favorability increases]

Han Mu's eyes lit up. Any one of the four tasks could make up for the shortfall in contribution points. The "Crimson Trial" task, in particular, offered generous rewards and was connected to the original storyline.

「接取任务2、3、4。」韩牧心道。任务1是长期任务，不急；任务2、3、4都是短期可完成的。

[Acceptance Successfully Completed: Talent Cultivation, Blood Trial, Sect Pact]

After accepting the mission, Han Mu began to study the Foundation Establishment Pill formula. This formula was indeed exquisite, with three types of century-old spiritual herbs as the main ingredients and twelve auxiliary ingredients, making it quite difficult to refine. However, with Doctor Mo's current alchemy skills, he should be able to attempt to refine it.

Over the next few days, Han Mu handed over the Foundation Establishment Pill formula to Doctor Mo for him to study. At the same time, he distributed ten Marrow Cleansing Pills to the more talented members of the family. Han Ling'er and Han Yunge each received one, and the remaining eight were distributed to other promising members of the family.

The Marrow Cleansing Pill had remarkable effects. After taking it, Han Ling'er's cultivation level directly broke through to the fifth level of Qi Refining. Han Yunge also broke through to the eleventh level of Qi Refining, just one step away from the peak of Qi Refining.

Other clansmen who took the Marrow Cleansing Pill showed varying degrees of improvement in their aptitude and a significant increase in their cultivation speed.

That day, Han Mu was instructing Han Yunge on alchemy when Han Changqing hurried over.

"Father, news has come from Huangfeng Valley that the recruitment of outer disciples is scheduled for ten days from now. The location will be the 'Welcoming Immortal Platform' outside the Huangfeng Valley mountain gate."

"Ten days later..." Han Mu calculated the time. "That's enough time. Yun Ge, get ready. We'll depart in five days."

"Yes, Grandpa."

"Changqing, take two people and escort Yun Ge to Huangfeng Valley. Once you arrive, go directly to Master Qingyun, and he will make the arrangements," Han Mu instructed.

"I understand."

Five days later, Han Yunge was ready to leave. Han Mu called her to the quiet room and gave her three things.

The first item was a storage bag containing five hundred spirit stones, several bottles of pills, and a few protective magic items.

The second item was a silver talisman.

"This is a 'Minor Teleportation Talisman,' which can teleport you a hundred miles in an instant. It can save your life in critical moments. Remember, don't use it unless it's a matter of life and death," Han Mu said solemnly.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Han Yunge carefully put it away.

The third item is a jade pendant.

"Wear this jade pendant close to your body. It contains a wisp of my divine sense. If you encounter danger, crush the pendant, and I will sense it," Han Mu said. "Also, keep a low profile in Yellow Maple Valley and focus on your cultivation. But if anyone bullies you, don't suffer in silence. Your grandfather is here, and the Han family is here for you."

"Grandpa..." Han Yunge's eyes reddened slightly.

"Go on, and cultivate diligently." Han Mu patted his granddaughter's shoulder.

Han Yunge nodded emphatically and turned to leave.

Watching her departing figure, Han Mu sighed softly. Children always have to grow up and leave the protection of home. All he could do was pave the way for her, so that she could walk more steadily and further.

"System, check Han Yunge's current status," Han Mu thought to himself.

Han Yunge: Female, 15 years old

[Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Level 11]

[Spiritual Roots: Wood and Fire Dual Spiritual Roots (Superior)]

[Cultivation Technique: Azure Origin Elixir Technique (Second Level)]

[Talent: Alchemy Genius (Potential for Second-Tier Alchemist)]

[Current Status: On the way to Yellow Maple Valley, feeling reluctant but determined]

"I hope everything goes well for this girl in Yellow Maple Valley," Han Mu murmured.

He turned and returned to his meditation room, preparing to enter seclusion to attempt to break through to the late stage of Core Formation. But as soon as he sat down, he sensed fluctuations emanating from the Five Elements Mountain-Protecting Array.

Someone has broken through the formation!

Han Mu scanned the area with his divine sense and discovered that three black-robed cultivators were attacking the great formation. All three were at the Foundation Establishment stage, one at the late Foundation Establishment stage and two at the middle Foundation Establishment stage. Judging from their attire, they were from the Qingxu Sect.

"You're courting death." A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes.

He flashed and appeared outside the great formation.

"Who dares to trespass on the gates of my Han family?" Han Mu asked coldly.

The three black-robed cultivators stopped their attack and looked at Han Mu. The leader was an old man with triangular eyes and a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation.

"You're Han Mu? Early stage of Pseudo-Core Formation?" The triangular-eyed old man sized up Han Mu, his eyes filled with disdain. "A mere Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator dares to oppose my Qingxu Sect? If you know what's good for you, withdraw your formation and come with me to the Qingxu Sect to face your punishment, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" Han Mu said calmly.

"Otherwise, I'll raze your Qingxia Peak to the ground today!" the triangular-eyed old man sneered.

Han Mu laughed: "Just the three of you at the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"You're courting death!" The triangular-eyed old man roared in anger, summoning a black flying sword that aimed straight at Han Mu.

The other two also attacked simultaneously, one from the left and one from the right.

Han Mu shook his head and waved his hand.

Five Elements Divine Light!

A flash of five-colored light, and the three men's magical treasures instantly lost their power and fell to the ground. The three men's expressions changed drastically. Before they could react, Han Mu had already appeared in front of the triangular-eyed old man and struck him in the chest with a palm.

"puff!"

The triangular-eyed old man coughed up blood and flew backward, crashing heavily to the ground, his breath weak.

The other two turned and fled, but Han Mu was faster. He pointed out with two fingers, and the two men groaned as they fell from the air.

"Go back and tell Xuan Chengzi that if he dares to invade again, I, Han, will not hesitate to make a trip to Qingxu Sect," Han Mu said calmly, standing with his hands behind his back.

The three of them felt as if they had been granted a pardon and ran away as fast as they could.

Han Mu stared in the direction they had left, a cold glint in his eyes.

It seems that Qingxu Sect is determined to go against the Han family.

Since that's the case, then don't blame him for being impolite.

"System, issue the mission: thwart the provocation of Qingxu Sect."

[Quest Generation: Frustrate Qingxu Sect's Provocation]

[Content: The Qingxu Sect will soon launch a retaliation against the Han family. Please thwart their plot.]

[Reward: Based on completion level, up to 5000 contribution points]

【Is it accepted? 】

"Receive".

[Task accepted successfully]

Han Mu turned and headed back up the mountain. "Qingxu Sect, since you're courting death, then we'll play along."

Perfect timing, he also needed someone to establish his authority.