The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Inside the main hall of Qingxia Peak, Xuan Chengzi and his three companions were bound by the Five Elements Chains and collapsed to the ground. Han Mu sat in the main seat, with Han Changqing and his black-robed clone standing on either side. Doctor Mo and several members of the Han family guarded the prisoners outside the hall.

"System, check the current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

Cultivation Level: Late Stage of True Core Formation (Early Stage of Superficial Core Formation)

[Cultivation Technique: Primordial Longevity Technique (Fifth Level 5%)]

[Supernatural Abilities: Five Elements Divine Light (Minor Success → Major Success), Five Elements Sword Formation (Minor Success), Five Elements Escape Technique (Major Success), Five Elements Incarnation Technique (Beginner)]

[Family Contribution Points: 350]

[Mission: Frustrate the Qingxu Sect's provocation (85% complete)]

[Family Members: Four new captives added (Xuan Chengzi - Mid-Core Formation, Tu Gang - Mid-Core Formation, Liu San Niang - Early-Core Formation, Qing Yang - Early-Core Formation)]

Han Mu nodded secretly. This battle was quite fruitful; not only had it verified his strength at the late Core Formation stage, but he had also captured four Core Formation cultivators alive. However, how to deal with these people required careful consideration.

"Senior Han... Senior Han," Xuan Chengzi began with difficulty, his tone shifting from arrogance to reverence, "What happened today was the fault of our Qingxu Sect. Senior Han, if you wish to punish us, Xuan Chengzi will accept it. I only beg Senior Han to show mercy and spare our lives."

"Show mercy?" Han Mu said calmly. "If it were my Han family that was defeated today, would you have shown mercy?"

Xuan Chengzi's face paled, and he was speechless. He knew that if he succeeded today, the Han family would be wiped out. The cultivation world was a life-or-death struggle; there was no reason to show mercy.

"Senior..." Elder Qingyang began, his voice bitter, "Qingxu Sect was at fault in this matter, and we are willing to compensate. We beg you to show mercy and spare our lives."

Tu Gang and Liu San Niang also hurriedly expressed their willingness to give up all their wealth in exchange for their lives.

Han Mu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I can release you, but there are conditions."

"Please speak, seniors!" the four said in unison.

"First, Qingxu Sect must compensate the Han family with 50,000 spirit stones, ten magic treasures, one hundred bottles of pills, and three cultivation manuals," Han Mu said.

Xuan Chengzi gasped, "Fifty thousand spirit stones? Senior, this..."

"Too much?" Han Mu's eyes turned cold.

"No, not much, not much!" Xuan Chengzi quickly changed his tune, "It's just that Qingxu Sect's current reserves are limited, and we can't gather 50,000 spirit stones in a short time, could it be...?"

"Payment can be made in three installments, with the remaining balance to be settled within three months," Han Mu said.

"Thank you for your understanding, senior!" Xuan Chengzi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Secondly," Han Mu continued, "from this day forward, the Qingxu Sect shall no longer target the Han family. If this oath is broken, I will personally go to the Qingxu Sect to demand an explanation."

"Yes, yes, yes, we will never do it again!" the four said in unison.

"Third," Han Mu looked at Tu Gang and Liu San Niang, "you two must serve as guest elders in the Han family for ten years to atone for the offense you committed today."

Tu Gang and Liu San Niang's expressions changed. Ten years as a guest retainer meant losing their freedom. But their lives were now in their hands, and they had no choice but to agree.

"What, you don't want to?" Han Mu asked.

"Yes, yes!" the two said hastily.

"Alright." Han Mu nodded. "Changqing, bring four Blood Oath Talismans."

Han Changqing responded and left, quickly returning with four blood-red talismans. These were oath talismans commonly used in the cultivation world, using blood essence as a catalyst. Breaking the oath would result in a backlash from inner demons, hindering cultivation progress.

Each of the four forced out a drop of their essence blood, dripped it onto the talisman, and swore an oath against their inner demons. The talisman ignited with crimson flames, and the oath took effect.

Han Mu then waved his hand to remove the Five Elements Chains.

The four regained their freedom, but their cultivation was sealed, leaving them powerless to resist.

"Changqing, arrange accommodations for the four fellow Daoists and treat them well," Han Mu said. "Once the compensation from Qingxu Sect arrives, we will release Fellow Daoists Xuanchengzi and Qingyang back. As for Fellow Daoists Tugang and Liu Sanniang, treat them as honored guests and do not neglect them."

"Yes, Father." Han Changqing replied and left with the four of them.

Only Han Mu and his black-robed clone remained in the main hall.

"System, submit task."

[Mission: Frustrate the Qingxu Sect's provocation (Completed)]

[Evaluation: Perfect (Captured four people alive, achieving a deterrent effect)]

[Reward: 3500 Contribution Points, Blueprint for the Special Building "Heart Refining Tower"]

[Contribution Points Updated: 3850]

[Task: Talent Development (In Progress)]

【当前进度：二阶丹师1/3（墨大夫），二阶阵法师0/3，二阶炼器师0/3】

[Note: Tu Gang is a Tier 2 weapon refiner, and Liu San Niang is a Tier 2 poison master (these can be counted as special professions)]

Han Mu's eyes lit up. Tu Gang was a weapon refiner, and Liu San Niang was a poison master. Although poison masters weren't considered a conventional profession, the system recognized them, so they were still considered talented. In this way, he now had three second-tier professionals.

"System, submit talent development task."

[Task: Talent Development (Completed)]

[Reward: 2000 Contribution Points, Inherited Cultivation Technique "Hundred Refinements True Scripture" (Weapon Forging Chapter)]

[Contribution Points Updated: 5850]

Good, I have plenty of contribution points now. Han Mu checked the newly acquired "Heart Refining Tower" blueprint.

[Mind Refining Tower: A special building that helps cultivators temper their minds and increase the success rate of breaking through bottlenecks]

[Construction Requirements: 1,000 catties of each of the five elemental spiritual materials, 100 mid-grade spirit stones, and a third-tier array master is required to set up the core array.]

[Effect: Entering during the Qi Refining stage increases mental state by 30%; entering during the Foundation Establishment stage increases mental state by 20%; entering during the Core Formation stage increases mental state by 10%]

This is a wonderful item! For cultivators, improving their cultivation level is relatively easy, but cultivating their mental state is difficult. Cultivators with mental bottlenecks often remain stuck at a certain level for decades or even centuries. The Heart Refining Tower can improve one's mental state, making it an invaluable treasure for family members.

The construction requirements are not low: a thousand catties of each of the five elemental materials and a hundred mid-grade spirit stones. With the Han family's current resources, they can barely gather enough. However, third-tier array masters are hard to find. Among the seven sects of Yue Kingdom, only Qingxu Sect and Yanyue Sect have third-tier array masters.

"It seems I need to find a way to recruit a formation master, or train one myself," Han Mu thought. He himself was a third-tier formation master, but as the head of the family, he couldn't personally set up formations.

"Take your time, let's gather all the materials first." Han Mu put away the blueprints and looked at the black-robed clone.

The black-robed clone was condensed using the "Five Elements Incarnation Technique" and possessed the strength of the early Core Formation stage, but it could only exist for three months. After three months, it needed to be condensed again.

"Three months is enough," Han Mu muttered to himself. With this clone present, the Han family would have two Core Formation cultivators in charge, enough to deter any troublemakers.

"System, exchange for the third level of the 'Heavenly Gathering Divine Technique'."

The "Heavenly Concealing Divine Technique" is a concealment cultivation method rewarded by the system. The first two levels can conceal one major cultivation realm, and the third level can conceal two major cultivation realms. Han Mu is currently in the late stage of Core Formation. After cultivating the third level, he can disguise himself as being in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, making him even more inconspicuous.

[Exchange for the third level of "Heavenly Gathering Divine Technique" - 3000 contribution points deducted]

[Contribution Points Updated: 2850]

With the jade slip in hand, Han Mu probed it with his divine sense and began to comprehend it.

Three days later, the compensation from Qingxu Sect arrived.

The one who arrived was the head of the Qingxu Sect, whose Daoist name was "Qingxuzi," and who had reached the late stage of Core Formation. He personally escorted the compensation, and his attitude was respectful.

"Fellow Daoist Han, the matter the other day was due to the lax discipline of my Qingxu Sect, and we have offended you greatly." Qingxuzi cupped his hands and said, "Here are 50,000 spirit stones, ten magic treasures, one hundred bottles of pills, and three cultivation manuals. Please take a look."

Han Mu scanned the area with his divine sense and confirmed it was correct. The spirit stones were low-grade, the magic treasures were all mid-to-low-grade, the pills were of average quality, and the cultivation technique was a Foundation Establishment stage technique from the Qingxu Sect. It wasn't particularly valuable, but it was sufficient for his needs.

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu is too kind," Han Mu said calmly. "Since your sect is so sincere, I am not a petty person. Fellow Daoist Xuanchengzi and Fellow Daoist Qingyang, you may take them back. However, I hope your sect will restrain its members and refrain from further disputes."

"Of course, of course." Qingxuzi nodded repeatedly. "I have strictly ordered my disciples not to be enemies with the Han family again. Furthermore, my Qingxu Sect is willing to form an alliance with the Han family, agreeing to non-aggression and mutual exchange. What does Fellow Daoist Han think?"

An alliance? Han Mu pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Agreed."

Qingxu Sect is, after all, one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom. It's better to be friends than enemies. An alliance would be beneficial to the Han family.

"Very well!" Qingxuzi said with a smile. "In that case, my Qingxu Sect will host a banquet in three days to invite Fellow Daoist Han to grace us with his presence and formally establish an alliance."

"I'll definitely be there," Han Mu replied.

Qingxuzi took Xuanchengzi and Qingyang with him. Tu Gang and Liu Sanniang stayed behind to fulfill their duties as guest elders.

Tu Gang is a second-tier weapon refiner. Han Mu put him in charge of the family's weapon refining hall, teaching the Han family's disciples weapon refining. Liu San Niang is a poison master. Although poison is an unorthodox art, it can be a great asset if used properly. Han Mu put her in charge of preparing poisons and antidotes, and researching the application of poison in combat.

Although the two were forced to stay, Han Mu treated them well, providing resources and showing them respect. Over time, the two settled down and began to work diligently.

Ten days later, Han Mu went to Qingxu Gate for a banquet.

Qingxu Sect is located in the eastern part of Yue Kingdom. Its mountain gate is majestic and filled with spiritual energy, befitting its status as one of the seven sects. Qingxuzi personally greeted them at the mountain gate, showing them great respect.

At the banquet, representatives from the other five sects of Yue Kingdom came to observe the ceremony. Huangfeng Valley sent Qingyun Zhenren, the Yanyue Sect sent a female cultivator in the mid-stage of Core Formation, and Lingshou Mountain, Tianque Fortress, and Huadaowu also had representatives.

"This must be Fellow Daoist Han Mu? He is indeed a handsome man." Master Qingyun said with a smile, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Han has a granddaughter who has entered my Yellow Maple Valley Danxia Peak. She has good talent and has been accepted as my disciple."

"Thank you for your care, fellow Daoist." Han Mu cupped his hands in thanks.

"Fellow Daoist Han, you're too kind. Yun Ge is indeed a talented child," said True Person Qingyun. "By the way, Fellow Daoist Han, are you aware that the Crimson Forbidden Land is about to open?"

"The Crimson Forbidden Land?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat.

"Exactly," said Master Qingyun. "It opens once every ten years, and only cultivators at the Qi Refining stage are allowed to enter. My Yellow Maple Valley has five slots. If the Han family has a suitable disciple, I can give up one."

Han Mu pondered for a moment. The Crimson Forbidden Land was an important plot point in the original novel; it was there that Han Li obtained the main ingredient of the Foundation Establishment Pill and successfully established his foundation. Now that Han Yunge was in Yellow Maple Valley, they could try to secure a spot for her.

"Then thank you very much, fellow Daoist," Han Mu said. "The Han family does indeed have several Qi Refining stage disciples, and I will choose one to go."

"Alright, the Crimson Forbidden Land will open in three months. Fellow Daoist Han can send his disciples to meet at Yellow Maple Valley," said True Person Qingyun.

After the banquet, Han Mu and Qingxuzi formally signed an alliance, forming an alliance between the Qingxu Sect and the Han family, agreeing not to invade each other's territory and to exchange goods and resources.

This matter quickly spread throughout the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom. For the first time, the name of the Han family entered the sights of major powers.

A family capable of defeating four Core Formation cultivators from the Qingxu Sect and forcing them to pay reparations and form an alliance is not to be underestimated.

Upon returning to Qingxia Peak, Han Mu summoned his clansmen.

"The Crimson Forbidden Land will open in three months, and my Han family has one spot," Han Mu said. "Who among the Qi Refining stage disciples is willing to go?"

Below the stage, more than ten Qi Refining stage cultivators exchanged bewildered glances. They had heard of the Crimson Forbidden Land, a place where opportunities and dangers coexisted. It was said that each time it opened, the mortality rate of cultivators entering exceeded 50%.

"Ancestor, I'll go." A voice rang out.

Han Mu looked over and saw Han Ling'er, eleven years old, at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

"Ling'er, you're still young, let's do it next time," Han Mu said. Han Ling'er has an ice spirit root and great potential, and he didn't want her to take risks too early.

"Ancestor, I'm not young anymore," Han Ling'er said earnestly. "The path of cultivation is inherently perilous. If you don't even dare to enter the Crimson Forbidden Land, how can you achieve the Great Dao?"

Looking into Han Ling'er's determined eyes, Han Mu secretly praised her. This girl has a strong will.

"Alright, you'll go." Han Mu nodded. "For the next three months, focus all your energy on cultivation. I will personally guide you. Also, I will prepare some life-saving items for you."

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Han Ling'er was overjoyed.

"System, check Han Ling'er's status," Han Mu thought to himself.

Han Ling'er: Female, eleven years old

[Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Level 5]

[Spiritual Root: Ice Spiritual Root (Top Grade)]

[Technique: Frostbite Technique (First Level)]

[Talent: Ice-type genius, unwavering mentality]

[Recommendation: Focus on developing this character; consider bestowing ice-type magical artifacts and talismans upon him/her.]

Han Mu nodded secretly. Han Ling'er was indeed a promising talent, and this Blood Forbidden Land might be her chance to soar to great heights.

However, the forbidden area is dangerous, so we must be fully prepared.

"System, exchange for the ice-type protective magic item 'Ice Soul Pearl', the ice-type attack talisman 'Frozen Thousand Miles', and the ice-type escape technique 'Ice Escape Technique'."

[Exchange successful, 1500 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: 1350]

Three treasures appeared in his hands, and Han Mu handed them to Han Ling'er.

"Refine these three items carefully. In the Crimson Forbidden Land, survival comes first, treasure hunting second, understand?"

"Ling'er understands!" Han Ling'er nodded emphatically.

Han Mu's gaze was deep as he watched Han Ling'er's departing figure.

Bloodstained Forbidden Land, Han Li, Nangong Wan...

This time, the Han family will also get a share of the profits.