The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Qingxu Gate, Main Peak Hall.

Han Mu, dressed in a blue robe and holding a white jade folding fan, walked into the main hall side by side with Han Changqing. Dozens of people had already gathered inside, seated in seven directions; these were the core figures of the seven factions of the Yue Kingdom.

Huangfeng Valley was led by Elder Linghu, with three Core Formation elders, including True Person Qingyun, standing behind him. The Hidden Moon Sect sent a female Core Formation cultivator with a cool and aloof demeanor, accompanied by disciples such as Nangong Wan. Core Formation cultivators from Spirit Beast Mountain, Heavenly Palace Fortress, Blade Transformation Valley, and Qingxu Sect were also present.

As a newly emerging power, the Han family was placed at the end of the table, alongside representatives of several medium-sized families. However, no one dared to underestimate them—the news of Han Mu defeating four Core Formation cultivators from the Qingxu Sect and forcing them to pay reparations and form an alliance had already spread throughout the Yue Kingdom.

"Fellow Daoist Han, this way please." Qingxuzi rose to greet him and led Han Mu to the third seat on the left, a seat actually above the Huadaowu (Blade Transformation Pavilion). The representative of Huadaowu was a one-eyed middle-aged man who snorted coldly but did not dare to retaliate.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist." Han Mu took his seat calmly, with Han Changqing standing behind him.

"Everyone is here, let's begin." Qingxuzi returned to the main seat, his expression solemn. "Fellow Daoists, the demonic invasion is imminent. According to our scouts, three thousand demonic cultivators have gathered at the border, led by Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect. They will surely enter Yue Kingdom within three days."

A commotion broke out inside the hall. Although they had expected it, hearing the confirmed news still weighed heavily on everyone's hearts.

"Three thousand demonic cultivators? How many of them have reached the Core Formation stage?" The representative of Tianque Fortress, an old man with a white beard, asked in a deep voice.

"There are at least fifteen Core Formation stage cultivators, over two hundred Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, and the rest are all at or above the late Qi Refining stage," Qingxuzi said. "Moreover, this is just the vanguard. The main forces of the six sects, including the Ghost Spirit Sect, the Joyful Union Sect, and the Spirit Control Sect, are gathering. Once the vanguard has established a foothold, the main force will continue to arrive."

"Fifteen Core Formation cultivators..." The aloof female cultivator from the Hidden Moon Sect, whose Daoist name was "Jade Purity True Person," frowned slightly. "All seven of our sects combined have only about twenty Core Formation cultivators, and they have to be scattered and stationed at various spiritual veins. The chances of winning a direct confrontation are slim."

"Does Fellow Daoist Yuqing mean to retreat without a fight?" asked a short, stout old man representing the Spirit Beast Mountain, displeased.

"It's not a retreat, but a temporary avoidance of their sharp edge," said Master Yuqing calmly. "The demonic path is powerful, and a direct confrontation would only increase casualties. It would be better to abandon the three border prefectures, consolidate our defenses, and rely on the seven sacred mountains for defense. The demonic path will have exhausted its troops on a long expedition, and if they cannot conquer them after a prolonged siege, they will naturally retreat."

"Give up the three prefectures? That's thirty million mortals and countless cultivation resources!" the white-bearded elder of Tianque Fortress roared. "Master Yuqing, how ruthless you are!"

"Mortals are like weeds; resources can be found again. But if the foundation is destroyed, how can we talk about inheritance?" Master Yuqing said expressionlessly.

"I agree with Fellow Daoist Yuqing's opinion," the one-eyed middle-aged man from Huadaowu said. "As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. Huadaowu is willing to retreat to its mountain gate and deal with the demonic path."

"Coward!" The short, stout old man from Spirit Beast Mountain slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

Inside the hall, a commotion erupted as the pro-war and pro-defense factions argued incessantly. Linghu, the Old Ancestor of Huangfeng Valley, closed his eyes to rest, Qingxuzi frowned deeply, while Han Mu quietly sipped his tea, seemingly oblivious to the chaos.

"What insightful opinion does Fellow Daoist Han have?" Qingxuzi suddenly looked at Han Mu.

All eyes were on them. Although the Han family was a newly emerging power, they were quite strong, and Han Mu's attitude would affect the situation.

Han Mu put down his teacup and said slowly, "We must fight. We must also defend. But the key lies in how we fight and how we defend."

"I would like to hear the details." Qingxuzi said.

"The vanguard of the demonic path numbers three thousand, which seems powerful, but it is not so in reality," Han Mu analyzed. "The six sects of the demonic path are not a monolithic entity. There have always been grudges between the Ghost Spirit Sect, the Joyful Union Sect, and the Spirit Control Sect. Wang Chan is young and impetuous, eager to make a name for himself, and will surely act rashly. We can concentrate our elite forces to ambush and annihilate their vanguard, thus blunting their momentum."

"Afterwards, the main force of the demonic path will inevitably retaliate. At this time, we should retreat to the seven sacred mountains and resist with formations. At the same time, we should send people to contact neighboring countries such as Yuanwu Kingdom and Zijin Kingdom, explaining the advantages and disadvantages. If the demonic path attacks Yue Kingdom, they will be the next target. If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; they will not sit idly by."

The hall fell silent. Han Mu's plan was well-reasoned and logical, neither overly reckless nor overly retreating.

"Fellow Daoist Han is right." Ancestor Linghu opened his eyes. "However, to concentrate the elite forces for an ambush, we need someone capable of overseeing the entire operation. I am old and unfit for this task. Fellow Daoist Qingxuzi will be stationed at the mountain gate, and Fellow Daoist Yuqing will be responsible for protecting the disciples. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Han is willing to take on this important responsibility?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions varied. Setting up an ambush to annihilate the enemy was both a great achievement and a great danger. Success would bring fame and fortune; failure would mean death and oblivion.

Han Mu sneered inwardly. "Old fox, he's trying to make my Han family the scapegoat." But outwardly he remained calm: "I am honored by the Ancestor's high regard, and I am willing to go. However, three conditions must be met."

"Speaking."

"First, each of the seven factions will send two Core Formation cultivators and ten Foundation Establishment cultivators, under my unified command. Second, the Han family will take 30% of the spoils of war. Third, if I unfortunately die in battle, the seven factions must ensure the Han family's safety for a hundred years."

The crowd murmured among themselves. The conditions weren't too harsh, especially the third one, which seemed more like a deathbed entrustment.

"Agreed," Qingxuzi was the first to speak, "Our Qingxu Sect is willing to send two Core Formation cultivators."

"Yellow Maple Valley is also willing to send two people," said Elder Linghu.

The Hidden Moon Sect, Spirit Beast Mountain, Heavenly Palace Fortress, and Blade Transformation Valley successively agreed. Finally, only a medium-sized family alliance remained, represented by an elderly man with a goatee. He hesitated, saying, "Fellow Daoist Han, this battle is perilous. Our family's strength is limited; I'm afraid..."

"It's alright," Han Mu said. "The family alliance can handle logistics, intelligence, and support; they don't need to go to the front lines. They can also share 10% of the spoils."

"Thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Han!" The goatee-bearded old man was overjoyed.

"In that case, we shall assemble at the border's 'Fallen Eagle Gorge' in three days." Han Mu stood up. "Gentlemen, with the demonic path at hand, we must work together. If anyone disobeys or deserts in the face of battle, do not blame me for being ruthless."

His gaze swept over the crowd, and the pressure of his Nascent Soul level divine sense vanished in an instant. Although it was only for a moment, everyone felt a chill run down their spines, as if they were being watched by a ferocious beast from the primordial era.

"We will obey Fellow Daoist Han's command!" everyone said in unison.

The meeting ended, and the representatives from each faction hurriedly departed to prepare for the deployment of their personnel. Just as Han Mu was about to leave, Elder Linghu transmitted his voice, "Fellow Daoist Han, may I speak with you in private?"

The two arrived at a side hall, where Elder Linghu set up a soundproof barrier, his expression grave: "Fellow Daoist Han, how confident are you in this battle?"

"Fifty percent," Han Mu said.

"Fifty percent..." Ancestor Linghu pondered, "That's not low. However, I must remind you that although Wang Chan is only in the mid-stage of Core Formation, he possesses several treasures of the Ghost Spirit Sect, making his strength comparable to that of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator. Moreover, he must have a protector by his side, who is very likely the Nascent Soul elder of the Ghost Spirit Sect, 'Blood Bone Master'."

"Blood Bone Immortal?" Han Mu frowned. A Nascent Soul cultivator was not someone he could handle at his current level.

"Don't worry, I'll handle Blood Bone Master," said Ancestor Linghu. "But you need to deal with Wang Chan within half an hour, otherwise I won't be able to hold out for long either."

"I understand." Han Mu nodded. "Our ancestor helped me, and the Han family will forever remember this kindness."

"No need for thanks, I also have my own selfish reasons." Ancestor Linghu took out a jade box. "These are three 'Golden Condensation Pills,' which I have treasured for many years. If Fellow Daoist Han can make contributions in this battle, I am willing to exchange these pills for a promise from the Han family."

"What promise?"

"If Huangfeng Valley is ever in trouble, the Han family will need to lend a helping hand three times."

Han Mu took the jade box, opened it, and sure enough, it contained a Golden Core Condensation Pill. The pill had a wonderfully fragrant aroma and was of superior quality. This pill could help peak Foundation Establishment cultivators condense their Golden Core, increasing the success rate by 30%, making it extremely precious.

"Alright, I accept." Han Mu put away the jade box. "However, after this battle, the Han family needs a spiritual mountain as its foundation. I've heard that there's a mountain called 'Emerald Screen Mountain' three hundred miles west of Yanling Fortress in Huangfeng Valley, which has decent spiritual energy..."

"Mount Cuiping can be given to the Han family," Patriarch Linghu said readily. "However, there is a small spirit stone vein in the mountain, and the mining rights must belong to Huangfeng Valley. The Han family can enjoy 30% of the profits."

"make a deal."

The two reached an agreement, smiled at each other, and went their separate ways.

Upon returning to Qingxia Peak, Han Mu immediately summoned the core clansmen.

"Changqing, you stay at the mountain gate and activate the great formation to ensure the safety of the family. Tu Gang and Liu Sanniang, you will accompany me on the expedition and be in charge of the formation and poison techniques. Elder Mo, expedite the refining of healing pills; I need to see fifty bottles within three days."

"yes!"

"Father, this battle is dangerous, you must be careful," Han Changqing said worriedly.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Han Mu said. "You're in charge of the family, which carries a heavy responsibility. The demonic path is cunning and might launch a sneak attack from the rear. If anything unexpected happens, crush this jade talisman immediately."

He handed Han Changqing a blood-red jade talisman, which contained a wisp of his natal sword energy, capable of slaying those in the early stages of Core Formation.

"I understand."

Three days later, at Luoying Gorge.

This is a canyon about ten miles long, with steep mountains on both sides, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Han Mu stood on a high point at the mouth of the canyon, with fourteen Core Formation cultivators and seventy Foundation Establishment cultivators behind him. The elites of the seven sects were all gathered here.

"Report! The Demonic Vanguard has arrived a hundred miles away and is expected to enter the canyon in an hour." A Foundation Establishment cultivator reported this while flying on his sword.

"Let's investigate further." Han Mu waved his hand and looked at everyone. "Proceed according to plan. Fellow Daoists from Qingxu Sect and Huangfeng Valley, ambush on the left; Fellow Daoists from Yanyue Sect and Lingshou Mountain, ambush on the right. Fellow Daoists from Tianque Fortress and Huadaowu, follow me to meet the enemy head-on. The Clan Alliance is responsible for blocking the retreat."

"yes!"

Everyone took their positions. Han Mu gazed intently at the entrance to the canyon.

"System, view current tasks."

Main Quest: Rise of the Clan (55% Progress)

Side Quest: Blood Trial (85% complete)

[Special Mission: Defeat the Demonic Vanguard (In Progress)]

[Contribution Points: -11650]

[Note: Completing the "Defeat the Demonic Vanguard" quest will earn you 10000 contribution points.]

"10000 contribution points, just enough to cover the deficit," Han Mu thought to himself. "Wang Chan, you're definitely worth the price."

An hour later, a commotion arose at the entrance of the canyon. A dark mass of demonic cultivators surged in like a tide. Leading them was a man in a blood-red robe with a sinister face—it was Wang Chan. Behind him followed two elders at the late Core Formation stage, their auras profound.

"Stop!" Wang Chan raised his hand, and the demonic forces halted. He surveyed the canyon and sneered, "This place is treacherous; if there's an ambush, it'll be troublesome. However... in the face of absolute power, all schemes are a joke."

He took out a small blood-red flag and waved it gently. Countless blood-red ghostly figures flew out of the flag and pounced on the cliffs on both sides.

"Oh no, it's the 'Ten Thousand Ghosts Banner'!" the Qingxu Sect elder who was lying in ambush exclaimed.

Wherever the ghostly figure passed, rocks crumbled and trees withered. The hidden cultivators were forced to reveal themselves and fight the ghostly figure.

"There was an ambush as expected." Wang Chan grinned maliciously. "Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"

Demonic cultivators swarmed forward, engaging in a fierce battle with the cultivators from the seven sects. Core Formation cultivators clashed with Core Formation cultivators, Foundation Establishment cultivators clashed with Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the battle was brutal.

Han Mu appeared in front of Wang Chan in a flash.

"It's you?" Wang Chan recognized Han Mu. "Han family patriarch? You dare to stop me at the mid-stage of Core Formation?"

"Try it and you'll see." Han Mu no longer concealed his power, and his late-stage Core Formation aura erupted. The Five Elements Divine Light transformed into a five-colored river, sweeping towards Wang Chan.

"Late stage of Core Formation?" Wang Chan's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly summoned a bone shield to defend himself. However, the Five Elements Divine Light swept away everything, and the spiritual light of the bone shield quickly dimmed.

"Protect the young master!" Two late-stage Core Formation elders rushed over, but were stopped by Tu Gang and Liu San Niang.

"Your opponent is me." Han Mu pressed forward relentlessly, unleashing his Qiankun Fan and unleashing a barrage of wind blades. Wang Chan retreated repeatedly, sustaining several wounds on his body.

"Damn it!" Wang Chan gritted his teeth, took out a blood-red pill, and swallowed it. Instantly, his aura surged, temporarily rising to the peak of the Core Formation stage!

"Blood Demon Pill? You're quite willing to part with it." Han Mu sneered, taking out a golden pill and swallowing it. This was a "Burning Essence Pill" obtained from the system, which could raise one's cultivation level by a small amount within a quarter of an hour.

The aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator soared into the sky!

"Nascent Soul?!" Wang Chan's pupils shrank suddenly.

"Now, it's time to end this." Han Mu raised his hand, and the Five Elements Divine Light transformed into a giant palm, striking towards Wang Chan.

Wang Chan was terrified and tried to escape, but the giant hand had already arrived.

"boom!"

The dust has settled.