The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The dust slowly settled.

In the canyon, a palm print several feet deep was clearly visible, but the center of the palm print was empty. Han Mu frowned slightly, and his divine sense swept around, but he could not find Wang Chan's aura.

"A substitute blood talisman?" Han Mu sneered. His palm strike had indeed hit Wang Chan, but the opponent clearly possessed a life-saving treasure and escaped at the last moment using the Blood Escape Technique.

At this time, the battle within the canyon was also nearing its end. Two late-stage Core Formation elders of the Ghost Spirit Sect were killed by Tu Gang and Liu San Niang in a joint attack. The demonic cultivators were leaderless, with some dying and others fleeing. Although the seven sects suffered casualties, they generally held the upper hand.

"Fellow Daoist Han, that scoundrel Wang Chan..." Qingxuzi flew over and saw the empty palm print, his expression changed.

"They escaped," Han Mu said calmly. "However, they were hit by my Five Elements Divine Light and will lose all their cultivation for at least half a year. They are not a cause for concern."

Qingxuzi breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a pang of regret: "It's a pity. If we could have kept this boy, he would have been able to severely damage the Ghost Spirit Sect."

"Don't bite off more than you can chew." Han Mu shook his head. "In this battle, we killed two late-stage Core Formation cultivators, eleven early-stage Core Formation cultivators, and over a hundred Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators. This is already a great victory. Pass down the order to count the spoils of war, treat the wounded, and withdraw in half an hour."

"yes!"

Qingxuzi went to relay the order. Han Mu then flew to the top of the canyon, overlooking the entire battlefield. Of the three thousand demonic vanguard, less than five hundred escaped; the rest were either dead or wounded. On the seven sects' side, two Core Formation cultivators perished, three were seriously injured, and over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators were lost—a pyrrhic victory.

"System, check the task completion status."

[Special Mission: Defeat the Demonic Vanguard (Completed)]

[Task Rating: Excellent]

[Rewards: 10000 Contribution Points, 1 Random Magic Item, +500 Clan Reputation]

Current contribution points: -1650

Family Reputation: 2100 (Slightly Famous)

"A random magic weapon?" Han Mu thought to himself, and a small bronze bell appeared in his hand. The bell was engraved with ancient runes and emitted a faint spiritual pressure.

[Magic Item: Soul-Suppressing Bell (Mid-Grade 3)]

【Effect: Sonic attack that can intimidate the enemy's soul; it is especially effective against cultivators of the Ghost Path and Demonic Path】

[Note: This is a standard magical artifact from the ancient Zhenhun Sect, with 70% of its power restored.]

"Excellent, just what I needed." Han Mu put away the Soul-Suppressing Bell. At this moment, Tu Gang and Liu San Niang flew over to report.

"Ancestor, the battlefield has been inventoried. We have seized thirteen magical treasures, over two hundred magical artifacts, a number of pills, talismans, and materials, and approximately five hundred thousand spirit stones," Tu Gang handed over the list.

"As agreed, the Han family will take 30%." Han Mu glanced at it. "In addition, the storage bags of those two late-stage Core Formation elders will belong to the Han family, and you can divide the rest among yourselves."

"yes!"

The Han family would take 30%, the Qingxu Sect and Huangfeng Valley would each take 20%, and the remaining 30% would be shared among the other four sects and the family alliance. No one objected to this distribution plan—Han Mu had made a tremendous contribution in this battle, killing a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, forcing Wang Chan to retreat, and even producing the precious Exploding Yuan Pill. Without Han Mu, the seven sects would have lost at least half their forces.

"Fellow Daoist Han, this great victory is entirely due to your excellent planning." Ancestor Linghu walked over with a smile. "The Golden Core has been given to you, and the land deed for Cuiping Mountain is also here. From now on, the area within a hundred miles of Cuiping Mountain belongs to the Han family."

Han Mu took the land deed and glanced at it: "Thank you, Ancestor. However, the mining rights for the spirit stone veins of Cuiping Mountain still belong to Huangfeng Valley, and the Han family will receive 30% of the profits. This is the agreement."

"Of course." Ancestor Linghu nodded, lowering his voice, "Also, I have a favor to ask. Fellow Daoist Han, do you have any spare Yuan-Exploding Pills? I am willing to buy them at a high price."

Han Mu glanced at him: "The Explosive Yuan Pill is not easy to refine, and I only have three left. If the Ancestor wants one, it's 50,000 spirit stones."

"Fifty thousand?" Old Ancestor Linghu's lips twitched. This price was 30% higher than the market price. But he had just witnessed the power of the Bursting Yuan Pill, which could temporarily grant a late-stage Core Formation cultivator the combat power of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and could be a lifesaver in critical moments.

"I want two." Ancestor Linghu gritted his teeth and took out 100,000 spirit stones.

Han Mu accepted the spirit stones and handed him two jade bottles. In reality, he had exchanged these Exploding Yuan Pills using system contribution points; the cost was only 10,000 contribution points per pill, equivalent to 10,000 spirit stones. He made a profit of 80,000 spirit stones in one go, and even made Ancestor Linghu owe him a favor.

"Fellow Daoists, this place is not safe to linger," Qingxuzi said. "The main force of the demonic path will arrive soon. Let us quickly return to our respective sects and prepare for the upcoming battle."

Everyone nodded and led their respective disciples to retreat. Han Mu also led the Han family back to Qingxia Peak.

On the way back, Han Mu said to Tu Gang and Liu San Niang, "You two performed well in this battle. When you get back, you will each be rewarded with five thousand spirit stones, and you can choose a magic weapon from the family treasury."

"Thank you, Ancestor!" The two were overjoyed.

"Furthermore, you must break through to the mid-stage of Core Formation as soon as possible. The invasion of the demonic path is just the beginning. The cultivation world of Yue Kingdom will usher in a major change, and strength will be the only thing that matters."

"Yes, we will certainly do our best!"

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

"Changqing, you take men to take over Cuiping Mountain and clear out the monsters and hidden dangers within. Elder Mo, you are responsible for setting up the protective array on Cuiping Mountain; the materials will be drawn from the warehouse. Tu Gang, you take men to escort them."

"Father, aren't you going yourself?" Han Changqing asked.

"I need to go into seclusion for a few days to digest what I've learned from this battle," Han Mu said. "Also, although the demonic path suffered a defeat, they will surely retaliate. You must speed up your progress; within a month, I want to see Cuiping Mountain become the new foundation of the Han family."

"yes!"

The others obeyed and left. Han Mu then went to the quiet room, set up a protective barrier, and sat down cross-legged.

"System, check the current status."

Name: Han Mu

[Actual Cultivation Level: Early Nascent Soul Stage (Appears to be Mid-Core Formation Stage)]

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

[Magic Items: Qiankun Fan (Natal Magic Item Embryo), Five Elements Flag (Tier 3, High Grade), Soul-Suppressing Bell (Tier 3, Mid Grade)]

[Clan Status: 467 members, 2 Core Formation stage, 13 Foundation Establishment stage, 105 Qi Refining stage]

[Family Territory: Qingxia Peak (Tier 1 Spirit Vein), Cuiping Mountain (Tier 2 Spirit Vein)]

[Family fortune: Steadily rising]

Main Quest: Rise of the Clan (58% Progress)

[Contribution Points: -1650]

[Special Reward: To be claimed]

"Claim a special reward."

[Received: Five Elements Spirit Orb x1 (can improve Five Elements Spiritual Root Aptitude)]

[Received: Foundation Building Pill x10]

[Obtained: Golden Condensation Pill Recipe x1]

[Received: Random Family Talent x1]

"Random family talent?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. "Draw it."

【Extracting...】

[Gained Family Talent: Affinity for Spiritual Plants]

[Effect: When family members plant medicinal herbs, the growth rate increases by 20%, and the efficacy of the herbs increases by 10%]

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded. The Han family has a Spirit Eye Spring, which is suitable for growing spiritual herbs, and this talent can be put to good use.

"System, exchange for the 'Five Elements Clone Technique'."

【Five Elements Clone Technique: Can create five elemental clones, each possessing 30% of the original's strength, and can cultivate and comprehend independently】

[5000 contribution points are required for redemption. Redeem now?]

"exchange."

[Redeem successful, 5000 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -6650]

[Warning: Your contribution points are getting progressively negative; please make them up as soon as possible.]

Han Mu didn't care. The Five Elements Clone Technique was an important part of his plan. With clones, he could handle multiple things at the same time, and the clones could travel outside for him while his main body stayed behind to oversee the family, making it both safe and efficient.

"Let's try making a clone first." Han Mu took out the Five Elements Flag and then took out various materials from his storage bag: gold essence, wood marrow, water jade, fire crystal, and earth spirit. These are the basic materials for making the Five Elements clone.

Following the instructions of the technique, he refined the five elements and integrated them into the Five Elements Flag, then infused it with a wisp of his divine soul. The entire process lasted three days and three nights.

On the morning of the fourth day, in the quiet room, a young man who resembled Han Mu in appearance but possessed a more imposing aura slowly opened his eyes. He was dressed in white, with a five-colored halo hanging from his back, and his aura was at the early stage of Core Formation.

"Greetings, Your Excellency." The clone bowed.

"From this day forward, your name will be Han Bai, and you will be a guest elder of the Han family, responsible for traveling outside," Han Mu said. "With my warrant, you will take over the three scattered small families and incorporate them into the Han family."

"Yes, sir." Han Bai took the order and transformed into a streak of white light, disappearing into the distance.

Han Mu continued his seclusion, wanting to digest the insights gained from this battle and consider his next steps.

With the invasion of the demonic path, the seven sects of Yue Kingdom would certainly be unable to defend themselves. According to the original plot, the seven sects would eventually evacuate Yue Kingdom and head to places like Yuanwu Kingdom and Zijin Kingdom. However, the Han family is different; their roots are in Yue Kingdom, so they cannot leave.

"To survive and thrive in chaotic times, one must have sufficient strength and territory." Han Mu pondered, "Cuiping Mountain is just the beginning. Next, we need to annex the surrounding forces and grow stronger in the gap between the demonic path and the seven sects."

"But we can't be too conspicuous, or we'll become the target of everyone's criticism. We need to make it seem like the Han family is expanding 'forced' and surviving 'by luck'."

He took out a communication talisman and sent a message to Han Changqing: "Changqing, when taking over the three small families, be gentle and use the pretext of protection. Do not force them. Also, spread the word that the Han family suffered heavy losses in resisting the demonic path and urgently needs to replenish its manpower."

"Yes, Father," Han Changqing replied.

"Also, send someone to contact the survivors of those scattered families and tell them that the Han family is willing to provide shelter, but they must offer up their family heritage and half of their resources. Those who are willing can become vassals of the Han family; those who are unwilling will not be forced."

"I understand."

After making these arrangements, Han Mu thought of Han Ling'er and Han Yunge. These two juniors were exceptionally talented and were the future hope of the Han family; they must be nurtured with utmost care.

"Ling'er has an ice spirit root, which is suitable for cultivating the Ice Soul True Scripture, but the Han family does not have this cultivation method. System, exchange for the Ice Soul True Scripture and refine Qi to the Core Formation stage."

【Ice Soul True Scripture (Qi Refining - Core Formation Chapter): Mid-grade Earth Rank cultivation technique, suitable for cultivation by those with Ice Spiritual Roots】

[3000 contribution points are required for redemption. Redeem now?]

"exchange."

[Redeem successful, 3000 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -9650]

Han Mu felt a pang of regret, but it was worth it for the future of his family. He then exchanged for the next part of the "Azure Origin Pill Technique" suitable for Han Yunge, as well as some alchemy insights.

"Changqing's 'Thick Earth Technique' should also be upgraded." Han Mu thought for a moment and exchanged for the "True Scripture of Earth" from Foundation Establishment to Core Formation.

After doing all this, his contribution points were nearly 10,000. But Han Mu wasn't worried; as long as the family continued to develop, he could quickly earn back the contribution points.

"System, view available tasks."

Main Quest: Clan Rise (In Progress)

Side Quest 1: Merge Three Fallen Families (0/3)

Side Quest 2: Train Three Foundation Establishment Cultivators (1/3)

Side Quest 3: Obtain a Medium-Sized Spirit Stone Mine

[Special Event: Chaos of the Demonic Path (In Progress)]

"Swallowing up clans, nurturing Foundation Establishment cultivators, acquiring spirit stone mines..." Han Mu's eyes gleamed. "These tasks must be completed during the chaos of the demonic path."

"Chaotic times are the opportunity for a family to rise."

He looked out the window; in the distance, dark clouds covered the sky, and thunder rumbled faintly.

A storm is brewing.