The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

One month later, at Cuiping Mountain.

This second-tier spiritual mountain, which originally belonged to Huangfeng Valley, has now been completely transformed. A large banner with the character "Han" stands at the mountain gate, and a protective array covers an area of ​​fifty miles, filled with spiritual energy, even surpassing Qingxia Peak by three points.

Han Mu stood in front of the newly built "Hall of Longevity" and looked down at the foot of the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, hundreds of cultivators were cultivating spiritual fields and building houses, creating a busy scene.

"Ancestor, Elder Mo has completed the mountain-protecting formation. It is the 'Four Symbols and Five Elements Formation,' which can withstand a full-force attack from a late-stage Core Formation cultivator for three days," Han Changqing respectfully reported.

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded. "How are the newly recruited tribespeople being settled?"

"Reporting to Ancestor, everything has been settled. The Chen, Liu, and Zhao families comprise a total of 217 people, including five Foundation Establishment cultivators, 132 Qi Refining cultivators, and 80 ordinary people. As you instructed, the original heads of the three families will temporarily serve as stewards, in charge of the spirit fields, mines, and herb gardens respectively."

"What about the resource inventory?"

"The three families brought a total of over 80,000 spirit stones, a number of magical artifacts and pills, and seventeen inherited cultivation techniques. Most importantly, the Chen family has a small black iron mine, the Liu family controls three red copper veins, and the Zhao family has a three-hundred-year-old medicinal garden with thirty-seven hundred-year-old spiritual herbs." Han Changqing reported one by one.

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. These three families were originally minor forces. After the invasion of the demonic path, their patriarchs were killed in battle, and their members scattered and fled for their lives. Han Bai, as a guest elder of the Han family, found them and offered them protection. The three families were naturally more than happy to accept and came to join him.

"System, check the task progress."

Main Quest: Rise of the Clan (61% Progress)

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

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

Side Quest 3: Obtain a medium-sized spirit stone mine (Incomplete)

Family size: 684 (217 new members)

[Clan Foundation Establishment cultivators: 18 (5 new additions)]

[Contribution Points: -7650 (Completion reward: +2000)]

"We're still missing a medium-sized spirit stone mine," Han Mu pondered. The small spirit stone veins on Cuiping Mountain only yielded 30% of the profits of Huangfeng Valley, insufficient for the family's development. They needed to find a medium-sized mine of their own.

"Changqing, send people to find out which unclaimed medium-sized spirit stone mines are still in Yue Kingdom, or... which forces are unable to hold onto their mines and are preparing to leave."

Han Changqing immediately understood: "Father wants to take advantage of the chaos..."

"In chaotic times, strength reigns supreme, and resources belong to those who are capable," Han Mu said calmly. "Remember, don't seize them by force; wait for them to give up voluntarily before we 'take over.'"

"I understand."

"In addition, Yun Ge and Ling'er should go out and gain experience," Han Mu said. "Yun Ge has reached the twelfth level of Qi Refining, and is only one step away from Foundation Establishment. Ling'er has reached the tenth level of Qi Refining. Although her ice spirit root cultivation is fast, she needs real combat experience."

"What does Father mean?"

"The Blood Trial of Yellow Maple Valley, which takes place every three years, is about to begin. Let Yun Ge participate. She has dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, and is also an alchemist. If she can gather enough spiritual herbs after entering the valley, her chances of establishing her foundation will greatly increase," Han Mu said. "As for Ling'er, the Hidden Moon Sect is skilled in ice-type techniques. I have already asked someone to introduce her to the Hidden Moon Sect."

Han Changqing hesitated and said, "But Father, with the demonic invasion imminent, wouldn't it be dangerous to send them out?"

"Flowers in a greenhouse can't withstand wind and rain." Han Mu shook his head. "The path of cultivation must ultimately be walked by oneself. Don't worry, I will give them something to protect their lives."

Han Changqing said no more. He knew that although his father seemed strict, he actually cared deeply for the clan. Since he had made this arrangement, he must have been confident.

Three days later, at Qingxia Peak.

Han Yunge, dressed in a green dress and carrying a small medicine basket, stood in front of Han Mu. At eighteen years old, she had already blossomed into a graceful young woman, especially with her bright and intelligent eyes.

"Grandpa, can I really participate in the Blood Trial?" Han Yunge asked nervously. "I heard that the forbidden area is very dangerous, and 30% of cultivators perish there every time."

"Danger and opportunity coexist." Han Mu took out a jade slip, three talismans, and a small cyan shield. "This jade slip is a map of the forbidden area, marking the distribution of spiritual herbs and dangerous zones. The three talismans are: a 'Earth Escape Talisman,' which allows you to burrow three miles underground in case of danger; a 'Golden Armor Talisman,' which can block a full-force attack from an early Foundation Establishment cultivator; and a 'Communication Talisman,' which will alert me if you crush it. This small shield is a low-grade defensive magic weapon, sufficient for your use during the Qi Refining stage."

Han Yunge accepted the treasure, her eyes slightly red: "Thank you, Grandpa."

"Remember, once you enter the forbidden area, do not easily trust anyone. However, if you encounter a Yellow Maple Valley disciple named Han Li, you can cooperate with him. Although he possesses four spiritual roots, he is resilient and has considerable strength, making him worth befriending."

"Han Li?" Han Yunge noted down the name.

"Go ahead, Changqing is waiting for you." Han Mu waved his hand.

Han Yunge bowed and withdrew. After she left, Han Mu summoned Han Ling'er.

Han Ling'er is fifteen years old this year. She has a cold and aloof temperament, dressed in white, and there is a faint aura of coldness surrounding her. She knelt in front of Han Mu and respectfully said, "Ancestor."

"Ling'er, you possess an exceptional talent for ice-type spiritual roots, which would make it difficult for you to receive the best nurturing within the Han family. I have arranged for you to join the Hidden Moon Sect, where there is a complete ice-type inheritance." Han Mu handed her a storage bag. "Inside is the 'Ice Soul True Scripture,' a cultivation method from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, as well as some pills and spirit stones. After joining the sect, focus on your cultivation and don't worry about the family."

"Ling'er understands." Han Ling'er took the storage bag without asking any further questions. She was aloof and not good with words, but she was insightful and knew that this was the path paved for her by her family.

"In addition, there is a senior in the Hidden Moon Sect named Nangong Wan. If you have the opportunity, you can become her disciple. But there is no need to force it; just let things take their natural course."

"Yes."

After seeing Han Ling'er off, Han Mu stood on the mountaintop, gazing thoughtfully in the direction his two granddaughters had gone.

"System, exchange for three 'Blood Soul Substitute Death Talismans'."

[Blood Soul Substitute Talisman: Can shield the wearer from one fatal attack and teleport them thousands of miles away]

Each card requires 1000 contribution points. Would you like to exchange for three?

"exchange."

[Redeem successful, 3000 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -10650]

Han Mu carefully sealed the three talismans and implanted them into the bodies of Han Yunge, Han Ling'er, and Han Changqing respectively. This was one of his greatest trump cards, capable of saving their lives in a critical moment.

After doing all this, he vanished from the spot in a flash.

Three hundred miles west of Cuiping Mountain lies a place called "Black Wind Valley," where a gang of thieves resides. Their leader, "Black Wind Old Monster," is a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with over twenty followers, specializing in robbing passing cultivators. After the invasion of the demonic path, they became even more rampant, daring to rob and kill even cultivators from the seven sects.

Han Bai stood at the valley entrance, dressed in white, his expression indifferent. Behind him stood three Foundation Establishment cultivators, newly recruited guest elders of the Han family.

"Elder Han, the Black Wind Monster is quite powerful. Should we call for more manpower?" a guest elder asked.

"No need." Han Bai stepped into the valley. "Just a bunch of chickens and dogs."

"Who goes there?!" Seven or eight Qi Refining cultivators rushed out of the valley, wielding magical artifacts and looking fierce.

Han Bai didn't even glance at them. With a flick of his sleeve, five-colored divine light swept across. The Qi Refining cultivators didn't even have time to scream before they turned to ashes.

"A Core Formation cultivator?!" Exclamations echoed from within the valley. A black-robed elder leaped out—it was none other than the Black Wind Old Monster. Upon seeing Han Bai, his expression changed drastically: "Senior, we were blind and ignorant, offending your esteemed presence. We are willing to offer our entire fortune, begging only for our lives."

"You're quite sensible," Han Bai said calmly. "Unfortunately, it's too late."

He raised his hand and pointed, and five-colored divine light condensed into a small sword, instantly piercing the Black Wind Old Monster's brow. A late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator was utterly powerless against an early-stage Core Formation cultivator.

"System, check your contribution points."

[Defeat a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and gain 500 contribution points]

[Cleared the stronghold of the raiders, gained 300 contribution points]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -9850]

Han Bai put away the Black Wind Old Monster's storage bag and said to the three people behind him, "Clean up this place and bring all the resources back to Cuiping Mountain."

"yes!"

Han Bai turned and left, as he still had two other strongholds of the bandit cultivators to visit. These bandit cultivators were taking advantage of the chaos to commit evil deeds; killing them would not only rid the people of a scourge but also earn him contribution points and hone the skills of the Han family's newly recruited cultivators—a triple win.

Meanwhile, in Yellow Maple Valley.

Han Yunge stood before the mountain gate, curiously examining this one of the seven major sects of the Yue Kingdom. The mountain gate was majestic, and the spiritual energy was abundant, far surpassing that of the Han family.

"You are Han Yunge?" A woman in yellow approached, possessing early Foundation Establishment cultivation, and was an outer sect steward of Huangfeng Valley.

"Junior Han Yunge greets Senior." Han Yunge bowed.

"Come with me, the sect leader wants to see you."

Han Yunge followed the woman in yellow to the main hall of the peak, where Ancestor Linghu sat in the main seat, flanked by several Core Formation elders.

"Junior Han Yunge greets the sect leader and all seniors." Han Yunge bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities," Elder Linghu said kindly. "Your grandfather and I are old friends. Now that you've entered Huangfeng Valley, you're a disciple of Huangfeng Valley. From today onwards, you will enter Danxia Peak and become a disciple of Junior Nephew Chen to learn alchemy."

"Thank you, Sect Leader!" Han Yunge was overjoyed. Danxia Peak is the location of the alchemy lineage of Huangfeng Valley. Elder Chen, the peak master, is a famous third-grade alchemist in Yue Kingdom. Being able to become his disciple is an extremely fortunate opportunity.

"Also, the Crimson Trial will begin in three months. Prepare yourself and enter with your fellow disciples," said Ancestor Linghu. "Although there are dangers in the forbidden area, there are many opportunities. You have dual wood and fire spiritual roots and a talent for alchemy. If you can gather enough spiritual herbs, you have a good chance of establishing your foundation."

"This junior will certainly do my best."

"Go ahead," said Linghu Laozu, waving his hand.

After Han Yunge left, Master Qingyun couldn't help but say, "Sect Leader, although this girl is Han Mu's granddaughter, isn't it too much of a favor to directly have her become Junior Brother Chen's disciple?"

"What do you know?" Elder Linghu said calmly. "Han Mu is an unfathomable man. Befriending him will only benefit Huangfeng Valley. Moreover, this girl is indeed quite talented. She reached the twelfth level of Qi Refining at the age of seventeen and has both wood and fire spiritual roots. She is worth nurturing."

"But the demonic invasion is imminent, and our resources are scarce..."

"That's precisely why we need to recruit more disciples to strengthen our forces." Patriarch Linghu interrupted him, "This matter is settled, there's no need to discuss it further."

Master Qingyun had no choice but to shut up.

Han Yunge was unaware of all this. She happily went to Danxia Peak to pay her respects to her master, Elder Chen. Elder Chen was an old man with a white beard who was quite kind to her and gave her a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills and a book on alchemy.

Three months later, the Crimson Trial began.

At the entrance to the forbidden area, disciples from the seven sects gathered. On the Yellow Maple Valley side, Han Yunge stood in the crowd, curiously looking around. She saw a dark-skinned, ordinary-looking young man standing alone in a corner; it was Han Li.

"Grandpa said this person is worth befriending," Han Yunge thought to herself. "I'll find an opportunity to get to know him."

At this moment, the entrance to the forbidden area opened, and disciples from various sects filed in. Han Yunge took a deep breath, gripped the talisman and small shield given to her by her grandfather, and stepped into the blood-red forbidden area.