The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

"Eighty-five thousand!"

"Ninety thousand!"

"Ninety-three thousand!"

The appearance of Geng Essence immediately sparked fierce bidding. Top-grade metal materials are already scarce, and three and a half pounds of Geng Essence is enough to forge a superior flying sword, making it extremely tempting for sword cultivators.

In the blink of an eye, the price was raised to 120,000.

Han Mu did not rush to bid; he quietly observed the competitors in the room. There were three main competitors: a late-stage Core Formation sword cultivator in a private room on the second floor, an early-stage Nascent Soul elder in another private room on the third floor, and a middle-aged cultivator dressed in the robes of the Xuan Tian Sword Sect in the lobby on the first floor.

"130,000!" the Xuan Tian Sword Sect cultivator said in a deep voice.

"135,000!" The late-stage Core Formation sword cultivator raised the price.

The Nascent Soul elder frowned slightly: "140,000."

This price is already slightly higher than the market price, and many competitors are starting to hesitate.

Han Mu knew it was time to make a move.

"150,000." His calm voice came through the array in the private room.

The entire room fell silent.

Offering an extra 10,000 yuan at once shows they're determined to win.

The Xuan Tian Sword Sect cultivator glanced at Han Mu's private room, sensing the aura of an early Nascent Soul cultivator. After a moment's hesitation, he didn't bid again. The late-stage Core Formation sword cultivator sighed and also gave up. Only the Nascent Soul elder seemed somewhat unwilling.

"Fellow Daoist, this item is crucial for me to refine my natal flying sword. Would you be willing to part with it? I am willing to add another five thousand spirit stones," the Nascent Soul elder transmitted his voice.

"I'm sorry, but this item is also of great use to me," Han Mu replied calmly.

The Nascent Soul elder remained silent for a moment, and ultimately did not raise the price further.

"150,000 for the first time, 150,000 for the second time, 150,000 for the third time! Sold!" The auctioneer brought down the gavel.

Geng Jing was taken to Han Mu's private room. He paid 150,000 spirit stones and put the fist-sized, pale golden metal into his storage bag.

"Now that we have the Geng Essence, the next step is to return to Yue."

Han Mu did not linger in Guangling City. That same day, he took a teleportation array and left Yangzhou for Cheqi Kingdom, which bordered the Great Jin Dynasty, and then flew back to Yue Kingdom from Cheqi Kingdom.

Speechless all the way.

A month later, Han Mu returned to the Qingxu Mountains.

"Father, you're back." Han Changqing sensed Han Mu's presence and quickly came out of seclusion to greet him.

"Well, how is everything at home?" Han Mu asked.

"All is well. The Transmission Pavilion has been completed, and the family's disciples are highly enthusiastic about cultivation. Two more have successfully established their foundations in the past month. Yun Ge has performed exceptionally well in Huangfeng Valley and has been accepted as a personal disciple by Elder Li Huayuan. Ling'er is also highly regarded by Elder Nangong in the Hidden Moon Sect, and her cultivation has reached the ninth level of Qi Refining," Han Changqing reported.

Where is Han Li?

"Han Li, the guest elder, is currently in seclusion attempting to break through to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. He has been in seclusion for half a month."

Han Mu nodded and took out several items from his storage bag, handing them to Han Changqing: "These are resources I brought back from the Great Jin Dynasty. You can store them in your family's treasury. Also, I have another use for this piece of Geng Essence."

Han Changqing took the resources and his eyes lit up when he saw that there were many third-tier spiritual herbs and refining materials among them: "Father, these resources are enough for the family to use for three years!"

"Make good use of it," Han Mu said. "I'm going to Yellow Maple Valley to see Yun Ge."

"Father just got back, shouldn't he rest for a few days?"

"No need."

Han Mu transformed into a streak of light and flew towards Yellow Maple Valley.

……

Yellow Maple Valley, Garden of a Hundred Herbs.

Han Yunge was tending to the spiritual herbs in the herb field. She wore a light green magic dress and held a jade pot, carefully watering each herb. Her mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation made her temperament even more ethereal. The advantage of her dual wood and fire spiritual roots was fully displayed in alchemy. In less than half a year since she entered the sect, she was already able to refine second-grade high-quality pills, and Li Huayuan praised her as an alchemy genius that was only seen once in a hundred years.

"Yun Ge." A gentle voice rang out.

Han Yunge turned her head and exclaimed in surprise, "Grandpa! What brings you here?"

Han Mu landed from the air, looking at his granddaughter's increasingly composed demeanor, and nodded with satisfaction: "I've come to see you. Are you settling in well in Yellow Maple Valley?"

"I'm used to it!" Han Yunge laughed. "Grandmaster Li has been very good to me. He passed on the complete 'Qingyuan Danjue' to me, and now I can refine Foundation Establishment Pills. It's just that the success rate is still not high, only 30%."

"Thirty percent is already quite good," Han Mu praised. "In the art of alchemy, practice makes perfect. With your talent, given time, your achievements will be no less than those of a fourth-level alchemist."

"Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa." Han Yunge's eyes curved into crescent moons. "Did you come here specifically to see me, Grandpa?"

"Yes and no," Han Mu said. "I obtained something during my trip to the Great Jin Dynasty that might be useful to your senior brother Han Li."

"Senior Brother Han Li?" Han Yunge asked curiously, "What is it?"

Han Mu flipped his hand, and the piece of Geng Essence appeared in his palm.

"Geng Essence!" Han Yunge exclaimed. "This is a top-grade material for forging metal-attribute flying swords! Senior Brother Han Li's 'Azure Origin Sword Art' is a metal-attribute sword art. If a natal flying sword is forged with Geng Essence, its power can be increased by several times! Grandpa, are you going to give this piece of Geng Essence to Senior Brother Han Li?"

Han Mu shook his head: "It's not a gift, it's an exchange. Han Li is a guest elder of my Han family, and he has worked diligently all these years, so I will not treat him unfairly. But he cannot accept a reward without merit, so giving it directly would be inappropriate. Here's what you do: find an opportunity to 'inadvertently' reveal to him that I have Geng Essence, and see if he needs it. If he does, he can exchange it for contribution points or by doing things for the family."

Han Yunge pondered, "Grandpa wants Senior Brother Han Li to owe the family a favor?"

"Indeed." Han Mu nodded. "Han Li is a man of strong will and great potential. His future achievements are limitless. Our Han family has formed a good relationship with him, and we will surely benefit from it in the future."

"I understand," Han Yunge said solemnly. "I will find an opportunity to tell Senior Brother Han Li."

"Hmm, be careful with this matter, don't overdo it." Han Mu took out another jade bottle. "Inside are three 'Purple Heart Pills,' which can help you improve your cultivation. Cultivate diligently and don't slack off."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" Han Yunge accepted the jade bottle, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Han Mu then gave Han Yunge some more pointers on her cultivation before leaving Huangfeng Valley.

Not long after he left, Han Li emerged from seclusion.

During this seclusion, Han Li successfully broke through to the peak of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from Core Formation. However, this step is as insurmountable as an insurmountable chasm. His aptitude of four spiritual roots means that his chances of forming a Core are less than 10%, and even with the aid of Foundation Establishment Pills, the hope is still very slim.

"Unless I can find a rare and precious object that increases my chances of forming a core, or forge my natal flying sword and force my way through with the combat power of a sword cultivator," Han Li pondered.

The Azure Origin Sword Technique he cultivates is a top-tier sword cultivation method. If he can forge a natal flying sword, his combat power can be increased several times, and his chances of forming a core can also be increased by 10% to 20%. However, forging a natal flying sword requires top-tier materials. Although he has accumulated some wealth over the years, he is still far from being able to purchase materials such as Geng Essence and Taibai Gold Essence.

"Senior Brother Han, you've emerged from seclusion?" Han Yunge's voice came from outside the courtyard.

Han Li opened the barrier: "Junior Sister Yun Ge, please come in."

Han Yunge walked into the courtyard and saw that Han Li's aura had become even more solid. She smiled and said, "Congratulations, Senior Brother, on breaking through to the peak of Foundation Establishment."

"Just lucky." Han Li shook his head. "Junior Sister, did you need something?"

"It's nothing much, Grandpa just came to see me and gave me a few pills," Han Yunge said casually. "Grandpa seems to have made quite a haul on his trip to the Great Jin Dynasty. He even brought back a piece of Geng Essence, which he said is a good material for refining flying swords. It's a pity I don't need it, otherwise I would have asked Grandpa for it."

"Geng Essence?" Han Li's eyes lit up. "Senior Han, do you really possess Geng Essence?"

"Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. It's the size of a fist and of excellent quality," Han Yunge said. "Does Senior Brother need Geng Essence? I can ask Grandpa for you to see if he's willing to transfer it."

Han Li was excited, but remained calm on the surface: "Such precious materials, Senior Han may not be willing to transfer them. And even if he were, the price would certainly be exorbitant, which I'm afraid I cannot afford."

"The price is negotiable," Han Yunge said with a smile. "Grandpa is very kind to his own family. My senior brother is a guest elder of the family, so he's not an outsider. Besides, I heard Grandpa say that he doesn't really have any use for the Geng Essence; it's meant for those who need it."

Han Li's heart skipped a beat. Han Yunge's words seemed to have a hidden meaning.

"Then... I'll trouble you, junior sister, to ask her for help?" Han Li said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

"No problem!" Han Yunge readily agreed, "I'll send a message to Grandpa right away."

……

In the Qingxu Mountains, Han Mu received a message from Han Yunge, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"System, check the current status."

[Host: Han Mu]

[Cultivation Level: Peak True Nascent Soul Stage / Early Nascent Soul Stage]

[Cultivation Techniques: Fifth level (peak) of the Primordial Longevity Technique, Fourth level of the Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique, and the Nine Revolutions Undying Body (not yet cultivated)]

[Supernatural Abilities: Lesser Five Elements Sword Formation, Primordial Chaos Qi, Heaven-Gathering Technique]

[Avatars: Han Bai (Peak Core Formation), Han Qing (Mid-Core Formation)]

[Family: Han Family]

Family members: 4941

Foundation Establishment cultivators: 91

Core Formation cultivators: 3

Nascent Soul cultivator: 1 person

[Special Buildings: Spirit Eye Spring, Heart Refining Tower, Skill Transmission Pavilion]

[Family Talent: Bloodline Resonance]

[Contribution Points: 8000]

[Side Quest: Clan Core Formation (2/3)]

[Hidden Quest Triggered: Invest in the Future]

[Mission Objective: Help Han Li successfully form his Core Formation]

[Mission Rewards: 10000 Contribution Points, Special Item "Compass of Destiny" x1]

"A hidden quest?" Han Mu's eyes lit up. Helping Han Li form his core—that was a good quest. If Han Li could form his core, it would be a great benefit to the Han family, and the quest rewards were generous.

"It seems that giving away this piece of Geng essence was worthwhile."

Han Mu immediately sent a message to Han Yunge, asking her to tell Han Li that he could give him the Geng Essence without needing spirit stones, but Han Li needed to do three things for the Han family. First, to lend a helping hand when the Han family is in danger; second, to do his best to guide anyone in the Han family who needs guidance in the future; and third, to refine three batches of pills for the Han family after he forms his core.

These three conditions, though seemingly simple, actually bind Han Li more deeply to the Han family. The first one, in particular, practically pulls Han Li onto the Han family's bandwagon.

After receiving the terms, Han Li pondered for a long time.

These three conditions are not harsh; in fact, they could be considered quite lenient. The Han family had been kind to him, so it was only right that he helped them in their time of need. Guiding the younger generation and refining pills were not difficult tasks for him, as both an alchemist and a swordsman.

"I agree," Han Li said to Han Yunge. "Please tell Senior Han that I will not fail in my trust."

Three days later, Han Mu personally came to Huangfeng Valley and handed over the Geng Essence to Han Li.

"Han Li, this piece of Geng Essence is enough for you to forge a high-grade flying sword. With your current cultivation level, if you can forge your natal flying sword, your chances of forming your core will increase by 20%," Han Mu said. "In addition, I will give you a bottle of 'Solidifying Yuan Pill', which can stabilize your foundation during the core formation process and increase the success rate by 50%."

Han Li accepted the Geng Essence and the jade bottle, and bowed solemnly: "Senior's great kindness will be remembered by Han Li. If I achieve something in the future, I will definitely repay the Han family."

"It's good that you have this intention." Han Mu patted his shoulder. "Prepare well, forming the core is no small matter. If you need protection, you can come to Qingxu Mountain Range. The Han family will provide you with the best secluded cultivation place."

"Thank you, senior!" Han Li was deeply moved. Over the years, he had struggled in the cultivation world and seen countless acts of deceit and treachery. There were very few people like the Han family who treated him with such sincerity.

After seeing Han Mu off, Han Li began to cultivate in seclusion to refine his natal flying sword.

With top-grade materials like Gengjing, plus the auxiliary materials he had collected over the years, three months later, a longsword with a pale gold body and hidden lightning patterns on its blade was successfully forged.

Han Li named it "Azure Thunder Sword".

On the day the sword was completed, thunderclouds gathered above Yellow Maple Valley, and sword energy soared into the sky, attracting the attention of many Core Formation elders in the sect.

"What a fine sword!" Li Huayuan exclaimed. "If this sword can be nurtured to the level of a magic weapon, its power will be no weaker than a mid-grade magic weapon. Han Li is truly remarkable."

With the Azure Thunder Sword, Han Li's combat power increased significantly, and his confidence in forming his core also grew.

He began making final preparations for forming his core.

Meanwhile, Han Mu was also in the Qingxu Mountains, watching the growth of this future "Old Demon Han".

"System, exchange for one 'Five Elements Condensing Pill Powder'."

[Exchange for 1 Five Elements Condensation Pill, consuming 1000 Contribution Points]

[Remaining Contribution Points: 7000]

Han Mu looked at the pill in his hand, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

It's time for the Han family to produce another Core Formation cultivator.