The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Ten years later, the Valley of Fallen Demons reopened.

Although only a little over a decade has passed since the last opening, the scale of this opening far exceeds that of the past. It is said that this is because some kind of change has occurred in the restrictions within the valley, causing the restrictions in the inner area to weaken, allowing Nascent Soul cultivators to explore more deeply.

The news sent shockwaves through the entire cultivation world of Tiannan. Countless cultivators rushed from all over, including many Nascent Soul cultivators and even some Divine Transformation cultivators lurking in the shadows.

Han Li stood atop a mountain a hundred miles from the valley entrance, gazing at the familiar crimson light curtain in the distance. He had traveled through the Great Jin Dynasty for ten years, and his cultivation had reached the peak of the mid-stage Core Formation realm. After refining the Azure Thunder Sword with Geng Essence, it had been upgraded to a high-grade magic weapon, its combat power comparable to that of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator.

He had returned to Tiannan to handle some personal matters, but since the Fallen Demon Valley was opening, he decided to stop by. He wanted to enter the valley again to seek opportunities and prepare for his breakthrough to the late stage of Core Formation.

"Fellow Daoist Han, it's been a long time." A familiar voice rang out.

Han Li turned around and saw a man in a blue robe walking through the air; it was Han Mu. Ten years had passed, and Han Mu still possessed the aura of the early Nascent Soul stage, but his temperament had become even more profound, giving people a sense of unfathomable depth.

"Senior Han!" Han Li quickly bowed. He had always held this patriarch of the Han family in awe, especially after witnessing Senior Han Xuan's strength in the Great Jin Dynasty, he knew even more that the Han family had a profound foundation.

"No need for formalities," Han Mu waved his hand. "You've also come to challenge the Fallen Demon Valley?"

"Yes, this junior wishes to seek more opportunities," Han Li replied truthfully.

"This time, the Fallen Demon Valley is different from before. The inner layer of restrictions has weakened, allowing Nascent Soul cultivators to enter, greatly increasing the danger," Han Mu said. "Although your combat strength is considerable, going alone is too risky. Why don't you come with me?"

Han Li's heart stirred. Having a Nascent Soul cultivator traveling with him certainly increased his safety, especially a senior like Han Mu whose strength was unfathomable. However, he also knew that opportunities often came with dangers, and having a powerful companion meant he would be at a disadvantage in the distribution of opportunities.

"I appreciate your kindness, senior. However, I wish to gain experience on my own," Han Li politely declined.

Han Mu looked at him with a half-smile: "Are you worried that if you travel with me, it will be difficult to allocate any opportunities you encounter?"

"This junior wouldn't dare," Han Li quickly replied.

"It's alright. Caution is necessary for cultivators," Han Mu said dismissively. "However, I must remind you that many Nascent Soul cultivators have come to the valley this time, and there may even be Deity Transformation cultivators secretly spying on you. Be careful when you act alone."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior!" Han Li said solemnly.

Han Mu nodded and transformed into a streak of azure light, flying towards the Fallen Demon Valley. Han Li watched him leave, pondered for a moment, and then transformed into a beam of light to follow.

The two entered the Fallen Demon Valley one after the other. The moment they passed through the blood-red light curtain, Han Li felt that the evil energy in the valley was several times denser than last time, clearly indicating that the change in the restrictions had brought about a significant impact.

"Senior, shall we split up?" Han Li asked.

"Okay." Han Mu nodded. "If you encounter danger, send a signal and I will get there as soon as possible."

"yes!"

The two parted ways, and Han Li flew southeast. He remembered discovering an ancient cultivation cave there before, but his strength was insufficient at the time, preventing him from exploring it further. This time, he wanted to take a look.

After flying for about an hour, a ruin appeared ahead. In the center of the ruin stood a dilapidated stone palace, its doors half-closed, from which a faint spiritual light emanated.

Han Li landed and cautiously surveyed his surroundings. After confirming there was no danger, he pushed open the palace door and went inside.

The hall was not large, containing only three stone chambers. The first was the alchemy room, where the furnace had long since decayed, and some pill residue was scattered on the floor. The second was the weapon-forging room, which was also empty. The third was a meditation room, in the center of which was a futon upon which sat a skeleton.

The skeleton was golden, clearly indicating that the person was a Nascent Soul cultivator in life. The skeleton held a jade box in its hands, with a talisman affixed to it. Although it was ancient, the talisman still shone with spiritual energy.

"This is... a Spirit Sealing Talisman?" Han Li recognized the talisman. A Spirit Sealing Talisman can seal the spiritual essence of a treasure and prevent it from being eroded by time. If this talisman can be used to seal it, the box must contain a great treasure.

He carefully removed the talisman and opened the jade box. Inside was a golden pill the size of a longan, with nine pill patterns on its surface, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance.

"Nine-Turn Golden Elixir!" Han Li gasped. This was an ancient, lost elixir, said to help Nascent Soul cultivators break through bottlenecks, and an unparalleled divine medicine for Core Formation cultivators, allowing them to advance a minor realm directly after consumption, without any side effects.

He suppressed his excitement, put away the pills, and searched the quiet room again, finding several jade slips and a storage bag. The jade slips contained ancient pill formulas and cultivation techniques, while the storage bag contained several magical treasures and a large number of spirit stones.

"A good harvest." Han Li nodded in satisfaction. With the Nine-Turn Golden Pill, his chances of breaking through to the late stage of Core Formation have greatly increased.

Leaving the stone hall, he continued deeper. The further he went, the denser the malevolent energy became, and the fewer cultivators he encountered. Those who could reach this point were at least at the late Core Formation stage.

"Huh?" Han Li suddenly stopped and looked ahead. There stood a dilapidated altar, upon which floated a blood-red longsword. The sword had an ancient design, and its blade shimmered with a blood-red light; it was clearly an ancient treasure.

"Blood Shadow Sword?" Han Li recognized the sword. It was an ancient demonic artifact, incredibly powerful, but it required the use of blood essence to activate, which was against the natural order. Although he didn't cultivate the demonic path, this sword was still quite valuable; it could be auctioned off for a considerable amount of resources.

Just as he was about to step forward to retrieve the sword, a beam of blood-red light suddenly descended from the sky and landed in front of the altar. When the light dissipated, it revealed an old man in blood-red robes, none other than Black Flame of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

"Boy, this sword is mine." Hei Yan said coldly. Ten years ago, he was seriously injured by Han Mu's sword in the Qingxu Mountains. He barely escaped with his life and spent ten years in seclusion to recover. This time, he came to the Fallen Demon Valley to seek an opportunity to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

"Senior Black Flame, I was the one who discovered this sword first," Han Li said in a deep voice.

"So what if you found it first?" Black Flame sneered. "A mere mid-stage Core Formation cultivator dares to compete with me for treasure? Get lost, or die."

Han Li gripped the Azure Thunder Sword tightly. He knew he was no match for Black Flame, but he was unwilling to retreat. Moreover, Black Flame had a grudge against the Han family, and if he obtained this demonic sword, his strength would greatly increase, which would be detrimental to the Han family.

"What, you want to make a move?" Black Flame's eyes flashed with killing intent. "Perfect, I'll use you to test my newly mastered 'Blood Demon Technique'!"

He opened his mouth and spat out a beam of blood-red light, which transformed into a giant crimson hand that reached out to grab Han Li. This hand contained the terrifying power of an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, far surpassing the power of a Core Formation cultivator.

Han Li dared not take the attack head-on, so he used the Five Elements Sword Escape to dodge and at the same time summoned the Silver Light Shield to protect himself.

"clang!"

A crimson hand slammed onto the silver shield, causing it to tremble violently, but it remained intact. Black Flame's expression changed slightly: "An ancient treasure-level defensive magic weapon? Kid, you've got quite a few good things on you."

He held back no longer, unleashing the full power of the Blood Demon Technique. Blood-red light surged from his body, transforming into countless blood-red demons that lunged at Han Li.

Han Li fought and retreated, his heart filled with anxiety. Although he possessed an indestructible body and a silver shield protecting him, a prolonged battle would inevitably lead to defeat. Moreover, the commotion here was too great, and it might attract other cultivators.

"I need to find a way to get out of here..." Han Li's mind raced.

Just then, a beam of azure light descended from the sky and landed between the two. The azure light dissipated, revealing Han Mu's figure.

"Black Flame, it's been ten years, and you're still the same as before," Han Mu said calmly.

"Han Mu!" Hei Yan's expression changed drastically. "You... what are you doing here?"

"If you can come, why can't I?" Han Mu glanced at the Blood Shadow Sword. "I want this sword. Do you have a problem with that?"

Hei Yan's expression shifted. The shadow of that sword strike from ten years ago still lingered. Although he had made some progress during his ten years of seclusion, he was still not confident in facing Han Mu.

"Fellow Daoist Han, I discovered this sword first," Hei Yan said through gritted teeth.

"So what if you found it first?" Han Mu retorted, echoing his earlier words. "If you're not strong enough, do you even deserve to compete with me for the treasure?"

Black Flame was furious, but dared not retaliate. He stared intently at Han Mu, finally letting out a cold snort before transforming into a streak of blood and fleeing into the distance.

Han Mu didn't pursue, sheathed his Blood Shadow Sword, and looked at Han Li: "Are you alright?"

"Thank you for saving me, senior!" Han Li breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's alright." Han Mu tossed the Blood Shadow Sword to Han Li. "Although this sword is a demonic artifact, the materials are quite good, and it can be reforged. You can take it; it might come in handy."

"This..." Han Li hesitated. The Blood Shadow Sword was an ancient treasure, extremely valuable, and he felt unworthy to accept it.

"Keep it," Han Mu said. "This sword is useless to me. Besides, I sensed a strong fluctuation of spiritual energy in the northeast direction; a great treasure may be about to appear. Are you interested in going there?"

"This junior is willing to go," Han Li said.

The two flew northeast. After flying for about half an hour, a huge palace appeared ahead. The palace was made entirely of white jade, magnificent in appearance, but in a state of disrepair.

"This is... the ancient 'Heavenly Mystery Hall'?" A strange light flashed in Han Mu's eyes. The Heavenly Mystery Hall was the place of inheritance for the ancient Heavenly Mystery Sect, and it was said to contain countless cultivation techniques and treasures.

More than ten cultivators had gathered in front of the hall, three of whom were at the Nascent Soul stage, and the rest were at the late Core Formation stage. Han Li saw several familiar faces: Marquis Nanlong, True Person Yinluo, and Wuyouzi, as well as several Nascent Soul cultivators he did not recognize.

"Han Mu, you've come too." Marquis Nanlong looked at Han Mu, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes. Although he hadn't witnessed the battle ten years ago, he had heard that Han Mu had slain five demons with a single sword strike, demonstrating unfathomable strength.

"Fellow Daoist Nanlong, how have you been?" Han Mu said calmly.

"Thanks to you, fellow Daoist, I am still alive." Marquis Nanlong smiled insincerely.

Suddenly, the palace doors opened, and a beam of golden light shot out, transforming into a line of large characters: "Heavenly Secrets Inherited, for the destined will obtain." The palace's restrictions have been lifted, allowing entry to search for treasures, but each person can only take three items.

Everyone's eyes lit up, and they rushed into the hall.

Han Mu and Han Li also entered the main hall. The hall was extremely spacious, with dozens of light shields, each containing a treasure: cultivation manuals, elixirs, magic weapons, spiritual materials, and more.

Han Li's gaze swept across the area, finally settling on the largest light barrier in the center. Inside the barrier was a golden token, engraved with the words "Heavenly Secrets".

"The Heavenly Secrets Token..." Han Li's heart stirred. This token is the control center of the Heavenly Secrets Hall; possessing it allows one to control the entire hall.

But he knew that such a treasure was not something he could afford to touch. He looked at Han Mu, who was staring at a light barrier on the other side, inside which was a jade scroll.

"The Heavenly Secrets Manual..." Han Mu murmured. This manual records the divination techniques of the Heavenly Secrets Sect, and its value is no less than that of the Heavenly Secrets Token.

"Han Li, go and retrieve the Heavenly Secret Token," Han Mu suddenly transmitted his voice.

"What?" Han Li was taken aback.

"Go quickly, I will protect you," Han Mu said.

Without further hesitation, Han Li charged towards the central light barrier. His immediate action drew several gazes.

"You dare, brat!" Marquis Nanlong roared, slapping down with his palm.

Han Mu flashed forward, blocking Han Li's path, and also struck out with a palm.

"boom!"

Their palms collided, creating a shockwave. Han Mu retreated three steps, and Nanlong Hou also retreated three steps, resulting in a draw.

"Han Mu, are you going to make an enemy of me for the sake of a junior?" Marquis Nanlong's face was gloomy.

"So what if it is?" Han Mu sneered.

At this moment, Han Li had already broken through the light barrier and taken the Heavenly Secret Token. As soon as he got the token, he immediately felt a connection with the entire hall, and with a thought, he could control the restrictions within the hall.

"Go!" Han Mu grabbed Han Li and transformed into a streak of blue light, rushing out of the main hall.

Just as the Marquis of Nanlong and his men were about to give chase, the palace doors suddenly closed, the restrictions were reactivated, and they were trapped inside the palace.

"Han Mu, I will kill you!" The Marquis of Nanlong roared from the palace.

Han Mu and Han Li had long since departed.