The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

In the City Lord's Mansion, after listening to Han Li's report on the Wind and Thunder Valley incident, Han Mu lightly tapped his fingers on the table.

"The Heavenly Thunder Sect..." He pondered for a moment, "I've seen records of it in the ancient books of Tianyuan City. This sect was indeed once very prosperous a thousand years ago, famous in the Spirit Realm for its thunder magic, but it was wiped out due to internal strife and the invasion of the demon race. I didn't expect that there would still be ruins left in the Azure Phoenix Mountains."

"Senior, I have obtained the Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method and the Thunder Source Pearl, but I do not have a thunder spiritual root and cannot cultivate it." Han Li said, taking out the purple pearl. "This pearl is extremely powerful, but it is useless to me for the time being."

Han Mu took the Thunder Source Pearl, sensed it for a moment, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "It really is formed from innate thunder spirit. If this item were in the hands of a cultivator with thunder spirit root, its value would be no less than a heaven-reaching spiritual treasure. Since you cannot use it, you can keep it as part of Han City's foundation, or exchange it with a cultivator with thunder spirit root for what you need in the future."

"This junior understands." Han Li nodded, then took out the Heavenly Thunder Token and the jade slip containing information about the Heavenly Thunder Secret Realm. "In addition, a teleportation array leading to the 'Heavenly Thunder Secret Realm' was found in the ruins. It requires Nascent Soul stage mana to activate and will not open again for another thirty years."

Han Mu took the jade slip and examined it carefully. After a moment, he said, "This matter will be kept secret for now. The Heavenly Thunder Secret Realm is the most important legacy of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, and it must contain great treasures, but it is also bound to be dangerous. In thirty years, your cultivation should have reached the Nascent Soul stage, at which time you can lead a team to explore it. I will have Han Cheng begin collecting lightning-attribute materials and information to prepare for the expedition to the secret realm."

"Yes," Han Li replied.

"As for the matter of the Black Wind Cave demon race, you handled it well," Han Mu praised. "The Spirit Realm is different from the Human Realm. The demon race is powerful, but we cannot simply back down. Your display of strength today will make those with ill intentions much more restrained. However, since that black leopard is under the command of the Azure Phoenix Demon King, this matter still needs to be explained to the Demon King."

"Did I do something wrong?" Han Li asked.

"No, you did the right thing." Han Mu waved his hand. "Although the Azure Phoenix Demon King is an ally, there are factional struggles within the demon race. If that black panther were truly a confidant of the Demon King, he wouldn't dare to provoke him so openly. He's most likely a pawn pushed out by some demon faction that wants to test Han City's strength. By blunting his arrogance today, you've actually made the Demon King see who's not under his control."

He paused, then said, "Tomorrow I will personally go to the Azure Phoenix Demon Clan to discuss this matter with the Demon King. Also, there will be a small trade fair in Tianyuan City in three months. You can take some people there to broaden their horizons and purchase some supplies needed by Hancheng."

"This junior obeys."

After Han Li took his leave, Han Mu put away the Thunder Source Pearl and the Heavenly Thunder Token and went to the underground secret chamber of the City Lord's Mansion. This was a treasure vault he had specially opened, containing various treasures collected over the three years since the establishment of Han City.

He placed the Thunder Source Pearl into a specially made jade box and then placed three layers of restrictions on the box. The thunderous power contained in this pearl was too violent and had to be carefully preserved.

"System, exchange for the deduced version of 'Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method'," Han Mu silently prayed. Now that Han Li had obtained this technique, although he himself could not cultivate it, if the Han family had any disciples with thunder spirit roots, they might be able to train them.

[To exchange for the deduced version of "Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method", 3000 contribution points are required.]

[Redeem or not?]

"exchange."

[Exchange successful, 3000 contribution points consumed]

[Remaining Contribution Points: 36000]

A golden jade slip appeared in his hand. This deduced version not only contained the original content, but also optimized and supplemented it based on the system's deductions. The obstacles to cultivating to the Nascent Soul stage were reduced by 30%, while the power was increased by 20%.

Han Mu put away the jade slip, preparing to bestow it upon any potential disciples with the Thunder Spirit Root within his family at a suitable time.

He then checked the current state of Hancheng. Over the past three months, under the management of Han Changqing and others, Hancheng had developed rapidly. More than a hundred new cultivators and over a thousand ordinary people had joined; fifty acres of spirit fields had been reclaimed; and twenty new shops had been built. The enforcement team, led by Han Li, had already taken shape, and its patrol area had expanded to a thousand miles.

"At this rate, Hancheng can be upgraded into a large stronghold within ten years." Han Mu nodded in satisfaction.

……

The next day, Han Mu went to the Azure Phoenix Demon Clan.

The Azure Phoenix Demon Clan resides on Azure Phoenix Peak, the main peak of the Azure Phoenix Mountain Range. This peak soars into the clouds, shrouded in mist year-round, and is the place with the richest spiritual energy in the Azure Phoenix Mountain Range. As soon as Han Mu flew to the foot of the peak, a demon cultivator in human form came out to greet him.

"Lord Han, the Demon King is waiting at the 'Hundred Birds Palace'." The leader was a girl in feathered robes, with a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation and a cold temperament. She was none other than Qingyu, the daughter of the Azure Phoenix Demon King.

"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Qingyu." Han Mu nodded.

The two arrived at the Hall of a Hundred Birds. The interior was furnished in an ancient style, with the walls carved with a pattern of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix. Seated in the main seat was a middle-aged man in a green robe, with a refined appearance; he was none other than the Azure Phoenix Demon King. On either side sat more than ten demon cultivators who had transformed into human form, the lowest of whom was at least in the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

"Fellow Daoist Han, please have a seat." The Azure Phoenix Demon King gestured for Han Mu to sit in the first seat on the left.

"You're too kind, Demon King." Han Mu cupped his hands and took a seat with ease.

"I have heard about what happened at Black Wind Cave yesterday," the Azure Phoenix Demon King said bluntly. "It was that scoundrel Black Panther who acted recklessly and offended your city. I have punished him with ten years of confinement and doubled compensation. Are you satisfied, Fellow Daoist Han?"

"The Demon King's handling of the matter is fair, and I have nothing to say," Han Mu said. Ten years of confinement is not a severe punishment for the demon race, but doubling the compensation is a gesture of respect to Han Cheng.

"However..." the Azure Phoenix Demon King changed the subject, "Although the Black Panther is reckless, what he said is not entirely without merit. Recently, there have been rumors that cultivators from Hancheng have been frequently active in our demon territory, gathering spiritual herbs and hunting demonic beasts. Is this true?"

Han Mu understood that they were about to negotiate terms. His expression remained unchanged as he said, "It is indeed true. However, the cultivators of Han City only operate in public areas and do not enter the core territories of other races. Furthermore, of the spoils obtained, 70% will be kept by the cultivators, and 30% will be handed over to Han City, which will then purchase them at market price for development. If there is any offense, please enlighten me, Demon King."

"Public areas..." The Azure Phoenix Demon King tapped his fingers on the armrest. "Those areas, though without clear ownership, are still within the Azure Phoenix Mountain Range. Shouldn't Hancheng make some indication of its intention to develop here?"

"What does the Demon King want in return?" Han Mu asked directly.

"It's very simple." The Azure Phoenix Demon King held up three fingers. "First, 20% of the resources obtained by Hancheng will be given to the Azure Phoenix Demon Clan. Second, Hancheng must open some shops to allow demons to set up shop and operate. Third, if we encounter external enemies, Hancheng must stand with the Azure Phoenix Demon Clan."

Han Mu pondered for a moment and said, "The first and second points are negotiable, but the proportions and details need to be discussed. As for the third point, Han City is a human power, and it might draw criticism if it sides with the demon race. However, I can promise that if the Azure Phoenix demon race is invaded by external enemies, Han City will provide assistance within its capabilities."

"Good, that's great!" The Azure Phoenix Demon King laughed. "Let the people below handle the details. Come, Fellow Daoist Han, try my Azure Phoenix Clan's unique 'Hundred Fruit Wine'."

The two raised their cups and drank together, easing the atmosphere in the hall. After another hour of discussion, they reached a preliminary agreement: Hancheng would allocate 10% of its resources obtained in public areas to the Qingluan demon clan; Hancheng would open ten streets in the East Market to the demon clan, with taxes halved; and both sides would establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism for regular exchanges.

After the agreement was reached, the Azure Phoenix Demon King personally escorted Han Mu out of the palace.

"Fellow Daoist Han, there's something I'm not sure if I should say," the Azure Phoenix Demon King suddenly said.

"Demon King, please speak."

"The demons have been very active lately, and several conflicts have occurred on the border." The Azure Phoenix Demon King said solemnly, "According to reports from our scouts, the demons seem to be searching for something, and their target may be the Azure Phoenix Mountains. Hancheng is located on the edge of the mountains, so we need to be extra careful."

"Thank you for the reminder, Demon King." Han Mu's heart stirred. Could the item the Demon Clan is searching for be related to the Heavenly Thunder Sect? Or something else entirely?

"Furthermore, it's said that 'Spirit Cleansing Liquid' will be available at the Tianyuan City Trade Fair three months from now," the Azure Phoenix Demon King said in a low voice. "This substance can cleanse impurities from spiritual roots and improve aptitude, making it highly useful for both demons and humans. If Fellow Daoist Han is interested, he can prepare in advance."

"Spirit Cleansing Liquid!" Han Mu's eyes lit up. This item was indeed precious, especially for cultivators like Han Changqing and Han Yunge who had ascended from the human realm. After their spiritual roots were cleansed by the Spirit Cleansing Liquid, their cultivation speed could be greatly increased.

"Thank you for informing me, Demon King. I will remember this favor."

After leaving Qingluan Peak, Han Mu returned to Hancheng and immediately summoned Han Changqing, Han Li, and others for a meeting.

"The trade fair is in three months. Our target is the Spirit Cleansing Elixir," Han Mu said. "Changqing, allocate 500,000 spirit stones from the warehouse and prepare a batch of Han City specialties for the trade. Han Li, you lead the team there and ensure their safety. Yun Ge, refine a batch of fourth-grade pills as bargaining chips."

"Yes!" The three accepted the order.

"In addition, the Demon Clan may have their eyes on the Azure Phoenix Mountains, so Hancheng needs to strengthen its defenses." Han Mu looked at Han Bai, Han Qing, and Han Xuan, "The three of you will take turns leading patrols to expand the area, and report any abnormalities immediately."

"clear!"

After making the arrangements, Han Mu kept Han Li behind alone.

"Is there anything else you need, senior?"

Han Mu took out a jade slip: "This is a deduced version of the 'Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method,' which is 20% more powerful than the original and reduces the barrier to breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage by 30%. Although you cannot cultivate it, you can comprehend the profound mysteries of thunder magic within, which may inspire your swordsmanship. In addition, if any disciples with thunder spiritual roots appear in the Han family or Han City, this technique can be passed on to them."

Han Li solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, senior."

"And this too." Han Mu took out another silver inner armor. "This is the 'Silver Scale Armor,' a top-grade defensive magic weapon that can withstand a full-force attack from an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Your journey to Tianyuan City is long, so you'll need something to protect yourself."

Han Li was deeply moved. Although Han Mu was not his blood relative, he treated him like a son or nephew, and had given him many treasures and guidance, showing him great kindness.

"I will always remember your great kindness, senior."

"Go, and prepare well. Tianyuan City is not like Hancheng; it's a melting pot of all sorts of people. Be careful in everything you do."

After Han Li left, Han Mu went to the top floor of the City Lord's Mansion and gazed into the distance. The trade fair three months later would be the next step in his plan. He also needed to prepare for the Demon Clan's unusual movements.

"System, check the Han family bloodline awakening status."

[Number of Han family bloodline awakeners: 327]

[Special Spiritual Root Awakening: 12 people (1 with Lightning Spiritual Root, 3 with Wind Spiritual Root, 2 with Ice Spiritual Root, 4 with Fire Spiritual Root, 2 with Earth Spiritual Root)]

[Special Physique Awakening: 8 people (1 with Sword Physique, 2 with Pill Physique, 1 with Array Physique, 1 with Talisman Physique, 3 with Weapon Physique)]

[Awakening of Innate Supernatural Powers: 307 people]

"As expected, it possesses a lightning spiritual root." Han Mu's lips curled into a slight smile. In this way, the Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method and the Thunder Source Pearl would finally have a use.

He scanned Han City with his divine sense and quickly locked onto a young man. The young man was cultivating, with subtle lightning flashing around him. He was a newly awakened lightning spirit root named Han Jinglei, a member of a collateral branch of the Han family, and had reached the sixth level of Qi Refining.

"This child deserves special attention and guidance." Han Mu noted down the name, preparing to personally instruct him in the future.

In the days that followed, Hancheng entered a tense preparation phase. Han Yunge started refining pills, with Doctor Mo assisting; Han Changqing allocated resources and inventoried goods; Han Li led the enforcement team to practice formations and improve their combat strength.

Han Mu, on the other hand, was planning an even bigger game.