The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Hancheng, the council hall of the city lord's mansion.

Han Mu sat in the main seat, with Han Changqing, Han Li, Han Yunge, Han Ling'er, Doctor Mo, Han Bai, Han Qing, Han Xuan, and other core members of Han City seated on either side. A month had passed since the incident at Qingluan Peak, and today was Han City's regular high-level meeting.

"Let's start by telling each other about our situations." Han Mu's gaze swept over everyone.

Han Changqing spoke first: "Father, the Spirit Cleansing Elixir has been distributed as you arranged. After Han Jinglei took it, the purity of his Thunder Spirit Root increased by 30%, and his cultivation of the 'Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method' progressed rapidly. He is now at the ninth level of Qi Refining and is expected to be able to establish his foundation within six months. Yun Ge and I have also taken it, and the effects are significant. I feel that my bottleneck has loosened, and I am expected to break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm within three years."

Han Yunge nodded and added, "The Cleansing Elixir is indeed extraordinary. My control over the heat is now more precise when refining pills, increasing the success rate by 10%. In addition, I have completed studying the formula for the Moonflower Pill. As long as I obtain the Moonflower Lotus, I am 70% confident that I can successfully refine it."

Han Li then reported: "The trail to the Shadow Assassin Hall has temporarily gone cold. After Qingming's death and Qingfeng's crippling, it seems that the Shadow Assassin Hall's strongholds in the Azure Phoenix Mountains have all been moved. However, during my investigation, I discovered another clue—the area where the Demon Clan is active is concentrated near the 'Demon Burial Abyss' in the western part of the Azure Phoenix Mountains."

"The Abyss of Demon Burial?" Han Mu frowned slightly. That was an ancient battlefield, where, according to legend, a true demon once perished, forming a forbidden zone perpetually shrouded in demonic energy, making it difficult for living beings to approach.

"Exactly." Han Li took out a recording stone, infused it with spiritual power, and an image appeared on the stone. In a pitch-black valley, several demonic figures could be vaguely seen moving about, seemingly digging for something. Deep within the valley, a faint dark red light flickered.

"I took this photo three days ago when I risked my life to sneak into the outer perimeter of the Burial Demon Abyss," Han Li said. "Those demons seemed to be searching for something, and they were moving very quickly. I suspect that what they are looking for may be related to the Heavenly Thunder Sect."

Han Mu's heart stirred. The ruins of the Heavenly Thunder Sect were located in the Wind and Thunder Valley, only a thousand miles from the Burial Abyss. Thunder-attribute techniques naturally countered demonic energy, so if the Heavenly Thunder Sect truly had a grudge against the demon race, it would make sense for them to have a backup plan in the Burial Abyss.

"We must be cautious about this matter," Han Mu said thoughtfully. "The Demon Clan is powerful, and Han City cannot contend with them alone. However, if they find what they want in the Azure Phoenix Mountains, they will also pose a threat to Han City."

"Senior, why don't we inform the Azure Phoenix Demon King about this?" Han Li suggested.

"It's natural to tell them, but we can't reveal everything," Han Mu said. "Ling'er, go to Qingluan Peak again and just say that the Demon Clan has been active in the Burial Demon Abyss, and remind the Demon King to be on high alert. As for the matter of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, keep it a secret for now."

"Yes," Han Ling'er replied.

"Furthermore, the Guanghan Realm will only open in a little over two years, so we must begin preparations." Han Mu looked at Han Yunge and Han Li. "Yunge, select three late-stage Foundation Establishment alchemists from the Pill Pavilion and train them intensively to advance to the third rank as soon as possible. Han Li, select ten Core Formation cultivators from the Enforcement Team and give them special training in battle formations and life-saving techniques. Two years from now, you will lead your teams into the Guanghan Realm."

"Understood!" the two replied in unison.

"Changqing, you are in charge of coordinating supplies and preparing everything needed to enter the Guanghan Realm. Spirit stones, pills, magic weapons, talismans, the more the better." Han Mu then looked at Doctor Mo, "Doctor Mo, you assist Yun Ge and at the same time speed up the refining of 'Poison Avoidance Pill', 'Miasma Dispeller' and other essential pills for the expedition."

"yes!"

"Han Bai, Han Qing, and Han Xuan, the three of you will take turns leading patrols, expanding the patrol area to three thousand li. Report any unusual activity immediately."

"Yes, sir!"

After the arrangements were made, everyone left to prepare. Han Mu sat alone in the hall, lost in thought.

"System, check Hancheng's current strength."

【Hancheng (Spirit Realm Stronghold)】

[Level: Intermediate]

[Area: Within a radius of 300 li]

[Number of cultivators: 3289 (8 Nascent Soul cultivators, 115 Core Formation cultivators, 523 Foundation Establishment cultivators, and 2643 Qi Refining cultivators)]

[Mortals: 7521]

[Resources: Spirit Stone Mine x1 (Small), Herb Garden x8, Spirit Field x30]

[Current Task: Develop Hancheng (In Progress)]

[Quest Progress: Nascent Soul Cultivator 1/10]

"There are still too few Nascent Soul cultivators," Han Mu shook his head. Han Cheng currently only has one Nascent Soul cultivator on the surface, though he is truly at the Void Refinement stage. His apparent strength is insufficient to deter those who dare to challenge him. More Nascent Soul cultivators must be cultivated as soon as possible.

The Cleansing Elixir can improve aptitude, but breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage requires both opportunity and accumulated experience. While Han Changqing and Han Yunge possess considerable talent, breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage within two years would be extremely difficult. Unless…

Han Mu thought of the Moon Lotus Pill. This pill could help Nascent Soul cultivators break through to the Divine Transformation stage. If Han Mu could refine it, his strength would increase dramatically. However, the Moon Lotus could only be found in the Guanghan Realm, and it grew in dangerous places, making it difficult to harvest.

"It seems that the trip to the Moon Realm must succeed."

He rose and went to the secret chamber, took out the interdimensional communication array, and contacted Bai Qingfeng at Tingfeng Pavilion. He spent 10,000 spirit stones to purchase detailed information about the Guanghan Realm, including records of previous explorations, the distribution of known dangerous areas, and the locations of rare and precious materials.

Intelligence indicates that the Guanghan Realm opens for three years at a time, forming a self-contained world spanning millions of miles. It is divided into three layers: the outer perimeter, the inner perimeter, and the core. The deeper one goes, the greater the danger and the more opportunities one encounters. The Moon Lotus grows in the "Cold Moon Pool" of the inner perimeter, guarded by the Nascent Soul stage demon beast "Frost Dragon," making it extremely difficult to harvest.

"Frost Dragon..." Han Mu tapped his fingers lightly on the table. This beast was an ice-attribute demon beast, possessing the strength of the early Nascent Soul stage upon reaching adulthood, and it was a pack animal, usually living in groups of three to five. With Han Li and Han Yunge's strength, dealing with even one was a struggle, let alone a group.

"We need to prepare magical artifacts or formations to counter ice-type monsters," Han Mu recorded in the jade slip. "In addition, we can refine 'Demon-Attracting Incense' to lure out the Frost Dragon and attack it from multiple directions."

He then checked other intelligence. Besides the Moon Lotus, there were several other treasures in the Guanghan Realm that were useful to Hancheng: Ice Soul Stone, Snow Spirit Mushroom, Profound Yin Iron, Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice... These could be used to forge weapons, refine pills, or set up formations; they were all rare resources.

"It seems we'll have to go all out this time." Han Mu compiled the intelligence into a booklet, preparing to hand it over to Han Li and Han Yunge.

Three days later, Han Ling'er returned from Qingluan Peak, bringing back a message from the Demon King.

"Ancestor, the Demon King says he has strengthened defenses near the Burial Abyss and has sent the Third Elder, Qingyan, to lead a garrison there. In addition, the Demon King would like to invite you to Qingluan Peak in three days to discuss how to jointly deal with the demons."

"To work together?" Han Mu was slightly surprised. Although the Azure Phoenix Demon King was on good terms with him, this was the first time he had taken the initiative to propose a joint effort.

"Yes. The Demon King said that the Demon Clan's activities are becoming more and more frequent, and it is difficult for one clan to deal with them alone. He hopes to form an alliance with Hancheng to help each other." Han Ling'er said.

Han Mu pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I'll go there in three days. You should also prepare yourself and come with me."

"Yes."

Three days later, at Qingluan Peak, in Qingluan Palace.

Han Mu brought Han Ling'er to the appointment, and the Azure Phoenix Demon King personally greeted them in front of the hall, giving them ample face. In the hall, besides the Demon King and several elders, there was also a burly man in golden armor, whose aura was fierce, clearly indicating that he was at the early stage of the Void Refinement realm.

"Lord Han, this is Elder Jin Zhan of the Golden Lion Clan," the Demon King introduced. "The Golden Lion Clan and my Azure Phoenix Clan are allies for generations. In response to the recent disturbances by the Demon Clan, the Golden Lion Clan has also sent an envoy to discuss countermeasures."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Jin." Han Mu cupped his hands in greeting. The Golden Lion Clan was a major clan among the demon races, three times stronger than the Azure Phoenix Clan, and had a Void Refinement cultivator in charge.

"Lord Han, you are too kind." Jin Zhan's voice was loud and clear. "I heard from the Demon King that Lord Han has already reached the Divine Realm at a young age and has established Han City. Truly, heroes emerge from among the young."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Jin," Han Mu said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

After everyone was seated, the Demon King spoke, "I have invited you two here today to discuss matters concerning the Demon Clan. According to our scouts, the Demon Clan has been active in the Burial Abyss for half a year, seemingly searching for a treasure called the 'Heavenly Demon Seal'."

"The Heavenly Demon Seal?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. He had seen this object in the records of the Heavenly Thunder Sect. It was said to be an ancient demonic artifact with the power to destroy the heavens and the earth, which was later suppressed by the founder of the Heavenly Thunder Sect with heavenly thunder and sealed in some place. Could it be in the Burial Abyss of Demons?

"Not bad." The Demon King took out an ancient jade slip. "This is a record left by my ancestors. It says that ten thousand years ago, a Heavenly Demon descended and was suppressed by the founder of the Heavenly Thunder Sect with the Heavenly Thunder Formation. Its natal demonic artifact, the 'Heavenly Demon Seal,' was sealed deep in the Burial Demon Abyss. Now that the Demon Clan is frequently active, they must be trying to find this seal."

Jin Zhan interjected, "If the Heavenly Demon Seal falls back into the hands of the Demon Clan, it will surely be a great calamity for the Spirit Realm. Our Golden Lion Clan has decided to send three Void Refinement Elders and ten Nascent Soul cultivators to join forces with the Azure Phoenix Clan to stop the Demon Clan. City Lord Han, if you are interested, you may also join us."

Han Mu pondered. This matter was far too complex, involving the Demon Clan, the Monster Clan, and ancient sects. With Han Cheng's current strength, getting involved would likely bring more disaster than fortune. However, if he stood idly by and allowed the Demon Clan to succeed, Han Cheng would also face calamity.

"What are your plans?" Han Mu asked.

"We plan to set up the 'Heavenly Net Formation' in the Burial Demon Abyss to trap the demons and then defeat them one by one," the Demon King said. "However, this formation requires three Void Refinement cultivators to preside over it. Fellow Daoist Jin Zhan and I will each contribute one, but we are still short one. If City Lord Han can invite a fellow Void Refinement cultivator to assist us, this matter can be accomplished."

Han Mu smiled bitterly to himself. On the surface, he was only at the Nascent Soul stage; where could he possibly find a Void Refinement cultivator? But if he refused, it would make Han Cheng appear incompetent.

"I need to consider this matter," Han Mu said. "I will give you both an answer in three days."

"Okay, let's wait for good news."

After the banquet, Han Mu left with Han Ling'er. On the way back, Han Ling'er asked, "Ancestor, are you really going to ask a Void Refinement cultivator for help? Our Han City..."

"I have my own plans," Han Mu interrupted her. He had already thought of someone—Tian Yuanzi of Tianyuan City. Tian Yuanzi was in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, but he had extensive connections and might know cultivators in the Void Refinement realm. Moreover, this matter involved the Demon Clan, and Tianyuan City, as the main city of the human race, would not sit idly by.

Upon returning to Hancheng, Han Mu immediately sent a message to Tian Yuanzi. Three days later, Tian Yuanzi replied, agreeing to help, but requiring Hancheng to provide some of the materials needed for the formation, and promising to share 30% of the spoils with Hancheng after the mission was accomplished.

"Thirty percent...that's enough." Han Mu replied in agreement. He hadn't expected to take all the benefits; getting a share would be good enough.

Half a month later, Tianyuan City sent a formation master named Xuanjizi, who was at the early stage of the Void Refinement realm, to discuss the formation with the Demon King and Jin Zhan. Han Mu, as the liaison, also participated in the meeting.

"The Heavenly Net Formation requires eighty-one array eyes, covering a thousand-mile area of ​​the Burial Demon Abyss," Xuanjizi said, pointing to the map. "The three main array eyes will be overseen by the three of us. The remaining seventy-eight secondary array eyes will require Nascent Soul or Core Formation cultivators to oversee them. The array materials must be prepared within three months, and the formation will be officially activated six months later."

"As for materials, my Azure Phoenix Clan can provide 40%," the Demon King said.

"My Golden Lion Clan will contribute 30%," Jin Zhan said.

"The remaining 30% will be shared by Han City and Tianyuan City." Xuanjizi looked at Han Mu, "City Lord Han, Tianyuan City can contribute 20%, and Han City needs to contribute 10%. Any questions?"

Han Mu calculated in his mind that 10% of the materials would be worth about 500,000 spirit stones, which Han Cheng could afford. "No problem, Han Cheng is willing to contribute 10%."

"Alright, it's settled then." Xuanjizi made the decision. "Six months from now, at the Burial Abyss of Demons, we will fight a decisive battle against the Demon Race!"

After the meeting, Han Mu returned to Hancheng and immediately convened a high-level meeting.

"For the next six months, Hancheng must prepare for war with all its might," Han Mu said in a deep voice. "Changqing, you are in charge of procuring materials for the formation. Hanli, you lead the men to intensify their training. Yunge, refine more healing and recovery pills. This battle concerns the survival of Hancheng; we cannot afford to be negligent!"

"Yes!" the crowd replied, their expressions solemn.

They knew that the real test was about to begin.