The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The battle at the Burial Abyss shook the spirit world.

With his early-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, Han Mu slew three Demon Generals and destroyed the Heavenly Demon Seal, displaying terrifying combat power no weaker than that of a Void Refinement cultivator. The news spread like wildfire, reaching tens of thousands of miles around the Azure Phoenix Mountain Range in just ten days, and even alarming the high-ranking officials of Tianyuan City.

Hancheng, the City Lord's Mansion.

Han Mu sat in the main seat, while Han Changqing, Han Li, and others below reported on the post-war matters in turn.

"Father, the casualty statistics for this battle are in." Han Changqing's expression was solemn. "The enforcement team suffered five Core Formation cultivators killed and eight seriously wounded; twenty-three ordinary cultivators killed and over forty seriously wounded. Fortunately, none of the Nascent Soul cultivators perished, but they suffered considerable losses."

Han Mu nodded; the casualties were within an acceptable range. To achieve such a result in battle against the demon army was already quite remarkable.

"The spoils have been tallied," Han Li continued. "The seized magical artifacts, magical materials, pills, spirit stones, etc., are worth approximately 800,000 mid-grade spirit stones. As agreed, Han City will receive 30%, and the remaining 70% has been distributed to the Azure Phoenix Demon Clan, the Golden Lion Clan, and Tianyuan City."

"In addition, the Azure Phoenix Demon King sent gifts of gratitude, including three Nascent Soul stage magic treasures, ten bottles of fourth-tier pills, and a portion of 'Azure Phoenix True Blood'," Han Yunge added. "The Golden Lion Clan and Tianyuan City also presented generous gifts."

Han Mu took the list and examined it. The Azure Phoenix True Blood was the life essence of the Azure Phoenix demon race, containing a trace of Azure Phoenix bloodline. It could help cultivators increase their flight speed and their comprehension of wind-based divine abilities, making it extremely valuable. The Golden Lion Clan offered a set of "Golden Lion Armor," while Tianyuan City provided a "Tianyuan Token," which granted the holder numerous privileges within Tianyuan City.

"System, view current contribution points."

Current contribution points: 43000

[Added Contribution Points: 20000 (Victory in the Battle of Burial Abyss)]

Not bad. He gained 20,000 contribution points from the battle, and with his previous accumulation, he now has 43,000. Han Mu was satisfied; this was enough to exchange for quite a few good items.

"After this battle, Han City's reputation has soared," Han Changqing said. "In the past few days, cultivators have been flocking to seek refuge, including three Nascent Soul cultivators alone, and countless Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators. Father, should we expand Han City's scale?"

"We can expand the pool appropriately, but we must be rigorously selected," Han Mu pondered. "We need to investigate the origins of Nascent Soul cultivators, and examine the character of those who have reached the Core Formation or Foundation Establishment stages. Hancheng would rather have fewer but better candidates; we must not allow spies to infiltrate."

"Yes."

"Furthermore, the Guanghan Realm will open in only two years; we must begin preparations now." Han Mu looked at Han Yunge and Han Li, "How is your cultivation progressing?"

"Reporting to Ancestor, I have stabilized at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. The effects of the Spirit Cleansing Liquid are remarkable, increasing the purity of my spiritual root by 20%," Han Yunge said. "If I can obtain the Moon Lotus to refine the Moon Lotus Pill, I am confident that I can break through to the Nascent Soul stage within three years."

"I have already reached the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, and am only one step away from the Divine Transformation stage," Han Li said. "The Primordial Thunder Technique and the Ice Soul True Scripture complement each other, and I have gained a great deal. If I can enter the Guanghan Realm for some training, the Divine Transformation stage is within reach."

"Very good." Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Two years later, the two of you will lead a team into the Guanghan Realm and be sure to bring back the Moon Lotus. In addition, I will have Han Jinglei accompany you. He possesses a lightning spiritual root and may have some extraordinary encounters in the Guanghan Realm."

"That kid Jing Lei has successfully established his foundation and is making rapid progress in cultivating the Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method," Han Li said. "He just lacks practical combat experience, and this trip will be a good opportunity for him to hone it."

After the discussion, everyone departed. Han Mu sat alone in the hall, taking out the Tianyuan Token. The token was dark gold, with the words "Tianyuan" engraved on the front and complex runes on the back. This was one of the highest honors Tianyuan City bestowed upon its allies; the holder of this token held a status equivalent to an elder in Tianyuan City.

"It seems Tianyuan City wants to win over Hancheng." Han Mu knew this perfectly well. The strength he displayed in the battle of the Burial Demon Abyss had already attracted the attention of Tianyuan City, and this gift was both a thank you and a test.

"System, exchange for 'Detailed Map of the Moon Realm' and 'Analysis of the Frost Dragon's Weaknesses'."

[To exchange for a detailed map of the Moon Realm, 3000 contribution points are required.]

[Exchange for the Frost Dragon's Weakness Analysis requires 2000 Contribution Points]

[Redeem or not?]

"exchange."

[Exchange successful, 5000 contribution points consumed]

[Remaining Contribution Points: 38000]

Two jade slips appeared in his hands. Han Mu first examined the map, which was a more detailed version than before, marking most of the dangerous areas and treasures in the inner and core areas of the Guanghan Realm. The Cold Moon Pool, where the Moon Lotus was located, was deep within the inner area, surrounded by several powerful demonic beasts, the most dangerous of which was the Frost Dragon.

He then examined the Frost Dragon's weakness analysis. This beast was an ice-attribute monster with extremely strong defense, difficult to harm with ordinary magical artifacts, but relatively weak resistance to lightning and fire attacks. It had a reverse scale under its neck, its most vulnerable spot; a hit there could severely injure or even kill it.

"Thunder, fire..." Han Mu pondered. Han Li possessed the Ice Soul Pearl and the Ice Soul Scripture, making ice-based attacks largely ineffective against the Frost Dragon. However, Han Jinglei cultivated the Heavenly Thunder Orthodox Method, making thunder magic a perfect counter. As for fire, Han Yunge possessed both wood and fire spiritual roots, allowing him to craft fire-attribute talismans or magic weapons.

"It seems I need to prepare some lightning and fire-attribute techniques for them." Han Mu noted this down, preparing to begin refining them later.

Three days later, the Azure Phoenix Demon King, Jin Zhan, and Xuanjizi came to visit together.

"Lord Han, how have you been?" the Demon King said with a smile, his attitude even more enthusiastic than before.

"Please have a seat, fellow Daoists." Han Mu gestured for a maid to serve tea. "May I ask what brings you here?"

"There are two things," Xuanjizi said. "First, news of the Battle of the Burial Abyss has reached Tianyuan City. City Lord Jin Yangzi greatly admires City Lord Han and has specially invited City Lord Han to serve as an 'Honorary Elder' of Tianyuan City. His status is the same as that of an ordinary elder, and he can enjoy the treatment of an elder, but he will not be required to undertake daily affairs."

Han Mu's heart stirred. Although the title of Honorary Elder was merely an honorary one, it held great symbolic significance, signifying that Han City had officially gained the recognition of Tianyuan City and had a place among the human race in the Spirit Realm.

"The second matter," Jin Zhan interjected, "is that the Golden Lion Clan wishes to form a brotherhood alliance with Han City, exchanging goods and helping each other. This is the alliance document; please review it, Lord Han City."

He took out a roll of golden animal hide, on which were written the terms of an alliance in ancient demonic script. The gist of the agreement was that the two races would be forever on friendly terms, never to invade each other, and that the other would provide full assistance if one of them were in trouble. At the end was the soul imprint of the Golden Lion Clan Chief, "Golden Madman".

"The Golden Lion Clan is truly sincere." Han Mu read the alliance agreement, took out the Han City seal, and stamped it on. The animal hide flashed with light, the alliance was established, and it was witnessed by the Heavenly Dao.

"Haha, great!" Jin Zhan was overjoyed. "From this day forward, Han City and my Golden Lion Clan are one family! If Lord Han City needs anything, just ask!"

"You're too kind, Fellow Daoist Jin," Han Mu said, bowing.

"Furthermore," the Demon King said, "I have a proposal as well. The Azure Phoenix Mountain Range spans 100,000 li, and has previously been divided among the Azure Phoenix Clan, the Golden Lion Clan, the Black Wind Cave, and other forces. Now that Han City has risen to prominence, it is only right that it should receive a share. I propose that the three areas in the eastern part of the mountain range—'Flowing Cloud Valley,' 'Flying Cloud Ridge,' and 'Azure Wave Lake'—be placed under the jurisdiction of Han City, covering an area of ​​3,000 li. What do you think?"

Han Mu was slightly surprised. Flowing Cloud Valley was rich in Cloud Mist Stone, an excellent material for refining flying magic weapons; Flying Cloud Ridge had a small spirit stone mine; and Azure Wave Lake was suitable for raising aquatic spirit beasts. These three places were all treasure troves, previously firmly controlled by the Azure Phoenix Clan, yet now they were willing to cede them.

"I am deeply grateful for the Demon King's kindness," Han Mu said. "However, these three places originally belonged to the Azure Phoenix Clan. If Han City were to take them, it might cause controversy."

"Lord Han, you are overthinking it." The Demon King waved his hand. "Without Lord Han, the demonic scourge of the Burial Demon Abyss would have been difficult to eradicate, and the Azure Phoenix Mountains would have been devastated. These three places are merely a token of our gratitude. Moreover, the growth of Han City is a great help to my Azure Phoenix Clan."

"In that case, I, Han, will accept without further ado." Han Mu no longer declined. These three locations are crucial to the development of Hancheng. Only with its own resource-rich areas can Hancheng achieve self-sufficiency and truly gain a foothold in the Spirit Realm.

"Excellent!" the Demon King laughed. "Three days from now, I will send someone to hand over the land deed and related documents. In addition, I heard that Han City is going to send cultivators into the Guanghan Realm, so I have prepared three 'Azure Phoenix Feather Robes' to ward off miasma and repel poisonous insects. I hope they will be of help to Lord Han City."

He took out three azure feather robes, as thin as cicada wings, emitting a faint azure light. These were crafted from the natal feathers of the Azure Phoenix Clan, and were extremely rare.

"Thank you, Demon King." Han Mu solemnly accepted the gift. This gift was not insignificant; in a dangerous place like the Guanghan Realm, the Azure Phoenix Feather Robe was worth as much as a defensive magic treasure.

After seeing the three off, Han Mu summoned the senior management and announced these three major events.

"Honorary Elder of Tianyuan City, ally of the Golden Lion Clan, three thousand miles of newly acquired territory... Father, Hancheng is truly about to rise!" Han Changqing exclaimed excitedly. In just a few months, Hancheng had transformed from an unknown small force into a significant presence in the Qingluan Mountains—the change was immense.

"Don't get carried away," Han Mu cautioned. "Strength is the foundation. Hancheng may seem prosperous now, but its foundation is still shallow and it can't withstand any storms. The focus going forward should be on developing ourselves, cultivating talent, and accumulating resources."

"yes!"

"Changqing, you are responsible for taking over the three locations, establishing strongholds, and mining resources. Hanli, you will lead the enforcement team to patrol the new territories, eliminate demonic beasts, and ensure safety. Yunge, increase the production of pills, especially strategic resources such as Foundation Establishment Pills and Golden Core Pills."

"clear!"

After making the arrangements, Han Mu went to the top floor of the City Lord's Mansion and gazed into the distance. Flowing Cloud Valley, Flying Cloud Ridge, and Azure Wave Lake—these three places would be the cornerstones of Han City's rise. And the Guanghan Realm would be the cradle for the birth of Han City's powerful figures.

"System, check the current status of Hancheng."

【Hancheng (Spirit Realm Stronghold)】

[Level: Intermediate]

[Area: 300 li in radius (3,000 li to be added soon)]

[Number of cultivators: 3512 (11 Nascent Soul cultivators, 123 Core Formation cultivators, 589 Foundation Establishment cultivators, and 2789 Qi Refining cultivators)]

[Mortals: 7983]

【资源：灵石矿×1（小型）、药园×8、灵田×30、云雾石矿×1（未开发）、灵兽湖×1（未开发）】

[Factional Relationships: Tianyuan City (Ally), Golden Lion Clan (Ally), Azure Phoenix Demon Clan (Ally)]

[Family Talents: Bloodline Resonance, Protection of Fortune, Bloodline Awakening]

[Current Task: Develop Hancheng (In Progress)]

[Quest Progress: Nascent Soul Cultivator 1/10, New Territory (3/3)]

"Territory mission completed..." Han Mu's eyes lit up. "System, claim mission rewards."

The new territory sub-mission for the "Develop Hancheng" mission has been completed.

[Rewards: 10000 Contribution Points, Blueprint for the Special Building "Bloodline Awakening Pool"]

Current contribution points: 48000

Bloodline Awakening Pool! Han Mu was overjoyed. This was a special structure that could stimulate the family's bloodline talents. With this pool, the cultivation speed and talent awakening probability of Han family members would be greatly increased. This was exactly what Han City needed right now.

"Build it now!"

[Construct Bloodline Awakening Pool by consuming 5000 contribution points]

[Remaining Contribution Points: 43000]

Construction time: three months

In the backyard of the city lord's mansion, a pool made of white jade slowly emerged. Spiritual liquid churned within, emitting a faint golden light, with runes faintly visible flowing within. Once completed in three months, members of the Han family bloodline could soak in the pool to unleash their potential and awaken their talents.

"Good, very good." Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. Everything was developing in a positive direction.

He gazed at the sky, his eyes deep and unfathomable. The spirit realm was vast, and Han Cheng's journey had only just begun.