The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The news of the Old Man of the Ghost's fall and the annihilation of the three major forces' allied forces swept across the entire human territory like a hurricane.

Tianyuan City, the Tianyuan Dynasty, and all the major sects and families were shocked. A late-stage Integration Realm cultivator was a pinnacle of the Spirit Realm; the number of late-stage Integration Realm experts among the entire human race could be counted on two hands. Yet Han Mu could easily kill the Ghostly Elder. What did this mean? It meant that Han Mu was at least at the peak of the Integration Realm, and might even be… a Mahayana cultivator!

For a time, Hancheng became the hottest topic in the spirit world. Various forces sent envoys with generous gifts to offer their congratulations. Some came to make friends, some to test the waters, and some genuinely wanted to attach themselves to the city.

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

Standing beside Han Mu, Han Li looked down at the envoys from all sides, his heart filled with emotion. In just a few decades, the Han family, a small clan that had smuggled themselves from the human realm, had become a significant force in the spirit world. All of this was thanks to the unfathomable ancestor before him.

"The envoy of the Tianyuan Dynasty presents three 'Nine-Turn Soul-Condensing Pills,' one thousand catties of 'Star Iron,' and a pair of 'Tianyuan Jade Discs,' to congratulate Hancheng on defeating the powerful enemy and to express our wish for a lasting alliance with Hancheng." An elderly man in brocade robes bowed respectfully.

"Envoy of Tianyuan City, presenting one 'Tianyuan Token'. With this token, you may freely enter and leave Tianyuan City and enjoy the treatment of an elder. Also given are one hundred catties of 'Void Crystals' and ten drops of 'Ten Thousand Year Spirit Milk'," a middle-aged man in black announced loudly.

"The envoy from the Long family..."

"The Ye family's envoy..."

One by one, powerful forces in the Spirit Realm sent envoys with lavish gifts. Han Li received them all, neither servile nor arrogant. He knew that these people valued Han City not so much for Han Li, but for Han Mu's strength. Without Han Mu's presence, Han City would be nothing more than a small force that could be easily destroyed in the eyes of these powerful forces.

Han Mu sat high in the main seat, his expression calm. He did not reveal his full cultivation level, maintaining the appearance of being at the early stage of the Integration Realm. But even at the early stage of the Integration Realm, being able to kill the Ghostly Elder was enough to intimidate all sides.

"I appreciate your kindness, everyone," Han Mu said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Han City is newly established and needs your continued support. I accept your gifts today, and I will surely repay you in the future."

These words were polite, but the subtext was clear: I accept the gift and appreciate the gesture, but Hancheng will make its own decisions regarding matters concerning Hancheng.

The envoys were all astute and naturally understood the implied meaning, but none dared to object. Strength reigns supreme, and Han Mu had the right to say such things.

After the envoys left, only the core members of the Han family remained in the main hall.

"Ancestor, these forces appear respectful, but in reality, they each have their own agendas," Han Li said in a deep voice. "The Tianyuan Dynasty wants to win us over to fight against the demon race, Tianyuan City wants us to guard the border against the demon race, and the Long family and Ye family want to probe our strength."

Han Mu gave Han Li an approving look: "You see things very clearly. But it doesn't matter. In the face of absolute strength, any schemes are futile. What we need to do now is to improve our strength as quickly as possible."

He looked at everyone and said, "After this battle, Hancheng's reputation has soared, but it has also become the target of everyone's attacks. The demons and monsters will not sit idly by and watch another powerful force emerge from the human race, and those established powers will not genuinely accept us. Therefore, we must become stronger as soon as possible."

"Ancestor, what should we do next?" Han Yunge asked.

"Two things," Han Mu said, holding up two fingers. "First, cultivate more Nascent Soul cultivators. Second, expand our territory."

He paused, then continued, "Hancheng spans tens of thousands of miles, but its resources are limited and cannot support too many high-level cultivators. I plan to expand my territory to 100,000 miles, bringing the surrounding 'Black Wind Plains,' 'Crimson Flame Mountains,' and 'Azure Wave Lake' under my control. These three places all have medium-sized spirit stone veins. Once we take them over, Hancheng will not lack cultivation resources for the next hundred years."

"But Ancestor, these three places are occupied by the Black Wind Demon King, the Crimson Flame Old Monster, and the Azure Wave Fairy, respectively. They are all at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage and have considerable power under their command," Han Changqing said, frowning.

"Just at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage." Han Mu smiled faintly. "Han Li, you take Jing Lei and Tian Feng to Black Wind Plains; Yun Ge and Ling'er to Crimson Flame Mountains; I'll go to Azure Wave Lake. Take these three places within a month."

"Yes!" the five replied in unison, their eyes gleaming with fighting spirit. They had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage and needed real combat experience to solidify their realm.

"As for cultivating Nascent Soul cultivators..." Han Mu looked at Han Changqing and Doctor Mo, "You two have been stuck at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage for many years. It's time for you to break through. I plan to send you to the 'Spirit Cleansing Pool'."

"The Cleansing Pool?" Han Changqing and Doctor Mo were both taken aback, then overjoyed.

The Spirit Cleansing Pool is a famous secret realm in the spirit world, its waters possessing the miraculous effect of cleansing and refining spiritual roots and enhancing aptitude. However, the Spirit Cleansing Pool is controlled by a few major powers, and only a limited number of people can access it each time, at an extremely high cost.

"Ancestor, the spots in the Spirit Cleansing Pool are precious, we..." Han Changqing hesitated.

"It's alright." Han Mu waved his hand. "I've already reached an agreement with Tianyuan City to exchange three 'Moon Essence Pills' for two spots. I can still refine Moon Essence Pills, but your cultivation can't be delayed any longer."

Han Changqing and Doctor Mo were deeply moved and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Ancestor!"

"No need for formalities," Han Mu said. "Make your preparations. We'll depart in three days. I'll have my clone escort you."

After the arrangements were made, everyone departed. Han Mu returned to his secret chamber and began refining the Moon Essence Pill. This pill could help a peak Nascent Soul cultivator break through to the Divine Transformation stage; it was a priceless treasure in the Spirit Realm, and Tianyuan City would definitely agree to use it to exchange for a spot in the Spirit Pool.

Three days later, Han Changqing and Doctor Mo, escorted by a clone of Han Mu, headed to Tianyuan City. This clone possessed thirty percent of Han Mu's strength, equivalent to the peak of the Void Refinement stage, enough to handle the dangers along the way.

Meanwhile, Han Li and his four companions each led a team towards Black Wind Plains, Crimson Flame Mountains, and Azure Wave Lake.

Han Mu himself arrived at Bibo Lake. Bibo Lake spans three thousand miles in circumference, with clear water and abundant spiritual energy. At the bottom of the lake lies a medium-sized water-attribute spirit stone vein. The Bibo Fairy who occupies this place is a Bibo Water Dragon in her true form, possessing the cultivation of a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, and commanding thousands of aquatic demon cultivators.

"Azure Wave Fairy, come out and greet me." Han Mu stood in mid-air, his voice echoing throughout the entire Azure Wave Lake.

The lake water surged, and a beautiful figure rose from it. It was a stunningly beautiful woman dressed in a long emerald green dress, with two delicate dragon horns on her forehead—the Fairy of the Azure Waves.

"Lord Han, your presence is an honor. I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you sooner." Fairy Bibo bowed gracefully, but her eyes held a hint of wariness. News of Han Mu's killing of the Ghostly Elder had already spread, so she naturally knew how formidable the man before her was.

"Fairy of Azure Waves, let's not beat around the bush." ​​Han Mu went straight to the point. "Azure Wave Lake, I want it. You can leave with your men, and I won't make things difficult for you. If you're unwilling... then let's settle this with our strength."

The Fairy of Azure Waves' expression changed: "Lord Han, Azure Wave Lake is my cultivation ground for a thousand years. How can I just give it up like that?"

"Then there's nothing to discuss." Han Mu shook his head, and without further ado, he made his move. He extended a finger and pointed it at Fairy Bibo.

This seemingly ordinary finger strike made Fairy Azure Waves feel as if the surrounding space was locked, leaving her with no way to avoid it. She let out a fierce shout, revealing her true form—a hundred-zhang-long azure water dragon—and spewing out towering waves.

But the giant wave shattered like paper before Han Mu's finger. The force of his finger did not diminish, striking the Azure Water Dragon's forehead.

The Fairy of Azure Waves screamed and plummeted from the sky, crashing heavily onto the lake's surface, staining the water crimson with her blood. She struggled to get up, only to find her magic sealed, rendering her unable to move.

"Now, are you willing to give in?" Han Mu asked calmly.

Fear flashed in Fairy Bibo's eyes. She knew Han Mu had held back; otherwise, that single finger strike would have been fatal. A peak Nascent Soul cultivator was indeed powerless against a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"...This humble woman is willing to relinquish Bibo Lake," she said bitterly.

"Very good." Han Mu nodded and released her seal. "Take your men and leave within three days. You may take 30% of the spiritual herbs and mineral veins in the lake as compensation."

Fairy Bibo was taken aback, not expecting Han Mu to be so generous. She had thought she would be lucky to save her life, but she hadn't expected to take away 30% of the resources.

"Thank you, Lord Han." She bowed sincerely and turned to gather her subordinates.

Han Mu watched her retreating figure, lost in thought. The Azure Wave Fairy's cultivation was not weak; if he could subdue her, she would be a considerable fighting force. However, there was no rush; he would proceed cautiously.

"System, check the current status." He thought to himself.

[Host: Han Mu]

[Cultivation Level: Early Stage of True Integration / Mid Stage of Superficial Refinement]

[Cultivation Techniques: Primordial Longevity Technique, Level 8 (Early Stage), Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique, Level 6, Nine-Turn Undying Body, Third Stage]

[Supernatural Abilities: Lesser Five Elements Sword Formation, Primordial Chaos Qi, Heaven-Gathering Technique, Five Elements Escape Technique, Primordial Thunder Technique, Realm-Suppressing Seal]

[Magic Items: Qiankun Sword (Innate), Five Elements Flag (Ancient Treasure), Heavenly Secrets Disc (Special), Boundary Suppressing Stele (Incomplete Immortal Artifact), Ten Thousand Ghosts Banner (Reforged)]

[Families: Han Family (Human Realm), Han City (Spirit Realm)]

[Contribution Points: 28000]

[Current Task: Develop Hancheng (In Progress)]

【任务进度：化神修士6/10，主城晋升条件（合体修士1/1，化神修士6/10，掌控地域2/3）】

[Note: We have already taken control of the Qingluan Mountains and Bibo Lake]

Han Mu nodded in satisfaction. With the capture of Azure Lake, two-thirds of the territory under his control, and the subsequent takeover of Black Wind Plains and Crimson Flame Mountains, the conditions for upgrading to a main city would be essentially met. At that time, Han City would become a true main city, receiving even more system rewards.

He looked into the distance, thinking that Han Li and the others should be close to succeeding as well.

Meanwhile, a great battle was taking place on the Black Wind Plains.