The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Han Mu arrived at the command tent and saw three other people besides the golden-armored general Wang Zhan. These three possessed powerful auras, all at the Golden Immortal realm!

"Han Mu greets the Commander and the three lords." Han Mu bowed respectfully, outwardly showing deference but inwardly being on guard. The simultaneous appearance of three Golden Immortals meant something significant was about to happen.

"Han Mu, you've arrived." Wang Zhan nodded and introduced the three Golden Immortals, "These three are centurions of the 'Heavenly Net Guard': Luo Feng, Li Yuan, and Zhao Ming. The three lords have an important mission and need manpower, so I recommended you."

"The Heavenly Net Guard?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. He had heard of the Heavenly Net Guard; they were the elite of the Celestial Court, directly under the Celestial Court's military department. Every single one of them was an elite among elites, the weakest being a late-stage True Immortal. For three centurions of the Heavenly Net Guard to personally come forward, the mission was definitely not simple.

"You're Han Mu?" Luo Feng sized up Han Mu, his brows furrowing slightly. "Peak of the Great Ascension Realm? Wang Zhan, you're not joking about recommending such a young man, are you?"

"Lord Luo, you may not know this," Wang Zhan said with a smile. "Although Han Mu is at the peak of the Mahayana stage, his strength is no weaker than that of a late-stage True Immortal. During the previous beast tide, he single-handedly killed three peak True Immortal beast commanders, a fact known to everyone in the Seventh Defense Zone."

"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in Luo Feng's eyes as he re-examined Han Mu. "To be able to slay a peak True Immortal beast with only the cultivation of a peak Mahayana cultivator is indeed extraordinary. However, this mission is no small matter; it requires at least the strength of a late-stage True Immortal. Are you sure you're confident?"

"I will obey your orders, sir," Han Mu said calmly. On the surface, he was at the peak of the Mahayana stage, but in reality, he was at the peak of the True Immortal stage, only one step away from becoming a Golden Immortal. As long as he didn't encounter any experts above the mid-stage of the Golden Immortal realm, he would be safe.

"Good, you have guts." Li Yuan nodded. "This mission is to venture deep into the wilderness to explore an ancient ruin. The ruin has only recently been revealed and may contain the legacy of an ancient immortal, but it is also fraught with danger. We need people to scout ahead. If you are willing, you will be rewarded with 30,000 military merits and a Golden Immortal-level cultivation technique upon successful completion of the mission."

Thirty thousand military merits! A Golden Immortal-level cultivation technique!

Han Mu's heart stirred. Military merits were secondary; what he desperately needed was a Golden Immortal-level cultivation technique. Although he possessed the "Primordial Longevity Technique," it was a basic technique, and reaching the peak of True Immortal was its limit. To break through to Golden Immortal, he needed a more advanced technique.

"I am willing," Han Mu replied without hesitation.

"Very good," Zhao Ming said. "Meet outside the North Gate in three days. Remember, this matter must be kept secret and must not be leaked."

"Yes."

After leaving the command tent, Han Mu returned to his base. He didn't reveal the details of the mission to Qingyang and the others, only saying that he had accepted a special mission and would be away for a while. Although Qingyang and the others were curious, they didn't ask any further questions.

Three days later, Han Mu arrived outside the North Gate. Luo Feng, Li Yuan, and Zhao Ming were already there, along with seven others, all of whom were at the late or peak True Immortal level. Including Han Mu, there were eleven people in total.

"Everyone's here, let's go." Luo Feng waved his hand and summoned a flying boat. The flying boat wasn't large, but it was entirely silver-white, engraved with complex runes, and exuded an aura that clearly indicated it was a mid-grade immortal artifact.

The group boarded the flying boat. The boat transformed into a silver light and flew into the depths of the wilderness.

The wilderness was vast and boundless, and the deeper they went, the greater the danger became. The flying boat traveled for half a month, during which it encountered dozens of attacks from wild beasts. The weakest was a True Immortal in the early stage, while the strongest reached the Golden Immortal stage, which was killed by Luo Feng and his two companions working together.

Han Mu's performance in the battle was average, only displaying the strength of a late-stage True Immortal, neither particularly outstanding nor a liability. Luo Feng and the other two were fairly satisfied with him.

"The ancient ruins are just ahead," Luo Feng said, pointing to a majestic mountain range in the distance. "There's a canyon in that mountain range, and the entrance to the ancient ruins lies deep within the canyon. According to intelligence, there's a barrier around the ruins that requires ten True Immortals to break through simultaneously. Our mission is to break through that barrier and explore the interior of the ruins."

"My lord, what dangers lurk within the ruins?" asked a peak True Immortal cultivator. His name was Zhou Tian, ​​and he was the only peak True Immortal besides Han Mu in this mission.

"I don't know." Luo Feng shook his head. "The ruins are ancient relics, and their internal conditions are unknown. But the dangers of ruins left by ancient immortals are certain. However, the greater the danger, the greater the opportunity. If one can obtain the ancient inheritance, soaring to the heavens will not be difficult."

A burning desire flashed in everyone's eyes. The legacy of the ancient immortals was priceless.

The flying boat stopped outside the mountains, and the group entered on foot. The mountains contained even more wild beasts, and they were far stronger; even the weakest among them was a mid-stage True Immortal. The group proceeded cautiously, avoiding large groups of wild beasts, and after three days, they finally reached the entrance to the canyon.

The canyon is deep and secluded, with towering cliffs on both sides reaching into the clouds. A hazy mist hangs over the valley, obscuring the view of its depths.

"This is it." Luo Feng took out a compass, the pointer pointing deep into the canyon. "The restriction is at the end of the canyon. Everyone be careful, there might be a guardian beast here."

The group cautiously entered the canyon. The valley was eerily silent, save for the echoing sound of their footsteps. After walking for about an hour, they came upon a ruined area. In the center of the ruins stood a dilapidated ancient temple. The temple's doors were tightly shut, their surfaces engraved with intricate patterns that emitted a faint glow—a protective barrier.

"This is it," Luo Feng said. "Ten people attack the barrier. Han Mu, you keep watch on the surroundings."

"Yes." Han Mu nodded and stepped aside. He appeared vigilant, but secretly used his divine sense to probe the ancient palace. As soon as his divine sense touched the restriction, it was bounced back, clearly indicating that the restriction was not simple.

"Attack!" Luo Feng gave the order, and ten True Immortals attacked simultaneously, bombarding the barrier with various spells and magical treasures.

"Boom!"

The barrier trembled violently, its light flickering. After half an hour of continuous attack, a crack finally appeared in the barrier.

"Give it your all!" Luo Feng shouted.

Everyone attacked with all their might. After another incense stick's time, the barrier shattered with a "crack." The ancient palace gate slowly opened, revealing a deep passage.

"The barrier is broken!" Everyone was overjoyed.

However, at that moment, a sudden change occurred.

"roar--"

A furious roar echoed from outside the canyon, followed by deafening footsteps. Everyone's expressions changed drastically as they turned to see a colossal beast, hundreds of feet tall, charging towards them. The beast resembled a rhinoceros, but its entire body was covered in black scales, and it possessed three blood-red horns on its head. Its aura was terrifying; it had clearly reached the mid-stage of the Golden Immortal realm!

"A mid-stage Golden Immortal beast, the Three-Eyed Demonic Rhinoceros!" Luo Feng's expression turned grave. "Everyone, prepare for battle!"

"My lord, this..." Zhou Tian's face turned pale. A mid-stage Golden Immortal beast—even all of them combined were no match for it.

"Don't panic," Li Yuan said in a deep voice. "Although the Three-Eyed Demon Rhinoceros is powerful, it's not very intelligent. Luo Feng, Zhao Ming, and I will hold it off. You all hurry into the ancient hall. Remember, there may be other dangers inside, so proceed with caution."

"Yes!" The crowd, as if granted a pardon, rushed towards the ancient hall. Han Mu also mingled in the crowd, but he did not rush in; instead, he observed from the shadows.

Luo Feng, Li Yuan, and Zhao Ming confronted the Three-Eyed Demon Rhinoceros. All three were only at the early stage of the Golden Immortal realm, facing a mid-stage Golden Immortal like the Three-Eyed Demon Rhinoceros, which put them under immense pressure. However, their excellent teamwork and frequent use of magical treasures temporarily held off the demon rhinoceros.

Without further hesitation, Han Mu flashed into the ancient hall. The interior of the hall appeared larger than the exterior, clearly indicating the presence of a spatial array. The hall was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of the luminous pearls embedded in the walls. Stone chambers lined both sides of the passageway, but most were empty, clearly having already been looted.

"Search separately, and report back immediately if you find anything," Zhou Tian instructed. The group dispersed, each searching for their own opportunity.

Han Mu chose a passage to venture deeper. The passage was winding and twisting, and the deeper he went, the denser the immortal energy became. After walking for about fifteen minutes, he heard the sounds of fighting ahead.

Han Mu's heart stirred. He concealed his aura and quietly approached. Before him stood a grand hall, within which three figures were locked in fierce combat. Two of them were dressed in black, wielding curved sabers, their moves ruthless; both were late-stage True Immortals. The third was a young man in a blue robe, wielding a blue longsword. His swordsmanship was exquisite, but fighting two against one, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

"Han Li?!" A hint of surprise flashed in Han Mu's eyes. The young man in the blue robe was none other than Han Li!

At this moment, Han Li's cultivation had reached the early stage of True Immortal, but facing the siege of two late-stage True Immortals, he was in dire straits. His clothes were stained with blood, and his face was pale, clearly indicating that he was seriously injured.

"Boy, hand over the 'Azure Origin Sword Manual,' and I'll spare your life!" a man in black shouted.

"Dream on!" Han Li gritted his teeth, his sword flashing like a rainbow, forcing one person back, but another took the opportunity to slash at him, leaving a deep, bone-revealing wound on his back.

"Pfft—" Han Li spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered.

"Stubborn to the end, then die!" The two men in black grinned and attacked simultaneously, their blades flashing like lightning, blocking all of Han Li's escape routes.

Despair flashed in Han Li's eyes. He had only recently ascended to the Immortal Realm, and his cultivation was not yet stable. It was already his limit to hold out against two opponents for so long. Now, severely injured, he was powerless to reverse the situation.

However, at this moment, another mutation occurs.

"Buzz—"

An invisible sword aura appeared out of nowhere, silent and swift as lightning. Before the two men in black could react, the sword aura pierced their foreheads, obliterating their souls.

"Who?!" Han Li exclaimed in surprise, looking around warily.

Han Mu emerged from the shadows, his cultivation level seemingly controlled at the late True Immortal stage, which was the strength he had previously displayed.

"Thank you for saving my life, senior." Han Li cupped his hands in thanks, but the wariness in his eyes remained. The Immortal Realm was treacherous; killing and robbing were commonplace. This mysterious person who had suddenly appeared and saved him might not be acting out of kindness.

"No need for formalities," Han Mu said calmly. "My name is Bai Yu. I was just passing by when I saw two people attacking you, and I couldn't stand by and watch."

"Senior Bai." Han Li bowed again, feeling slightly relieved. If the other party wanted to kill him, they could have done so earlier; there was no need for this unnecessary step.

"Your injuries are quite severe, so let's heal first." Han Mu tossed Han Li a bottle of pills. "This is a 'Rejuvenation Pill,' which can heal injuries and restore immortal power."

Han Li took the pill, checked it to make sure it was correct, and then swallowed it. His complexion immediately improved a lot.

"Senior, did you also come for this ancient palace?" Han Li asked.

"I suppose so," Han Mu nodded. "There were mid-stage Golden Immortal beasts outside, so I took the opportunity to come in and seek refuge. But judging from this ancient hall, it seems to have been completely looted."

"Indeed." Han Li smiled wryly. "I arrived earlier, but only found a few ordinary immortal artifacts. The two of them tried to steal my 'Azure Origin Sword Manual,' which is why the fight broke out."

"The Azure Origin Sword Technique?" Han Mu's heart stirred. In his past life's memories, the Azure Origin Sword Technique was one of Han Li's main cultivation techniques, and its power was considerable. He didn't expect that this technique would also be quite valuable in the Immortal Realm.

"Senior, are you interested in sword techniques?" Han Li probed. "If you wish, I can make a copy."

"No need," Han Mu shook his head. "I have my own cultivation methods. As for you, your cultivation is still shallow, and it's too dangerous for you to venture into the wilderness alone. The three-eyed demon rhinoceros is still outside. You can come with me and leave when it's safe."

"This... thank you, senior," Han Li said gratefully. He did indeed need protection; otherwise, in his current state, he might be torn to pieces by wild beasts even if he stepped out of the ancient hall.

"Let's go, let's look around elsewhere." Han Mu turned and walked deeper into the main hall. Han Li quickly followed.

The two walked one after the other into the ancient palace. Han Mu secretly observed Han Li and found that although Han Li was injured, his aura was steady and his foundation was solid, truly worthy of being called the chosen one.

"System, check Han Li's current status."

Name: Han Li

[Cultivation Level: Early True Immortal]

[Status: Minor injury, 70% of immortal power consumed]

[Techniques: Azure Origin Sword Art, Brahma Saint True Demon Art, Refining Spirit Technique, etc.]

[Magic Treasures: Green Bamboo Bee Cloud Sword (Low-grade Immortal Artifact), Yuanhe Five Extremes Mountain (Incomplete Immortal Artifact), etc.]

As expected, Han Li had upgraded his natal magic weapon, the Azure Bamboo Bee Cloud Sword, to a celestial artifact, and also obtained a treasure like the Yuanhe Five Extremes Mountain. However, judging from his condition, his ascension to the Immortal Realm did not seem to be going smoothly.

"Han Li, how long have you been ascended?" Han Mu asked.

"Replying to Senior, it has been less than a hundred years," Han Li replied respectfully.

"To have cultivated to the early stage of True Immortal in less than a century, your talent is quite impressive," Han Mu praised. "However, the Immortal Realm is treacherous. Do you have anywhere to go if you venture out alone?"

"Not for now." Han Li shook his head. "After I ascended, I was conscripted into the desolate battlefield. I only recently left the army and am looking for an opportunity to improve my strength."

"In that case, would you be willing to follow me for the time being?" Han Mu said. "I am quite familiar with the Wilderness Battlefield and can protect you. You can leave when you are able to protect yourself."

Han Li was taken aback, not expecting this "Senior White" to be so enthusiastic. However, since the other party had saved him and offered to shelter him, he probably meant no harm. Besides, he was new here and did need guidance.

"I will forever remember your great kindness, senior." Han Li bowed solemnly. "I am willing to follow you, senior."

"Alright." Han Mu nodded, secretly pleased. Success! The connection with Han Li was now established. With him around, Han Li's path in the Immortal Realm would be much easier.

"boom--"

Just then, a loud noise came from deep within the ancient hall, followed by shouts and sounds of fighting.

"It's Zhou Tian and his group." Han Mu frowned. "Let's go take a look."

The two rushed toward the source of the sound.