The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Three days later, Han Mu arrived at the Samsara Palace Square, where the black-robed steward was already waiting, with four other people standing beside him.

"Guest Elder Han, these four are the team members for this mission," the black-robed steward introduced. "This is Luo Feng, whom you already know. These three are Liu Ruyan, an early-stage Golden Immortal, skilled in formations; Zhou Meng, an early-stage Golden Immortal, a body-refining cultivator; and Li Qingzhu, an early-stage Golden Immortal, an alchemist and physician."

Han Mu looked at the three people. Liu Ruyan was a woman in green with a cold and aloof temperament; Zhou Meng was a burly man with bulging muscles; and Li Qingzhu was a middle-aged man who looked like a frail scholar with a kind smile on his face.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Han." The three cupped their hands in greeting. They all knew of Han Mu's achievement of killing a mid-stage Golden Immortal a few days ago, and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

"No need for formalities." Han Mu nodded. "This mission is primarily reconnaissance; if we encounter danger, our lives will be our priority. Let's set off."

The six left the seventh branch of the Reincarnation Palace and flew into the depths of the wilderness.

Black Wind Cave is located in the southwest of the wilderness, about 500,000 li from the Palace of Reincarnation. At the speed of a Golden Immortal, it would take about three days to reach it.

Along the way, Han Mu talked with the others and learned a lot about the Samsara Palace and the Immortal Realm.

"Fellow Daoist Han, you've only recently ascended, haven't you?" Liu Ruyan asked, her voice clear and crisp.

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded.

"No wonder," Liu Ruyan said. "The Samsara Palace is one of the three major powers in the Immortal Realm, standing alongside the Heavenly Court and the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons. The Heavenly Court rules over the Thirty-Three Heavens and is the most powerful; the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons is a gathering place for demons, with ten demon kings stationed there; while my Samsara Palace shelters cultivators being hunted down by the Heavenly Court and is irreconcilably opposed to it."

"The three major powers often clash," Zhou Meng said in a deep voice, "especially our Samsara Palace and the Heavenly Court. They kill each other on sight, it's a fight to the death. The Heavenly Court's attack a few days ago was just a routine conflict."

"What about the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons?" Han Mu asked.

"The Valley of Ten Thousand Demons maintains neutrality and generally does not participate in the struggles between the Heavenly Court and the Palace of Reincarnation," Li Qingzhu interjected. "However, there are also internal conflicts within the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, with the ten Demon Kings each occupying their own territory and not united."

Han Mu nodded, having gained a general understanding of the Immortal Realm's power structure. Three major forces stood in a tripartite balance, with countless smaller forces; it was a dog-eat-dog world, even more brutal than the Spirit Realm.

"We've arrived," Luo Feng suddenly said.

Ahead appeared a black mountain peak, towering into the clouds. It was entirely black, and there was a huge cave entrance on the mountainside. Black wind howled out of the cave, making a whistling sound, hence the name Black Wind Cave.

"Such strong Yin energy." Liu Ruyan frowned. "I've been to this Black Wind Cave before, and the Yin energy wasn't this strong then. It seems there really has been an anomaly."

Han Mu scanned the Black Wind Cave with his divine sense, his brows furrowing slightly. The cave was filled with dense Yin energy and spatial fluctuations, seemingly connecting to some secret realm.

"Be careful, there might be an ambush," Han Mu warned. If the Samsara Palace could detect the unusual activity here, other forces could too.

The six concealed their auras and slowly descended to the cave entrance. The entrance was ten zhang wide and five zhang high, with howling black winds and a bone-chilling cold. An ordinary True Immortal would probably be frozen solid instantly here.

"Let's go into the cave." Han Mu was the first to enter the cave.

The cave was pitch black; even a Golden Immortal's eyesight could only see within a ten-zhang radius. Han Mu used his Spiritual Eye Technique to finally see the scene inside the cave.

The cave walls are smooth, with obvious signs of human excavation, but they are ancient, at least a million years old. The cave passage winds downwards, its destination unknown.

"This used to be an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling," Liu Ruyan said. "I came here once with the seniors from the hall, but we only explored the outer area and dared not venture deep into the depths. It is said that there is a protective array deep within the cave dwelling, making it difficult for even Golden Immortals to enter."

"An array?" Han Mu looked at Liu Ruyan. "Can you break it?"

"Let's give it a try," Liu Ruyan said. "However, if it's an ancient formation, it will probably take some time."

The six continued deeper, and the further they went, the heavier the malevolent energy became, and the fiercer the black wind grew. Later, the black wind was mixed with the howls of vengeful spirits, disturbing their peace of mind.

"Be careful, these black winds can erode the soul." Li Qingzhu took out several pills and distributed them to everyone. "These are Soul-Stabilizing Pills, which can protect the soul from being eroded."

Han Mu took the pill and swallowed it. He immediately felt his mind and soul clear, and the corrosive power of the black wind was greatly reduced.

"System, scan the cave interior."

[Scanning in progress...]

Black Wind Cave: An ancient cultivator's cave dwelling, eroded by malevolent energy, forming a natural forbidden zone.

Danger Level: Medium (Potential threat to those below the mid-stage of the Golden Immortal realm)

[Array fluctuations detected: three locations]

[Life signs detected: thirteen, ten of which are Yin spirits, and three are cultivators]

[Cultivator Realms: Two early-stage Golden Immortals, one mid-stage Golden Immortal]

As expected, there were people ahead! Han Mu's eyes narrowed, and he transmitted his voice to the others: "There are people ahead, two early-stage Golden Immortals and one mid-stage Golden Immortal. Be careful."

Everyone's expressions tightened, and they all took out their magical treasures, becoming wary.

After traveling about three miles, a huge cave appeared ahead. The cave was a hundred feet in diameter, with a stone platform in the center. A black bead floated on the stone platform, emitting a strong aura of yin energy.

Three people stood around the stone platform; these were the three cultivators Han Mu had sensed. Two early-stage Golden Immortals stood on either side, while in the middle stood a black-clad old man in the middle stage of the Golden Immortal realm.

"They are from the Netherworld Cult," Liu Ruyan transmitted her voice, her tone grave.

"The Netherworld Cult?" Han Mu asked.

"It's an evil sect that specializes in cultivating Yin Sha and Ghost Dao techniques. They are vicious and have grudges against the Heavenly Court and the Samsara Palace," Liu Ruyan explained.

At this moment, the old man in black also noticed Han Mu and the others. He turned his head and looked at them, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"Juniors of the Samsara Palace?" The old man in black smiled sinisterly. "Perfect, use your essence, blood, and souls to refine this 'Yin Sha Pearl'."

"How dare you speak so arrogantly!" Zhou Meng roared, about to make a move.

"Wait a minute." Han Mu stopped Zhou Meng and looked at the old man in black. "Which member of the Netherworld Sect are you?"

"I am Elder Yin Bone of the Netherworld Sect," the black-clad elder said proudly. "Young man, state your name, for I do not kill nameless nobodies."

"Reincarnation Palace, Han Mu," Han Mu said calmly, "This Yin Sha Pearl was first discovered by my Reincarnation Palace. Please leave."

"Hahaha!" The old man with the Yin Bone laughed loudly. "Young man, do you know what this Yin Sha Pearl is? This pearl was formed from the Yin Sha energy of the Black Wind Cave over millions of years. It is the main ingredient for refining the 'Netherworld Ghost Banner.' I have been guarding it here for three years, and today it has finally matured. You say your Samsara Palace discovered it first? How laughable!"

It turns out that this Yin Sha Pearl is a naturally formed treasure; no wonder the Yin Bone Elder was here. However, Han Mu would not back down. The mission of the Reincarnation Palace was to investigate the anomalies in the Black Wind Cave and bring back treasures, and this Yin Sha Pearl was precisely such a treasure.

"If that's the case, then let's see who's the best." Han Mu took out a white longsword. This sword was transformed from his natal magic weapon "Qiankun Fan," which he had forged in the Spirit Realm. Now it had been upgraded to a celestial artifact and its power was considerable.

"You're courting death!" The old man with the Yin Bone snorted coldly, and with a wave of his hand, two Netherworld Sect disciples at the early stage of Golden Immortal level attacked Han Mu and the others.

"You can handle those two early-stage Golden Immortals. I'll deal with the Yin Bone Elder." After saying that, Han Mu charged towards the Yin Bone Elder.

"Arrogant!" The Yin Bone Elder laughed in anger. How dare a mere early-stage Golden Immortal provoke him, a mid-stage Golden Immortal? He took out a small black banner, and with a gentle wave, countless fierce ghosts surged out of the banner and pounced on Han Mu.

"Reincarnation Sword Technique, Slash!"

Han Mu unleashed a sword strike, the gray sword energy sweeping across the area, causing the fierce ghosts to scatter in its wake. These fierce ghosts were all transformed from Yin spirits, and they were most afraid of the power of reincarnation; the Reincarnation Sword Technique was precisely their nemesis.

"The power of reincarnation?" The old man with the Yin bones' expression changed. "You're a core disciple of the Reincarnation Palace?"

"So what if it is?" Han Mu didn't answer, and slashed out with his sword again. This sword strike contained time acceleration, and the sword light was extremely fast. Before the Yin Bone Elder could react, the sword was already upon him.

"puff--"

The old man with the skeletal frame was struck in the shoulder by a sword, blood splattering everywhere. He groaned and staggered back several feet, staring at Han Mu in horror: "The Law of Time? You actually comprehended the Law of Time!"

Although it's just a superficial understanding, the laws of time are incredibly profound. Even just a superficial understanding is enough to give Han Mu an absolute advantage among those of the same level.

"Retreat now, and I'll spare your life," Han Mu said calmly, sword in hand.

"Don't even think about it!" The old man with the Yin Bone gritted his teeth and spat a mouthful of blood onto the black banner. The banner shone brightly with black light, transforming into a giant banner ten feet long. More fierce ghosts poured out of the banner, including several ghost generals whose auras were comparable to those of early-stage Golden Immortals.

"Ten Thousand Ghosts Devour Souls!" the Yin Bone Elder roared, and countless vengeful ghosts pounced on Han Mu, blotting out the sky.

Han Mu remained unmoved, brandishing his white longsword, its sword energy crisscrossing, each strike slaying dozens of fierce ghosts. However, there were simply too many fierce ghosts to kill them all, and ghost generals were also secretly attacking, making it impossible to defend against them all.

"This can't go on." Han Mu's mind raced as he looked at the Yin Sha Pearl. The Yin Sha Pearl was formed from condensed Yin Sha energy; if he detonated it, it might severely injure the Yin Bone Elder.

However, the Yin Sha Pearl was the mission objective; detonating it would mean mission failure. Han Mu hesitated for a moment, then decided to take the risk.

He flashed forward, rushing towards the stone platform. The old man with the Yin Bone was shocked: "Stop! What are you doing?"

"What do you think?" Han Mu sneered, grabbing at the Yin Sha Pearl.

"You're courting death!" The old man with the Yin Bone was frantic. He disregarded controlling the vengeful spirits and personally attacked Han Mu. If the Yin Sha Pearl were taken, his three years of painstaking guarding it would have been in vain.

However, Han Mu was prepared. The moment the Yin Bone Elder charged, his figure suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind the Yin Bone Elder, thrusting out with his sword.

"Time Acceleration!"

The sword light was so fast that the Yin Bone Elder had no time to react before being pierced through the back of his heart.

"You..." The old man with the Yin Bone stared wide-eyed, his face full of resentment. He, a dignified mid-stage Golden Immortal, had been killed by a junior in the early stage of Golden Immortal. He died with his eyes wide open in disbelief.

Han Mu withdrew his longsword, and the corpse of the Yin Bone Elder fell to the ground, along with the small black banner. Han Mu picked up the banner, scanned it with his divine sense, and found it to be a decent immortal artifact, which could be used to ward off ghosts.

"Elder!" Two Netherworld Cult disciples cried out in terror upon seeing the Yin Bone Elder killed, and turned to flee.

"Stay here." Luo Feng, Liu Ruyan, and the others blocked their path and quickly killed the two.

After the battle, only the six members of the Samsara Palace remained in the cave.

Han Mu walked to the stone platform and took out the Yin Sha Pearl. The pearl was cold to the touch and contained a strong Yin Sha aura, making it an excellent material for refining ghost-path magic weapons.

"Mission accomplished, let's go back." Han Mu put away the Yin Sha Pearl and prepared to leave.

However, at that moment, a sudden change occurred.

The cave suddenly shook violently, and a crack appeared beneath the stone platform, from which dense spatial fluctuations emanated.

"This is... a spatial rift?" Liu Ruyan exclaimed in surprise.

"No, it's the entrance to a secret realm!" A glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. It turned out that a secret realm was hidden deep within the Black Wind Cave. The Yin Sha Pearl was merely a condensation of the Yin Sha energy that overflowed when the entrance to the secret realm opened; the real treasure was inside the secret realm itself.

"Let's go in and take a look." Han Mu made a decisive decision and took the lead in entering the crevice. The other five followed closely behind.

The scene before them shifted, and the six of them found themselves in a hazy, gray space. The space was small, only a hundred feet in diameter, with a stone hall in the center, its doors tightly shut.

"Be careful, there might be a restriction here," Liu Ruyan warned.

Han Mu nodded, scanned the stone hall with his divine sense, found no danger, then walked to the door of the stone hall and pushed it hard.

"Squeak—"

The stone door slowly opened, and a long-sealed aura rushed out. The stone hall was empty, except for a skeleton in the center, with a jade box in front of it.

Han Mu walked up to the skeleton and noticed a ring on its finger. He took off the ring, probed it with his divine sense, and was immediately delighted.

The ring contained a hundred-zhang-wide space filled with immortal spirit stones, pills, materials, several immortal artifacts, and a number of jade slips. The most precious item among them was a black token, with the words "Netherworld" engraved on the front and "Sect Leader" on the back.

"The Netherworld Cult Master's Decree?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. Could this skeleton be the previous leader of the Netherworld Cult?

He opened the jade box, inside which was a jade slip. Probing it with his divine sense, he found a message recorded on the jade slip:

"I am the seventeenth leader of the Netherworld Sect. I was framed by a villain and fled here severely injured. Knowing that my days are numbered, I left my legacy here. Whoever inherits my legacy will become the eighteenth leader of the Netherworld Sect. He shall revitalize the Netherworld Sect and kill the traitor Netherworld Child. If you are unwilling to take on this important task, you may take the storage ring, but do not touch the leader's order."

"Youmingzi?" Han Mu frowned. This Youmingzi must be the current leader of the Youming Sect, a peak Golden Immortal, who is said to have grudges against the Samsara Palace and the Heavenly Court.

"Fellow Daoist Han, this inheritance..." Luo Feng looked at Han Mu.

Han Mu hesitated for a moment, then put away his storage ring, but didn't touch the sect leader's token. He didn't want to become the Netherworld Sect Leader; it would be troublesome, not to mention offending the current sect leader—it wouldn't be worth it.

"We'll divide the treasures in the storage ring equally. As for the Sect Leader's Decree and this inheritance, whoever wants them can take them; I won't participate," Han Mu said.

The group exchanged glances but remained silent. While the Netherworld Sect's legacy was appealing, accepting it meant facing a host of troubles, and no one wanted to invite trouble upon themselves.

"Since no one wants it, let's leave it here." Han Mu put the sect leader's token back into the jade box and closed the lid.

However, at that moment, a voice suddenly came from outside the stone hall:

"The Netherworld Cult Master's Decree? It's like finding a needle in a haystack, only to have it fall into my lap without any effort at all."

Han Mu's expression changed; someone had come in!

The group rushed out of the stone hall and saw three people standing at the entrance to the secret realm. The leader was a young man in black, whose aura was powerful, indicating that he was a late-stage Golden Immortal. Behind him stood two old men, both of whom were mid-stage Golden Immortals.

"Youmingzi!" Liu Ruyan exclaimed in surprise.

The young man in black was none other than Youmingzi, the current leader of the Youming Sect!

"Hand over the leader's token, and I'll spare your lives," Youmingzi said coldly, his gaze falling on Han Mu, because he sensed that the leader's token was with Han Mu.

Han Mu's heart sank. A late-stage Golden Immortal was far stronger than the Yin Bone Elder; even the six of them combined might not be a match for him.

"System, exchange for the 'Great Teleportation Talisman'."

[Exchange successful. Consumed 1000 Immortal Spirit Energy. Obtained 1 Great Teleportation Talisman]

The Great Teleportation Talisman can randomly teleport millions of miles; it's a life-saving trump card. Han Mu was prepared to flee immediately if things went wrong.

However, at that moment, another person walked into the entrance of the secret realm.

It was a young man in a green robe, with an ordinary face and a restrained aura, but Han Mu recognized him at a glance.

Han Li!