The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Black Wind Ridge is located three hundred miles northwest of Yanling Fort. It was originally just an ordinary black mountain range, named for the constant howling of cold winds. But now, when Han Mu flew to within fifty miles of Black Wind Ridge, he could clearly sense something amiss.

A faint, malevolent aura permeated the air, growing stronger the closer one got. The vegetation was an unnatural dark green, some even withered and dead. Birds had vanished, beasts were nowhere to be seen, and the entire mountain range was eerily silent.

Han Mu landed on a hilltop on the outskirts of Black Wind Ridge, took out the Guest Elder Token, and began recording.

"System, scan the surrounding environment and draw a map showing the distribution of Yin energy."

[Scanning in progress...]

[Range: Fifty miles in radius, centered on the host]

[Concentration of Yin Qi: Outer perimeter 0.1%, central area 3.7%, core area (former Ghost Spirit Sect camp) 8.9%]

[Distribution characteristics: It spreads outward from the original Ghost Spirit Gate camp, decreasing in a ring shape]

[Anomaly Detection: Seventeen abnormal spiritual energy fluctuations were detected, suspected to be weak points in the formation or seals]

The Guest Elder's Token glowed faintly, recording the scan results within the internal array. This was an auxiliary function provided by Yellow Maple Valley for its disciples on missions, capable of automatically drawing maps and recording data.

Han Mu flew low on his sword, beginning a detailed investigation. He first circled the outer area, marking ten anomalies. These places had a significantly denser concentration of Yin energy than other areas, some forming small Yin vortexes that continuously absorbed surrounding spiritual energy and transformed it into Yin energy.

"These are... naturally formed Yin Sha nodes?" Han Mu frowned. Yin Sha nodes usually require special terrain and a long period of accumulation to form. Although Black Wind Ridge has a heavy Yin energy, it shouldn't have so many nodes appearing in such a short time.

Unless, something is accelerating this process.

Han Mu approached a node located at the bottom of a valley, where a faint gray mist of Yin energy emanated. He took out several "Spirit Testing Talismans" and cast them into the mist. The talismans lit up, indicating that the concentration of Yin energy here had reached 1.2%, equivalent to ten times that of an ordinary Yin energy site.

"Something's not right," Han Mu muttered to himself. "System, analyze the reason for the formation of this node."

[Analysis in progress...]

[Geology: Ordinary black rock, no special minerals]

[Spiritual energy flow: seeping from underground, originating 32 li northeast]

[Speculation: A large-scale Yin-gathering formation is extracting Yin energy from the earth's veins, transforming it into Yin energy, and then transmitting it outwards through its nodes.]

A large-scale Yin-gathering formation? Could it be that the Yin-evil Ghost King is setting something up?

Han Mu's heart tightened, and he flew northeast following the flow of spiritual energy. Thirty-two miles later, he arrived at a precipice. Below the precipice was a bottomless black hole, from which dense Yin energy surged forth, forming a visible gray column of gas.

"System, scan the interior of the black hole."

[Scanning obstructed; the concentration of Yin energy is too high, preventing spiritual sense from penetrating deeper]

[Traces of a sealing formation were detected at the cave entrance, suspected to be remnants of a sealing formation.]

[Warning: Powerful life force fluctuations exist within the cave; estimated strength: Mid-stage Core Formation]

It's the lair of the Yin Sha Ghost King!

Han Mu held his breath, concealed his aura, and retreated to a safe distance. He took out a spirit-testing talisman and struck it near the cave entrance. The talisman turned to ashes with a "hiss" as soon as it touched the gray column of energy.

"Such strong corrosiveness." Han Mu's eyes were solemn. This Yin Sha Qi could not only erode spiritual power, but also corrode physical objects. An ordinary Qi Refining stage cultivator would probably be reduced to bones instantly if he came into contact with even a little bit.

He took out the Guest Elder's Token, marked this area as "Core Area - Extremely Dangerous," and recorded all the data. Having done this, he prepared to leave and return to report.

But just then, a deep roar suddenly came from inside the cave.

"roar--"

The voice seemed to come from the deepest abyss, filled with endless resentment and madness. Han Mu felt his soul tremble, and the circulation of his spiritual energy became somewhat sluggish.

"not good!"

He hurriedly retreated, simultaneously casting several defensive spells. But it was too late; a dark shadow flew out of the cave and rushed straight at him.

It was a pitch-black ghost, three zhang tall, resembling a human but with two horns on its head, a ferocious face, and surrounded by dense Yin energy. Its aura was clearly that of the early Foundation Establishment stage!

"A Foundation Establishment stage ghost!" Han Mu's eyes turned cold. This should be a puppet or clone controlled by the Yin Sha Ghost King.

The ghost was incredibly fast, reaching Han Mu in the blink of an eye, its ghostly claw reaching for his head. The claw's wind was fierce, carrying a chilling coldness.

Han Mu neither dodged nor avoided, but raised his hand and pointed out.

"The Five Elements dispel evil, suppress!"

Five-colored spiritual light surged from his fingertips, transforming into a pillar of light that struck the ghost's chest. This was a demon-slaying technique recorded in the "Pure Yang True Fire Technique." Although Han Mu had only recently acquired the technique and had only grasped its basics, it was more than enough to deal with a ghost in the early Foundation Establishment stage.

laugh--

The demon's chest was pierced by the beam of light, and it let out a shrill scream. But it did not retreat; instead, it became even more frenzied, opening its mouth and spewing out a stream of black flames.

"Yin Sha Ghost Fire?" Han Mu frowned. This was the Yin Sha Ghost King's signature spell, capable of burning spiritual energy and corroding the soul. Even if it was only cast by a Foundation Establishment stage ghost, its power should not be underestimated.

He formed hand seals and created a five-element light shield in front of him.

boom!

The black flames struck the light shield, producing a piercing corrosive sound. The light shield trembled violently, cracks appearing on its surface, but it ultimately held firm.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Han Mu took out five array flags and set up the Five Elements Spirit-Trapping Array. The array flags transformed into five-colored chains, binding the ghost tightly. The ghost struggled frantically, but the power of the five elements, which are mutually reinforcing and restraining, specifically counteracts evil spirits. The more it struggled, the tighter the chains bound it.

"Refine!"

Han Mu cast a spell, and the five-colored chains began to contract, refining the Yin energy within the ghost. The ghost screamed repeatedly, its body gradually becoming transparent, and finally exploded with a "bang," dissipating into a sky full of black mist.

After the battle, Han Mu's face was "pale" and his breathing was "unsteady," indicating that he had expended considerable energy. This was a deliberate act; with his true cultivation at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, dealing with such a ghost would not have been difficult. However, since he only appeared to be at the first level of Foundation Establishment, he had to make it look convincing.

He put away the array flags and was about to leave when he suddenly sensed several auras approaching from afar.

"Someone's coming." Han Mu's eyes flashed, and he concealed his aura, hiding behind a boulder.

A moment later, three streaks of light descended, revealing three black-clad cultivators who, judging by their attire, were from the Ghost Spirit Sect. The leader was a one-eyed old man with a Foundation Establishment level four cultivation, while the other two were both at the Foundation Establishment level two.

"There were signs of fighting here just now." The one-eyed old man looked around, his gaze landing on the boulder where Han Mu was hiding. "Come out, friend. I've found you."

"Found out?" Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. With his Foundation Establishment Level 7 concealment technique, a Foundation Establishment Level 4 cultivator couldn't possibly see through it. Unless... the other party had special detection methods, or was bluffing him.

He didn't reveal himself immediately, but instead transmitted his voice, saying, "Fellow Daoists, I'm merely passing by and have no intention of offending you. I'll leave now, how about that?"

"Just passing by?" The one-eyed old man sneered. "Black Wind Ridge is now a forbidden area; unauthorized personnel are not allowed. Not only have you come, but you've also killed the Ghost King's servant. Tell me, which faction are you from? Yellow Maple Valley? Hidden Moon Sect? Or Pure Void Sect?"

It seems there's no way to hide it anymore. Han Mu emerged from behind the boulder, still looking "overexerted."

"I am Han Mu, a guest elder of Huangfeng Valley, ordered to investigate the spread of Yin energy in Black Wind Ridge." He displayed his guest elder's token. "The three of you are from the Ghost Spirit Sect, aren't you? This place isn't far from Huangfeng Valley. What is your purpose in setting up an array to gather Yin energy here?"

"A guest elder of Yellow Maple Valley?" The one-eyed old man sized up Han Mu, and seeing that he was only at the first level of Foundation Establishment, a look of disdain flashed in his eyes. "A mere first level of Foundation Establishment dares to come and investigate? Since you're here, you might as well not leave. It just so happens that Lord Ghost King needs fresh blood food, and the essence blood of a Foundation Establishment cultivator should be able to help him recover faster."

Before the words were even finished, the three of them attacked simultaneously!

The one-eyed old man conjured a small black banner, which flicked, releasing dozens of ghostly figures that lunged at Han Mu with bared fangs and claws. The other two, one wielding a ghost-headed saber and the other a mourning staff, flanked him from both sides.

"System, analyze enemy strength."

[Target 1: Ghost Spirit Sect Steward, Foundation Establishment Level 4, Cultivation Technique: Hundred Ghosts Night Parade Technique, Skilled in controlling ghosts]

[Target 2: Ghost Spirit Sect disciple, Foundation Establishment Level 2, cultivation technique "Yin Sha Blade Technique"]

[Target 3: Ghost Spirit Sect disciple, Foundation Establishment Level 2, skill "Mourning Staff Technique"]

[Overall assessment: The host's true strength is overwhelming, but a feigned battle is necessary]

Han Mu made a plan. He "reluctantly" set up the Five Elements Sword Formation to fight off the three. The sword light clashed with the ghostly figures, producing bursts of explosions. He "retreated step by step," his body "filled with several wounds," and his aura became even "weaker."

"Is that all you've got?" the one-eyed old man sneered. "Die!"

He activated the black banner with all his might, merging all the ghostly figures into one, transforming it into a giant ghost three zhang tall, with an aura reaching the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment stage! This was his trump card, which he had used to severely injure a cultivator of the same level before.

The giant monster roared and slammed down with its claw. Han Mu was unable to dodge in time and was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground and coughing up blood.

"It's over." The one-eyed old man controlled the ghost, preparing to deliver the final blow to Han Mu.

But at that moment, something unexpected happened.

Han Mu suddenly looked up, a cold glint in his eyes. He formed hand seals and uttered a low shout: "Five Elements Revolve, Reverse!"

The originally "weak" aura suddenly surged, climbing directly from the first level of Foundation Establishment to the fourth level! This is the effect of the "Gathering Heaven Divine Technique," which can temporarily simulate the aura of a higher realm, but can only be maintained for ten breaths.

"You've been hiding your cultivation level?!" The one-eyed old man's expression changed drastically.

"It's too late to know now." Han Mu flashed and appeared in front of the one-eyed old man, throwing a punch.

This punch was simple and unadorned, but the power it contained made the one-eyed old man's heart tremble. He hurriedly manipulated the ghost to block in front of him.

boom!

The fist pierced through the ghost and slammed directly into the one-eyed old man's chest. The protective aura shattered like paper, his ribs caved in, and the one-eyed old man was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the mountain wall, his fate unknown.

The other two were terrified and turned to flee. But how could Han Mu let them go? Five sword lights flew out, instantly catching up and passing through their backs.

After the battle, Han Mu's "aura subsided," and he returned to his Foundation Establishment Level 1 form. He walked up to the one-eyed old man, who was still breathing.

"Tell me, what exactly is the Ghost Spirit Sect trying to do by setting up the Yin-gathering formation at Black Wind Ridge?" Han Mu asked coldly.

"Heh...heh heh..." The one-eyed old man laughed bitterly, "Lord Ghost King...he wants to sacrifice 100,000 people to break the seal...you...all of you must die..."

After saying that, his head lolled to the side, and he died.

Han Mu's face darkened. A blood sacrifice of 100,000 people... the Yin Sha Ghost King was indeed preparing a major operation.

He searched the three men and found some spirit stones, pills, and a jade slip containing part of a Yin-gathering formation diagram. After disposing of the bodies, Han Mu flew away on his sword.

On his way back to Yellow Maple Valley, he checked the system panel.

[Host: Han Mu]

[Realm: Foundation Establishment Level 7 (True) / Foundation Establishment Level 1 (Surface)]

[Family cultivators: 97]

[Family Development Task: Number of cultivators 97/100, Foundation Establishment cultivators 2/3]

[Current Mission: Responding to the Crisis of the Yin Sha Ghost King (Countdown: 2 years and 9 months)]

[New Clue: Obtained a fragment of the Yin Gathering Formation Diagram]

Three more are needed to reach a hundred cultivators in the family. With Doctor Mo's success in the Foundation Establishment cultivator quest, there are two remaining; one more is needed. Li Yuanming and Zhang Xuanfeng are currently in seclusion, hoping one of them will succeed.

As for the Yin Sha Ghost King... the news of the blood sacrifice of 100,000 people must be sent back to Huangfeng Valley as soon as possible.

Han Mu increased his speed and flew towards Yellow Maple Valley.

But he didn't notice that deep within Black Wind Ridge, those eyes were watching him the whole time.