The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

The Life-Creating Pill truly lived up to its reputation as a fourth-tier healing elixir; in just half an hour, Han Mu's injuries had healed by seventy to eighty percent. His broken bones were reconnected under the nourishment of the medicine, and his damaged internal organs began to heal. Although his spiritual energy was still depleted, his mobility was no longer significantly impaired.

"Thank you for the medicine, Senior Liu," Han Mu said again.

"No need to thank me." Liu Yueru waved her hand. "If Elder Han hadn't risked his life to destroy the array's core, the outcome of this battle would have been unpredictable. Elder Han deserves the greatest credit for the battle at Burial Soul Valley."

"Fellow Daoist Liu is right." True Master Qingyun nodded. "After returning to the sect, I will report Elder Han's merits to Ancestor Linghu. The sect will certainly reward him handsomely."

The group cleaned up the battlefield. The Blood Fiend Ancestor was completely sealed away and placed under the personal supervision of True Person Qingyun. The mortals bound to the stone pillars, though weak, were unharmed and were placed aside. As for the fragments of the Blood Fiend Source Crystal, they contained a rich aura of blood fiends; though treasures, they were also evil objects. After discussion, the group decided to take them back to the sect for safekeeping.

"We shouldn't stay here any longer," Qingxuzi said. "Although Wang Chan has escaped, there's no guarantee he won't come back. Let's return to Huangfeng Valley first and then discuss this further."

The group nodded, each carrying their wounded and prisoners, and flew towards Yellow Maple Valley. The return journey didn't require detouring through the Misty Swamp, making it much faster than the way there.

During the flight, Liu Yueru intentionally or unintentionally approached Han Mu and transmitted her voice, saying, "Elder Han, your folding fan that can travel through space seems to be no ordinary item. But it's probably been damaged after this battle, right?"

Han Mu's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "Senior has keen insight. That folding fan was obtained by me in my early years. It contains a trace of spatial power, but it is crudely made and can only be used once. This time, I had no choice but to use it to destroy the array's core, and now it is a piece of junk."

"What a pity," Liu Yueru sighed softly. "Spatial magic treasures are extremely difficult to forge; there are only a handful in the entire Tiannan region. However, Elder Han need not feel sorry for you. With your talent and achievements, you may very well obtain something even better in the future."

She paused, then continued, "I greatly admire Elder Han's great-granddaughter, Ling'er. She possesses exceptional talent in ice-elemental spiritual roots and will undoubtedly reach the mid-Foundation Establishment stage within three years. If Elder Han is willing, I can accept her as my last disciple and impart all my knowledge to her."

Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. Liu Yueru was trying to further deepen her ties with the Han family. Becoming a closed-door disciple meant she would pass on all her knowledge, and Han Ling'er's status within the Hidden Moon Sect would rise significantly. This was a major opportunity for the Han family.

"It is Ling'er's good fortune to have gained Senior Liu's favor," Han Mu said solemnly. "On behalf of Ling'er, I thank you, Senior."

"No need to thank me." A look of satisfaction flashed in Liu Yueru's eyes. "I simply appreciate talent. Also, Elder Han, if you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit the Hidden Moon Sect. I am quite interested in Elder Han's mastery of formations."

Foundation Establishment cultivators: 4

【家族任务：修士147/200，筑基4/10，资源1/1】

[Rewards to be claimed: Twenty years of cultivation empowerment, fourth-tier cultivation technique "True Understanding of the Five Elements", blueprint for the special building "Trial Tower"]

The family has grown by ten more people, it seems Han Changqing's endeavors are going smoothly. Once he returns and receives the twenty-year cultivation empowerment, he should be able to break through to the peak of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, and perhaps even reach the Pseudo-Core Formation realm. At that point, his true strength will reach the threshold of Core Formation, making him a formidable expert in the Yue Kingdom.

An hour later, Yellow Maple Valley came into view. Disciples were already waiting at the valley entrance, and upon seeing the group return, they hurriedly went to greet them.

"Sect Leader, esteemed elders, Ancestor Linghu is waiting in the Qingyun Hall," a Core Formation elder said respectfully.

Master Qingyun nodded and said to everyone, "Everyone, please come with me to see the Ancestor. Elder Han, you come too."

The Azure Cloud Hall is a forbidden area of ​​the Yellow Maple Valley, accessible only to elders at the Core Formation stage or above and important guest elders. Although Han Mu is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, his contributions this time are too great, qualifying him for entry.

Inside the hall, an elderly man with white hair sat cross-legged in the main seat. He was none other than Linghu, the late-stage Nascent Soul ancestor of Yellow Maple Valley. He looked ordinary, like an old man next door, but the occasional glint of light in his eyes revealed his unfathomable cultivation.

"Greetings, Ancestor." Master Qingyun led the way in bowing.

"Please sit down," Elder Linghu said gently. "Qingyun has already informed us about the matter of Burial Soul Valley via a communication talisman. Han Mu, come forward."

Han Mu stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Junior Han Mu greets Ancestor."

Linghu Patriarch carefully examined Han Mu, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Ninth level of Foundation Establishment, solid foundation, pure spiritual power, and you have also cultivated a pure Yang technique. What is even more remarkable is that with your Foundation Establishment cultivation, you can see through the illusion and reality of a fourth-order formation. This level of formation mastery is probably no less than that of a Core Formation cultivator who specializes in this field."

"You flatter me, Ancestor," Han Mu said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"No need for modesty," said Patriarch Linghu. "You made outstanding contributions in this Blood Moon Incident. According to sect rules, you deserve a generous reward. Qingyun, tell me, how should you reward me?"

Master Qingyun rose and said, "After discussing with the elders, we believe that Han Mu can be granted the title of 'Supreme Guest Elder,' enjoying the real power of an elder, and will be allowed to enter the sixth floor of the Scripture Pavilion, with his annual offerings increasing threefold. In addition, he will be granted one 'Golden Condensation Pill,' three drops of 'Ten Thousand Year Spiritual Milk,' and a set of 'Five Elements Spiritual Materials.'"

A soft gasp filled the hall. This reward was too generous! The Grand Guest Elder's status was comparable to that of a Core Formation Elder; the Golden Core Pill was an essential item for Core Formation; the Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Milk could instantly restore all spiritual power; and the Five Elements Spiritual Materials were rare materials for refining natal magic treasures. These resources were enough to cultivate a Core Formation cultivator.

"Agreed." Patriarch Linghu nodded, then looked at Han Mu, "Han Mu, are you satisfied?"

"Thank you for your generous gift, Ancestor; thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader." Han Mu bowed solemnly. These resources were exactly what he desperately needed.

"Furthermore," Elder Linghu changed the subject, "although the Blood Moon Incident has been resolved, Wang Chan has escaped, and the remnants of the Blood Fiend Sect and the Ghost Spirit Sect still exist. The seven major sects need to unite to wipe them out, and Qingyun will be in charge of this matter. Han Mu, as a Supreme Guest Elder, you should also do your part."

"It is my duty as a junior."

"Alright." Patriarch Linghu nodded in satisfaction. "Your injuries are not yet healed, so go back and rest first. Come to Qingyun Palace in three days; I have something to ask you."

"Yes."

After leaving Qingyun Palace, Han Mu returned to Qingzhu Peak. Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, and the others had already received the news and were waiting at the summit. Seeing Han Mu return safely, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Father, are you alright?" Han Changqing asked with concern.

"It's alright." Han Mu waved his hand. "How has the family been lately?"

"All is well," Han Changqing reported. "The Transmission Pavilion has been completed, and more than 30 clansmen have entered to cultivate, with remarkable results. Five people have already broken through to the minor realm. Twenty acres of medicinal fields have been cultivated around the Spirit Eye Spring, and Elder Mo's 'Heart-Clearing Grass' is growing well. In addition, more than ten rogue cultivators have come to join us in the past few days. They are all in the late stage of Qi Refining and have clean backgrounds."

"Very good." Han Mu nodded. "I need to go into seclusion for three days. You will be in charge of the family affairs. Also, prepare a generous gift. I will be visiting Senior Liu Yueru at the Hidden Moon Sect in three days."

"Yes."

Back in his cave, Han Mu activated all the protective formations before sitting down cross-legged.

"System, claim all rewards."

[Distribution begins...]

[Twenty Years of Cultivation Initiation: Beginning]

[Fourth-Tier Cultivation Technique "True Understanding of the Five Elements": Already stored in the system space]

[Special building "Trial Tower" blueprint: Saved to system space]

A vast and pure spiritual energy surged into his body, more powerful than ever before. Han Mu dared not be careless, and fully activated the "Primordial Longevity Technique," guiding the spiritual energy to circulate through his meridians. His cultivation at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment began to rapidly improve, progressing from the early to the middle, then to the late stage, and finally reaching its peak.

But just as he was about to break through to the Pseudo-Core Formation realm, Han Mu forcibly stopped. It wasn't that he couldn't break through, but rather that the timing wasn't right. He had just experienced a great battle, and although his injuries had healed, his mind needed to settle down. Moreover, the Pseudo-Core Formation realm was a transitional stage from Foundation Establishment to Core Formation, requiring a large amount of resources to assist him; a hasty breakthrough might leave hidden dangers.

"I'll stabilize my cultivation first," Han Mu decided. He channeled his excess spiritual energy to his limbs and bones to temper his physical body, while simultaneously studying the newly acquired "True Explanation of the Five Elements."

This fourth-tier cultivation technique is a supplement to the "Primordial Longevity Manual," elaborating in detail the profound principles of the mutual generation and restraint of the five elements, which greatly benefits Han Mu in perfecting his own cultivation. He was so engrossed in it that three days passed without him realizing it.

After three days of seclusion, Han Mu emerged from his retreat. His cultivation was now firmly established at the peak of the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from reaching the Pseudo-Core stage. More importantly, his understanding of the Five Elements had deepened, and his combat power had increased by at least 30% compared to three days prior.

"It's time to go see Patriarch Linghu." Han Mu looked towards the direction of Qingyun Palace.

He knew that this meeting would determine his future status in Huangfeng Valley, and even in the entire Yue Kingdom.