The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Thirty miles outside the Crimson Gold Mine, there are three interconnected valleys, inhabited by the Zhao, Qian, and Sun families respectively. These three families were originally affiliated families of Tianque Fortress, with a history spanning a century. Each family has a Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge, and the total number of family cultivators exceeds two hundred, making them the second largest power in the Crimson Gold Mine region after Tianque Fortress.

When news of Tianque Fortress's destruction arrived, the three families were thrown into chaos. With their backer gone, their share of the Crimson Gold Mine was naturally in jeopardy. Even worse, surrounding powers were eyeing them covetously, each wanting to devour this lucrative prize.

Just as the three family heads of Zhao, Qian, and Sun were gathered together to discuss countermeasures, Han Changqing led ten cultivators from the Han family to Zhao Family Valley.

"Patriarch Han, I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner!" Zhao Yuanlong, the patriarch of the Zhao family, hurriedly came out to greet him. He was a kind-faced middle-aged man with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, the highest among the three family patriarchs. Behind him were more than twenty cultivators from the Zhao family, all of whom looked nervous.

"Clan Chief Zhao, you're too kind." Han Changqing cupped his hands in greeting, a smile on his face. "I've come today without warning because I have something to discuss with you."

The group entered the Zhao family's council hall and took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts. Qian Shouyi, the head of the Qian family, and Sun Wenshan, the head of the Sun family, were also invited. Both of them were in the early stage of Foundation Establishment. When they saw that four of the ten cultivators behind Han Changqing were at the Foundation Establishment stage, their expressions were not very pleasant.

"Master Han, what advice do you have for me?" Zhao Yuanlong asked tentatively.

Han Changqing didn't mince words, producing Elder Linghu's warrant: "By order of Elder Linghu of Huangfeng Valley, I have come to discuss the ownership of the Crimson Gold Mine with the three of you. Tianque Fortress has been destroyed, and according to Elder Linghu's wishes, the remaining share of the Crimson Gold Mine will be taken over by my Han family. Are your three families willing to submit to my Han family and jointly manage the Crimson Gold Mine?"

Upon hearing this, the three men's expressions changed.

"Patriarch Han, could you allow us a few days to discuss this matter?" Qian Shouyi asked hesitantly. He considered that although the Han family was currently at the height of its power, its foundation was still shallow and far inferior to that of Tianque Fortress. Moreover, the Crimson Gold Mine was extremely profitable, and he was unwilling to give it up just like that.

"Patriarch Han, our three families have been under the command of Tianque Fort for a hundred years and are used to operating independently," Sun Wenshan said. "If Patriarch Han is willing, our three families can continue to pay tribute as independent families, but we do not need to submit to them."

Zhao Yuanlong did not speak, but his expression clearly showed his agreement with Sun Wenshan's proposal.

Han Changqing sneered inwardly, but his expression remained gentle: "The three of you are unaware of the situation. Currently, besides my Han family, there are three other forces eyeing this area around the Crimson Gold Mine—the Qingxu Sect, the remnants of the Yuling Sect, and the alliance of rogue cultivators from the west. If the three of you do not submit, can the combined strength of these three families protect this Crimson Gold Mine?"

These words struck a nerve with the three. After the destruction of Tianque Fortress, they had received "invitations" from multiple forces, each with increasingly harsh conditions. In comparison, the Han family at least had the background of a righteous sect and the endorsement of Patriarch Linghu.

"Patriarch Han, what benefits would we gain if we submitted to the Han family?" Zhao Yuanlong asked in a deep voice.

"First, 30% of the profits from the Crimson Gold Mine will be shared by the three families, distributed according to their contributions. Second, the Han family will not interfere in the internal affairs of the three families, but will only coordinate the mining operations. Third, the Han family will establish a branch here and set up defensive formations to ensure the safety of the mine," Han Changqing said. "In addition, if any outstanding members of the three families have any, they can enroll in my Han family academy and enjoy the same resources."

The conditions were much better than the three had expected. Thirty percent of the profits from the red gold mine would be enough for the three families to grow and expand, and they would also receive the protection of the Han family.

"Patriarch Han, this matter...we need to discuss it with the clan elders," Zhao Yuanlong said. "Could you grant us three days?"

"Alright." Han Changqing nodded. "However, I would like to remind you three that if you have not made a decision by three days, my Han family will consider you outsiders, and the defense of the Crimson Gold Mine will no longer include your territories."

These words, though seemingly gentle, carried a firm edge, sending a chill down the spines of the three men.

After leaving Zhao Family Valley, Han Changqing said to Han Lin, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Han family beside him, "Uncle Lin, take some men and keep an eye on this place. If any other forces make contact, report back immediately."

"Yes, Patriarch." Han Lin was an elder of the Han family, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and he was steady and reliable in his work.

On the way back to Qingxia Peak, Han Changqing frowned slightly. He sensed that the Zhao, Qian, and Sun families were acting ambiguously and might not easily submit. Especially Qian Shouyi, whose eyes were darting around, probably plotting something.

"System, scan the distribution of forces around the Crimson Gold Mine." At the summit of Qingxia Peak, Han Mu finished his day's cultivation and summoned the system. His injuries had recovered to 80%, but to avoid attracting attention, he maintained his apparent cultivation level at the early stage of the False Core realm.

[Scanning in progress...]

[Powers surrounding the Crimson Gold Mine:]

【1. The Zhao, Qian, and Sun families (Foundation Building families, with wavering attitudes)】

[2. Qingxu Sect Branch (with a Core Formation Elder in charge, aiming to seize market share)]

[3. Remnants of the Spirit Control Sect (led by a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator, hidden in the southeast for about 100 miles)]

4. The Blood Hand Society, a loose cultivator alliance (three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, known for their ruthless methods)

[Recommendation: Prioritize subduing the three existing factions, establish defenses, and wait for their opportune moment.]

"How's it going on at Changqing?" Han Mu asked.

Han Changqing has contacted three companies, and they have requested three days to consider the matter.

[Secret connections between the Qian family and remnants of the Imperial Spirit Sect have been detected]

The Zhao family leans towards submission, while the Sun family remains neutral.

"As expected, some are unwilling to accept this." A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. He wasn't afraid that the three families wouldn't submit, but he was afraid that someone might secretly collude with the demonic path. If that were the case, they couldn't be allowed to live.

"Send a message to Changqing, tell him to keep an eye on the Qian family's movements. If the Qian family makes contact with the remnants of the Yuling Sect, arrest them immediately without mercy," Han Mu said.

"Yes."

Meanwhile, on the back mountain of Qingxia Peak, the construction of the Five Elements Spirit Pool is in full swing.

Doctor Mo personally supervised the construction, directing fifty Han family disciples and thirty hired rogue cultivators to excavate and arrange the array foundation according to the blueprints. The Five Elements Spirit Pool required the gathering of spiritual materials of the five attributes of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, many of which were precious materials that were transferred from the Yellow Maple Valley warehouse using the Supreme Guest Token.

"Elder Mo, how deep should this 'Earth Core Flame Crystal' be buried?" a Han family disciple asked.

"Three feet and three inches, not more and not less." Doctor Mo carefully examined the blueprint. "And that 'Cold Jade Marrow' must be sealed in a jade box, otherwise the cold energy will disrupt the balance of the other spiritual materials."

Building the Five Elements Spirit Pool is a meticulous task. Although Doctor Mo's cultivation is only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, his years of alchemy experience have given him a far superior understanding of material properties and array balance. Han Mu entrusted this task to him precisely because he valued his meticulousness.

"Elder Mo, will the Spirit Pool really accelerate cultivation after it's built?" another disciple asked curiously.

"According to the blueprints, Foundation Establishment cultivators can increase their cultivation speed by 30% in the pool, and Core Formation cultivators can increase it by 10%," said Doctor Mo. "Moreover, the spirit pool can also temper spiritual energy and solidify the foundation. Do your best, and once the spirit pool is completed, the best-performing disciples will have priority to use it."

Upon hearing this, the disciples became even more motivated.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Red gold mine, Zhao Family Valley.

Han Changqing arrived again, this time with only five people, but each of them was a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a calm and composed aura.

In the council chamber, Zhao Yuanlong, Qian Shouyi, and Sun Wenshan were all present, each with a different expression.

"The three of you, what have you decided?" Han Changqing asked bluntly.

Zhao Yuanlong was the first to stand up, cupped his hands and said, "Patriarch Han, my Zhao family is willing to submit to the Han family and work together for development."

"My Sun family is also willing to submit," Sun Wenshan followed closely behind.

Qian Shouyi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Patriarch Han, my Qian family... needs to consider this for a few more days. Several elders in the clan have differing opinions, please forgive us, Patriarch Han."

Han Changqing narrowed his eyes slightly: "Clan Chief Qian, you said you wanted to discuss it three days ago, but now you want to reconsider. Could it be that you have found a better option?"

"No, no," Qian Shouyi quickly waved his hand, "The clan affairs are just too complicated..."

"Is that so?" Han Changqing suddenly sneered, "Then the matter of Clan Chief Qian's secret meeting with 'Bloody Hand Scholar,' a remnant of the Yu Ling Sect, at midnight last night, was also a clan matter?"

Qian Shouyi's face changed drastically: "You...you're talking nonsense!"

"Whether it's nonsense or not, Clan Chief Qian knows perfectly well." Han Changqing clapped his hands, and two people walked in from outside the door. They were Han Lin and another Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Han family, Han Shan. The two of them stood on the left and right, subtly blocking Qian Shouyi's retreat.

Zhao Yuanlong and Sun Wenshan also looked at Qian Shouyi with surprise and suspicion. They never expected that Qian Shouyi would dare to collude with the remnants of the Imperial Spirit Sect!

"Qian Shouyi, do you know what crime it is to collude with the demonic path?" Han Changqing's voice turned cold. "According to the rules established by the seven major sects, the entire clan should be executed!"

"I didn't!" Qian Shouyi said urgently, "I only... I only contacted them, I didn't agree to anything!"

"Then what is the explanation for this 'Blood Fiend Communication Talisman'?" Han Changqing took out a blood-red jade talisman, which was the evidence that Han Lin had secretly searched Qian Shouyi's study last night when he sneaked into the Qian family.

Qian Shouyi's face turned ashen, and he slumped down.

"Take him down!" Han Changqing shouted.

Han Lin and Han Shan attacked simultaneously, binding Qian Shouyi with two chains of spiritual energy. Qian Shouyi tried to resist, but he was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment and had no power to fight back against two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"Master Han, spare me! I was just confused for a moment!" Qian Shouyi cried out.

"Take him away and keep him under strict guard." Han Changqing waved his hand and said to Zhao Yuanlong and Sun Wenshan, "Clan leaders, the Han family will handle the Qian family's matter according to the law. As for the Qian family's share of the red gold mine, it will be divided equally between the Zhao and Sun families. Do you two have any objections?"

Zhao Yuanlong and Sun Wenshan exchanged a glance and said in unison, "We'll leave it entirely to Patriarch Han to decide!"

They dared not voice any objections now. The Han family's ability to infiltrate the Qian family and uncover evidence so quietly far exceeded their expectations. Moreover, Han Changqing's decisive and ruthless handling of Qian Shouyi instilled fear in them.

"Alright, from today onwards, the Zhao and Sun families officially submit to the Han family." Han Changqing took out a contract. "This is the document of submission. It will take effect immediately after you both sign it."

After carefully reviewing the documents, Zhao Yuanlong and Sun Wenshan each signed their names, imprinting their divine souls upon the documents. Thus, of the three affiliated families of the Crimson Gold Mine, two had submitted, and one had been captured.

"System, family status updated." On Qingxia Peak, Han Mu received Han Changqing's message and a smile appeared on his lips.

[Family Name: Changsheng Han Family]

[New Affiliated Family: Zhao Family (1 mid-Foundation Establishment member, 35 Qi Refining members)]

[New Affiliated Family: Sun Family (Early Foundation Establishment Stage x1, Qi Refining Stage 28 members)]

[Controlled Family: Qian Family (taken over, 1 in the early Foundation Establishment stage, 42 in the Qi Refining stage)]

Total number of clan members: 292 (core + subordinate)

[Red Gold Mine Share: 7% (Originally 4% + Qian Family 3%)]

[Family Reputation: Increased (Successfully subdued a subordinate family)]

The first step in expanding its influence went relatively smoothly.

But Han Mu knew that the real challenge had only just begun. Too many people were eyeing the lucrative Crimson Gold Mine.

The Qingxu Sect, the remnants of the Yuling Sect, the Blood Hand Society... these people will not sit idly by and watch the Han family grow stronger.

The battles to come will be the true test of the Han family's strength.