The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Half a month later, deep within the cave on Green Bamboo Peak.

Han Mu sat cross-legged with his eyes slightly closed, dozens of jade slips floating in front of him. These were cultivation manuals looted from the Blood Refining Sect's library. Although most of them were demonic cultivation techniques, there were a few that could be used for reference.

"System, activate the cultivation technique deduction function."

The technique deduction function has been activated.

[Currently included cultivation techniques: 42]

[Possible directions for development: optimize the Qi Refining chapter of "Hun Yuan Chang Sheng Jue", integrate sword formation-type spells, and analyze incomplete ancient texts]

A glint of light flashed in Han Mu's eyes. This function was more useful than he had imagined.

He first transferred the Qi Refining Chapter of the "Primordial Longevity Technique" into the system. This technique was a system reward that led directly to the Nascent Soul stage, but the Qi Refining phase was relatively moderate and peaceful, and the cultivation speed was not fast.

[Deduction begins...]

[Based on the consumption of 19 cultivation techniques including "Blood Fiend Demon Art", "Azure Wood Technique", and "Mysterious Water Scripture"]

[Deduction complete]

[The Qi Refining Chapter of "Hun Yuan Chang Sheng Jue" has been successfully optimized]

Cultivation efficiency increased by 30%, spiritual energy intensity increased by 20%.

[New Feature: Five Elements Cycle (Slowly improves spiritual root quality during cultivation)]

"Improve the quality of spiritual roots?" Han Mu's heart stirred.

Spiritual root aptitude is an innate constraint for cultivators; the difference between pseudo-spiritual roots, true spiritual roots, and celestial spiritual roots is like an insurmountable chasm. If it could be slowly improved, it would be tantamount to defying fate for the Han family's descendants.

He immediately inscribed the optimized Qi Refining Chapter into a jade slip, preparing it to be the core inheritance of his family.

Next, Han Mu passed on the mental cultivation method of the Minor Five Elements Sword Formation.

[Deduction begins...]

[Based on the consumption of 15 cultivation techniques including "Blood Soul Curse," "Golden Spear Sword Technique," and "Fire Array Diagram"]

[Deduction complete]

[The Lesser Five Elements Sword Formation is upgraded to the True Explanation of the Five Elements Sword Formation]

[Power increased by 50%, spirit energy consumption reduced by 30%]

[New Change: Five Elements Mutual Generation (The sword formation can automatically absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth, extending its duration)]

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded in satisfaction.

The sword formation's power has increased, but its consumption has decreased, and it can also absorb spiritual energy on its own. This means that he can last longer in battle and even defeat stronger opponents.

Just as they were about to continue deducing other spells, hurried footsteps came from outside the cave.

"Grandfather!" Han Yunge's voice was filled with excitement.

Han Mu waved his hand and put away the jade slip: "Come in."

Han Yunge strode in, her face flushed: "Grandfather, the Yanling Fortress's triennial 'Treasure Hunt' is about to begin! This year, the organizer is Huangfeng Valley, one of the seven major sects, and I heard the rewards are exceptionally generous!"

A treasure hunt?

Han Mu's heart skipped a beat. In the original story, the Yanling Fortress Treasure Hunt was a significant event in Han Li's early life, and the plot of Wang Chan chasing Dong Xuan'er took place during that time. Judging by the timing, it was indeed about time.

"Tell me in detail," Han Mu said.

"Yes!" Han Yunge's eyes lit up. "This tournament is spearheaded by Huangfeng Valley, and all seven sects of Yue Kingdom will send disciples to participate. It's said that the top three will not only receive Foundation Establishment Pills, but will also be able to directly join one of the seven major sects!"

For cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, the Foundation Establishment Pill is a treasure that can change their destiny.

Han Mu pondered for a moment: "You want to participate?"

"Yes!" Han Yunge nodded emphatically. "My granddaughter has already reached the sixth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from the later stage. If we could obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Han Mu looked at his sixteen-year-old granddaughter. She possessed dual spiritual roots of wood and fire, and had exceptional talent in alchemy. Although lively, she never slacked off in her cultivation. If she could obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, she had a good chance of achieving Foundation Establishment before the age of thirty.

When does the conference start?

"Three months from now!" Han Yunge hurriedly said, "The location is 'Falling Phoenix Slope' outside Yanling Fortress, and registration has already begun. Each family in Yanling Fortress has two nomination slots."

Two spots available...

Han Mu tapped the stone table lightly with his fingers.

If Han Yunge participates, who will get the other spot? The Han family currently only has two elders over fifty years old who are at the late Qi Refining stage, besides Han Changqing (who is about to reach Foundation Establishment). Their potential is limited.

"Grandfather, there's one more thing," Han Yunge said cautiously. "The Li and Zhang families have sent word that one of their disciples also wants to participate and wants to... wants to join forces with our Han family."

"Join forces?" Han Mu raised an eyebrow.

"They said that this treasure hunt is unprecedented in scale, and in addition to the seven sects of Yue Kingdom, independent cultivators from several neighboring small countries will also be there. Fighting alone is likely to lead to losses, so it would be better for the three of them to form an alliance and support each other."

Han Mu smiled.

The so-called mutual support is nothing more than wanting to curry favor with the Han family, who seem to have a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator as a backer.

However, this is not necessarily a bad thing.

"I can agree," Han Mu said, "but there are two conditions: First, during the alliance period, the Han family will take the lead, and the disciples of the other two families will obey Yun Ge's command; second, if the Foundation Establishment Pill is obtained, the Han family will have priority in selecting it."

"Will they agree?" Han Yunge asked hesitantly.

"They will agree," Han Mu said calmly, "because they have no other choice."

Han Yunge nodded as if she understood, and went to relay the message.

The cave returned to quiet.

Han Mu took out the Blood Fiend Token and stroked the patterns on its surface.

"System, simulate the potential dangers lurking in the Blood Fiend Sect's ancestral chamber."

[The deduction requires the complete version of "Blood Fiend Demon Art" as a reference; currently, the late Foundation Establishment and Core Formation chapters are missing.]

[Survey result: Moderate level of danger]

Potential dangers: 1. Enclosed chamber restrictions (requires specific incantations to activate); 2. Guardian puppet (presumably at the Foundation Establishment stage); 3. Remnant soul of the Blood Fiend Sect's founder (if not completely dissipated)

A Foundation Establishment stage puppet? A remnant soul?

A thoughtful look flashed in Han Mu's eyes.

He is currently at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, with true combat strength approaching the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Coupled with his newly derived "True Explanation of the Five Elements Sword Formation," dealing with Foundation Establishment puppets shouldn't be a problem. As for the remnant soul… if the Blood Fiend Sect's founder truly left behind a remnant soul, that would be a troublesome matter.

"Looks like we need to make some preparations."

Han Mu took out several materials from his storage bag: Yin Soul Wood, Soul-Suppressing Stone, and Evil-Dispelling Talisman. These were all found in the Blood Refining Sect's treasury and had a restraining effect on Yin Soul-type beings.

He was preparing to forge a set of "Soul-Locking Flags" specifically to deal with remnant souls.

Just as they were about to begin, footsteps sounded outside the cave.

This time it was Han Changqing. He was beaming with joy, and his breathing was much stronger than before.

"Father, I...I did it!" Han Changqing exclaimed excitedly.

Han Mu scanned with his divine sense and, sure enough, the spiritual energy in Han Changqing's dantian had liquefied, officially marking his entry into the Foundation Establishment stage!

"Not bad." Han Mu nodded. "Foundation Establishment Level 1, solid foundation. How long did it take?"

"I took the Foundation Establishment Pill ten days ago, successfully liquefied my spiritual energy three days ago, and then spent another three days stabilizing my realm," Han Changqing said respectfully. "Thanks to the Foundation Establishment Pill and the Spirit Eye Spring bestowed by my father, otherwise, with my aptitude..."

"Talent is only one aspect; temperament is more important." Han Mu interrupted him, "Now that you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, there are some things you should know."

He waved his hand to set up a soundproof barrier, and then briefly explained the truth behind the destruction of the Blood Refining Sect, as well as the tests conducted by the Li and Zhang families.

Han Changqing was stunned.

He only knew that his father had asked a "friend" for help, but he never expected that his father would take action himself and destroy the entire Blood Refining Sect by himself!

"Father, you..." Han Changqing's voice trembled, "What exactly is your cultivation level?"

Han Mu did not answer directly, but instead released a wisp of his aura.

The pressure from the fifth level of Foundation Establishment made Han Changqing, who had just established his foundation, catch his breath!

"This..." Han Changqing was so shocked that he couldn't speak.

"This matter must not be spread outside, not even to Yun Ge." Han Mu concealed his aura. "What you need to do now is to take over the spiritual vein of Qingyang Peak as the new Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Han family, and at the same time integrate family resources and cultivate new talents."

"Yes!" Han Changqing nodded emphatically.

"And another thing." Han Mu took out a jade slip. "This is the optimized Qi Refining Chapter of the Primordial Longevity Technique. You should pass it on to the disciples of your clan. Remember, only core clan members can cultivate the complete version; collateral relatives can only obtain the first six levels."

"My son understands."

Han Changqing accepted the jade slip and respectfully withdrew.

Inside the cave, Han Mu picked up the Blood Fiend Token again.

"Once Yun Ge goes to participate in the treasure hunt, I'll go to the Blood Fiend Mountains."

A look of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

The Blood Fiend Sect's founder's secret chamber might hold an opportunity for him to advance further.