The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Three months have passed in a flash.

Behind Qingxia Peak, beside a cold pool shrouded in icy mist, Han Ling'er sat cross-legged, emanating a faint chill from her body. Floating before her was an egg-sized, ice-blue bead, the Ice Soul Bead bestowed upon her by Han Mu.

"Freeze!"

Han Ling'er gave a soft shout, and the Ice Soul Pearl shone brightly, causing the pool water to freeze rapidly, transforming into countless ice crystals that surrounded her. With a flick of her finger, the ice crystals turned into arrows, shooting towards the trial stone ten feet away.

"Pfft pfft pfft!"

The ice arrows left countless shallow pits on the trial stone. Han Ling'er's cultivation was still shallow, but with the enhancement of the Ice Soul Pearl, its power was no weaker than a full-force attack from a Qi Refining Level 7 cultivator.

"Not bad, the Ice Soul Pearl has been refined to 30%, which is enough for you to protect yourself in the Crimson Forbidden Land."

Han Mu emerged from the forest, nodding in satisfaction. For the past three months, he had personally guided Han Ling'er in cultivating the "Frost Ice Technique" and ice-based spells. Han Ling'er had made rapid progress, breaking through to the sixth level of Qi Refining, and had also mastered ice-based spells quite skillfully.

"Ancestor!" Han Ling'er stood up and bowed, her face slightly flushed with excitement. "I've also learned the Ice Escape Technique! I can teleport within ten zhang!"

As she spoke, her figure blurred, transforming into an ice-blue phantom that instantly appeared three zhang away. Although the distance wasn't far, it was enough to dodge attacks.

"Very good." Han Mu took out a jade slip. "This is a partial map of the Crimson Forbidden Land. Memorize it. The forbidden land is divided into three layers. The outer layer is mostly infested with Qi Refining stage demonic beasts, the middle layer has Foundation Establishment stage demonic beasts, and the core area even has Core Formation stage demonic beasts. Stay in the outer layer and don't go too deep."

"Ling'er understands." Han Ling'er took the jade slip, placed it on her forehead, and probed it with her divine sense.

The map depicts the main areas surrounding the Crimson Forbidden Land, marking the distribution points of spiritual herbs and dangerous zones. Han Mu also specifically marked several locations where ice-type spiritual herbs might be found, which would greatly benefit Han Ling'er's cultivation of the "Frostbite Technique."

"Also, keep these ten 'Freezing a Thousand Miles' talismans safe." Han Mu took out ten more ice-blue talismans. "Each one can freeze an area of ​​thirty feet in radius for three breaths. Use them when you encounter danger to buy yourself time to escape."

"Thank you, Ancestor!" Han Ling'er carefully put away the talisman, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Go, Elder Han Lin will escort you to Yellow Maple Valley tomorrow to join the disciples there," Han Mu said. "Remember, in this forbidden area, you must be wary of others. You can cooperate with people, but never completely trust them. Survival comes first, treasure hunting second."

"Ling'er will remember!"

After Han Ling'er left, Han Mu went to the family council hall. Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, Tu Gang, Liu San Niang, and others were already waiting.

"Father, the foundation of the Heart Refining Tower has been completed, but the core formation still needs to be set up by a third-tier formation master," Han Changqing reported. "I contacted several formation masters, but their prices are too high; the cheapest one costs at least 50,000 spirit stones."

"Fifty thousand?" Han Mu frowned. Although the Han family had received compensation from the Qingxu Sect, their expenses were still high, and fifty thousand spirit stones was no small sum.

"Ancestor, I have an idea," Liu Sanniang said. "I know a rogue array master, whose Daoist name is 'Array Maniac.' He's at the third level, but he's eccentric. He doesn't accept spirit stones when setting up arrays; he only accepts rare array materials or ancient array diagrams."

"A formation fanatic?" Han Mu pondered. "Where is he?"

"It's in the 'Misty Valley,' about 300 miles east of Yanling Fortress. He has a bad reputation for setting up mazes to trap people for fun," said Liu Sanniang. "However, his mastery of formations is indeed superb. I once saw him use a third-order maze to trap a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation for three days and three nights."

"Then let's invite him to take a look," Han Mu said. "Changqing, go there yourself and bring a copy of the Five Elements Extinction Formation. Tell him that the Han family has asked him to set up the formation, and the reward is three days of studying the formation diagram."

"Yes," Han Changqing replied.

"Elder Mo, how is the Foundation Establishment Pill being refined?" Han Mu turned to Doctor Mo.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, three batches have been successfully prepared, yielding twelve pills, all of medium grade," Doctor Mo said. "As you instructed, they were prioritized for distribution to the peak Qi Refining disciples within the family. Currently, five people have consumed them; two have successfully established their Foundation, while the other three failed but their foundations remain intact and can wait until the next batch."

Han Mu nodded. A 20% success rate for Foundation Establishment Pills is already quite good; with two more Foundation Establishment cultivators in the family, their strength has increased further.

"Elder Tu, what's the situation at the Weapon Refining Hall?"

Tu Gang cupped his hands and said, "Ancestor, the Refining Hall has trained three first-level refiners who can refine low-grade magic weapons. I am preparing to start refining a magic treasure. The materials are ready, and the first one is expected to be completed within three months."

"Good." Han Mu said with satisfaction, "Everyone has worked hard. The Han family's success today is inseparable from your contributions. Starting this month, the monthly salaries of all elders and guest elders will be increased by 50%, and the cultivation resources for family members will be increased by 30%."

"Thank you, Ancestor!" everyone said in unison.

Han Mu dismissed the crowd and stood alone by the window of the council hall, gazing into the distance.

"System, check the current status of the family."

[Family Name: Changsheng Han Family]

[Family Level: Foundation Establishment Family (In Progress)]

Total number of clan members: 435 (core + subordinate)

[Number of cultivators: Core Formation stage 2, Pseudo-Core Formation stage 1, Foundation Establishment stage 9, Qi Refining stage 87]

[Family Buildings: Five Elements Spirit Pool, Alchemy Room, Weapon Forging Hall, Heart Refining Tower (Under Construction)]

[Family Businesses: Red Gold Mine (7% stake), three medicinal herb gardens, and two market shops]

Main quest progress: 45%

[Recent Events: Han Ling'er is preparing to enter the Crimson Forbidden Land; the Heart Refining Tower is under construction; two new Foundation Establishment cultivators have joined the family.]

The family's development is progressing well, but it's still far from becoming a top-tier power in the Yue Kingdom. Han Mu estimates that it would need at least five Core Formation cultivators and control of a medium-sized spirit stone mine to be considered top-tier.

"The task is arduous and the road ahead is long," Han Mu sighed softly.

At that moment, a message talisman flew in; it was sent by Han Yunge from Huangfeng Valley.

"Grandpa, I'm doing well in Maple Valley. Master Qingyun is taking good care of me. I've broken through to the twelfth level of Qi Refining and started trying to refine second-tier pills. Also, Senior Brother Han Li has broken through to the thirteenth level of Qi Refining and is preparing to participate in the Blood Forbidden Land trial. He said that if he encounters Sister Ling'er in the forbidden land, he will help her out. Don't worry about me."

Han Mu smiled after reading it. Han Yunge was making rapid progress, and Han Li had also reached the peak of Qi Refining, just like in the original story. With Han Li looking after her, Han Ling'er would be much safer in the forbidden area.

However, Han Mu remembered that the Crimson Forbidden Land in the original story was extremely dangerous, and the disciples of the seven major sects suffered heavy casualties. Han Li was able to come out alive entirely due to his caution and good fortune. Although Han Ling'er had the life-saving item he bestowed upon her, she was still young and lacked experience.

"It seems I need to make some preparations," Han Mu thought to himself.

He brought up the system interface: "System, exchange for a 'Substitute Death Talisman'."

The Substitute Death Talisman is a Tier 3 talisman that automatically triggers upon a fatal attack, blocking one instance of death damage and teleporting the user to a safe location within a hundred miles. It is quite expensive, requiring 2000 contribution points.

[Redeem successful, 2000 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -650]

[Note: Your contribution points are currently negative and must be replenished within eleven months.]

Han Mu didn't care. Contribution points could be earned again, but Han Ling'er only had one life. He sealed the substitute death talisman into a jade pendant and summoned Han Lin.

"Elder Lin, when you take Ling'er to Yellow Maple Valley tomorrow, give her this jade pendant and tell her to wear it close to her body and never let it leave her side."

"Yes, Ancestor." Han Lin respectfully accepted the jade pendant.

The next day, Han Lin took Han Ling'er to Yellow Maple Valley. Han Mu stood on the peak and watched them leave.

"Father, don't worry. Ling'er is intelligent and has a life-saving item. She will be fine," Han Changqing comforted her.

"I'm not worried about Ling'er," Han Mu shook his head. "I'm worried that after the Blood Forbidden Land, the Yue Kingdom will probably be in chaos."

Han Changqing was taken aback: "Father, what makes you say that?"

"Did you know that the Crimson Forbidden Land opens once every ten years, and each time it opens, the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom experiences a period of turmoil?" Han Mu said. "The seven major sects compete for resources within the forbidden land, forging feuds. After they emerge, conflicts often arise between the sects. Moreover, the demonic path is now stirring, and the Ghost Spirit Sect has been operating in the shadows."

Han Changqing's expression turned solemn: "Then our Han family..."

"Let's observe the situation and accumulate strength," Han Mu said. "Turbulent times produce heroes, but also opportunities. If the Han family can gain a foothold in this chaotic situation, or even stand out from the crowd, then it can truly rise to prominence."

"I understand."

Seven days later, Han Changqing returned to Qingxia Peak with a disheveled old man.

The old man wore a tattered Taoist robe, his hair was a mess, and seven or eight array plates hung from his waist, jingling as he walked. He was an array fanatic.

"You're Han Mu?" The array fanatic sized Han Mu up and down, his eyes lighting up. "Huh? Your cultivation level... no, no, I can't see through it. Interesting, very interesting."

Han Mu felt a slight chill. This madman could actually detect his hidden cultivation level; he was clearly no ordinary person.

"Fellow Daoist Array Master, I have long admired you." Han Mu cupped his hands in greeting.

"Stop with the nonsense." The array fanatic waved his hand. "I heard you have the diagram of the Five Elements Extinction Array? Show it to me. If it's real, I'll set up the array for you for free. If it's fake, hehe, I'll set up forty-nine maze arrays on your Qingxia Peak, so you can't get out or in."

Han Mu was not annoyed and took out a copy of the array diagram.

Zhen Chi took it, glanced at it, and his eyes widened.

"The five elements interact, and killing intent is contained within... What a magnificent formation! What a treasure!" He held the formation diagram as if it were a priceless treasure. "I will study this formation diagram for three days, no, five days! After five days, I will return to you a perfect Heart Refining Tower!"

"Please do as you please, fellow Daoist," Han Mu said with a smile.

Clutching the array diagram, the array fanatic plunged into the Refining Heart Tower construction site and refused to come out.

Five days later, the Refining Heart Tower was completed.

The tower stands nine stories tall, constructed entirely of materials representing the five elements, and its surface is covered with profound runes. The array master not only set up the core array but also deployed a third-tier defensive array and a third-tier spirit-gathering array outside the tower, transforming the Heart Refining Tower into a sacred cultivation ground.

"Fellow Daoist Han, this Heart Refining Tower is no ordinary structure," the Array Maniac said proudly. "I've incorporated the Five Elements Extinction Array as its foundation, along with the Illusionary Heart Array, the Spirit Refining Array, and the Body Tempering Array. Cultivators who enter it can simultaneously hone their mental state, refine their divine sense, and temper their physical body. The effects are exceptionally good for those below the Core Formation stage."

Han Mu probed the tower with his divine sense and indeed felt waves of pressure, but the pressure also carried a mysterious Daoist charm, which was very beneficial to cultivation.

"Fellow Daoist Array Master truly lives up to his reputation," Han Mu praised. "I will present you with this complete copy of the 'Five Elements Extinction Array' as a token of my gratitude."

"The complete version?" Zhen Chi's eyes widened. "You're willing to part with it?"

"A fine sword is given to a hero, and a battle formation diagram is given to a battle formation enthusiast." Han Mu said with a smile, "I only hope that if you achieve something in the future, you will not forget the fate that brought us together today."

"Good! Good! Good!" Zhen Chi said three times in a row. "Fellow Daoist Han, I've made you my friend! If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know!"

After the array master left, the Refining Heart Tower officially opened. The Han family disciples took turns cultivating there, with remarkable results. In just half a month, three people broke through minor realms, and five reached their bottlenecks.

The Han family is growing and expanding at an astonishing pace.

At this moment, at the entrance to the Crimson Forbidden Land, the disciples of the seven major sects had already assembled.

The forbidden area is about to open.