The Longevity Family: Starting from the Foundation Establishment Ancestor

Inside the nameless cave in the blood-red forbidden land.

Han Ling'er, Han Yunge, and Qingxue sat cross-legged to regulate their breathing, while Han Li set up a simple warning array at the cave entrance. After a moment, Han Li entered the cave with a solemn expression.

"There's a problem with the forbidden area," he said directly.

"Senior Brother Han, what did you discover?" Han Yunge asked.

Han Li took out a dark red stone from his storage bag: "I found this near the cave of that fourth-tier silver-threaded snake. You see, this stone has black patterns inside and emits a faint demonic aura."

"Demonic energy?" Han Ling'er took the stone and carefully sensed it, and indeed detected a trace of cold and evil aura.

"That's not all," Han Li continued. "Before coming to the forbidden area, I consulted a lot of information and there was no record of any fourth-tier demonic beasts in the forbidden area. But we just encountered one, and more than one—when I lured away the Ice Scale Python, I sensed an equally powerful aura in another pool of water."

Qingxue's face turned pale: "Could it be that a large number of fourth-tier demonic beasts have appeared in the forbidden area? Then we..."

"We must leave as soon as possible." Han Li said decisively, "The forbidden area has likely undergone some kind of change, and staying any longer would be extremely dangerous."

"But there are still seven days before the forbidden area closes." Han Ling'er frowned.

"I can't wait any longer." Han Li shook his head. "I've observed that the space within the forbidden area is becoming unstable. Look at the light at the cave entrance; isn't there a subtle distortion?"

The three looked and indeed found that the light at the cave entrance was pulsating slightly, as if looking at a scene through water.

"This is a spatial fluctuation!" Han Yunge exclaimed in shock. "Is the forbidden area about to collapse?"

"Possibly," Han Li said in a deep voice. "I read in an ancient book that the Crimson Forbidden Land is actually a fragment of a broken small space from ancient times, forcibly stabilized by the Seven Sects' formation, and opened once every ten years. If drastic changes occur inside, it may cause the space to collapse."

"Then how do we get out?" Qingxue asked anxiously.

Han Li took out an ancient-looking talisman from his robes: "This is a 'Restriction-Breaking Talisman,' which can briefly tear apart spatial barriers. However, it can only last for three breaths and can only carry a maximum of two people."

"Two people?" The three were taken aback.

"I only have one," Han Li said with a wry smile. "And it must be used near the edge of the forbidden area. This place is at least three hundred miles from the edge, and I don't know how many dangers I will encounter along the way."

Silence fell over the cave. One talisman, four people—this meant half the people had to stay behind.

"Senior Brother Han, use the talisman to take Ling'er and Junior Sister Qingxue away," Han Yunge suddenly spoke up. "I am a disciple of Huangfeng Valley, and I have a duty to protect my junior sister. Moreover, Ling'er is the pride of the Han family; she cannot perish here."

"Sister Yun Ge!" Han Ling'er exclaimed urgently, "We'll go together!"

"Stop arguing." Han Li waved his hand. "I have a method that might allow me to bring one more person. But it requires a treasure containing spatial power as a medium."

"A spatial treasure?" Han Ling'er and Han Yunge exchanged glances and shook their heads. Such a treasure was extremely precious; how could they possibly possess it?

Suddenly remembering something, Han Ling'er took out the jade pendant given to her by her ancestor from her bosom. The jade pendant was warm and smooth, with a faint radiance flowing inside. She had always worn it close to her body and had never examined it closely.

"This jade pendant..." Han Li took the jade pendant, probed it with his divine sense, and his expression changed slightly. "Such pure spatial power! This is... a substitute death talisman?"

"A substitute death charm?" Han Ling'er didn't understand.

"It's a high-level talisman that can be triggered by a fatal attack, teleporting the wearer to a safe location," Han Li explained. "The power sealed within this jade pendant is enough to take the four of us out of the forbidden area."

"Really?" Han Ling'er exclaimed with delight. "Then what are we waiting for?"

"But if you use the jade pendant, the substitute death talisman will be useless." Han Li looked at Han Ling'er. "This is your life-saving item. Are you willing to part with it?"

"What use are treasures if we're dead?" Han Ling'er said without hesitation.

Han Li gave Han Ling'er a deep look and nodded: "Alright. Without further ado, let's set off immediately. I'll lead the way, you follow me. If we encounter any demonic beasts, don't linger in battle; rush to the edge of the forbidden area as quickly as possible."

The four left the cave, with Han Li leading the way using his movement technique, followed closely by Han Ling'er and the other two. Along the way, they witnessed many strange sights: the ground cracked, with black smoke rising from the fissures; blood-red cracks appeared in the sky; and normally docile low-level demonic beasts became frenzied, tearing each other apart.

"The forbidden area is collapsing at an accelerated rate," Han Li said in a deep voice. "We only have two hours."

Suddenly, the sounds of fighting came from ahead. The four concealed themselves and saw more than a dozen disciples from various sects engaged in a fierce battle with a group of demonic beasts. The demonic beasts had bloodshot eyes and were fearless in the face of death; among them were three third-tier demonic beasts.

"They are disciples from the Hidden Moon Sect, Spirit Beast Mountain, and Heavenly Palace Fortress," Han Li said in a low voice. "Do you need any help?"

"It's too late," Han Ling'er shook her head. "We can't even save ourselves."

Han Li nodded and was about to take a detour when a scream suddenly rang out. A female cultivator from the Hidden Moon Sect was torn to pieces by a demonic beast, her storage bag flying out and landing not far from Han Li and the others. The storage bag shattered, and several spiritual herbs scattered out, one of which was the "Azure Origin Fruit".

Han Yunge's eyes lit up; that was her goal for this trip.

Seeing this, Han Li flashed across the battlefield, turning into a green shadow. He grabbed the Qingyuan Fruit before the demonic beast could pounce, and then quickly retreated.

"Go!" he shouted, and the four continued forward.

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother Han," Han Yunge said gratefully.

"Just doing it on the spur of the moment," Han Li said casually.

Fifteen minutes later, the four arrived at a canyon. The edge of the forbidden area was on the other side of the canyon, but a thick black fog filled the valley, obscuring the opposite bank.

"This black mist is strange; it can corrode divine sense." Han Li frowned. "We must get through it."

"I'll try using the Ice Soul Pearl." Han Ling'er activated the Ice Soul Pearl, and its icy blue light enveloped the four of them, keeping the black mist out. However, the light of the Ice Soul Pearl dimmed at a visible speed.

"We can't hold out much longer, let's go!"

The four rushed into the black mist. A mournful roar echoed from within the mist, and countless dark figures roamed within, occasionally crashing into the ice barrier. Han Ling'er's face paled as she desperately tried to maintain the Ice Soul Pearl.

Suddenly, a giant bone claw emerged from the mist and reached for the four of them!

"A fourth-tier bone demon!" Han Li's expression changed drastically, and he raised his hand to unleash three talismans. The talismans transformed into fireballs, lightning, and golden light, striking the bone claws, but only leaving shallow marks.

The bone claws continued to claw, and the ice shield cracked with a "crack".

Han Ling'er gritted her teeth, preparing to use the jade pendant. But just then, a beam of white light descended from the sky and struck the bone claw.

"laugh--"

The bone claws were severed, and an angry roar came from within the black mist. The white light dissipated, revealing a white jade flying sword with the words "Qingxu" engraved on its blade.

"A fellow Daoist from the Qingxu Sect?" Han Li was taken aback.

A figure emerged from the mist; it was a middle-aged Taoist with a gaunt face and early-stage Core Formation cultivation.

"I am Li Changfeng of the Qingxu Sect, ordered to receive my disciples." The Taoist glanced at the four people. "And who are you?"

"Han Li of Huangfeng Valley, Han Ling'er of the Han family, Han Yunge, and Qingxue," Han Li said succinctly.

"So you are fellow Daoists from Huangfeng Valley and the Han family." Li Changfeng nodded. "Something has happened in the forbidden area. The seven sects have sent Core Formation cultivators to meet you. Come with me, and I will escort you out."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and a gentle force lifted the four of them, propelling them towards the opposite bank. Along the way, several more bone demons attacked, but they were all repelled by Li Changfeng's flying sword.

"Senior Li, what exactly happened in the forbidden area?" Han Li asked.

"A treacherous demon has infiltrated the core of the forbidden area and damaged the spatial nodes," Li Changfeng said in a deep voice. "The forbidden area is now collapsing, with a large amount of demonic energy leaking out, and the demonic beasts are being corrupted. The seven sects are organizing an evacuation, but how many they can save depends on fate."

A heavy feeling settled over everyone. Soon, they burst out of the black mist and arrived at the edge of the forbidden area. There, a dozen or so Core Formation cultivators were maintaining a temporary teleportation array, and disciples were constantly escaping from the forbidden area, all of them wounded.

"Go in." Li Changfeng sent the four people into the teleportation array. With a flash of white light, the four disappeared.

When they reappeared, they were in a valley outside the forbidden area. Hundreds of disciples from various sects had gathered there, most of them injured, and the atmosphere was oppressive.

Han Ling'er spotted the Han family members who were there to meet her and immediately ran over.

"Miss Ling'er, are you alright?" a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Han family asked with concern.

"I'm fine, and Sister Yun Ge is fine too," Han Ling'er said, looking around. "How are things?"

"The situation is not optimistic," the Foundation Establishment cultivator said in a low voice. "Of the more than three hundred disciples who went in, less than one hundred have come out. Moreover, the forbidden area is still collapsing, and I'm afraid the remaining ones..."

Han Ling'er's heart sank. At this moment, Han Li walked over: "Junior Sister Han, thank you very much. If you need anything in the future, you can come to Huangfeng Valley to find me."

"Senior Brother Han, you're too kind. We should be the ones thanking you," Han Ling'er said, bowing respectfully.

Han Li nodded and turned to walk towards the Yellow Maple Valley camp. Han Yunge also bid farewell to Han Ling'er and returned to her sect with Qingxue.

"Let's go, the ancestor is waiting for us." The Foundation Establishment cultivator led Han Ling'er away.

Qingxia Peak, Council Hall.

After listening to Han Ling'er's report, Han Mu remained calm and said, "You did very well. You stayed calm in the face of danger and even protected the Ice Heart Lotus. As for the loss of the substitute talisman, that's just an external thing; don't worry about it."

"Ancestor, was the collapse of the forbidden area truly the work of the demonic path?" Han Ling'er asked.

"Most likely," Han Mu said. "The demonic path has long coveted the Yue Kingdom. Destroying the forbidden area can weaken the younger generation of the seven sects and create chaos, killing two birds with one stone."

"Then we..."

"Let's wait and see." Han Mu stood up and walked to the window. "With the collapse of the forbidden area, the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom will inevitably be in chaos. What the Han family needs to do is to gain a foothold in the chaos, and perhaps even..."

His gaze was profound: "Taking chestnuts out of the fire."

"System, check the current status."

Name: Han Mu

[Actual Cultivation Level: Early Nascent Soul Stage (Appears to be Mid-Core Formation Stage)]

[Cultivation Techniques: Primordial Longevity Technique (Fourth Level), Heaven-Gathering Divine Technique (Great Completion)]

[Clan Status: 452 members, 2 Core Formation stage, 11 Foundation Establishment stage, 93 Qi Refining stage]

[Family fortune: Steadily rising]

Main Quest: Rise of the Clan (52% Progress)

[Contribution Points: -5650]

[Special Ability: Bloodline Resonance (Activated)]

"The family's fortune is rising, but the contribution points are still negative." Han Mu pondered, "It seems we need to fill this hole as soon as possible. The chaos in the demonic path might be an opportunity."

"Father, Li Changfeng of Qingxu Sect requests an audience," Han Changqing announced as he entered.

"Oh? Please."

A moment later, Li Changfeng arrived at the council hall, his expression grave: "Fellow Daoist Han, you must already know about the forbidden area. The seven sects have decided to hold a grand meeting at Qingxu Sect in three days to discuss how to deal with the demonic path. Fellow Daoist Han, please make sure you attend."

"Has the Demonic Path really made a move?" Han Mu asked.

"Confirmed." Li Changfeng nodded. "We discovered traces of demonic formations in the core of the forbidden area, the work of the Ghost Spirit Sect. Moreover, news from the border indicates that the six demonic sects are gathering and will soon invade Yue Kingdom."

Han Mu was silent for a moment, then said, "The Han family will send someone to participate."

"Thank you." Li Changfeng cupped his hands in thanks, then hesitated before adding, "Also, there's something I need to remind Fellow Daoist Han. The Ghost Spirit Sect seems to be paying special attention to the Han family, so please be extra careful."

"The Ghost Spirit Sect?" A cold glint flashed in Han Mu's eyes. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, fellow Daoist."

After Li Changfeng left, Han Mu summoned Han Changqing, Doctor Mo, Tu Gang, and Liu Sanniang.

"With the demonic invasion imminent, the Han family must prepare," Han Mu said in a deep voice. "Changqing, take my token and liquidate all the family's properties outside the family, converting them into cultivation resources and defensive materials. Elder Mo, refine as many healing, detoxifying, and qi-restoring pills as possible. Elder Tu, focus on refining offensive and defensive magical artifacts. Elder Liu, prepare poisons and antidotes."

"Yes!" The four accepted the order.

"Furthermore, activate the full power of the mountain-protecting formation. No clansman is allowed to leave the area at will. Summon all disciples who are training outside. Anyone who disobeys will be expelled from the clan."

"Father, isn't this going too far..." Han Changqing hesitated.

"In chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary." Han Mu said calmly, "With the invasion of the demonic path, Yue Kingdom will become a hell. If the Han family wants to survive and thrive in this environment, there can be no mercy."

Everyone tensed, and they replied in unison, "Yes, sir!"

After everyone left, Han Mu stood alone on the summit, gazing towards the direction of Qingxu Sect.

"Ghost Spirit Sect... Wang Chan..." A murderous glint flashed in his eyes. "Since you've set your sights on the Han family, don't blame me for being impolite."

"System, exchange for three 'Heavenly Secret Concealment Talismans'."

[Heavenly Secret Concealment Talisman: Can conceal heavenly secrets, preventing cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage from divulging matters related to the wearer.]

Each card requires 2000 contribution points. Would you like to redeem it?

"exchange."

[Redeem successful, 6000 contribution points deducted]

[Remaining Contribution Points: -11650]

[Warning: Your contribution points have exceeded the safety threshold. Please make up for it within one month, otherwise some cultivation points will be deducted.]

Han Mu didn't care. He handed the three talismans to Han Changqing, Han Yunge, and Han Ling'er respectively. The three were the core of the family and could not be allowed to be lost.

"The demonic path... Heh, come on." He murmured, a flash of bloodlust in his eyes.

Meanwhile, on the border of Yue Kingdom, a massive, dark mass of demonic cultivators surged in like a tidal wave. Leading them was none other than Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect.