Cultivation: Being Immortal-Chapter 464:

Yun State, north of Yunzhong Mountain Range

As the last group of people left, the demons on the battlefield of Yunyang Sect achieved victory. Of course, this was also because the forces from Yun State chose to retreat.

"Now that the situation in Yun State is clear, the main direction of attack by the demons of Yun State is the northern region of Yunzhong Mountain Range. By retreating to the southern side of Yunzhong Mountain Range and using Zhonghang Sect’s entrance, Yunzhong City, and Cloud Sword Sect’s entrance as strongholds, a semi-circular battle line is formed to encircle the demons."

"The troops of Sky Sword Sect withdrew to guard the frontline in Cloud Sword Sect. Ancestor Shi of Five Elements Sect led the troops into Cloud Sword Sect to oversee the battle, while the Lin family stationed themselves in Yunzhong City, aiming to trap the demons in the middle section of Yunzhong Mountain Range."

"Mobilize independent cultivators to flank behind the demons and launch attacks."

"Each of the three sects should select a group of elite disciples, not too many in number but strong enough. Bring plenty of spiritual talismans, venture deep into the territory of Yun Wilderness. Even though the demons may come out in full force, there are bound to be young beasts left in their nests. Destroy the nests, kill the young beasts, burn the forests, block the demons’ retreat path, so they cannot focus on both ends."

Cao Ying returned to Zhonghang Sect and, following the advice of her assistants, she issued orders. Cao Ying was not someone who made decisions alone, she was willing to listen to others’ advice, especially in areas where she was not strong.

"Master Cao, this strategy is good, but we must be careful. Yuntuo River is the lifeline of Yun State. As we go downstream, there are many lakes in the Wilderness, inhabited by countless demon tribes. We have not explored the further regions. If a large group of water demons travel upstream along Yuntuo River, we may be caught off guard."

"Ancestor Shi, are there any powerful monsters in Yuntuo River?"

"From Five Elements Sect to Cloud Sword Sect, there are few second-level demon beasts. But beyond that, we are unsure. You can ask the Taoist friend of Sky Sword Sect."

"Ancestor Shi is right. For hundreds of years, our Sky Sword Sect has wanted to clear the downstream of Yuntuo River, to connect it with Yunzhong City’s waterway. However, all attempts have failed. The downstream of Yuntuo River is controlled by many lakes, with a large territory occupied by numerous demon tribes. We cannot be certain if these water demons will obey the commands of the Demon God Temple."

Soul Changing from Sky Sword Sect immediately spoke up, as their sect is located at the eastern edge of Yun State and has more information.

"We currently have enough manpower. Let’s assign a group of people to defend Yuntuo River. I will have special nets made, to be placed in the river for interception. While we may not be able to stop powerful demon tribes, at least we can warn and prevent water demons from attacking us."

"Indeed, especially the water route from Five Elements Sect to Yunzhong City must be kept secure. Half of the battlefield resources depend on this river."

Ancestor Shi emphasized that this mobilization for the war involving the entire Yun State, with over a million participants, mainly comprised of Qi Refining Building foundation cultivators. They still need to eat, drink, rest, and have countless combat resources. The consumption of flying boats is too high, making water transport the cheapest and most crucial method.

········

In Yunzhong City, with Lin Ying leading the Lin family and their followers, they quickly turned the city into a War Fortress, reinforcing the city walls, modifying formations, and setting up fortifications outside the city.

Lin Jiang also took on many tasks voluntarily. Even though he didn’t like working too hard, he had no problem taking care of some logistical matters.

"The Yuntuo River is indeed dangerous. If the demon clan advances upstream along the river, they can cut off the Yun State cultivators, leaving us trapped without the support of resources from the rear. Our cage formation would become a trap for ourselves."

Looking at the Yuntuo River, Lin Jiang said that even if the demon clan attacked the territories on both sides of the river, it would pose a great threat to Yun State.

"The giant net and warships are being refined and modified. Hopefully, they will be ready in time."

Lin Ying mentioned that these two things were not usually used, so the sects had no reserves and were unsure if they would be ready in time.

"I hope we have enough time."

"Brother, do you think we can win this war?"

"I don’t know, but the Lin family will be fine for sure."

"With the nest destroyed, how can the Lin family survive alone?"

"I can do it if I say I can."

Lin Jiang shook his head, unwilling to say more, knowing that the Lin family still had a major weapon at home.

Two days later, the demon army had crossed over the Yunzhong Mountain Range. Guided by the cultivators of Yun State, the demons had taken over the middle section of the mountain range and were heading towards Yunzhong City.

During this time, Yun State had cleared the area of vegetation. Wherever the demons went, nothing was left behind. Deprived of any provisions, the hungry demons launched their attack.

"The outcome of this battle lies in the sky. If we control the sky, we can win; if not, we can only barely survive. For the sake of Yun State, fight!"

"All cultivators above golden core level, aside from those guarding key locations, ascend to the sky and join the battle."

The Yun State cultivators had long understood the importance of air superiority. This was not a mere trial anymore – it was a decisive battle from the start.

Cao Ying herself led the team to attack the Wild Bear Demon Emperor, while the rest of the leaders rushed towards the flying demon beasts in the demonic army.

By defeating the flying demon beasts, cultivators could ride flying boats to strike at the demons from above. Most demons were below the fourth rank, and without the flying demon beasts, they couldn’t stay airborne for long and would surely be defeated.

Similarly, if their tactics failed to control the sky, they would have no choice but to engage in a bloody battle with the demons, with victory through suffering being the best outcome.

"Human cultivators, let’s fight in the sky."

Upon seeing Cao Ying approaching, the Wild Bear Demon Emperor laughed heartily and leaped into the air, engaging in a high-altitude battle with her.

"Demon Kings above the fourth rank, take to the air for combat."

With the Wild Bear’s departure, the Heavenly Fox Demon King, the most powerful demon, immediately ordered a large number of demon beasts above the fourth rank to ascend into the air and intercept the human attacks on the flying demon beasts.

Lin Jiang didn’t join the battle; he was responsible for guarding Yunzhong City. If all the experts went out, it would be easy for their base to be attacked. Someone had to stay behind, and Lin Jiang, a sixth rank Talisman Maker and a top technical talent, had a valid reason for not participating.

"It’s a major showdown."

Seeing the fierce battle in front of him, Lin Jiang could only exclaim at the epic scene of millions and millions of monsters charging, just like a scene from a thrilling sci-fi movie!

"*BOOM*"

Outside the city walls, giant beasts smashed forts, with only a few people managing to escape. Among the monsters, there were also powerful ones, especially some monster species stronger than cultivators of the same level.

Holding the Sagittarius Bow, Lin Jiang targeted some exceptionally strong monsters, like gorilla-like monsters who had not transformed but could still wield rough weapons. Their fighting abilities soared, able to shatter ordinary magical treasures with a single strike, tough enough to withstand dozens of sword strikes.

Lin Jiang didn’t let them get away, using the Sagittarius Bow to shoot them down. However, he refrained from using the Lamp Burning Technique here on the battlefield, as there were too many people around, and Lin Jiang didn’t want too many to know his secret. Only a very few knew about his secret now.

This battle lasted for a day and a night until both sides exhausted their strength. The monster clan left at least a hundred thousand corpses, while on the Yun State side, over a dozen War Fortresses were destroyed, and casualties numbered in the thousands.

Afterward, both sides tacitly entered the healing phase. Cultivators were busy rearranging their forces, tending to the wounded, and repairing defenses. The monsters, on the other hand, were busy devouring the fallen monsters, the terrifying sounds of chewing echoing into the city, enough to make some cultivators cry in fear.

"Wild Bear is very strong; I can’t take it down for the moment. We need to discuss how to deal with it, especially whether to end the battle quickly or drag it out."

Cao Ying gathered the top officials of Yun State to discuss the war, raising a question: Should Yun State aim for a swift victory in this battle?