tiān yún shí èr zhōu ． bù lùn jiù miàn jī lái shuō ． hái shì xiū xiān jiè de jiá mó ． rú jīn zì rán yǐ yún zhōu wéi shǒu 。
天云十二州．不论就面积来说．还是修仙界的颊模．如今自然以云州为首。
The Heavenly Cloud Twelve States. In terms of both area and its prominence in the cultivation world, they naturally ranked with Yun State at the top.
rán ér wǎng shàng tuī gè jǐ bǎi wàn nián , zài nà shàng gǔ shí qī , yún zhōu zé wán quán méi yǒu bàn fǎ yǔ tiān zhōu xiāng bǐ 。
然而往上推个几百万年,在那上古时期,云州则完全没有办法与天州相比。
However, if we traced back a few million years to that ancient era, Yun State was nowhere near as formidable compared to Tian State.
suī rán qí miàn jī bù dà ， jǐn yǔ chōng zhōu xiāng chà fǎng fú ， dàn qí líng mài de yōu yì chéng dù ， què shì yún zhōu gēn běn méi yǒu bàn fǎ xiàng bǐ de , ér qiě qí zhēn yì bǎo wú shù , rú guǒ shuō rén jiè yǒu nǎ yī chù dì fāng ， zuì yǔ líng jiè de huán jìng lèi sì , nà me fēi tiān zhōu mò shǔ 。
虽然其面积不大，仅与充州相差仿佛，但其灵脉的优异程度，却是云州根本没有办法相比的,而且奇珍异宝无数,如果说人界有哪一处地方，最与灵界的环境类似,那么非天州莫属。
Although its territory wasn't vast—only slightly smaller than Chong State—the quality of its spirit veins far surpassed those in Yun State. Moreover, it was brimming with countless rare treasures and oddities. If there were any place in the human world that most resembled the Spirit Realm's environment, it would undoubtedly be Tian State.
nà shí hòu tiān zhōu gēn běn méi yǒu bié de zōng mén jiā zú , wán quán bèi luó jiā gěi dú zhàn diào le ， gāi jiā zú yě shì tiān yún shí èr zhōu míng fù qí shí de bà zhǔ , bù lùn rén zú hái shì yāo zú , dōu bù xū yào yáng qí bí xī de 。
那时候天州根本没有别的宗门家族,完全被罗家给独占掉了，该家族也是天云十二州名副其实的霸主,不论人族还是妖族,都不需要扬其鼻息的。
Back then, Tian State had no other sects or families; they were entirely dominated by the Luo Family, which was indeed the de facto ruler of the Heavenly Cloud Twelve States. Neither humans nor demons needed to look down their noses at them.
rán ér mén pài de qǐ qǐ fú fú , nà shì zài zhèng cháng bù guò , luó jiā bì jìng yě huì yǒu qīng huáng bù jiē de shí kè , dāng rán shì xiāng duì de ， zú nèi de yuán yīng qī xiū xiān zhě ， yī jiù yǒu shù bǎi zhī duō ， dàn lí hé qī lǎo zǔ , què zhǐ shèng xià liǎng wèi le 。
然而门派的起起伏伏,那是再正常不过,罗家毕竟也会有青黄不接的时刻,当然是相对的，族内的元婴期修仙者，依旧有数百之多，但离合期老祖,却只剩下两位了。
However, the rise and fall of a sect is par for the course. The Luo Family would inevitably face periods when its strength waned, but there were still hundreds of元婴期 cultivators within the clan. Yet, the number of离合期 elders had dwindled to just two.
piān piān zài nà duàn shí qī , yǐ wàn fú zōng wéi shǒu de qī dà shì lì , què chāng shèng wú bǐ , cǐ xiāo bǐ zhǎng zhī xià , tā men zì rán bù xiǎng zài yǎng duì fāng de bí xī 。
偏偏在那段时期,以万佛宗为首的七大势力,却昌盛无比,此消彼长之下,他们自然不想再仰对方的鼻息。
At that time, with the Seven Great Forces led by the Ten Thousand Buddha Sect flourishing immensely, their rise naturally clashed with Tian State's decline. They no longer wanted to rely on each other.
yú shì qī pài lián shǒu ， zài jiā shàng yī xiē bié de zōng mén jiā zú ， yǔ tiān zhōu luó jiā jí qí zhuī suí zhě zhǎn kāi dà zhàn 。
于是七派联手，再加上一些别的宗门家族，与天州罗家及其追随者展开大战。
Thus, these seven sects joined forces and, along with some other families, launched a war against the Luo Family of Tian State and its followers.
tiān dì wú guāng , fēng yún biàn sè , xiū xiān jiè de sī shā suī rán cóng lái méi yǒu tíng xiē guò , dàn zhè yī cì ， què kě yòng hào jié lái xíng róng ， ruò lùn cǎn liè chéng dù , kǒng pà zhǐ yǒu gèng jiā jiǔ yuǎn de hóng huāng shí qī ， rén yāo liǎng zú jiǎo miè gǔ mó nà yī zhàn ， cái néng xiāng bǐ 。
天地无光,风云变色,修仙界的厮杀虽然从来没有停歇过,但这一次，却可用浩劫来形容，若论惨烈程度,恐怕只有更加久远的洪荒时期，人妖两族剿灭古魔那一战，才能相比。
The heavens lost their light; the winds changed color. Although cultivation battles never ceased in the cultivation world, this one could be described as a calamity. In terms of brutality, it was only surpassed by the ancient era when humans and demons eradicated the ancient devils.
tiān yún shí èr zhōu ， quán bù bèi juǎn le jìn qù , shèn zhì shì sú de fán rén yě shòu dào bō jí ， sǐ shāng shù bǎi yì 。
天云十二州，全部被卷了进去,甚至世俗的凡人也受到波及，死伤数百亿。
All twelve states were swept up in this conflict, even affecting ordinary mortals who died or were injured in the hundreds of billions.
ér nà yī cháng dà zhàn ， suǒ yǒu zhōu fǔ suī rán quán bèi juǎn rù ， dàn sǔn shī zuì dà de ， hái shì fēi tiān zhōu mò shǔ ， bì jìng luó jiā de zǒng tán wèi yú cǐ chù ， zhàn chǎng dāng rán yě jiù yǐ cǐ wéi zhǔ 。
而那一场大战，所有州府虽然全被卷入，但损失最大的，还是非天州莫属，毕竟罗家的总坛位于此处，战场当然也就以此为主。
The heaviest losses fell on Tian State, for its main base was located there. The battlefield naturally centered around it.
zuì hòu de jué zhàn , cǎn jué rén huán , tiān zhōu bèi yìng shēng shēng huǐ qù le yī xiǎo bàn , shèng yú de bù fèn ， tiān dì yuán qì yě biàn dé fēi cháng xī bó , bù zài shì hé gè zhǒng líng cǎo shēng zhǎng le 。
最后的决战,惨绝人寰,天州被硬生生毁去了一小半,剩余的部分，天地元气也变得非常稀薄,不再适合各种灵草生长了。
In the final battle, the scene was apocalyptic. A small part of Tian State was utterly destroyed, and the remaining areas saw the primordial energy become extremely thin, no longer suitable for various spirit herbs to grow.
huàn jù huà shuō ， zhè yī lìng rén xiàng wǎng de xiū liàn shèng dì ， yǐ jīng biàn dé yǔ chōng zhōu chà bu duō ， fán rén hái kě yǐ qī xī jū zhù , xiū xiān zhě fǎn ér fàng qì le cǐ chù 。
换句话说，这一令人向往的修炼圣地，已经变得与充州差不多，凡人还可以栖息居住,修仙者反而放弃了此处。
In other words, this once-desired cultivation holy land had deteriorated to a level similar to Chong State, where mortals could still reside, but cultivators abandoned it.
dāng rán , shì yì shí yí , jǐ bǎi wàn nián guò qù ， tiān zhōu de huán jìng yě huī fù le yī xiē , ér rú jīn ， xī gèng shì zhěng gè luò rù le gǔ mó shǒu lǐ , huì shì zěn yàng yī fān guāng jǐng ， yǐ wú cóng chuǎi mó ， yīn wèi fán shì qián qù dǎ tàn de xiū xiān zhě ． yí gè yě méi yǒu huó zhe huí lái guò 。
当然,事易时移,几百万年过去，天州的环境也恢复了一些,而如今，牺更是整个落入了古魔手里,会是怎样一番光景，已无从揣摩，因为凡是前去打探的修仙者．一个也没有活着回来过。
Of course, with time passing and changes in circumstances, Tian State's environment gradually recovered. Today, it was entirely under the control of ancient devils, leaving one to wonder what state it would be in since no cultivator had returned alive after investigating.
sān tiān de shí jiān hěn kuài jiù guò qù le 。
三天的时间很快就过去了。
Three days passed quickly.
qīng chén , yáng guāng sǎ luò dà dì ， rén yāo liǎng zú ， gòng bā bǎi yú wàn xiū xiān zhě , zài lín xuān de dài lǐng xià , hào hào dàng dàng de xiàng tiān zhōu shā qù le 。
清晨,阳光洒落大地，人妖两族，共八百余万修仙者,在林轩的带领下,浩浩荡荡的像天州杀去了。
On a sunny morning, over eight million human and demon cultivators led by Lin Xuan set off for Tian State.
nà rì lì wēi de jǔ dòng ， kě yǐ shuō fēi cháng chéng gōng 。
那日立威的举动，可以说非常成功。
The previous day's display of power was highly successful. The accumulated resentment among the cultivators was swept away, replaced with joyous anticipation. With a powerful cultivator from the Spirit Realm leading them against ancient devils, they were certain to achieve ultimate victory.
zhòng xiū shì jī yā le shù yuè de yuàn qì , bèi yī sǎo ér kōng ， qǔ ér dài zhī de shì huān xīn gǔ wǔ , yǒu lái zì líng jiè de dà néng xiū xiān zhě dài lǐng tā men duì kàng gǔ mó , yí dìng néng gòu qǔ dé zuì hòu shèng lì de 。
众修士积压了数月的怨气,被一扫而空，取而代之的是欢欣鼓舞,有来自灵界的大能修仙者带领他们对抗古魔,一定能够取得最后胜利的。
Thus, Lin Xuan ordered them to be organized into groups and march toward Tian State in three days. These cultivators complied enthusiastically, and within just three short days, they were indeed fully reorganized.
gù ér lín xuān fēn fù duì tā men biān yī xià zǔ ， sān rì hòu shā bēn tiān zhōu , zhè xiē měi shì dōu fēi cháng pèi hé ， duǎn duǎn de sān tiān , jū rán zhēn de zhěng biān wán chéng le 。
故而林轩吩咐对他们编一下组，三日后杀奔天州,这些每士都非常配合，短短的三天,居然真的整编完成了。
For this result, satisfaction was evident on Lin Xuan's face. He acted decisively, always adhering to the principle of swift action. Immediately, he led the eight million cultivators out.
duì yú zhè ge xiào guǒ , lín xuān liǎn shàng yě lù chū mǎn yì zhī sè , tā zuò shì qíng gèng bù hán hù , léi lì fēng xíng yí xiàng shì lín xuān de yuán zé , dāng jí jiù dài lǐng bā bǎi wàn xiū xiān zhě chū fā le 。
对于这个效果,林轩脸上也露出满意之色,他做事情更不含糊,雷厉风行一向是林轩的原则,当即就带领八百万修仙者出发了。
Tian State
tiān zhōu kǒu
天州口
As its name suggests, Tian State wasn't just a state—it was more accurately described as an island floating in the sky.
gù míng sī yì ． xī de zhè ge míng zì kě bú shì píng kōng dé lái dì ， ér shì yǒu lái lì 。
顾名思义．牺的这个名字可不是凭空得来地，而是有来历。
In fact, calling it Sky Island would be more fitting.
shuō qǐ lái , tiān zhōu yǔ qī xīng dǎo yún hǎi pǒ wèi xiāng sì ， dōu shì yī zuò jù dà de dǎo yǔ ． xuán fú zài tiān kōng lǐ 。
说起来,天州与七星岛云海颇为相似，都是一座巨大的岛屿．悬浮在天空里。
Tian State was approximately one million miles away from Yun State.
shuō shì tiān zhōu , qí shí jiǎng chéng tiān kōng zhī dǎo gèng jiā shì hé 。
说是天州,其实讲成天空之岛更加适合。
For mortals, this distance was utterly unattainable; even a lifetime wouldn't suffice to cover such a vast expanse. But for cultivators, it wasn't particularly noteworthy.
xī jù lí yún zhōu dà yuē yì bǎi wàn lǐ 。
牺距离云州大约一百万里。
However, the eight million cultivators participating in this alliance varied greatly in their cultivation levels. Lin Xuan couldn't possibly proceed at the pace of those lower-ranked cultivators.
zhè ge jù lí , duì yú fán rén lái shuō ， zì rán shì yáo bù kě jí , jiù suàn shì yī shēng , yě zǒu bú dào nà me yuǎn qù ， rán ér jiù xiū xiān zhě lái shuō , què bìng méi yǒu shén me liǎo bù qǐ 。
这个距离,对于凡人来说，自然是遥不可及,就算是一生,也走不到那么远去，然而就修仙者来说,却并没有什么了不起。
At that rate, reaching Tian State would take at least half a month. Speed was crucial; following the principles of military campaigns on Earth, Lin Xuan divided these cultivators into three groups: front, middle, and rear.
bù guò zhè cì huì méng de bā bǎi wàn xiū xiān zhě , xiū wèi cēn cī bù qǐ ， lín xuān dāng rán bù kě néng yóu zhè nà xiē dī jiē xiū shì de sù dù , huǎn huǎn ér xíng 。
不过这次会盟的八百万修仙者,修为参差不起，林轩当然不可能由这那些低阶修士的速度,缓缓而行。
The vanguard, led by him personally, consisted mainly of Bai Xuan Pavilion and Mo Jiao Valley, with other sects' elite cultivators as reinforcements. There were roughly a million members in this group.
nà yàng de huà , gǎn dào tiān zhōu , zhì shǎo yào bàn yuè de gōng fu , suǒ wèi bīng guì shén sù , lín xuān àn zhào shì sú xíng jūn dǎ zhàng de yuán zé ， jiāng zhè xiē xiū xiān zhě fēn wéi qián zhōng hòu sān zǔ 。
那样的话,赶到天州,至少要半月的功夫,所谓兵贵神速,林轩按照世俗行军打仗的原则，将这些修仙者分为前中后三组。
Although the number wasn't large, the proportion of high-ranking cultivators was outstanding. This part of the vanguard played an assault role.
qián fēng yóu tā qīn zì shuài lǐng ， yǐ bài xuān gé hé mò jiāo gǔ wéi zhǔ , zài fǔ yǐ qí tā zōng mén jiā zú de jīng ruì xiū xiān zhě , rén shù dà yuē zài yì bǎi wàn zuǒ yòu 。
前锋由他亲自率领，以拜轩阁和墨蛟谷为主,再辅以其他宗门家族的精锐修仙者,人数大约在一百万左右。
Less is more when it comes to troops; here, it was evident.
shù liàng bú shì hěn duō , dàn gāo shǒu de bǐ lì què jí wéi chū zhòng , wú tā , zhè bù fèn xiān fēng , qǐ de kě shì gōng jiān de zuò yòng 。
数量不是很多,但高手的比例却极为出众,无他,这部分先锋,起的可是攻坚的作用。
Apart from Lin Xuan, Bai Xuan Pavilion's Pavilion Master followed closely behind. With so many powerful cultivators, the vanguard moved swiftly and cleared the ancient devil's barriers first.
bīng guì jīng bù guì duō ． zài zhè lǐ ， kě yǐ shuō tǐ xiàn dé lín lí jìn zhì le 。
兵贵精不贵多．在这里，可以说体现得淋漓尽致了。
The middle group was led by Liu Ying, who, while not a close confidant of Lin Xuan, still had some connection to him. This group comprised the main forces from various sects and families, with varying cultivation levels but a substantial number—six million cultivators in total.
chú le lín xuān ， bài xuān gé shì wèi gé zhǔ yě gēn suí zài cè ， yóu yú gāo shǒu hěn duō ， suǒ yǐ xiān fēng de jìn zhǎn sù dù yě shì zuì kuài de 。
除了林轩，拜轩阁是为阁主也跟随在侧，由于高手很多，所以先锋的进展速度也是最快的。
As for the rearguard, it was led by Kang Xiaoru, consisting of one million human and demon cultivators. The numbers were similar to those in the vanguard, but their quality was incomparable; they were simply not on the same level.
yóu tā men shā bēn tiān zhōu , xiān jiāng gǔ mó shè xià de zhàng ài jìn zhì gěi qīng chú 。
由他们杀奔天州,先将古魔设下的障碍禁制给清除。
During the journey, there were no significant setbacks as ancient devils did not send anyone to harass them. Such tactics would be inconsequential given the current situation. The outcome hinged on both sides' combined strength.
zhì yú zhōng jūn , zé shì yóu liú yíng shuài lǐng de , tā suī rán tán bù shàng lín xuān de xīn fù , dàn zhì shǎo hái shì yǒu yuān yuán zài nà lǐ bǎi zhe ， shuō zì jǐ rén bù wèi guò 。
至于中军,则是由刘莹率领的,她虽然谈不上林轩的心腹,但至少还是有渊源在那里摆着，说自己人不为过。
In a narrow path, the brave prevail. Both sides were determined to settle everything in one decisive battle.
zhè bù fèn xiū shì ， nǎi shì gè zōng mén jiā zú de zhǔ lì ， xiū wèi cēn cī bù qǐ , dàn shèng zài shù liàng zhòng duō , zú zú yǒu liù bǎi wàn xiū xiān zhě 。
这部分修士，乃是各宗门家族的主力，修为参差不起,但胜在数量众多,足足有六百万修仙者。
On the morning of the second day, just as dawn broke, the vanguard of a million cultivators silently approached Tian State.
zhì yú hòu duì , zé shì yóu kāng xiào rú shuài lǐng le ， yě shì yì bǎi wàn xiū shì yāo zú , shù liàng yǔ xiān fēng chà bu duō ， rán ér jiù zhì liàng lái shuō ， què shì wán quán de bù kě tóng rì ér yǔ ， liǎng zhě gēn běn jiù bù zài yí gè shù liàng jí 。
至于后队,则是由康啸孺率领了，也是一百万修士妖族,数量与先锋差不多，然而就质量来说，却是完全的不可同日而语，两者根本就不在一个数量级。
Although it seemed slow from an external perspective, this was not a solitary journey; with such a large group of cultivators, the difference was significant.
gǎn lù de guò chéng zhōng , bìng méi yǒu yù jiàn bō zhé ， gǔ mó méi yǒu pài chū rén lái zī rǎo shén me , yīn wèi nà yàng de shǒu duàn shì wú ài dà jú de , shì qíng dào le zhè yī bù ． shuí shèng shuí fù , guān jiàn zài yú shuāng fāng de jí jié de shí lì rú hé 。
赶路的过程中,并没有遇见波折，古魔没有派出人来滋扰什么,因为那样的手段是无碍大局的,事情到了这一步．谁胜谁负,关键在于双方的集结的实力如何。
"This is Tian State."
xiá lù xiāng féng yǒng zhě shèng , shuāng fāng dōu dǎ dìng zhǔ yì , yào yī zhàn ér dìng qián kūn le 。
狭路相逢勇者胜,双方都打定主意,要一战而定乾坤了。
Many cultivators were visibly shocked upon seeing the massive island. Indeed, the size of Tian State could not be compared to Yun State.
liǎng tiān hòu de qīng chén , tiān gāng méng méng dà liàng , xiān fēng yì bǎi wàn xiū xiān zhě , yǐ wú shēng wú xī de jiē jìn le tiān zhōu 。
两天后的清晨,天刚蒙蒙大亮,先锋一百万修仙者,已无声无息的接近了天州。
But regardless, it was one of the twelve states. From an individual's perspective, it remained enormous.
biǎo miàn shàng kàn ． sù dù sì hū yǒu diǎn màn , dàn bú yào wàng le ， zhè bú shì yí gè rén zài gǎn lù , dà duì xiū shì jù jí , yǔ yí gè rén dú xíng ， nà kěn dìng shì yǒu hěn dà qū bié dì 。
表面上看．速度似乎有点慢,但不要忘了，这不是一个人在赶路,大队修士聚集,与一个人独行，那肯定是有很大区别地。
At this moment, the floating island was enveloped in thick demonic aura; there was no trace of primordial energy. The closer they got, the denser the demonic aura became, appearing shocking and terrifying.
“ zhè jiù shì tiān zhōu 。”
“这就是天州。”
Many cultivators involuntarily sucked in a cold breath.
wàng zhe yìng rù yǎn lián de páng rán dà wù ， bù shǎo xiū xiān zhě dōu bó rán sè biàn le , bù cuò ． tiān zhōu de miàn jī , nà què shí shì méi yǒu bàn fǎ yǔ yún zhōu xiāng bǐ 。
望着映入眼帘的庞然大物，不少修仙者都勃然色变了,不错．天州的面积,那确实是没有办法与云州相比。
This place no longer resembled a state within the human world; it looked more like the legendary ancient devil realm.
dàn bù guǎn rú hé , zǒng shì shí èr zhōu zhī yī ， cóng yí gè rén de shì jiǎo wàng guò qù ， nà yī jiù shì páng dà wú bǐ 。
但不管如何,总是十二州之一，从一个人的视角望过去，那依旧是庞大无比。
Could it be...
cǐ shí cǐ kè , zhè fēi xíng zài bàn kōng zhōng de dǎo yǔ bèi nóng nóng de mó qì bāo guǒ , líng qì zé shì fēn háo quán wú , yuè wǎng lǐ zǒu ， nà mó qì yuè fā de nóng mì , kàn shàng qù chù mù jīng xīn yǐ jí 。
此时此刻,这飞行在半空中的岛屿被浓浓的魔气包裹,灵气则是分毫全无,越往里走，那魔气越发的浓密,看上去触目惊心以极。
Before many could finish their thoughts, someone shouted: "Hey, what's that?"
shǒu jī * kàn αp］。
手机*看αp］。
In fact, this voice was not from any single cultivator but from several sharp-eyed ones who suddenly cried out. The others turned to follow their gaze.
hěn duō xiū xiān zhě dōu rěn bú zhù dào xī le yī kǒu liáng qì 。
很多修仙者都忍不住倒吸了一口凉气。
Subsequently, the expressions of most cultivators grew serious.
The Heavenly Cloud Twelve States. In terms of both area and its prominence in the cultivation world, they naturally ranked with Yun State at the top.
However, if we traced back a few million years to that ancient era, Yun State was nowhere near as formidable compared to Tian State.
Although its territory wasn't vast—only slightly smaller than Chong State—the quality of its spirit veins far surpassed those in Yun State. Moreover, it was brimming with countless rare treasures and oddities. If there were any place in the human world that most resembled the Spirit Realm's environment, it would undoubtedly be Tian State.
Back then, Tian State had no other sects or families; they were entirely dominated by the Luo Family, which was indeed the de facto ruler of the Heavenly Cloud Twelve States. Neither humans nor demons needed to look down their noses at them.
However, the rise and fall of a sect is par for the course. The Luo Family would inevitably face periods when its strength waned, but there were still hundreds of元婴期 cultivators within the clan. Yet, the number of离合期 elders had dwindled to just two.
At that time, with the Seven Great Forces led by the Ten Thousand Buddha Sect flourishing immensely, their rise naturally clashed with Tian State's decline. They no longer wanted to rely on each other.
Thus, these seven sects joined forces and, along with some other families, launched a war against the Luo Family of Tian State and its followers.
The heavens lost their light; the winds changed color. Although cultivation battles never ceased in the cultivation world, this one could be described as a calamity. In terms of brutality, it was only surpassed by the ancient era when humans and demons eradicated the ancient devils.
All twelve states were swept up in this conflict, even affecting ordinary mortals who died or were injured in the hundreds of billions.
The heaviest losses fell on Tian State, for its main base was located there. The battlefield naturally centered around it.
In the final battle, the scene was apocalyptic. A small part of Tian State was utterly destroyed, and the remaining areas saw the primordial energy become extremely thin, no longer suitable for various spirit herbs to grow.
In other words, this once-desired cultivation holy land had deteriorated to a level similar to Chong State, where mortals could still reside, but cultivators abandoned it.
Of course, with time passing and changes in circumstances, Tian State's environment gradually recovered. Today, it was entirely under the control of ancient devils, leaving one to wonder what state it would be in since no cultivator had returned alive after investigating.
Three days passed quickly.
On a sunny morning, over eight million human and demon cultivators led by Lin Xuan set off for Tian State.
The previous day's display of power was highly successful. The accumulated resentment among the cultivators was swept away, replaced with joyous anticipation. With a powerful cultivator from the Spirit Realm leading them against ancient devils, they were certain to achieve ultimate victory.
Thus, Lin Xuan ordered them to be organized into groups and march toward Tian State in three days. These cultivators complied enthusiastically, and within just three short days, they were indeed fully reorganized.
For this result, satisfaction was evident on Lin Xuan's face. He acted decisively, always adhering to the principle of swift action. Immediately, he led the eight million cultivators out.
Tian State
As its name suggests, Tian State wasn't just a state—it was more accurately described as an island floating in the sky.
In fact, calling it Sky Island would be more fitting.
Tian State was approximately one million miles away from Yun State.
For mortals, this distance was utterly unattainable; even a lifetime wouldn't suffice to cover such a vast expanse. But for cultivators, it wasn't particularly noteworthy.
However, the eight million cultivators participating in this alliance varied greatly in their cultivation levels. Lin Xuan couldn't possibly proceed at the pace of those lower-ranked cultivators.
At that rate, reaching Tian State would take at least half a month. Speed was crucial; following the principles of military campaigns on Earth, Lin Xuan divided these cultivators into three groups: front, middle, and rear.
The vanguard, led by him personally, consisted mainly of Bai Xuan Pavilion and Mo Jiao Valley, with other sects' elite cultivators as reinforcements. There were roughly a million members in this group.
Although the number wasn't large, the proportion of high-ranking cultivators was outstanding. This part of the vanguard played an assault role.
Less is more when it comes to troops; here, it was evident.
Apart from Lin Xuan, Bai Xuan Pavilion's Pavilion Master followed closely behind. With so many powerful cultivators, the vanguard moved swiftly and cleared the ancient devil's barriers first.
The middle group was led by Liu Ying, who, while not a close confidant of Lin Xuan, still had some connection to him. This group comprised the main forces from various sects and families, with varying cultivation levels but a substantial number—six million cultivators in total.
As for the rearguard, it was led by Kang Xiaoru, consisting of one million human and demon cultivators. The numbers were similar to those in the vanguard, but their quality was incomparable; they were simply not on the same level.
During the journey, there were no significant setbacks as ancient devils did not send anyone to harass them. Such tactics would be inconsequential given the current situation. The outcome hinged on both sides' combined strength.
In a narrow path, the brave prevail. Both sides were determined to settle everything in one decisive battle.
On the morning of the second day, just as dawn broke, the vanguard of a million cultivators silently approached Tian State.
Although it seemed slow from an external perspective, this was not a solitary journey; with such a large group of cultivators, the difference was significant.
"This is Tian State."
Many cultivators were visibly shocked upon seeing the massive island. Indeed, the size of Tian State could not be compared to Yun State.
But regardless, it was one of the twelve states. From an individual's perspective, it remained enormous.
At this moment, the floating island was enveloped in thick demonic aura; there was no trace of primordial energy. The closer they got, the denser the demonic aura became, appearing shocking and terrifying.
Many cultivators involuntarily sucked in a cold breath.
This place no longer resembled a state within the human world; it looked more like the legendary ancient devil realm.
Could it be...
Before many could finish their thoughts, someone shouted: "Hey, what's that?"
In fact, this voice was not from any single cultivator but from several sharp-eyed ones who suddenly cried out. The others turned to follow their gaze.
Subsequently, the expressions of most cultivators grew serious.