Qingzhou

Biodata

Geography

• Qingzhou lies far from Central Prefecture and, together with neighboring Yunzhou, is regarded as part of the empire's remote outer lands. 108
• It borders Yunzhou. 115
• Its terrain is described as harsh, with difficult mountains and dangerous waters; these conditions have historically hindered the emergence of Martial Dao Ultimate Realm experts. 115
• Major known locations include:
  • Yangzhou City — a major city and the site of the Qingzhou Martial Arts Tournament. 118
  • Nanfeng City — Li Xian's hometown. 156
  • Bai Liu City — site of Twin Camel Peaks and Crimson Viper Villa. 55 58
  • Xushan City — home of the Sword Holding Pavilion. 78
  • Yunliu City — a Qingzhou city discussed during the demon and rebel unrest. 55
  • Grand Canal — a major route connected to Qingzhou and the Canoe Gang's operations. 93 196

History

Demon and rebel crisis

Qingzhou suffered widespread disorder from demons and Green Lotus Sect rebels. The Demon Suppressing Division and local authorities in places such as Bai Liu City were heavily depleted, allowing surviving officials and strongmen to seize local control. 74

Li Xian's rise changed the balance of power. After killing the White Dragon Temple's Buddha Son, he was regarded as the foremost figure of Qingzhou's younger generation. 44 He later slew Crimson Viper Snake Demon, one of the Seventy-Two Demon Marshals, at Twin Camel Peaks in Bai Liu City. 55

Li Xian's continued campaigns drove most demons and rebel factions from Qingzhou. His actions restored order and earned him broad popular support. 109 149

Decline of the Five Great Sects

Qingzhou once had five major martial sects. By the period of the demon crisis, the Heartless Nunnery had ceased to exist, leaving four major sects. 92

The surviving Four Great Sects retained historical prestige and inherited foundations but lacked sufficiently strong experts to oppose Li Xian or independently stabilize Qingzhou. 92 109 Su Wanyue, leader of the Five Sect Alliance, sought Li Xian's help in uniting them. 92

• Sword Holding Pavilion — the foremost power of Xushan City; an ancient sword sect whose techniques have been passed down for a thousand years. 78
• Flying Flower Sect — led by Bai Yuliu, who was briefly installed as Qingzhou Martial Arts Alliance Leader. 119 123
• Flying Shadow Gate — one of the Four Great Sects. 79
• Heartless Nunnery — formerly one of the Five Great Sects; destroyed during the Qingzhou turmoil. 92

Demon Suppressing Division intervention

Following Qingzhou's stabilization, Eunuch Hai arrived from Central Prefecture and attempted to bring the province back under direct imperial control. He regarded the common people's loyalty to the Canoe Gang rather than the Great Gan royal family as a serious threat. 94 108

The Demon Suppressing Division organized the Qingzhou Martial Arts Tournament in Yangzhou City, excluding the Canoe Gang and intending to establish a rival martial alliance. 110 111 118 Bai Yuliu of the Flying Flower Sect was appointed Alliance Leader, though his position depended on Demon Suppressing Division backing. 123 124

Li Xian killed Bai Yuliu and defeated Eunuch Hai, ending the Central Prefecture faction's immediate attempt to control Qingzhou. 132 143

Consolidation under Li Xian

After the conflict with Eunuch Hai, Li Xian's influence expanded beyond the Canoe Gang. He brought Qingzhou's martial forces under his authority and was recognized as the province's true master. 166

By the later Youzhou conflict, Li Xian was described as controlling Qingzhou, Yunzhou, Youzhou, and the great desert through allied or subordinate forces. 515

Society and martial world

• Qingzhou has a thriving martial culture despite its difficult geography. 115
• Before Li Xian's rise, major sects secluded themselves while demons and rebels endangered civilians, generating popular dissatisfaction. 55
• Li Xian's campaigns against demons and rebels made the Canoe Gang a source of protection and public loyalty throughout the province. 106 149
• The Qingzhou Martial Arts Tournament drew more than ten thousand participants from known sects across the province. 118
• Rumors and political manipulation significantly influenced public perception during the conflict between the Canoe Gang and Demon Suppressing Division. 111 118

Notable events