Clear River

Biodata

Geography

• Clear River lies in Cloud Province, on Yu Kingdom's northeastern approach to the Southern Border Witch Country. Anning Prefecture is approximately 300 li from the Southern Border. 207
• The Clear River waterway connects to the Red River and, from there, the Grand Canal. 322
• Its proximity to the Ten Thousand Mountains made it strategically important after the discovery of the Immortal Tomb. 598
• Roebuck Ridge and other mountain areas near the settlement have repeatedly served as sites of demon-beast activity, Ghost Underworld Sect operations, and treasure hunting. 66 108 109

Administration and Development

History

Clear River's early Jianghu operated through local codes and clandestine networks. Its regional underworld cant recognized the Dark Eight Gates, including the Rong Branch of thieves, while the city's major powers were described as “One Alliance, Two Gangs, Three Families.” 4 111

The city became a focal point of the conflict with the Ghost Underworld Sect. Huaqing Sect disciples, Jiang Linxian, local factions, and later the Anning Guard all became involved in suppressing the sect's forces and demon beasts around Clear River. 44 66 83 132

The Imperial Court subsequently developed Clear River into a military and commercial hub. The Anning Guard protected the area, while the Trade Affairs Department enabled formal trade between Yu Kingdom and the Witch Kingdom. The city's expanding influence attracted major sects, commerce associations, military officers, and ambitious outside clans. 207 224 276

Following the relocation and expansion of Annan Garrison, Clear River became the foremost southern defensive position against threats from Purple Gold Palace and the Ten Thousand Mountains. Its eventual promotion to Qinghe Prefecture reflected both its strategic position and unprecedented prosperity. 358 381 598

Factions and Institutions

• Anning Guard — Imperial military force established in Clear River to suppress the Ghost Underworld Sect; later expanded into Annan Garrison. 132 358
• Heaven and Earth Alliance — A major local Jianghu organization with a Qinghe Branch; Li Rui joined it and later held authority in the Black Market. 45 46 73
• Blood Tiger Gang — One of Clear River's influential gangs; its leaders later sought to maintain good relations with Li Rui. 137 138
• Huaqing Sect — A major sect with disciples and elders active in Clear River during the Ghost Underworld Sect crisis. 44 71
• Trade Affairs Department — Government body overseeing the Yu–Witch trade route and Clear River's market operations. 209 224
• Heaven Origin Commerce Association — A major merchant association that formed an alliance with Li Rui's forces and established long-term interests in Clear River. 356 390
• Qingfeng Mountain Manor — A local sect power whose conflict with the Anning Guard was defused through negotiations with Li Rui. 137 138
• Thousand Crane Martial Hall — Martial hall established in Clear River by the Earth Immortal He Qiannian. 287 288

Economy and Resources

• Clear River's Black Market is a major venue for illicit and undervalued goods, including Spirit Medicine, Spirit Grass, Spirit Soil, and spirit ores. 73 74
• The city was selected as a trade center because it could support Yu Kingdom's planned formal commerce with the Witch Kingdom. 207
• Its market successfully attracted merchants from across the realm after the Trade Affairs Department and Anning Guard secured replacement goods from Qinghe households. 224
• The discovery of a spirit mine at Qinghe Enclosure drew negotiations among Yu Kingdom, the Witch Kingdom, and Qingwei Sect; Li Rui was appointed its guardian. 417
• After becoming Qinghe Prefecture, Clear River's prosperity grew to the point of potentially surpassing Yongning Prefecture as the south's leading prefecture. 598

River God and Local Beliefs

Clear River's residents long believed in a River Dragon King. Older stories included the drowning of a Zhu Family child and subsequent animal sacrifices intended to appease the supposed deity. 317

The belief gained tangible support when Little White Flood Dragon—an officially consecrated River God—returned to the river. It raised waves without allowing drowning victims to perish, then bowed before Li Rui in full view of the city's residents. 317

• Little White Flood Dragon — Official River God of Clear River; later recognized by the populace as the River Dragon King. 302 317
• Li Rui — His public association with the River God greatly strengthened his reputation among Clear River's residents. 317

Notable Residents and Figures

• Li Rui — A long-time resident who rose from Zhu Family groom to a leading Anning Guard official and one of Clear River's central powers. 46 359
• Jiang Linxian — Powerful Huaqing Sect expert whose actions helped destroy the Ghost Underworld Sect's Clear River branch. 83
• Iron Madman — Divine Weapon Manor weaponsmith and one of Clear River's two Innate masters after Li Rui's breakthrough. 339
• Nie Siming — Anning Guard commander and Li Rui's close ally in Clear River's military affairs. 381
• Liang He — Li Rui's eldest disciple and an important figure in the Heaven and Earth Alliance's later affairs. 319
• Liu Tong — Li Rui's disciple and president of the Heaven and Earth Alliance Commerce Association. 356