Anecdotes

The tales you hear about each place, from the people and the things you find there, in the game's own words. Pick a region, or find one by a name or a line you remember.

Eastern Peak · 60

At the foothills of Mount Tai lies the axis of the world and the cradle of civilization. Clear springs, laboring artisans, and the cranes' calls create a tapestry of nature, man, and beast. When learned men cross paths here, they ask only…

Talent Knows No BoundsPrimary Academy PersonnelTo provide early education for Qingzhou's youth, the Inkbound Order opened a primary academy in Wellspring Town. True to their philosophy of…
The Scholar's BlessingGu XiaohuThe Primary Academy's outer walls display "Top Scholar Papers" honoring past valedictorians. Students often gather here to kowtow, hoping to catch…
Students' History PlayYi ShushiMaster Yi, the history master, is the Primary Academy's most beloved instructor. Beyond his vivid storytelling, he brings lessons to life through…
Washing Hands in the Golden BasinGolden Basin Escort Agency PersonnelHu Yue leads the Golden Basin Escort Agency, but his forebears were once outlaws. After the Inkbound Order cleared Qingzhou of bandits, his family…
Wu's Billowing SashesPeople in Pinemist PavilionHidden within Pinemist Pavilion, an old painter has spent years perfecting his brushwork. He expertly forges the Presentation of Buddha, replicating…
Record of Paper Kite CraftsLiu's Kite Workshop PersonnelLiu's Kite Workshop in Wellspring Town is renowned across Qingzhou for its soft-winged kites. Decimated by war, the family was reduced to a single…
The Stone Desk of MediationOffice PersonnelWellspring Town's Office is severely understaffed, scraping by with a single head constable and a few bailiffs dispatched by the Patrol and…
Origins of WellspringLin JingxingWellspring Town is named for its legendary gushing springs. During the Shang Dynasty, water from River Luo erupted from the rocks, earning the title…
Crooked WealthPeople in Pinemist PavilionWith peace restored to Qingzhou, Pinemist Pavilion's pawn business is barely turning a profit, yet the Huang family remains suspiciously wealthy. The…
Prize-Winning LeeksYi GencongThe Inkbound Order also boasts profound agricultural expertise. This year's Crownleek Contest winners were grown under the direct guidance of the…
Visiting ScholarsDajiuThe Inkbound Order maintains an open-door policy. Regardless of their sect, anyone with a true thirst for knowledge is welcome to enroll and study…
Wellspring KitesHe FengThe ancient Wellspring Town boasts a long lineage of master artisans. Built with bamboo frames and plain paper wings, their unmatched kites soar…
Charity MarketDu Yukun, Xie FangfeiOpening on the first and fifteenth of every month, the three-day Everbloom Charity Bazaar draws massive crowds. Locals and travelers flock here…
Tranquil Pier's SaltmakersLi Li, Jiao Hong, Wang Jianghe, Wang JianghaoTranquil Pier is a melting pot of native farmers and displaced migrants. Regardless of their origins, all residents master the area's unique…
Threats from the SouthShort-Legged Dragon, Strategist Liu, Hong ChengjiAfter Lin Xiansheng was ambushed by southern forces, Xiao Heyi assumed control of all southern affairs. Currently, both are absent from Qingzhou…
Origins of Crownleek TerraceChu Xiaoshan, Old Man Wang, Granny WangOnce known as Wang Village, this alluvial plain was cursed with damp, saline soil. Unable to survive the meager harvests, villagers fled, leaving…
Inkbound Order FieldFu Erdai, Zuo TijiaProlonged warfare left academies underfunded, buildings crumbling, and students scarce. To revive scholarship, the Inkbound Order relied on "school…
A Land of PotentialLu WenxinWhere others saw only a waterlogged wasteland, the Inkbound Order disciples saw hidden potential. They knew human effort and ingenuity could mend the…
Mutual GrowthDuan Sijing, Wang SijiaTransforming this wasteland into a thriving agricultural hub took both the disciples and the local elders. Stepping out of the classroom, the…
The Fated ScallionsYan DacongDespite their meticulous planning, the Inkbound Order didn't choose to plant leeks. The leeks found this land first. The region's current prosperity…
The Art of PromotionZou Shenggui, He Zhihe, Sha TangjuTo revitalize the area, the Inkbound Order built a strong reputation, hosted grand competitions, and opened bustling markets. These community-focused…
Taking RootQiao RunThe refugees Lin Xiansheng rescued at Zhongdu Bridge have since found their footing. Some settled in Qingzhou, while others joined the Inkbound Order.
Terrace WrestlingCheng JiuwenThe Inkbound Order has openly shared its ancient martial moves. Martial artists from across the realm now flock to the terrace to spar, mastering the…
Origins of the Chariot RacesApex Chariot Contest FlyerThe Inkbound Order originally used war chariots solely for ancient Zhou ceremonial rites. However, after a wanderer used one to rout a bandit army…
Mystery of the Dragon Treasure ShipGolden Basin Escort Agency PersonnelRumor claims Hu Yue's late father was once a bandit. Eight years ago, his father's sworn brother arrived on behalf of Chieftain Du with a request…
The Living SignboardGolden Basin Escort Agency PersonnelKnown as Divine Fist Li, the escort captain of the Golden Basin Escort Agency can conquer dragons and tigers with his bare hands. He is the agency's…
Tales of WarWellspring Town CommonersEndless wars from the late Tang to the early Later Zhou dynasties ravaged the Central Plains, driving refugees to Qingzhou's ports by boat. Today…
Hidden MastersWellspring Town CommonersAs the proverb goes, the minor hermit hides in the wild, while the true master hides in the city. Beneath its tranquil surface, Wellspring Town is a…
Century-Old EateryZhang MoA beloved dumpling house passed down through the generations for over a century. Despite the years, its classic flavors remain completely unchanged.
A Debt of RebirthOld Man LiuA wooden plaque hangs in the dumpling house, gifted by He Dai, an Inkbound Order disciple whose life was saved by Zhang Mo.
Mountain Patrol WarriorZhang Mo, He Dai, Li MuZhang Mo lost his young son in the mountains. Driven by grief, he began patrolling the wilderness alone, eventually rescuing the wounded Inkbound…
The NewcomerZhang XinZhang Xin, a mountain forager who recently arrived in town, rents a room from Zhang Quan's family. Though a man of few words, he is resilient…
Close as FamilyLi Kaize, Bai Zhu'erVeteran mountain foragers Li Kaize and Bai Zhu'er have become like family to the Zhangs over the years. Bai Zhu'er shares a particularly tight…
Mountain VendorsTong Fugui, Li Qingxi, Yun JianshuiTong Fugui, Li Qingxi, and Yun Jianshui have run stalls at the base of the mountain for years. The blunt Li Qingxi constantly bickers with Tong…
Reviving the LandLi Li, Huang QiushuiJust as students need tailored teaching, land needs tailored cultivation. Guided by veteran farmers, the Inkbound Order disciples built raised…
Farm RecessHe YiweiAligning its schedule with the seasons, the Inkbound Order holds an annual Farm Recess. Disciples travel the realm to survey where beneficial herbs…
The Bowmen MilitiaHu JianshuiTo combat rampant banditry, Lin Xiansheng organized the Vigilante Society. Led by the wealthiest or most skilled locals, villagers arm themselves at…
Hidden ThreatsBanditsWith Lin Xiansheng and Xiao Heyi away from Qingzhou, someone is secretly bribing local bandits in a plot to seize control of the region.
The Four WondersZhang HefuQingzhou is renowned for its "Four Scenic Wonders": Mount Tai, the Yellow River, Spring Surge, and Laizhou Bay. Each is hailed as an unmatched…
Origins of Cloudwalk StreetDu SusuRockspire Street began under Wang Shifan's rule as a few humble tea and fruit stalls beneath the Southern Heavenly Gate. While chaos reigned…
The Enduring Stone StepsLi JiaEmperor Zhuangzong of the Later Tang restored this entire mountain stairway for his sacred sacrifices on Mount Tai. Though his empire later…
Venerable FengRockspire Street KidLocal nursery rhymes claim Rockspire Street was named by a white-haired elder surnamed Feng, who passed through during a storm. Rumor has it he once…
Three Rules of CommerceDong CunliTo maintain order during wartime, merchants established a strict code: never cheat strangers, never gouge prices, and treat everyone equally. Thanks…
Roots of KnowledgeRoots of KnowledgeThe Inkbound Order Archives occupy a prime coastal spot in Qingzhou. Meanwhile, its disciples have expanded their reach, establishing branch archives…
Tan Zhen's OriginHuixinDuring the Tang Dynasty's Zhenyuan era, a Qingzhou merchant and his son traveled to Pengcheng to sell jujubes. Tragically, the father died on the…
Seedling TempleDaokongOnce known as Jujube Pit Temple, this sanctuary survived many calamities to become a hub for Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Realizing salvation…
The Historians of JianghuLu Tian, Wang PingAs the jianghu's official historians, the Inkbound Order is deeply trusted by countless sects. The Northern Vow, for instance, frequently invites Lin…
A Macabre RumorOld Man LiuDark rumors haunt this area. Long ago, a weathered inn stood here before becoming the site of a gruesome massacre. Ever since that bloody night…
A Debt of GratitudeSun YanzaoAfter a devastating flood, the Inkbound Order disciples helped locals rebuild their village on the receded land. Deeply moved, the villagers remain…
The Nameless FeastXie WenqianYears ago, starving refugees sought shelter in an abandoned temple. Overnight, a full feast miraculously appeared on the offering table. The…
Mercy GoddessNing XiaofanThe Sea Goddess watches over the coast, blessing the villagers with peace and prosperity. In return for her divine protection, locals have devoutly…
Honey PeachesGranny TaoTranquil Pier's honey peaches are famous for their vibrant color and crisp, sweet flavor. The region's location, exactly where the great river meets…
The Nameless SwordswomanAunt LuoYears ago, an anonymous swordswoman saved the village from rampant bandits, vanishing without a trace once the chaos ended. Unaware of her true…
Declining Unearned GloryYun CaiqinSince the nameless swordswoman wore a veil, villagers often mistook similarly attired Inkbound Order disciples for their savior. Refusing to claim…
A Diet of Sea and StreamQian MoliLiving by the coast for generations, the villagers survive by fishing and shrimping. Naturally, fresh seafood is a daily staple on every household's…
The Meatball AnecdoteYu YuanyuanDuring his eastern campaign with Emperor Shizong in the Xiande era, the Emperor stopped here to help locals eliminate a vicious tyrant. Deeply…
Old Tales of Salt CrystalsZhou YanpuBrineflower Bank is the original site of Tranquil Pier. Severe floods once forced the villagers to flee, but when the waters finally receded, many…
The Burden of SaltXu BaobinSalt boiling is grueling work. To produce just a single load, coastal cooks must haul heavy buckets of seawater on their shoulders, walking back and…
Quzhan SaltFeng MinxueThis land once belonged to the ancient State of Qi, which built its vast wealth and regional dominance on the lucrative salt trade. Their traditional…
Mystery of the Shattered StatueYang ShannuA wealthy household of Qingzhou was personally conveying a Guanyin statue to Seedling Temple when a startled horse knocked down a refugee. A healer…

Penglai · 24

Penglai is a great island rising from the boundless sea. Its shores stretch across ten thousand acres of surging waves, where mirage towers drift in and out of sight. It is the armillary pivot of the age, the fathomless deep of Cultural…

Twin Mavens LegendsAntiquity HallLin Xiansheng and Xiao Heyi were both born into Jiangnan State families of letters. Heedless of the divide between the northern and southern literary…
Poison from the SouthSima GuIt is said that Lin Xiansheng was once afflicted by a deadly poison, leaving him with strength enough for but three sword strikes for the rest of his…
Scholars of LunanArchives DenizenThe Inkbound Order maintains a research academy in the Lunan region - a retreat for distinguished scholars well-versed in the classics. It lies far…
Inkbound SchoolsTri-Study Hall DenizenThe Inkbound Order houses three great Study Halls: Literary Hall, Antiquity Hall, and Prudence Hall. Literary Hall specializes in the study of…
Three Making a JourneyArchives DenizenOnce an Inkbound Order disciple has completed their studies, they may venture out on exploration with the leave of their masters. After each full…
Rule of Ten SagesYin Zhizhen, Steward of the Vigilance PavilionThe Inkbound Order holds the Ten Sages in highest honor, with the Twin Mavens standing foremost among them, and the Laureate taking precedence over…
Lone Guardian of QingzhouZhong YuNot long ago, Lin Xiansheng and Xiao Heyi received urgent word that a matter of great importance required their presence in the north - and their…
Tang Xinci's StoryArchives DenizenTang Xinci knew hardship from a young age. In her youth, she ventured alone to Lone Cloud, where she broke through the Water Mountain Formation and…
Legacy of the SagesArchives Denizen"Long has the Way been absent from the world. Heaven shall make the Master its Clarion Chime." In the second year of Tianyu, Zhu Wen cast covetous…
Top of the WorldTianyi Tower DenizenIn the waning years of the Tang dynasty, Elder Changle made a solemn vow with Sage Liu, one of the Ten Sages of that era, to seek out and reclaim the…
Boat of PaperLiu YasiIn the wake of the Baima Incident, the Inkbound Order's collected texts were carried away by its disciples and scattered to the far corners of the…
Two FacesArchives DenizenSince the days of Elder Changle, the Inkbound Order has seen three generations of Laureate. It is said that the Laureate of the previous generation…
Engraving Without RestLu Sanchi, Artisan of the Printing WorkshopSince Elder Changle oversaw the founding of the Printing Workshop, the Inkbound Order has steadily come to command the most advanced techniques of…
Engraving for RevenuePrinting WorkshopIt is said that during Elder Changle's lifetime, he oversaw the engraving and printing of The Nine Classics - a deed that marked the very first…
Mysterious SevenArchives DenizenOf the ten Sages of the Inkbound Order, none save the Twin Mavens and Tang Xinci hold station in Qingzhou, each, it seems, has their own place to be…
Hands-On in All ThingsArchives DenizenThough the Inkbound Order holds many duties to be attended - guarding, patrol, and the keeping of provisions among them - no servants are hired; all…
Literary PatriarchXuan Benchu, the Hall of Friendship StewardThe Inkbound Order stands as the leading academy throughout the realm, though the names by which it was known in ages past are now difficult to…
Hundred Days DebateArchives DenizenLin Xiansheng once held a hundred-day banquet at the Debating Hall, extending invitations far and wide to men of letters throughout the realm to sit…
Scholar and OfficialCheng Zhiyi, the Wendao Hall StewardLearning knows no bounds, and the Inkbound Order often extends invitations to renowned scholars from across the realm to come to Wendao Hall and…
Visitor from JianghuArchives DenizenThe Inkbound Order opens its gates to learning and conducts itself with goodwill toward all. Many bold souls of Jianghu have come drawn by its…
The Master's WallRen Woxue, the Visiting ScholarThe entrance to the Inkbound Order's Archives bears neither lintel nor threshold - only two towering walls, each yards in height, laden with meaning…
Arriving at the Long PavilionAround the Steed-Watering PavilionAt the crossroads that all must pass through outside the Inkbound Order stands the Steed-Watering Pavilion, where visitors who have journeyed far to…
Scholarly DebateArchives DenizenThe Hundred Days Debate first set the tradition of discourse within the Inkbound Order, and ever since, students of the Order have gathered in the…
Reviving KnowledgeArchives DenizenAll paper used within the Inkbound Order comes from the Paper Mill. Every worn page from the book repository, every scrap left from the printing…

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