Heaven-Cleaving Abyss

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Misty Soul Bay, a perilous stretch along the Qingyuan River, was perpetually shrouded in white fog. Those who entered were easily lost, unable to find their way back. Save for a handful of reckless fishermen, no one dared approach; it was a place of first-class danger. Deep within Misty Soul Bay, a peninsula jutted forth, its back pressed against the mountains and stretching into the waters—a shape reminiscent of a great fish leaping halfway from the river. The island was thickly wooded, exuding a tranquil and secluded air.

Hidden in the heart of this dense forest stood a mountain stronghold, silent and watchful as a wolf, coldly observing the world beyond, biding its time with patient calculation. This was the infamous lair of the River-Ravaging Bandits—Muyu Island.

Though Misty Soul Bay was treacherous, its outer reaches were calm and peaceful, forming an important commercial waterway that linked Qinghe County with the prefectural city, yielding abundant profits. The River-Ravaging Bandits set a carp free here, claiming it was an offering to the Dragon King of the River to bless passing merchants. Then they established a checkpoint: every trading caravan had to pay a hefty toll, or risk vanishing into the fog, goods and lives alike.

The officials of Qinghe County had mounted several campaigns to root out the bandits, but each time, the outlaws withdrew into Misty Soul Bay, relying on the natural defenses to thwart pursuit. Over time, the authorities grew weary of the cost in men and money, while the bandits’ reputation only grew. In