The "Whence the Weeping" side quest in Phantom Blade Zero begins early in the game, presenting players with the objective to "find the source of the weeping." Unlike other early-game side missions, this quest requires players to progress further into the main campaign to fully resolve it.
Quest Progression
The "Whence the Weeping" quest is divided into several stages, some of which only unlock after advancing the main story or speaking with specific characters about the weeping sounds the protagonist, Soul, has been hearing. Following the quest markers on the map is the most effective way to progress.
Initial Steps in Weeping Creek Valley
Players will first encounter the quest shortly after Soul awakens following a carriage sequence in the Weeping Creek Valley. While the immediate objective is to find the source of the weeping, players cannot resolve it at this point. However, during the "Against the Flow" main quest, players can speak with a character named Yu'er. Selecting the dialogue option to "Ask about the Woman's Weeping" will provide a clue, but the quest must be left unresolved until later.
Crimson Forest and Village of Lu
After progressing past the Weeping Creek Valley, the quest marker for "Whence the Weeping" will direct players to the end of the Crimson Forest map. To advance the quest, players must defeat the final boss in this area. Following this, the quest will eventually lead players to the Village of Lu, where they can speak with a character named Jewel. Inquiring about the "faint weeping" will reveal that the sound might be coming from Chord, the daughter of Inanis, who may be in need of help. This conversation updates the quest objective to suggest investigating the northern mountains.
Reaching Meigu Lake and the Mountain of Imprisonment
To access the northern mountains, players must first navigate to Meigu Lake. This requires defeating the Flame, the Mask-Bound Lion Dance Grandmaster, a boss encountered during the main quest in Pangzhen. Upon defeating this boss, players will obtain the "Dormant Flaming Mane" item, which can be repaired by Lei Dang in Jingyang Hall into the "Flaming Mane phantom edge." This item is needed to clear a path blocked by roots near the Pavilion of Knowledge Crossroads, leading to the docks for Meigu Lake.
Before proceeding to the Mountain of Imprisonment, it is advised to complete the "Illusory Pipa" side quest. The entrance to the Mountain of Imprisonment, the Weeping Mistgate, is located on the northeastern side of Meigu Lake and is obscured by mist that can only be dispelled with the Illusory Pipa.
Final Confrontation and Quest Completion
Upon reaching the Mountain of Imprisonment, players must defeat its final boss, Huangxing, the Kunlun Renegade. This victory yields the "Flying Guillotine phantom edge." This tool is used to activate a mechanism in the boss room, opening a path to the quest's resolution. Descending into this area will complete the "Whence the Weeping" quest and reward players with the "Inani's Radiant Fan phantom edge."