Phantom Blade Zero features a side quest called Secrets of the Heart of the Lake, which requires players to find four Acolyte Masks scattered throughout the game's world. These masks are key to accessing a secret area and progressing certain narrative threads.
The quest begins in the Village of Lu after collecting Firefly's Memory Flowers and defeating a secret boss named Dusk. Players are then tasked with finding a way to enter a strange realm, for which the Acolyte Masks are essential.
Village of Lu: Yanru’s Acolyte Mask
The first mask is located in the Village of Lu. Players must progress through the main quest until they reach the farming fields in the northern part of the map. A scarecrow near a training area with shield puppets triggers a boss battle against Yanru, a pyromancer. Yanru attacks with rapid fireballs and can summon duplicates that also launch flaming orbs. Perfect dodges are crucial for closing the distance and dealing damage, especially when she creates an explosion aura. The Flameward accessory, found later in Pangzhen, can help mitigate fire damage.
Pangzhen: Leiting’s Acolyte Mask
In the town of Pangzhen, obtaining the second mask involves defeating the Lion Dance Grandmaster to acquire the Flaming Mane. This allows players to burn away brambles and vines, opening access to the southwestern cliffside. Following a path indicated by Old Man Gen's quest leads to a scarecrow imbued with lightning. The ensuing boss fight is against Leiting, an electrokinetic foe who uses lightning attacks and can create expanding electrified fields. The Thunderward accessory, also found in Pangzhen, offers assistance in this encounter.
Meigu Lake: Guhe’s Venom Mask
The third mask is found in Meigu Lake, specifically at the Meigu Village East Dock. On the southern part of the island, a scarecrow surrounded by birds marks the location of a boss battle against Guhe, who wields poisonous toxins. Guhe also summons clones that throw venomous projectiles. Players should focus on sidestepping and executing precise dodges when a green circle appears beneath them to teleport behind Guhe. The Preservation Jar accessory from the Crimson Forest can mitigate poison damage, and the Green Serpent Brew can cure status effects.
Crimson Manor: Hansui’s Frost Mask
The final Acolyte Mask is located deep within the Crimson Manor. This area features a two-phase boss fight. Initially, players must defeat the Puppet Scavenger, a slow but hard-hitting enemy. Upon reaching 50% health, the second boss, Hansui, appears and uses ice spells that can chill and freeze the player. The Green Serpent Brew is essential for breaking free from a freeze, and the Frostward accessory can help reduce the effects of ice. The Puppet Scavenger remains frozen during the fight with Hansui, allowing players to defeat it after Hansui is vanquished. This encounter also rewards players with the Alloyed Scythe Blade and the Crystal Puppet Eye: Yang, a key item for the game's secret ending.
Accessing the Discordance Realm
Once all four Acolyte Masks are collected, players should travel to the northwestern part of Meigu Lake and dock at the fishing village in the frozen shoals. From there, find the second bell, known as the Four Guardian’s Mirror. Interacting with the mirror using the collected masks will shatter the glass, transporting players to the Meigu Lake’s Discordance realm. This area contains further loot such as Memory Flowers, Soul Temper Fragments, and Quick Hand Zhang treasures, and culminates in a challenging boss fight.