Phantom Blade Zero features a variety of side quests that offer additional lore, rewards, and insights into the game's world. Among these are the questlines for the herbalist Yu'er and the carriage driver Old Man Gen, which players can undertake as they progress through the Wulin.
Yu'er's Quests
You encounter Yu'er early in your journey in the Weeping Creek Valley, near the river. After defeating Peng Meng the Axemaster and reaching the Outpost, she relocates near Forge, the NPC who handles weapon upgrades. Yu'er's quests primarily involve gathering herbs and flowers, and at times, facing challenging enemies.
Apprentice Healer and Flesh Lily
For the 'Apprentice Healer' quest, you'll need to collect three specific herbs in the Weeping Creek Valley: Blood-Stopper Vine, found by the river east of the Axemaster's Holding Cell; Congealeaf, located in a large optional area at the base of the Sha-Chi Tower after completing 'Deep in the Valley'; and Blemish Goldweed, situated near the Lóng Pillar. Completing this quest rewards you with the Medicine Case accessory, which increases the health restoration of medicines by 20%.
The 'Flesh Lily' quest requires you to defeat a boss named Hua, the Betrothed. This encounter takes place on the ground floor of the Sha-Chi Tower. Look for an opening with a sloping bridge that leads Soul to slide down into an area with a pond. Beyond the pond is a gravesite where the boss battle occurs. Hua drops the Scarlet Wraithblade. After the fight, be sure to collect the Flesh Lily quest item from the area.
Healer's Mercy
Later in the game, Yu'er can be found in the Crimson Forest region, specifically within the Thieves' Camp. Here, she aims to tend to wounded thieves. You will need to locate four NPCs who require aid. One is in the tunnel near the Outlaw Trap bell, another is in the cellar where Quick Hand Zhang's treasure can be found, and a third is at the bottom of a ladder near Cliffside Lodge. While in the cellar, consider obtaining the Thieves’ Camp Dungeon Key. The fourth NPC is within the Thieves’ Camp dungeon, accessible with the key. After assisting them, Yu'er will gift you the Calming Gourd accessory, which allows you to recover from guard-breaks and prevents sha-chi consumption for three seconds upon using medicines.
Completing Yu'er's side quests is necessary before concluding the main objectives in the Crimson Forest. Revisiting previous zones later in the game may also unlock further related quests.
Old Man Gen's Quests
Old Man Gen, a carriage driver, is introduced early in the game. He can later be found in the Village of Lu, on a second-floor landing, while you are evading Maskwalkers. After clearing the enemies in the vicinity, speak with him to accept two quests: 'Leave None Alive' and 'The Journey Home'.
Leave None Alive
To complete 'Leave None Alive', you must return to the Outpost in Weeping Creek Valley and the Thieves’ Camp in Crimson Forest. In Weeping Creek Valley, you will find that most NPCs have turned hostile, with the exception of Forge. Defeat the Bronze Man monk in the Outpost to acquire a quest item. You can then proceed across a previously barricaded bridge. In the Crimson Forest, the NPCs are dead, but hostiles remain. Defeat them to obtain another quest item. These items can be delivered to two NPCs in the Village of Lu: the Wounded Thief near the Smuggler’s Tunnel Entrance, who rewards the Arrowward accessory (improves defense against ranged damage), and the Stately Monk in the Survivors’ Courtyard, who grants the Agarwood Prayer Beads (increases sha-chi recovery after guard-breaks).
The Journey Home
'The Journey Home' requires you to reach Pangzhen, the game's fourth major region. Progress through the main quest until you acquire the Flaming Mane Phantom Edge, which allows you to burn obstructive vines and brambles. Use this ability to access the southwestern part of the city, leading to rooftops and a cliffside section. Gen's house is marked on the map. Inside, you will discover that his wife has passed away. Retrieve the Dusty Old Wooden Comb and return it to Gen. Afterward, continue the main campaign.
Meigu Lake Encounter
Much later in the game, you will encounter Old Man Gen again in Meigu Lake. Travel to the frozen fishing village in the northwestern part of the zone. Upon docking, a cutscene will play where Gen thanks you for your assistance before passing away peacefully. At this point, you will receive the War Wagon, a destructive Phantom Edge that summons a ramming carriage; the Old Wooden Comb, a Soul Temper material to upgrade the War Wagon's damage; and Old Man Gen’s Memory Flower, which permanently increases your health by 5%.