Phantom Blade Zero's "Severed Mindseal" quest requires players to find and assist the Friendly Shadow Warden. This elusive NPC can be encountered in several key areas, typically situated atop a Sha-Chi Tower, and requests Primal Stones. This guide details the locations of the Friendly Shadow Warden and the associated Sha-Chi Towers, along with steps to acquire the necessary Primal Stones.
Weeping Creek Valley
The initial encounter with the Friendly Shadow Warden takes place atop the Sha-Chi Tower in Weeping Creek Valley. This location is a mandatory stop during the main quest. Players will need to reach the highest level of the tower, interact with a bell, and then speak to the Warden. After this, players must find a glowing item, the Sha-Chi Furnace Inspection Crank, on the opposite side of the structure. Descend to the ground level, use the crank on the furnace to reveal a hatch, and collect the Primal Stone. Return this stone to the Friendly Shadow Warden to complete the first stage of the quest.
Meigu Lake
The second meeting with the Friendly Shadow Warden occurs in Meigu Lake, accessible later in the game. The Sha-Chi Tower entrance can be reached via a bridge at the end of a cliffside path. A Powderkeg enemy can destroy rubble blocking a lift that leads to an optional boss. To find the Primal Stone, players need to use a boat from the Pangzhen docks to reach the northeastern side of the tower, where an entrance to the tower's underbelly is located. Follow the main passageway from the Pangzhen Sha-Chi Tower Dock bell, defeating enemies. A second bell, Pangzhen Sha-Chi Tower Lower Passage, marks the path forward. Continue to the outer section, mantle onto wooden ledges, and find a third bell, Pangzhen Sha-Chi Tower Lower Exterior. Navigate past Shadow Wardens on a rope bridge and slide down a metal pipe. Climb a tall ladder to reach the machinery core. The crank is already in place; turn it to obtain the Primal Stone. Return to the main entrance area and proceed to the top to give the stone to the Friendly Shadow Warden. An optional boss, Zhu Yuan the Searing Blade, found in the tower's depths, drops the Scorching Flames, a material for late-game weapon upgrades.
Crimson Forest
The Friendly Shadow Warden also appears in the Crimson Forest Sha-Chi Tower, an area not accessible during the initial playthrough. This region becomes accessible later when parts of the Crimson Forest are covered in snow and rivers freeze over, a world state change likely tied to the Triple Threat/Three-Eyed Puppet quest. The entrance to the Sha-Chi Tower is found by heading south from the Burial Grounds bell. The cavern leads to a frozen river, allowing safe passage into the tower. Ascend the stairs to the upper section and speak with the Friendly Shadow Warden. A smaller lift near him provides access to the lower level. Exit the lift and circle around until the Primal Stone and the Crimson Forest Sha-Chi Tower Key are visible. After handing over the third Primal Stone, the Warden will acknowledge the completion of his task. Additionally, the key found alongside the Primal Stone can be used on a nearby locked door. This door leads to the very top of the structure, where three NPCs offer their own quests and rewards, including Soul Temper materials for specific weapons. Players may also wish to revisit Meigu Lake to complete Old Man Gen's story and the Mountain of Imprisonment to assist Liu Yi/Moji and Bai Xue.