The Four Fierce Axes quest in Phantom Blade Zero is likely the second quest players will acquire after completing Flesh Lily, beginning when a "Four Axes" case file is found in the Broken Puppet Valley.
This quest requires players to "uncover the truth behind the Four Axes Rebellion." The first major objective involves proceeding to the outpost and defeating the boss Peng Meng. Following this, the quest shifts to "gather evidence of the conspiracy against the Four Axes," which means locating seven additional 'Four Axes' case files scattered throughout the Weeping Creek Valley, in addition to the one initially found and another dropped by Peng Meng.
Here is a guide to the locations of these crucial case files:
- The first case file is found in the Broken Puppet Valley, inside a house on a table near the valley's bell.
- Another case file in Broken Puppet Valley is located on a corpse near the shrine.
- After passing the Rustblade Pavilion bell and before reaching the Outpost Courtyard bell, you'll find a case file on a table in an area where the game tutorializes a jump assassination.
- Near the Axemaster's Holding Cell bell, a case file rests on a table in an area where enemies have been eliminated by The Hunt.
- After acquiring The Hunter's Chain Sickle and using it to obtain the Sha Chi Tower Base Camp Key from the top of Sha-Chi Tower, unlock the door near the Creek Valley Plains Entrance bell. The case file is on a table in the forge area on the lower level of the tower.
- This case file is acquired through the Festering Secret quest. After defeating Peng Meng in the outpost, use the Dread Axe to smash a barrier. Once enemies are dealt with and you've spoken to the captain, deliver a letter to the lieutenant at the Long Pillar Overlook bell in the newly accessible area above. He will provide the sixth case file.
All of these locations are helpfully marked on the in-game map. The seventh case file requires progression into the Village of Lu region, after passing through the Crimson Forest. Upon receiving the Leave None Alive quest, players must return to the outpost. A barrier that previously blocked access will now be passable, revealing the location of the final case file.
Navigate into the area with houses, proceed into the Lady's Cave, and follow it to the exit. From there, use the Hunter's Sickles to reach the platform containing the last case file.
Deliver the Evidence to the Child of Insight
The quest's conclusion involves bringing all gathered evidence to the Child of Insight in Pangzhen, the game's fourth region. Players will need to progress through the Village of Lu to reach Pangzhen and then move a short distance into the town. A map marker will guide you to the objective.
Engage the Shadow Order guarding the marked building near the Pavillion of Knowledge Crossroads bell. Fight through three floors of masked enemies to obtain the key to the roof. Open the door on the top floor to find the Child of Insight on the roof outside. Speak with him about the Axemaster to receive your reward: the Blood Oath Dagger. This dagger Soul Tempers the Dread Axe once the ability is unlocked with Myst at the Orders underground tavern.