Bishui Cave is Chapter 5's secret area. The map is large but the loot barely hides, so collection pressure is low. Rewards include two curios, a medicine formula, a meditation spot, a spirit, a weapon, and a pile of endgame weapon materials. Best of all: the questline is immune to story progress — it can never be missed, and works identically post-game.
Step 1: first meeting at Ashen Pass I
The questline starts at Ashen Pass I in Chapter 5. The Pale-Axe Stalwart attacks on sight — beat him to trigger a conversation: he wants the nearby war carts destroyed.
There are two carts, both parked on the main path, so normal progression kills them. Afterward, return and talk to him until the dialogue loops.
Step 2: rematch at the temple
Teleport to the chapter's temple shrine (main path, unmissable) — he's here, mid-battle with another war cart. Beat the cart, talk, and leave once the dialogue repeats.
Destroyed the first two carts but forgot to report back? No problem — the quest ignores chapter progress and can't be missed. Post-game, all three prerequisite carts count as already destroyed: talk to him at the first pass, then follow the flow to the temple.
Step 3: entering Bishui Cave
- Teleport to the shrine just before the chapter's final boss;
- Walk back the way you came to find a hidden side area;
- Follow the path to the end and unlock the shrine there;
- Save, push forward, and a cutscene-triggered fight begins;
- After winning, touch the ice to enter Bishui Cave.
Inside the cave
The interior is straightforward — nothing is hidden in cruel spots. Explore along the path and you'll collect everything.
For the cave's final boss, bring the Fireproof Mantle: the lava floor heals you while it's active. Mantle location: Ancient Guanyin Temple guide.
Why prioritize Bishui Cave
Beyond its own rewards, Bishui Cave is a prerequisite for Mount Mei, the endgame secret area. Full prerequisite list: Mount Mei unlock guide.