An Unholy Prophecy is a Jianghu Legacy (Lost Chapter) quest — not a Fragment Chapter — that really tests your full skill set in Where Winds Meet. Located in Kaifeng’s Jadewood Court district, this lore-driven quest sends you deep beneath the Martial Temple, where you’ll face platforming challenges, brain-teasing puzzles, deadly traps, and a climactic boss fight against the formidable Shi Zhen.
The quest uncovers the secrets of the Twelve Immortals and the hidden Arsenal beneath the temple — rich lore for players who want to dig deeper into Kaifeng’s history. This guide covers every step of the An Unholy Prophecy quest so you can complete it without getting stuck.
An Unholy Prophecy Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Quest Type | Jianghu Legacy (Lost Chapter) – #07 |
| Region | Jadewood Court, Kaifeng |
| Location | Martial Temple (southeastern Jadewood Court) |
| Quest Giver | Mysterious Painter |
| Required Items | Fire Arrows, Meridian Touch Mystic Skill |
| Boss | Shi Zhen + 4 Guards |
How to Start An Unholy Prophecy Quest in Where Winds Meet
Getting this quest started is straightforward, but preparation is key.
Head to Kaifeng and navigate to the Jadewood Court area. The Martial Temple sits in the southeastern part of Jadewood Court and is marked as a Landmark on the map. Inside, you’ll find the Mysterious Painter standing in the temple hall. Talk to him, and the An Unholy Prophecy quest kicks off automatically with a brief conversation about the God of Killing prophecy.
⚠️ Important: The quest-specific weapons you need to collect later only spawn once the quest is officially active. If you previously explored the Martial Temple before starting the quest and recycled any weapons, don’t panic — the required quest weapons are separate items that appear fresh when you enter the temple as part of the storyline.
Essential Items Before Starting
Before diving deeper, make absolutely sure you have these two things:
- Meridian Touch Mystic Skill – Required to solve the bell-and-knocker door puzzles throughout the quest. You cannot progress without it.
- Fire Arrows – Essential for lighting the three ceiling braziers. Regular arrows will not work — only fire arrows trigger the braziers. There is a quiver inside the temple to replenish your supply if needed.
Once you’re geared up, follow the quest marker outside toward the temple rooftops. The entrance is on the western eaves of the Martial Hall — use your Lightness Skill to reach the high ground, or climb to the roof and interact with the “Enter” prompt to get inside.
How to Search for the Traces of God of Killing
Inside the Martial Hall, your objective marker will guide you to the Mysterious Painter again. Have another chat with him, and then comes your first puzzle challenge.
Lighting the Three Ceiling Braziers
You need to shoot the three hanging braziers on the ceiling with fire arrows. Note: these are the braziers hanging from the very top of the ceiling — not the ones above the statues. Regular arrows will not work here; equip fire arrows specifically before shooting. Lighting all three braziers triggers hidden corridors to open and sets up the jade bell and knocker puzzles you’ll encounter later. As a bonus, completing this step unlocks a new emote called An Unholy Prophecy, accessible from the Puzzle emotes tab (F2).
Using the An Unholy Prophecy Emote
The Mysterious Painter drops a cryptic hint: the prophecy’s true meaning involves standing in the God of Killing’s place and mimicking his pose.
Walk over to the marked platform next to the painter. Open your Puzzle emotes tab (F2) and use the An Unholy Prophecy emote while standing on that platform. Nail this, and a mechanical platform descends, granting you access to the underground depths of the temple. Don’t worry if the quest marker still shows as above you — this corrects itself once you reach the bottom of the elevator.
Exploring the Underground Passage
Once you descend, you’re officially in the danger zone. The underground passage is filled with enemies and intricate puzzles. You’ll also meet Sun Linghai as you explore the corridors — follow through until you reach the court where the next clue awaits.
⚠️ Tip: You cannot use Celestial Seize on chests behind the bars. There is nothing to explore on the second floor at this point — continue forward.
Bell and Knocker Puzzle
Head into the passage across from the barred gate and follow the pathway until you encounter guards. Take them down, then approach the door guarded by a jade bell and knocker.
Here’s the solution: Strike the bell first, then immediately use Meridian Touch on the door knocker. Timing matters here — if you’re too slow, the sequence resets and you’ll need to try again. This puzzle repeats multiple times throughout the quest; the solution is always the same.
The door swings open into a massive hall filled with suits of armor and weapon displays — the Grand Arsenal Hall (Secret Edict Chamber). Inside, three enemies wait. Focus on eliminating the banner-bearer first, as he can heal his allies — killing him makes the battle significantly easier. After clearing them, examine the armor displays.
You’ll notice two displays are missing weapons: one long weapon and one short weapon. Your job is to retrieve both by exploring the hall’s left and right wings. Start with the left wing first — it has milder spike traps and is a good way to learn the timing before facing the harder right wing.
Finding the Long Weapon – Left Wing Walkthrough
The left wing introduces wall-mounted spike traps. Start here — it’s the easier of the two wings and a good way to learn timing.
Navigating the Wall-Mounted Spike Trap Corridor
Take the stairs down near the left wing entrance. You’ll enter a corridor lined with wall-mounted spike traps that fire in pairs and extend and retract rhythmically. Watch the pattern carefully and dash forward only when a spike begins to withdraw. You can also use the rafters above to bypass the spikes entirely if your Lightness Skills allow it.
At the end of this gauntlet, you’ll find a lever. Pull it — mercenary guards will immediately start chasing you. Pro tip: pull the lever a second time to reactivate the spikes and let them eliminate the guards for you.
Second Bell and Knocker Puzzle
Continue forward until you hit another bell-and-knocker puzzle. Same drill: ring the bell, then quickly use Meridian Touch on the knocker. Keep moving until you reach a chamber guarded by a lone enemy. Defeat him and grab the spear.
Circular Chamber Navigation
Exit through the gate and walk until you reach a circular chamber. Look up — jump between platforms to make your way back to the Grand Arsenal Hall. Before you leave, explore thoroughly to find a hidden chest with valuable loot. Note: you can also climb on top of the large statue at the front of the room and collect the Roaring Spin Mystic Art from the small box there using Celestial Seize.
Additional Spike Traps and the Silver Spear of Discipline
Back in the grand hall, you’ll spot another spear called Rampage displayed in the center. Behind it, face another set of horizontal spike traps coming from the right wall. Walk through when they’re retracted. You’ll encounter more spike traps from both sides — observe the pattern and dash forward when safe. At the end, pull another lever and complete yet another bell-and-knocker puzzle.
In the next room, collect the Silver Spear of Discipline. On your way out, you’ll run into more enemies. Clear them, return to the Grand Arsenal Hall, and interact with the armor missing its long weapon. Choose Long Weapon Returned to place the weapon back.
If you’re struggling with combat, our best weapon combinations guide can help you optimize your loadout.
Finding the Short Weapon – Right Wing Walkthrough
The right wing mirrors the left wing’s structure but introduces ceiling-mounted falling spikes — nastier versions that require more patience.
Navigating Ceiling Falling Spike Traps
The first set is manageable, but the second set of falling spikes requires real patience. Crouch and carefully time your movements so you only advance when it’s completely safe. Use Mighty Drop and cloud steps to help navigate the parkour sections. Pull the lever to progress deeper and complete the next bell-and-knocker puzzle.
Defeating the Shielded Guard
The room holding the short weapon features a heavily defended guard with a shield. These enemies are tough to crack with standard attacks.
Use the Tai Chi mystic skill to break his guard and create an opening. Alternatively, well-timed heavy attacks or attacking from behind can work, but will take longer and require careful positioning. For more combat strategies, see our tips and tricks for beginners.
After defeating him, enter the circular chamber containing a spiked pit. Jump carefully across the platforms to reach the other side. In the following hall, you’ll find the Triumph Sword on display.
Final Corridor and the Blackcloud Long Sword
Navigate another corridor with downward-falling spikes. Dash through them, activate the lever at the end, and complete another bell-and-knocker puzzle. This opens the door to a hall where the Blackcloud Long Sword is displayed.
Clear out the guards in the hallway and finish the corridor sequence. Return to the Grand Arsenal Hall one last time, interact with the armor, and choose Short Weapon Returned.
Entering the Hidden Door and Exploring Deeper
With both weapons returned to their rightful displays, a short cutscene triggers. The restored armor activates a hidden mechanism — the Armored Sentinel’s statue — and a secret doorway slowly opens.
Rising Spike Floor Chamber
This next section is pure adrenaline. You’ll enter a circular chamber with a trap mechanic that raises the floor of spikes. There’s no room for hesitation — sprint and jump quickly without pausing on the platforms. There are no chests in this circular spike room, so focus entirely on getting through.
Once you clear this death trap, you’ll find a chest in the next chamber. Open it to grab your rewards and prepare for the final boss fight with Shi Zhen.
How to Defeat Shi Zhen – Boss Fight Guide
Shi Zhen is the climax of the An Unholy Prophecy quest, and this fight can feel overwhelming if you don’t approach it strategically.
The Challenge: Shi Zhen and His Four Guards
Shi Zhen enters the final chamber with four guards backing him up. Rushing directly at Shi Zhen is a recipe for disaster — his guards can stun-lock you or hit you from behind, making his heavy attacks nearly impossible to dodge.
Winning Strategy
Focus on eliminating the minions first. The guards are aggressive and will hit your back during Shi Zhen’s heavy swings. Take them out one by one before engaging the boss directly.
Once the battlefield is clear, concentrate fully on Shi Zhen. His attacks deal heavy damage but have clear wind-ups — dodge toward his weapon side to reduce recovery time and counter immediately. Don’t get baited into long combos; chip him down methodically between his big swings. For more boss fight strategies, check our Elder Gongsun boss guide and Qianye boss guide.
Quest Completion and Exit
After defeating Shi Zhen, a cutscene plays. Claim the rewards from the chest. At the back of the room, climb the ladder and open the chest to the right to get the Secret Passage Key, Dust Stained Ledger, and Registry Key. Go through the back passageway — a mine-like tunnel — and be on the lookout for more chests and breakable Dushan Jade as you make your way out.
Follow the quest marker outside toward the Jade Mirror Pond pagoda, where the Mysterious Painter will be waiting. Speak with him one final time to officially complete the An Unholy Prophecy quest. Bonus: talking to the Mysterious Painter here can also begin the Still Waters Run Deep Wandering Tale.
An Unholy Prophecy Quest Rewards
| Reward | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kaifeng Exploration | Progress | Advances region completion for Kaifeng |
| Character EXP | Varies | Earned progressively throughout the quest |
| Coin | Varies | From chests and quest completion |
| Lv. 3 Ebon Iron | x4 | Crafting material for gear upgrades |
| Decoration Scroll | x1 | Housing/cosmetic item |
| Secret Passage Key | x1 | Obtained from exit chest |
| Dust Stained Ledger | x1 | Lore/quest item from exit chest |
| Roaring Spin Mystic Art | x1 | Optional — collect via Celestial Seize atop the large statue in the circular chamber |
The weapons you collect along the way can also be useful additions to your arsenal, especially if you’re still building out your early game weapon combos. Completing this quest also advances your Kaifeng exploration progress and contributes toward leveling up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What level should I be before attempting An Unholy Prophecy?
There’s no strict level requirement, but it’s recommended to have decent combat skills and gear score before attempting this quest. The spike traps and boss fight can be punishing if you’re undergeared. Make sure you’ve unlocked Meridian Touch and have a solid understanding of combat mechanics.
Can I complete An Unholy Prophecy without fire arrows?
No, fire arrows are essential for the lamp-lighting puzzle early in the quest. Regular arrows will not trigger the ceiling braziers — only fire arrows count. If you’re missing fire arrows, there is a quiver inside the temple to replenish your supply before you need them.
I recycled weapons before starting the quest — am I locked out?
No. The weapons required for the armor displays are quest-specific items that only spawn once An Unholy Prophecy is officially active. They are separate from any regular weapons you may have looted and recycled during free-roam exploration. If you collected both weapons but the armored suit still says ‘Need to find the corresponding item,’ you can reclaim lost antiques by teleporting to Forsaken Quarters in Kaifeng and talking to an NPC — select ‘Reclaim antiques.’ You will need to reach level 5 in your Area Exploration Progress first.
What’s the best strategy for the spike trap sections?
Patience and observation are key. Watch the spike patterns carefully before moving and don’t rush. For wall-mounted spikes, dash forward as they retract — or use the rafters above to bypass them entirely if your Lightness Skills allow. For ceiling-falling spikes, crouch and use Mighty Drop and cloud steps to navigate the parkour sections. If you’re low on health, use healing items before entering trap corridors.
Is the Tai Chi mystic skill necessary for defeating the shielded guard?
While not strictly necessary, Tai Chi makes the fight significantly easier by breaking the guard’s defense. If you don’t have Tai Chi, you can still defeat shielded enemies with well-timed heavy attacks or by attacking from behind, but it will take longer and require more careful positioning.
What happens after completing An Unholy Prophecy?
After exiting the hidden passage, speak to the Mysterious Painter at the Jade Mirror Pond pagoda to officially complete the quest. Talking to him here also unlocks the Still Waters Run Deep Wandering Tale, so don’t leave the area without speaking to him.
Final Thoughts: An Unholy Prophecy Quest
The An Unholy Prophecy quest in Where Winds Meet is a fantastic test of your overall skills — combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving all come together in one intense Jianghu Legacy questline. The spike traps demand precision, the puzzles require attention to detail, and Shi Zhen’s boss fight will push your combat abilities to the limit.
If you’re playing on PlayStation, the controls might take some getting used to during precision platforming sections, but with practice you’ll master the timing. Don’t forget to grab the optional Roaring Spin Mystic Art in the circular chamber, and make sure you speak to the Mysterious Painter at Jade Mirror Pond at the end to unlock the Still Waters Run Deep Wandering Tale.
Whether you’re hunting for world boss locations, exploring dungeon locations, or completing all trophies and achievements, mastering quests like An Unholy Prophecy is essential for getting the most out of Where Winds Meet’s rich world. Good luck!
