Soulslike games are renowned for their intricate and rewarding questlines, often leading players to discover valuable items and rich lore that enrich their gaming experience.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers exemplifies this trend, offering players an array of helpful items through various NPC questlines, including those involving the enigmatic Commander Honglan.
At first glance, Commander Honglan may appear untrustworthy, but her character unfolds into an essential ally as players progress. Keep an eye on her journey, as a surprising twist grants you access to a powerful spell, particularly beneficial for those pursuing a magic-focused build.
Meeting Commander Honglan
Your initial encounter with Commander Honglan occurs as a boss in the Tang Emperor Palace, where she presents a formidable challenge.
Defeating Honglan requires sharp parry skills, but accomplishing this victory unlocks new areas for exploration, moving the story forward. Players should prepare for a surprising reunion later in the game as Honglan’s path takes unexpected turns.
Honglan’s Next Appearance
After some time, players will find Honglan once again in a location known as Bride’s Boudoir, located in Mt. Zhenwu. To find her, navigate to the Shrine named Bride’s Boudoir, proceed down the path with two women, and take a left.
Watch for a bridge filled with swinging spiked pillars, and eliminate a smaller enemy at the end of that path before taking on a stronger foe capable of causing the Poise Break status effect.
Continue down the stairs to discover Honglan imprisoned in a jail cell. Initially, she will express her resentment, noting she could have let you perish, after which she will request your assistance in escaping.
Your first task involves retrieving the Dungeon Key, which is located in the adjacent room. To obtain this key, you must defeat two formidable opponents: one is adept in close combat, while the other specializes in knife-throwing.
Once you acquire the Dungeon Key, return to Honglan. Upon delivering the key, she will reward you with the Coiled Dragon Pendant before exiting the area.
Facing Honglan Again
Unfortunately, Command Honglan reverts to her role as an adversary shortly thereafter. As you continue through the campaign, you will reach a teleported version of ruined Annalum. The waypoint you are aiming for is called Worship’s Rise in Ruins.
From this location, traverse to the ruined Tang Palace, where you will encounter a shrine bearing the name Palace Pass. This section can be tricky to navigate, so here’s a breakdown of the route.
To reach the ruined palace, follow the courtyards where a powerful enemy is praying and climb an organic ramp. Then, continue right along the outer edge until you find a door that requires the Chisel key to unlock.
This door will direct you to the Palace Vegetable Garden Shrine. While technically not a traditional shrine, it provides a safe resting spot before the imminent boss fight with Honglan.
Proceed to the opposite side of the courtyard to enter another passageway, taking care to avoid or quickly defeat any enemies you encounter along the way.
As you navigate this path, you’ll come across a wooden bridge leading to a staircase. After crossing the bridge, ascend the stairs through a cave. At the end of the cave, another large enemy will await, similar to the one previously encountered.
From this point, descend the hill, where you’ll spot a human foe resting by the cliff’s edge. Perform various jumps down, and upon reaching the bottom, cross a delicate organic bridge while dodging projectiles from a sniper at a nearby gate.
Once you have crossed the bridge, you will enter a tunnel filled with hostile bugs and the effects of corruption. Upon exiting the tunnel, you will arrive at the Palace Pass Shrine. Continue through the stone structure and follow the path downhill to another organic bridge.
From the organic bridge, drop down to initiate the second showdown against Honglan, now known as Vermillion Feathers. Expect a heightened challenge, as she possesses new abilities, including inflicting Madness levels on you. Upon defeating her, you will receive the Lovely Brocade Bag, Ice Crystal, and Echo of Honglan Spell.
Upon triumphing over Honglan, a new Benediction Door will manifest in the arena. Interact with it to be transported out via the Boatman, who informs you of a Commander’s body to claim and a grave to dig.
The Ice Crystal can be offered to the merchant in Annalum, unlocking the option to purchase Honglan’s armor set.
The Conclusion of Honglan’s Quest
Although Honglan does not reappear after your encounters, you can still present the Lovely Brocade Bag to Yu Xia at the Reverent Temple in Worship’s Rise in Ruins. This act will lead Yu Xia to tears, marking an emotional and poignant conclusion to her arc.
Notably, her weeping continues with every interaction thereafter, underscoring the quest’s emotional depth.
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