Quick Answer
Chapter 1 has three bells in Black Wind Mountain. Ringing all three opens the Ancient Guanyin Temple secret area and the Elder Jinchi fight. It is not required for the basic story path, but it is worth doing before Black Bear Guai because the secret route reward helps with later fire pressure.
If this is your first run, do not force it the moment you see a side path. Learn dodging, Immobilize, staff focus, and spirit timing first, then come back before the chapter finale.
Three Bells Checklist
| Order | General area | Route note | If you missed it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell 1 | Forest of Wolves, near the Guangzhi route | After Guangzhi, inspect the back side of the arena | Return to the nearby shrine and follow the Guangzhi path again |
| Bell 2 | Bamboo Grove, near the Guangmou route | After Guangmou, do not leave immediately; check the side route | Start from the Bamboo Grove shrine and reclear the route |
| Bell 3 | Later Marsh of White Mist route, after Whiteclad Noble | Rest before pushing deeper into the hidden entrance | Revisit the Marsh route instead of rushing the chapter boss |
Best Time To Do It
| Your current state | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dodging still feels random | Continue the main route and practice first |
| Healing runs out too early | Upgrade resources, review spirits, and return later |
| Guangzhi and Guangmou feel manageable | Start cleaning up the first two bells |
| Whiteclad Noble is defeated | Ring the third bell and attempt Elder Jinchi |
| You are preparing for Black Bear Guai | Finish the secret route first |
Elder Jinchi Fight Notes
Save Immobilize for confirmed damage
Do not spend Immobilize as an opening animation. It is better after a boss recovery, during a summon moment, or when you need one clean heavy-staff punish.
Control the add pressure
If small enemies start disrupting the fight, clear the most dangerous ones first. Do not get stuck attacking in the center while your camera and positioning collapse.
Leave if your damage is too low
If a full punish window barely moves the health bar, go upgrade, clear side paths, or review your spirit setup. Returning later is faster than repeating a bad attempt for an hour.
After Elder Jinchi
- Rest at a shrine and review the new reward.
- Check remaining Chapter 1 side paths and elite enemies.
- Continue toward Black Wind King and Black Bear Guai.
- Mark Ancient Guanyin Temple as completed if you are planning the secret ending route.
FAQ
Do I need to ring the bells in a strict order?
The route usually presents them in order, but the important part is ringing all three. If one is missing, revisit that area from the nearest shrine.
Is Elder Jinchi mandatory?
Not for a basic story clear. For secret areas, completion, and ending planning, you should not skip it.
Can I leave it until later?
Yes, but doing it before the Chapter 1 finale keeps the route clean and avoids a dedicated return trip later.