In the morally complex world of Where Winds Meet, the Nine Mortal Ways sect stands out as a faction dedicated to deception, manipulation, and crime. Unlike honorable martial arts schools, this sect operates in the shadows. Joining them isn’t straightforward; it begins with a quest that deliberately tricks the player. This guide will walk you through every step to start, navigate, and complete the quest that leads you to the Nine Mortal Ways.
The Deceptive Beginning: A “Test” for the Well of Heaven
The quest to join the Nine Mortal Ways cleverly disguises itself as an initiation test for the noble Well of Heaven sect. Your journey starts in a small, unassuming village.
Step 1: Find San Qian in Harvestfall Village
Travel to Harvestfall Village, located west of Qinghe.
Look for the character San Qian. He holds the initial information but won’t give it away for free. You must pay him to reveal that an “elder” from the Well of Heaven is waiting near an elm tree at the top of the village.
Step 2: Meet the “Elder” and Receive the Suspicious Task
Head to the location and speak to the elder. Express your desire to join the Well of Heaven.
Instead of a test of valor, he will give you a strange and morally questionable task: to steal a box of jewelry from an old friend of his. This request should raise immediate red flags, as it contradicts the heroic values of the Well of Heaven.
Navigating the Quest: The Set-Up
Step 3: Locate and “Request” the Jewelry
Follow your quest marker to the target. Use your Wind Sense ability to highlight the interactable object, which will be a Large Pile of Jewelry.
When you approach the target NPC, do not pickpocket or attack. Instead, use the “Request” dialogue option to ask for the item.
Step 4: The Revelation
After obtaining the jewelry, you will discover that the person you just robbed is, in fact, the real elder of the Well of Heaven.
Return to the impostor elder to complete the task. It is at this moment he reveals his true identity: he is a member of the Nine Mortal Ways. He explains that you have just willingly participated in a robbery, proving your capacity for deceit.
The Final Choice: Join or Expose
This is the critical branching point in the quest.
Option 1: Expose the Deception
You can choose to denounce the trickster and return the jewelry to the real Well of Heaven elder. This path aligns you with a more righteous faction.Option 2: Embrace the Mistake and Join
You can accept what you’ve done and formally express your interest in joining the Nine Mortal Ways. This is the choice that opens the path to becoming a member of the sect of deception.
What It Means to Be a Member
Choosing to join the Nine Mortal Ways fundamentally changes how you can interact with the world. Your reputation within the sect is built on acts of mischief and crime, including:
Creating public disturbances and causing chaos in towns.
Pickpocketing and stealing from NPCs.
Deceiving characters in various interactions.
Forging messages and documents.
Bluffing your way through card games.
Embracing this lifestyle allows you to unlock unique skills and rewards tied to the sect’s shady practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I join both the Nine Mortal Ways and the Well of Heaven?
A: No, joining factions in Where Winds Meet is often mutually exclusive. Choosing to side with the Nine Mortal Ways will lock you out of the Well of Heaven initiation, and vice versa.
Q: I attacked the impostor elder. Can I still join?
A: If you become hostile and attack him during the revelation, you will likely fail the quest to join the Nine Mortal Ways. The intended path is to hear him out and make the conscious choice to join.
Q: Is the Nine Mortal Ways a “bad” faction?
A: The sect is unequivocally oriented toward criminal and deceptive acts. Joining them aligns your character with the underworld of the game, which is a valid and interesting role-playing path for those who want to explore a less heroic story.
Q: Where exactly is Harvestfall Village?
A: It is located west of the major city of Qinghe. Look for a small village on your map in that region.
Conclusion
Joining the Nine Mortal Ways in Where Winds Meet is a unique narrative experience built on a foundation of lies. The quest begins under false pretenses, challenging your perception of honor and forcing you to confront the consequences of your actions. By following the steps to find San Qian, completing the deceptive task, and ultimately choosing to embrace the life of a trickster, you unlock a path filled with mischief, crime, and a completely different way to experience the game’s world. Choose wisely, for this decision will shape your journey and your reputation.