Updated October 30, 2026
The Illusory Pipa is a special Phantom Edge in Phantom Blade Zero that can remove supernatural barriers and unlock the route toward the Mountain of Imprisonment.
However, repairing it requires three missing components scattered across different regions. Each piece is connected to a boss encounter, and some locations remain inaccessible until you complete earlier objectives.
You must also find Myst's hidden underground tavern in Pangzhen, where the Broken Illusory Pipa can be restored.
This guide explains where to find all three parts, how to unlock the required boss encounters, where to find Myst, and what to check if the Meigu Lake mist barrier won't open.
📋 Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: How to Repair the Pipa
- All 3 Illusory Pipa Parts Checklist
- Where to Get the Broken Illusory Pipa
- Where to Find Myst in Pangzhen
- Illusory Pipa Head — Dusk Location
- Illusory Pipa Backplate — Mandate Encampment
- Illusory Pipa Strings — Yan Qiansui
- How to Repair the Illusory Pipa
- How to Open the Meigu Lake Mist Barrier
- Illusory Pipa Not Working? Fixes to Check
- Is It Required for the True Ending?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Illusory Pipa Checklist
Quick Answer: How to Repair the Illusory Pipa
To repair the Illusory Pipa in Phantom Blade Zero, collect these three components:
- Illusory Pipa Head: Defeat Dusk, the Puppeteer, through the Temple of Blue Fireflies route in the Village of Lu.
- Illusory Pipa Backplate: Defeat Yubi, No. 21 Swordfighter Puppet, at Mandate Encampment, then collect the Backplate from a table inside the building beyond the boss arena.
- Illusory Pipa Strings: Defeat Yan Qiansui, the Zither Maiden, at the sunken opera house in southern Meigu Lake.
Bring all three components to Myst in Pangzhen to repair the instrument.
Then travel to the Spectral Gate in northeastern Meigu Lake and use the repaired Pipa to remove the mist barrier.
Important: If a boss or area is inaccessible, check the related Memory Flowers, gate key, or quest prerequisites before assuming the game is bugged.
All 3 Illusory Pipa Parts Checklist
You need three separate components before Myst can repair the instrument.
| Component | Location | Boss or requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Temple of Blue Fireflies, Village of Lu | Dusk, the Puppeteer |
| Backplate | Mandate Encampment Training Grounds | Yubi, No. 21 Swordfighter Puppet |
| Strings | Sunken opera house, southern Meigu Lake | Yan Qiansui, the Zither Maiden |
Use this checklist while progressing:
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Head collected
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Backplate collected
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Strings collected
- ☐ Myst's underground tavern discovered
- ☐ Illusory Pipa repaired
- ☐ Spectral Gate opened
The components are located in different regions, so you may need to advance other quests before reaching all three.
You can collect the available parts as you explore and return to Myst when you have everything needed.
Where to Get the Broken Illusory Pipa
The Broken Illusory Pipa is obtained after defeating Bai Chilian at the Threadbound Great Tree in Crimson Forest.
After the encounter, the story continues into the Village of Lu.
There, speak with Jewel and ask about the Broken Illusory Pipa. She explains that Myst may be able to repair the instrument and directs you toward Pangzhen.
You can then continue the story until you reach Myst's hidden tavern.
Before fighting Bai Chilian: Make sure you have finished the relevant missable Tales in Crimson Forest.
Our Phantom Blade Zero Bai Chilian: 4 Missable Quests to Finish Before the Boss guide explains what to complete before that encounter.
Where to Find Myst's Secret Tavern in Pangzhen
Location: Pangzhen, near Huang Manor Crossroads
Myst is the NPC who repairs the Illusory Pipa.
She is inside the Order's hidden underground tavern, which is accessed through a concealed cellar passage.
Step 1: Travel to Huang Manor Crossroads
Reach Pangzhen and travel toward the Huang Manor Crossroads Bell.
Look for a building with glowing green lanterns and wine jars inside.
Step 2: Find the Large Black Wine Jar
Enter the building and look for the noticeably larger wine jar among the others.
Destroy this jar to reveal a hidden crank.
Step 3: Turn the Crank
Interact with the crank to open the concealed passage.
Follow the underground route and open the gate at the end.
Step 4: Speak to Myst
Continue until you meet Myst.
Show her the Broken Illusory Pipa.
She explains that the instrument requires three missing components:
- Illusory Pipa Head
- Illusory Pipa Backplate
- Illusory Pipa Strings
If you already have all three, you can complete the repair interaction.
Otherwise, return after collecting the missing parts.
Tip: If you cannot find Myst, check the wine-jar room near Huang Manor Crossroads. The hidden crank is the key to reaching her.
Illusory Pipa Head Location — How to Reach Dusk
Location: Village of Lu, Temple of Blue Fireflies
Required boss: Dusk, the Puppeteer
The Illusory Pipa Head is obtained by defeating Dusk, the Puppeteer.
However, the boss is hidden behind a sealed route connected to Secrets at the Heart of the Lake.
Step 1: Collect Firefly's Memory Flowers
Progress the Secrets at the Heart of the Lake Mystery in the Village of Lu.
Collect the required Firefly's Memory Flowers associated with the Temple of Blue Fireflies.
These flowers are needed to unlock the sealed route.
Step 2: Return to the Temple of Blue Fireflies
Once you have the necessary flowers, return to the Temple of Blue Fireflies.
Unlock the seal and descend through the newly accessible passage.
Step 3: Defeat Dusk, the Puppeteer
Continue until you reach Dusk.
Defeat the boss to obtain the Illusory Pipa Head.
What If You Cannot Reach Dusk?
Check whether:
- You have progressed Secrets at the Heart of the Lake.
- You have collected the required Firefly's Memory Flowers.
- You have returned to the Temple of Blue Fireflies to unlock the seal.
- You are following the newly opened route below the temple.
If the entrance remains sealed, review the related Mystery objectives before assuming the boss is missing.
Illusory Pipa Backplate Location — Mandate Encampment Key and Yubi
Location: Mandate Encampment, near Village of Lu
Required boss: Yubi, No. 21 Swordfighter Puppet
The Illusory Pipa Backplate is easy to overlook because it is not simply awarded when you defeat Yubi.
You must unlock Mandate Encampment, defeat its boss, and collect the item from a table inside the building beyond the arena.
Step 1: Get the Mandate Encampment Outer Gate Key
The Mandate Encampment entrance requires a key found through Pangzhen progression.
After defeating Gu Wanyue, the Wailing Wraith, locate the nearby well.
Drop into the well and follow the underground passage.
Look for the Outer Gate Key near a Memory Flower along this route.
Step 2: Unlock Mandate Encampment
Return toward the Village of Lu and find the locked Mandate Encampment entrance.
Use the Outer Gate Key to open it.
Continue through the encampment until you reach the Training Grounds.
Step 3: Defeat Yubi
At the Training Grounds, defeat Yubi, No. 21 Swordfighter Puppet.
Once the encounter is finished, continue forward instead of immediately leaving the area.
Step 4: Collect the Backplate from the Table
Enter the building beyond the boss arena.
Look for the Illusory Pipa Backplate on a table inside.
Collect it before leaving Mandate Encampment.
Important: Defeating Yubi is not the same as collecting the Backplate. You must pick up the component afterward.
Yubi Defeated but Backplate Missing?
If you already defeated Yubi but cannot find the Backplate:
- Return to the Training Grounds.
- Follow the path beyond the boss arena.
- Enter the building after the encounter.
- Check the table for the Backplate.
- Confirm that the component has been collected.
You should not need to repeat the boss fight simply because you missed the item.
Illusory Pipa Strings Location — Yan Qiansui
Location: Sunken opera house, southern Meigu Lake
Required boss: Yan Qiansui, the Zither Maiden
The Illusory Pipa Strings come from Yan Qiansui, the Zither Maiden.
Her encounter is located at the sunken opera house in southern Meigu Lake, but reaching it requires collecting Yan'er's Memory Flowers.
Step 1: Unlock Meigu Lake
Progress through Pangzhen until you can reach Meigu Lake.
The route becomes available after the relevant Pangzhen story progression and regional boss encounter.
Step 2: Collect Yan'er's Memory Flowers
Explore the islands around Meigu Lake and collect the required Yan'er's Memory Flowers.
Pay particular attention to the areas around the Pangzhen docks, where two of these flowers can be found.
Continue collecting the flowers associated with the opera house until its encounter becomes accessible.
Step 3: Find the Sunken Opera House
Travel toward southern Meigu Lake.
Look for the partially submerged opera house associated with Yan Qiansui.
Follow the available route into the encounter area.
Step 4: Defeat Yan Qiansui
Defeat Yan Qiansui, the Zither Maiden.
The encounter rewards the Illusory Pipa Strings.
Once you have the Strings, Head, and Backplate, return to Myst for the repair.
What If Yan Qiansui Is Inaccessible?
Check the following:
- Have you unlocked Meigu Lake through Pangzhen progression?
- Have you collected Yan'er's Memory Flowers?
- Have you searched the areas near the Pangzhen docks?
- Are you approaching the correct opera house in southern Meigu Lake?
If the encounter is still unavailable, check the relevant Story menu objectives.
How to Repair the Illusory Pipa with Myst
After collecting all three components, return to Myst in Pangzhen.
Repair Steps
- Confirm you have the Illusory Pipa Head, Backplate, and Strings.
- Travel to the underground tavern near Huang Manor Crossroads.
- Speak with Myst.
- Choose the dialogue option related to restoring the Illusory Pipa.
- Complete the repair interaction.
- Check that the restored Illusory Pipa is available.
The repaired instrument becomes a Phantom Edge that can be used in combat and to dispel certain barriers.
What Can the Repaired Illusory Pipa Do?
The Illusory Pipa can launch sonic blades at enemies.
Its stronger red blades have additional combat properties, making the weapon useful beyond the quest itself.
Most importantly for progression, it can remove specific supernatural barriers, including the one blocking the route toward the Mountain of Imprisonment.
What If Myst Won't Repair the Pipa?
If the repair dialogue is unavailable:
- Confirm that all three components have been collected.
- Check whether you are speaking to Myst in the correct underground tavern.
- Review your current Illusory Pipa objective.
- Look for an unfinished component-related interaction.
Having the Broken Illusory Pipa alone is not enough.
Important: Repairing the instrument and opening the Spectral Gate are separate objectives.
How to Open the Meigu Lake Mist Barrier
Location: Spectral Gate, northeastern Meigu Lake
After Myst repairs the Illusory Pipa, you can use it to open the mist-covered passage toward the Mountain of Imprisonment.
Step 1: Travel to Northeastern Meigu Lake
Return to Meigu Lake and head toward the northeastern section of the region.
Find the large mist-covered entrance associated with the Spectral Gate.
Step 2: Use the Repaired Illusory Pipa
Approach the barrier and use the repaired Pipa through the available interaction.
The instrument dispels the supernatural mist blocking the passage.
Step 3: Enter the Mountain of Imprisonment
Once the barrier disappears, proceed through the newly opened route.
You can now access the Mountain of Imprisonment and continue the related Mysteries.
Step 4: Check the Illusory Pipa Mystery
Open your Story menu after using the Pipa at the Spectral Gate.
Check whether the Illusory Pipa Mystery is completed or whether any objective remains.
This matters if you are working toward the True Ending, which requires completing the purple Mysteries before the Mirage Estate checkpoint.
Does Opening the Mist Barrier Finish Whence the Weeping?
Not immediately.
Opening the barrier allows you to continue toward the Mountain of Imprisonment, where additional objectives await.
To progress Whence the Weeping, continue through the region and defeat Huangxing, the Kunlun Renegade.
After the encounter, continue into the lower area to complete the remaining story objective involving The Chord.
Do not confuse opening the Spectral Gate with completing every related Mystery.
Illusory Pipa or Mist Barrier Not Working? Fixes to Check
If you're stuck, use the table below to identify the most likely missing step.
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Mandate Encampment gate is locked | Find the Outer Gate Key in the underground passage after Gu Wanyue in Pangzhen. |
| Yubi defeated but Backplate missing | Search the table in the building beyond the Training Grounds boss arena. |
| Cannot reach Dusk | Collect Firefly's Memory Flowers and unlock the Temple of Blue Fireflies seal. |
| Cannot reach Yan Qiansui | Collect Yan'er's Memory Flowers and check access to the southern Meigu Lake opera house. |
| Cannot find Myst | Search the wine-jar room near Huang Manor Crossroads and break the large jar to reveal the crank. |
| Have all three parts but cannot repair | Check Myst's dialogue and the current Illusory Pipa objective. |
| Mist barrier will not open | Confirm the Pipa has been repaired and that you are at the northeastern Meigu Lake Spectral Gate. |
| Mystery still appears incomplete | Review the Spectral Gate interaction and remaining Story menu objectives. |
Is the Illusory Pipa Quest Bugged?
Not every blocked route or missing interaction is a bug.
Several parts of the quest depend on earlier objectives, hidden passages, and boss encounters.
Before reloading an older save, confirm that you have completed the relevant prerequisites.
If the expected interaction remains unavailable after meeting the requirements, try returning to a nearby checkpoint and checking the objective again.
There is no universal confirmed fix for every possible progression issue.
Is the Illusory Pipa Required for the True Ending?
Yes. Illusory Pipa is one of the ten purple Mysteries required for the True Ending in Phantom Blade Zero.
You should complete it before entering Mirage Estate through the Green Serpent House in Pangzhen.
The Pipa is also important because it opens the route toward the Mountain of Imprisonment, allowing you to progress other required Mysteries.
For the complete list of requirements, see our Phantom Blade Zero True Ending: 10 Purple Quests & Mirage Estate Warning guide.
Should You Finish Illusory Pipa Before Bai Chilian?
No. The Broken Illusory Pipa is obtained after defeating Bai Chilian, so the repair process comes later.
However, Bai Chilian has a separate cutoff involving missable Tales in Crimson Forest.
Make sure you complete those earlier objectives before the boss encounter.
Preparing for the Required Boss Fights
The three Pipa components require several boss encounters, so make sure your equipment is ready before attempting them.
If you have invested upgrade materials in a weapon you no longer want to use, our Phantom Blade Zero weapon upgrade refund guide explains how to recover those resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do You Get the Broken Illusory Pipa?
You obtain the Broken Illusory Pipa after defeating Bai Chilian at the Threadbound Great Tree in Crimson Forest. Later, Jewel directs you toward Myst in Pangzhen for repairs.
Where Is Myst in Phantom Blade Zero?
Myst is inside the Order's underground tavern in Pangzhen, near Huang Manor Crossroads. Find the building with green lanterns, break the large wine jar, and use the hidden crank to open the cellar passage.
Where Are All Three Illusory Pipa Parts?
The Head comes from Dusk in the Village of Lu, the Backplate is found beyond Yubi's arena in Mandate Encampment, and the Strings come from Yan Qiansui in southern Meigu Lake.
How Do You Get the Mandate Encampment Outer Gate Key?
Defeat Gu Wanyue in Pangzhen, enter the nearby well, and follow the underground passage to find the key near a Memory Flower.
Why Didn't Yubi Drop the Illusory Pipa Backplate?
The Backplate is collected separately. After defeating Yubi, enter the building beyond the arena and pick it up from a table.
How Do You Access Yan Qiansui?
Unlock Meigu Lake and collect the required Yan'er's Memory Flowers. Then visit the sunken opera house in southern Meigu Lake.
Why Won't Myst Repair the Illusory Pipa?
Check that you have the Head, Backplate, and Strings. Then review Myst's dialogue and the current quest objective.
Why Won't the Spectral Gate Open?
Make sure the Illusory Pipa has been repaired and that you are interacting with the correct mist-covered gate in northeastern Meigu Lake.
Does Repairing the Illusory Pipa Complete the Mystery?
Do not assume the repair alone completes the Mystery. Use the restored instrument at the Spectral Gate and check the Story menu for any remaining objectives.
Is the Illusory Pipa Required for the True Ending?
Yes. It is one of the ten purple Mysteries you must complete before entering Mirage Estate.
Final Illusory Pipa Checklist
Before moving on, confirm the following:
- ☐ Broken Illusory Pipa obtained after Bai Chilian
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Head obtained from Dusk
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Backplate collected beyond Yubi's arena
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Strings obtained from Yan Qiansui
- ☐ Myst's underground tavern discovered
- ☐ Illusory Pipa repaired
- ☐ Spectral Gate in northeastern Meigu Lake opened
- ☐ Illusory Pipa Mystery checked for completion
Bottom line: To restore the Illusory Pipa in Phantom Blade Zero, collect all three components, bring them to Myst in Pangzhen, and use the repaired instrument at the Meigu Lake Spectral Gate.
If you're stuck, check the required Memory Flowers, Mandate Encampment key, and unfinished Mystery objectives before assuming the quest is bugged.
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