How do I unlock the hidden domain in Qingce Village in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the hidden domain in Qingce Village in Genshin Impact, you need to complete a specific world quest called "The Chi of Guyun." This quest is not immediately obvious, and it requires you to explore the area around Qingce Village and interact with certain elements in the environment. The hidden domain, known as the "Domain of the Wayward Path," is tied to this quest, and unlocking it involves solving a series of puzzles and defeating enemies. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to start the quest by speaking to an NPC named Granny Ruoxin in Qingce Village. She will give you the quest "The Chi of Guyun," which involves investigating strange occurrences in the area. The quest will lead you to several locations around Qingce Village, including the ruins near the village and the mountains to the east. As you progress through the quest, you will encounter several puzzles that require you to use elemental abilities to activate mechanisms.

One of the key mechanics involved in this quest is the use of Geo constructs to activate pressure plates. You will need a character with Geo abilities, such as the Traveler (Geo), Ningguang, or Zhongli, to create constructs that can weigh down these plates. Additionally, you will need to defeat several groups of enemies, including Hilichurls and Ruin Guards, so having a strong combat team is essential.

The first step in the quest is to investigate the ruins near Qingce Village. You will find a large stone tablet that provides a clue about the location of the hidden domain. The tablet mentions "three glowing stones," which are scattered around the area. You need to find and activate these stones by using Geo constructs or other abilities. Once all three stones are activated, a hidden mechanism will be revealed, allowing you to access the next part of the quest.

Next, you will need to travel to the mountains east of Qingce Village, where you will find a series of pressure plates and Geo monuments. You need to activate these monuments in the correct order to unlock the path to the hidden domain. The correct order is usually indicated by the pattern of glowing lights on the monuments. If you make a mistake, you can reset the puzzle by stepping away and returning to the area.

After solving the puzzle, you will encounter a Ruin Guard that you need to defeat. This enemy is quite strong, so make sure your team is well-prepared. A good strategy is to use characters with high DPS, such as Diluc, Keqing, or Ganyu, along with a healer like Barbara or Qiqi to keep your team alive. Once the Ruin Guard is defeated, the path to the hidden domain will be fully unlocked.

When you enter the Domain of the Wayward Path, you will face a series of challenges, including more puzzles and enemy encounters. The domain is designed to test your ability to use elemental reactions and solve environmental puzzles. For example, you may need to use Pyro abilities to light torches or Electro abilities to activate mechanisms. Having a diverse team with multiple elemental abilities will make these challenges easier to overcome.

In terms of team composition, it is recommended to have at least one Geo character for the pressure plates and Geo monuments, one DPS character for combat, one healer for sustainability, and one support character for elemental reactions. For example, a team consisting of Ningguang (Geo), Diluc (Pyro), Barbara (Hydro), and Fischl (Electro) would be well-suited for this quest.

For artifacts and weapons, focus on enhancing your DPS characters with sets like Crimson Witch of Flames for Pyro characters or Gladiator's Finale for physical DPS. Support characters can benefit from artifacts like Noblesse Oblige or Viridescent Venerer to boost their elemental abilities. Make sure your weapons are leveled up and match the elemental affinity of your characters.

Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing a Geo character for the pressure plates, underestimating the strength of the Ruin Guard, and not paying attention to the clues provided by the stone tablet. Additionally, make sure to stock up on healing items and food before attempting the quest, as the enemies can be quite challenging.

Advanced techniques include using elemental reactions to maximize damage output. For example, using Hydro and Electro abilities together can create Electro-Charged reactions, which deal continuous damage over time. Similarly, using Pyro and Electro abilities together can create Overloaded reactions, which deal AoE damage. These reactions can be very useful in taking down groups of enemies quickly.

In summary, unlocking the hidden domain in Qingce Village involves completing the "The Chi of Guyun" quest, solving a series of puzzles, and defeating strong enemies. Make sure to bring a well-rounded team with Geo abilities, high DPS, and healing capabilities. Pay attention to the clues provided by the stone tablet and use elemental reactions to your advantage. With the right preparation and strategy, you can successfully unlock the Domain of the Wayward Path and reap the rewards it offers.