The Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I is a heartfelt quest that reveals one of Kaifeng’s most touching stories. Part of the One Leaf, One Life: Phase III questline, this emotionally charged mission follows young Zheng Ran as you help uncover truths about her family through conversations with neighbors and a quest for stolen treasures.
Table of Contents
Where Winds Meet Overview at a Glance
| Quest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Willow Bank, South Gate Avenue, Kaifeng |
| Quest Type | One Leaf, One Life: Phase III |
| Key Rewards | Echo Jades, Character EXP, Zhou Coins |
| Quest Length | 15-20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy (No Combat) |
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Starting the Quest
Head to Willow Bank in South Gate Avenue and approach the group of kids behind the vegetable vendor. The quest triggers automatically when you get close enough to the children.
After the boys run off, speak with the crying girl, Zheng Ran. She’s visibly upset after being teased by the other children about her family.
Escorting Zheng Ran Home
Walk alongside Zheng Ran back to her home, maintaining close proximity without going too far ahead or falling behind. This escort segment is straightforward—just follow the golden path marker and match her walking pace.
For more emotional storylines and quest guides in Where Winds Meet, check our complete quest database.
Investigating the Neighborhood
Once you arrive at Zheng Ran’s home, speak with nearby neighbors in the market to learn about her family’s whereabouts. Multiple NPCs will provide fragments of information about what happened to her parents.
During this investigation phase, you’ll discover that someone has stolen valuable items from the family. The neighbors point you toward a suspicious thief who might have answers.
Confronting the Thief and Retrieving the Gold Leaf
After gathering information, you’ll track down the thief. Talk to the thief, then follow the quest marker to find an NPC by the road and ask him about the gold leaf.
The plot thickens when you return to the thief’s location, only to find him gone. This twist adds urgency to recovering the stolen item before it’s lost forever.
Completing the Quest
Travel to Immortal Tree and return the item to the elder, which completes Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I. A touching cutscene plays, revealing the significance of the gold leaf and bringing closure to Zheng Ran’s story.
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Rewards and What Comes Next
Completing this quest grants Echo Jades, Character EXP, and Zhou Coins—valuable resources for character progression. Furthermore, it unlocks more small quests in the One Leaf, One Life series, expanding the storyline across Kaifeng.
Explore our Where Winds Meet character builds to maximize your rewards and progression.
Why This Quest Matters
Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I stands out as one of Where Winds Meet’s most emotionally resonant side quests. The absence of combat allows the narrative to breathe, focusing entirely on character development and the human connections that define Kaifeng’s community.
FAQs
Do I need to complete other quests before starting Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I?
Yes, Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I is part of Phase III in the One Leaf, One Life questline. You need to complete earlier quests in this series including Feast of Leaves Volume I and several injustice quests like Peeking on the Wall, Trouble at Every Turn, and The Helping Hand before this quest becomes available in South Gate Avenue.
Can I fail the Tale of Gold Leaves Volume I quest by losing track of Zheng Ran?
No, the escort section is forgiving—if you stray too far ahead or fall behind, the game pauses Zheng Ran’s movement until you’re back within range. There’s no combat or time pressure in this quest, so you can complete it at your own pace while enjoying the story and exploring the beautiful architecture of South Gate Avenue.
