The Grave of the Guarded

Embark on The Grave of the Guarded Archon Quest in Genshin Impact! Learn how to investigate ruins, defeat Black Serpent Knights, and uncover ancient secrets with Dainsleif.

Alright, so you've just finished up that last bit with Dainsleif, and now we're diving into 'The Grave of the Guarded' quest in Genshin Impact. It kicks off right after 'In the Depths, an Unexpected Reunion.' Once that cutscene wraps up, you'll find yourself needing to check out these really weird, upside-down ruins. Just follow that path heading northeast – you can't miss it – and drop down into the area with the Hilichurl cauldron. There's another cutscene here.

Paimon will chime in, noticing all the Hilichurl activity and wondering if this is the spot the commission mentioned. But before you can really get into it, Dainsleif cuts in. He wants to know why *you're* actually here. Paimon explains that the miners were worried because the Hilichurls were gathering in The Chasm, and Dainsleif then asks if you're curious about the 'why.'

Here's a bit of lore for you: Dainsleif explains that this environment actually weakens the curse affecting him and the people of Khaenri'ah. Remember how they were cursed with immortality? Well, it's a real drag, and even Dainsleif feels a tiny bit of relief here. He then asks if you know why Hilichurls wear masks. It's to hide their reflections from water – a way to escape their cursed existence.

Turns out, the Hilichurls *were* the people of Khaenri'ah, and they're suffering from that same curse. It stops them from dying, sure, but their bodies are still eroding. Dainsleif doesn't know of any way to break it. The reason they're all here, though, is because they're looking for a quiet, dark place to finally say goodbye to centuries of pain. Since this spot eases the curse's effects, it makes sense they'd come here. Just as he finishes explaining, Dainsleif warns you to get ready – you're about to be attacked!

Defeat the Black Serpent Knights

Okay, brace yourself, because right after that cutscene, you're thrown into a fight with some new enemies: the Black Serpent Knights. Specifically, you'll face Shadowy Husk: Line Breakers.

These guys have a nasty trick: if they hit a shielded character, they'll sacrifice some of their own health to create a healing aura around themselves and nearby enemies. The best way to counter this is to just avoid using shields and focus on healing yourself instead. They're Hydro-based, so Cryo and Electro are your best friends here – Cryo can freeze them solid, and Electro can help trigger Overload reactions for some big damage when combined with Pyro.

Watch out for their attacks. They have a standard stab with their lance that has decent range but leaves them open for a moment afterward, so you can dodge and get behind them. They also do a charging thrust, absorbing Hydro before dashing at you and finishing with another stab – again, it's got range but leaves them vulnerable.

Their most common attack, especially if you're up close, is a wide horizontal sweep. Try to stay behind them to avoid this, or just get a few hits in, dodge, and repeat.

Once you take them down, you'll get another cutscene. Paimon will be confused about who those guys were, and Dainsleif explains they were former Royal Guards from Khaenri'ah, also victims of the curse, clinging only to their honor. While you're talking, a mysterious figure appears above you. Paimon spots them, but they vanish before you can get a good look. Dainsleif seems to recognize them and wonders how they've stayed self-aware for 500 years despite the curse. Before you can ask more, he urges you to keep moving forward.

Go to the entrance to the ruins

Regain control and keep heading northwest up the rocky path. You'll see a golden glow up ahead, leading to another scene. Looks like your path is blocked by some kind of mysterious energy.

You might think, 'Oh great, another puzzle,' but Dainsleif isn't having it. He just waves his hand, and the energy dissipates like it was nothing. He brushes it off as cheap tricks from Khaenri'ah technology or the Abyss Order, something he's used to. You'll start wondering if this city is Khaenri'ah or Abyss Order, but Dainsleif suspects it's even older, though the architecture does look Khaenri'ah-ish. He points out a dim light in the distance and suggests you head towards it. Let's go!