Where To Go After Defeating Guardian Ape
Conquering the Guardian Ape in the water-logged basin of the Sunken Valley stands as a definitive milestone in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This grueling multi-phase battle tests your deflection pacing and mechanical endurance to their absolute limits. Once the beast finally falls, the fog doors dissipate and leave many players wondering which path to prioritize next in their journey.
Claiming the Lotus Flower of the Palace
Your immediate priority upon defeating the beast is to explore the small cave sanctuary located directly behind the boss arena. Inside this shallow cavern, you will find a vibrant white flower growing quietly near the rock formations. This vital quest item is known as the Lotus Flower of the Palace, and it represents a crucial component required by Kuro.
Picking up this flower is an essential step that progresses the overarching narrative toward its endgame phase. However, grabbing this item changes the state of the world and can alter access to certain regions. Experienced shinobi often double-check their unfinished side activities across Ashina before taking this flower from its resting place.
Venturing Deeper Into Ashina Depths
If you have not done so already, your next logical destination lies deep within the mist-shrouded caverns of the Ashina Depths. To reach this area, you must navigate through the bottomless hole located near the Abandoned Dungeon layout. Dropping down safely into the darkness will eventually lead you past several challenging mini-bosses guarding the underground paths.
As you push forward, you will discover a massive stone cavern that serves as the entry checkpoint to Mibu Village. If you choose to follow this path after clearing the Sunken Valley, a surprise encounter awaits you in the rocky arena. You will find that the Guardian Ape has migrated here to block your progression alongside a secondary mate.
Exploring the Cursed Mibu Village
Once you successfully bypass the cavern roadblocks, you will officially arrive at the haunting borders of Mibu Village. This unique area is filled with aggressive, immortal villagers who constantly swarm your position from the mud. Navigating the dilapidated houses reveals valuable upgrade components, including prayer beads and unique combat tools hidden in the farms.
Your primary goal in this cursed settlement is to reach the wedding cave house situated at the very end of the main path. Defeating the illusory Corrupted Monk guarding the entrance rewards you with the Shelter Stone, another crucial artifact for Kuro's quest. Collecting both the stone and the flower completes the mid-game requirements needed to trigger major shifts in the story.
Returning to Kuro at Ashina Castle
After securing both the Lotus Flower and the Shelter Stone, your next objective is to head back to the internal chamber at Ashina Castle. You will quickly notice that the standard fast travel idols inside the castle have been deactivated due to an active siege. You must enter the castle grounds on foot from the surrounding outskirts to reach the upper tower levels.
Ascending back to the rooftop where you previously fought Genichiro triggers a massive narrative climax involving your master and your adoptive father. At this precise crossroads, you will be forced to make a definitive structural decision that dictates your ending path. Choosing who to stay loyal to determines your final bosses and unlocks access to the mythical Fountainhead Palace region.