The Secrets of the Five Skandhas
Form Skandha: The First Key
In the Wolf’s Forest, near the Front Hills, there is a sacred site that holds the power of the Form Skandha. By crossing the wooden bridge and entering the forest area, you’ll find a Buddha’s face stone on the left side, where you can obtain the Skandha. Just before the Bulgard boss.
Emotion Skandha: Unleashing the Fear
In the second chapter, the Stone Vanguard will drop the Emotion Skandha after you defeat him. To reach him, you must collect all six Buddha’s eye orbs in the second chapter. Next, head to the Fearful Cliff and take a break on the Rock’s Resting Plain. Enter the boss arena on the left side of the temple, and battle the Stone Vanguard. After defeating him, interact with the rock and pass on the Buddha’s eye orbs. Shigandang will appear, and by defeating him, you’ll obtain the Emotion Skandha.
Thought Skandha: Mindfulness
In the third chapter, in the Valley of Ecstasy and the Mindful Cliff, follow the wooden planks until you reach the top. Then, descend to the right side and walk until you reach the stone head. Engage in a conversation with it.
Selection Skandha: The Purifying Spring
In the fourth chapter, in Webbed Hollow and the Purifying Spring, follow the path and head to the left side of the pond. Cross the pond and find the Buddha’s head sculpture, where the Skandha awaits.
Consciousness Skandha: The Giant Shigandang
The Consciousness Skandha is dropped by Giant Shigandang in the sixth chapter, but you must first collect the first four Skandhas to summon him. In the hillside area, fly to the large lake and cross it, then head to the edge of the area and continue flying until you reach the upper area. Turn right and enter the narrow gorge, and you’ll find Giant Shigandang at the end.
Reward: Unlocking the Five Skandhas
Once you’ve collected all five Skandhas, you can give them to Xu Dog. If he’s in the Cellar Shrine’s Chapter 2 or has unlocked the Zodiac Village, he’ll be there. Speak with him and pass on the Skandhas, and he’ll reward you with a Five Skandha Orb, which will slightly increase your vitality, mana, and stamina.