Someone has already provided a general guide on the free collab DLC (Old Heroes) and the paid one (Eastern sea) as of June 23, 2025. It is unlikely I will update this guide unless I find new details not covered in the thread.
- https://steamproxy.com/app/1876890/discussions/0/599655877779167360/

Not all of the information are from me as some are from the discussion threads here

• https://steamproxy.com/app/1876890/discussions/0/7008219766206030718/
  
• "SirRice" and "Zleven" as credit for the most info in the thread above

And a bit of google

• https://gameplay.tips/guides/wandering-sword-characters-that-can-be-invited-to-join-party.html
  
• google found bilibili - https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv27002666/

Please note, the official guide is up, but it is currently incomplete from what I saw.

• https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3038849462

- Bigger Than A Breadbox
- discount
- dragoonic
- Kalion
- Lancha
- KaleShibata
- Zero Excluse

Please add in the comments below if you have information to add and I will dutifully add you to the credits.

I am consolidating the information in one spot so future players (and forgetful players such as myself) will have an easier time finding and recruiting companions and followers.
For the record, I play the game in Traditional Chinese... but read and write in English; go ahead and figure out what's wrong with my brain.
As more info becomes available, I will eventually update the guide accordingly or add a contributor.

The order of companions are based on the order I found them in.

Each section will have spoilers

• Their Starting Location
  
• Recruiting Conditions (Potential spoilers)
  
• The Companion Quest (spoilers)
  
• My own observations/opinions (safely ignore)
  
• Weapon Type*

There will be no tier list as this is grind-game, if you want a companion level raised, grind them until they are at the level you want them at (Good luck!).

The final section will cover story-specific characters, who will affect the ending text of the game (spoilers obviously).

Wutong Village, Recruit at Wutong Village
Gift until his affection reaches 20.
Beat him in a spar.
Gift until his affection reaches 60.
Kill Boars in Wild Boar Woods
Beat some Bandits at Lotus Lake
Bring him to a scam martial artist in Yanfu Town, beat said scamming artist.
Bring him to the waterfall in Sandalwood Forest (near the entrance), east of Yanfu Town.

Nakama to the end. Complete his quest line to get a good spear/stick martial art.
Uses Polearm
Level him so he can get a better ending by winning a sparring duel in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.

The companions below can be recruited while this main story quest is active.

Available after the main story of rescuing children from Mount Wanzi
Luo Village, Recruit at Petalsfall Forest
Meet him near the waiter in Luo Village
Complete his side quest in Mount Wanzi.
Tell him the owner of Mount Wanzi - Affection +30
Meet him in Petalsfall Forest (West Side of the the world map).
You can purchase the 5 booze in Tancheng City's inn before or during the quest.
Complete his side quest in "The Precipice" (climbing to the top).
Raise his affection to 80.
Available after progressing through the main story and the northern region (outerland) is unlocked.
Thanks to @Bigger Than A Breadbox
You can save Bai Jin in his companion quest by going to linchang instead of trying to get the orders in valley of dragons slumber
Otherwise he yolos.
A true neutral rogue who has no qualms stealing and beating people. He is wandering the world without a care. Also a bro.
Uses Hidden weapon, literally your only ranged DPS until Leng Wuqing can be recruited.
Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.

Pingkang City
Complete the side quest from Pingkang City in Murkwood for Toad Epidermis.
Then gift her until her affection raises (40)
She asks you to go with her to train her techniques at Qingmu Sect.
The Qingmu Sect master will tell you to collect 5 bamboos.
After collecting 5 bamboos and returning to the sect master, Shangguan Hong will join you.
Raise her affection up more (~70) and she will ask you to meet the Qingmu sect master for a spar to learn the final technique.
It is a duel between her and the Qingmu sect master, so make sure Shangguan Hong is raised to match.
Best girl, her base stats are strong and she has plenty of sword skills.
Uses Sword and pretty good at it.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
The March 2024 'Southern Chronicles' update gave her a significant addition and upgrade, she gets a personal weapon and technique.
Disappointing she isn't the main girl.
Disappointing the game doesn't have a satisfying conclusion for her given the time she spends/spent with the protagonist.
The devs added new ending for her in the "The Echoes of Ash and Dust update". A nice touch, but regrettably romance is not a strong suite in this game's writing.

Qingmu Sect
Complete Shangguan Hong's companion quest.
Complete Sima Ling's First Request.
Gift until affection is 50
Complete Sima Ling's Second request to beat her sisters in a spar.
Bring her and Shangguan Hong to jinli village to watch some fish on the bridge.
Raise her affection again (~80?) to trigger her last quest.
Bring her and Shangguan Hong to Gusu City (make sure Sima Ling is raised, as she must solo a difficult fight).
2nd Best girl, can be a bit annoying at first but most likely you'll come to like her. Takes a long time to recruit her because she is only available after completing Shangguan Hong's quest line.
Also must bribe with rare gifts.
Uses Saber and can handle a good number of weak mobs alone.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Disappointing the game doesn't allow harem options Shangguan Hong + Sima Ling nor does it have a satisfying conclusion for the 2 given the time the protagonist spends/spent with them.

The Companions below can join the party after Main Story: Joining Wudang or while "Qinghe Village Case" is active.

Starts in Gusu City, East Side, Recruited at Wutong Village
She becomes available only after you become a disciple of the Wudang Sect (and before the Mingjian Main story quest line).
You need to fight and fight to save her in Gusu on the fighting stage (located in the far right side of the city).
You can start the quest early... but you won't be able to complete it until much later when the western region is unlocked as part of the main story line.

1. Go straight to Pingyang Fortress, Lu Xianer fights some punk
   
2. Now go to Tianshui City.
   
3. Proceed along the main story as normal.
   
4. When you try to leave the city, walk around the inn area to trigger a cut scene where Granny Mu shows up.
   
5. Now proceed as normal to the main story and head west to skyline mont.
   
6. Fight Gray Condor
   
7. return to the area where Gray Condor got double crossed... further in is Granny Mu.
   
8. Granny Mu sends you out to Longmen Canyon. Good thing fast travel exists now...
   - If you didn't get it earlier, go to Camelbell Hill and look for Atu, or the boss of the area and kill him for "Bone-Forging Method Part 2"
   - While you're in Longmen Canyon, look for General Tuoba and kill him for "Bone-Forging Method part 1".
   
9. Kill 10 soldiers, trigger cut scene, Fight some more
   
10. New skill with a Class 2 Premium polearm, Lu Xianer Affection +20.
    
11. Return to Pingyang and check up on the punk (Wang Tiancong) by talking to his dad (Wang Daoming).
    
12. Get him the materials and craft the stuff.
    
13. After the gift cut-scene, talk to Wang Daoming again for the family history. Now he owes you a favor for the next companion quest (Frosty Condor).

You're rewarded with a 2nd Class Red Fangtian Huaji (Sky-piercing Halberd) and a unique move, Pearl Flower Spear.
Decent tanky spear/stick follower.
Uses Polarm if it wasn't obvious; pretty good at dealing with weak mobs as well.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.

Starts in Yanfu Town, northeast corner section.
After finishing his request, he can be recruited in Tancheng City, northeast corner in the upper level.
You must be an Wudang Sect Disciple, but not beyond I think senior or Elite status.
Meaning Kong Lian is only available BEFORE a certain point in the main story line.
He likely dies if you didn't/don't fight to save him from his old sect.
Fight and complete his request, his affection is maxed at 100 after his request.
None, from what I can tell, he is pretty much done living the dangerous life. Though I wonder if there is a quest or follow-up to treat his fiance/wife's condition (as she only got an extension to live, not a cure).
An honorable former hit man. Actually great that he doesn't need excessive grinding and gifting.
Uses Saber, but pretty much outclassed by Sima Ling if you have her.
Not in any plot-critical fights from what I can tell.

He's either an "easter egg" now or another mistake...
Qinghe Village
Complete "Side Quest: Deadly Scorpion" and cure him.
Walk near him, trigger the quest, cure him. Go back to Qinghe village and he asks to join you.
There are no quest/events associated with Tiedan outside of the cure as far as I know.
Not in any plot-critical fights from what I can tell.
Apparently he was added per community feedback as an easter egg (because in earlier versions of the game a player can basically kidnap him if he was never cured).

The Companions below can join the party after Main Story: Become Senior Disciple is complete.

Pingkang City, south area inside the martial club.
Only available after a certain point in the main story line. After you become a Senior or Elite disciple
You need to beat his pupils, then beat him, then beat him and his pupils.
Raise his affection to ~60? or ~70? He'll ask you to go with him to investigate murders that were done using his family's martial techniques.
!!WARNING!!
Apparently, he'll come after the MC with murderous intent due to overwhelming Envy if his affection is above a certain value (>= 70?)... So criticize him to knock him down a peg to stop him from trying to kill the MC.
You have to let him get taken in by the detective during his quest (Do not defend him) or you will lose him forever.
He has ego issues and a fairly weak willpower without strong principles (very much a talented person without a direction in life).
Uses Fists, and probably the first one to join you... unless you recruit Tiedan.
Not in any plot-critical fights from what I can tell.

The companions below can join the party after "Main Story: Become Elite Disciple"

NOTE: I consider this to be the first "breaking point" of the game.

Kong Liang cannot be recruited as he dies.
Lu Xian'er likely dies (if I remember correctly) because you didn't go on stage to save her.

After completing the Leijia Village quest chain and crushing the Tianlong Gang advisor, he can be found in Lotus Lake.
Only available after a certain point in the main story line -and- BEFORE you head north past Xungu Pass. He likely dies by Xuanhuo Cult hit men confirming his pal's death and burial if you don't show up.
You need to complete the side quests Leijia Village and crushing the Tianlong gang's advisor.
None from what I can tell, his affection seems to be locked at 60. A pity because the guy seems to have a lot of backstory and knowledge about dirty dealings among the big sects.
Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
He adds additional dialogue to a number of side quests based on his past. Notably during the beggars sect battle and a few more in the western region. Heavily tied to the plot added in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Decent guy all-around; very much would have retired and live in seclusion if he didn't have buddies still F***ing around.

Fancheng City, go inside the inn and trigger the scene and a quick fight.
Only available after a certain point in the main story line, when the MC is told to head north after Mingjian Festival.
As soon as you leave Beishan Village, head west and into Fancheng City's inn.

You need to follow her and save her in Chenjia Village.
I think it is possible to miss her if you don't show up at Fancheng City's Inn As she likely dies yoloing.
Unknown, seems to be rescuing her only.
A traveling foreigner from west of Fancheng on a journey for justice.
Uses a sword, but I found her to be inferior to Shangguang Hong by this point of the game.
No companion quest aside from rescuing her from what I can tell.
Not in any plot-critical fights from what I can tell.

The companions below can join after "Main Story: After the Battle (of Mount Windless)"

Leijia Village, after completing the entire quest chain... apparently the main story needs to progress a bit before he appears in the Peach Blossom Forest
You need to complete the side quest of crushing the Tianlong gang's advisor in the side quest "Leijia Village".
He appears in the Peach Blossom Forest after the battle of Mount Windless and Tianlong Gang is completed destroyed. (Not before, probably having to deal with his shi**y boss from his last job).
None? It looks like his recruitment is his quest.
By the way, his friend disses you quite hard given that they would have failed without you
Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Working (or worked) for the wrong guy. Given this fella's talent, he could have done much better. Also, why is his portrait of him standing rather than in the wheelchair?
Uses Hidden weapon, decent damage potential and his quest chain reward is good. Problem is he doesn't join the party until roughly half way through the game.

Encountered during a part of Wei Huo's companion quests, can later be found at Tancheng City, Beggers' Sect HQ
Resolve all the side quests involved in the Battle with the Beggars' Sect.
- There were 2 or 3 of them, all pertaining to the past about why Xun Yaoyao and Yan Weihuan has revenge motives against the Beggars' Sect.
This guy needs to be in your party to save and eventually recruit the other member (Yan Weihuan).
After you have both Li Yuanxing and Yanweihuan, raise both of their affections to 80, for more details, see Yan Weihuan's companion quest section.
Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Surprisingly not a bad guy. A slacker genius who'd rather be fishing rather than rising ambitiously to what his talents can potentially give him.

Unknown at this moment, but safe to say he's been in the main story's background and makes his first appearance in the Beggers' Sect side quest.
Must resolve all the side sub quests involved in the Battle with the Beggar's Sect.
Fight to save him and Xun Yaoyao by bringing Li Yuanxing with you down to Solitary Cloud Marsh Pier, west side.
After the fight, he can be found at the Bramble Shade Forest, in the East Side.
NOTE: I'd advise to recruit him ASAP before heading west beyond Fancheng for story reasons.
Unknown at this moment. Capped his affection at 80 currently... probably related to Xun Yaoyao given the last cutscene.
Must have Li Yuanxing in the party, both affections at 80.
Head to Mount Autumn, near the left end of the map where you can find a campfire.
Please note I found this section to be buggy and it didn't trigger until my 3rd or 4th visit... Might need to kill a few goats/rams to trigger.

• Kill some mountain goats/rams for the quest.
  
• Hong Fei makes an appearance, fight him with MC, Yan Weihuan, and Li Yuanxing
  
• Get 2 red skills.

---

From the comments, I believe this companion quest must be started and finished after unlocking the western region and before the next rank-up (and before the Nanjiang region is unlocked).
Thanks to BananenBieger and blizzcarsten

---

Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
From what I can guess in the story, he is likely the strongest fist/palm companion in the game.
He is likely based on 喬峰 in 金庸小說: 天龍八部 in that he was literally set up to fail by those around him while having a once-in-a-generation talent.

Monkey Woods Cave after fighting the gold scorpion, at the very northwest end of the zone.
Since people were not aware, the +10-15 affection comes from taking her route (gifting her the golden scorpion). Otherwise the affection points goes to Tingzhu if you go the herbal saint route.
Follow the official instructions; for best experience, you should recruit her before you head to the Western Regions.
In case it wasn't obvious, having all 12 companions you can get up until this point in your party will give you the best experience.

MAKE SURE BAI JIN, YE FEI, AND LENG WUQING ARE POWERED UP WITH DECENT EQUIPMENT

• Help the Bureau Guards, pick up the token (Zhao An +5).

1. Talk to Yia Vang, her affection should be 30-35.
   
2. Show your token to Yia Vang +5
   
3. Now head down south from the guests area, the Buearu Guards have their own residents.
   
4. Be polite, introduce yourself Zhao An +10.
   - From Thanks to @Zero Excluse Force your way through -10 than +30 (+20 total).
   - Zhao An can reach up to 50 affinity during the Pili School event.
   
5. get the item from Yia Vang, talk to Lian Xin and have him present the item +5
   
6. Refuse his gift offer and uphold your bargain (Zhao An +5 or +10)
   - I have no idea how much of a factor Zhao An's affection is.
   
7. return your newly found information to Yia Vang (40 now)
   
8. Start your investigation of the Turmoil
   
9. Talk to everyone and investigate the crates multiple times.
   - Check the schedule by opening it in the inventory.
   - After 3 or 4 checks of the boxes, you'll find an item (Damaged Pellets).
   - If you have Li Yuanxing and Yan Weihuan, you will get more info
   - Contact Leng Wuqing, Ye Fei is needed here.
   
10. Return to Sanhe and inform him
    - The suspects are the Checkup Students and Duan You if you didn't contact Leng Wuqing
    
11. Head to the treasure room and fight.
    
12. After the fight, Talk to Tang Tong
    - Get a new & incomplete technique.
    - If you have Bone-Forging Method 1 & 2 while you were in outerland, use Bone-Forging Method 1 to complete it.
    - Ask him about the unrest and turmoil in Nanjiant.
    
13. With the Damaged pellets, talk to Ouyang Hai.
    
14. Return to Yia Vang,
    - Share the info about the fight with the white hair woman
    - Share Tang Tong's statement with Yia Vang.
    
15. By the time you finally rest, your affection with Yia Vang should be 55.
    
16. Return to you room, Li Yuanxing will tell you there is a plot
    
17. Go back and warn Yia Vang, more items.
    
18. Now you can rest, everything should be ready
    - Bai Jin will intercept the thieves tomorrow and steal the manual.
    
19. After the fight, bring the manual to Ouyang Hai
    - He tells you about the intentional flaws of the demo weapon.
    
20. Now talk to Zhao An
    - If you did everything correctly as above, he'll tell you about the names of the plotters.
    
21. At the conclusion of the prelude, Yia Vang join you with an affection of 65.
    - Zhao An's Affection at 40
    - Gu Sigui at 25
    - Yia Vang at 65

Literally the entire new Nanjiang Chapter in the Southern Chronicles update.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Competes with Frosty Condor for the hottest character art.
Also ridiculously good because her techniques has splash damage and poisons enemies.
Very sad she doesn't even get a chance with the MC.

Bramble Shade Forest
He will join you during "The Scorpion Envoy", the quest chain for part 1 of the southern chronicles.
As you go meet Yia Vang in Bramble Shade Forest, he will automatically join you.
Follow the official instructions; for best experience, you should recruit him before you head to the Western Regions. See Yia Vang's section for more details.

• Do NOT get too attached nor invest too much in him.
  
• He is a long-term, but NOT a permanent companion. Reminded me of Yoshimo from BG2

The companions below can join after "Main Story: Become Martial Disciple".

DO NOT COMPLETE "Main Story: Become Discipline Disciple" if you want them.

You can actually meet her during the Mingjian Festival.
After the fights finish, go right and head south.
Return her jade to gain affection +10
Can only be recruited after you unlock the area west of Fancheng part of the main story line.
The quest chain can only start after you hear a rumor about horse thieves in the western region in Wudang Sect.

1. When Become Discipline Disciple is active, check for rumors about raiders in the western villages by going near the student by the path exiting the student dorm area.
   
2. Now go to Sweetspring Village and start fighting.
   
3. After the fighting is done, talk to everyone BEFORE talking to the village elder.
   - Xiao'e will ask you to check on Mr. Pei.
   - Mr. Pei's affection +20, spar with him for a rare material.
   
4. Requesting help starts
   
5. Tianshui / Chengjia Fortress
   - Fat man refuses to help, now you gotta look for things in the city
   - Head to the front yard of the inn, after the dialog, go near the dirt mound to pick up a packet.
   - Complete the mini-quest chain here, something about aphrodisiac and horses /shrug and move on.
   
6. Pingyang Castle
   - Guy owes you a favor if you followed the instructions previously with Lu Xianer's companion quest.
   
7. Canglan Village
   - Guy (Yang Liutu) agrees unconditionally (I find him sus to begin with...)
   
8. Condor School
   - If Frosty Condor's affection is 20, there shouldn't be an issue aside from crimson condor picking a fight with you.
   
9. Badlands Stronghold Scouting
   - Talk to everyone at least once before proceeding with Frosty Condor.
   
10. Stop by Bitterwater Village
    - Kong Liang mentions traces of bandits
    - Leng Wuqing comments on recent events and his view.
    
11. Badlands Stronghold
    - Proceed as normal, DO NOT return the sweetspring right away.
    
12. Go to Bitterwater Village again, watch the cut-scene and leave
    
13. Go to Canglan Village, head to the top of the map and help Di Zui.
    
14. Go to Tianshui City, head up the inner wall to find Di Zui
    
15. Help Di Zui get rid of Chengjia Fortress.
    
16. Now return to Sweetsprings village, talk to Ouyang Hai then frosty condor
    
17. DO NOT go to skyline mont, look for Wan Biao and the prisoners
    
18. Go to Mount Autumnscape, far left end of the zone to save the prisoner.
    
19. Now go to Skyline Mont
    - Before taking a break, talk to Di Zui and learn about a few more things
    - Leng Wuqing, Yan Weihuan, Li Yuanxing will leave the party to flank the enemies.
    - After the fight is over, head down to bitterwater village.
    - After yet another fight, talk to Di Zui before leaving.
    
20. Approaching Battle ends, revisit the following places for conclusion and rewards
    - Sweetsprings Village
    - Pingyang Fortress
    - Condor Sect / gotta fight old man Yin
    - Chengjia Fortrees (if you didn't let Cheng Yu stay at Wudang).

Literally complete the recruiting condition from what I can tell.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Her attitude change is very much like an Icy Hot patch (ice that pain and relax warmly). By the time she finally joins you, her sect master pretty much marries sends her off along with the sect's secret techniques as the dowry.
She is now capable of using fists -OR- hidden weapon. Her fist skills are maxed but you'll have to figure out her meridians.
Probably has the hottest character art, but you can only recruit her quite late in the game... but she does start with all of her skills maxed.

Shaolin Temple, backyard left section behind a few pagodas.
He makes an appearance in Kong Liang's request and later in Frosty Condor's quest chain.

• After doing everything in Frosty Condor's quest chain and Frosty condor is recruited, simply pay him a visit at Shaolin and invite him.

---

Previous/old source.
https://steamproxy.com/app/1876890/discussions/0/3878218563597323684/

Originally posted by Bloody Angele:

必须要孔亮、冷无情、李元兴、燕未还有吕仙儿在队伍中，要在去苗疆五神殿之前完成一线天支线并招募冷鹰，之后完成甘泉村支线剧情就可以回少林招募涤罪了

Machine Translation:
Kong Liang, Leng Wuqing, Li Yuanxing, Yan Weihuan and Lu Xian'er must be in the team.
Before going to the Five Temples of Miaojiang, you must complete the Yixiantian branch and recruit Leng Ying (Frosty Condor).
After completing the Ganquan Village branch plot, you can return to Shaolin to recruit Phasin.
Roughly translates into
- Complete Frosty Condor's quest chain and return to Sweetspring Village for the conclusion of said quest chain BEFORE you visit Nanjiang.

---

His companion quest was added in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Absolutely level him to be useful because he is plot-critical in the nanjiang arc and The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
A monk from Shaolin, hinted as one of the most powerful companions (but a tier below the peak).
The guy is basically the incarnation of "Wrath" in that he basically kills everyone that is past the point of redemption.

There are 6 new companions available with the "Southern Chronicles Update" as of March 19th 2024 (when this section was updated).

Please note this update drastically changes the Main Story's Nanjiang Chapter after the Western Regions chapter if you recruited Yia Vang*

*According to some Chinese sites, this change is permanent, meaning we will not have the pre-update story line anymore. I have not verified this - I only played the new content rather than replaying the old content.

Without too much spoilers, almost all the notable companions will have a role with the update.

And I'm 99% certain those notable companions ARE REQUIRED to recruit 4 of the new companions

• Li Yangxing and Leng Wuqing observes and uncovers the hidden plots.
  
• Bai Jin intercepts the agents at Pili with Ye Fei.
  
• Xun Yaoyao needs Yan Weihuan and Li Yuanxing
  
• Di Zui is involved in the "hardest" fights plot wise in this new chapter. What if you don't have Di Zui in the party? I can't say, but I am not replaying the entire game right now to find out.

I highly suggest grind-level the following characters as they will be forced into combat at some point.

• Shuangguang Hong
  
• Sima Ling
  
• Ye Fei
  
• Bai Jin
  
• Yan Weihuan
  
• Frosty Condor
  
• Di Zui

Note: as you try to exit Wudang, you will be stopped by Daomiao and permitted now to access the forbidden area.

I highly recommend getting it done now before you proceed (by maxing your newly acquired tai chi skill to clear).

Yan Weihuan spars and picks up Taichi skill during quest after a spar with MC.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS LEVELED AND GEARED

• Di Zui
  
• Yan Weihuan
  
• Ye Fei
  
• Len Wuqing
  
• Frosty Condor
  
• Shanguan Hong
  
• Sima Ling

1. You will be stopped at the pier by a mingjian Disciple, after the cut-scene dialog.
   
2. Do not leave the Gusu City for Jinlong yet
   
3. Go back down to the pier to trigger another cut scene in which said disciple is murdered by Lianxin.
   
4. Follow the assassin to the exit, Frosty Condor will correct the MC and now you must head to Bamboo Sea to the north.
   
5. At Bamboo Sea, Track Lianxin to the northeast end of the zone, you'll be introduced to Shang Tingzhu.
   
6. Duel Lianxin, win, get a cutscene from Leng Wuqing and Li Yuanxing comments on the plot twist... then exit Bamboo sea.
   
7. Head to Pili School via Solitary Cloud Marsh... Starting "Revisit Pili School"

1. More Cut scenes... and learning more about the behind-the-scenes story.
   
2. Ask your questions; afterward, Zhao An's affection hits 60 and gifts you with a sword technique.
   - Nine Manifestations (an orange/epic level unique move, probably glitched, has no listed effects).
   - Elusive Aura (yellow / rare cultivation).
   
3. Head west to the guest room area and look for Lianxin, who gifts you with another sword skill.
   - Thirteen Spectral Swordplay, a yellow / rare mighty sword skill (probably glitched, it has no listed effects).
   - His affection is at 50 for me at this point... so a possible future companion?
   
4. Talk to your companions, who offer their own thoughts of current events.
   
5. Now you can leave and head to Jinglong

1. Grab the fast travel before entering Jinglong.
   
2. Cut scene starts and a fight, Frosty Condor is controlled by the AI for whatever reason.
   
3. Disclosure: I saved everyone in Jinglong before heading southwest to save Ouyang Xue, I have no idea if there are consequences if you miss these groups.
   - A party in the east (right of where the cut scene ends).
   - A civilian group to the west, near the tailor shop
   - Jengb Nianx the centipede Envoy is at the southeast gate.
   
4. Talk to everybody and get a feel of what's going on then leave to find Thom Lief.
   
5. Leave Jinglong via the southwest gate.

1. You have a choice to leave Gu Sigui or Xue behind to guard the entrance
   - Gu Sigui +10
   - Ouyang Xue gets hurt and another event (which I think also increases her affection? I forgot).
   
2. As you go deeper, Di Zui will offer to guard the entrance, I accepted his suggestion.
   - I thought this was critical to a peaceful resolution as Di Zui will dramatically reduce the Wuxian Casualties... but this is unverified.
   
3. Anyway, get to the end of the cave, fight a lot of things then leave.

- Before starting all everything below, head east and into Erjun County.
- Trigger cut scene, the go further right/east into the zone to find Shang Tingzhu +5

1. Go to Shiwan Dashan for Pearl Lotus
   - There's a hidden treasure cave here in the one of the left waterfalls... the orange mushroom stalk is passable.
   
   
   - The taichi puzzle is solved by stepping on the raised platform in this sequence.
   
2. OG Chinese: 顺序是 下--左上--右--右上--左下--左--右下--上
   
   1. Down
      
   2. Upper Left
      
   3. Right
      
   4. Upper Right
      
   5. Bottom Left
      
   6. Left
      
   7. Bottom Right
      
   8. Up
3. Inside the treasure room is an incomplete skill (♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ secret I guess).
   - This skill is only fully unlocked later after fighting the dragon Python.
   
4. Return to Wuxian sect to treat Gu Sigui (Gu Sigui +10).
   
5. Go to Wushen Hall to proceed the main story.
   
6. Do not rest, go back into Wushen Hall and talk to Thom Lief on all topics until she gives you the dungeon key (Wuxian Token), starting "Warriors Legacy".
   
7. Head to the prison/dungeon and talk to Liux Khat, cut-scene, return to Wushen Hall
   
8. Find toad envoy in the southwest, then report back to Wushen Hall.
   
9. Look for toad envoy again... then report back to Wushen Hall again.
   - Leng Wuqing will comment on the next assassination target, now you go to the dungeon/prison again to save Jonb Aof from Duan Zhaochen.
   
10. Talk with Thom Lief again after the cut scene to get more info.
    
11. Go to the guest area Ouyang Xue +10
    - Leng Wuqing and Li Yuanxing comments the real target is likely the polis sword.
    
12. Then you can finally rest and prepare for the battle in five days...

If you did everything right so far, you'll see a flashback of Gu Sigui.

1. Fight and proceed as normal
   - Leng Wuqing and Li Yuanxing makes a comment outside the forbidden area.
   
2. Look for and kill the visage spider, you'll need it later (I actually missed it like an idiot before).
   
3. Proceed as normal, fight and watch cut scenes.
   
4. If you didn't F up, you get the sword for yourself.
   - If you didn't have Leng Wuqing and/or failed to resolve the assassinations, the sword gets stolen.
   
5. Proceed with the story, hopefully your Yan Weihuan is leveled decently cause the fights are hard and/or tedious.
   - Lame prevention will help a lot.
   
6. Afterwards in Bibo School, I couldn't find any special events/affection related things... so proceed as normal and return to Wuxian Sect.

• Look for the Whispering Centipede on the west side of the zone and kill it.
  
• Then head east / southeast and jump over a bunch of alligators to proceed.
  
• More cut scenes, more fights.
  
• if you didn't screw up, friends show up and nobody dies here.

1. Straight forward, proceed as normal, if you have the centipede and visage spider, you're good to go.
   
2. I solo'd Bai Weiyi, so I can't tell you what happens if you bring your buddies to the fight.
   
3. Proceed as normal, but this time only your buddies are fighting, so they better be leveled and equipped...
   
4. After visiting Ouyang Xue (+10), do not rest.
   
5. Look for Shang Tingzhu in the southeast of the Wuxian Sect.
   - Ask the top 3 questions then all clear for Shang Tingzhu +!5.
   - Look around if you want, but I didn't find anything
   
6. Rest, then leave for Meeting in Jinglong
   - At the meeting, if you didn't screw up, you get the full history of Bai Weiyi
   
7. Afterward you automatically return to Wuxian Sect.
   - Yia Vang supports you +5, reaches 100 affection.
   - Now don't rest, go look for Shang Tingzhu again (+10, now at 55).
   
8. Now Rest
   - If Shangguan Hong's Affection > Ouyang Xue, she pays a visit instead.
   - Nope, nothing excessive here, just her being senpai telling you not to doubt yourself for what you gotta do.
   
9. Wake up, head to the Wuxian Sect Entrance, talk to everyone then go duel/fight Bai Weiyi.
   - Win the duel, and help him (obviously)
   - if you didn't F up, everybody loves you and nobody dies.
   - Leng Wuqing and Li Yuanxing goes to make a deal with the devil, hinting at what may come in the next update.
   
10. Great, you're near the end, don't return to Wudang yet.
    - As you near the exit, Li Yuanxing and Yan Weihuan makes another plot while Xun Yaoyao seduces chats with the MC.
    
11. Go to Perpetual Sanctum
    - Once you're in, go straight up, find Shang Tingzhu
    - Then straight up into the hall and talk to Xiao Wuyan, who tells you Bai Weiyi is west by himself.
    - Talk to Bai Weiyi and he'll set you off on a hard fight at the statue in the courtyard for his sect's techniques.
    - Once you finish the fight, return to Bai Weiyi, who ask that you to bring the Duan Siblings out to the real world.
    - I think you can recruit Shang Tingzhu anytime before the statue fight; she is at the southwest part of the zone, +20, affection at 75 when I recruited her.
    
12. Pay a visit to the following for follow-up/conclusion rewards
    - Wuxian Sect - Thom Lief gives some perma-buff drugs
    - Bibo School - Senpai finally notices me
    - Pili School - If you have the complete Blazing Divination Technique (Thanks to KaleShibata).
    - Qingmu Sect - A fine dress and hairpin for the ladies.
    - Tancheng - Kong Liang's fiance/wife is cured wih Shang Tingzhu in the party.
    
13. That's it, I'm done here, that was how I did the entire Nanjiang Southern Chronicles. ( ´ཀ` )

Automatically joins you at the end of the updated Nanjiang Chapter.

• In case it wasn't obvious, you need Yan Weihuan and Li Yuangxing.
  
• She automatically joins at the end of the Nanjiang chronicles arc.

None from what I can tell, but damn what a journey it has been for everyone involved.
Absolutely level her to be useful because she is plot-critical in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Some say she is the best girl. Not my choice for romance though - but I do wish her the best and ship her with Yan Weihuan.

There are 3 companions who only available if you managed to resolve the Wuxian sect war against their hidden enemy peacefully.

Needless to say, you must have Yia Vang in your party and reduce the casualties for wuxian as much as possible for this to happen... so yeah that took a while.

The Duan Siblings (Zhaochen and Lushuang) are a pair and have identical recruiting requirements.

Shadowmere Marsh / Perpetual Sanctum, but only if the Nanjiang chapter is resolved "peacefully".
Real pain in the ass...
From what I can surmise based on my experience:

• The Pili invitation event must be investigated thoroughly previously, as stated in Yia Vang's Recruiting conditions. Zhao An is the string puller..
  
• Yia Vang MUST BE RECRUITED
  
• Di Zui must be guarding the entrance at Phoenix Cave.
  
• Jinb Aof of the Spider Envoy must be saved from assassination.
  
• Investigate and try to figure out rebellion's plan(s) from the forbidden area. Leng Wuqing and Li Yuanxing will determine the enemy likely has a mole and plans to steal Wuxian's treasured sword and technique(s).
  
• Zhao An Affection >= 40(?) - Unverified, My thinking is so he won't feel a need to take direct action in Nanjiang... But I think it is safe to say he will make a return in a future story update. So this won't hurt.
  
• Gu Sigui Bai WeiyiAffection >= 50(?) - ^ See my walkthrough experience and choices above. Basically he needs to be buddy enough to believe in the MC and be spared.
  
• Yia Vang's affection >= 80(?) - she will support the MC in having a peaceful resolution.

None from what I can tell so far.
Absolutely level the pair to be useful because you will need them for a fight or 2 in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
Not much to say right now, this is a WIP.

Shadowmere Marsh, I have not tried the violent end and only the peaceful end.
Needs 60+ affection, which is only possible if you talk to her while she is in Nanjiang and pursue an end to the century of bloodshed.
None from what I can tell so far.
Nice cleavage with a touch of ara ara.
Also, always keep her in your party after resolving the Nanjiang arc successfully. because she is critical to some characters survival.
I don't recall having her in any of the story fights however, but I only finished one run in the new The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.

• Qingxiao's son (Moli) Details at image link.
  
  
• She cures Leng Wuqing at the end of the Nanjiang arc (Peaceful Resolution).
  
• She cures Kong Liang's Fiance/Wife. in TanCheng
  
• Li Dahu in Liao City.
  
• TBD, I need a refresher or 2. ( ´ཀ` )

Pili sect, but he'll join you much, much later in the game at Gusu after the Nanjiang arc.

Complete the Nanjiang arc successfully (resolving the Wuxian sect's issue with the Perpetual Sanctum with a peaceful outcome).
Not pissing off the Ning imperial court officials.

Basically the entirety of the added content in The Echoes of Ash and Dust update

A competent Eunuch court official, also the very last follower who will join you in this game.
Uses a sword, IIRC he is only needed for one story plot fight and it wasn't critical to the big picture outcome. YMMV on how useful he is.

Story Companions cannot be gifted and their affections impact the ending text.
There are no recruiting conditions as they join you automatically as part of the main story quest.
What I have found very annoying is if you mess up one selection or miss an event, you can't fix it and a replay will be required.

ALL story companions will reach at least 40 affection through the main story alone, with the remainder from (hidden) events and player choices.

So If there are "correct" selection to reach 100 affection for each, please reply in the comments.
Thus far I have only reached affection levels for the following.
Yaoji 100, (40 from main story, 60 from choice events I confirmed and found)
Mowen 100, (60 from main story, 40 from choices)
Ouyang: 100, (40 from main story, 60 from choices: 10 from performance, 30 from gusu festival, 20 from finding the score).
Jiang: 80, (60 from main story, 20 from choice events I found... so 20 more from somewhere).

Mount Wanzi
After Mingjian: Call her by her name +10
After Xungu Pass Battle: Look for her after the treating the general. +20

---

After the Mount Windless Battle - DO NOT REST.
Thanks to @Kalion
(Confirmed) IMMEDIATELY after the Battle of Mount Windless, visit the Xuanhuo Cult HQ. +10

---

Leaving Wudang Sect, In the Cave of Tribulation, after Mount Windless... +20

• Ask Why and listen to the guy's request
  
  
• Agree to help him...
  
  
• fight the 2 mini bosses in the back, collect the key item.
  
  
• You'll be forced to give up the key item regardless, so after the cut-scene...
  
  
• When you're near the entrance, turn around and go straight to the back of the cave and into the inner cave on the right you couldn't enter earlier.
  
  
• Watch the cut scene
  
• Fight the 2 mini bosses again.
  
• I found this part to be a bit buggy... it didn't trigger and I had to reload the game a few times.

Very easy to miss her events... and thus miss her ending.

Wudang Sect
Gift Selection: Gift him the Weiqi (Go) Game board for +20.
After Mingjian: Agree with him that you need to be wary of Yaoji +10.
After returning from Mingjian visiting Ouyang Xue...
- DO NOT REST, go back into Sanqing Hall and talk to Qingxu, who tells you about Mowen in Tancheng City.

- Go to Tancheng and see Mowen, where he tells you not to worry +10.

He's alright I guess, sadly didn't get much more screen time with the The Echoes of Ash and Dust update.
No longer the final boss if a completionist player is playing; requires the player to clear Nanjiang and The Echoes of Ash and Dust content completely.
Rejoins the hero in the 2nd to last fight.

Mingjian Manor
Mingjian Manor: Call her performance "Depressing" +10.
Gusu Night Festival: Do All the festival Activities +20

• Festival Lantern Vendor Answers +10
  
• Light, Snow, Stars, Candle
  
• Pay 800 gold to eat the dumplings
  
• The 3 Performers
  
• - Eat 3, Eat 3 vs. Gluttonous Tiger
  
• - Admit Defeat vs. Iron Ape
  
• - Win the fight vs. Flying Fish
  
• Listen to the storyteller
  
• Pay 1000 gold to poor scholar for the dance

After the whole Main Quest of dealing with the Wu Dang traitor... and while "Become Martial Disciple" is active, pay another visit to Mingjian Manor to see Ouyang Xue; as you get near her resident, her maids will tell you about cheering her up.

- Go look for the score obviously. +20

---

The above guide is a clarification from one of the comments
Thanks to @discount
During Lantern Festival (Sword Tournament at Mingjian) speak to all the vendors (riddles, they're very easy, I can't remember them, and the 3 performers: eat 1 bowl then eat more, admit defeat to weight lifter, win 1v1)
- After the fight at Mount Windless (complete pill quest for Daopillman in Wudang), visit Mingjian,
Don't visit Xue, Speak to one of the Handmaidens
Go and find the music she wanted (she gets a really strong red ultimate).

---

Default main heroine unless you actively avoid her and max the other heroine's affections.

Wutong Village, she eventually returns to join you automatically literally for only about 2 story parts.
- After Mount Wanzi: Grab her wooden sword back in the starting house before you meet her again.
- Before visiting Mingjian Manor, during the visit to Wutong Village, after talking to the chief (who tells you Xiaotong went west) but BEFORE progressing and unlocking access to the north above Xungu Pass.

• Go to the Solitude Marsh Pier East, look for the poisoned fellow and "Don't Save him" +20

- During the Gathering of Heroes: Persuade/Talk to her +10

So I finally found and read on some Chinese website on how to return the wooden sword to Xiaotong to reach 100... But the site is loaded with pop-ups and adware, so I won't be linking it directly here because it would likely violate Steam's linking rules.
For the curious, it is from gamersky . com
That being said, I do need to replay the game from mid-point and confirm this)... sigh

• Yaoji's affection must be > Ouyang Xue's affection. (I am guessing the player has to proactively avoid Ouyang Xue and avoid the "perfect" ending).
  
• Visit Wutong Village before going to Mount Tianshan and look for Xiaotong.
  
• Return the wooden sword +20.

Practically an afterthought in the main story until the last 2 chapters/hours of the game.
Gets a somewhat expanded role in the The Echoes of Ash and Dust update... But still mostly an afterthought.

The Echoes of Ash and Dust update have added new endings to the main story companions (there are now 20 listed).

The conditions will be in spoilers for obvious reasons.

All companions mentioned above are not part of the main story line and will not appear in the final cut-scene (but may have their own "hidden" ending).

Pending Developer discussions and further updates, this is likely it for Wandering Sword.

Please note I have NOT confirmed nor found all the endings, and I will only list the conditions based on what I have translated.

I'll leave a double asterisk** for unverified.

Source for Southern Chronicles content update: https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv27002666/
作者：喻井

1. 完美结局：莫问好感80以上，决战胜利。三女主好感60以上，女1=女2>=女3
   
2. 女一结局：欧阳雪好感大于瑶姬
   
3. 女二结局：瑶姬好感大于欧阳雪
   
4. 女三结局：小彤好感大于欧阳雪和瑶姬
   
5. 开放结局：莫问好感80以上，决战输掉，一年后再次决战
   
6. 全灭结局：莫问好感不足，决战输掉
   
7. 孤寡结局：三女主好感不足60，只身与莫问决战并获胜
   
8. 掌门结局：平康杀李天宝-反对程钰入武当-夜晚找清霄触发莫离剧情-打赢莫问

1. "Perfect" Ending: Mowen Affection >= 80,
   All 3 girl leads have affection > 60，Girl 1 == Girl 2 >= Girl 3. (女 literal translation is "female", but I used Girl instead).
   Win final duel.
   
2. Girl 1 / Ouyang Xue: Girl 1 > Girl 2
   
3. Girl 2 / Yaoji: Girl 2 > Girl 1
   
4. Girl 3 / Jiang Xiaotong**: Girl 3 > Girl 1 and Girl 3 > Girl 2
   
5. Unknown Aftermath: Mowen Affection >= 80, lose the final duel
   
6. Destruction: Mowen Affection < 80, lose the final duel.
   
7. Loner**：All 3 female leads affections < 60, win final duel. (no idea about < 60 affection...)
   
8. Wudan Sect Leader：3 Events
   1. Kill Li Tianbao as Senior Disciple in Pingkang.
   2. Refuse to let Cheng Yu into Wudang.
   3. Search for Moli (Qingxiao's son) at night.
   Win the final duel.

• "Perfect" Harem
  
  
• Wudang Sect Leader