So, you're a few chapters into your journey as the Destined One, and the enemies are starting to hit a little harder, aren't they? I know the feeling. That initial Pilgrim Set, while iconic, starts to feel a bit thin when facing down some of the later-game horrors. You've probably been admiring all those dazzling robes, masks, and arm guards in your inventory, wondering how to make them truly formidable. Well, I'm here to tell you that upgrading your armor is absolutely possible, but it's not something you just stumble upon. It requires a specific sidequest chain that unlocks a whole new realm of customization. Let's dive into exactly what you need to do, based on the latest community knowledge as of 2026.

First things first, you need to reach Chapter 3. The entire upgrade process is gated behind accessing the Zodiac Village, a central hub you can't get to until this point. The journey begins on the North Shore of the Bitter Lake. From that Keeper's Shrine, head north, sticking to the rocky shoreline. You'll eventually spot an elderly dragon named Chen Loong wading in the water near a beach hut. Be warned: approaching him triggers a boss fight. He's tough, but defeating him (or surviving long enough) calms him down and opens up a quest.

Chen Loong might seem grumpy at first, but helping him is the key to unlocking massive upgrades for your monkey hero.

His request is simple yet cryptic: he needs resurrection pills to ease his pain. The man with the medicine is Xu Dog, a character you might have met back in Chapter 2. Here's where it can get tricky:

• If you found him in Chapter 2: He should be waiting for you near the Cellar Shrine in the Crouching Tiger Temple. Just teleport there and talk to him. He'll hand over the Special-made Bone-Strengthening Pellet.

• If you missed him (a common oversight!): Don't panic. Head to the Village Entrance Shrine in the Yellow Wind Ridge (Chapter 2 area). Instead of going into Sandgate Village, look for a path leading off the main route. Jump down, navigate under a wooden bridge through a ditch and into a tunnel. You'll find Xu Dog by some rocks. He has his own problem—a giant frog boss named Lang-Li-Guhh-Baw stole his medicine. You'll need to defeat this muddy lake dweller and then speak to Xu Dog again to secure the pellet and send him on his way to the Cellar Shrine.

Once you have the pellet, return to the (hopefully) less-pained Chen Loong. Give him the medicine, and he'll reward you with the Ruyi Scroll. This isn't just another item; it's your ticket to the Painted Realm, home of the Zodiac Village. Use the scroll to travel there.

The Zodiac Village is a bustling hub with various merchants. Your target is the blacksmith, Yin Tiger. Speak to him, and for the first time, you'll see the glorious "Upgrade Armor" option in his menu. It's a game-changer!

Yin Tiger's services are essential, but be prepared—they don't come cheap.

Now, let's talk cost. Upgrading isn't free. Yin Tiger requires Will (the game's primary currency) and specific crafting materials that vary by your armor's rarity. You'll need to farm these materials out in the world. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2026 material requirements:

Armor Rarity	Required Materials
Uncommon	Will, Silk
Rare	Will, Silk, Cold Iron Leaves
Epic	Will, Cold Iron Leaves, Fine Gold Thread
Legendary	Will, Fine Gold Thread, Celestial Ribbon

A few pro-tips I've learned:

• Silk and Cold Iron Leaves are relatively common drops from enemies and plants in early-to-mid-game areas. Farm them while you progress.

• Fine Gold Thread and Celestial Ribbon are much rarer, often found in chests in later chapters or as rewards for defeating optional, challenging bosses. Don't expect to upgrade Legendary gear immediately!

• Prioritize upgrading the armor pieces you use most. A fully upgraded Rare chest piece might serve you better than a base-level Epic one for a while.

The process is a bit of a trek—find a dragon, fetch medicine, kill a frog, find a hidden village—but I promise it's worth it. Once your armor is upgraded, you'll feel a significant difference in survivability. Your Destined One will be ready to face the tougher challenges ahead, from the haunting biomes of later chapters to the myriad of brutal bosses that stand between you and the truth of your journey. Now, go forth! That Pilgrim Set isn't going to upgrade itself. Good luck, and may your Will reserves be ever plentiful.