As I first set foot in the newly unlocked Atocpan region during Genshin Impact's 5.5 update, the Collective of Plenty tribe's Obsidian Barrier loomed before me like a dragon guarding its hoard. This radiant wall requires a specific key - the Sunset-Blue Obsidian Ring - but obtaining it became an adventure as unpredictable as chasing sparks from a bonfire in a windstorm. Unlike typical quest items with fixed locations, this ring demands gathering three scattered Sunset-Blue Obsidian Fragments hidden randomly within Atocpan's precious and luxurious chests. The sheer randomness made my treasure hunt feel like sifting through desert sands for meteorite fragments - each chest opening carried the thrilling uncertainty of potentially finding those elusive blue shards.

The Great Chest Hunt

During my exploration, I discovered that chests containing these fragments appear under wildly different conditions:

  • Quest Rewards:

✅ Investigator of Ancient Ruins (grants 2 chests after defeating enemies)

✅ A Brief History of Rocks (unlocks 1 chest)

✅ Urumbamba's missing baby saurians (1 chest)

✅ "Intensity" Really The Key (requires SS-rank in trainer challenges)

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  • Combat Triumphs:

⚔️ Southeast pond: Stonehide Lawachurl + minions

⚔️ West of Tetenanco: Fatui + Warrant Officer Tatiana

⚔️ Hilichurl camp south of Urumbamba

⚔️ Secret dragon idols (teleports you to island battles)

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  • Challenge Completion:

🏆 Runtuma's trial (southwest Atocpan)

🏆 Kerih's test (near Stadium of Sacred Flame)

🏆 Matador Monotoo's arena

The fragment drop rate felt like waiting for cacti to bloom in a drought - frustratingly rare yet euphoric when successful. After days of hunting, I finally assembled my third fragment near a lava pond east of the tribe, where helping a dragon idol yielded a luxurious chest containing that final piece.

Crafting the Key

With all three fragments secured, the transformation process was surprisingly straightforward:

  1. Open Inventory > Materials tab

  2. Select Sunset-Blue Obsidian Fragments

  3. Choose "Combine" option

Instantly, the shards merged like quicksilver forming a mirror, materializing into the glowing Sunset-Blue Obsidian Ring. Returning to the barrier felt like offering a sacred artifact to an ancient titan - the obsidian wall dissolved like sugar in hot tea, revealing the Collective of Plenty's vibrant settlement.

Uncommon Metaphors

Throughout this journey:

  • The random fragment drops reminded me of trying to catch soap bubbles with oven mitts - visible yet maddeningly elusive

  • Atocpan's treasure distribution resembled a broken kaleidoscope pattern - beautiful fragments scattered without discernible logic

FAQ

❓ Can I farm fragments from respawned chests?

Unfortunately no - each chest is a one-time reward, so maximize exploration!

❓ Do shrine chests guarantee fragments?

They have higher drop rates but aren't guaranteed - my first shrine yielded mora only

❓ Is co-op more efficient?

Surprisingly not - fragment drops are individual luck based, like drawing different lottery tickets at the same booth

❓ Any visual cues for fragment-containing chests?

None whatsoever - they're indistinguishable from regular chests, making thoroughness essential

❓ Can I trade fragments?

No trading system exists - this barrier-break remains a solo pilgrimage