In Black Myth: Wukong, players embark on a mesmerizing journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology, tackling formidable foes and uncovering hidden secrets. One such adversary is the elusive Elder Jinchi, a monk shrouded in mystery and steeped in power. Located within the intricate facets of the Three Bells quest, Elder Jinchi presents a unique challenge that players must overcome to bolster their capabilities for the battles that lie ahead. This guide details the necessary preparations, strategies for defeating the boss, and insights into the rewards that await those who conquer this formidable foe.
Preparing for the Encounter
To confront Elder Jinchi, you must first gain access to the Secret: Ancient Guanyin Temple. This hidden locale is reminiscent of previous encounters in the game, particularly the conflict with Lingxuzi, yet it stands as a distinct realm ripe with its own dynamics. Players will find a shrine known as the Grand Chamber within this area, which, despite its limited size, offers valuable treasures—most notably, the Curio called 'Guanyin's Prayer Beads.'
Before you face Elder Jinchi, it's pivotal to ensure you are adequately prepped. By now, you should have already triumphed over optional bosses such as Guangzhi and Guangmou, which is instrumental in advancing the Three Bells quest. Make sure you’ve also tackled all other bosses in Chapter 1, except for Black Bear Guai, to fortify your position for this challenging encounter.
Moreover, don’t overlook the importance of spending any Spark points you've accrued from leveling up. Also, take the time to craft and equip the latest gear available to enhance your combat effectiveness. Equipping the Wandering Wight as your Spirit will provide a defensive boost, an essential element for the impending battle.
The Fight Against Elder Jinchi
Having dealt with the Wandering Wight previously, players will notice the parallels in Elder Jinchi's attack patterns and appearance. His style includes devastating arm swipes, a head smash, and an unexpected aerial fly kick. It’s crucial to be vigilant as Elder Jinchi possesses long-range attacks, most notably a palm blast. This powerful move involves him charging up and releasing a potent blast of energy that can catch you off guard if you're not mindful.
Another significant threat is his AOE (Area of Effect) attack, where he slams his palm into the ground, setting the stage for several follow-up blasts. Employing spells such as Immobilize or Cloud Step can provide a crucial advantage, allowing you to disrupt his patterns while a well-timed heavy attack can momentarily incapacitate him.
What makes this confrontation distinct is that Elder Jinchi is accompanied by a cadre of disciples. Initially, they are not much of a concern; you can eliminate them with a single burst. However, be aware that he can command these disciples to swarm and attack you, drastically increasing the fight’s complexity. When he bellows, “Bully an old man? Curse you!” prepare for a flurry of disciples that will glow and rush toward you, threatening to explode upon detonation.
Navigating the Battlefield
As the fight progresses and Elder Jinchi’s health dips below fifty percent, the encounter takes a pivotal turn—he levitates high above, out of your immediate reach. Here, your priority diverges from attacking him to preventing his disciples from reaching him. New disciples will spawn from the temple's shadows, shambling toward their mentor. If they reach Elder Jinchi, he will regain health. Your mission is clear: intercept these figures before they can connect with him.
The visibility in this arena can be challenging, so you’ll need to maintain your focus and constantly traverse the playing field. Notably, disciples tend to appear in a counterclockwise manner, making tracking them somewhat manageable. Eliminating them not only hampers Elder Jinchi's recovery but also provides you with health, enabling a strategic recovery during the battle.
As Elder Jinchi resumes his attacks, follow the same principles as the first phase. Evade his AOE strikes and bide your time; do not rush back in until the dust has settled from his palm strikes. Additionally, if you find yourself in a dire situation with dwindling health or fewer healing items (gourds), don’t hesitate to utilize Guangzhi’s form temporarily as a last line of defense.
The Reward for Conquering Elder Jinchi
Upon your victory against Elder Jinchi, you'll find yourself transported back to the vicinity of the bell you encountered earlier on Black Wind Mountain. Here, interact with the wolf skin hanging from the tree, prompting its disappearance and delivering your hard-earned reward: the Fireproof Mantle.
This mantle provides brief immunity to fire, an invaluable asset against the chapter’s final boss, Black Bear Guai. A new icon symbolizing this defensive mechanic will emerge at the bottom of your screen, alongside the spirit transformation indicator—a significant boost to your strategic options during challenging encounters.
While you may not receive experience points (XP) for this particular battle, a reward of 2000 Will awaits, which will aid you in enhancing your skills and capabilities. Additionally, when visiting a shrine post-battle, a new opportunity arises to craft the Bronze armor set. This set will fortify your defense while providing added fire resistance, which is essential for navigating the challenges that this chapter presents.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on successfully traversing Black Myth: Wukong's first secret zone. The challenges faced herein not only build your character's prowess but also immerse you deeper into the world of myth and legend. There are still numerous secrets awaiting discovery, so keep your wits about you as you continue your adventure through this fantastical realm. Every battle fought and every secret uncovered brings you one step closer to unraveling the full narrative of this extraordinary game.