Entering Chapter 5: Golden Child, Crimson Blood in Black Myth: Wukong, you will soon face Pale-Axe Stalwart, a special Yaoguai Chief who serves as both an opening mini-boss and transitions into an NPC quest-giver after the battle. He’s no pushover, known as a sworn brother of Erlang Shen and a vanguard under the Bull King at the Flaming Mountains. This guide will go straight into how to locate him and effective combat tactics to defeat Pale-Axe Stalwart.
Loction and Recommended Loadout
To find Pale-Axe Stalwart, start from the first Keeper’s Shrine you encounter in Chapter 5, in the Woods of Ember area. From the Shrine’s position, head to the right, and you will soon see an underpass. Go through it. As soon as you exit the tunnel, you will step directly into a large area where a fierce battle is taking place between Revenants and Bull Sergeants. Before jumping into the fight, notice a Buddha statue on the right; near it is a Fire Bellflower – remember to collect it. Pale-Axe Stalwart is the largest target, fighting fiercely right in the middle of the crowd. You’ll easily recognize him by his giant axe and the boss health bar that appears on the screen when you get close. Note that this area is constantly bombarded with firebombs from above, so be careful when moving.
The fight against Pale-Axe Stalwart isn’t too complicated if you understand how he moves and know how to utilize the environment.
Equipping the Fireproof Mantle Vessel is a smart choice to minimize damage from the firebombs constantly raining down on the combat area. For spells, Immobilize can give you precious moments to attack or heal, while Cloud Step enhances dodging maneuverability. Of course, feel free to use any spells that suit your playstyle.
Although many other enemies like Revenants and Bull Soldiers are involved in the fight, you can largely ignore them and focus your firepower on Pale-Axe Stalwart, unless they obstruct you excessively. The second constant danger is the firebombs from above – always keep an eye on where they are about to land.
Pale-Axe Stalwart Boss Fight and Guide
Pale-Axe Stalwart primarily relies on his large axe with rather slow attacks:
Axe Swings: Downward chops or horizontal slashes with slow speed, easy to Dodge if you time it right.
Kick: A quick kick at close range; back away or dodge sideways.
Jumping Axe Slam: He will jump high, raise his axe, and slam it powerfully into the ground upon landing. The best time to dodge is right before he hits the ground.
Charge Attack: He might charge straight at you; dodging sideways is an effective counter.
Overall Strategy
- Patience is Key: The main strategy is to dodge his slow attacks, then utilize the brief recovery windows to unleash combos.
- Crucial Tip: Utilize the firebombs! Enemies take damage from firebombs just like you do. Bait Pale-Axe Stalwart into moving into the circles indicating where bombs are about to land. This not only deals significant extra Fire Damage, making his health bar drop faster, but also has the potential to stagger him, opening up golden opportunities for you to unleash long combos or your strongest attacks.
- Ending the Fight: Interestingly, you don’t need to completely deplete his health bar. When Pale-Axe Stalwart‘s health gets low (around nearly empty or 60-70% depending on sources), he will automatically kneel, and the fight ends. He is no longer an enemy. Small tip: After he kneels, take the opportunity to clean up the remaining soldiers in the area to ensure absolute safety before approaching Pale-Axe Stalwart to talk.
When Pale-Axe Stalwart kneels, the battle concludes, and he officially becomes a friendly NPC. Approach him, and he will initiate conversation, apologizing for mistaking you for an enemy and explaining that as the Bull King‘s vanguard, he’s glad you weren’t seriously harmed.
This is where an important side quest begins. Pale-Axe Stalwart will explain that the Bull King‘s son, Red Boy, has created five mechanical chariots called the Five Elemental Carts, which are currently blocking vital paths on the Flaming Mountains. He will ask you, the Destined One, to find a way to destroy these carts. This quest spans throughout Chapter 5, and you will meet Pale-Axe Stalwart again at a few other locations as you progress, until witnessing his tragic end at the final cart, the Rusty-Gold Cart.
Pale-Axe Stalwart is an interesting early test in Chapter 5, not too difficult if you stay calm, observe, and utilize the environment. Completing his side quest not only yields rewards but also helps you understand the story and characters at the Flaming Mountains more deeply. Good luck on your journey as the Destined One!