In the sprawling Forest of Wolves, one optional boss has been making players regret their curiosity since Black Myth: Wukong first arrived. Guangzhi, a wolf Yaoguai Chief with a flaming spear and a serious temper, guards one of the best rewards in Chapter 1: the Red Tides transformation. The Destined One does not simply get bragging rights after this fight. He gets a second health bar, a blazing new move set, and the chance to become the very wolf that just tried to barbecue him.

This guide explains where to find Guangzhi, how to prepare for the fight, how to beat him without losing too many hairs, and what rewards await after the flames die down. Even after multiple updates and a steady stream of new players in 2026, this early encounter remains a proper skill check.
Where to Find Guangzhi
Guangzhi lurks in the Forest of Wolves, near the shrine called 'Outside the Forest'. The same area plays host to the infamous Wandering Wight, but this wolf keeps his arena tucked away out of sight. From the shrine, a player should take the first left and cross the raised bamboo bridge.

After crossing the bridge, following the path leads to a small entrance marked by a large stone Buddha head. That is the point of no return. Guangzhi will call out as soon as the player approaches, and the fight begins almost immediately.

Preparing for the Fight
A little preparation goes a long way. Players should equip their best staff and armor, spend every available Spark, and take a breather before stepping into the ring. Anyone struggling can gain experience by fighting nearby enemies or other bosses. Defeating Lingxuzi first is a solid strategy, because the Immobilise spell makes this fight far more forgiving.
Guangzhi's flame-tipped spear can quickly stack Scorch damage. Having Body-Cooling Powder on the item bar is wise, since it clears that nasty burning status. The wolf may look cool while on fire, but the player should not share the look for long.
How to Beat Guangzhi
At the start of the fight, Guangzhi favors wide staff twirls and leaping attacks. These are flashy but reasonably slow, so patience is key. A smart player dodges, waits for the end of the combo, and only then lands a few strikes. Going in early is an excellent way to eat a face full of fire.
The wolf also throws his spear like a boomerang. The initial throw is obvious enough, but the return trip can clip careless players. Similarly, his charge attack arrives very fast, though its wind-up is comically dramatic. Guangzhi stands still, coils up, and twirls his staff before rushing forward.

The trick is to dodge to the side when his staff is almost vertical. A split second later, the charge comes. Players using Immobilise should cast it only when Guangzhi is low to the ground. Zapping him mid-air wastes precious mana, and mana has better things to do.
Heavy attacks are especially useful here. They interrupt the wolf quite easily, opening a window for a barrage of light attacks. With good timing, a player can stun-lock him and carve off a big chunk of health.
| Attack | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Staff twirl combo | Wide, sweeping spins | Dodge backward, punish at the end |
| Boomerang spear | Throws spear with a flick | Side-dodge twice, watch the return |
| Flame charge | Coils up, staff almost vertical | Side-step late |
| Aerial swoop or cartwheel | Leaps high with fire | Wait, dodge the landing, attack |
Once his health drops to around 50%, Guangzhi gets serious. He adds flaming aerial swoops, faster cartwheels, and body slams to his repertoire. The long wind-ups remain, however, so the same patient approach works. Dodge the spectacle, wait for the landing, and punish him.

Guangzhi Rewards
When the wolf finally collapses, his spear falls from the sky and plants itself in the ground like a very dramatic trophy. Picking it up grants the Red Tides spell. This transformation lets players become Guangzhi, unleash Scorch Bane attacks, and enjoy a separate health bar. It is genuinely one of the best early rewards in the game.

The full payout looks like this:
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700 XP
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513 Will
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1x Stone Spirit
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Red Tides transformation
With Guangzhi defeated, Chapter 1 still has tougher faces waiting. The Whiteclad Noble and Black Wind King are next on the list, and they will not be impressed by a wolf costume. Still, having Red Tides in the back pocket is a fine way to greet them. 🐺🔥