History and gaming have a weird relationship. Sometimes you get a dry simulator that feels like a homework assignment. Other times, you get a boss fight so brutal it makes you want to throw your controller into the sun.
Ming General Liu Cheng’en falls firmly into that second camp.
If you’ve been following the buzz around Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, you know the name. He’s not just some random elite mob; he’s a gatekeeper. Honestly, he’s probably the first "wall" players hit where they realize that button mashing isn't going to cut it anymore. Set in the twilight of the Ming Dynasty, the game uses Liu Cheng’en to bridge the gap between historical tragedy and dark fantasy.
He’s a man who represents the old world—a loyalist to a crumbling empire, wrapped in python-embroidered robes and carrying the weight of a dying dynasty. He’s also fast. Like, "did he just teleport?" fast.
Who is Liu Cheng’en?
Basically, in the world of Wuchang, Liu is a loyal eunuch and a high-ranking military official. You’ll find him guarding the bridge into Cloudspire City, and trust me, he takes his job seriously. He looks like a withered old man at first. You see him in the snow, draped in a heavy cloak, looking like someone who should be sitting by a fire, not fighting a pirate warrior.
Then the cloak comes off.
Suddenly, you’re dealing with a master manipulator who is surprisingly nimble for his age. He wears the Sanshan hat and robes that signal his high status in the Ming court. In the lore, he’s a final test of will. He isn't just fighting for himself; he’s the personification of the Ming Dynasty’s refusal to go quietly into the night.
Why Everyone Struggles With the Fight
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why this guy is ruining people's weekends. Most bosses have a "thing." Liu Cheng’en has several.
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The fight is a two-phase endurance test that requires you to master the game’s deflection mechanics or die trying. There is no middle ground.
Phase One: The Spear and the Stomp
He starts the fight with a series of jumping glaive stomps. Three of them, specifically. If you miss the timing on even one, you’re staggered, and he’ll likely follow up with a combo that sends you back to the shrine.
- Weaponry: He uses a spear (or glaive) with incredible reach.
- The Frostbite Factor: This is the real killer. His attacks don't just hurt; they build up Frostbite.
- Stamina Drain: Once that Frostbite bar fills up, your stamina recovery slows to a crawl. In a game where movement is life, that’s a death sentence.
Phase Two: The Sword and the Whirlwind
Once you get him down to about 50% health, he stops playing around. He ditches the spear, pulls out a sword, and starts spinning like a literal tornado. He summons a massive whirlwind of ice that covers a huge portion of the arena.
If you’re caught in the radius when the ice explodes? It’s over.
His sword attacks are faster and have broader hitboxes than the spear. He does these pouncing strikes and diagonal spinning slashes that can decimate your HP in seconds. You’ve got to be aggressive but smart. You can't just back away because he’ll close the distance instantly with a dash.
How to Actually Win
If you’re stuck, don’t feel bad. He’s arguably the hardest boss in the early-to-mid game, reminiscent of those infamous walls in Sekiro. Here is how you actually beat him without losing your mind.
Gear Up for the Cold
Don't walk into this fight wearing whatever looks "cool." You need the Overseer’s Armor Set. You find it in the Mort Grotto in Cloudspire. It has the highest Frostbite mitigation available at that point. It won't make you immune, but it gives you that extra second of breathing room you need.
Fire is Your Best Friend
He’s a frost-based boss, so naturally, fire works wonders. A Flame-based build—specifically using the Flamebringer Longsword—is the meta here. Use Flame spells to build up Burn. It chips away at his massive HP bar while you focus on not getting hit.
The "Obliterate" Opening
There is a specific window right at the start. When he does his third jumping stomp, he takes a second to recover. If you’re fast and you’ve dodged behind him, you can land a heavy charged attack for an Obliterate strike. It can take off nearly a quarter of his health instantly.
The Historical Vibe
While Liu Cheng’en is a fictional boss, the setting is deeply rooted in the real-world chaos of the late Ming Dynasty (around 1644). This was a time of massive peasant rebellions and the eventual Manchu conquest.
The game’s choice to make him a eunuch general is a nod to actual history. During the Ming era, eunuchs like the infamous Liu Jin or Wei Zhongxian held terrifying amounts of power, often commanding armies and rivaling the Emperor himself. They were often seen as corrupt "tigers" who terrorized the country, which explains why the game portrays Liu as a "master manipulator" who commands terror.
Actionable Strategy Checklist
If you're heading back in for the tenth time, keep these specific points in mind:
- Watch the Lock-On: During his Phase 2 whirlwind, the game will often force you to lose your lock-on. Re-target him immediately or he’ll hit you with a leap attack from the fog.
- Dodge Right for Spikes: When he throws Frostbite daggers/spikes, dodge to the right. The tracking is worse on that side.
- Consumables: Keep Sapphire Lotus Seeds on your hotbar. Use them the second your Frostbite bar gets close to full.
- Patience over Greed: Do not try to finish a full combo if he’s still standing. Hit twice, then get ready to deflect. He counters fast.
Beating Liu Cheng’en isn't about luck. It’s about rhythm. Once you stop fearing the frost and start timing the deflections, the "Old Man of the Mountains" becomes just another stepping stone in your journey through the Cloudspire Peaks.
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To prep for the next zone, make sure you've fully upgraded your Flamebringer weapon, as the enemies only get tankier from here. Focus on increasing your Stamina Recovery stats—you're going to need them for the Snowfall Palace.