Among the many mystical encounters in Black Myth: Wukong, few are as quietly powerful as the Horse Guai questline. Also known as Ma Tianba, this mysterious horse spirit crosses your path across the first five chapters of the game, leading to one of the most rewarding transformations: Dark Thunder.
This walkthrough covers how to start, track, and complete the Horse Guai quest—while ensuring you don’t miss a single step, since it’s one of the game’s missable storylines.
Quest Overview
The Horse Guai quest spans multiple chapters, and each meeting builds upon the last. Missing any encounter before advancing to the next chapter will lock you out of the reward until New Game +.
Your goal is to find Ma Tianba in all five locations, exhaust his dialogue each time, and finally complete the sequence in Furnace Valley to unlock the Dark Thunder transformation.
Chapter 1 – Bamboo Grove: The First Meeting
Your journey with Horse Guai begins in Bamboo Grove, shortly after defeating Lingxuzi.
- Starting point: Back Hills Keeper’s Shrine
- Route: From the shrine, descend the steps until you spot a Yaoguai enemy. Head left into the nearby cave.
- Encounter: Inside, you’ll find Ma Tianba calmly seated. Talk to him and exhaust all dialogue options before leaving.
This conversation marks the start of his questline. The horse speaks cryptically of time and fate—an early hint of the philosophical tone his journey will take.
See also: Black Myth Wukong Xbox Achievements: Full List of All 81 Unlocks and Gamerscore
Chapter 2 – Sandgate Village: Bound at the Gates
Next, you’ll find the Horse Guai tied near the entrance of Sandgate Village.
- Starting point: Village Entrance Keeper’s Shrine
- Route: Head through the village gate and look left toward a small structure supported by pillars.
- Encounter: You’ll find Ma Tianba restrained by ropes. Freeing him isn’t an action prompt; instead, speak with him multiple times until he repeats his lines.
Once all dialogue is exhausted, you can move on. His tone here begins to show fatigue and frustration—a reflection of captivity and inner conflict.
Chapter 3 – New Thunderclap Temple: Enlightenment on High
The third encounter takes place deep within the New Thunderclap Temple, surrounded by blind monks and echoing bells.
- Starting point: Mahavira Hall Keeper’s Shrine (or Temple Entrance)
- Route: From the shrine, turn around and head down the stairs. Go right at the next building, then climb up to the second floor.
- Encounter: Ma Tianba stands beside a hanging bell overlooking the temple courtyard.
Speak to him and explore every dialogue branch. His words here take on a tone of clarity—hinting at enlightenment, even if fleeting. This encounter marks a shift from despair to acceptance.
Chapter 4 – Webbed Hollow: Trapped in the Cocoon
In Webbed Hollow, Ma Tianba’s path takes a darker turn.
- Starting point: Bonevault Keeper’s Shrine
- Route: After defeating Centipede Guai, head left of the arena and follow the torch-lit path until you find a massive cocoon.
- Encounter: Strike the cocoon several times to trigger a cutscene revealing that Horse Guai was imprisoned inside.
Once freed, talk to him again until he repeats himself. This moment emphasizes the quest’s recurring theme—freedom at the cost of suffering.
Chapter 5 – Furnace Valley: The Final Farewell
The conclusion to Ma Tianba’s story unfolds in two parts.
1. Defeat the Keeper of Flaming Mountains
Progress through Emerald Hall and defeat the dual bosses Keeper of Flaming Mountains and Yin-Yang Fish.
This victory is crucial—it “unlocks” the ability to complete Horse Guai’s fate.
2. The Broken Element Cart
Return to the Valley Entrance Keeper’s Shrine and proceed toward the lava fields.
- Ignore minor enemies and follow the sound of Ma Tianba’s voice.
- Near the molten stream, you’ll find a Broken Element Cart. Approach it and interact with the whip embedded in its frame.
- The prompt will read “Pull Forcefully.”
When you do, you’ll witness the horse’s final moments—his body consumed by the cart, his spirit freed. In this act, you inherit his essence.
Reward – Dark Thunder Transformation
Completing the quest grants the Dark Thunder Transformation, one of the game’s most visually striking and strategically valuable powers.
Description
“In darkness, cunning change doth brew. Slow of step yet resolute.”
Transform into a Horse Guai form that’s immune to Thunder Damage and capable of inflicting Thunder Bane on enemies. Focus built prior to transformation carries over, allowing for immediate skill chaining.
Might Cost
High
Talent Upgrade – Bolt Runner
Each level increases your Thunder Damage output (up to six levels).
Combat Abilities
| Mode | Move | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Lightning Lashes | Rapid whip strikes that build Focus. |
| Thunderbolt Sweep | Area-clearing whip attack that builds Focus. | |
| Spell | Lightning Infusion | Raises the whip to channel thunder, entering a Thrilled State. |
| Thrilled State – Light Attack | Thunder Flurry | Each lash summons lightning from above. |
| Thrilled State – Heavy Attack | Thunder Domination | Conjures a Thunder Formation, repeatedly striking nearby enemies. |
The transformation excels against thunder-type foes and synergizes beautifully with high-Focus builds.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Exhaust every line of dialogue during each meeting. If Ma Tianba repeats himself, you’re safe to proceed.
- Rest at a shrine after each encounter to confirm progress. His disappearance from the area means he’s moved to the next chapter.
- Do not skip Chapter 5’s return visit. Failing to interact with the cart after defeating the Keeper will permanently lock the quest.
The Horse Guai questline in Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just a side mission—it’s a quiet meditation on freedom and purpose. Through Ma Tianba’s story, players glimpse a somber mirror of Wukong’s own rebellion against fate.
Finishing it not only grants the Dark Thunder transformation, but also delivers one of the game’s most poignant narrative payoffs. For completionists and lore lovers alike, this is a quest you’ll want to see through to the end. Play Now!
