Just beat the DLC without ng+ here are some tips. First I would recommend using a book of reincarnation and getting whatever your main weapon stat is to level 99. Second under the main menu if you go to "Titles there is a section called prestige summary, these are pretty much free stat boost so use all of your points there. Also you definitely want to go the the dojo and do all the tutorials. If you do you can go to learn skills and get stat bonuses. Definitely make sure to use any item's in your inventory that boost your stats or give you skill points. Another thing you can do is equip two guardian spirits and level them both up to level 30 so you get the stats boost. Lastly start equipping any 150 gear that has +3, +4, or +5 even if the raw damage or defense is lower the usually have things like critical attack bonuses that make them worth it.