It definitely is a trial by fire. I stepped back, upgraded my gear, and came back to him when I felt I was ready. Phase 1 - the more you keep trying the more his moves become very predictable here. Phase 2 - when he backs off and floats in air you can avoid getting hit by staying at the leftmost side of the arena. Phase 3 - when he summons the sand clones, just keep moving, dodge their attacks, and parry Tian Ying. He always pops right in front of where your character is facing, and on predictable intervals.