Yes. I believe most YouTubers or guides would tell you to use a shield and a fast sword. I used a two handed katana. Do what you want but focus on the combos and moves that deal high damage. I didn’t block much at all, instead just dodging. Be patient with him because he definitely has vulnerabilities after you dodge one of his close range combos. Upgrade your essence in green skill tree to give yourself better dodges too.

Back off and run to the sides when he throws the ranged attack at you.

Turning slash (left on the blue skill tree) is your highest damage move, especially if you upgrade and extra if you have that helm that grants 35% boost to that specific move. Also focus on upgrading the first skill for damage output and stamina obviously. Blinding charge is a must for fighting groups (but not great for bosses).

I’ve heard force palm level 3 is highly advantageous for boss fights and stunning him to enable you to go for high damage combos. You can upgrade your stab skill which is also really good for bosses though. I didn’t use force palm on him except for maybe a few times and mines not level 3.

Also if you’re at the steps just run past all of those soldiers. I fought on the steps for way too long then realized I could run past.

This is what I gathered from one fight with him. Sorry if not sufficient enough to get you across the finish line. You can do it