How to Unlock Medicine Crafting and Celestial Bonuses in Black Myth: Wukong

Every seasoned traveler in Black Myth: Wukong eventually hits that wall where a well-timed pill can mean the difference between a glorious victory and a rage-quit back to the Keeper’s Shrine. But here’s the kicker—the ability to whip up your own miracle cures doesn’t just fall into your lap like some divine handout. Oh no, the developers at Game Science made sure you’ve gotta earn it, and they hid the key behind a quest so easy to miss that even the most eagle-eyed monkey might breeze right past it.

So, it’s 2026, and plenty of Destined Ones have already blazed through the game, but if you’re still scratching your head wondering why that medicine crafting tab is empty, don’t sweat it. You’re not alone. The whole system is gated behind a frog-swallowing, recipe-hoarding character named Xu Dog. Let’s break down exactly how to unlock regular medicine crafting—and then the juiced-up permanent buffs known as Celestial Medicines—so you can finally give your simian warrior the edge he deserves.

The Canine Alchemist in the Dirt: Xu Dog’s Errand

Head to the Yellow Wind Ridge in chapter two and make your way to the Sandgate Village area. Once you reach the Village Entrance Keeper’s Shrine, take a moment to light your incense (old habits die hard). Now, start crossing the rickety wooden bridge ahead—but instead of going straight, pull a sneaky move: drop off the right side of the bridge into the ravine below. It feels like a cheeky sequence break, but trust me, it’s by design. A cave awaits, and on its left wall you’ll spot some fox yaoguai painting symbols. That’s your sign. Inside, a shaggy, four-legged NPC who goes by the name Xu Dog is waiting with a sob story.

This pooch claims a frog swallowed one of his precious medicinal formulas and, naturally, he wants it back. Since you’re the monkey with the magical staff, the task falls to you. The thieving amphibian in question is Lang-Li-Guhh-Baw, and he’s chilling in the pool just behind Xu Dog’s hideout. If you fought Baw-Li-Guhh-Lang back in chapter one’s Bamboo Grove, you’ll feel a twinge of déjà vu—this fight is nearly identical, with one zappy twist: this froggy brute loves to dish out the Thunder bane. Getting shocked mid-combo is no joke, so swing by the Keeper’s Shrine store and stock up on some Shock-Quelling Powder. A few piles of that and you’ll turn the boss into a damp disappointment.

Once you’ve turned the frog into a memory and snagged the Evil Repelling Medicament formula, head back to Xu Dog and hand it over. He’ll unlock the ability to craft medicines at any Keeper’s Shrine—finally, you can brew those damage-dealing or defense-boosting pills on the fly. As a parting thanks, Xu Dog mutters something about hunting down a lost furnace and scampers off into the dust. Don’t worry, your paths will cross again just when things get really interesting.

Celestial Medicine: The Permanent Power-Up Potion

Now for the real prize. Regular medicines are nifty, but Celestial Medicines are on a whole other plane of existence—they grant permanent buffs like extra health, mana, stamina, or elemental resistances. It’s the kind of character progression that makes future boss fights feel like a walk in the (Black Wind) park. To unlock this, you’ll need to collect two key items: Sternness of Stone and Keenness of Tiger, both found as you poke around the Yellow Wind Ridge. With those in your inventory, head to the Crouching Tiger Temple where you tangled with Tiger Vanguard. At the back of the boss arena, activate the faceless statue—if you have both items, a hidden stairway will descend into the earth, leading to the Crouching Tiger Temple Cellar.

Fight your way past the Civet Sergeants (don’t get cocky, they can still ruin your day) and you’ll arrive at a new Keeper’s Shrine with a massive furnace humming nearby. Inspect it and—surprise, surprise—Xu Dog pops up again, ready to offer his real services. From here on out, you can revisit this cellar and use Mind Cores to craft Celestial Medicines. Those Cores aren’t the easiest to come by, so think carefully about which buffs you want. The good news? If you ever get cold feet about your choices, Xu Dog has a Remake Medicines option that lets you reallocate all your Celestial bonuses without any fuss. It’s basically a free respec for your innate abilities, and it’s a lifesaver when you’re retooling your build for a tough encounter.

Wrapping Up: Don’t Sleep on These Buffs

Look, in a game as punishing as Black Myth: Wukong, every little edge counts. The medicine crafting system, especially the permanent Celestial boosts, can transform a struggling run into a confidence-filled rampage. Just remember: you have to go off the beaten path—literally dropping off a bridge and digging through caves—to find Xu Dog. But once you’ve got the knack, you’ll wonder why you ever tried to beat Yellowbrow on an empty stomach.

So the next time you find yourself at the Village Entrance Shrine, take the plunge (even if it looks like certain death). Deal with the shock-happy frog, retrieve that formula, and later chase down those hidden items to unlock the furnace of ultimate power. Your monkey might be made of stone, but with these medicines, he’ll feel like he’s forged from pure celestial fire. Happy brewing, Destined Ones.