Precise vs imprecise
The deflect is a timing window, not a hold. Land it on time and you get a precise deflect: the attack is cancelled, small enemies stagger, and you gain 1 Qi.
Too early and you get an imprecise deflect: half the damage is blocked, the other half lands as Internal Damage, you still gain 1 Qi, but there is no stagger. Against bosses you want precise deflects because they keep your offense alive and avoid stacking Internal Damage on yourself.
Build Qi on purpose
Every deflect — precise or imprecise — grants a Qi charge. Qi is what powers the Talisman, and the Talisman is how you convert Internal Damage into real kills. A run where you deflect deliberately will always out-pace one where you only dodge.
The Unbounded Counter
When a precise deflect is not enough — for example against a Crimson Attack — charge the parry for about 0.5 seconds and release for an Unbounded Counter. It deals 60 Internal Damage (135 with the Leverage skill), can block Crimson Attacks, and grants 1 Qi (2 with Unbounded Drain). It is unlocked at the Factory (Machine Room) Anomalous Root Node.
Bullet Deflect
The Bullet Deflect skill makes precise deflects reflect incoming projectiles instead of only blocking them. Essential for ranged bosses and a staple of any parry build.
Tai-Chi Kick for Crimson
The Tai-Chi Kick (Central Transport Hub node) upgrades your air parry so it counters Crimson Attacks that have a green aura. A successful kick propels Yi upward, deals 60 Internal Damage (160 with Backlash), and grants 1 Qi (2 with Incisive Drain). It also bounces off the green orbs scattered through the world to reach hidden areas.
How to train it
Learn one enemy at a time. The tells are readable once you stop panic-dodging: most attacks have a wind-up longer than the deflect window needs. Fight the same foe until its timing is reflex, then move on. Bosses become manageable the moment their patterns are memorised, not when your stats go up.