i can't do it -- how to unlock lower difficulty mode?

This is about the genechiro plunge attack (where he jumps and holds the sword vertically downwards) Do you parry that or sidestep it? And which one is better? I sidestepped it and it took watching yt clips to find out you can actually parry it Which does lead to another question, mikiris aside, are there delectable attacks where a dodge is better than a deflect?...

I did a search on google but cant find anything useful,i have shelter stone and lotus, issshin is dead cause of the sicknness. So i opened the secret passage and went in but nothing happens, did i forget something ? I even slayed the divine dragon, what should i do ?...

Where? Why? I will defend you here. I simply want to know what boss or foible in the game caused you to stop playing. In fact, if you stopped playing and are reading this, you're the target of my question. If you stopped and picked it back up, I also want to know what caused you to quit, as well as what brought you back in. Don't be ashamed. The level of cognitive execution required to succeed in this game may be beyond you. It is made for healthy, young adults....

So I mastered Elden Ring's combat system and after 27 new game +'s I decided I wanted more of a challenge. So I picked up this title after hearing how much praise its ♥♥♥♥♥♥. Beautiful game so far, but I am getting my ass handed to me left and right haha. Any tips on how to get gud at this game?...