The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

“These kids are called the ‘Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.’”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.

‘Endless Suffering’ implied enduring a thousand hardships.

‘Three Buddhas’ referred to the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara, Amitabha, and Mahasthamaprapta, or sometimes to the concept of the Three Bodies of Buddha.

Considering that even the high-ranking monks of Shaolin didn’t easily earn the title of ‘Buddha,’ these individuals must be quite exceptional.

However, there was an issue.

‘…This is the first I’ve heard of them.’

Yi-gang had never heard of the group called the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.

Although he wasn’t familiar with every master in the martial world, if they were famous Shaolin masters, he would have at least heard their names once.

“Yi-gang, while staying with these children, learn meditation.”

Moreover, if these individuals were assigned to a Supreme Peak master like Yi-gang, they must also be of high caliber.

If that were the case, it would be even stranger that their nickname as the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering was not widely known.

Thankfully, the Divine Monk introduced them in a bit more detail.

“They’re all of the Beop line… Beop line disciples are quite few, and they don’t often leave the monastery, so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know them. This one here is the eldest, Beop Yun. His title is Blind Buddha.”

The Beop line would be the generation right above Shaolin’s First Fist Jeong Myung.

A monk appearing to be in his late thirties brought his hands together in a Buddhist gesture.

He greeted them with Shaolin’s unique half-palm salute using just one hand.

His posture was upright, and his appearance was clean and serene.

However, his half-open eyes were clouded and white.

“Beop Yun cannot see. That’s why he’s called the Blind Buddha.”

“…My name is Yi-gang.”

Blind Buddha.

The serene monk was blind.

A blind martial artist was exceedingly rare to find.

“The second is called Beop Jae. His title is Ugly Buddha.”

The second monk’s title meant ‘the ugly monk.’

Yi-gang was slightly taken aback.

“Don’t think the title is too harsh. He chose it himself.”

Beop Jae’s appearance contrasted sharply with Beop Yun’s.

Unlike Beop Yun, who was handsome and well-built despite being blind, Beop Jae was a hunchback.

His back was bent, and his face could hardly be called good-looking.

He made the Buddhist salute, but unlike Beop Yun, he remained silent.

“Beop Jae cannot hear. He has been that way since birth.”

He was also deaf.

Yi-gang carefully enunciated his words so his lip movements would be clear.

“I look forward to your guidance.”

“That last one there is the youngest, Beop Jin. His title is Sitting Buddha.”

Sitting Buddha usually referred to a seated Buddha statue.

The youngest of the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering, Beop Jin, was indeed fitting of his title.

He was sitting heavily on the ground. His legs, visible beneath his robe, were exceedingly thin.

“I am unable to walk. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Benefactor.”

Beop Jin smiled warmly as he greeted Yi-gang.

Among the three, he was the most friendly.

Yi-gang introduced himself once again.

“In the martial world, I’m known by the undeserved title of Immortal Divine Dragon, Baek Yi-gang.”

As Yi-gang said this, the Divine Monk chuckled.

He’d nearly forgotten it, but upon reflection, the title Immortal Divine Dragon felt somewhat embarrassing.

“These three may not be famous in the martial world, but they have a deep understanding of martial arts.”

The Divine Monk said this.

To be honest, they didn’t seem that way to Yi-gang.

“They each study various techniques among the Seventy-Two Shaolin arts.”

“The Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts?”

The Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts represented Shaolin’s most formidable martial techniques.

Seventy-two extraordinary techniques, each one nothing short of miraculous.

Mastering even just one of these techniques would be enough to establish an entire sect.

Among them was the Three Essentials Sutra, which Yi-gang had seen in the special-grade bookshelf of the Imperial Palace, and Heart Speech of Wisdom Light, known as the pinnacle of sound-based techniques. ŕА

“Impressive high monks indeed.”

“They’re just green youths. ‘High monks,’ you say?”

The Divine Monk teasingly scolded Yi-gang’s admiration.

“You want me to live with these people?”

“Yes, live together.”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering quietly nodded, as if they’d already been informed. Or perhaps they had no intention of defying the Divine Monk’s instructions.

Yi-gang pondered silently.

‘Isn’t it forbidden for disabled individuals to take monastic vows?’

To his knowledge, that was one of the rules in Zen Buddhism.

Just as a person with a family cannot become a monk, the principle was the same.

Sensing Yi-gang’s thoughts, the Divine Monk asked, “Are you familiar with Aniruddha?”

“…Wasn’t he a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha?”

“You know quite a bit. Yes, the Buddha took in the blind Aniruddha as his disciple.”

“What?”

“Even our own Shaolin founder, Huike, had only one arm. Is a disabled body a reason to deny someone discipleship?”

The Divine Monk’s insight was as sharp as ever.

“Stay with the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering and let go.”

“What should I let go of?”

“Let go of your two arms.”

His arms were already unusable.

“From Beop Yun, learn what it means to let go of sight.”

“Yes.”

“From Beop Jae, learn to live without the need for hearing.”

“…”

“From Beop Jin, learn the way to live without legs.”

If you let go, what remains?

“Letting go will allow you to gain. Just as a tree must shed its blossoms to bear fruit, only then will your arms be able to move, and your stagnated path will be able to advance.”

The Divine Monk poked Yi-gang’s chest.

“You need to empty the delusions that fill your heart and mind. Only then will you begin to understand the people you saw in Beijing.”

“…”

He was referring to Zhang Sanfeng and the Heavenly Demon.

Yi-gang recalled their battle.

Could that even be called a human fight?

Experiencing that realm from Zhang Sanfeng’s perspective had given Yi-gang much to learn.

Considering how precious a single piece of advice from a master was to a martial artist, how invaluable was the experience of being in Zhang Sanfeng’s state of mind?

However, what he failed to understand far outweighed what he had gained.

It was because he had yet to reach that level.

The Divine Monk seemed to be offering Yi-gang a clue for his next stage.

‘Though I don’t understand what this has to do with healing my arms…’

Still, the Divine Monk had even given him a Great Recovery Pill.

Yi-gang decided to place his trust in the Divine Monk and Shaolin.

Just then, the Divine Monk added one more thing, “If you succeed in letting go of everything, I’ll give you a very big gift.”

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you curious?” the Divine Monk asked in a playful tone.

But Yi-gang maintained a calm expression. “I’ll know when the time comes, won’t I?”

“This guy. Not much fun, are you?”

“I look forward to working with you, Three Buddhas.”

“Good. These kids may not be recognized as Peak masters in terms of martial prowess, but they have much to teach.”

Perhaps they weren’t even at the level of being called first-rate warriors.

Yi-gang replied quietly, “I see.”

“…Hm?”

He had nodded absentmindedly.

However, the Divine Monk scrutinized Yi-gang’s face closely.

And suddenly, he pointed something out.

“You, you just had a thought, didn’t you?”

“Pardon? About what?”

“Judging by the looks of these Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering, it’s no wonder they aren’t considered Peak masters, isn’t that what you were thinking?”

“What…”

Yi-gang was unusually flustered.

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering stared intently at Yi-gang.

“You rascal. If you lie within these temple walls, Buddha himself won’t forgive you.”

“I didn’t lie.”

“Isn’t that what you were thinking? That the eldest, Beop Yun, can’t even see, so how could he possibly land a punch?”

“I wasn’t thinking that.”

“And didn’t you think the second, Beop Jae, is a hunchback who couldn’t even reach your tall face even if he tried to throw a punch? I may not have achieved mind-reading, but I can clearly see through your thoughts.”

“What…?”

Though the Divine Monk often showed an uncanny ability to read Yi-gang’s mind, this time, he was mistaken.

Yi-gang had merely thought, ‘I suppose so,’ and left it at that.

“Oh? And as for Beop Jin, you’re even more unkind. I won’t even put it into words… How could you be so harsh?”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering looked at Yi-gang with increasingly strange expressions.

Yi-gang, at a loss, tried to say something.

Though he was told to live with them, wasn’t this prank a bit too much for a first encounter?

But the Divine Monk simply threw out a single challenge.

“Go ahead and spar with them. You can’t use your internal energy or your arms, so it will be a fair fight.”

“…”

“Wouldn’t that be good? After sparring, you might come to realize there’s something worth learning from them.”

“If you put it that way…”

There was no reason he couldn’t do it.

Yi-gang stood calmly.

A swordsman who couldn’t use his arms—that was a critical disadvantage.

Not being able to use internal energy either meant he was prohibited from using his upper dantian as well, so he couldn’t use techniques like the secret art of light footwork or secret art of physical power.

Yet, despite these limitations, Yi-gang was a Supreme master, a powerful fighter who could massacre armed soldiers with just a tree branch.

“Wait.”

Yi-gang spread his feet slightly.

He bent his knees and let his arms hang loosely.

He had also learned a kick technique.

In Cheongrim, there was a kick technique called Crystal Linked Kicks.

Once airborne, practitioners could go through an entire set of movements without their feet touching the ground.

At the level of twelve-star proficiency, it’s said that the practitioner’s feet never touched the ground. Yi-gang had reached the point where he only touched down twice.

“I’m ready.”

Linking this with his Radiant Shadowless Art posed no issues.

Yi-gang, having already gauged the martial level of the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering, was confident.

“Arrogant!”

Kwaang!

Just then, the Divine Monk struck the ground with a wooden staff and roared.

The Divine Monk’s voice was so loud it hurt Yi-gang’s ears, and it seemed to make the temple hall shake.

“You intend to face all three at once! Do you look down on Shaolin?”

“…”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering simply glared silently at Yi-gang instead of stepping forward.

In truth, it wasn’t exactly Yi-gang’s fault.

If they hadn’t surpassed the level of first-rate martial artists and had similar physical limitations, then…

Yi-gang was confident he could take on all three at once.

“I was too arrogant.”

But Yi-gang humbly apologized.

“Please grant me your guidance.”

“Now, that’s more like it, heh heh. Beop Jin.”

The Divine Monk laughed as if he hadn’t been angry moments ago and called for Beop Jin, the youngest of the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.

Beop Jin grinned and approached.

Which, of course, meant he dragged himself forward using his hands while remaining seated.

“You’ll face him.”

“Yes, Great Senior Elder.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Beop Jin once again brought his hands together in a Buddhist gesture toward Yi-gang.

“I look forward to learning from you, Benefactor.”

“Likewise.”

And with that, the impromptu sparring match began.

The Divine Monk struck the temple hall floor with his wooden staff, signaling the start of the duel.

No one moved immediately.

Yi-gang cautiously observed Beop Jin.

Beop Jin, still seated, leaned forward slightly.

How should he approach this opponent? Yi-gang was almost at a loss.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t think of a way to counter him. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

“Come now. I’m waiting.”

“…”

He could simply kick the smiling man’s head or wrap his leg around his neck.

Due to Beop Jin’s restricted movements, he could likely find an opening just by circling around.

Yi-gang remained vigilant.

Despite his seemingly humble appearance, his opponent was still a Shaolin martial artist.

“Won’t you come? Must I, with my leg condition, come to you?”

First, he would circle to create an opening in his opponent’s defense.

With his mind set, Yi-gang began to move slowly.

Beop Jin also shifted his position by using his hands to change direction. This continued for a moment.

Tap!

And then, at one point, Yi-gang quickly moved behind Beop Jin.

Once he had his opponent’s back, it would be easy to overpower him.

Indeed, Beop Jin couldn’t turn around instantly.

Yi-gang crouched down and swiftly sprang forward.

He bent his body like a bow to accelerate, performing Shadow Step.

Swish!

Just as Crystal Linked Kicks was about to strike Beop Jin’s body…

Beop Jin made an unexpected counter.

“Oops!”

He quickly leaned back.

In this position, his vulnerable head could easily be stomped, yet Beop Jin only laughed.

“Haha! A pleasure to meet you.”

“…!”

Beop Jin’s fingers flexibly curved and dug into the hard floor.

Effortlessly, he lifted himself into a handstand and propelled himself toward Yi-gang.

Yi-gang was momentarily flustered by Beop Jin’s surprising attack, which seemed as if he was throwing his own body.

He couldn’t block with his arms. He had to respond with leg techniques.

Though he kicked out, Yi-gang couldn’t push Beop Jin back.

“Startled, are you? Haha!”

“Ugh!”

Beop Jin’s body was as soft and fluid as silk.

Yi-gang’s kick only caused Beop Jin’s body to spin gracefully.

Taking advantage of this, Beop Jin’s fingers clamped tightly onto Yi-gang’s calf.

The Divine Monk murmured, almost as if providing commentary, “Beop Jin has mastered the Wall Tiger’s Ten Clawed Fingers technique, one of the Seventy-Two Shaolin Arts.”

Yi-gang tried to shake Beop Jin off by swinging his leg, but Beop Jin only clung on more tightly.

His fingers dug firmly into Yi-gang’s calf muscles.

“It’s a claw technique resembling a tiger climbing a wall, leaving ten claw marks behind.”

“Haha, just let me know if it hurts too much!”

Yi-gang gritted his teeth and rolled across the floor.

He attempted to thrust his knee upward into Beop Jin’s chin, but it was the wrong move.

Beop Jin tilted his head back to dodge the knee and smoothly slid beneath Yi-gang’s leg.

“Ha ha ha!”

“You little…!”

Beop Jin’s arm strength seemed several times that of an average person.

In this split-leg position, Yi-gang couldn’t exert any force.

Beop Jin’s left arm pressed firmly on Yi-gang’s neck, while his right hand protected his own neck by gripping Yi-gang’s knee.

For a moment, Yi-gang felt his breath catch.

If the artery in his neck were pressed further, he might lose consciousness.

Yi-gang leaned backward, following Beop Jin’s movements.

“Oh!”

Beop Jin, who had been enjoying himself with a smile, was caught off guard.

However, he swiftly adjusted his stance as if he had anticipated this. He moved from Yi-gang’s back to cling onto his side.

And there, Yi-gang did something unexpected.

Instead of lying back completely, he used his legs to generate force and spun around in mid-air.

Rip!

The force tore the hem of Yi-gang’s garment from Beop Jin’s grasp.

Beop Jin, who landed on the floor, paused in his attempt to jump again and gave a slight grin.

“You’re pretty flexible, aren’t you?”

“…”

Yi-gang had to acknowledge it.

He, who had been taught swordsmanship by the Sword Emperor and learned the art of swordsmanship from Zhang Sanfeng…

He had almost been overpowered by a paraplegic monk who had never stepped foot outside of Shaolin.

The Divine Monk crouched in front of Yi-gang and laughed.

“Your fighting spirit is impressive, heh heh… but wasn’t he rather fierce?”

“…Yes. I was surprised.”

“Beop Jin didn’t even go all out. If he had, you would have lost.”

The Divine Monk was not one to speak nonsense.

Yi-gang remained still, with a bewildered expression.

Then, a thought echoed in his mind with the Divine Monk’s voice.

「If these kids accept you, I’ll return the Heavenly Demon’s Plaque to you.」

Dam Hyun and the other disciples had entrusted the Heavenly Demon’s Plaque to the Divine Monk.

The idea of it being used as leverage was absurd, and Yi-gang laughed.

The Divine Monk also addressed the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.

“Do your best to teach him as well. Wouldn’t it be amusing? It’ll ease your boredom.”

“Yes! I’m very much looking forward to it!”

The youngest, Beop Jin, answered joyfully, while the eldest, Beop Yun, nodded kindly.

The second, Beop Jae, simply made an inscrutable sign language gesture.

The Divine Monk seemed to understand the sign language.

Beop Jae simply shook his head as if in disapproval.

“Oh, I see. Still, bear with it.”

Beop Jae slumped his shoulders as if disappointed.

Yi-gang, still entangled with Beop Jin, asked, “What did Ugly Buddha say?”

Beop Jin replied with a bright smile, “He said he can’t stand looking at a handsome guy!”

“…”

Yi-gang wondered if he’d be able to get along with them.

He was starting to feel a bit concerned.