The buildings of Shaolin Temple were not clustered closely together in a small area.

As is often the case with temples that expanded gradually over a long period, the structures were scattered here and there.

Beyond the gate where the Guest Hall was located, lay a space where Shaolin’s main buildings, such as the Great Dragon Hall and Dharma Hall, were clustered. However, other facilities, such as the Arhat Hall and Sutra Pavilion, were situated in various parts of Mount Song’s Shaoshi Peak.

The Second Founder Meditation Room, where Yi-gang and the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering were staying, was one of the more secluded places among them.

‘Second Founder’ refers to Huike, who succeeded Bodhidharma, the First Founder of Zen Buddhism.

The Second Founder Hermitage was established to honor the place where Huike practiced Zen.

The small meditation room near Second Founder Hermitage is called Second Founder Meditation Room.

Even if Noh Shik and So Woon wanted to visit Second Founder Meditation Room, they couldn’t recklessly wander into another sect’s area.

So Woon was curious to see how Noh Shik would overcome this obstacle.

“Leave it to me. Beggars and monks have always been on good terms.”

With words that would likely not sit well with Shaolin monks, Noh Shik approached a martial monk patrolling the Guest Hall.

“Excuse me, Venerable Beop Man.”

“Oh, Benefactor Noh Shik.”

Noh Shik greeted the monk Beop Man with enthusiasm.

To So Woon’s surprise, Beop Man’s gaze toward Noh Shik was unexpectedly warm.

Since when had Noh Shik become friendly with the Shaolin monks?

So Woon wondered how Noh Shik had managed to become so close to them.

And soon, the secret was revealed.

“Among the successors, you see.”

“Oh-ho… what’s the matter this time?”

“There’s a swordsman named Yi Myung-gyeol among the warriors of Lesser Moon Hall. It seems he recently went down to Dengfeng County and smuggled back a lot of liquor.”

“What, what did you say?!”

“It’s not even for drinking alone; he seems to be planning a drinking party. It might be a good idea to patrol the area tonight. Tsk tsk, how could they even think of doing such a thing in a temple…”

“Thank you. As expected, there’s no one like Benefactor Noh Shik.”

So Woon kept her lips tightly sealed and pretended not to have heard anything.

This was how Noh Shik earned the favor of the martial monks patrolling the Guest Hall—by acting as an informant.

No wonder the martial monks of the Guest Hall appeared as if they could always predict trouble.

If the martial artists who had suffered at the hands of these monks ever discovered this truth, they surely wouldn’t let Noh Shik off the hook.

“Well, since I’m eating temple food, I figured I should at least do this much.”

“Indeed, they say all the beggars of the Beggars’ Gang are noble chivalrous people.”

“Haha! By the way… I have a small favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

“I’ve always admired Second Founder Huike. Would it be possible to take a look around Second Founder Hermitage?”

Hearing Noh Shik’s request to leave the Guest Hall, the martial monk hesitated for a moment.

However, it seemed the trust Noh Shik had built so far came in handy.

“Alright, but with such a vast temple complex, you’re likely to lose your way… wouldn’t you need a guide?”

“Hahaha, beggars are the best at finding their way. Don’t worry.”

“Well, if you say so…”

Beop Man carefully explained the path to Second Founder Hermitage.

Noh Shik and So Woon clasped their hands in gratitude, offering their thanks once more.

“Let’s go!”

“Yes!”

With that, they set off for Second Founder Hermitage.

Exiting the temple gate, they took a narrow trail heading northwest.

Beop Man explained that if they climbed up the winding path, they would eventually reach Second Founder Hermitage.

“One of the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering is unable to walk. I wonder how they managed to climb such a difficult path.”

“Indeed. The road is so rugged.”

The narrow path connecting Second Founder Hermitage and Second Founder Meditation Room was incredibly treacherous. Additionally, there were many forks along the way, making it seem challenging to navigate.

Yet Noh Shik was indeed excellent at finding the way.

Could it be true, as he had said to Beop Man, that beggars are naturally good at finding paths?

When asked about it, Noh Shik chuckled.

“Yesterday and the day before, I’ve been here a couple of times.”

“What?”

“I found it manageable to go back and forth to the point where the martial monks were stationed.”

“Why did you sneak off on your own…?”

“Well, if even the bond of sworn brothers isn’t enough to persuade Young Master Baek, wouldn’t I need to offer a bribe to get anything out of him? So, I prepared for that.”

“A bribe?!”

A bribe.

Leaving aside how unpleasant the word itself sounded, So Woon couldn’t figure out the connection between Noh Shik scouting the path in advance and the word “bribe.”

Could it be that he prepared some gold or jewelry to present to Yi-gang?

The idea of Yi-gang being swayed by money didn’t seem likely, nor did it make sense that a beggar would prepare such riches.

When asked what he meant by “bribe,” Noh Shik simply grinned.

“You’ll see when we get there.”

Eventually, Noh Shik and So Woon ascended to Second Founder Hermitage.

On the way, martial monks appeared out of nowhere to ask about their destination. However, once they explained they had Beop Man’s permission to visit Second Founder Hermitage, they were not stopped.

Second Founder Meditation Room.

It was there that they met the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering and Yi-gang.

Yi-gang and the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering were not working like they were when Noh Shik first met them.

Perhaps they were resting; the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering were seated on the wooden veranda, reading scriptures, while Yi-gang sat perched on a boulder in the courtyard of the small thatched house.

So Woon was a naturally gentle person.

No, to be precise, it might be more accurate to say that he was considered weak.

There was a reason why So Jin-gong, the Nine Spear King, sent his cherished child out into the world to toughen him up and turn him into a man.

Thanks to that, So Woon became a martial artist.

But was there still a trace of boyishness left in his heart?

Before reuniting with Yi-gang after such a long time, he was filled with nervous anticipation.

Even after arriving at Shaolin, he hadn’t had a single chance to meet him.

The other successors who had seen Yi-gang spoke of him in nothing but unfavorable rumors.

Hearing that Yi-gang had lost both arms sent chills down So Woon’s spine.

Surely, it couldn’t be that severe.

Even if his condition was critical, surely he would recover someday.

A swordsman unable to use his arms must surely be in turmoil. As his sworn younger brother, I must steadfastly encourage him.

So he thought.

“Uh…”

However, when So Woon finally met Yi-gang, who was sitting on the boulder, he couldn’t utter a single word.

His pupils dilated dramatically.

Yi-gang’s arms were blackened and lifeless, as if they were decaying meat hung in a butcher’s shop.

Yi-gang might have merely been lowering his head, but to So Woon, it looked as though he was steeped in despair.

Yi-gang slowly lifted his head and looked at So Woon.

He slightly furrowed his brows before speaking.

“So Woon?”

Yi-gang immediately recognized him.

So Woon, feeling his chest tighten, hesitated for a moment before responding.

“…B-brother!”

“…”

Yi-gang let out a bitter smile.

Though he smiled because So Woon still called him “brother” after all this time, to So Woon, it seemed like a lonely, self-deprecating gesture.

“Your arms…!”

“This is just how things turned out.”

So Woon’s eyes welled with tears.

But as the son of the Lord of West Sky Castle and the sworn brother of the Immortal Divine Dragon, he couldn’t easily show his emotions.

He simply swallowed the burning sensation rising in his throat and kept his mouth shut.

“What brings you here so suddenly…?”

“Young Master Yi-gang! It’s me, Noh Shik!”

Noh Shik brightly clasped his hands in salute, as if trying to lighten the mood.

Yi-gang remained silent for a moment before responding.

“Who…?”

“It’s me, Noh Shik of the Beggars’ Gang! Have you forgotten the days we shared at the Five Elements Tomb?”

When Yi-gang didn’t immediately remember, So Woon cast him a doubtful glance.

Fortunately, Yi-gang replied shortly after.

“Oh, that beggar…”

“Yes! That beggar is me!”

As a proud member of the Beggars’ Gang, Noh Shik grinned broadly, taking pride in being called a beggar.

“Young Master So-woon said he wished to meet Young Master Baek, so I brought him here.”

“I see.”

“And I see the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering are all present as well.”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering slowly rose and approached, curious about the situation.

Yi-gang introduced the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering to So Woon’s group.

“These are the people who have helped me greatly during my time here.”

That was how Yi-gang described the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering.

So Woon, with a confident yet respectful demeanor, introduced himself in return.

Beop Yun and Beop Jin received So Woon’s greeting with pleased expressions.

“I am Beop Yun. Haha, I didn’t know Benefactor Yi-gang had such a devoted sworn younger brother.”

“Baek Young Master Yi-gang has quite the peculiar personality. How did you end up becoming sworn brothers? Hahaha! By the way, both of you are very handsome.”

Noh Shik, standing nearby, felt happy for no reason, though he wasn’t included in the “both” mentioned.

So Woon gave a shy smile and clasped his hands in salute toward Beop Jae.

“…”

Beop Jae didn’t speak.

Even taking that into account, his response was unreasonably curt.

He merely joined his hands in a vague gesture of respect before turning his back coldly.

So Woon, thinking he might have made a mistake, grew flustered.

Beop Jin chuckled and came to So Woon’s defense.

“Senior Brother Beop Jae acting cold doesn’t mean anything bad. It’s because Benefactor So Woon is exceptional.”

“Exceptional?”

“It’s something like that. Haha, Senior Brother should work on softening his attitude…”

Beop Jae, realizing he was being criticized, glared at Beop Jin.

This time, Noh Shik introduced himself.

Despite his shabby appearance, Beop Yun and Beop Jin welcomed him warmly.

“Greetings, Venerable Beop Jae!”

This time, it was Noh Shik’s turn to greet Beop Jae.

To everyone’s surprise, Beop Jae gave Noh Shik a warm smile—something he hadn’t shown to either So Woon or Yi-gang.

He even placed a hand on Noh Shik’s shoulder in an unusually friendly manner.

“Uh…”

“…”

If left alone, it seemed Beop Jae might even go so far as to put his arm around Noh Shik’s shoulder. Even the normally easygoing Noh Shik looked flustered.

He seemed puzzled as to why Beop Jae was acting so familiar.

Glancing at Beop Jin, he saw him turning his head to stifle his laughter.

“Um… why is the Ugly Buddha…”

“Perhaps Young Master Noh caught his eye.”

“Me? We’ve only just met.”

“Or maybe you have a naturally likable appearance.”

Yi-gang refrained from explaining the secret to Noh Shik.

After all, what business was it of his to meddle in someone’s personal preferences?

The group took some time to catch up on each other’s lives, sharing the news they hadn’t been able to exchange before.

Eventually, So Woon and Noh Shik brought up Yi-gang’s arms.

Yi-gang admitted that he wanted to heal his arms but wasn’t certain if it was possible.

Hearing this, they refrained from asking further questions about his condition.

It was evident that it was out of consideration for Yi-gang.

“…So, you’re asking me to explain how the five people are selected?”

Eventually, the topic came up.

So Woon spoke in a tone that suggested he felt a bit guilty.

“Yes…”

Before So Woon could continue, Noh Shik quickly interjected, rattling off an explanation in a flustered manner.

“Well, it’s not like we’re asking for a detailed explanation. We’re not that shameless. It’s just that we’re sort of outcasts among the successors here, without many connections. We hoped that Young Master Baek would take pity on us and share a bit of what you know, out of kindness…”

However, Yi-gang remained expressionless.

“Sorry, but…”

“Wait a moment!”

Just as Yi-gang was about to decline, Noh Shik interrupted him.

“I’ve brought something for Young Master Baek and the esteemed Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering, so please take a look at this first before giving your answer.”

A bribe?

It was blatant, but given that the person offering it was a member of the Beggars’ Gang, it somehow felt acceptable to hear him out.

“…What is it?”

“Just wait a moment.”

With that, Noh Shik darted into the forest.

The movement technique he used was extraordinarily fast. It was undoubtedly the Ten Thousand Li Autumn Wind Technique, said to be taught only to the most talented members of the Beggars’ Gang.

“I wonder what he’s bringing.”

“A bribe from the Beggars’ Gang? Now I’m curious.”

Even the Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering chuckled softly as they waited for Noh Shik.

They didn’t expect much, but if Noh Shik brought money or valuable items, they intended to scold him and send him back.

However, what Noh Shik returned with, grinning broadly, was even more surprising.

“Hahaha! How about this?”

Except for Beop Yun, who was blind, everyone froze in place.

What Noh Shik proudly held up was a large chicken with its neck limp and dangling.

“I brought this for all of you.”

“What is it? What did he bring?”

Beop Jin whispered the answer into Beop Yun’s ear.

Beop Yun immediately grew furious.

“Surely, Benefactor, you didn’t steal this chicken!”

Shaolin keeps chickens.

Not for eating their meat, but for their eggs.

“How could you commit such an outrageous act!”

Despite the admonishment, Noh Shik boldly suggested they cook and eat the stolen chicken.

No matter if the offender was a member of the Beggars’ Gang, it was still an unforgivable act.

Just as Beop Yun was about to grow even angrier, Noh Shik quickly cut him off.

“No! I didn’t steal it, nor did I kill it!”

“What do you mean by that?”

“A few days ago, while walking in the mountains, I saw a weasel bite and kill a chicken! When the weasel abandoned the chicken and ran off, I quickly hung it up in a tree.”

“What…?”

Beop Yun, taken aback, fell silent.

It was plausible.

Wild chickens roamed Mount Song, and it wasn’t uncommon for weasels to invade coops, kill chickens, and flee.

“…Is what you’re saying true, Benefactor?”

Beop Yun’s tone softened slightly.

Noh Shik seized the opportunity and declared confidently.

“I swear on the Beggars Gang Leader’s staff! It’s the truth!”

“If that’s the case…”

Noh Shik wasn’t lying.

The monks, who adhered strictly to the precept of abstaining from killing, rarely consumed meat.

However, this situation was different. Consuming an animal that had died for reasons unrelated to one’s own actions was permissible.

Noh Shik was well aware of this and had brought the chicken accordingly.

“Do you know of the so-called Beggar’s Chicken dish?”

“I don’t.”

“I’ll prepare it for you here! It’s the best dish you can make with chicken!”

Noh Shik noticed Beop Jin and Beop Jae showing interest.

However, Beop Yun continued to hesitate.

“But spilling blood in Second Founder Meditation Room…”

“What does it matter? Isn’t it fine?”

At that moment, someone unexpectedly sided with Noh Shik.

When Noh Shik turned toward the voice, he froze in place.

Standing there was an extremely old monk.

“I’ve never tasted the Beggar’s Chicken that the Beggars’ Gang Leader bragged about so much, thanks to that damn precept.”

The Three Buddhas of Endless Suffering quickly clasped their hands respectfully.

“Great Senior Uncle, you’ve arrived.”

It was the Divine Monk Mu Myung—the current Murim Alliance Leader.

He smiled mischievously as he looked at Noh Shik.

“But if the taste fails to meet expectations, I’ll punish you for your audacious attempt to offer a bribe.”

“P-punish me? What kind of punishment do you mean?”

The legendary monk glanced up at Noh Shik’s matted hair.

“How about shaving your head until it shines?”

Noh Shik gulped nervously.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep