Blade Monk Lesser Yaoguais
Description
The yakshas who sought refuge in the New West were mostly unwilling to sever their old grudges and thus lived as lay disciples in the temple. Some yakshas, however, aspired to attain enlightenment and shaved their heads to become inner disciples. They had promised their master to behead a thousand heads to prove their resolve. Yellowbrow was pleased and bestowed upon them monk blades, calling them “
Blade Monks,” and allowed them to practice in the Pagoda Realm. If they truly managed to behead a thousand, they could become arhats in the main hall.
Initially, the Blade Monks thought this task would be easy, as the Pagoda Realm was filled with newcomers to the practice. However, as the path to enlightenment grew more challenging, the remaining inhabitants of the Pagoda Realm were all formidable: the agile and elusive Starved Abominations, whom they couldn’t catch; the long-limbed
Lantern Wardens, whom they dared not provoke; the temperamental
Enslaved Yakshas, they fear their nasty vengeance; and even the weakest
Yaksha Archers, who had become mad and terrifying after practicing the Closed-Eye Meditation.
Seeing that the Red-Haired Yaksha often sat quietly alone, appearing very docile, they decided to target him. Although the Red-Haired Yaksha believed all beings deserved to live, he harbored a deep hatred for those who beheaded others due to the war that destroyed his nation. Thus, he showed no mercy and beheaded the Blade Monks instead.
After this lesson, the Blade Monk became more subdued but remained resentful. They often hid in corners, ambushing passersby to add to their count of beheadings through such treacherous means.
Poetry
A foolish monk hears wise voice divine,
Beheading seen as practice, so refined.
Crooked paths lead to twisted ways,
The blade awakens, yet the mind still strays.
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