Worryless

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Worryless
Alias(es)	Zen Master Worryless; Chan Master Worryless; Patriarch Worryless
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Shaolin Temple; Dharma Hall
Occupation/Role	Head of the Dharma Hall; master of Yuan Zhen
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Worryless is the head of Shaolin's Dharma Hall and Yuan Zhen's master. He chose Yuan Zhen as his personal disciple over Yuan Xing, a decision that left Yuan Xing resentful of both master and disciple. 1

He oversees the Dharma Hall's cultivation and martial examinations alongside Elders Sorrowless and Unattached. After Yuan Zhen's sudden recovery and victories in the minor tournament, Worryless recognizes that his disciple has entered the gateway of the Muscle-Tendon Transformation Scripture, an achievement unseen at Shaolin for two centuries. 3 5 6

Following Yuan Zhen's championship, Worryless publicly confirms his disciple's mastery to establish his standing among Shaolin's younger generation. He subsequently selects Yuan Zhen for the Eight Schools Alliance's Seed Master Plan and grants him access to the Scripture Repository. 6 7

Appearance

Worryless is an elderly monk who appears to be around sixty. He has a lean, ancient-pine-like face, entirely white beard and brows, and long eyebrows that droop toward the corners of his eyes. Despite his age, his eyes are clear and pure, compared to a secluded mountain pool. 2

• Wears plain Shaolin monk's robes. 3 6
• Keeps a string of round ebony prayer beads, which he slowly turns in his fingers. 2
• Maintains a tranquil, reserved bearing even when surprised or pleased. 2 5 6

Personality

Worryless is measured, observant, and quietly protective of his disciples. He notices Yuan Zhen's improved Zen cultivation before his martial breakthrough becomes public, provides medicine for his injuries, and warns him not to force the Muscle-Tendon Transformation Scripture again. 2

He values humility and self-reliance as much as talent. Although he deliberately publicizes Yuan Zhen's breakthrough to build his reputation, he warns him that praise can lead one astray. 6 7 When Yuan Zhen acts rashly after defeating Ma Junsheng, Worryless disciplines him with three days of scripture copying rather than overlooking the incident because of his victory. 27

His guidance is practical as well as moral. Before the year-end competition, he tells Yuan Zhen that a young prodigy must win so openly and decisively that critics have no grounds to question him. 20

Abilities & Skills

Finger Arts

Worryless specializes in the Flower-Picking Finger and Great Wisdom Unfixed Finger. 20

• His specialization differs from One-Finger Zen, so he cannot directly instruct Yuan Zhen in the latter art. 20
• He recognizes the significance of Yuan Zhen's mastery of Iron Finger Meditation Force and suspects his disciple has broken through in the Muscle-Tendon Transformation Scripture. 5 6

Cultivation Guidance

As Dharma Hall head, Worryless assesses disciples' potential, provides cultivation resources, and directs their development.

• He identifies Yuan Zhen's extraordinary comprehension of Buddhist Dharma. 2
• He selects Yuan Zhen for the Seed Master Plan, despite warning that its eventual purpose is to confront Pang Ban. 7
• He refuses to provide further cultivation-enhancing medicine after Yuan Zhen's earlier reward, insisting that further resources must be earned personally. 28 29

Items and Bestowals

• Ebony prayer beads — Worryless carries and meditatively turns a string of ebony beads. 2
• Fuchan Salve — A healing salve he gives Yuan Zhen after the latter damages his meridians through forced cultivation. 2
• Little Rejuvenation Pill — Worryless previously bestows one of his treasured pills upon Yuan Zhen. 28
• Scripture Repository token — A dark-brown wooden token carved with the character for “Scripture,” granting Yuan Zhen entry to choose a supreme art. 7

Relationships

• Yuan Zhen / Zhu Yingxiong — Personal disciple. Worryless heals, guides, promotes, disciplines, and selects him as Shaolin's seed expert. 1 2 7 20 27 29
• Yuan Zhuo — Direct disciple and senior disciple under Worryless; Yuan Zhuo organizes the Dharma Hall's minor tournament. 3
• Yuan Xing — Former contender for Worryless's personal-disciple position; Worryless chose Yuan Zhen instead, creating Yuan Xing's resentment. 1
• Elder Sorrowless — Fellow Shaolin elder who joins Worryless in overseeing the Dharma Hall minor trial. 3 5
• Elder Unattached — Fellow Shaolin elder who helps oversee the minor trial and later supports Yuan Zhen after the spy incident. 3 15
• Wuxiang Monk — Senior Shaolin master who considers Worryless's punishment of Yuan Zhen overly harsh, though Worryless maintains that discipline is necessary. 27

Story Role / Major Arcs

Dharma Hall Minor Tournament

Worryless summons the injured Yuan Zhen, praises his Zen comprehension, gives him Fuchan Salve, and permits him to enter the Dharma Hall trial despite initially advising against it. 2 He oversees the tournament and publicly announces Yuan Zhen's breakthrough in the Muscle-Tendon Transformation Scripture after his victory. 3 6

Seed Master Plan and Scripture Repository

After the minor tournament, Worryless explains the Eight Schools Alliance's Seed Master Plan and the threat posed by Pang Ban. He accepts Yuan Zhen's decision to contend for the position and grants him access to Shaolin's Scripture Repository. 7

Year-End Martial Competition

Worryless advises Yuan Zhen to win in a manner beyond dispute, recognizing that his youth and rapid rise may invite suspicion. 20 After Yuan Zhen wins the year-end competition but humiliates Ma Junsheng with an unnecessary kick, Worryless orders him to copy scriptures for three days. 27

Descent into the Jianghu

Worryless sends Yuan Zhen down Mount Song as Shaolin's seed expert, instructing him to gain experience and represent Shaolin at the Eight Sects Alliance at Ancient Sword Pool. He also reveals that the original Marrow-Cleansing Scripture was lost more than two centuries earlier, though a handwritten copy may remain with the Pure Thought Chan Sect. 29

Notable Quotes

“When praise gathers around you, it is easy to lose your way. When the road ahead suddenly broadens, it is easy to grow arrogant.” 7

“You must win openly and honorably, win beyond all dispute.” 20

“If you want more, you must now obtain them yourself.” 28