𝐕𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 - (Written By SKDA/DIANXIARA) SNEd1 -- FOUNDATION OF SPECIAL AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION- TASK 2

 

NOTES:

Shizun – Teacher or master

Grandmaster – A high ranking position

Bridge of Siwang – It is the after life

Azalea – A flower

Lotus Flower – A flower in the pond

Ling Bei Shang – meaning “A sorrowful Soul” thus Beishang’s soul is full of sorrow

Mò Yue Liang – meaning “A lonely moon” however it can be translated as “The moon is lonely”

Mei Shang – meaning “Beautiful Esteem”

Peak – A mountains highest top or a summit

Spirit Core – a pure spirit, a foundation

Cultivating - Taoist concept by which humans can extend their lifespan and gain supernatural powers through practicing a set of martial and mystical arts involving meditation and the cultivation of Qi.

Sect – Sectors

A Sorrowful Voyage Lyrics – Tune in Comeback be here by Taylor Swift. ( https://luna-satoushi-dianxiara.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-post.html)

 

Mistakes from the back of our heads

Sins that we tried to buried but just cannot forget

Invades the mind like how the water in the river spread

One word is written all over your face and it was called “regret”

 

In the four corners of this room, the darkness is all you can see. Everyone’s born different, some are just perfectly fine and some are not. If you’re born without any disabilities you are called “normal” but when you’re not, horrible names will be imprinted on your mind and soul. Just like Bēishāng Ling, he was born seeing only the darkness of his sky – unable to see the light. But despite being blind, he excelled in his classes and he’s pretty handsome. Everything about him is beautiful and all is fine but the only one that he is lacking is the ability to see the things around him. Some of them took pity on him, but most of the people are mocking him, making fun of him and continuing to hurt him mentally and emotionally. What a sight to  witness!

 

But what can he do? Nothing. No one dared to protect him from the bullies, no one dared to approach him, nor accompany him, even his parents rejected him by the words “That is not my son, my son isn’t incomplete!” However, they can’t deny the fact that Bēishāng is their flesh and blood. Rejected by his family, he lives alone in a spacious apartment and is accompanied by pillows, darkness, and a blanket. Yes, no matter how much they deny him, Beishang is their responsibility so they need to provide the things he needs, such as education and life expenses. His apartment is facing the city and the city is glowing gorgeously when the night comes, but how can he appreciate the beauty of this night city if he doesn't have the vision to view it? All those painful years of his youth, he endured it all alone to the point where he’s used to it. His calm, sharp, somber, and cold demeanor made people retrace their steps when attempting to humiliate him. In his junior years, he experienced all kinds of pain –  Physical and verbally abused by the people around him. He didn’t want his life to continue like this so he made a way to drive bullies all the way.

 

Looking back now, he’s tired and just wanted to fall in a deep slumber – not caring about the world and pain. He sat in his cold bed, the air that is coming from his open window is cold, he’s like a corpse. He heave a long sight. Wanting to cry but tears won’t fall. He mumbled a word to the wind, “I am sorry” no one heard him, no one know what he’s sorry for or for whom he was sorry for, no one knows. He survived alone in this world, feeling tired he crossed the bridge of Siwang without any regret. 

 

---

“Senior brother Beishang’s index finger move! Quick! Call Shizun!”
“Really? Wait, I’ll inform Yu Heng”

 

Someone rushed inside the bamboo house and suddenly knelt “Ah Shang? Ah Shang?” she called out. The elders rush into the room and the girl beside Beishang gives a way for them and just stands on the side of the bed. The doctor sits beside Beishang and checks his pulse. Everyone was agitated and one of the disciples of Hong Lingyu Peak asked “How is Senior Brother Beishang? Is he going to be okay?” his eyes were red just like others. Suddenly, a mint-white robe that is like smoke appeared before them, giving a cold glance to each of them. His expressionless face lands on a boy who is kneeling in front of the doctor who just happened to check Beishang’s pulse. “There’s no point in being agitated.” the boy who’s kneeling, stands up and respectfully greets him. He placed his left and right arm, cupping his hands in front of his chest and said “Shizun” to the person, he just raised his hand and then took a step back, letting him talk to the doctor. “Grandmaster Mo” the doctor said  and looked at the person who’s lying in the bed and turned in to the person called “Grandmaster Mo” he then continued, “He’s safe, fortunately, it's just a few scratches and he will be okay after having enough rest.” After hearing the results, the people inside the bamboo house sigh in relief. The man in mint-white robe gazed at Beishang and turn his gaze to five of his disciples and he coldly said “Go back to your room and rest, you’ll have a class tomorrow.” The five disciples bowed their heads and left. “Liang’er, don’t be too strict to them, their just worried about Shang’er.” said by the man in blue and golden robe, he was about to leave together with other elderly when he heard him said “You don’t have to worry, master Lan.” he just smiled and left. 

 

The unconscious body of Beishang suddenly move, he carefully sat up and leaned on the bed’s headboard without opening his eyes. ‘I was so sure that I died’ he thought and kept on thinking what was happening when he heard someone speak. “You’re awake? What do you feel?” Beishang was startled and shouted, “Who are you?! What are you doing here?!” The man then answered, “I am Mo Yue Liang of Hong Lingyu Peak. As for what I am doing here, I’m looking after you.” He answered Beishang’s question with a cold tone. “Hong Lingyu?” This made Beishang knit his two eyebrows – feeling confused. Yueliang didn’t bother to ask how he was feeling and just turned back and poured tea in his tea cup. 

 

Beishang: “Where am I?” 

 

Yueliang glanced sideways and drank the tea before answering his question. “Azalea Pavillion” then again, this made Beishang look more confused. He mumbled in his head, ‘what a weirdo, Azalea? Is he sick in the head?’ 

 

“Did you lose your memory when you hit your head on a big stone?” Yueliang asked but didn’t get an answer from him. And he thought ‘I think that’s the case.’ He then explained the details to Beishang. 

 

“Long story short, I was knocked out in the Jilin peak and hit my head on a big stone that caused me to be in a coma for two weeks? And I was hunting what? Ghost?” beishang asked, he wanted to confirm if this was true for the ninth time. 

 

“Mmmn” 

 

Yueliang stood up, his snow white hands on his back, he walked near at the door and said, “Rest, if you need anything your shijie will be the one to take care of you. I have some matters to attend to.” and with that, he left the room. Beishang was dumbfounded, processing the events inside his head. ‘Did I reincarnate? As what? Cultivator? Ridiculous!’ 

 

The wind was so strong that even time blew it in the blink of an eye, everything that Beishang couldn't process, has been settled. He told himself that he was given a second chance to live a good life and start anew. He learned how to cultivate with the help of Yueliang – his Shizun, and what made him more happy was because he can finally see everything. He has a vision and can clearly see his surroundings. This made him lively like any other childrens. He decided to bury his old self and be a lively child. He doesn't experience being spoiled nor acting sweet in front of others, but now he can. Before, many people inside their sect felt that there’s something wrong with him, because his attitude towards them is very hostile, can’t even approach and he hates everyone. But deep inside he silently cares for those people who are weaker than him. That is his original image, but it changed after he fell in Jilin Peak. 

 

He sat on a bridge with paper and quilt in his hand. The scenery around him was beautiful and made him feel at ease. The white lotus in the pond are pretty, the water around it reflects the beauty of white lotus. He moves his hand and writes on the black paper. “What are you doing here again, Beishang?” a voice came out from his side. Beishang stopped writing and glanced at the right side of the bridge and saw a man that looked to be in his 25 -30’s, wearing a mint-white robe with a red parol in his right arm.  “Shizun! You’re back!” he said, his voice is filled with joy. “I’m just admiring the beauty of Black Lotus Pavilion where my master lives. Shizun, is white lotus your favorite flower?” Yueliang looked at him, Beishang's eyes were sparkling, full of curiosity, and waiting for his answer. But he didn’t answer and just stared at Beishang's beautiful face. Seeing that his master won’t answer he smiled and said, “I don’t have any favorite flower, all I could see was endless darkness.” 

 

He’s speaking as if he can’t see and as if it was his first time talking about these things. He was an outstanding student from his previous life and still an outstanding disciple of Hong Lingyu Peak admired and at the same time hated by many people. Both handsome, talented, smart, and reliable. He was like a white jade, in short he’s a perfect man in people’s eyes. But he knows fully well that he’s still lacking something, there is still a void in his heart, like an arrow that was stuck and cannot be removed. If there’s people who admire him, there’s also a lot of people who envy and despise him. For example, Wang Zhiqiu who always bullied him when no one’s around, likes to play dirty with him, and take things that are important for Beishang. How greedy!

 

However, Beishang didn’t fight back nor defend himself, he just let them bully him. When they’re done, Beishang will be left alone with many bruises in his arms and few on the faces, his white and green robe are all dirty. He will return to his own room and clean himself. If he gets more serious injuries he won’t come out for a week to hide it, even though the people in their sect keep on saying that he is just slacking off.

 

One day, Yueliang – His shizun, who couldn't take all the gossip then, decided to come and pay a visit to his disciple. He’s image will be tarnished for being unable to handle just one disciple  of his. He knocked on the wooden door, but he didn’t get anything in the end. Beishang’s aunty and uncle together with his small nephew are all worried about him. “Shang’er, open the door, let us in and talk okay?” his aunty pleaded but she got nothing in the end. “Open the door Beishang.” a cold tone surrounds them and it is coming from Yueliang. “I don’t want to talk nor see people.” Beishang finally replied. Yueliang’s eyes darkened. He’s really pissed off. “It isn’t about whether you like or not you want to talk or see people. If you don't open the door, I’m going to break it and barge in the instant.” Yueliang said with a terrifying look on his face. Even though Beishang couldn’t see him, he felt his aura and he immediately went to the door and slightly opened it. “Shizun can only enter.” he said in a low voice but enough for them to hear it. Yueliang entered his disciple’s room and darkness seized his vision. He opened the light and he clearly saw the entire room — It is well organized and clean. He saw Beishang kneeling in front of him and bowing his head. “Rise up.” he commanded but Beishang didn’t move at all. “Are you going to continue being stubborn?” 

He didn’t get an answer so he pinched Beishang’s chin with his left hand. Beishang was startled and looked away, but Yueliang saw the bruises on his face. “Shizun, I’m sleepy, can we talk tomorrow?” Beishang suddenly said. Yueliang was stunned for a moment and said “What happened to you these past few days?” His voice is now filled with care and softness. Hearing this, Beishang’s eyes glistened and his tears that he kept preventing from falling suddenly rolled down in his cheeks like waterfalls. He can’t help but sob in front of his teacher, like a helpless kitten. After he’s rebirth, he didn’t cry from both physical pain and verbal abuse, he just ignored it but hearing these words filled with worries, care, and softness, he couldn’t keep the act of being tough and suddenly broke into tears.  It is not because of his bruises and wounds but his tears are for those words that Yueliang said. He was just a child with no one but darkness to accompany and cared for him. He didn’t have the chance to experience a normal childhood, nor normal love from his parents. He was all alone in the middle of the road, invincible for both vehicles and persons who happen to pass by. 

 

Yueliang didn’t know what to do and just stood there in front of him. “I won’t scold you for not attending class but tell me what happened to you.” Beishang's cries became loud, his sobs could be heard outside his room. He keeps on sobbing uncontrollably. Yueliang felt that he wouldn't be getting answers from him and decided to turn his back. He was about to leave but Beishang tugged the layer of his mint-white robe that made him stop from taking a step forward. “Don’t leave, shizun.” he said between his sobs. Yueliang didn’t move and he just stood there. 

 

Beishang: “I’m sorry shizun, I will attend your class tomorrow.”

                    “I won’t dirty your name, shizun I’m sorry.”

                              “Don’t expel me away, please.” 

 

Those words that came from Beishang’s lips together with sobs, made Yueliang confused.  He turned his back and faced Beishang with a confused look but he didn’t say a word, he just stared at his face.

 

Suddenly, Beishang collapsed and fell on the ground. Yueliang was in a state of shock but he recovered immediately and he held Beishang and put the back of his hand to Beishang's forehead. It's hot! He then carried him and put him to the bed. He opened the door and informed Beishang's aunty and uncle that he had a high fever. “I'll go get the medicine.” His uncle said. “I'll go get some water and a towel. Please look after him for us.” the aunty said and both of them left. 

 

Yueliang goes back inside Beishang's room and sits beside the bed. The water with a towel came together with the medicine. “Grandmaster Mo, we will bother you and ask for your kindness to take care of our nephew. We won't know what's his condition nor even step inside his room if it weren't for you. You see, this child won't bother to ask or tell what's going on with him. He keeps it to himself. So we don't really have any idea. If he knew that we entered his room and saw him in this condition, I'm afraid that one day, he'll leave.” the aunty said. Yueliang didn't speak and he kept silent. After a while he replied, “Mmmn.” The two elderly, left the room. 

 

Yueliang soaked the towel in the basin with water and clutched the towel — draining the water. He gently wiped Beishang's face down to his neck. He soaked and clutched the towel again and finally put it in Beishang's forehead to subdue the heat. 

 

“Shizun.”

 

Yueliang looked at him, Beishang was half awake and half asleep. He didn't reply and looked at the medicine on the side table.

 

“Pay attention to me.”

 

When he heard this he looked at him again he thought, 'He's hallucinating.' 

 

But Beishang tugged his mint-white robe, his eyes glistened again and tears started to race with each other.

 

“Pay attention to me” he repeated.

 

Yueliang heaved a sigh and decided to play along. “I will, if you tell me what happened to you.” His voice was full of gentleness, softness, and care. Beishang nodded his head. He stared at the ceiling while his tears were falling down from the side of his beautiful face.

 

“Zhiqiu, he was annoyed and beat me to a pulp.” he said.

 

“They keep on punching me 'till twilight or perhaps until their hearts are content.”

 

“I didn't want to skip your class, shizun you know how much I want to learn from you.” his gaze fell on Yueliang. 

 

“It doesn't hurt so it's okay and I endure it.” He added it with a smile.

 

“If it doesn't hurt then why did you cry earlier when I asked you?” Yueliang asked.

 

He suddenly felt silent and after a minute or two he said, “I cried because you asked me.” 

 

Feeling confused, Yueliang then asked “Are you that afraid of me?”

 

But Beishang shook his head and said, “It is because you are the first one who asked me what happened with gentleness. Your voice was filled with worry and care. It's like you really care for me, shizun. No one tried to ask me that. No one would lend me their time, let alone their attention. But you did.” Beishang said between his sobs.

 

Yueliang was stunned. He didn't know what to do nor what to say after hearing it. It's like he became mute.

 

Beishang: “If it isn't too much to ask, can you pay attention to me, shizun?” 

 

Yueliang didn't answer.

 

“If you don't want to, it's alright.”

 

He stared at Beishang's messy face and said, “Sleep. You need to rest.”

 

However, Beishang shook his head. “No. I don't want to! You're gonna leave me if I close my eyes!”

 

“I won't.” he replied.

 

Beishang didn't believe him so he grabbed and held Yueliang's wrist. 

 

Yueliang sighs and gently brushes his hair. This makes Beishang sleepy, his eyes are opening and closing in slow motion and finally he falls asleep. 

 

Since that day, Beishang has clung to Yueliang. He will follow Yueliang around, sometimes help him with small tasks, but most of the time he will wrap his arms around Yueliang's arms like a puppy. He would accompany his shizun in his freetime. 

 

He grew up and experienced being cared for by someone, being loved, and such. He grew up so well and that made Yueliang proud of him. He's now in his 20's but he still keeps on clinging to Yueliang. Asking questions.

 

Beishang: “Shizun, do you like white lotus flowers?”

 

Yueliang: “Not much.”

      “Aren't you tired of being here everyday? Why don't you travel to see other flowers? You're young, why don't you see the world around you? Find a beauty to accompany you for the rest of your life? Someone that would take care of you, something like that. If you stay longer in my Black Lotus Pavilion, I'm afraid, you'll find no one to marry.”

 

Beishang looked at him and said, “It doesn't matter to me whether I would or not I would not find a beauty. I don't intend to marry them and I already have someone I hold so dear in my heart, I won't ask for anything more. Staying here with you is enough for me. If you want, I will walk a thousand steps with you for the rest of my life.” he paused, thinking if he should ask him but in the end he said, “Shizun, will you let me walk a thousand steps with you for the rest of our lives?” Yueliang didn’t answer and just gave him a gentle smile.

 

Their conversation went on. Just like any other day.

 

In this world no matter how much we wish to stay  in a specific time, event, and place, the heavens won't just let us have our way.

 

Mei Shang is greedy, full of evilness, and doesn’t care about others. He was jealous because Beishang’s outstanding image made him even more popular to other sects. Mei Shang is also jealous of the Hong Lingyu Peak’s  Grand Pavilion which is the Black Lotus Pavilion where Yueliang lives. He wants the power to control people, he wants to be known as powerful among the other sects and wants everyone to be feared by him. 

 

Some people were born deaf, and Mei Shang is one of those people. He doesn’t have the ability to hear. It does bother him to the point where he orders everyone in his sect to cut off their ears. It’s too cruel! No one dared to do what he wanted and he also never cared again. He can’t hear people talk behind his back and it was a good thing for him, because he wouldn’t be able to hear and imprint it in his head. However, hatred grows even more when someone takes over his perfectly imperfect image. He grew up being ruthless!  Because of greed, he schemes evil things and ways to bring down the Hong Lingyu Peak. Grandmaster Mo Yueliang was intentionally given a task somewhere far away in order for Mei Shang’s plan not to be ruined. They know what Grandmaster Mo can do if he knew that his beloved peak, people, and sect will swim in fire. So they plan and think well on how to divert Yueliang's attention and how to capture him. 

 

On the 20th day of October, the Hong Lingyu Peak was set ablaze. The other sect leaders came to help and put the fire away, but the fire was so big and it can only be distinguished if the heavens will cry tears of rain. That time Grandmaster Mo was busy dealing with the hooligans while the Hong Lingyu Peak was on fire. The beautiful peak fell in the hands of evil. Many people were screaming for help, many of them hoped that their Grandmaster would come and save them. Beishang was caught and was imprisoned together with other people that were also caught in Hong Lingyu Peak. They will be used as bait for Yueliang. How cruel! 

 

After Yueliang deals with the hooligans who were ordered to buy time for Mei Shang, he will originally go back to report at the headquarters as they used to after the task. The dying hooligans said, “You’re late. Too, too, late.” and he coughed many times before he breathed his last breath. Yueliang didn't pay much attention to the hooligan’s last words and proceeded to go back to the Hong Lingyu Peak. 

 

Screams, cries, and shouts were all over Hong Lingyu’s peak and it can be heard from a distance. Yueliang felt that something was wrong but he still continued to walk thousands of steps to get to the gate of Hong Lingyu Peak. What awaits him inside shook him to the core but the expression on his face was still the same – indifferent. Everything was dyed in red and orange. The house structures were set on fire. Bodies were everywhere and were dyed with crimson red and black. He continued to walk until someone tugged his mint-white rob. “I’m sorry Grandmaster Mo. I am sorry. On behalf of Hong Lingyu Peak, we are deeply sorry and ashamed. Run, you need to run far far away-” he fell off the ground before he could finish saying the last sentence. Mo Yue Liang, despite being cold and seems to not care about his people, deep inside him, he treasures them and cares for them. He’s trembling inside but it was not because of fear, but he trembled because of hatred and pain however, his posture was still steadied. Suddenly a sword was pointed in his neck but he didn’t budge at all. “Come with us.” Yueliang didn’t move and Mei Shang’s subordinate tied his arms.

 

On the other hand, Mei Shang ordered his subordinate to release the people they caught and make them kneel outside the Black Lotus Pavilion including Beishang. His subordinate obeyed his command. 

 

In the open court that is near Black Lotus Pavilion’s bridge, the total of people they caught alive were twenty-one. The overall number of people who will be witnessing the cruel scene was forty. The twenty-one people were kneeling in front of Mei Shang. Some of them have scratches on their face and arms, also some of their clothes were slightly torn apart. 

 

“How dare you! What rights do you have to these things to our Sect?!” Beishang shouted but since Mei Shang was born deaf he couldn’t hear him, thus his subordinate wrote what Beishang said to him. After reading it he let out a crazy laugh. “It's a personal grudge! Such a perfect person like you wouldn’t understand this grudge I harbor!” Mei Shang said and laughed. 

 

Beishang gritted his teeth and said, “You are sick in the head! A dog who only knows how to bark and bite randomly!” Mei Shang smiled and whispered something to his subordinate. Beishang was forced to turn around facing his people – the people of Hong Lingyu Peak and some from other sects who got entangled. “Watched them go to heaven, Beishang.” Mei Shang said and in the instant the twenty people fell to the ground, their necks were cleanly cut and the crimson red fluid came rushing from their slashed necks. Beishang turned his face to Mei Shang and said,“Scoundrel!!! How dare you!” 

 

Mei Shang stood up from his seat and said, “Is this how your master teaches you? Is this how you teached him hmm, Grandmaster Mo Yue Liang?” Beishang suddenly froze — unable to move. “How should I punish him?” Mei Shang added. “You don’t have the right to punish my disciple, you’re not his teacher.” Yueliang said. Mei Shang smiled as he read what his subordinate wrote and said, “Then should I punish you since you didn’t teach him properly? He is damaging my image. I am kind of hurt.” Yueliang didn’t answer him. “Should I send him to heaven now?” he added, this time Yueliang stared at him with bloodshot eyes. “What’s your decision Grandmaster Mo Yue Liang? Your Life or His? One wrong move both of you will quickly ascend to heaven.” Mei Shang said. “Let him go and take me.” Yueliang firmly said. Beishang was stunned and he shook his head repeatedly. However, Yueliang didn’t glance at him. Beishang shouted “Shizun don’t! Don’t! Please!”  He turns his face to Mei Shang who’s smiling at them. 

 

Beishang: “Don’t listen to him! Just take me and let my master go! Don’t take him away please!”

 

His subordinate wrote again and let him read it, Mei Shang’s expression changed into a gloomy one; he sneered and said, “Wow! What a beautiful scene this is. You beg for him to be spared? You thought that I would listen to your begging?  How touching this is really. I’m so jealous of you.”

 

Beishang: “Jealous? How can you be jealous of me?! How dare-”

 

Mei Shang: “What? You don’t believe that I’m jealous? Hah! Yes! Yes! It's the truth! I am jealous! So what? What about it? What should I do to suppress this annoying emotions that still  lingers in to my being? So what if I'm jealous? What about it? What can you do about it? You are born without any abnormalities! You can hear! You aren’t easily can be mock off! But what about me?! A deaf like me who keeps on struggling for everyone to notice still cannot be match to the both of you! You receive love but i receive few and receive more and more cruel words that i can’t even hear!”

 

Beishang: “You are jealous because I surpass you? Take your spotlight? Did you ask yourself if I easily got what I wanted? You know nothing about me! Nor about my master! Everyone suffered while struggling for the best! You dare to kill my Uncle and Aunty! Even my six year old nephew! Just because you don’t have them does it mean you can take them away from me!!! But you still did! I beg of you! Don’t take my master! You didn’t know anything!”

 

Mei Shang: “Disgusting! You…! You like your master?! You’re more than worse than I am! You’re more than evil! Disgusting!”

 

Beishang: “You didn’t know anything! All my life, i receive nothing at all! I have nothing! All of you had the things you want, while i have none. Now that, i have like a person, you dared to call it disgusting? You dared to call it evil? What's evil about liking a person? What's disgusting about liking a person? Everything i wish to have was not given to me! Just one person to stay by my side, you dared to take him away from me?! He was my everything! He's the only one i have and yet you want to snatch him away?! I didn't hope nor dared to wish for more in this life because I'm contented to what I have – he was enough for me. Don't take him away! I beg of you!”

 

Mei Shang: “Just considered this as my way of saving you from those disgusting feelings you have for your master, I thought that the perfect man like you wouldn’t have any disgusting things not to mention feelings? Huh! Give me the dagger!”

 

His subordinate gave him the golden box. He opened it and held the dagger. He walked towards Yueliang and smiled sweetly. “You will ascend to heaven, but let me take your vision.” Mei Shang said as he dugged out Yueliangs eyes with his dagger. Yueliang felt the pain in his right side where his eyes were dugged out. “Take your own left eye with your hands and I’ll spare your beloved disciple.” Mei Shang said.  Yueliang did what he was told, for his disciple's sake he will do it. He failed to save thousands of his people but at least he could save one. Both of Yueliang’s eyes were taken – that made him blind. Mei Shang laughed heartily, he was pleased by the sight of these gruesome things. But he wasn’t satisfied thus, he unsheathed his sword and pierce it right through Yueliang’s heart and spirit core. Mei Shang pulled his sword and turn his back, on the other hand, Beishang who was shocked by the scene felt that his entire person was broken into pieces. Yueliang’s body fell to the ground. 

 

Anger, sadness, pain, sorrow, hatred – name it all but it won’t be enough to explain nor put it into words to what Beishang feels as he watches his beloved’s body fall to the ground hanging in the very thin line of life. He’s sanity snapped so as the rope who binds him the whole time. He moves fast, slashing the necks of Mei Shang’s subordinates. Screams is all you can hear at this moment, however Mei Shang didn’t hear any of it nor the plea of his subordinate said “Help master! Turn around!” 

 

Now, only Mei Shang and Beishang are the only people left. Beishang who’s full of hatred, he grabbed Mei Shang’s neck and threw it away with full force. Mei Shang’s body fell to the ground and he was about to stand up when Beishang stepped on his lower abdomen with an unsheathed sword that was dyed crimson red on his right hand. He pierce the sword between Mei Shang’s neck and collarbone. Mei Shang cried out with fear and pain. “Does it hurt? Does it rip your flesh? Do you feel your blood rushing out? Oh sorry I forgot that you can’t hear me. But I also remembered that even though you had eyes to see me a while ago begging you, You just turned a blind eye. Whatever grudge you have, it doesn’t concern me nor my master or even the people of our Sect. Let me tell you since you're gonna ascend to hell sooner or later, I was once a person like you, a person who can’t see the beauty of the world but can only see the dark. I was given a chance to live a normal life, to receive love and people’s company, but you took it away from me.” He slowly rotated the sword that was pierced in Mei Shang’s and said. “Even if you reincarnate, you wouldn’t be happy, You’re going to die a painful death. Things that happened now will hunt you every time you close your eyes. You will not be forgiven.” Beishang took his sword and pierced it with full force against Mei Shang’s shoulder. Mei Shang was pinned and won’t be able to get up because of the sword. 

 

Beishang walked towards Yueliang’s body, he kneel and gently put Yueliang’s head into his embrace. “Shizun, can you hear me? I’m going to heal you, can you hang in there?” Beishang said as he carefully lifted Yueliang’s body to carry him from his back. He walked a thousand steps  carrying Yueliang on his back. He reached Yueliang’s home — The Black Lotus Pavilion. He put Yueliang in his bed and kneel. He tried to wipe away the blood in Yueliang’s eyes but it won’t just go away and instead it stained his robe and hands. He walked out of the room and plucked a burnt lotus flower. He came back and put the burnt lotus flower in Yueliang’s ear and he sat at the side of Yueliang’s bed.

 

There was no sun and the sky was gloomy, Autumn sang a melancholy song as the snow fell slowly.

 

♫Yes, everything was just so fine ♫

 

The sweet memories of the past come rushing back like a tidal wave in Beishang’s mind. 

 

♫This fleeting moments are all mine, but suddenly who knew our time was up♫

 

From sweets to bitter and bitter to sad and sad to painful memories. 

 

♫Then everything was set ablaze. I saw my home being burnt down and then there you are slowly fading away♫

 

From past to recent memories. He didn't know his tears were slowly falling down to his cheeks. 

 

♫Horses, carriage and busy streets. That never bring you back to me♫

 

Beishang: “Shizun, Pay attention to me.”

 

♫I can't help but wish you took me with you♫

 

Be it in his previous life or in this life, every banquet will have an end. Just like how spring comes after winter, and how the sky turns black when it's time for the moon to shine in the dark. Their good times turn into a hell of fires and cries.

 

Beishang: “I have so much to tell you, Wake up please, shizun.”

 

♫This is falling in love in the cruelest way. This is falling for you and you are worlds away. In peak, be here♫

 

Beishang uncontrollably sobbing in front of the cold body of Yueliang. His shoulders are shaking. Shooking his head. He didn’t accept it. He can’t and doesn't want to accept the fact that Yueliang ascended to Heaven.

 

♫But you're in Heaven and I  break down, 'Cause it's not fair that you're not around♫

 

Beishang: “I don’t know if you remember what I said to you back on the bridge of Black Lotus Pavilion, but I would say it over and over again. I won’t look for a beauty to keep me company nor will someone take care of me for the rest of my life.  I won’t, unless it’s you. There’s nothing who could compare the warmth and love you gave to me. I told you, I would walk a thousand steps with you for the rest of my life. Shizun, come back and pay attention to me.” 

 

♫This is when the feeling sinks in. I don't wanna miss you like this. Come back, be here, Come back, be here♫

 

He cried for so long. He unleashed the emotions he kept on bottling inside him. The person who showered him with warmth and love that no one can give it to him is now gone. 

 

♫I guess you're in Heaven today♫

 

“Sorry I failed, shizun.”

 

♫I don't want you to see me like this. Shizun be here♫

 

“I will find you shizun. No matter what, I will do everything in my power to find you. By that time I will accompany you and walk again with you.”

 

He leaned on Yueliang and kissed his forehead, he felt dizzy and suddenly he fell into a slumber. He slept beside Yueliang’s cold body like he was giving him warmth. 

 

♫Shizun be here♫

 

Everything has an ending. Life has an end. A nightmare has an end. Everything has a beginning and an end. In Beishang’s case, his life was just about to start. He woke up with tears in his eyes,  but he couldn’t see anything except the endless darkness. He woke up but not in his room but in the hospital bed.

 

“Patient Ling, He’s awake. Call the nurse!”

 

The nurse came and checked his vitals. “You’re mentally exhausted, you need to take a rest.” said the nurse and left. 

 

“What are you feeling now?” someone asked.

 

Beishang tilted his head a little and asked, “Who are you?”

 

“I’m Mo Song Lan, I was the one who’ll come and clean your apartment.”

 

Beishang didn’t speak. “It’s just a dream?” he blurted out his thoughts. Song Lan looked at him with worry in her eyes. “Hijo, If something’s bothering you you could talk to me. I may be old but I can listen to you. Ending your life just like that is wrong. Luckily, I found you. What if no one had entered your room? You’re a smart kid, don’t let things get through you.” 

 

“It’s just a dream? But It felt so real!” Beishang shouted. Tears were rolling down to his cheeks. He can’t see anything but an endless abyss. “It felt so real! So real! Why?! Why does it have to end like that?!” he shouted as he cried his eyes out. 

 

Song Lan gently taps his back. “Everything has an end. It’s a sweet yet painful dream.” Song Lan said.  Beishang was in great despair and he cried and cried while saying, “No, I don’t want to be here! I want to accompany Shizun!” he cried and begged and begged. However, Song Lan can’t stand seeing him wailing and begging like that, she said, “If that person in your dream was here and he sees you like this, That person will be sad. Make it your foundation and inspiration to move forward. Inspiration doesn’t just come from a person or things, it could be carved in dreams.” 

 

He hushed and hushed the twenty-four year old fourth year college student until Beishang fell asleep.

 

Life goes on no matter what. The world will continue to revolve around the sun and time will keep on running. We can’t just stay in a certain place nor events and time, we need to move forward as the world around us does. The dream he had, he made it his own foundation and inspiration. He continued to strive hard, work hard. He’s a student whom the entire world denies but he insists on existing and proving that even though he was born visually impaired, he can excel just like any other students or perhaps human. He still got bullied but he didn’t take it to heart. He was happy while studying. The hardships he experienced and worked for now paid off. He graduated with the highest degree among them all. Those scoundrels who mock and bully him didn’t even get a title, they are just like dust in the wind. 

 

Beishang started from small scratches, he crawled his way up. He’s now a successful businessman and influencer. Many companies want him to be part of them. Beishang at the age of 30, inspired and helped many people who’s born with disabilities. His heart was firm and warm. He embraces and lends a helping hand for those people who're just like him.  

 

“Born being gifted 

Yet they called us different

Try to cover your ears and hear me whispering,

Can you hear what I am saying?

Now, Cover your eyes and let the darkness company you

Can you survive for a week?

Being born like this isn’t easy

It’s not just we wanted to be born like this

Fate is just being cruel but sometimes not.

 

If you are born without a legs

Can you go around to the bustling towns?

If you are born mute

Can you endure the humiliation of being mocked off?

 

We adapt everyday

We tried to learn 

We struggle everyday

But we didn’t complain

 

Everything happens for a reason

Every story has a beginning and an end

All destiny was written different

All paths whether right or wrong can be walked according to us.

 

We are different to each other

We are unique

We will shine if it’s our time

Like how the sun shines brightly in the day 

And how the moon shines brightly in the night.

 

Every life is worth it

It’s priceless and only the heavens would know when you are going to ascend.”

 

Many people clapped their hands as Beishang finished his poem. He’s now at the age of 50. His hair was slightly white. His heart is contented and happy. 

 

The moon shines brightly and beautifully in the dark.  He lay in his bed and closed his eyes. Exhausted was written all over his face. He is tired from the event but he is happy. “Shizun. I hope you’re okay up in the sky and I hope you’re proud of me.”

 

That night when the moon was full, he fell into a deep slumber.

 

A young body of a man in the age of 22 is running towards a silhouette of a 30 years old man who wore mint-white robe he called, “Shizun!” The man with white robe turned around and faced him with a gentle smile on his face. He made his arms wide open — waiting for him. Beishang the 22 years old young man, dives in the embrace of his beloved shizun. He hugged him tightly as his eyes glistened and the tears slowly fell down to his cheeks he said, “Shizun, I’m sorry. I kept you waiting for so long!” The man in mint-white robe caressed his hair and said “mmnn.” Beishang looked up to him and he met the almond colored eyes of his shizun. He smiled and asked, “Shizun, will you let me walk a thousand steps with you for the rest of our lives?” Yueliang smiled sweetly and kissed Beishang’s forehead. He said, “You did well.”