Original Version (Stand By You)

Stand By You

Hey dearest Readers,

Since I have few request to re-upload the original version of Stand By You. So here it is, but with major editing and revising the plot is the same. Hope you'll enjoy and support this book.

Wei Ying's death at Nightless City was a tumultuous end to a life filled with both brilliance and tragedy. The darkness that claimed him seemed absolute, yet fate had other plans. His soul, restless and untethered, found itself wandering through the realms, caught between life and the afterlife. His memories were fragmented, a disjointed tapestry of pain and fleeting moments of joy.

After what felt like an eternity of aimless drifting, Wei Ying became aware of his surroundings once more. He was no longer at the precipice of Nightless City but had somehow been drawn to the serene and disciplined grounds of the Gusu Lan Sect. Confusion mingled with a bittersweet familiarity as he recognized the white walls and meticulous gardens that characterized the sect.

Wei Ying's heart, though no longer beating, felt a pang of anxiety. The Gusu Lan Sect was renowned for its strict rules and powerful spiritual barriers designed to keep malevolent entities at bay. He was certain that as a wandering ghost, he would be denied entry, repelled by the same defenses that had once been a source of protection.

However, as he approached the sect's boundaries, something unexpected happened. Instead of being repelled, Wei Ying found himself effortlessly crossing the barrier, as if it recognized him or perhaps pitied him. His ghostly form moved through the grounds with a lightness that he had never experienced in life. The familiar sights and sounds of the sect were a strange comfort, and he felt an inexplicable pull towards a specific location within the complex.

Guided by an unseen force, Wei Ying soon found himself standing in front of Jingshi, the quiet and secluded residence that he knew all too well. Memories of the time spent here with Lan Zhan came flooding back, moments of silence and companionship that now felt like lifetimes ago. The place seemed unchanged, a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos of the world outside.

Wei Ying's ethereal form hovered uncertainly by the entrance, wondering if Lan Zhan was inside. Would he sense Wei Ying's presence? Could he somehow communicate with him? The questions swirled in his mind, but before he could delve deeper, a soft, almost inaudible sound reached his ears.

"Xian Gege?"

Wei Ying turned, astonishment clear on his face, even in his ghostly state. There, standing by a tree, was a small boy, no older than a toddler. His wide eyes sparkled with innocence and recognition.

"A-Yuan?"

Wei Ying whispered, his voice a mere breath on the wind.

The child nodded, a shy smile spreading across his face.

"I knew you'd come back."

Wei Ying's heart ached at the sight of the little boy. Wen Yuan, the child he had saved and cared for, was here, alive and well. But how could he see him? Wei Ying's confusion grew, but so did a glimmer of hope. If A-Yuan could see him, perhaps there was a way for him to reconnect with the living world.

Meanwhile, Lan Zhan lay in the quiet, dimly lit confines of Jingshi, his body still recovering from the thirty-three discipline whips he had received as punishment from his uncle, Lan Qiren. Each lash had been delivered with a precision that left no room for mercy, a reminder of his undying love and support to his soul mate.

The pain was a constant, throbbing presence, but it was the sense of loss and guilt that weighed heaviest on Lan Zhan's heart. He didn't know that the one he mourned for, Wei Ying, was now a restless soul in the very place where he sought solace.

Lan Zhan's days had fallen into a routine of healing and meditation, each moment a struggle to reconcile his duties with the void left by Wei Ying's absence. He closed his eyes, hoping to find some semblance of peace, yet his thoughts invariably drifted to memories of Wei Ying—their shared battles, the laughter, and the unspoken bond that had formed between them.

Unbeknownst to Lan Zhan, Wen Yuan, the little boy who had once found safety in Wei Ying's arms, was keeping a secret. Warned by Wei Ying's ghost to stay silent, A-Yuan had promised not to reveal that he could see his "Xian Gege." The child understood the gravity of the situation with a wisdom beyond his years. He knew that if anyone discovered Wei Ying's presence, it could lead to dire consequences for both of them.

Despite his young age, A-Yuan took on the responsibility of caring for Lan Zhan with a determination that belied his small stature. Every day, he would sneak into Jingshi with food and water, his tiny hands deftly navigating the tasks that needed to be done. He would fluff Lan Zhan's pillows, change his bandages with gentle care, and hum softly as he worked, a soothing presence in the otherwise silent room.

Lan Zhan, though aware of A-Yuan's efforts, often felt a pang of guilt. He saw the boy as a reminder of Wei Ying's sacrifices and his own perceived failures. Yet, he couldn't deny the comfort A-Yuan's presence brought. There was a familiarity in the child's actions, a shadow of the care that Wei Ying had once shown him. He watched the boy with quiet gratitude, his heart softening with each small act of kindness.

One evening, as the sky outside turned a dusky purple, Lan Zhan lay on his side, gazing at the flickering candlelight. A-Yuan sat beside him, carefully applying a herbal salve to his wounds. The boy's brow was furrowed in concentration, his small fingers moving with a practiced ease.

"A-Yuan," Lan Zhan said softly, his voice breaking the silence.

The boy looked up, his eyes wide and attentive.

"Yes, Rich Gege?"

"Thank you," Lan Zhan murmured, his voice filled with sincerity.

"You are very brave, taking care of me like this."

A-Yuan smiled, a shy yet proud expression crossing his face.

"Xian Gege told me to be strong. He said you need me."

Lan Zhan's breath caught in his throat.

"Xian Gege," the boy had said, a title Wei Ying had used. The name echoed in the stillness, a haunting reminder of the man who had left an indelible mark on both their lives.

"Xian Gege?" Lan Zhan repeated, his eyes searching A-Yuan's face for answers.

The boy nodded, his smile unwavering. "Yes. He's watching over us. He wants you to get better."

A chill ran down Lan Zhan's spine. Could it be possible? Was Wei Ying's spirit truly here, lingering in Jingshi, concerned for his well-being? His rational mind struggled with the thought, but his heart, desperate for a connection, held on to the hope.

Lan Zhan closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek. If Wei Ying's soul was indeed here, perhaps there was a chance to make amends, to bridge the chasm that had formed between them in those final, fateful moments. He reached out, his hand finding A-Yuan's and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Tell Xian Gege," Lan Zhan whispered, his voice trembling with emotion, "that I am sorry. And that I will do everything in my power to make things right."

A-Yuan nodded solemnly, his young face reflecting an understanding far beyond his years.

"I will, Rich Gege. I promise."

As the night deepened, Lan Zhan allowed himself a glimmer of hope. With A-Yuan by his side and the possibility of Wei Ying's presence lingering in the air, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road to recovery was long and fraught with challenges, but for the first time since that fateful day at Nightless City, Lan Zhan dared to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a way to heal not only his body but also his fractured soul.

Edited and Revised Version
July 07 2024.