Above The Heavens I Stand - Chapter 8

“I’m scared, grandpa.” Su An said with red eyes.

 

Su Yan rubbed Su An’s head with a small smile. Su An was two years old at the moment.

 

“Why are you scared?”

 

“Of death.” Su An responded as he clutched the edge of Su Yan’s sleeve.

 

Su Yan hugged Su An he lifted him onto his lap.

 

“Now why are you scared of death? A man should not fear death.”

 

“That’s stupid! I’m not a man nor will I ever not fear death!” Su An said back with of anger.

 

Su Yan closed his eyes as he hugged Su An.

 

“Why? Tell me why, An’er.”

 

“Because, I don’t want to leave you all. Isn’t it obvious, furthermore this body is something mother and father gave to me. Mother could have taken my life is something happened while she was pregnant. But I’m alive. I don’t want to die.” Su An cried.

 

‘Not again.’

 

Su Yan opened his eyes in surprise.

 

“Then become strong enough so that you don’t fear death.”

 

“But death is part of everything! Even the heavens may die and a new one could be born! Nothing can escape the cycle of life and death like how the sky always alternates between day and night. Some days may be short or long but it will always end in night!”

 

“Then why do you fear it?” Su Yan said immediately as he noted Su An’s words.

 

“I’m scared of day being short.”

 

“Furthermore, the weather either stays the same or changes randomly!” Su An added.

 

Su Yan’s eyes lit with praise.

 

“Then prepare to die at anytime.”

 

“I don’t want to!” Su An shook his head.

 

“That’s the only way.”

 

“Then I’ll make my day longer!” Su An said resolutely.

 

“Good! That’s my grandson!” Su Yan laughed.

 

“Eh?” Su An blinked before realising what happened and sulked sulked.

 

“Haha! What a great grandson I have!” Su Yan has a big smile on his face.

 

“Aged ginseng is more pungent.” Su An mumbled.

 

“Good, good, good!” Su Yan said good three times due to happiness.

 

“But they can also be rotten.” Su An added with a hidden smirk.

 

“Cheeky brat.”

 

Su An wore a big grin.

 

“Now do you have anything you want to tell me?” Su Yan stroked his beard.

 

“I want a beard like grandpa.” Su An said despite knowing it would not likely happen.

 

“You’ll definitely get one.”

 

“But what if it gets pulled during a battle, it hurts.” Su An said hesitantly.

 

“Then don’t let it get pulled.” Su Yan chuckled.

 

“I’d rather not have one then.” Su An glanced at Su Yan’s beard

 

“Hehe.”

 

***

 

Su An snapped his eyes open as he realised he was sweating and his clothes were soaked before paying no heed.

 

‘If only I realised earlier…’ Su An thought running out his room after he noticed dawn had already passed.

 

“Grandpa!” He called once he reached Su Yan’s small office.

 

“An’er. Come to the place behind the library.”

 

Su An heard Su Yan’s instant transmission and was nervous before shaking it off and then paused before realising the most obvious thing.

 

“Can’t I turn into a jade Phoenix?” He asked the system aloud.

 

[Host has not met requirements. Transformation is 89% unlocked.] the system responded to which Su An sighed before going to the secret room behind the clan library.

 

He never really entered the clan library other then researching when his tutors asked for it before they all left due to his ‘high’ intelligence.

 

Su An ran with light steps twisting and turning through the numerous bends. The clan residence was more of a maze and he never dared to explore places he was never shown the way to.

 

Su Yan nodded at Su An once he arrived before leading the way.

 

Su An looked ahead knowing they were going through an old door which he then knew went underground.

 

There were strange carvings and he paused when he saw them.

 

“This?” He touched lightly before gaining an idea.

 

“Inscriptions?”

 

Su An didn’t know what inscriptions were, he had a vague memory because the perfect memory only applied to his current life.

 

Memories of Stella Brooks wasn’t applied so he had already forgotten a few essential things. He could no longer remember Stella’s mother’s voice. It pained him at times.

 

“Quick.” Su Yan spoke as he held Su An’s hand so he wouldn’t get distracted.

 

Su An knew what the words on the walls meant but they soon became obscure before he found there were some blank spaces and letters which were lost due to erosion of time.

 

Su An remained silent until he felt a shiver and looked at Su Yan for an answer.

 

“We’re here.” Su Yun waved his hand and the ground rumbled.

 

Su An found himself in other world.

 

Perhaps a pocket dimension that he read before.

 

System is unable to provide help due to an unknown obstruction, host is advised to be cautious-

 

Su An didn’t mind the system since he knew from his dream that it didn’t matter anymore.

 

What he had to do now was prepare himself to see Stella’s mother, his old mother.

 

Su An looked around.

 

Awe was showing on his face as his eyes were still staring up.

 

He was in a hall he had no clue how big it was.

 

The walls were blood red with black markings similar to fire.

 

The arches and engravings were so detailed he wanted to touch but he was frozen in place.

 

Su An slowly lowered his sight and saw a throne.

 

The throne was large and was gold with red inscriptions of some creature he did not know.

 

It was drowned in majesty, there were many he didn’t know how to describe or even remember because it as too overpowering.

 

At the same time Su An felt a sense of respect deep within him when he thought of his ancestor.

 

Just how powerful was he but he was still forced to run away.

 

Su An clenched his fist and fixed his eyes on the throne.

 

“Disrespectful child!”

 

A cold voice boomed and Su An fell on the floor with a thud, he spat out blood and realising it was actually gold.

 

Su An could never draw blood as his physique was too strong to be harmed however he soon threw the discovery to the back of his mind.

 

His eyes widened and cursed at the fact he should have discovered this earlier before he glanced at the throne again.

 

He saw a tall muscular red-haired man sat on the throne. His posture was straight and full of a dignity of a sovereign. He gazed deeply at Su An.

 

His eyes made Su An freeze with fear.

 

Su An shakily got up and bowed before plopping on the floor exhausted.

 

The man did nothing but stare at him.

 

Su An didn’t dare look at him again and wanted to wipe off the blood going down his chin.

 

He had already stained his favourite clothes.

 

Su An didn’t notice his surroundings had started to change before he realised what was going on.

 

His eyes met a white ceiling, tubes with an unknown liquid and an oxygen mask.

 

Su An looked down to see his pale skin.

 

He could see his veins and arteries through his sickly skin.

 

Su An’s eyes widened before he tried remove them all but he was too weak.

 

He titled his head to the left and saw there was a button to call the nurse.

 

He, now a she, reached out his left hand which trembled and fell.

 

Su An tried again and managed to press it but he was already exhausted.

 

Su An looked at realised he was in a single room and the blinds were open.

 

He saw the familiar blue sky that was originally hazy in his memories.

 

Su An didn’t know that he was being watched and even if he knew, he wouldn’t care.

 

He had finally moved on.

 

However, he wasn’t being watched just by his ancestor, he was being watched by his parents as well as they were allowed to see. This was so they would understand their child better and customise their training more.

 

Su Chen and Ling Cai were frozen with shock as they saw what Su An was in.

 

Su An tried to sit up again but the door opened and he saw a doctor followed by a nurse.

 

“Don’t-” Su An wanted to tell them to stay where they were but he suddenly coughed and he was made to lie back down.

 

After he stopped coughing, through his watering eyes, he asked hoarsely.

 

“What happened?”

 

“You were hit by a-”

 

“I know that. Tell me about my current condition.” Su An interrupted.

 

The doctor was displeased but he complied.

 

“You had four broken ribs, a broken ankle, broken three fingers on your right hand and your left shoulder was dislocated from the hit and run. Additionally, you were in coma for two years.” The doctor finished speaking.

 

“Where’s my mum?” Su An asked impatiently.

 

“She’s on her way after receiving our phone call.” The doctor answered.

 

“Mn…” Shifting his sight to the window, Su An stayed silent.

 

The doctor and the nurse left after telling him to which he responded with a small nod.

 

It was only when he heard loud rushed footsteps did he turn his head.

 

Su An saw a woman with wrinkles and tears going down her face.

 

It was Stella’s mother.

 

He was no longer her child, no longer had a bond.

 

Su An calmed the raging tide within him and looked at Stella’s mother with a calm gaze before speaking to her.

 

“You are a fake. An illusion.” Su An stated before turning his eyes to behind himself.

 

He could feel it.

 

That man was watching him.

 

“I dare you to use my past siblings as well,” Su An sneered, ” useless old man. You don’t understand me one bit.”

 

Once Su An’s words ended, Stella’s mother’s face turned twisted and gripped his neck.

 

Su An laughed and saw that the doctor and nurse ran out.

 

“If you really wanted to me to fail, you should have brought me to the past thinking I reincarnated into my past self.” Su An continued.

 

“I don’t know how long time went by in the heavens, maybe everything has recovered and I still have a slight chance to see her…” Su An said quietly as the grip on his neck tightened.

 

“Hey, don’t you pity me? Thrown into this world and forced to climb to the top. I only wanted to go back.” Su An said with mockery.

 

“Either way, I’m going to trash you when I see you, stupid old man. I’ll get revenge for using her against me.” Su An tore away Stella’s mother’s grip and stomped on her abdomen and knocked her out.

 

Su An went to window and tried hard to see her reflection.

 

She still looked the same except she was more pale.

 

Su An stared at the sky and abruptly turned his head around to see his scenery once again changed.

 

Su An frowned as he felt his heart beat hasten.

 

Fear gripped his heart but he could not remember.

 

Su An could not remember this scene or incident.

 

He looked at himself and his eyes widened as his head was assaulted by a stinging pain.

 

Pieces of Stella’s locked memories resurfaced.

 

Su An fell to the floor as he remembered that memory.

 

The time he was almost raped after being abused by his uncle.

 

Su An shut his eyes as his tears quickly fell down and he gasped while dragging his body to the back. He couldn’t help it.

 

The fear was unlike anything before. Su An absolutely dreaded the man.

 

He pursed his lip as he stared at the floor.

 

He remembered everything.

 

Su An heard footsteps and cowered before huddling himself and shielding his body.

 

“Hmm? You’re scared?” A raspy voice sounded but Su An didn’t look up.

 

That man.

 

He was a monster.

 

Su An discreetly clenched his fists as the man walked over.

 

“Stella, are scared of uncle?” The man asked in an angered voice.

 

He bent down and grabbed Su An’s wrists, pulling them apart to see Su An’s closed eyes.

 

“Uncle told you that you’re his best friend, right?” He said while pulling Su An up.

 

“Right? Stella?” His anger grew.

 

“Why don’t you answer, dumb bitch?!” He slapped Su An and Su An whimpered at the pain.

 

Su An pulled the others closer and bit his arm, forcing his teeth through the flesh.

 

It was disgusting.

 

Su An hated the other.

 

Darius Brooks.

 

The very reason why he couldn’t speak up to help Stella’s mother. He was the reason.

 

Darius pulled Su An’s hair and punched his face.

 

Su An let go as he tasted blood in his mouth before kicking the man’s groin and tried to run away but he was tackled.

 

Su An cried as his back slammed onto the wall and he coughed blood.

 

“You f*ck*ng hit me?! You shouldn’t hit me!” Darius growled as he slapped Su An’s face harshly.

 

Su An knew his jaw was dislocated and he knew what would happen next.

 

“Since you”

 

“No!” Su An head-butted the other onto the floor and stomped on Darius’ neck.

 

Su An felt Darius’ neck break and them died.

 

Su An’s chest heaved up and down and he ran out the room before snapping his head back to see the man again.

 

“You! I’ll trash you the next time I see you, old man!” Su An glared at him with hate before it subsided after a ling time. The man only watched quietly as Su An calmed down.

 

“You… are a bright child.” The man said slowly.

 

“…of course. Stella means star.” Su An replied after noticing he came back to the throne room.

 

“…What do you need?” The man asked.

 

Su An thought for a few minutes before answering.

 

“Let mom see my memories of everything until now. I’m not comfortable with dad seeing my memories as a girl.” Su An said after strengthening his resolve.

 

He knew they had the right to know. Su An thought that showing them was better than telling so they could understand him better.

 

“…Is that all?” The man looked at Su An.

 

“I can ask for something else?” Su An’s eyes brightened slightly.

 

“Yes…”

 

“Remove my memories of Darius.” Su An answered carefully.

 

“Understood.” The man nodded, he was interested in how Su An would trash him.

 

The man touched Su An’s head gently before removing it after a few seconds.

 

Su An felt a sharp pain all over his head before it vanished.

 

He looked at the man and blinked before realising he was back in the tunnel.

 

The figure of Ling Cai crying with Su Cheng comforting her entered his sight. Meanwhile, Su Yan silently stared at him with thoughtful gaze.

 

“…” Su An remained quiet while occasionally glancing at Ling Cai a few times before speaking to Su Yan.

 

“…I passed…” He said quietly.

 

“Why did you not tell us?” Su Yan asked softly.

 

“I… was afraid until now…” Su An answered.

 

“…Understood.” Su Yan sighed before glancing at Ling Cai.

 

Ling Cai’s cries hurt his heart as he wondered what the two saw.

 

 

Su Cheng fixed his sight on Su An. His eyes were pained with sorrow and guilt as he stared at his son.

 

Su An met his stare before pausing when he noticed his mother was looking at him.

 

Su An didn’t know what to say and stayed silent.

 

“An’er…” Ling Cai cried as she rushed to him, enveloping him into a hug.

 

Su An was stunned until Ling Cai let go and held his shoulders.

 

“…Don’t worry anymore, okay?” Ling Cai wiped her tears.

 

“You system should be online now.” She added.

 

“True.” Su An mumbled before blinking at the system’s notification.

 

 

System has upgraded due to previous interruption. Host has unlocked Phoenix transformation: Fenghuang. Host’s bloodline has also been sealed corresponding to host’s wishes. Sealing will begin in one minute. Host is to be warned that the sealing is extremely painful but quick.

 

Su An froze when he heard the system’s words before relaying them to Ling Cai.

 

Ling Cai paled somewhat before quickly taking Su An outside leaving Su Cheng behind.

 

Su Cheng didn’t mind since he wanted to tell Su Yan what he saw.

 

Su Yan waited for Su Cheng to speak and the words spoke ignited his anger.

 

“…Su An was a girl in his past life.” Su Cheng took a deep breath to calm himself down.

 

“He… was raped by his uncle.”

 

“What?!” Su Yan’s eyes widened as he tried to contain his anger.

 

“Su An… was killed by an object similar to a carriage.” Su Cheng added.

 

“…” Su Yan clenched his fists before relaxing them.

 

“What about Cai’er?”

 

“Ancestor gave her all of Su An’s memories.” Su Cheng answered respectfully when he mentioned ancestor.

 

“Just her?” Su Yan eyebrows were knitted together.

 

“En, Su An isn’t comfortable with me since the memories included his life as a girl.” Su Cheng responded weakly.

 

Su Yan nodded lightly before beckoning Su Cheng to follow.

 

Meanwhile, Su An’s sealing has already ended and he passed out unconscious since the system needed to do some adjustments which were better if Su An was unconscious.

 

System is rebooting, host will keep changes but some functions will be deleted to maximise the changes of upgrade.The system spoke before Su An lost conscious.