Chapter 122: The Three Must Come Together, Part 15

Shiyan Yu’s words brought everyone back to their senses.

They had been trapped far too long, desperate to return home, wishing the vengeful spirit could instantly slay its enemy so that the others could be released.

But could they condemn someone’s guilt based on mere speculation?

Everyone belatedly realized this, their expressions turning awkward, though some still felt indignant, convinced they were innocent victims, all dragged into trouble by this sisterhood.

If it weren’t for Bai Yuxi’s backing from the Bai family, they would have long since cursed and complained.

Zhou Bushan escorted everyone back to the third floor to rest.

Xia Yu was left behind at the rear, no one spoke to her or even glanced her way, subtly excluding her from the group.

Shiyan Yu stayed behind and advised Xia Yu, “No matter what happens next, try not to act alone.”

Xia Yu gave a bitter smile and looked at Shiyan Yu. “Even if I wanted to be with others, I’m afraid no one would want to associate with me.”

Shiyan Yu thought for a moment. “How about… I come to your room and keep you company?”

“No need.” Xia Yu wiped the tears from her face, speaking stubbornly. “If Du Xiaoling’s vengeful spirit really comes for me, I want to ask her what I’ve done to wrong her.”

With that, she brushed past Shiyan Yu and walked straight toward the stairs, her back straight and resolute.

Shiyan Yu stood at the women’s restroom doorway. From this angle, she could see the corpse inside and shivered, unwilling to linger any longer. She turned and went upstairs.

On the third floor, some minor incidents occurred—because a fierce ghost had entered the room where Shiyan Yu stayed. Though Zhou Bushan had driven it away, the two girls still felt frightened.

After some discussion, the two girls moved into the room where Xia Yu was staying.

Shiyan Yu quietly breathed a sigh of relief. She had worried about Xia Yu getting into trouble; now that she had company, at least there was some care.

Zhou Bushan didn’t understand the girls’ thoughts and said to Shiyan Yu, “We’re both cultivators, so logically, they should feel safer sharing a room with you.”

Shiyan Yu laughed awkwardly, touching her face. “Maybe it’s because… I don’t seem as reliable as you.”

Zhou Bushan thought she was insecure and quickly comforted her. “Once we get paid for this job, you can buy some gear for yourself. Five-element colored threads, Bagua copper bells, thunder-fire peachwood swords—these are essentials to carry.”

Shiyan Yu nodded repeatedly. “You’re right.”

Zhou Bushan then asked, “I forgot to ask, Xiaoyu, who is the boss that invited you here?”

Shiyan Yu was momentarily stunned. “Oh… their identity is confidential. I don’t really know.”

Zhou Bushan nodded knowingly. “I understand. Some big bosses don’t want people to know they’ve gotten involved with evil spirits. The bigger the business, the more taboo it is. Actually, I thought about it later—it might not be Boss Wang who invited me. There are very few people in the entire city who could persuade my master to come here. Maybe the Bai family hired Boss Wang to intervene.”

Shiyan Yu pondered. “That’s quite possible. Bai Yuxi is the Bai family’s daughter, and the incident happened at their birthday banquet. The Bai family wouldn’t ignore it.”

She looked up at Zhou Bushan. “But one student is already harmed. If this is a vengeful spirit’s revenge, why would it trap us here after settling its grudge?”

Zhou Bushan also couldn’t figure it out and sighed heavily. “I guess I still lack experience. I’m only good at catching ghosts and exorcising evil; I don’t understand these complicated twists. If it gets worse, I might have to send for my master’s help.”

Shiyan Yu’s eyes widened slightly. “You can leave?”

Zhou Bushan took out a yellow talisman from his chest pocket, folded into a triangle and tied with multicolored threads.

“I have a life-saving talisman from my master. Everyone at Chang Le Palace has one. No matter what happens, burning it can summon my master to bring me back.”

He carefully put the talisman away, frowning. “But this place is too dangerous. I’m afraid if I leave, these students might get hurt.”

After hearing this, Shiyan Yu’s expression suddenly changed. “Zhou, have you noticed? Before we came, although the students were frightened, they were unharmed. But after we arrived, things started going wrong.”

Zhou Bushan was stunned and confused. “Ah?… Could it be a coincidence?”

Then he suddenly jumped in place, exclaiming, “Xiaoyu! Are you suspecting me?! I’m a proper disciple of Chang Le Palace! Absolutely honorable!”

“No, that’s not what I mean. I just find it strange…” Shiyan Yu bit her lip and sighed. “Forget it. I hope it’s just my imagination.”

Zhou Bushan touched his chest and murmured, “You’re making me a little nervous.”

She smiled helplessly. “Don’t be. You’re our backbone now. You mustn’t panic.”

Zhou Bushan nodded and crossed his peachwood sword in front of him, radiating righteousness. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you all!”

After a brief chat with Zhou Bushan, Shiyan Yu returned to her room.

The lighting inside was dimmer than other rooms, heavy with a gloomy atmosphere, especially in the corners where darkness swallowed all sight.

Shiyan Yu knew the black shadow that had fled from the dead end was still here, but she paid it little mind and sat alone by the bed, reflecting on the strange events since arriving in this world.

The deeper she thought, the more she doubted the claim that Du Xiaoling’s vengeful spirit sought revenge. But if not Du Xiaoling, then who?

Outside, it was equally restless. Whispers filled every room. Wan Qianqian’s corpse remained on the first floor. Despite everyone’s nerves stretched to the limit, few could truly rest.

Shiyan Yu stood and paced the room, noticing scratch marks left on the tiles by the red-clad female ghost. She went to the window, intending to lock it again.

Something outside flickered.

Frowning slightly, Shiyan Yu considered briefly, then leaned out the window and froze.

On a narrow cement ledge jutting out under the windowsill, someone had placed a mirror. The mirror’s reflection faced precisely the spot where the red-clad ghost had fallen.

A chill rose from beneath her feet, sending shivers down her spine.

Without hesitation, she turned and ran to find Zhou Bushan.

“Zhou! Come quickly!”

Her voice carried, startling everyone from their rooms. They all emerged anxiously, asking, “What’s wrong? Did something happen again?”

Zhou Bushan hurried over nervously. “What is it?”

Unsure how to explain, Shiyan Yu grabbed his arm and pulled him to the window. “Do you know who put this mirror here? What’s its purpose?”

Zhou Bushan’s eyes widened instantly. Without a word, he raised his hand and hurled the mirror out the window.

Crash! The mirror shattered on the ground below.

“Who put this mirror here?!” He spun to glare at the gathered students, anger flashing in his eyes.