Lu Fei immediately contacted Liang Ge, a private investigator, to help look into the matter. Liang Ge, upon hearing Lu Fei's voice, agreed without hesitation.
"Liang Ge, can you find out within a day?" Lu Fei asked.
"It's tough, but I'll do my best."
After hanging up, Lu Fei nodded to Chen Jinfa. "Brother Fa, we'll need to wait for some news."
Chen Jinfa knew there was no point in being impatient, so he forced himself to wait. He had seen the power of that bloodwater with his own eyes—any living thing that dared approach would be dissolved without a trace.
Thanks to the four suppression stones, the bloodwater wouldn't spill over for now. With nothing more to do at the construction site, they returned to the hotel to await updates.
Chen Jinfa, visibly anxious, chain-smoked and barely touched his food.
"Those Tang people really had it figured out, using a pair of children to build a soul-sealing pile and complete the mall construction smoothly," he muttered. "Buy low, sell high, and whatever happens later isn't their problem."
"Who's Tang?" Lu Fei couldn't help but ask.
"One of Jiangcheng's big three families," Chen Jinfa replied.
Lu Fei's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't that Xie Yao's family? But then he remembered she wasn't on good terms with her family, so their business dealings might not involve her.
"Do you know the Tang family?" Chen Jinfa asked.
"Not really, I was just curious." Lu Fei smiled.
"Old Tang Mingde really lucked out," Chen Jinfa said with a mix of scorn and admiration. "He was just a nobody, but he made it big by marrying two influential wives."
"Two wives?" Lu Fei's curiosity grew.
"This is one of Jiangcheng's famous tales. Surprised you don't know it," Chen Jinfa said, exhaling smoke. "Tang Mingde was a minor employee at Xie Pharmaceuticals, but somehow managed to woo Xie's only daughter. After they married, he leveraged Xie's resources to climb the ranks."
"However, Xie's daughter was sickly and passed away a decade ago. Tang then married the daughter of a jewelry tycoon, using her wealth and connections to rise quickly and become a major business mogul."
Chen Jinfa's eyes flashed with disdain. "I always thought he was the least deserving of the big three, riding on his wives' coattails. And now it turns out he's also ruthless enough to use soul-sealing piles."
He sighed. "These days, you can't make money with a clear conscience."
"Maybe so," Lu Fei said, shaking his head. Business wasn't his realm. He was a man who dealt with curses and spirits, nothing more.
They waited at the hotel until nightfall. Chen Jinfa grew restless, pacing and prompting Lu Fei multiple times before Liang Ge's message finally came through.
"Lu Fei, I've found out that the old lady's name was Liu Guying. She didn't want to leave her home because she was waiting for her family to return."
"Wasn't she said to be a lonely old woman with no family?" Lu Fei asked, puzzled.
"She was married and had a child. But twenty years ago, her child went missing, and her husband died searching for them. The double blow left her mentally unstable. I spoke to a neighbor who said Liu always believed her husband and child were still alive and would return someday. She feared that if she left, they wouldn't be able to find their way back. So no matter how generous the developer's offer, she refused to leave."
So that was it. The old woman was pitiable indeed. Lu Fei shook his head, finally understanding why her resentment ran so deep—it was the culmination of a lifetime of unfulfilled hope.
"Later, she disappeared, and the police never found her. The matter was left unresolved, and the building was torn down. Her neighbor, suspecting she had met a grim fate, collected some of her belongings before the demolition, hoping to bury them with her remains if they were ever found," Liang Ge added.
Lu Fei's eyes lit up. "What keepsakes?"
"One is a photo album she cherished, with pictures of her family."
"That's great! Where is it now?"
"It's still with the neighbor. I'll send you the address."
"Liang Ge, you're a lifesaver!" Lu Fei said excitedly.
"No need for thanks. Just help me find the suspect in the flaying case when the time comes. I've uncovered some new leads," Liang Ge replied.
"Deal. Reach out whenever you need."
After ending the call, Lu Fei relayed the news to Chen Jinfa, who immediately sent Ah Long to fetch the old woman's belongings. Meanwhile, Lu Fei asked Tiger to buy some items for the ritual.
Ah Long was efficient. In less than two hours, he returned with the items.
"Ah Long, did you handle this properly?" Chen Jinfa asked, noting the quick turnaround.
"Relax, Boss. I bought them for a hefty sum," Ah Long said.
"Good." Chen Jinfa nodded, looking nervously at Lu Fei. "Master Lu, will these things really appease her spirit?"
"If our guess is right, they should," Lu Fei replied.
"And if it doesn't?" Chen Jinfa asked, anxious.
"Then we'll have to fight," Lu Fei said with a determined look.
With the items in hand, they headed back to the construction site.
Night had fallen, and the bloodwater in the pit appeared more ominous under the darkness.
Lu Fei lit incense and burned paper money at the pit's edge, performing a ritual that blended respect and warning.
"Madam Liu, we know you died unjustly, but those who wronged you have already perished. Please do not trouble the innocent."
The bloodwater remained still.
"Everything here has changed. If you cling to this place, your loved ones will never find you. If you wish, we can arrange a proper resting place where your family can reunite with you."
He held up the old photo album, and suddenly the bloodwater began to bubble as if boiling.
The surface contorted, forming a twisted, ghostly face. Its eyes glowed red like swirling vortices, and a wave of bitter resentment burst forth, sending a violent wind sweeping over them.
The flames from the paper offerings were snuffed out, dust whirled wildly, and everyone struggled to stay on their feet.
"Boss, watch out!" Tiger grabbed Lu Fei's arm to keep him from being blown into the pit.
"Madam Liu, make your choice—eternal destruction or a reunion with your family!" Lu Fei shouted, holding the photo album out to her.
The sharp wind stung like blades against their skin as Lu Fei stood firm, the album opened to a yellowed family photo.
Suddenly, the ghostly face surged forward, aiming straight for Lu Fei.
His heart raced, bracing for the worst. Would they have to fight after all?