Long hair.
Guo Haitao's ghost had mentioned long hair too, confirming that he had fallen victim to these malevolent "long-hair ghosts."
What surprised Lu Fei even more was that there wasn't just one ghost in that dormitory—there were at least four or five. The haunted building was far more dangerous than he had anticipated.
Still, the pawn ticket was already signed, and Lu Fei had no intention of backing out.
Encountering difficulties and retreating would mean the end of business, let alone growing Evil Pawnshop into a formidable force.
Besides, Lu Fei was no novice. With his cultivated powers and his Lightning-Struck Jujube Wood Staff, he had the tools to face this challenge.
The main issue now was getting into the school.
After the recent fatal incident, the university had sealed off the old campus entirely, even assigning guards to patrol it day and night, allowing no one to enter.
"Shopkeeper Lu, we've burned everything my daughter brought back from the haunted building. Xiaoxue should be safe now, right?"
Su Liguo's family had just finished burning Su Ningxue's contaminated belongings, including her clothes and the camera.
"As long as she keeps the Ghost-Repelling Talisman on her, even if something was missed, it won't matter," Lu Fei reassured.
"Shopkeeper Lu, could I trouble you for two more talismans?" Su Ningxue asked hesitantly. "I'm worried about my two friends. What if they're also haunted by that hair?"
"Ningxue! Talismans aren't something you can just ask for," Su Liguo scolded before Lu Fei could respond.
"It's fine, Chairman Su. Two talismans are no problem," Lu Fei replied generously, handing her two more Ghost-Repelling Talismans.
Helping one or three made little difference to him, and it was a good way to maintain goodwill with the Su family.
"Thank you!" Su Ningxue's eyes lit up with gratitude. She looked at Lu Fei with newfound admiration.
"So you're not as money-hungry as people say..."
"Of course, Shopkeeper Lu isn't!" Su Liguo sighed in exasperation. "You're lucky to be alive this time. Without his talisman, it could've been you who died! Do you know how much trouble you've caused the university? Principal Qin hasn't slept for days!"
Hearing this, Lu Fei's interest was piqued.
"Chairman Su, you know Principal Qin?"
"Yes, we have some ties. My father worked at Jiang City University before he passed. I was considering having Xiaoxue attend JCU instead of going abroad, but after this debacle, I don't know if Principal Qin will even accept her."
"Chairman Su, could I ask for a favor?" Lu Fei smiled.
"Just say the word," Su Liguo replied without hesitation.
"I want to enter the haunted dormitory. Could you help me arrange it?"
This was precisely why Lu Fei had been so accommodating. If Su Liguo could connect him with Principal Qin, it would simplify things considerably.
"What?"
The Su family was stunned.
Especially Su Ningxue, who stared at Lu Fei with wide eyes.
"The person who recently fell from the dormitory was my friend," Lu Fei explained briefly.
"Ah, I see!" Su Liguo's expression turned solemn with respect. "I'll contact Principal Qin immediately. If someone can resolve the ghost problem, I'm sure he'll agree."
He stepped aside to make a call. Ten minutes later, he returned with good news.
"Shopkeeper Lu, Principal Qin has agreed. However, I must let you know that due to the recent fatalities, he's also invited other experts to assist."
"That's fine. As long as I can enter the dormitory, I don't mind." Lu Fei wasn't concerned about competition.
Su Liguo quickly arranged everything, ensuring Lu Fei could visit the dormitory that very day.
At Jiang City University
By the time Lu Fei and Tiger arrived at the campus, the earlier crowd of onlookers had dispersed. Security was tight, with guards checking IDs and verifying reasons for entry.
When Lu Fei approached the gate, a guard immediately stopped them.
"I'm Lu Fei, here to see Principal Qin."
"Ah, Mr. Lu. Principal Qin is waiting for you in his office," the guard replied, opening the gate to let them in.
Walking past the sports field and through shaded paths, the university looked much the same as when Lu Fei had studied there. But the recent deaths had drained the campus of its usual vibrancy, leaving an oppressive gloom.
"If only no one had died," Lu Fei thought, sighing softly.
Tiger, who hadn't even finished high school, was wide-eyed with curiosity, gawking at everything.
The guard escorted them to Principal Qin's office and left.
From outside, Lu Fei could hear voices. He peered in to see Principal Qin, wearing reading glasses and exuding a scholarly demeanor, speaking with four others.
The group included:
- A rotund monk with a shiny bald head.
- A thin, middle-aged Daoist priest.
- An elderly man with a dignified aura.
- A young, sweet-looking girl with delicate features—the elder man's granddaughter, Duan Tiankui and his spirited granddaughter.
"So these are the experts Principal Qin invited," Lu Fei thought.
Knock, knock.
"Come in," Principal Qin called out.
The room turned their attention to Lu Fei as he entered, Tiger following behind with a bag slung over his shoulder.
"Principal Qin, hello. I'm Lu Fei," he introduced himself.
"Lu Fei, you're one of our graduates, right? A member of this year's class?" Principal Qin removed his glasses to get a better look.
"Yes, Principal Qin," Lu Fei replied with a polite smile. He also nodded in acknowledgment to Duan Tiankui and his granddaughter.
Duan Tiankui returned a slight nod, while his granddaughter beamed brightly at Lu Fei.
"Lu, Chairman Su spoke highly of you. Still, I must caution you—this is no trivial matter. Are you sure you want to proceed? You're still young." Principal Qin's voice carried both concern and encouragement.
"I've thought it through. It's not just because Guo Haitao was my friend; I also want to contribute to the university."
"Graduates like you, willing to step up even after leaving, are a credit to our school." Principal Qin's expression softened with gratitude. Turning to the others, he added, "And my thanks to the esteemed experts for coming to our aid during this crisis."
Duan Tiankui replied respectfully, "No need for thanks, Principal Qin. Exorcising evil and saving lives is our duty as practitioners. Let's head to the dormitory and investigate."
Principal Qin nodded and led the group toward the old campus.
The Old Campus
To reach the dormitory, they had to cross a bridge over an artificial lake.
As they approached, Duan Tiankui stopped abruptly, squinting at the decrepit building ahead.
"What a sharp Scythe Curse!" he exclaimed. "No wonder people keep dying here!"