Spectral Love: Laughing Through Multiple Worlds

Xu Yunfei stood outside the gates of Qingxiu Academy, an ancient, ivy-clad monstrosity of a building shrouded in mist and regret. The creaking gates yawned open as though daring him to enter, a sight that would send chills down the spine of any normal person.

But Yunfei wasn't normal.

"Whew," he whistled, examining the ominous structure. "Is it just me, or does this place look like the setting of a low-budget horror movie?"

"Keep walking," a deep, frigid voice commanded from behind him.

Yunfei turned, his grin widening. Lan Zhihao stood there, dressed in his usual black combat attire. His expression was as cold and unyielding as his posture, with an air of silent menace that made Yunfei feel like he'd just stepped on a landmine.

"What's the rush, Ice King?" Yunfei quipped, sticking his hands into his oversized hoodie pockets. "Afraid the ghosts are going to eat us before we even get inside?"

Zhihao's eyes narrowed. "This mission is not a joke."

"Oh, I know," Yunfei replied, smirking. "It's serious business. That's why I'm here. To protect you."

Zhihao didn't dignify that with a response, instead stepping past Yunfei into the academy grounds. The moment his foot touched the cobblestone path, the temperature dropped. Frost crept up the walls, and the shadows seemed to stretch, their clawed fingers reaching for the newcomers.

"Creepy," Yunfei muttered, though he sounded more entertained than scared. "It's like the ghosts are throwing us a welcome party. Very considerate of them."

Zhihao didn't slow his stride, his hand resting on the hilt of the blade strapped to his waist. "Stay close."

Yunfei rolled his eyes but obediently followed. "Yes, Dad."

---

The main building loomed ahead, its arched windows glowing faintly with ghostly light. As they entered, Yunfei let out a low whistle. The interior was an eerie blend of grandeur and decay. Chandeliers hung precariously from the ceiling, their crystals rattling softly in the still air. Faded portraits of stern-looking figures lined the walls, their painted eyes seeming to follow every movement.

"Let me guess," Yunfei said, pointing at one of the portraits. "That's the founder of this school, right? Bet he died choking on a stale biscuit or something."

A loud bang echoed through the hall, as if the building itself had taken offense at Yunfei's remark.

"Don't provoke the spirits," Zhihao said without looking back.

"Provoke? Me?" Yunfei feigned innocence. "I'm just lightening the mood. You should try it sometime, Zhihao. Maybe crack a smile—oh wait, does your face even know how to do that?"

Zhihao stopped abruptly, causing Yunfei to almost bump into him. He raised a hand, signaling for silence.

The air grew heavier, and a faint whispering sound filled the hall. It wasn't coherent, just a jumble of voices speaking over one another. The shadows along the walls writhed, and Yunfei could have sworn he saw a pair of glowing red eyes staring at them from the far end of the corridor.

"Okay, I'll admit," Yunfei said, lowering his voice. "That's unsettling. Want me to blast it?"

"Not yet," Zhihao replied, his voice calm and measured. He stepped forward, his movements fluid and deliberate, as if he were stalking prey.

Yunfei watched him for a moment before sighing dramatically. "Fine, you take the lead, Mr. Serious. I'll just be here, looking pretty."

As they moved deeper into the academy, the whispers grew louder, and the air turned colder. Yunfei's breath came out in visible puffs, but he didn't seem bothered. If anything, he looked amused, like a tourist enjoying a particularly spooky haunted house attraction.

At last, they entered what appeared to be the main hall. Rows of decrepit desks stretched out before them, their surfaces covered in layers of dust and cobwebs. At the far end of the room stood a large blackboard, the chalk scrawled with an unsettling phrase:

"Class is eternal. Escape is futile."

Yunfei tilted his head. "You think they'd let me sit in the back row? I've always been a back-row kind of guy."

Before Zhihao could respond, the room came alive. The desks began to rattle, and the air filled with an ear-splitting screech. Shadows spilled from the corners, coalescing into the shape of a towering figure with glowing white eyes.

"INTRUDERS," it bellowed, its voice shaking the very walls. "THIS IS SACRED GROUND. YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR BLASPHEMY."

Zhihao drew his blade in one fluid motion, his expression unchanging. Yunfei, meanwhile, simply crossed his arms and grinned.

"Sacred ground?" he said, stepping forward. "Buddy, this place smells like mold and regret. You sure you're not overselling it a bit?"

The ghost let out a deafening roar, and a gust of wind swept through the room, sending desks flying. Zhihao moved to intercept, but Yunfei held up a hand.

"Wait, I've got this," he said casually.

Zhihao hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "Yunfei—"

But Yunfei was already in action. With a dramatic flourish, he pulled a small packet of instant noodles from his hoodie pocket.

"What are you doing?" Zhihao demanded.

"Making peace," Yunfei replied. He turned to the ghost, holding up the packet like an offering. "Hey, big guy. You hungry? I've got chicken flavor."

The ghost paused mid-roar, its glowing eyes narrowing in confusion.

"That's right," Yunfei continued, his tone soothing. "No need to scream your ectoplasmic head off. Let's talk this out like civilized people. You can have the noodles, and I'll even throw in a cup of hot water."

For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint sound of the wind. Then, to Zhihao's utter disbelief, the ghost began to laugh. It was a deep, rumbling sound that shook the room, but there was no malice in it.

"You," the ghost said, its voice still echoing but now tinged with amusement. "You are... ridiculous."

"Thank you," Yunfei said, bowing slightly. "I try."

The ghost's form began to dissipate, its laughter fading into the ether. The room fell silent once more, the oppressive atmosphere lifting.

Zhihao sheathed his blade, turning to Yunfei with a look that could only be described as exasperated. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you keep me around," Yunfei replied, winking.

Zhihao didn't respond, but there was a faint flicker of something in his eyes—something that looked suspiciously like amusement.

"Come on," he said, heading for the door at the back of the room. "We're not done here."

"Lead the way, oh fearless leader," Yunfei said, falling into step beside him. As they moved deeper into the academy, he couldn't help but grin.

This world was going to be fun.

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