Chapter 198: The Cursed Melody of the Music Room

The music classroom quickly filled to capacity, students packed in tightly. Now, even if I wished to go on stage to inspect, it would be impossible to push through the dense crowd.

All the instruments on stage were already prepared, arranged in their fixed positions. They had completed their sound checks and were ready for performance at any moment.

I leaned towards Xiao Qing, who was sitting beside me, and whispered, “The piano up there seems to have been tampered with, transformed into a curse object. Do you know anything about it?”

“I don’t know,” Xiao Qing replied, her brow furrowed. “Sister Mo didn’t mention anything about that to me.” She quickly recalled something else, however, and lowered her voice even further. “But, Sister Mo did ask us to spread some rumors once.”

“Rumors? You don’t mean strange tales, do you?” Instantly, my mind flashed to the paranormal stories I’d encountered recently: the classroom one couldn’t leave, the display case in the cafeteria, the mirror in the restroom.

“Indeed, you’ve actually heard it before. It’s a strange tale about the music room,” Xiao Qing confirmed. I remembered then; it was one of the stories collected by the Department of Paranormal Incidents, and I had even discussed it with Yi Zhiqiu.

Amidst the students’ boisterous chatter, I soon discerned several relevant conversations. “Have you heard? They say sometimes music plays in the music classroom, but when you open the door, there’s no one inside.”

“Ah, yes, I’ve heard that one. I was told the instruments are cursed, actually made from human bones!” another student added. “It seems these rumors have spread quite widely; several small groups are discussing similar tales.”

Upon closer inspection, one of these discussion groups included a student from the music class. He was actively stirring up conversation about the music room.

Undoubtedly, Mo Qingyan intended to cause some incident during this music lesson. Her reason for having me distract Yi Zhiqiu was to prevent him from passing by and detecting the ominous aura within the piano.

Soon, the appointed time arrived. As the music teacher stepped onto the stage, the students gradually quieted down. “Hello, everyone,” the music teacher began. “This afternoon is still our music appreciation class. Please remain quiet, silence your phones, and simply enjoy the music.”

This grade-level music class was essentially an activity, not a formal lesson, so the teacher wasn’t overly strict. As long as no one disturbed the performance, checking phones or stepping out to relax was permissible, provided it wasn’t excessive.

Amidst my apprehension, the music class commenced. First, the music teacher performed a violin solo, a truly beautiful and captivating piece. Since it had no connection to the piano, there was nothing to worry about.

When the piece concluded, the students erupted in thunderous applause. The music teacher, with her beauty, sweet voice, exceptional instrumental skill, and gentle demeanor, enjoyed immense popularity among the students.

Next, our school’s wind ensemble took the stage for a joint performance. While Jianlong High School’s academic performance was mediocre, its wind ensemble was exceptionally skilled. They were a formidable force, capable of winning major awards in provincial competitions and even participating in national contests.

Serving as the wind ensemble’s advisor for over a decade, the music teacher considered every student a disciple. Now, she settled before the piano, ready to accompany them.

A knot of tension formed in my stomach, fearing something might happen to the music teacher. Yet, the piano produced normal sounds, and the ominous energy remained contained within its interior, showing no signs of spilling out. It seemed there was no immediate issue.

Their performance was incredibly moving, truly befitting a provincial-level powerhouse. Everyone applauded enthusiastically.

Next were the solo performances by the music students. Our music teacher, being highly skilled, cultivated equally talented students. Every year, several managed to enroll in prestigious art schools, a rare achievement Jianlong High School could boast about.

Under the music teacher’s influence, some students even decided in high school to fully dedicate themselves to music practice, aspiring to become professional musicians. Those performing solos now were all her proudest pupils.

The first to perform played the flute, followed by a guitarist. These were perfectly normal. However, the third person to take the stage was none other than Lin Qianyue.

Outwardly, she appeared completely normal. As she ascended the stage, she first bowed to the music teacher, then greeted the students in the audience, before finally taking her seat at the piano.

But the Gu worm on my person began to hum, resonating with something on Lin Qianyue. It was Bai Yue’s natal Gu worm, confirming that Lin Qianyue remained under Bai Yue’s control.

I watched Lin Qianyue with growing tension. A person bearing a Gu worm was now seated before the compromised piano. If Mo Qingyan’s plan truly intended to cause trouble, it should be now.

As Lin Qianyue began her performance, the music teacher immediately frowned at the melody. This piece was not one she had taught, nor did it align with Lin Qianyue’s usual playing style.

However, Lin Qianyue had already begun, and her playing was remarkably fluid. The teacher found it difficult to interrupt her performance, simply assuming Lin Qianyue had secretly practiced another peculiar piece.

Just listening to the tune sent shivers down my spine. The music was deep, sorrowful, and dark, as if capable of drawing out the deepest fears within one’s heart.

Other students experienced similar sensations. Even those who had been engrossed in their phones put them down, lifting their heads to stare at Lin Qianyue playing the piano. Many shivered involuntarily, goosebumps rising on their skin.

“Ah!?” Xiao Qing gasped softly, her voice barely a whisper, completely swallowed by the melancholic and sorrowful music filling the room. Had I not been right beside her, I wouldn’t have heard it.

I leaned closer to Xiao Qing’s ear, lowering my voice. “Xiao Qing, do you know what piece she’s playing?”

“I don’t know its specific name,” Xiao Qing responded, “but I once heard it in the Department of Paranormal Incidents. Sister Mo played it on a radio back then; it wasn’t nearly as terrifying as it is now. Yet, Sister Mo still warned us not to listen for too long.”

Of course, there would be a difference. It was like Xiao Qing playing Buddhist scriptures on a computer; the effect was far inferior to a revered monk chanting directly. Music played from a recording device would undoubtedly pale in comparison to the direct performance from this curse object piano.

I could already see the ominous energy rising with the piano’s playing, slowly enveloping the entire music classroom. Despite the large number of people present, many students felt successive chills.

However, Xiao Qing and I both carried magical artifacts. The spiritual light from these artifacts enveloped us, providing a sense of warmth. Even so, this music, as if played from the underworld, still sent shivers down my spine.

This piece of music had also been provided by Mo Qingyan. That day, she had instructed Bai Yue to give the sheet music to the controlled Lin Qianyue, specifically telling Bai Yue not to look at it herself. Now, it was clear the music itself posed a significant problem.

Xiao Qing suddenly remembered something else and asked me, “Brother Xiao, have you heard of the world’s ten forbidden songs?”

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