The Foundation Establishment elders listened as Ning Shaohong recounted the events again.
After she finished, a silence fell over the main hall.
Ning Zhongyuan's smiling expression vanished.
He slowly rotated the thumb ring on his right hand.
Then, he slowly said, "From Shaohong's description, the attacker should be Mei Kaixiong. This person was originally a rogue cultivator who succeeded in Foundation Establishment ten years ago through a fortuitous encounter. He usually kept to himself, and I haven't heard any news of him in the past few years. I thought he had already left Thousand Wave Lake."
Fourth Elder Ning Weize said in a deep voice, "It seems the Xue Family must have hired him. The Spirit Artifact he used was likely provided by the Xue Family, perhaps even as payment for his services. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to take such a great risk."
Everyone nodded, clearly sharing the same speculation.
Ning Zhongjiu's expression turned cold as he continued, "The Xue Family is after Xiao Fa."
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent once more.
Ning Shaohong's expression turned grim. She had actually suspected as much.
Now that Ning Zhongjiu had confirmed it, her heart sank.
"The Xue Family..."
Ning Zhongyuan narrowed his eyes and muttered, a glint flashing in his gaze.
He slowly said, "For the next while, let Xiao Fa stay indoors. Is he still living on Pingchang Island? That's not ideal. Didn't he win his alchemy competition against Rui Ming? Let him move to the Pill Hall as soon as possible."
At this moment, Ning Zhongjiu's eyes flickered, and he suddenly said, "Perhaps there's an even better place."
Second Elder Ning Weidong couldn't help but glance at Ning Zhongjiu.
Ning Zhongjiu continued with a neutral expression, "I think it would be perfect to let Xiao Fa move to Small Bamboo Island."
Ning Weize's gaze flashed, as if guessing Ning Zhongjiu's intention. He asked, "Third Brother, you mean..."
Ning Zhongjiu nodded. "Precisely. Since Xiao Fa is currently too prominent and has attracted the Xue Family's murderous intent, why not let him move to Small Bamboo Island to study the Jade Dragon Pill? With his current alchemy talent, he might be able to decipher it sooner. It would also allow him to lie low for a while."
Second Elder Ning Weidong asked in surprise, "Third Brother, didn't you already arrange for Qinghui to move to Small Bamboo Island to study that ancient formula?"
Ning Zhongjiu chuckled lightly. "Xiao Fa and Qinghui are arguably the most talented alchemists in our Ning Family. If they collaborate, they might be able to refine this pill sooner."
"Even if this incident hadn't happened, I was planning to do this. I just didn't expect the Xue Family to act so quickly."
Upon hearing this, First Elder Ning Zhongyuan's eyes flashed with sharpness, and he said in a deep voice, "That's a good idea. Let's proceed with it. Also, increase the guard level on that island by one tier."
At this point, Fourth Elder Ning Weize asked, "Who was that fellow cultivator who secretly rescued Shaohong and Xiao Fa?"
Ning Zhongjiu frowned, also puzzled. "I suddenly received a message from an unknown source saying Shaohong and the others were in danger, so I rushed over. I don't know who notified me or who secretly came to their rescue."
Ning Zhongyuan's gaze flickered, and he waved his hand. "Let's not dwell on this for now. The important thing is that Shaohong and Xiao Fa are safe."
After speaking, Ning Zhongyuan looked at Ning Shaohong again and said with concern, "Shaohong, you need to be careful in the future. Don't go out of Tianshui Market lightly anymore."
Ning Shaohong nodded, her bright eyes flickering as she thought about something.
Yun Chang Island.
"What? You want me to move to Small Bamboo Island to study the Jade Dragon Pill? And Liu Qinghui lives there, and I have to cooperate with her?"
Ning Fa said, dumbfounded.
Ning Shaohong had just returned and delivered this news to him, which had completely stunned him.
Ning Shaohong looked at him with a smile and chuckled, "What, you're not happy about it? Liu Qinghui is the most beautiful woman in our Ning Family. Countless family disciples wish to get close to her. Now you have the opportunity to get close to her first. Shouldn't you be happy?"
After speaking, Ning Shaohong's eyes flowed, and she continued, "Besides, didn't I hear that you and Liu Qinghui were childhood sweethearts and you had deep feelings for her? It was only because her father interfered that you didn't end up together. Now that your status is different, you are fully qualified to pursue her again. I believe her father wouldn't dare to object anymore."
Beside them, Ning Xiuying looked at Ning Fa with a strange expression.
For some reason, she felt a pang of jealousy.
Ning Fa wore a constipated expression.
If he had to live alone on Small Bamboo Island to study the Jade Dragon Pill, that would be one thing, but being with that green tea bitch was rather unappealing.
While he was fond of beautiful women, he was also very picky and had high standards of cleanliness.
As for a "scum girl" like Liu Qinghui, even if she were naked and lying there, he wouldn't bother.
Moreover, he harbored many secrets and it was inconvenient to live with others.
However, since this was the decision of several family bigwigs, it wasn't something he could resist.
Especially since it was for his own good.
Ning Shaohong had also clearly told him that the attack was likely carried out by the Xue Family.
Moving to Small Bamboo Island, which had a second-tier grand formation and a team of elite guards, would ensure his safety.
Furthermore, he genuinely needed a period of dormancy to develop.
At this moment, Ning Fa thought of the half Jade Pendant that Liu Qinghui was coveting.
He thought that perhaps he could get some clues about this treasure from Liu Qinghui.
With this thought, Ning Fa accepted the arrangement calmly.
He let out a dry chuckle. "Aunt Hong, that's all in the past. Ever since Liu Zhili publicly broke off our engagement, my family and the Liu family have been like fire and water. I no longer have any feelings for Liu Qinghui, so I don't really want to study the Jade Dragon Pill with her."
Ning Shaohong sized him up, seemingly trying to discern the truth in his words.
Then, she said solemnly, "Little Fa, the family is doing this for your own good. Your safety will be absolutely guaranteed on Small Bamboo Island. Furthermore, the Jade Dragon Pill is very important to the family; otherwise, they wouldn't have specifically opened a spirit herb garden on Small Bamboo Island to cultivate the necessary spiritual materials."
"If you can refine this pill, you can even be directly promoted to a First-grade High-rank Pill Master within the family. Your status in the family will undoubtedly increase again then."
Ning Fa nodded.
Even for his own sake, he would study the Jade Dragon Pill diligently.
After all, his situation was special, and he had a greater need for high-level pills that could advance his cultivation.
Ning Shaohong continued, "Then you should return to Pingchang Island to pack your things and then head directly to Small Bamboo Island. Although there shouldn't be any problems within the family, you should still go with Yuan Chong and the others. They are waiting for you outside right now."
Ning Fa thanked her and left the Spirit Embroidery Hall.
At this moment, Ning Shaohong turned to look at Ning Xiuying.
She remained silent for a moment.
Ning Xiuying couldn't help but ask curiously, "Ninth Elder, what's wrong?"
Ning Shaohong's eyes flickered slightly, and her expression was calm. "Xiuying, you've been my maid for seven years. It's time for you to go out and gain some experience."