It was easier to go down the mountain without a horse, but the nearby villages were far away, and walking could easily lead to accidents.

If the stable was built at the foot of the mountain, it would be attacked by bizarre creatures, which would be a complete waste.

Just thinking about it, Fang Yue felt it was troublesome. Not to mention, Old Ning had lived on the mountain for many years.

For a moment, Fang Yue had some admiration for the never-before-seen Old Ning. He was definitely a true craftsman at heart.

Living in seclusion, focusing on his craft, no wonder he could make so much money and hire so many experts as servants.

"May I ask if this distinguished guest is Young Master Ye Baiyi, Ye?"

A woman with a barrel waist walked over with a smile, surrounded by a dozen servants.

"Greetings, Madam!"

Fang Yue said politely.

The barrel-waisted woman was stunned for a moment, then covered her mouth and chuckled, "Young Master Ye misunderstood. I am the third housekeeper of the Ning family. You can call me Housekeeper Liao."

Ah… not Old Ning's wife…

Fang Yue looked embarrassed, "So it's Housekeeper Liao. My respects, my respects."

"You're too kind, Young Master Ye."

Housekeeper Liao led Fang Yue towards the main hall, saying as they walked, "Young Master Ye's arrival is perfectly timed. The master just woke up not long ago, and upon hearing that a guest had arrived, he immediately asked you to come over."

"Okay, okay."

Fang Yue nodded in response, constantly observing his surroundings. He found that the number of servants in the Ning residence was more than he had imagined.

After all, this was an isolated residence on a mountain top.

Even if the extra pay was not low, it was indeed in the wilderness, and they could encounter bizarre creatures at any time.

At the same time, they had to endure the isolated environment and the inability to contact the outside world.

In such a place, even with a high price, very few people would be willing to stay.

Not to mention… most of the servants in the Ning residence were martial artists.

Fang Yue became more and more confused and couldn't help but ask, "How much does Old Ning give you per month? Is it a lot?"

Housekeeper Liao was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "Young Master Ye's question is quite interesting, but we are not at liberty to answer in this regard."

Although she didn't answer, the natural expressions of the others in the face of this question suggested that the treatment was probably not bad.

Okay, it seems that having money really allows you to do whatever you want.

After Fang Yue passed through several corridors and entered the main hall, he finally saw the 'legendary' Old Ning.

He was a strangely shaped old man with a large, drooping ear on one side, who was picking his foot with one hand and yawning with the other. This was a far cry from the image of a bizarre-artifact forging master that Fang Yue had in mind.

"Master, the person has arrived."

Hearing Housekeeper Liao's voice, Old Ning's body stiffened, he restrained his expression, and sat up straight.

"Don't rush about the person. Housekeeper Liao, have the first and second housekeepers said when they will return?"

"Returning to Master, the first housekeeper was in a hurry to go home to visit relatives and did not leave a letter saying when he would return. The second housekeeper said that he would return after handling the matter, so he should be back in ten days or half a month."

"Hmm… that's good. Without them, I feel like I haven't been sleeping well lately."

Housekeeper Liao narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled, "Master is just not getting enough rest and is overworked. With me in the residence, ordinary bizarre creatures won't be able to hurt you."

"Hmm… that's good."

After dismissing Housekeeper Liao, Old Ning looked at Fang Yue.

"Sit. I heard them say that Ye Baiyi is here on behalf of Qing Si to find me. Did Stubborn Old Man ask you to come?"

"Yes and no."

Fang Yue sat on the chair on the left side of the hall and said, "I'm here to ask Old Ning some questions. The reason I came here is because Stubborn Old Man pointed me in the direction."

"…What do you want to ask?"

"I want to know, has Old Ning recently made fluorescent bracelets for anyone?"

When Fang Yue asked this question, his eyes were fixed on Old Ning, observing his every move.

However, Old Ning did not reveal any flaws or panic.

He listened very calmly, and then said, "Yes, I recently made a batch of bizarre objects for the people of the Lie Huo Sect, including fluorescent bracelets."

Lie Huo Sect?! (Burning Fire Sect)

Fang Yue's pupils shrank.

How could it be related to the Lie Huo Sect?

Could it be that the people who kidnapped Lord Han and Lin Ling were actually from the Lie Huo Sect?

No… maybe that's really the case!

Fang Yue's face sank, and his eyes turned cold.

He remembered that Lord Han had said that major sects such as the Lie Huo Sect used to visit him every few years.

At that time, Lord Han's strength was unfathomable, and no one dared to offend him.

Now that Lord Han's strength is gone, but all of his knowledge is still there.

If the Lie Huo Sect had any plans, it would definitely be the best time to strike.

As for Lin Ling's disappearance, I'm afraid it's just bait to lure Lord Han…

Wait! That's not right! The Lie Huo Sect acts domineeringly. If they wanted to kidnap Lord Han, why would they need to be so roundabout?

Moreover, in Qing Si County… no outsiders should know that Lord Han has lost his cultivation.

Fang Yue was puzzled again, and he became skeptical of Old Ning's words.

In any case, the clues point directly to the Lie Huo Sect. He just needs to go back and investigate.

Unlike Bai Xiaoya, who was a semi-transparent marginal figure, who couldn't get any attention no matter what she did in Qing Si.

People like the Lie Huo Sect, no matter what they do in Qing Si County, will be watched by many eyes. It's very convenient to investigate their whereabouts and what they've done.

Fang Yue then repeatedly confirmed with Old Ning, making sure that only people from the Lie Huo Sect had bought fluorescent bracelets.

Fang Yue then stood up.

"In that case, I won't disturb you any longer."

Old Ning was stunned.

"Wait, Ye Baiyi is leaving now? I've already asked people to prepare a night meal. Have a meal, rest for a night, and leave tomorrow morning.

If you go back now, even if you ride a Qing Si horse, it will be dark before you reach Qing Si County. You Qing Wei should know how dangerous the wilderness is after dark."

What?

Are you, to the Night Battle God, telling me what to do when it's dangerous after dark? I'll hammer the bizarre creatures' dog heads!

Cupping his hands, Fang Yue said, "No need. Lin Ling's life or death is uncertain. I need to immediately return to Qing Si County to report the information and then investigate the people of the Lie Huo Sect."

Old Ning tried to persuade him to stay a few more times, but seeing that he couldn't keep Fang Yue, who was determined to leave, he stopped trying and only asked someone to send Fang Yue to the stable.

However, before he could even leave the hall, Ning Wudian suddenly ran over from outside in a hurry, shouting as he ran.

"Ye, Ye Baiyi, something bad happened, your horse is gone! Your horse is gone!"

Fang Yue: ???

So you're a Zu'an horse hunter??

Fang Yue's face darkened. He looked at Ning Wudian who was running over, and then looked at Old Ning who looked bewildered.

"Don't worry, speak slowly, what exactly is going on? What happened to my… Qing Si horse?"

"Your horse, your horse ate our family's fodder and seemed to be poisoned. It's lying on the ground twitching! Our family's doctor is trying to save it, you should go and see your horse!"

"…It's a Qing Si horse! Never mind, where's the stable, I'll go take a look."