Curious, Fang Chang changed direction and walked over to investigate.

Reaching the small temple wasn't difficult, as a narrow path, hidden by weeds, led down the mountain directly to the temple gate. Though seemingly seldom used, the path was clear enough to follow.

This structure was quite small, built from bricks, standing only half a person's height, and half a foot deep from front to back. The lintel bore three plain characters, "Mountain Temple," with an additional five cinnabar characters reading "Yunzhongshan Mountain God."

Though the small temple showed signs of erosion around it, the structure itself had remained unscathed by the flood.

It appeared quite deserted, lacking offerings, incense, or temple blessings—though this type of small temple couldn't accommodate temple blessings anyway. Judging by the signs, no one had visited for at least half a year.

Though Fang Chang was a practitioner and not aligned with these earthly deities, he still held respect for those who maintained the world's order.

He broke off a thin pine branch to use as incense, lit it with mana, stepped forward to place it in the half-empty incense burner, and bowed respectfully.

Naturally, the mountain god noticed this activity.

When Fang Chang offered incense, the mountain god, who received this influx, recognized it as the practitioner he'd seen before.

Is he coming to see me?

The mountain god was apprehensive.

He considered hiding in the depths of Yunzhong Mountain but hesitated to abandon his long-established mansion and this foundational temple.

As he struggled with this decision, he sensed that the visitor was leaving after paying respects. Deciding to face the situation, the mountain god halted his hesitation, appeared at the small temple's gate, and called out to Fang Chang, who was turning to leave:

"Please stay!"

Fang Chang turned, saw the mountain god, and paused, bowing politely. "It seems the owner of this mountain is before me; I apologize for any discourtesy."

"Not at all," the mountain god hastily returned the salute, speaking respectfully. "I merely manage Yunzhong Mountain on behalf of heaven and earth, not owning it, much less daring to call myself its owner."

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"My surname is Zhang. You may call me Zhang Mountain God, or Yunzhong Mountain God. This small temple has limited space and poor conditions, making it difficult to offer hospitality. I hope you understand."

Seeing the mountain god's courtesy, Fang Chang smiled. "I wonder why Zhang Mountain God has appeared to meet me?"

The mountain god, still anxious but reassured by Fang Chang's gentle demeanor, explained, "During the recent flood, while patrolling the mountains, I witnessed you rescuing animals from the flood. I wish to express gratitude on behalf of the mountain's creatures."

"No need," Fang Chang replied, feeling slightly embarrassed, knowing he might eventually consume some of those creatures—perhaps after his pottery was fired.

He continued, "I plan to devote myself to practicing in Yunzhong Mountain, which will inevitably cause some disturbances. The materials and food I need must come from Yunzhong Mountain's resources. I hope Zhang Mountain God can understand."

The mountain god had no objections, and he didn't mind Fang Chang using the mountain's resources. More importantly, having an immortal in Yunzhong Mountain was the greatest gain.

Even if it yielded no tangible benefits, having someone to converse with, as now, alleviated the loneliness of hundreds of years.

The mountain god understood Fang Chang's reference to diet, knowing not all immortals chose to subsist on ethereal nourishment.

So the mountain god cupped his hands again, saying, "Please use what you need. I merely oversee this place; there's no ownership over the mountain or its vegetation. As long as there's no reckless destruction, it won't violate my duties. May I know your name, Shangxian?"

"I am Fang."

"Fang Shangxian, it is an honor to meet you."

The mountain god invited Fang Chang to sit on a large rock under a shady tree, offering chestnuts and pine nuts to share. They engaged in a pleasant conversation.

Since beginning his practice, Fang Chang hadn't interacted with extraordinary beings, so he was naturally curious. Meanwhile, the mountain god, sealed here for hundreds of years, had longed for contact. His duties prevented visits to nearby deities.

Thus, their exchange was fruitful for both.

Particularly for the mountain god of Yunzhongshan, who found Fang Chang's understanding of the Dao subtly profound and rewarding. Although righteous deities like mountain gods and city gods don't follow the cultivation path, such insights were beneficial.

Consequently, the mountain god held Fang Chang in greater esteem, addressing him as "Shangxian" with ease.

During their chat, Fang Chang inquired, "Is the mountain village below Yunzhong Mountain under Zhang Mountain God's jurisdiction?"

"No," the mountain god replied. "All villages below the mountain fall under the jurisdiction of the Sifang Land, except for Linxi Village, which was allocated to Yunzhong Mountain's jurisdiction because it's within the valley. The reason for this exception is unclear, as it happened years ago."

"Oh? How long have you been here, Zhang Mountain God?"

"In the year 471, a county magistrate named Zheng, at the mountain's foot, dreamed of the previous mountain god's departure and selected a virtuous successor. It's been nearly five hundred years since then." The mountain god sighed, reflecting on the passage of time.

The government's appointment was simple, merely posting a notice and maintaining the temple. Such notices were effective because they were understood by the people, and the more recognized, the more acknowledged by heaven and earth.

If the former mountain god hadn't communicated his departure through dreams, in time, either the people would choose a new mountain god, or the rules of heaven and earth would automatically appoint one, avoiding any vacancy.

"I don't know if there's an issue in Linxi Village at the mountain's base. Does the mountain god know the reason?" Fang Chang asked casually.

"Oh?"

"Today, when I went up the mountain to fetch water, I noticed Linxi Village seemed enveloped in disaster and decay. I'm curious as to why."

The mountain god frowned. "As a minor deity, I'm not versed in the divine art of observing qi. As for Linxi Village's situation, allow me to investigate."

After discussing mountain matters, Fang Chang prepared to leave. "Thank you, Zhang Mountain God, for your hospitality, but I have important matters today and must be on my way."

He needed to fetch clay.

The mountain god smiled. "Thank you for your guidance today. Although I lack gifts, Yunzhong Mountain is rich in produce. These quality chestnuts and pine nuts aren't from the mountain, but they're quite delicious. At the market, they sell for a hundred coins per catty. Please accept them as a token of gratitude."

Fang Chang accepted the small package of nuts. They agreed to meet and communicate frequently in the future, parting on good terms.

Packing the chestnuts and pine nuts, he returned to the mountain where he collected pottery clay, using stone flakes to dig. Gathering broad leaves as before, he lined the basket, filled it, and headed back to Xianqi Cliff.

Though his previous fruit supply was depleted, with these nuts, dinner was assured.