Isn't this the way to the village?

Woodcutter Lin Hai followed Fang Xianchang, his mind filled with questions.

Fang Chang walked leisurely ahead, while Lin Hai struggled to keep up, constantly marveling:

As expected of an immortal, Fang Xianzhang's pace in the mountains far outstrips that of even the most seasoned mountaineers. Fang Xianzhang seemed relaxed, yet Lin Hai had to exert all his effort just to keep up.

It was only then that he realized his yellow dog was nowhere in sight.

There was no need to worry, though. The yellow dog was strong, and there were no threats in the nearby mountains. It was also familiar with the family and would surely return by evening.

The scenery along the way was breathtaking, but neither of them paused to admire it.

As Lin Hai's stamina waned, Fang Chang extended a hand to help him, and once Lin Hai wasn't holding him back, Fang Chang quickened his pace.

They reached the mountain temple.

Carried by Fang Chang, Lin Hai marveled at their speed. Seeing this, he couldn't help but ask, "Xianzhang, why are we heading to the mountain temple?"

Fang Chang replied with a smile, "To find the 'current management,' of course."

Hearing this, and seeing the mountain temple ahead, Lin Hai realized what Fang Chang intended and fell silent.

Picking up a pine branch, Fang Chang lit it with mana and stepped forward, calling out loudly:

"Please, Zhang Shanshen, appear before us!"

Then he stepped back to stand beside Lin Hai, waiting.

After a moment, a figure appeared before the mountain temple. It was the mountain god, clad in rough linen, leaning on a cane with a wooden hairpin, hunched and panting, with a pale face and a cough.

Seeing Zhang Shanshen in such a state, Fang Chang asked in surprise:

"God Zhang Shan, why are you so exhausted?"

Lin Hai quickly prostrated himself on the ground. He hadn't expected Fang Xianzhang to know the god. Bowing repeatedly, he pleaded, "Mountain god, please save Linxi Village!"

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The mountain god gently helped Lin Hai up, saying, "Please stand, young man. I will explain to Fang Shangxian."

Hearing this, Lin Hai stood aside, careful and respectful towards both, especially Fang Chang, fearing he might disrupt their conversation.

After calming the excited Lin Hai, the mountain god turned and explained to Fang Chang, "Forgive my appearance, Shangxian. It's due to the situation in Linxi Village."

Panting, the mountain god led them to a tree with a large rock beneath it for seating.

Once they were seated, Zhang Shanshen exhaled deeply and continued:

"When you mentioned Linxi Village's sky looked strange, Shangxian, I investigated and found the village facing a crisis."

"Atop the third hill above the village lies Linxi Village's water source. Upon investigating, I discovered a great monster at the mountain's base, using its power to sever the mountain spring's water veins."

"As the mountain's deity, I couldn't allow this evil deed and confronted it."

"However, my strength was insufficient, and I was only evenly matched with the demon, slightly at a disadvantage, unable to expel it. Now I'm exhausted and slightly injured, so I returned to my abode to recover."

The mountain god coughed again, offering chestnuts and pine nuts to the two of them.

Fang Chang expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your assistance, Zhang Shanshen. This is Lin Hai, a villager from Linxi Village. He sought me at Xianqi Cliff, prompting me to investigate. Now understanding the situation, I have a plan."

"It's wonderful that Shangxian is willing to intervene!" the mountain god exclaimed. "Linxi Village will be saved."

"I won't trouble you further today. Rest well, Zhang Shanshen. I'll head to Linxi Village and then address the monster severing the water source."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Zhang Shanshen, Fang Chang bade farewell to the mountain god and set off with Lin Hai towards Linxi Village.

This time the path was easier, as a small road connected the mountain temple to the village. Despite the temple's dilapidation, it was still honored annually.

Linxi Village's situation was dire.

It was noon, yet smoke barely rose from the village chimneys.

After the mountain stream dried up, not every household's water tanks were full. Some had begun borrowing water from neighbors or hiking miles to fetch it from a distant river.

The dry valley exuded malevolence, and the small canals irrigating the fields had dried up. The mountain soil was poor, and without water, the seedlings would soon perish.

Close up, the village seemed even grayer, though its vitality hadn't weakened but rather intensified.

Fang Chang stopped at the village entrance and said to Lin Hai, "I won't enter the village. Go reassure everyone, then meet me by the mountain spring."

"Fang Xianchang, wait for me. I'll return shortly."

Lin Hai rushed into the village, gathering decision-makers to discuss the situation.

Uncle Shen, next door, said, "Lin Hai, where have you been? We're discussing important matters. You're knowledgeable. Come, give us your advice."

"We're saved! I brought the immortal who provided the medicine to the village entrance. The immortal consulted the mountain god!" Lin Hai announced breathlessly. His excitement was more exhausting than the journey, as climbing the cliff hadn't left him winded.

"Oh?"

"What?"

"At the entrance? Invite him in."

"Let's greet him together."

The villagers reacted differently—some were pleased, others skeptical. But with few present who knew each other well, they quickly agreed on a united approach to this life-and-death issue.

Together, they went to meet the "Fang Immortal" Lin Hai mentioned.

At the village entrance, Fang Chang calmly awaited Lin Hai's return.

Unexpectedly, a group of villagers emerged, observing him from a distance.

In their eyes, Fang Immortal seemed ordinary, even shabby, his clothes not as fine as theirs.

Yet, due to his cultivation, Fang Chang was always one with the world. Amidst the humble homes and narrow paths, he seemed more a part of the village than the villagers themselves.

This aura set him apart, distinctly different.

Despite their limited perspective, the mountain people instantly recognized him as extraordinary upon seeing him.

A village elder stepped forward to pay respects to Fang Xianchang. Fang Chang nodded slightly, accepting the gesture, and said, "I need someone to guide me to the mountain spring. A monster has severed the mountain's water vein."

Lin Hai began to step forward, but Lin Ergou suddenly jumped out, clutching his clothes and shouting, "Brother Haizi, let me go! I have a brother at home."

Ruffling the brave boy's hair, woodcutter Lin Hai smiled:

"You're still young. Let me handle it. When the immortal sent the monkey to fetch A Niu's medicine, I vowed to follow Fang Xianzhang through fire and water."

"This is our Linxi Village's matter. Respect Aunt Lin and the others. With Fang Immortal here, I trust there won't be any danger."