Ultimately, Lin Hai couldn't deter Ergou. With the villagers' encouragement, Lin Ergou and woodcutter Lin Hai set off together to guide Fang Xianchang.

Each harbored their own thoughts.

Along the way, Lin Hai seemed quite natural, but Lin Ergou's expression revealed a mix of excitement and apprehension.

In truth, Fang Chang didn't need guidance to find the mountain spring. Following the valley upstream would suffice. Bringing Lin Hai and Lin Ergou was more about providing the villagers with eyewitnesses, ensuring their peace of mind and stability.

Once they reached the monster's lair, he wouldn't let them get too close, merely pointing the direction from a safe distance across a hill.

As for dealing with the monster, Fang Chang was confident.

In previous interactions with Zhang Shanshen, he assessed their relative strengths. If it came to a fight, he and the mountain god were evenly matched, with him slightly having the upper hand. Given the mountain god and the monster were evenly matched, he estimated he was on par with the monster.

After the mountain god's confrontation, the monster was likely as exhausted as Zhang Shanshen appeared.

Thus, he felt confident he could drive it away and restore the water vein. While this might seem like taking advantage of the mountain god's efforts, Fang Chang didn't mind, nor did he believe Zhang Shanshen would.

The mountain spring area was remote, with no paths leading to it. The mountains teemed with branches and vines, and only traces of wild animals marked the way. For ordinary people, traversing this terrain was challenging. Fang Chang slowed his pace to avoid leaving Lin Hai and Lin Ergou too far behind, and together they ascended steadily.

Guided by Lin Hai and Lin Ergou, Fang Chang led the way through the mountains, suddenly smiling to himself:

I'm really "unarmed" as I come to subdue the demon.

Indeed, he was unarmed, with no metal on him, even his hairpins made of wood. This was part of his chosen path. Upon entering Yunzhong Mountain, he brought nothing but clothes, bedding, and a bag of coarse salt.

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Haha, had I known, I'd have borrowed a few needles from the villagers or asked Lin Hai for an axe.

Fang Chang gently grasped the small jade knife in his pocket, its straight blade several inches long. It was crafted from the uncut jade gifted by the white-haired spirit monkey Sun Yun, and it was his only sharp tool.

...

Meanwhile, in the mountain cave,

A giant pangolin was digging diligently. It had long been a demon, with considerable mana.

The pangolin was intent on turning the site into a cave.

As for severing the mountain spring and water vein, it was aware but indifferent. The pangolin, uninterested in other creatures, found it challenging to cultivate benevolence, often acting on instinct alone.

This mountain attracted it due to a suspected mineral deposit below. Instinct suggested consuming it would strengthen its scales.

Yesterday, the local mountain god appeared, engaging in a fight over the severed water vein, leaving the pangolin uneasy, considering relocating.

Pangolins have an acute sense of smell, heightened by becoming a demon.

Naturally inclined to live underground, their eyesight was poor. Though it could see better as a demon, it still relied primarily on scent.

The battle with the mountain god left the pangolin slightly injured and exhausted.

Yet, drawn by the underground minerals, it dug relentlessly despite the pain, eager to taste the ore, though its progress slowed.

Finally, it uncovered a mineral vein.

Chewing the stone, the pangolin suddenly lifted its head, sniffing the air.

"Humans approaching?"

"Two... no, wait!"

Alarmed, the pangolin demon rushed to the cave entrance, peering through dense foliage in the direction of the scent.

Its limited vision couldn't discern clearly but identified three figures. One had such a faint scent it was barely detectable.

A faint chestnut scent lingered, reminiscent of the mountain god from yesterday. Could the mountain god have summoned help?

Chilled by the thought, the pangolin demon quickly concealed the cave entrance, retreated inside, and curled up.

...

"Fang Xianchang, halfway up the opposite mountain, is the source of the valley's water," Lin Hai called to Fang Chang after they crossed a hill.

Hearing this, Fang Chang halted.

He stopped Lin Hai and Lin Ergou, instructing them, "Wait here. I'll confront the monster."

"Don't come closer; it's dangerous."

"Immortal Elder..." Lin Hai hesitated, then blurted, "Immortal Elder, be careful..."

Fang Chang chuckled, turning to proceed.

Later, Lin Hai berated himself internally, realizing Fang Xian was capable enough to handle a minor demon. His concern seemed unnecessary.

Fang Xianchang accelerated, swiftly traversing nearly a hundred feet, appearing on the opposite mountain. Its terrain rose higher, with their peak halfway up the other mountain.

Reaching the mountain spring, where the water had dried, Fang Chang closed his eyes, sensing carefully.

He then advanced a hundred steps, chose a spot, and gathered his energy.

Stomping his foot, he shouted, "Come out!"

The shout reverberated through the mountains.

Lin Hai and Ergou, startled by the sound, realized they'd never heard anything so loud, nor imagined such power from a seemingly ordinary figure.

"This is incredible..." Ergou exclaimed to Lin Hai.

"Of course, Immortal Fang is a true immortal. Now you know?"

"I understand, Brother Haizi. I'll be more respectful when the immortal returns," Ergou assured, his doubts erased by the display of power, recognizing the true immortal, unlike the wooden idols in temples.

Fang Chang's stomp sent vibrations into the pangolin's cave.

Dust and stone fell, threatening collapse.

Though pangolins have tough scales and excel underground, being crushed by a mountain was unbearable. It quickly uncurled and raced for the exit, narrowly escaping through the blocked opening.

Fang Chang's single move nearly ended the pangolin demon.

Still shaken, the pangolin demon looked up the hillside.

Then, nearly curled in fear again.