For pangolins, curling into a ball is an instinctive response when facing a formidable foe.

In this state, they rely on their tough scales for protection. Even as a demon, its first reaction to danger was to shrink back.

The pangolin felt threatened because of the terrifying scene it witnessed.

Previously, with poor eyesight, it couldn't see clearly across the mountain. Now, up close, this person who nearly buried it with a stomp and shouted fiercely seemed to blend seamlessly with the world. Observing or smelling him was almost impossible.

This was "melding with the nature of heaven and earth"!

The pangolin had some knowledge, and this realization frightened it.

It recalled the respectful demeanor of the two humans earlier, and Fang Chang's aura, similar to the mountain god's, with a faint chestnut scent, and concluded that this must be an ally summoned by the Yunzhong Mountain god after their confrontation.

It is common sense that a summoned ally is typically stronger than oneself.

When the mountain god confronted it before, the pangolin struggled not to be overpowered. Now it was injured, its muscles and bones weary and sore.

Seeing this situation, it couldn't gauge the newcomer's level of skill. Perhaps a mere gesture from him could obliterate it.

My life is over!

At this moment, the pangolin felt a pang of anger. Wasn't it simply digging a spring? It had done countless similar acts throughout its life, so why was it facing such a catastrophe now?

Simultaneously, it harbored a seething resentment towards the previous Yunzhong Mountain god.

If it had been stronger and defeated the old mountain god, such a formidable figure wouldn't have been summoned.

The pangolin demon's thoughts raced in an instant.

Seeing the massive pangolin leap from the grass at the slope's base, Fang Chang was surprised, though he didn't show it. He solemnly proclaimed: "You vile demon, how dare you sever the water veins, disrupting people's livelihoods! Submit without resistance!"

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"Otherwise, when I act, you'll be reduced to ashes!"

While shouting, he thought, no wonder Zhang Shanshen said it was a big demon severing the water vein with its innate ability. Pangolins often dig through mountains, which is indeed a natural talent.

Fang Chang's fierce words thoroughly intimidated the pangolin.

It sensed the person intended to kill it, which wasn't surprising, yet the thought of perishing here saddened it.

It wanted to respond defiantly to the cultivator, maintaining some dignity with phrases like, "Well water doesn’t interfere with river water, why stop me?" and "Thief! Why destroy my cave?" Yet it feared provoking the cultivator and hastening its demise.

Seeing the pangolin demon hesitate to attack, Fang Chang refrained from initiating violence.

He continued to challenge the pangolin: "Fighting yet not fighting, surrendering yet not surrendering, why!" His voice echoed through the mountains, potent and commanding, filling Fang Chang with a sense of pride.

The massive pangolin across from him suddenly knelt, one and a half times a person's height.

Overwhelmed by Fang Chang's presence, the pangolin knew it couldn't win. Curling into a ball might delay death, but pleading offered a chance of survival.

It knelt and cried out:

"Shangxian, spare me!"

Fang Chang was slightly surprised. Seeing the large pangolin leap out and stare at him, he assumed it was assessing an attack, not expecting it to surrender.

However, procedures must be followed. He continued to shout:

"So, it's a pangolin that has refined only its horizontal bones."

"Are you guilty?!"

Facing this big demon, capable of speech and equal in strength to himself, Fang Chang maintained his dominance.

"I don't know!" The tactic worked. The pangolin kowtowed and pleaded, "I grew up in the mountains, became a demon here, never harmed humans, why seek my life?"

Hearing the demon's defense, Fang Chang paused and continued: "Do you realize that severing the water vein jeopardizes Linxi Village's livelihood at the foot of the mountain? Prolonged disruption could displace countless families!"

What do humans have to do with me?

The pangolin wanted to argue but feared being killed on the spot. It continued pleading:

"Shangxian, understand! My kind always digs through rocks and mountains. The Yunzhong Mountain god attacked, and after retreating, summoned you—how unfair!"

"Living in this mountain, it’s understandable you don’t heed the local mountain god. Yet disregarding his face-to-face warning and resisting is a severe offense!"

"I'm wronged!" the pangolin cried. "I was digging yesterday. The mountain god attacked without warning. I fought back to survive. Only after retreating did I learn this."

"...And you continued digging just now?"

"I sought a way out!" The pangolin kowtowed fervently.

Fang Chang pondered.

There was little difference in strength between him and this articulate demon. Engaging it might provoke a dangerous reaction, making it unwise.

Better to intimidate and drive it away, achieving his goal.

His expression softened slightly.

Seeing this, the pangolin, still kowtowing, exclaimed joyfully: "Shangxian! I'll swear never to return here, seeking only a way out!"

"Good!"

Fang Chang suddenly raised his head and declared:

"If you truly repent, swear never to commit evil again, never to harm others, and I'll let you leave Yunzhong Mountain."

The pangolin, overjoyed, raised its paws skyward, solemnly vowing: "I swear never to commit evil again, never to harm others. If discovered, may my head be removed!"

Accepting the demon's oath, Fang Chang advised: "Though you’ve committed no great wrong, I spare you this time. Know that future evildoers won’t find me so lenient. As a demon, focus on cultivation, accumulate merit, and attain human form. As the ancients said, 'To recognize one's faults and correct them is commendable.' Since you’ve disrupted this spring, can you restore it?"

Hearing Fang Chang's words, the pangolin kept kowtowing, eager to leave, then lamented: "Shangxian, understand! I can only dig and burrow. Combing water veins is beyond me, like a tiger unable to heal its prey."

This made sense.

Nodding, Fang Chang said: "Then leave and never return to Yunzhong Mountain."