Having narrowly escaped with its life, the pangolin fled down the mountain.

It didn't look back until it was far from the mountain's base. The peaks and ridges of Yunzhong Mountain stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist, but it dared not return—too terrifying an experience.

The pangolin dug a temporary burrow in dense vegetation to hide until nightfall, when it planned to resume its journey.

Recalling Fang Chang's presence and his seamless connection with the world, the pangolin felt both fear and immense relief:

I actually escaped from someone like that!

In future encounters with other monsters, this would surely be a tale to boast about...

The pangolin already had plans for its next destination. It had heard of a mountain thousands of miles to the west called "Ant Mountain." The name sounded appetizing, so it decided to head there.

After confirming the direction and noting that dusk wasn't far off, the pangolin settled into its new burrow, curled into a ball, and comforted itself with the security of its hiding place.

...

After driving away the pangolin, Fang Chang returned to examine the mountain spring with its severed water vein.

The spring remained dry, indicating severe damage to the underground water veins.

While pangolins aren't adept at managing water veins, neither was Fang Chang.

He circled the spring twice, inspecting the area, and found where the pangolin had hidden. However, the expansive cave it had dug had collapsed under his forceful stomp, making entry impossible.

Following the mountain to the valley at the slope's base, he found sparse, desolate vegetation. Amidst the scattered growth, he noticed clear strata bands and clusters of bright green stones from afar.

Malachite?

Drawn by the striking color, Fang Chang approached, broke off a piece, and weighed it—it was substantial. The stone was kidney-shaped, with beautiful concentric rings.

Indeed, it was malachite.

This stone is a weathered copper ore, and it turned out Yunzhong Mountain was rich in copper. Malachite, with its vibrant color, was traditionally used as an early copper ore due to its high copper content and ease of smelting. Its dense, glossy forms were also considered jade but were toxic and unsuitable for wearing.

Reflecting on the pangolin's actions, Fang Chang deduced the metal deposits here likely attracted it, leading to the village's water source being cut off.

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From this vantage point... Fang Chang looked from the spring on the mountainside to the malachite deposits below.

Did the pangolin dig in the wrong direction? Or was it drawn by some associated vein deep in the mountains?

Rather than dwell on it, he set the thought aside.

Surveying the area, he noted the mountain's distinct fault line. The aquifer, where the spring was located, lay much higher than the copper deposit. The stream flowed obliquely away, exiting the mountain through another valley to Linxi Village, separate from the copper mine.

Fortunately, the spring hadn't been contaminated, which would have poisoned the stream.

Marking the location, he tossed the malachite aside, clapped his hands, and began ascending the opposite mountain.

Two others awaited his return.

...

Fang Chang's leisurely inspection made Lin Hai and Ergou on the opposite mountain anxious.

From their vantage point, the two villagers carefully observed the entire process of Fang Xianchang subduing the demon.

Though they couldn't see clearly from a hundred yards away, they felt the surrounding mountains tremble with Fang Xianchang's stomp, and his voice echoed like thunder.

The two villagers, one older and one younger, were awestruck.

Faced with such overwhelming power, they felt reassured about Fang Xianchang's mission. The question wasn't if the monster would be defeated, but how long it would resist.

When the enormous pangolin emerged, young Lin Ergou gasped, prompting Lin Hai to cover his mouth and glare at him—

Though confident in Fang Xianchang, Lin Hai instinctively feared attracting the monster's attention.

The ensuing scene astonished them.

From their perch, they clearly saw the giant pangolin, as tall as a man, leap from the opposite slope and kneel, kowtowing to Fang Xianchang.

After a brief exchange, the demon raised its claws as if swearing an oath, then fled at high speed, seemingly with its tail on fire, until it vanished toward Yunzhong Mountain.

Was that it?

Lin Hai and Lin Ergou were shocked again, eager to return and tell the villagers the demon was gone.

But Fang Xianchang hadn't spoken, and it would be rude to leave without permission.

They continued observing Fang Xianchang, hoping he'd join them soon, but he began examining the spring, likely assessing the water source.

Perhaps the immortal was already addressing the dry spring? Woodcutter Lin Hai and Ergou grew anxious but dared not shout, waiting silently atop the mountain.

Eventually, they saw Fang Chang leisurely ascending from the hillside, the overgrown vegetation posing no obstacle.

"Fang Immortal!"

Lin Hai hurriedly pulled Ergou along to greet him: "Congratulations, Immortal, on your success! Thank you for saving Linxi Village."

Fang Chang waved dismissively: "It was a small effort, but the crisis isn't over. Though I've expelled the demon, the spring remains dry. The issue isn't resolved yet. Next, I'll consult Zhang Shanshen to help restore the water veins."

"You two should return and inform the villagers the source of the disaster is gone. Keep an eye on the valley. If the stream flows again, the crisis is over."

Having witnessed Fang Chang's power, the two regarded him as a deity and promptly obeyed, bowing farewell.

As Lin Hai prepared to leave, he shouted to Fang Chang: "Xianzhang, once you're successful, you must visit the village. We wish to thank you in person, or I'll be uneasy!"

Fang Chang smiled: "I'll visit Linxi Village, but there's no need for thanks. It was a small effort. Now go quickly."

Woodcutter Lin Hai took Lin Ergou, bowed to Fang Chang once more, and swiftly headed back to the village.

...

After traversing several hills, Fang Chang returned to the half-height mountain temple.

This time, he didn't light incense but called to the small temple: "Zhang Shanshen, Fang Chang requests an audience."

After a few breaths, the mountain god appeared, hunched and leaning on a cane. He coughed lightly, bowed to Fang Chang, and asked, "Fang Shangxian has returned? How went the demon-slaying?