《The Spark of Immortal Cultivation》


 001

    What a beautiful mountain!


    Green pines and cypresses, splendid peaks and peculiar rocks, possess the beauty of clouds and mountain springs. Apes leap and eagles sing among green bamboos and dense forests, undisturbed by the world of mortals.


    "What a wonderful place!" Fang Chang exclaimed, as he walked halfway up the mountain. His eyes lit up as he admired the beautiful scenery not far away.


    From this vantage point, one can see a spacious, flat hill nestled quietly among the continuous peaks, shrouded in clouds and mist.


    On one side of the hill, there is a small open space surrounded by dense forests. Behind it lies the mountain''s ridge line, reaching deep into the clouds. In front, a long and bottomless cliff stretches out, separated from Fang Chang by a deep valley of tens of feet, with no risk of flooding.


    A stream originates from a mountain spring above, gathering mountain trickles and flowing alongside this place into the deep valley, its sound clear and refreshing. Dense vegetation and woods spread far and wide, and small animals seem to move indistinctly within.


    What a clean, comfortable, and blessed place!


    Fang Chang looked around, and a flash of inspiration flickered in his heart. Realizing that an opportunity was approaching, he couldn''t help but rejoice secretly: "This place is destined for me."


    He needed to find a way to approach and observe the surroundings. Fang Chang anticipated that it would require some effort.


    Tightening the luggage on his back, he lightly stepped on protruding stones and branches that could support him, deftly approaching the flat open space from the mountains.


    Midway, Fang Chang paused on a slightly larger stone, identified the direction, and noticed that the sun had passed its highest point.


    To reach his destination, he realized he still needed to circle the peak. The distance was considerable, and the mountain quite steep.


    Looking upwards, clusters of vines wound and layered, with a few hanging down like long ropes reaching towards the ground.


    With an idea in mind, he found a thick vine, compared its length and position, tested its strength, and then, putting his hands together, kicked off hard!


    "Ho!" Fang Chang exclaimed as he swung lightly to the opposite side of the mountain.


    Feeling the solid ground beneath his feet, he immediately let go of the vine and grabbed nearby bushes.


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    A few small stones rolled down the hillside, startling small animals below, causing them to jump around.


    Adjusting his rough clothing, Fang Chang climbed up tens of feet, and with a turn, he stood on firm ground. The sun shone through the tree branches, casting spots of light on him, enhancing his heroic appearance.


    Wearing a square scarf like a scholar, Fang Chang moved nimbly and gracefully, as if a part of the mountains, rivers, and earth.


    Beyond the woods was the open space he had seen earlier. The soil was fairly thick, though rocky patches protruded here and there.


    Finding a small, clean spot with few weeds, Fang Chang unloaded his luggage, preparing to settle down.


    Inside Fang Chang''s luggage were a few changes of clothes, an old set of bedding, some needles and threads, a pack of coarse salt, half a piece of leftover dry food, and two books. Other than that, there was nothing else.


    He surveyed the area. Peaks of exquisite beauty, draped in light clouds and mist, varied in height and distance, faintly surrounding this flat hillock. Monkeys jumped and played on the tall, continuous trees.


    Fang Chang identified the direction again. The spot he stood on was a huge gentle slope, with a high mountain rising into the clouds to the north, and gradually rising terrain stretching towards the cliff to the south.


    The east and west offered wide views, likely granting the beauty of the morning sun. Tomorrow''s morning scenery would be worth looking forward to. The wind blew from the mountains, bringing freshness and coolness that felt comfortable on the face.


    The next step was to light a fire.


    The mountain mist and dew made Fang Long''s hair, clothes, and shoes feel damp. Although Fang Chang was no longer afraid of heat and cold, he still felt uncomfortable.


    Surrounded by forests, collecting firewood was simple, as dead branches and leaves were everywhere. Yet, many were not dry enough. Fortunately, Fang Chang found some dry grass under a sunlit rock, which pleased him greatly.


    The mountain stream was just a few steps away. Fang Chang walked over, scooped up a handful of water to drink, then returned to the firewood pile, selecting a large piece of cypress and a straight, hard branch.


    The process of making a fire was uneventful. He maintained downward pressure and quickly rubbed the branches together for nearly half an hour before seeing sparks.


    Gently placing the spark on the dry grass, he carefully blew on it until flames began to rise.


    First, he added thinner branches, and as the fire grew stronger, he added thicker ones. Then he placed damp firewood nearby to dry by the flame''s heat.


    Fang Chang toasted his coat dry, untied his hair to dry it, then tied it up again. Finally, he took out the last half of his dry food, skewered it on a branch, and roasted it. This was the only remaining and most suitable cooking method given the conditions.


    The scent quickly wafted away.


    On nearby trees, monkeys jumped around. A peculiar white-haired monkey observed quietly, behaving differently from the others.


    It squatted on the tree, watching the entire process.


    Regarding this strange human''s odd behavior, the spirit monkey had a simple thought: Should I throw a stone at him?


    Ultimately, the white-haired monkey used its acquired wisdom to resist this idea and stopped its fellow monkeys.


    Having happily finished his delicious roasted dry food, Fang Chang added more firewood to the fire, then walked into the woods. He intended to build a shelter before dark, as he could withstand the night''s dew, but his luggage couldn''t.


    Only three long logs were needed to construct a triangular shack, the simplest shelter. Finding suitable logs in the dense surrounding woods wasn''t too difficult.


    He dragged the wood to the fire, added more firewood to prevent it from going out, then walked to the stream, bent down, and picked up stones.


    The creek was filled with various stones. Fang Chang chose a thin, sharp one as a stone knife, cut some vines at their base, and found a clean broad-leaved tree, cutting down long branches and leaves with the stone knife.


    He moved the fire, tied some branches and leaves together as a broom, and swept the ground clean. The ground, warmed by the campfire, was dry, though slightly hot at first.


    Removing excess branches from the three long logs, he formed a sturdy shack frame. Then, Fang Chang tied slender branches on both sides with thin, cut-down rattan, and spread broad-leaved branches and leaves over it, constructing a suitable temporary shack.


    The sun began to set in the west.


    Fang Chang spread hay inside the shack, opened his luggage, took out the bedding, and laid it out. He then tossed the rest of his belongings inside.


    Stepping back, he admired his work.


    A green triangular shack stood on the open space, with sundries piled inside, a blazing bonfire facing the shack''s exit, and several firewood piles nearby. The scene had an aura of wandering.


    It was a good start, and he felt satisfied.


    As the sky gradually darkened, Fang Chang entered the shack, surrounded by the chirping of crickets in the grass. Since crossing over, today was the first time he felt so relaxed and connected to this world.


    The white-haired monkey nearby continued observing, growing more frightened as it watched.


    It had observed so long that its body felt numb.

 002

    In the eyes of the white-haired monkey, Fang Chang''s every move seemed seamlessly integrated with the world around him, even when he was cutting branches. Recognizing this, the spirit monkey''s fur began to fluff up in response.


    Squatting on the tree and observing for an extended period, the monkey became numb and stiff, unable to move. It wasn''t until another monkey noticed the leader''s unusual state and touched it that it fell to the ground with a "bang," slowly recovering from its predicament.


    Unaware of the monkey''s observations, Fang Chang took out a few small pears from his pocket for dinner. He had found them earlier while searching for the main beam of his shack and decided to keep them. These small wild pears had a mild sweetness with a hint of sourness and, thankfully, no astringency. Their fragrance lingered after eating.


    After tossing the cores down the hillside, Fang Chang took out two books from his package and opened them by the light of the fire.


    Though well-thumbed, the books remained as clean as new. One was titled "The Way of Practice," and the other "The Method of Practice."


    Both books were clearly written, imbued with an aura and a lingering majesty. Along his journey, these books had kept poisonous insects, snakes, and ants at bay.


    As a young man from the 21st century, Fang Chang had stumbled upon these books by chance shortly after his travels began. He understood their value, and the contents were indeed exquisite. However, his progress on the path of cultivation was slower than he had hoped.


    After some deliberation, considering his original situation¡ªhis background still unknown, no relatives, and no ties¡ªFang Chang decisively sold his possessions, bid farewell to his neighbors, and ventured deep into the mountains.


    To his surprise, his progress improved slightly along the way. With a heart clarified by practice, he sensed that his opportunity lay in this journey.


    Arriving at Yunzhong Mountain, Fang Chang found himself out of money, having spent all he had earned from selling his assets, which seemed like divine intervention.


    Gazing at the Taoist scriptures by the firelight, Fang Chang looked outside, where the mountain mist hung like veils, rendering the stars and moonlight hazy.


    Noticing the chill, Fang Chang added more firewood to the campfire and prepared to sleep.


    Over the past two years, he had adhered to the sleep requirements from "The Cultivation Law":


    "Before sleeping, the mind must be clear and empty of thoughts. Lie on your side with the body curled, tongue touching the roof of the mouth, teeth unclenched, breath flowing, soul not wandering inside, and mind not wandering outside."


    ...


    When Fang Chang opened his eyes, the eastern sky was already pale.


    He rose, dressed, and felt refreshed.


    The terrain south of the clearing gradually rose, extending toward the cliff. Fang Chang walked to the edge of the bottomless cliff, looked down, and found a flat boulder.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The high terrain offered a good view, making it convenient to face the rising sun.


    Sitting cross-legged, Fang Chang assumed a posture with five hearts facing the sky, following the "Cultivation Method" to absorb a trace of the sun''s true fire as it rose.


    The true fire of the sun entered his heart, igniting the heart''s fire, which nourished the spleen and soil, in turn strengthening the lungs and metals, fortifying the kidneys with water, and nourishing the liver with wood. This cycle of the five elements allowed him to absorb spiritual energy, strengthening his cultivation base.


    The golden light of the rising sun bathed Fang Chang.


    His breathing grew longer, stirring the wind around him as he inhaled, and exhaling a white mist from his nostrils that lingered.


    The concentration of aura around him subtly changed as he practiced.


    After a long while, he rose. This method required only a short daily practice, with the remainder focused on refining his state of mind and harmonizing with heaven and earth, as described in "Cultivating the Way."


    In the distance, a monkey eating breakfast was stunned by the scene, dropping the fruit in its hand without realizing it.


    Discovering Fang Chang, this extraordinary human, had kept the monkey awake all night. Rising early, it unexpectedly witnessed this scene, confirming Fang Chang was indeed a practitioner.


    The white-haired monkey, recovering its senses, seemed excited, resisted scratching its head, and furtively retreated, hiding in a taller tree to continue its observation.


    Fang Chang, unaware of the distant monkey, was planning to find food.


    Though he could practice the method of "eating wind and drinking dew" anytime, he found the idea high-sounding yet quite miserable. To him, it was akin to "drinking the northwest wind," a technique for the impoverished. Fang Chang preferred eating well, aligning with his practice philosophy: "Tao follows nature."


    Berries were often found in the bushes, so Fang Chang collected some, wrapping them in a handkerchief.


    He didn''t search for the sorbus trees he found for yesterday''s dinner, as the mountains were abundant with food.


    While picking berries, he noticed many mushrooms in the forest early in the morning. However, identifying their toxicity required effort, so he decided against it for now to avoid discomfort.


    He also caught several grasshoppers.


    Catching grasshoppers was a skillful task. Arching his palms, he approached carefully, pouncing from above to catch the grasshoppers just before they jumped. Strung on a foxtail, they could be conveniently carried back.


    The bonfire from yesterday had extinguished.


    Kicking the embers, he found them still warm but with no sparks inside.


    Fang Chang set down the grasshopper bunches and berries, retrieving the sticks and pieces used to drill wood for fire yesterday¡ªhe had kept them in his bedding to protect them from morning moisture.


    From under the bedding, he took some hay, found a stone with a pit in the stream, and prepared to try the bow method for making fire.


    This method was more technical, but easier than rubbing and drilling wood.


    To create a fire bow, he only needed a piece of hemp rope tied to both ends of a curved branch.


    The hemp rope came from his luggage, used temporarily, as hemp rope was too durable. Later, he planned to craft his own rope from bark or rattan.


    Wrapping the fire bow around a hard wooden stick, he pressed it against the juniper block with a pitted stone, pulling it quickly like a carpenter''s drill, soon producing sparks. Carefully picking up the spark, he placed it into kindling hay shaped like a small bird''s nest, blowing gently to ignite the flame.


    The pyre''s surface had become wet, but its core remained dry, and soon the bonfire rekindled before the shack.


    Roasting fragrant grasshoppers with berries made for a delicious breakfast. Next, he contemplated finding a more suitable and stable food source.


    Throwing the remaining residue into the fire, Fang Chang rose and stretched. He practiced the guiding method from his books, jumping in the open space: tiger pounce, bear turn, ape climb, bird stand, deer look¡ªeach move was mighty, calm, dexterous, light, or comfortable.


    Between movements, he exuded a natural charm.


    Following the practice, he felt lighter and healthier. Fang Chang tended to the bonfire and ventured back into the nearby woods.


    He needed to gather more firewood, storing some under the bedding to keep it dry, and collect hay.


    The weather was nice today.

 003

    Fang Chang collected a large amount of firewood, tied it with rattan, and carried it back, building several piles by the campfire.


    The firewood pile stood half as tall as a person, with thicker wood at the bottom to prevent ground moisture from seeping in.


    He used dry firewood to create a thick layer as a fuel reserve for the shack, found hay suitable for igniting the fire to cover it, and re-laid his old bedding.


    "This looks like I''m preparing my own cremation," Fang Chang muttered, stepping back to survey his work with a sense of ominous humor.


    After tidying up the ground next to the campfire and sweeping the broken branches and leaves into the fire, Fang Chang added more firewood and returned to the creek.


    Balancing on tiptoe, he stepped on stones protruding from the water, searching back and forth.


    After some time, Fang Chang found a piece of bluestone, examined it, and found it suitable for his needs.


    Sitting by the stream, he found a relatively flat stone surface, scooped water from the stream, and began grinding the bluestone on it.


    Using water to grind it, he shaped the stone until it resembled an axe with a round, blunt blade.


    Hmm, a stone axe.


    Grinding stone tools marks an advanced stage in stone tool development, representing more controllable shapes, finer processing, and higher productivity.


    Fang Chang felt as if he had stepped into the Neolithic Age.


    To make an axe, he still needed to find a suitable handle.


    Returning to the woods with his handleless stone axe, he found a suitable thick branch, took a deep breath, and hacked at the root with the stone axe.


    When¡ªwhen¡ªwhen¡ª


    The sound echoed through the mountains, startling birds nearby.


    The white-haired monkey on a tall tree in the distance, having forgotten yesterday''s stiffness, continued its secret observations.


    After cutting a suitable piece of wood, Fang Chang carefully split the front half into a gap, wedged the stone in, and tied it tightly with rattan.


    He tried wielding the newly made stone axe, and it fit well.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "If you want to prosper, you must first use tools. With tools, everything becomes easier."


    Enthusiastic, Fang Chang didn''t rush to test it further. He returned to the shack, cleared a nine-foot-square open space, and swept it clean with a branch broom.


    A hut could be built here, as the current shack was too small for one person and couldn''t shelter the campfire from rain.


    Over the next two days, Fang Chang kept cutting trees. During this time, he ate wild fruits for meals and drank the stream''s clear, sweet water.


    The flexible rattan growing nearby was perfect for weaving, so he crafted a small basket.


    He wove long vines into a five-branch shape, wrapped them in a circle with thin vines, adjusted the size, coiled the basket''s edge, and added two rattan straps.


    Trying the basket on his back, he found it light and strong. Still fresh, the basket retained its green color.


    Fang Chang stood up from the tree trunk. Below and beside him lay several straight trunks, cut to size¡ªhis labor''s fruits. He weaved the basket over them.


    With the basket on his back, he ventured into the woods, planning to gather more food to avoid constant foraging during work.


    A rabbit sprang from the grass, panicked, and tried to escape.


    Fang Chang, quick-handed, stepped forward and caught it:


    "Don''t go, you''re my lunch."


    Grabbing its ear, he lifted it. The rabbit''s hind legs kicked and struggled.


    He had brought a packet of coarse salt up the mountain. With this simplest seasoning, the rabbit would be delicious when roasted.


    "Ah, it''s a female rabbit."


    Noticing its large belly, he realized it was a pregnant female rabbit, which made it slow and easy to catch.


    Fang Chang gently touched the white rabbit''s belly, took a few more steps into the woods, set it down, and patted it softly: "Go on."


    The rabbit quickly scampered away.


    Standing, Fang Chang noticed a fruit tree not far away.


    This time, he could pick more.


    In the distance, the white-haired monkey, witnessing this, paused in thought.


    Then, making a decision, it quickly left the tree and ran into the dense forest.


    ...


    Returning with his harvest, Fang Chang was stopped.


    The gray-haired monkey stood before him, head lowered, paws raised above its head, holding a few large leaves.


    On the leaves were several fresh fruits, two pieces of raw jade, and two freshly picked elixir plants.


    Fang Chang politely asked, "May I ask why?"


    The white-haired monkey looked up at him, eyes full of hope. Then it lowered its head, stepped forward, and raised its offering higher, as if to give it away.


    Understanding the monkey''s intention, Fang Chang said, "Since you''re being polite, I won''t stand on ceremony. But nothing comes for free. Is there something you want from me?"


    He stepped forward and took the leaf from the monkey''s paw, curious about its intentions.


    Seeing Fang Chang accept it, the monkey was overjoyed.


    The little white-haired monkey stepped back and bowed to Fang Chang three times.


    "It seems you do want something from me. You can tell me directly, and if it''s suitable, I''ll help." Fang Chang offered.


    The monkey squeaked a few times, scratching its ears and cheeks anxiously.


    "Hmm..." Fang Chang paused, realizing his mistake. The monkey clearly couldn''t speak human words, so he asked, "I don''t know monkey language. Can you understand human language?"


    The monkey nodded.


    Fang Chang smiled, "That''s good. I''ll ask questions, and if I''m right, please nod."


    The monkey nodded eagerly.


    After some thought, Fang Chang asked, "Are there powerful enemies nearby you need me to deal with?"


    The monkey shook its head vigorously, even scratching its ears anxiously.


    "Does this matter require me to accompany you?"


    "Is it..."


    After several questions, the monkey shook its head each time.


    The monkey grew more anxious, bowed three more times, patted itself, pointed to its mouth, and gestured.


    Noticing a faint demonic aura around the monkey, Fang Chang had a flash of insight: "Have you already gained spiritual awareness and need guidance in cultivation?"


    Nodding repeatedly, jumping up and down, even somersaulting, the monkey confirmed Fang Chang had asked the right question.


    Seeing the clear demonic aura and knowing the monkey had lived peacefully in the mountains, feeding on fruits and insects without malice, Fang Chang didn''t hesitate to offer advice.


    He said:


    "For a demon, gather inspiration, transform aura, cultivate spirit, and harness the elements to shape the body, seeking Taoism through the cosmos within, akin to human practice."


    "However, many mistakenly believe demon cultivators prioritize the demon body and envy the human form. This is misguided. Practice always focuses on cultivating the mind. Knowing and doing, seeking the heart transcends race."


    "My view is that as long as your body and mind remain clear, you can temper both while cultivating your demon form. To gain a human form, you must first gain a human heart."


    "Thus, enlightenment should be near."


    "I wish you further progress soon."


    Having received guidance, the monkey joyfully jumped and spun before recalling Fang Chang''s words. Containing its excitement, it bowed several times and retreated from Fang Chang''s path.

 004

    Fang Chang didn''t take it seriously, smiling as he lifted the basket from his back.


    He wrapped the monkey''s gifts with one hand, picked up a fruit with the other, wiped it, and took a bite.


    Crunch.


    Refreshing, sweet, and delicious!


    The fruit given by the little white-haired monkey was excellent.


    As expected from an expert fruit-picker, the monkey''s choices were much better than those in Fang Chang''s own basket.


    Of course, it might also be because the monkey''s fruits were "gift-grade."


    Fang Chang smiled, continuing to walk while enjoying the fruit.


    Exiting the woods, he returned to his hut, took out the fruit from his basket, and stored it safely. He tossed the two rough jade pieces given by the monkey into the hut.


    As for the elixir, having no suitable place to store it, he simply put them in his pocket. If they got crushed, it would mean they weren''t meant for him.


    He tossed the finished pits down the hillside¡ªnever into the campfire.


    The house was different from the nearby shack. The shack used three long logs interlocked to form a strong triangular structure, stably supported on the ground. But building a house required setting pillars, meaning digging holes in the cleared land.


    First, using a stone axe, he dug into the ground, then used stone flakes to dig deeper, removing loose soil and small stones by hand, pulling out a straight hole about an arm''s depth. Fortunately, no large rocks were encountered during this process.


    Fang Chang tamped the hole with a short piece of wood, then placed the trimmed trunks into the holes one by one, packing the surrounding soil tightly.


    He shook them¡ªthey were very sturdy.


    Erecting the four columns didn''t take long. Similarly, the beams were simple enough: four beams of appropriate thickness were placed in a circle, set into specially made notches on the columns, and tied tightly with rattan.


    In this way, Fang Chang built a solid frame standing on the ground.


    The roof, however, was the most troublesome part.


    There were many configurations to choose from, and considering the heavy rain in the area, Fang Chang planned to go further tomorrow to gather materials from a distant bamboo forest.


    All afternoon, he was busy with another task: raising the floor inside the house.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    He collected pebbles from a nearby stream, carried them back in his basket, and arranged them in a circle where the wall would be, about two fists high.


    Then he dug soil, put it in the basket, transported it to the site, dumped it, and stomped it down, raising the house''s floor above the outside level. This would help prevent water from flooding in when it rained.


    At some point, the little monkey returned, braver after yesterday''s events. It squatted on a nearby tree, watching Fang Chang, pondering its thoughts.


    Fang Chang didn''t mind, greeted it, and continued his work.


    ...


    After the sun rose, Fang Chang got up from the large rock on the cliff''s edge and stretched.


    Since arriving in the mountains, his cultivation had progressed rapidly, and he had grown taller. In just a few days, Fang Chang felt his cultivation had improved significantly.


    But this wasn''t due to environmental factors; it was a mental breakthrough.


    Previously, Fang Chang couldn''t "be amidst the world of mortals without being disturbed," so he chose to "hide as a recluse in the wilderness," selling his property to find a tranquil place for cultivation on this cloud-shrouded mountain.


    He had moved the bonfire at the door to the unfinished house to dry the ground. Once the roof was completed, this would be unwise due to the risk of fire.


    Yesterday, he also picked two flat stones from the stream to use as a table and bench. Without his strong cultivation, moving such large stones would have been impossible.


    The advantage of using a solid boulder as a table was that it could withstand the elements, unperturbed by wind and rain.


    After breakfast, he practiced another set of guiding exercises. Fang Chang placed the stone axe in his basket, shouldered it, and headed down the mountain.


    He remembered seeing a lush bamboo forest in that direction upon his arrival. The bamboo grew well and could be harvested.


    The monkey, routinely observing Fang Chang from a nearby tree, saw him leave and followed, leaping through the trees at a distance.


    The scenery was beautiful along the way, though the vegetation was dense.


    But this didn''t hinder Fang Chang; he moved deftly, navigating the difficult terrain with ease.


    "Woof! Woof!!"


    Rounding a few boulders and nearing the bamboo forest, Fang Chang saw a yellow dog barking at him vigorously. Its fur was smooth, and it wore a cloth collar, indicating it was a domestic dog.


    Fang Chang was puzzled; this place was far from the village at the mountain''s base. Could it have gotten lost?


    "Woof! Woof!" The yellow dog seemed anxious, turning in place, running a few steps away, looking back to bark, then running a few more steps.


    "Is it asking me to follow?" Fang Chang wondered.


    Upon closer inspection, the yellow dog seemed intelligent but not spiritually enlightened.


    The yellow dog trotted toward the mountain in another direction, and Fang Chang quickly followed. The yellow dog ran faster, but fortunately, its legs weren''t as strong as Fang Chang''s, so he easily kept pace.


    At the foot of a steep hill, the yellow dog rushed out, barking softly around a person lying on the ground.


    "A person?"


    Approaching, Fang Chang saw a young man dressed as a villager sprawled on the ground, with an iron axe, ropes, and pieces of firewood scattered nearby¡ªlikely a woodcutter.


    Fang Chang turned the man gently onto his side, checked for breathing, and found he was still alive.


    Examining the area, it seemed the man had slipped down the hillside, hitting something on the way and losing consciousness.


    Fang Chang assessed the man''s condition, finding him stable, and pinched his philtrum acupoint hard.


    "Ouch!"


    The man opened his eyes, gradually waking.


    Fang Chang instructed, "Don''t talk or move yet, just feel if anything''s wrong." The man shook his head, wincing slightly, feeling discomfort all over.


    Seeing the woodcutter in pain, Fang Chang took out two elixirs from his pocket.


    They were gifts from the monkey, though deformed from being carried. He identified one, broke off half, and said:


    "Open your mouth."


    The woodcutter obeyed. Fang Chang squeezed the elixir''s juice, dripping it into his mouth, and waited for the medicine to take effect. Soon, the woodcutter sat up, saying:


    "Thank you, strong man, for saving me."


    Fang Chang shook his head, "No need to thank me. Thank your yellow dog¡ªit sought help and found me. Why were you lying here?"


    "Of course, I slipped," the young woodcutter replied, glancing at his dog. He seemed talkative, continuing without pause:


    "I''m from Linxi Village below. I often chop firewood on the mountain to sell in town, but this time wasn''t for firewood."


    "A good friend fell seriously ill. The village pooled money to see a doctor and got a prescription, but we couldn''t buy the medicine."


    "Fortunately, the doctor knew his craft and described the herbs, saying Yunzhong Mountain had them."


    "So, I''ve been climbing the mountain daily to find the herbs and cut some firewood along the way."


    "Then I spotted a plant in a rocky crevice on that slope, climbed over, and slipped while reaching for it." The woodcutter gestured, "And I fell."


    Fang Chang nodded, understanding.


    The woodcutter then asked gratefully, "Strong man, where do you come from? I''ve talked so much without asking your name. When I return, I''ll thank you properly."


    "My name is Fang Chang," he replied, pointing to the flat hill he called home. From here, it appeared on the cliff, surrounded by clouds and mist: "I live there."


    "That''s Xianqi Cliff! No one dares to go there!"


    The woodcutter exclaimed.

 005

    Upon hearing this, the woodcutter was taken aback.


    He quickly looked up at his savior. Although the man''s clothes were made of rough linen, he was tall, handsome, and carried an extraordinary aura, unlike ordinary people.


    The woodcutter felt a sudden shock in his heart¡ªcould it be that he had encountered an immortal?


    Hearing the woodcutter''s exclamation, Fang Chang said:


    "So, it''s called Xianqi Cliff? That''s a good name! Why has no one dared to go up there?"


    The woodcutter quickly explained, "According to legend, immortals live on the cliff, so no one dares to go up for fear of disturbing them and bringing disaster."


    Fang Chang nodded, confident that he was the only one living on Xianqi Cliff, at least for now.


    The woodcutter took a deep breath and asked cautiously, "Are you... an immortal?"


    Fang Chang smiled and replied, "Just a practitioner." Seeing the woodcutter hesitate, he added, "Get up if you feel all right; the ground is cold."


    The woodcutter, feeling a bit uneasy, replied, "Alright, Master Fang."


    Not refusing the title, Fang Chang helped the woodcutter to his feet and asked, "What''s your name?"


    The woodcutter respectfully replied, "My name is Lin Hai. It was given to me by someone literate and learned in the village."


    Yun Zhongshan is located thousands of miles inland from the sea, and although Lin Hai is named after the sea, neither he nor his family nor the person who named him had ever seen it.


    Seeing that Lin Hai was fine, Fang Chang lifted his basket and prepared to leave.


    His new house still needed a roof.


    Behind him, the woodcutter hesitated, then stepped forward, bowed, and addressed Fang Chang: "Fang Xianchang, I... I have a request."


    "Oh?"


    Fang Chang was intrigued, suspecting what Lin Hai wanted, and turned to look at him.


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    "My friend is still seriously ill, and the countryside lacks medicine. They''re in danger. I don''t know if Fang Xianchang has seen these herbs. I''m willing to serve you in return." He bowed again after speaking.


    "Do you remember the names, appearances, and locations of these herbs?"


    "Of course, I wouldn''t dare forget. I just found an Ophiopogon japonicus plant on the slope, but I still need four more herbs." Lin Hai described the missing herbs in detail, fearing he might not be thorough enough.


    After listening, Fang Chang glanced at Lin Hai''s worried face and called to the nearby trees: "Brother Monkey, can you help me?"


    Lin Hai was surprised to see a little white monkey emerge from the dense canopy, nod at them, then quickly disappear up the mountain.


    It can command a monkey demon!


    This completely confirmed Lin Hai''s belief that the "Fang Immortal" before him was a true immortal. He became even more respectful, asking if there was anything else he could do.


    Fang Chang shook his head and said, "No, if you want to repay me, just do me a favor and we''ll call it even." He lifted the basket and headed towards the bamboo forest.


    Lin Hai quickly gathered his firewood and axe, tied them with a rope, and followed.


    As Fang Chang moved forward, Lin Hai felt uneasy.


    Where would the immortal take him?


    Fortunately, they were heading down the mountain, which calmed him somewhat.


    He glanced at Fang Chang, who moved through the rugged terrain with ease, more agile than Lin Hai, who lived in the mountains year-round. Afraid of being left behind, Lin Hai pushed aside his distractions and followed closely.


    "Here."


    Fang Chang pulled the stone axe from his basket and said to Lin Hai.


    The bamboo forest was lush and green, with thick and thin bamboos standing tall. The branches and leaves above densely intertwined. As the mountain wind blew, it resembled a green sea with rolling waves.


    "Help me chop bamboo," he instructed Lin Hai.


    Fang Chang stepped forward with his stone axe, selected a thick bamboo, and chopped at its root.


    Lin Hai was surprised to see the "Fang Immortal" using a stone axe.


    Pausing, he offered his iron axe, "Immortal Chief, would you like to use this? I''ve had it for years, and it''s well-polished."


    "No, just chop with what you have."


    Lin Hai didn''t argue, stepping back to choose a tall bamboo to chop.


    The sound of axes echoed through the bamboo forest, causing a bamboo spirit deep within to tremble.


    It tried to lower itself, reducing its presence, fearing it would be cut by the two people in the distance.


    It''s terrifying, so terrifying...


    The bamboo spirit curled up, its typically tall form bending.


    For Fang Chang, harvesting bamboo was much faster and more convenient than cutting trees. He didn''t ask Lin Hai to trim the branches, just to help chop down dozens of large bamboos and pile them together.


    Chirp¡ªchirp¡ª


    Fang Chang turned to see the white-haired monkey returning. He said to Lin Hai, "Stop, Brother Lin."


    Lin Hai immediately stopped chopping and stood aside.


    The monkey balanced itself with its tail, jumping from a distance with three paws, the fourth holding a large leaf. When it reached them, Fang Chang cupped his hands: "Thank you, Brother Monkey. Have you found anything?"


    In Lin Hai''s expectant eyes, the monkey opened the leaf to reveal a dozen or so medicinal herbs.


    After a quick inspection, Lin Hai was overjoyed.


    He was so excited he almost knelt, thanking Fang Chang and the monkey: "Thank you, Fang Chang, thank you, Monkey Immortal!" Before his knees touched the ground, he was gently lifted.


    "No need for such formality. If the herbs are suitable, take them back to treat your friends."


    Lin Hai respectfully accepted the herbs from the monkey and carefully placed them in the cloth bag he carried. Inside was the Ophiopogon japonicus he had picked earlier. After wrapping the cloth, he was eager to return, so he lifted his forehead with both hands and bowed deeply to Fang Chang: "Thank you, Fang Xianchang, for the medicine. Please accept this axe as a token."


    The woodcutter offered his iron axe with both hands.


    Fang Chang waved him off with a smile: "No need for that. This was my practice; you''ve repaid me by helping with the bamboo. You owe me nothing."


    Woodcutter Lin Hai admired Fang Chang even more.


    Such noble demeanor¡ªthis was the true character of an immortal, unlike those in bedtime stories from his childhood.


    And the favor of the medicine, offset by simply chopping bamboo, must be Fang Xianchang''s way of respecting mortal feelings and not wanting him to bear a burden.


    Though Fang Xianchang said this, he wouldn''t forget the kindness.


    His parents had always taught him to repay kindness, and now Fang Xianchang had saved both him and his friend. If given a chance, he''d go through fire and water for Fang Xianchang.


    Lin Hai''s thoughts were rich, but he showed none of it.


    He bid farewell to Fang Chang, took his loyal yellow dog, and hurried down the mountain.

 006

    Watching the woodcutter disappear at the base of the mountain, Fang Chang smiled and paused before chopping more bamboo.


    In the bamboo forest, there is a delicacy known as bamboo shoots.


    These are the young shoots of bamboo, available year-round, though most delicious in spring and winter. Even though it wasn''t the ideal season, they were still a treat and easy to find.


    Fang Chang had already spotted them earlier but had waited until the woodcutter left to gather them.


    Due to his crude tools, picking them was a bit challenging. Fortunately, he just needed to find the tips of the shoots emerging from the ground. Carefully picking them to avoid damaging the underground rhizomes and scales, Fang Chang filled half his basket before stopping.


    Later, he planned to roast them over the bonfire with their skins on. It should be delicious.


    While searching for bamboo shoots, Fang Chang also noticed traces of another delicacy¡ªa rodent called the bamboo rat.


    Looking around carefully, he found quite a few burrow entrances on the sunny hillside where the bamboo forest stood, fitting the bamboo rat''s habitat. This hillside would serve as a good food source in the future.


    Though bamboo rats are quite agile, Fang Chang found them easy prey. His skills had improved significantly through practice, so he no longer needed traps for hunting. However, without cooking utensils beyond the bonfire, he decided to leave these tasty ingredients for another time.


    He picked up the stone axe and resumed chopping bamboo.


    The bamboo spirit in the distance continued to tremble but dared not move. It knew it was slow, and moving might lead to being caught and chopped down.


    After all, its entire being was valuable material, whether to ordinary people or the practitioner in the distance.


    However, Fang Chang did notice this unique bamboo.


    In a forest of straight bamboos, one thick bamboo twisted itself into a crooked shape and shook continuously, making it hard to miss.


    After felling the last large bamboo, Fang Chang approached with the stone axe in hand.


    The bamboo spirit trembled even more.


    It knew it had been discovered and feared its end was near. It had accepted its fate, but fear lingered.


    I am so unfortunate... I have grown silently in this deserted mountain for many years, and after gaining spiritual awareness, I''ve endured endless loneliness without any peers to communicate with...Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    This short life is about to end... Soon, I may become various bamboo products like bowls and chopsticks or mats and stools...


    I truly envy humans...


    The bamboo spirit couldn''t help but think of the humans it had glimpsed. As spirits of heaven and earth, they were born with wisdom, bodies that moved freely, and many companions they could communicate with, something the bamboo spirit envied.


    Most importantly, they lived much more safely.


    If there''s a next life, I must reincarnate as a human...


    Fang Chang approached the twisted bamboo, walking around it twice, amazed. The white-haired monkey also ran over, jumping, spinning, and somersaulting on nearby bamboo poles.


    Lightly tapping the bamboo pole with the axe handle, Fang Chang said to the monkey beside him:


    "It''s been a long time, hasn''t it?"


    The monkey jumped on a nearby bamboo pole, looked around, and squeaked in agreement.


    The bamboo trembled more violently.


    "Let''s head back to the cliff; the roof hasn''t been built yet," Fang Chang said with a smile to the monkey.


    Then, while the bamboo spirit trembled, he gathered forty large bamboos. Without trimming the branches and leaves, he bundled them in sets of twenty, returned the stone axe to his basket, and took a deep breath:


    "Ho!"


    Using inhuman strength, Fang Chang hefted the two large bamboo bundles onto his shoulders, nodded to the monkey, and began the journey home.


    Along the way, he moved as if walking on flat ground.


    The bamboo spirit only dared to straighten up after the man and monkey walked away.


    What kind of person is this, who clearly saw me but didn''t cut me down like in the legends? Does he think I''m too thin and plans to fatten me up before cutting? Will they return, and can I remain here...


    Though born hollow, the bamboo spirit''s thoughts were intense.


    Once it straightened, it stood taller than the other bamboos in the forest, like a mast in the sea.


    ...


    When Fang Chang returned to his hut with two large bamboo bundles on his shoulders, the sun was already past its zenith.


    He set the bundled bamboos aside in the open space, walked to the stream, and washed the bamboo shoots one by one in the clear water before returning them to the basket.


    The bonfire had gone out. Fang Chang retrieved hay and fire-making tools from under the bed, used the fire-making bow to reignite the flames, and placed the washed bamboo shoots, unpeeled, onto the fire to roast.


    After a moment''s thought, he added some fruit to the fire as well.


    All cooked food for lunch today.


    Seated on a stone bench beside a large stone table, Fang Chang waited until the fire was ready, then took out the roasted bamboo shoots, peeled them, sprinkled a little coarse salt, and took a light bite.


    Roasting enhanced the bamboo shoots'' sweetness, and the hint of salt made them delicious.


    The roasted fruit became sweeter with a special flavor, some soft and sticky like roasted sweet potatoes.


    Fang Chang tossed a roasted bamboo shoot to the monkey peeking from a distant tree:


    "Brother Monkey, enjoy the roasted bamboo shoot, but be careful not to burn yourself."


    The monkey caught it mid-air, grinned, flipped it a few times, peeled it like Fang Chang, and ate it quickly and delightfully.


    Seeing the monkey''s eyes dart around the food on his table after finishing, Fang Chang smiled and tossed over another roasted fruit. The monkey caught it, nodded to Fang Chang, and shifted to a higher branch to savor it.


    Taking advantage of the sunshine, Fang Chang took "The Way of Practice" from the shack and read a few more chapters.


    The path of practice is like water dripping on stone, a process that accumulates over time. According to this guide, one must follow nature''s principles, polish body and mind, and align spirit with body and body with heaven and earth to have hope on this path.


    After enjoying some leisure, Fang Chang closed the book, got up, and walked towards the bamboo bundle he had cut that morning.


    His spiritual sense predicted rain in two days.


    Adding a roof to the new house would provide shelter from the rain.


    Untying the bamboo bundles, Fang Chang selected a few, removed branches and leaves, and split them in two. He searched the stream for long, sharp stones to use as chisels, cutting the bamboo at suitable points and carving recesses with the stones and chisel.


    He tied the six half-split bamboos into three A-frame shapes, added a small crossbeam near each intersection, and secured them into triangles. The sides of the A-frames were neatly aligned at the same height.


    Fang Chang planned to assemble the roof on the ground, then install it onto the house frame.


    With boundless energy, he could afford to be this willful.


    Next, he used bamboo branches and leaves, along with green thatch found nearby, weaving them onto the new roof in the direction left by rain.


    The roof''s ridge was covered with thick, long thatch, and the ends sloped downward to prevent leaks.


    Installation was the easiest part. Compared to the large stone table, the square, long new roof felt as light as a feather.


    He easily added the roof to the house frame, securing it with thin rattan to ensure stability in wind and rain.


    When it rains, it''s likely to be windy, so he prepared for the possibility of "the hut being blown apart by mountain winds."

 007

    Unfortunately, Fang Chang currently lacks lime, so he can''t treat the roof to prevent moths and damage. This means he will likely need to construct a new roof soon.


    In the wild, lime is a precious and important resource.


    Even though Fang Chang is now a practitioner and can avoid most dangers beyond his sight, using lime could greatly enhance his living comfort. Therefore, Fang Chang plans to prioritize acquiring this valuable material.


    After installing the roof, he tried it out and found it quite satisfactory.


    After all, he''s moving from a small shack, just long enough to lie down, to a structure nine feet long and nine feet wide¡ªa mansion of sorts, nearly a hundred feet in total. How could he not be pleased?


    The ground remained dry, thanks to Fang Chang moving the fire inside to dry it in advance. However, like the roof, this is only a temporary measure, and the ground will eventually become damp.


    The next step is to move the collected firewood and hay into the house, construct a bed about a foot above the ground, and relocate a few belongings from the shack.


    The small hut won''t be wasted; it can serve as a firewood shed, and if the unfortunate event of "the hut being blown apart by strong winds" occurs, it ensures some safety with a backup.


    Additionally, the bonfire needs protection from rain.


    After some thought, Fang Chang decided to dig a firepit inside the house. Given the current conditions, it''s the best option.


    In truth, he should have reserved the firepit''s location from the start. He dug through the padded ground in the house''s center, moved stones from the stream to encircle it, adjusted them for aesthetics, and completed the simple firepit.


    Luckily, this place is on a cliff. Although the air is warm and the ground is humid, the groundwater level is low, so no water emerged during excavation.


    He moved in the accumulated plant ash, spreading it at the pit''s bottom.


    He also transferred the bonfire there, reducing its intensity. In the firepit, the fire can burn more stably without excessive flame, which might threaten the thatched hut.


    ...


    "Woof! Woof¡ªwoof¡ª!"


    "Squeak¡ª"


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    In the early morning, after a night spent in the mountain wind, Fang Chang finished his morning routine and began building a windscreen wall. The white-haired monkey, who had been in a distant tree, had left and soon returned riding a dog.


    Given the monkey''s size, riding a yellow dog appeared quite majestic.


    "Is this Lin Hai''s dog? Has he come up the mountain again?" Fang Chang observed, recognizing the yellow dog''s origins.


    The monkey rode the dog around the area proudly, with the yellow dog cooperating well. Seeing this, Fang Chang smiled at the monkey and said, "Not bad, you look like a general charging into battle. But remember to return the dog, as it belongs to someone."


    The monkey squeaked in agreement.


    Building walls is a tedious task.


    There are many options, such as plastering the frame with mud, weaving mats, using mud to "dry base," sticking sticks into the ground as a fence, or building with stones.


    After considering the options, Fang Chang chose a method suited to the available resources.


    First, he inserted several wooden sticks, each as tall as a person, into the ground, then gathered stones from the stream and built a two-layer wall up to waist height, ensuring it was solid and windproof.


    Next, he split bamboo into thinner strips and wove them between the remaining sticks.


    Bamboo is a wonderful material.


    The monkey helped transport thin bamboo strips back and forth. Though puzzled by the godlike human''s actions, the monkey was still compelled to assist.


    "Thank you."


    After thanking the monkey, it rode the yellow dog away quickly, likely to return the dog to the woodcutter.


    Fang Chang turned his attention back to his work, admiring the beautiful thatched house with its wooden frame, thatched roof, and bamboo and stone walls. The doors and windows were still open, but he planned to tie a fence as a door tomorrow.


    Entering the house, he added firewood to the firepit and took out a few bamboo tubes.


    These were sections he cut when splitting bamboo with a stone chisel the previous day. Without proper utensils, fresh bamboo tubes can be used for cooking or boiling water¡ªonly fresh bamboo will work, as old bamboo won''t boil water once burned.


    The bamboo tubes were tied with rattan. Fang Chang filled them with water at the stream, returned to the house, and placed one in the firepit.


    Several tea trees grow on the cliff''s edge, bathed in clouds, mist, and morning sun daily, and they appear quite extraordinary.


    Fang Chang picked a few leaves that morning and put them in bamboo tubes to brew.


    While waiting for the water to boil, he didn''t remain idle. He selected the slender piece from the uncut jade given by the monkey and sharpened it on stones by the pond with water from the bamboo tube.


    Jade, the beauty of stone.


    It is more uniform and delicate than ordinary stones and quite hard. Fang Chang intended to make a small jade knife, a slow task with an uncertain completion time.


    The fresh tea leaves rolled in the boiling bamboo tube water, creating a beautiful sight.


    For ordinary people, processed tea leaves offer more health benefits than fresh ones, but for Fang Chang, that''s no concern; he sought the flavor.


    When the water cooled slightly, he sipped gently, the strong aroma leaving a fragrant aftertaste.


    The only drawback was the fresh tea leaves'' green and astringent taste. If the opportunity arises, he might try frying tea in the future.


    Another day passed.


    While it wasn''t yet time for rain, a hint of it was already in the air.


    After making the fence gate, Fang Chang prepared for rain by collecting more firewood and food in the forest.


    Preparation isn''t excessive, especially since Fang Chang plans to burn some utensils, which requires a lot of firewood. Wild fruits, vegetables, and plant tubers make delicious meals, and he can eat them in order of their storage life.


    Another pre-rain task was digging gutters. He dug a circle around the house and led a ditch to a low area, ensuring water could drain away. Fang Chang completed this with stone chips and his hands, a modest effort.


    Yet, in the eyes of the monkeys watching from distant trees, Fang Chang, bent and digging, appeared harmonized with heaven and earth, maintaining his tall stature.


    In the afternoon, heavy rain arrived as expected.


    "Boom¡ª"


    Thick dark clouds turned day into night, lightning snaked across the sky, and thunder echoed through the mountains. Accompanied by fierce mountain winds, the heavy rain poured down.


    The thatched hut withstood the storm, standing firm against the elements. Next to the firepit, Fang Chang read a Daoist book by firelight, occasionally sipping tea from the bamboo tube, feeling quite comfortable.


    When it rains, it''s time for a break.


    The rain continued into the evening.


    Fang Chang tidied his clothes and stepped outside, witnessing the clouds and rain, the setting sun like a dandelion, and a beautiful rainbow in the sky. Large cloud formations, edged with gold by the sun, displayed a lovely pink hue.


    The mist had cleared from the cliff, revealing an expansive view.


    Suddenly, a roar sounded from behind.


    A flash flood surged from the creek''s upper reaches.

 008

    The mountain torrent roared like a herd of ferocious beasts, rushing down the valley from above, destroying everything in its path, breaking trees and hurling stones, creating earth-shattering sounds.


    Fang Chang walked to the edge of the hillside and watched the turbid torrent rolling through the valley.


    Fortunately, the flat hill where he stood was below the mountain peak''s ridgeline, flanked by deep valleys and cliffs. The flood poured down from the mountains above, traveling along the side valleys and covering the streams in the valley, but it spared the clearing on this cliff.


    The water in the valley gathered the rainwater from the surrounding mountains, creating a continuous flow. The flood''s destination would be the river outside the mountain, eventually merging into a great river and flowing into the sea.


    The flood peaked rapidly, mixed with stones and broken vegetation, and some wild animals struggled in the water.


    Seeing this, Fang Chang''s heart moved with compassion.


    He extended his finger and gently moved it, and the small animals struggling in the rapids were lifted to the opposite bank one by one. Wild boars, hares, elk, tigers, and leopards¡ªall looked delicious, but Fang Chang didn''t take advantage of their plight and rescued them all.


    This marked Fang Chang''s first official spellcasting since he arrived in the mountains.


    Once rescued, the animals were in shock. Following their instincts, they ran up the mountain and disappeared into the forest. Among them, a hare and a mountain fox, after being saved by a mysterious force, didn''t flee immediately. Instead, they shook the water from their bodies and looked around.


    These two creatures had already developed spiritual wisdom. Seeing Fang Chang standing on the opposite bank and watching as he saved more animals from the flood, they realized who had rescued them and bowed to Fang Chang across the valley.


    Then, like the other wild animals, they staggered into the forest.


    Fang Chang only rescued the animals within his sight. He felt compassion for the small creatures floating in the water.


    Meeting him was a stroke of fate for these animals.


    In the surrounding valleys, flash floods also erupted simultaneously. Judging by the sounds, the entire Yunzhong Mountain was affected.


    Floods raged through the mountains.


    The mansion trembled, and the mountain god who was resting was startled.


    The mountain god of Yunzhong Mountain paused with his staff in hand and immediately surfaced. Seeing the water around him, he instantly understood what had happened.


    The mountain god rushed to his small temple, protected it with his mana, and breathed a sigh of relief. Then, he stomped his staff again and instantly appeared on a nearby mountain peak, using the mountain''s power to look around and sense the surroundings.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    By now, the sky had cleared, a rainbow adorned the sky, and the sun shone brightly, but the mountains below resembled a scene from purgatory.


    Floods surged, wild animals fled, and vegetation lay broken.


    Huh?


    The mountain god of Yunzhong Mountain suddenly noticed a change in the distance and turned his gaze to investigate. He saw a person on a distant cliff, wearing coarse linen clothes, using magic to rescue the creatures caught in the torrent.


    During his actions, he harmonized perfectly with the nature of heaven and earth, without a trace of mortal smoke and fire.


    An expert?


    The mountain god of Yunzhong Mountain was a bit suspicious and didn''t dare reveal himself. He quietly hid under a nearby pine tree and observed through the gap.


    When did this person come to Yunzhong Mountain?


    Before moving into the mansion, the mountain god of Yunzhong Mountain hadn''t ventured out for a long time. There was no time in the mountain, and everything was peaceful in Yunzhong Mountain, so the mountain god didn''t worry much.


    Now, seeing the person''s actions in the distance, the mountain god was very curious: When did such a practitioner arrive in Yunzhong Mountain?


    Judging by his practice of saving animals in the flood, he appeared to be a virtuous man.


    This was something the mountain god wanted to do but couldn''t. The survival of the mountain''s creatures was also connected to the mountain god''s duties. Unfortunately, the mountain god of Yunzhong had low mana, and his authority and ability didn''t extend to water rescues.


    While pondering this, the mountain god of Yunzhong Mountain suddenly felt a jolt.


    For the cultivator in the distance had raised his head and glanced in his direction. The mountain god was sure it wasn''t a casual look.


    Was he discovered?


    From such a distance, using the mountain god''s power to observe...


    Hiss, it was terrifying.


    The mountain god quickly retreated. Years of experience had taught him that when the situation was unclear, it was wise to protect oneself.


    ...


    Once the water flow slowed, Fang Chang returned to his room.


    He added a few pieces of firewood to the firepit.


    He resumed sharpening the uncut jade knife on the rock beside him. The mountain was muddy from the rain, limiting other activities.


    When he rescued the creatures caught in the torrent, Fang Chang felt a sense of being watched. The source was a distant mountain peak, so he glanced in that direction, but the feeling vanished instantly. He didn''t dwell on it.


    He placed a bamboo tube of stream water in the firepit and took some tea leaves from the side.


    Despite the humid air, the tea leaves remained fresh and green. This was a bit he picked in the morning and hadn''t used up.


    Thinking of the muddy torrents in the valley and the creek covered by the flood, Fang Chang praised his foresight: preparing a few tubes of stream water in advance was very wise.


    The stream''s source, the high mountain spring, remained unaffected. If he needed water next, he''d have to go upstream to fetch spring water.


    Through the fence gate, Fang Chang saw white-haired monkeys appearing with their kind in the trees not far away. They had their usual rain shelters, but even so, their fur wasn''t spared from the rain.


    The white-haired monkey stood on a straight branch, lying flat like a dog, shaking vigorously from front to back.


    Water mist rose, glistening in the setting sun¡ªa truly beautiful sight.


    Fang Chang smiled and continued his work.


    ...


    The first step in firing pottery is finding the right clay.


    It comes in many varieties, and as long as it has a consistent texture, it''s suitable. In a rush, ordinary clay can be fired into pottery, but it lacks plasticity, cracks easily, deforms, and isn''t durable.


    With a few bamboo tubes hung from his body with rattan, Fang Chang carried a basket on his back, walking lightly through the rain-soaked mountains.


    The mountain breeze was fresh, the sun warm and pleasant, and the vegetation green. After the heavy rain, the mountain cliffs appeared blue. Under the light mist, the scene seemed otherworldly.


    The upper spring, still bubbling, was the main source of the stream below.


    After the flood, the valley where the stream flowed was a mess, with uneven soil and rocks, and the stream remained turbid. It would take several days for the stream to clear and return to its previous state.


    After taking a sip, Fang Chang wiped his mouth and praised:


    "Good water!"


    The spring water''s quality surpassed the stream water he used before.


    In the future, he planned to fetch more water from here, enhancing the quality of life.


    He removed the bamboo tube from his body, washed it with water a few steps downstream from the spring, then dipped it into the spring to fill it.


    The grass and trees behind rustled, and the white-haired monkey that had followed emerged, observing Fang Chang''s actions. Fang Chang turned and smiled at the monkey: "You''re here? This spring water is excellent."


    The monkey ran over with its tail up, glanced at Fang Chang, then bowed its head a few steps downstream from the spring and took a drink.


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    If you enjoy this book and find interesting sections, writing more about them would be greatly appreciated by Zhuzi~

 009

    Fang Chang smiled and took in his surroundings.


    The spring water was located on higher terrain, offering a clear and expansive view.


    The scenery in the mountains behind was vivid, with clouds and air flowing above, blurring the shapes of mountains, rivers, and vegetation. It seemed as if tigers, leopards, deer, and sheep were hidden within, fresh and full of vitality.


    At the foot of the mountain lay the human world, where human life thrived, and he could vaguely sense its grandeur.


    Fortunately, the nearby mountain villages were not in danger.


    Eh?


    Fang Chang looked closely and noticed that the mountain village below was surrounded by a sense of decay, with what seemed like black air enveloping it, making it difficult to see clearly.


    This village, near Yunzhong Mountain, was accessible by an official road. When Fang Chang first arrived at Yunzhong Mountain, he had turned directly off the official road and bypassed this small mountain village.


    Considering the distance the woodcutter could travel on foot, there was no other village nearby. This small mountain village was likely Linxi Village, where the woodcutter Lin Hai lived.


    What''s happening here?


    Or is something about to happen?


    Fang Chang didn''t dwell too much on Linxi Village''s situation. With his sight, he observed the decaying clouds above the village, still carrying a trace of vitality.


    The saying goes that heaven never seals off all paths; in the face of crisis, there must be a way to solve it. Fang Chang hoped they could survive this disaster.


    Fang Chang had developed a slight fondness for the mountain village, where the villagers had pooled their resources to help Lin Hai''s seriously ill friend.


    However, he knew he wasn''t capable enough to immediately discern Linxi Village''s situation, so he set it aside in his mind.


    Beckoning, Fang Chang led the monkey to continue wandering in the mountains.


    The sun gradually rose.


    He moved quickly through the mountains, occasionally stopping to check the soil quality, while the white-haired monkey tried to follow closely¡ªthough it didn''t quite understand why it felt compelled to follow him.


    As the rising sun cast its light, the water vapor in the mountains rose, a result of the earlier rain. The vapor intertwined with the dense fog, gradually thickening.


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    With a sense of excitement, Fang Chang returned to the mountain peak behind Xianqi Cliff and began climbing up.


    The monkey hesitated for a moment but decided to follow.


    The journey was challenging, with steep peaks and strange rock formations. At times, Fang Chang had to help the monkey along.


    The precipitous peak could only be climbed by someone with Fang Chang''s skills, and Yunzhong Mountain''s remoteness kept this peak hidden from view.


    Standing at the highest point, the vista suddenly expanded, revealing a boundless sea of clouds stretching out before Fang Chang.


    Here, one could already feel the chill of the high altitude, and the wind was biting. Looking down, Xianqi Cliff was obscured by thick clouds, completely disappearing from view.


    Surrounded by misty clouds, like the shore of a sea, the waves surged, splashing, while layers of clouds shimmered under the sunlight, floating in gold, rapidly shifting and changing.


    This scene filled Fang Chang with awe and wonder.


    Feeling the vastness and magnificence of the natural world, Fang Chang found his mind broadened, thoughts clarified, and even his breathing eased.


    Unknowingly, his cultivation improved slightly, bringing him joy.


    Noticing no movement nearby, Fang Chang turned to look beside him.


    This sea of clouds had already captivated the white-haired monkey.


    The white fur on its body trembled in the wind, but the monkey remained still, enthralled.


    No monkey had ever climbed to such heights in this mountain.


    Feeling something within, the monkey suddenly moved, adopting a posture with five hearts facing the sky. Seeing this, Fang Chang smiled slightly and stepped back a little.


    From this posture, monkeys with four limbs have a considerable advantage over most wild beasts. Many monsters can''t assume this standard posture even if their joints are broken. It''s a pity that the way of heaven is balanced, and most monkeys are irritable, making it difficult to gain spiritual awareness and even harder to practice. This little white-haired monkey could be considered "the hope of the whole monkey group."


    Fang Chang knew it was preparing to refine Henggu, an important hurdle in monster cultivation.


    The winds and clouds seemed to gather, but due to the mountain''s peak, there were only a few thunderclaps in the clouds below.


    Although refining the crossbone is crucial, there aren''t too many obstacles. This monkey hadn''t done any evil, wasn''t entangled in karma, and the sympathy between heaven and man wasn''t strong, so there''d usually be no catastrophe.


    Monsters are usually stuck at the front part. It was a chance for the white-haired monkey to catch up with the boss and come to the sea of clouds on the mountaintop after the rain.


    When the wind dissipated, the monkey let out a "boo."


    Seeing this, Fang Chang understood the monkey had successfully passed the gate. He gave the monkey a thumbs-up and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Brother Monkey. Consolidating your gains over time will be beneficial. I''ll leave now; I have other things to attend to." So he descended the mountain, leaving the monkey alone in the distance.


    ...


    Yunzhong Mountain is truly rich in resources.


    Fang Chang returned to the foot of the peak, wandered through the valleys and slopes, and easily found suitable pottery clay, which wasn''t too far from Xianqi Cliff.


    To avoid dirtying his clothes, Fang Chang used broad leaves to line the basket, took out thin stone flakes, and dug a basketful of pottery clay, planning to carry it back for testing.


    The surrounding mountains and forests remained steaming and humid, making firewood gathering unsuitable.


    Fortunately, Fang Chang had accumulated enough firewood before the rain, and with vast surrounding woods and his strength, the firewood filled the previous shack and even circled the new house. His bed was neatly arranged with firewood and plenty of hay.


    The extinguished fire pit was relit, and the room''s moisture gradually dissipated.


    Fang Chang left the house, dug a pit, and mixed mud in front of the door. He didn''t use pottery clay but ordinary soil. To make pottery, he first needed a kiln.


    After digging a small hole, Fang Chang used a large piece of mud to create a flat plate with holes, setting it aside to dry. This would be the grate, needing firing before use.


    Then, he added water to the clay, forming a block, kneading it until it felt right, and began shaping some utensils¡ªjars, jars, and bowls. He made four or five pieces and set them aside to dry.


    After rinsing his hands and face, Fang Chang brewed himself a cup of tea.


    The vessel bodies needed time to dry, as did the grate. During the wait, Fang Chang planned to upgrade his bed and continue polishing his little jade knife.


    Using a small stone chisel, he retrieved a few bamboos, split them, cut them to suitable lengths, and tied them side by side on horizontal bamboo slices like a bamboo raft.


    Testing it, he found it solid.


    Instead of adding bed legs, he placed the bamboo bed board on the firewood pile, between the hay and firewood, allowing for a flatter and more comfortable sleeping surface, avoiding raised wooden knots.


    Fang Chang ate something and took a leisurely nap.


    In this moment, he truly felt a sense of happiness as "a man in the mountains."


    In the afternoon, he carried the rattan basket loaded with stone axes and bamboo slices. Fang Chang planned to return to the hillside where he discovered the pottery clay and dig another basketful.


    After determining the direction, he chose a different path to explore.


    While passing through the middle of a mountain, Fang Chang accidentally discovered that continuous mountain weeds concealed a small temple half a person''s height, with only a corner exposed.

 010

    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¡ªthough 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¡ªperhaps 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.

 011

    After inspecting the grate and confirming it was completely dry, Fang Chang dug a hole with a gap in the ground and placed the grate over it. This served as the furnace''s ash chamber, facilitating ventilation and intensifying the fire.


    Using ordinary dirt and mud, he carefully molded the furnace.


    He applied the kneaded mud around the edges of the furnace, building it up in layers, gradually raising the furnace''s body.


    Fang Chang also brought firewood and used a fire bow to ignite a fire in the furnace, accelerating the drying process. Simultaneously, he continued adding mud to the furnace body. However, during this process, the stove was prone to cracking upon drying, requiring constant filling with mud to cover the cracks.


    Once the bowls and jars were dry, he carefully placed them into the kiln, filled it with firewood, and ignited it.


    As the fire burned, he carefully added more firewood.


    Dinner was prepared next to the stove. The roasted chestnuts easily shed their shells, revealing golden, fragrant, and soft interiors. While eating chestnuts and peeling pine nuts, Fang Chang continued tending to the kiln.


    Until midnight.


    When he discovered that all the kiln vessels had broken.


    He stopped the burning process and went to sleep.


    In the early morning, Fang Chang rose from the bamboo bed board, which was much more comfortable than the previous firewood stack. Before sunrise, he picked some tea leaves, then sat cross-legged on the large rock by the cliff, beginning his breathing exercises.


    Two white mists streamed from his nostrils like little dragons, though Fang Chang couldn''t see this with his eyes closed, and the white-haired monkey hadn''t returned.


    He didn''t rise until the sun fully emerged over the horizon. With his daily practice, a subtle yet indescribable change had occurred in the aura of Xianqi Cliff.


    Checking the kiln, Fang Chang extracted the burnt vessels for observation.


    After some thought, he concluded that the pottery pieces hadn''t been completely dry before being placed in the fire, causing them to crack.


    Broken vessels wouldn''t go to waste.


    Fang Chang walked to the stream, found two pebbles, and returned. After a day''s washing, the stream was clearer, though still slightly turbid.


    At his stone table, he gently crushed the broken pottery shards with pebbles, grinding them into powder, and carefully collected the pottery powder.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    This powder could be mixed into the next batch of pottery, which would significantly increase the success rate. After mixing the pottery clay with water and pottery powder, Fang Chang remade several cooking utensils and set them aside in a ventilated area to dry.


    He had no specific plans for the day.


    Reflecting, Fang Chang moved the bed board outside, laid it flat on the woodpile, and lay down. Under the open sky, on the cliff, he watched the clouds roll and calm throughout the day.


    Leisurely and free.


    Relaxing quietly on the bamboo bed outside, doing nothing, Fang Chang felt his cultivation improve.


    Yet he didn''t concern himself with these gains; practice was simply practice. Being overly obsessed would contradict the original intentions of Daoism and nature.


    The monkey didn''t appear until the following morning.


    Upon the monkey''s arrival, Fang Chang stood up from the bed and smiled, "All set?"


    By now, the monkey could speak human language, and its behavior mimicked humans more closely. Upon seeing Fang Chang, it bowed and said, "Thank you, Shangxian, for helping me overcome this barrier!"


    Fang Chang accepted the bow, then said to the monkey:


    "Everything is due to fate. Your ability to refine the bones in your mouth is your own opportunity. I merely gave a timely push. I hope you won''t forget your heart in the future and refrain from evil deeds."


    Bidding farewell to the monkey spirit.


    Fang Chang glanced at the upper cliff''s location, frowned, and asked the monkey, "What are your plans for your future cultivation path?"


    "I came to seek your guidance, Shangxian."


    Seeing the monkey''s newfound respect, Fang Chang pondered and said, "My surname is Fang, and my name is Chang. You can call me Mr. Fang from now on."


    "We don''t share the fate of master and apprentice, so I cannot accept you as a disciple. As for your future path, if you''re unsure, I have a suggestion."


    "Descend the mountain, enter the world. First, find clothing, then learn human etiquette and language. Work to earn your living, find shelter, visit the Great Wall, explore small counties, observe the world, and see how people pursue fame and fortune throughout their lives with no turning back."


    "There are mysteries within; if you understand them with your heart, you may return to the basics and achieve the Dao."


    This path is common for demons, though timing varies by species.


    Tigers, leopards, deer, wolves, and pythons, being large and fierce, often change form later to avoid being easily hunted. But smaller creatures like cattle, sheep, cats, dogs, rabbits, and foxes, or those resembling humans, tend to change earlier. Apes, with their human-like form, are hard to distinguish once clothed, which is quite advantageous.


    The monkey tapped the ground joyfully:


    "I heard it''s better to seize the moment than delay. Since Mr. Fang pointed the way, I''ll bid farewell and descend the mountain today to join the mortal world."


    "Since you''re descending the mountain, you should have a name. I''ll give you one." Without waiting for the monkey''s consent, he continued, "By old custom, your surname will be Sun. Since you were born in Yunzhong Mountain, we''ll call you Sun Yun."


    The monkey was ecstatic at Fang Chang''s words, scratching its head excitedly: "Hello, Sun Yun! Hello, Sun Yun! Now I have a name too!"


    Fang Chang glanced at the upper cliff''s location and said to the monkey, "Someone''s coming. Since you''re willing to descend the mountain, go say goodbye to your group, then proceed down."


    The monkey kowtowed again and departed.


    Fang Chang watched the upper cliff''s location when a sudden movement caught his attention.


    The grass on the hillside parted, and woodcutter Lin Hai hurriedly emerged. This was the first time a mountain dweller had set foot on Xianqi Cliff. Standing on the flat ground, he surveyed the area and, spotting Fang Chang, quickly approached.


    Fang Chang stood, one hand behind his back, waiting for Lin Hai to arrive.


    It seemed today would be eventful.


    Lin Hai rushed over, hesitant to get too close, and kowtowed to Fang Chang from a distance: "Please help us, Fang Chang!"


    Extending his hand to help him up, Fang Chang asked, "What''s happening in Linxi Village? From here, the village seems to be in decline."


    Hearing that Fang Xianchang was aware of Linxi Village''s plight, Lin Hai found himself crying. He raised his forehead with his hands, bowed, and said, "I shouldn''t trouble you, but the village is on the brink of losing food and clothing. It all started recently..."


    ...


    Among the many villages at the foot of Yunzhong Mountain, Linxi Village was unique, situated halfway up the mountain.


    It consisted of twenty or thirty families.


    Backed by the bountiful Yunzhong Mountain, the village managed several terraced fields at the mountain''s base. With the world at peace, the villagers led content lives.


    Joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were part of everyday life.


    The only major event in recent years was Shen A Niu''s serious illness. The villagers pooled money, food, and cloth to seek medical help from the only doctor within miles.


    Not being able to procure the medicine was common; people were used to it, and the villagers did all they could.


    If Shen Aniu''s fate was unfortunate, it was considered his bad luck. The villagers had already prepared a straw mat and mourners in case of the worst.

 012

    Most people in the mountain village weren''t very hopeful about Shen A Niu''s chances of survival. Still, one person remained determined to find a solution.


    "Paoshan" is a rural slang term meaning "going to the mountains to make a living."


    When Lin Hai wasn''t farming, he''d go into the mountains with an axe, chop firewood, sell it in the town below, and earn a few coins to buy essentials like oil, salt, and thread.


    The mountain village was remote and isolated, relying mainly on travelers passing by the nearby official road for outside contact. Occasionally, these travelers would stay overnight, or one of the two peddlers who traveled between villages and towns would visit.


    Because of his travels and the people he''d met, Lin Hai was considered "knowledgeable" by the villagers.


    He couldn''t accept his friend Shen A Niu''s illness.


    Knowing medicinal herbs were hard to find, Lin Hai asked the doctor about their appearances and habits. Learning that Yunzhong Mountain had many, he spent whole days searching the mountain, leaving the fields somewhat neglected.


    The villagers remained skeptical of his efforts.


    "The medicinal herbs are so hard to find, and even if he does, can A Niu survive until then?" they''d say, shaking their heads in resignation.


    Yet Lin Hai persisted, tirelessly searching the mountains.


    One day, as villagers worked and chatted at the village entrance, Lin Hai returned, appearing almost to float.


    "What''s up, Haizi? Did you strike it rich or find a wife?" teased an elder with a smile.


    "I found medicine! A Niu can be saved!"


    Lin Hai''s announcement stirred excitement among the villagers: "Did you find everything?"


    "There''s no time to explain now. I''ll take the medicine to Doctor Zhang and tell you more when I return." With that, he led his yellow dog down the mountain.


    Doctor Zhang''s practice was far, requiring a walk to the official road, through the town below, and finally to Lijia Village.


    Doctor Zhang processed the medicinal materials and instructed Lin Hai to brew a few doses for Shen A Niu. After A Niu began taking the medicine, his condition improved significantly.


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    Lin Hai left the extra herbs with the doctor, who was always short on supplies, much to Doctor Zhang''s delight.


    News of Lin Hai''s herbal acquisition spread.


    This lucky young man received a gift from a fairy!


    Simultaneously, stories of a real immortal on Xianqi Cliff began circulating among the villagers.


    Regarding the immortals themselves, the simple mountain people didn''t dwell on it. Their thinking was as straightforward as mountain life: immortals are immortals, and having them is a blessing.


    Lin Hai often visited Shen A Niu, tending to him. Seeing his friend''s daily improvement filled Lin Hai with genuine happiness and gratitude to "Fang Immortal."


    With Shen A Niu''s health improving, relieved villagers often visited.


    One day, while Lin Hai was caring for A Niu, a young boy, Lin Ergou, from next door came in:


    "Brother A Niu, my mom sent two eggs for you."


    Ergou''s name was plainly given by his family. Though not as elegant as Lin Hai''s, it was practical, hinting at his older brother, Lin Gouzi.


    A Niu felt awkward refusing from his bed, but Lin Hai accepted them: "Thank you, Ergou, and thank your mom for us... Hey, why are you leaving so quickly? Off to play down the mountain?"


    "No, Brother Haizi," Lin Ergou paused, "you might not know yet, but something happened to the stream."


    "What happened?"


    "It''s dried up."


    Hearing this, Lin Hai quickly stored the eggs, spoke to A Niu, and took Ergou to the stream outside the village.


    The "Xi" in Linxi Village''s name referred to this stream.


    The person who named Lin Hai in the village was considered "learned" by the villagers. He once suspected the village''s actual name was "Linxi Village," but when ancestors registered it in the county, a typo might have occurred, though this was long untestable, leaving him with regret.


    Reaching the stream, Lin Hai saw it had dried, exposing patches of pebbles. Under the sun, the water-soaked stones began to whiten.


    "How did this happen?"


    Lin Hai asked Ergou, learning the incident was sudden.


    Those washing by the stream first noticed the issue. The water level dropped, then became foul, prompting them to retrieve their clothes.


    With surprise and uncertainty, the stream ceased flowing before their eyes.


    For Linxi Village, this was dire news.


    The stream was the villagers'' primary water source, used for cooking, drinking, washing, and livestock. Most critically, the terraced fields at the mountain''s base relied on it for irrigation.


    Without water, people and animals could still trek miles to fetch it from rivers. But without irrigation, seedlings would die, resulting in crop failure.


    Concerned, the villagers spontaneously organized a group to trace the stream upstream.


    At the source, they found the spring dry, with no water dripping from the outlet, revealing a stone cave of unknown depth. Faced with this, the villagers were dismayed.


    The scouts'' news plunged the village into despair.


    Arriving with Ergou, Lin Hai found most villagers gathered, discussing the crisis. Some even considered relocating or fleeing famine in the face of this natural disaster.


    Heavy-hearted, he left Ergou and returned to Shen A Niu''s home.


    Discussing the issue with A Niu left them both silent and contemplative.


    "Let''s not dwell on it. I''ll brew your medicine first. Doctor Zhang said after the last dose, you can resume work after a day''s rest. The water in the tank is still full; there will always be a way," Lin Hai sighed, knowing life must go on.


    From his bed, Shen A Niu suddenly stopped Lin Hai:


    "Haizi, you got this medicine from a fairy. Do you think the fairy... might have a solution?"


    Hearing this, Lin Hai remained silent, starting the stove, carefully extracting the herbs from the paper bag, placing them in jars, and adding water to boil.


    The water bubbled, and the dense mist filled the small courtyard with a medicinal fragrance.


    The flames cast shadows on Lin Hai''s face.


    Clenching his teeth, he made a decision.


    For Shen A Niu''s life and death, he could seek Fang Immortal''s help. Now, with the entire village''s fate at stake, why not take the risk?


    Approaching the bed with the medicine, Lin Hai said to Shen A Niu, "I''ll ask the immortal. If we fail, we can only relocate or flee famine."


    Hearing this, Shen A Niu sat up from the bed, looked at Lin Hai, and after a few breaths, realized his presence wouldn''t help much. He sighed, lay back down, and told his friend:


    "Be safe..."


    ...


    Climbing to the fairy''s cliff from the side, Lin Hai was full of apprehension. He worried about offending Fang Xianchang by arriving uninvited.


    Seeing Fang Xianchang standing and smiling in his direction, seemingly expecting him, Lin Hai felt reassured and overjoyed.


    He ran over quickly, not noticing the yellow dog accompanying him was being shooed down by the monkey spirit he''d seen before.


    After Lin Hai''s explanation, Fang Chang helped him stand upright and said, "Follow me." Then, with a glance at the drying pottery blanks, he led the woodcutter down the mountain.

 013

    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!"The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    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¡ªsome 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."

 014

    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.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    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.

 015

    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!"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "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¡ªhow 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."

 016

    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¡ªtoo 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¡ªit 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.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    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¡ª


    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?

 017

    The mountain god with a tired face brought Fang Chang to the boulder under the tree where he often sat.


    "The trip went very smoothly. After the villagers showed us the way, the pangolin monster that has already refined its bones has sworn a heavy oath that I will expel it from Yunzhong Mountain and will not cause any more trouble."


    Fang Chang smiled and briefly introduced the process of this trip to the mountain god to subdue the demon.


    The mountain god was taken aback. He was not surprised that Fang Chang was able to successfully subdue the monster, because Fang Chang''s appearance of being in harmony with the nature of the world and being refined from the world was not simple, and the mountain god never questioned his cultivation.


    But what I didn''t expect was that after the opponent stamped his foot to drive out the monster, he surrendered the big monster who had already refined his bones without moving a finger.


    This is really beyond the imagination of the mountain god. The mountain god knows the strength of the monster, and even fought once with his own hands, but it was a draw. In the end, Fang Shangxian solved the problem easily, and even forced the other party to fight. Take a heavy oath.


    In this way, this Fang Shang''s immortality has far exceeded his expectations, and he probably needs to move a finger at most to surrender himself.


    Putting his thoughts back to his stomach, the mountain god said to Fang Chang:


    "Shangxian''s cultivation base is advanced, and that monster is also to blame."


    "That''s right, even if you and I don''t expel these monsters that are harmful to the world, there is a high probability that they will be exterminated by the Heavenly Tribulation when the evil results come to fruition and the karma backlashes back. It''s just that the villagers at the foot of the mountain are pitiful." After eating two chestnuts that Zhang Shanshen took out to treat him, Fang Chang cupped his hands and said, "I''m here this time, because I have a heartless invitation."


    "Even though Shangxian speaks, he has orders, and it is his duty to do so."


    "The water source in Linxi Village has been cut off. Although the pangolin monster that was the source of the chaos has been expelled by me, the severed water veins have not been restored. I have no experience in combing water veins, and I don''t know how to do it. Therefore, I came to Zhangshan God for help, I wonder if the mountain god knows this method, or knows someone who is familiar with dredging water veins?"


    Hearing Fang Chang''s request, the mountain god smiled and said: "This is within the power of the little god. Moving rocks, moving mountains, and regulating water veins are nothing to worry about. If that is the case, I will go there."


    The mountain god is already very tired.


    But he didn''t tell Fang Chang that he was struggling to sort out the water veins under the pain and exhaustion, but showed a look of accepting it.


    One, the gods in front of him are unfathomable, and the way they behave is also a true god of morality. This kind of good relationship is worth forming. Two, Linxi Village is in his own jurisdiction, and it is his duty to solve the water source cutoff. Third, the strength of the gods is high. If you annoy the other party, maybe there will be unbearable things. As a mountain god, there is no reason to gamble.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Standing up from the boulder under the pines and cypresses, Zhang Shanshen leaned on crutches, and joined hands with Fang Chang to the dry mountain spring.


    "Shangxian wait a moment, and see what the little god does."


    After all, he closed his eyes for a few breaths and opened them again, then waved the crutch in his hand slightly.


    There is no sound and light effect.


    Fang Chang could only vaguely feel the vibration under his feet, and he instructed: "God Zhang, there is a mine vein under this mountain, be careful, the water will be poisonous after flowing through the mine vein."


    "Don''t worry, the little god will save it."


    The mountain god didn''t stop the crutch in his hand, but the range was reduced and the movements were more gentle.


    The sound of purr purr sounded, and Fang Chang turned his head to look at the mountain spring, only to see that it had begun to spray water, and soon the sound became gurgling, and the clear water was stirring, becoming silvery in the sun, and then soothing.


    The water level began to rise gradually, and the mountain god stopped his crutches.


    When the water level in the spring returns to the edge, as the outlet of the mountain spring, the creek is supplemented and begins to flow again. The splashing water flows down the slope, along the dry valley, and flows out of the mountain.


    "Fulfilling the trust." The mountain god said with a smile, "I''m quite tired this time, so I''ll take my leave and go back to rest."


    Fang Chang was also very happy to see the mountain stream recovered. He bowed to the mountain god and said, "Thank you, Zhangshan God, for your action. Let''s go back to rest."


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    When Lin Hai and Lin Ergou returned to the village, they met the villagers who had been waiting here for a long time.


    After seeing off a few people before, everyone did not leave, but waited anxiously at the entrance of the village. The smoke stopped for a long time, and no one even thought about eating lunch. Because of their worries, they rarely talked to each other, just stood there in silence, like a crop in a field.


    It wasn''t until there was a faint sound in the deep mountain that they said a few words to each other, "Have you started to eliminate the demon?"


    Then the distance fell silent, and everyone also fell silent.


    They were just waiting there... I don''t know if they were waiting for Fang Xianchang, or Haizi and Ergou who went together.


    "It''s Lin Hai! They''re back!"


    Suddenly someone called.


    Everyone looked intently at once, and there was the young villager with good eyes who could spot two small, ant-like figures on the top of the nearby hill, running over the hill and rushing towards this side.


    Looking at the walking movements, Lin Hai and Lin Ergou couldn''t be wrong.


    The hopeful crowd immediately went forward, and the two sides met on the hillside halfway.


    "How''s it going, Haizi? Where''s Immortal Fang?"


    "It''s done! Uncle, the monster has been driven away by Immortal Fang. He told us, let''s come back to announce the good news. He went to find the mountain god to clear the water veins, and let us wait by the stream!"


    "Great!" The villagers became excited, surrounded by Lin Hai and Lin Ergou, and went back downhill to the stream at the entrance of the village.


    Someone went to the house to bring food, and everyone sat on the ground together, chatting while eating.


    Lin Hai and Er Gou ate a few mouthfuls of thick pancakes, drank a bowl of soup, and then, under the expectant eyes of the people around them, they began to tell the story of Fang Xianchang''s subjugation of demons.


    In their description, Fang Chang has become a powerful and majestic god, and the villain, the pangolin monster, is extremely huge, covered in black armor, and invulnerable, but in front of Fang Xianchang, he knelt down before half a round He begged for mercy, and then swore a poisonous oath, only to be spared by the kind-hearted fairy elder.


    "Will the immortal chief come?" An old man asked, "We must thank the immortal chief. Even if we are from the mountains, etiquette cannot be broken. If the immortal chief does not come, we will go to the fairy cliff to pay our respects."


    "Fang Xianchang said, he will come and see." Ergou replied quickly from the side.


    "Then let''s go back and prepare some thank you gifts. This has saved the lives of all the people in our village." The old man said with a sigh. He felt a lot of vicissitudes in his heart. of refugees.


    "Water is coming!"


    A child pointed to the valley and shouted softly.


    Everyone immediately looked towards the creek. A thin layer of water had soaked the pebbles at the bottom of the creek, and it continued to grow.


    Laughter instantly surged among the villagers, and everyone stepped forward to touch the water and found it again. Many young people felt the preciousness of water for the first time.


    The old man leaned on a wooden crutch with both hands on his chest, and looked at the stream happily. The deep wrinkles on his face became lighter: "Now we are out of danger, and we don''t have to leave here."


    "Yes, uncle, thanks to Immortal Fang." Lin Hai said while supporting the old man.


    "Well, thanks to Master Fang." The old man nodded.

 Patreon update

    Hi everyone!


    Thank you so much for your love and support¡ªit means the world to me. Here¡¯s what you can expect moving forward:


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    On Patreon: I upload 2 advance chapters every day for my amazing supporters. Right now, there are 15 advance chapters available, and in just 3 days, I¡¯ll be uploading 30 more advance chapters!


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    Your support helps me keep creating, and I can¡¯t wait to share more of the story with you!


    Thank you again for being part of this journey.

 018

    After saying goodbye to the mountain god, Fang Chang put his hands behind his back and walked slowly along the valley.


    This is not the road that Lin Hai and the others took when they came here. After the mountain god dredged, the spring water became stronger. He was going to see if the creek that had resumed flowing would flow along the previous waterway.


    The two sides of the valley are very difficult to walk, and the vegetation is dense, but occasionally there is a small open space, which is a paradise for wild animals. They often come here to drink water in an orderly manner, and even tacitly do not prey on each other in the open space by the stream.


    Many times, Fang Chang can only move forward in the stream.


    Fortunately, he has improved his cultivation recently, and he can walk in the water without getting his shoes wet. Along the way, even if he was dressed in coarse linen, he still had the appearance of a fairy family who was free and unrestrained. Unfortunately, no one could see this appearance in the barren hills.


    With his hands behind his back, he walked all the way to Linxi Village, confirming that the stream was still traveling along the original route.


    Then at the entrance of the village, he met people waiting for him here.


    "Fang Immortal!"


    Lin Hai supported an old man, came forward, and shouted first.


    Behind them is a group of villagers who have been waiting here for a long time. After the stream resumed, they were unwilling to leave and insisted on waiting here.


    "The water is flowing." Fang Chang smiled at Lin Hai.


    "Yes, Immortal Fang, the water is flowing, thanks to your boundless magic power, you have subdued the monster." Lin Hai responded gratefully.


    At this time, the old man next to him added: "Please enter the village, Immortal Elder. Everyone wants to treat you well and express our gratitude."


    "No need, it''s just a matter of little effort." Fang Chang shook his hand, "I''m just checking the condition of the stream, and I stopped by to have a look¡ªthe current is much stronger."


    "From here, a few miles down is the Baigou River. This mountain stream goes directly into the river, and there is no village in the middle." Lin Hai said.


    Fang Chang nodded: "That''s good. Since everything is in order, you can live a good life. I want to go back to the cliff and continue to practice. If you want to, don''t get too close. I like to be clean."


    "Don''t dare to disturb Shangxian!"


    The old man said in a loud voice, then raised his forehead with his hands, bowed his body and said: "This time, the immortal head will save the lives of the whole village. Linxi Village is willing to build a temple for the immortal head, and sacrifice it at four o''clock."


    "useless!"


    "This matter is even more impossible."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    With a more serious tone, Fang Chang stopped it.


    The mountain villages are poor, and this kind of waste of people''s efforts will inevitably involve evil karma, which will be extremely harmful to practice.


    "I don''t use incense to become a god. Building a temple is of no benefit to my practice, and I don''t need people to worship. Let me say one more thing, if there is no disaster, don''t ask God. You must know that a good life still depends on your hands to create."


    "The local Zhangshan God contributed a lot to the relief of the disaster. You can go to the mountain temple to worship during the slack season. If you have the conditions, you can simply repair it. It can also be regarded as repaying the favor of the mountain god for clearing the water."


    During the slack season, mountain village sacrifices are not labor-intensive, just consume some homemade incense candles, and the offerings will not affect food after worshiping. Therefore, Fang Chang is not worried about this, and Zhang Shanshen has contributed a lot this time, and he really needs incense supplements divine form.


    Everyone at the scene saluted one after another, saying that it was a waste of time.


    Seeing that Fang Chang was about to leave, the old man hurriedly pushed Lin Hai away, stepped forward two steps to stop Fang Chang, and then asked the villagers to bring up the prepared gifts.


    The villagers quickly returned to their homes, carrying or hugging them, taking out the precious things that had been hidden at home for a long time, and piled them up in the open space at the entrance of the village.


    Seeing the busy villagers rushing back and forth, the old man said to Fang Chang: "I heard from Lin Hai that the life of the Immortal Elder is very simple. Everyone specially prepared these, hoping to make the Immortal Elder Fang more comfortable."


    Fang Chang frowned and looked, and saw that the bags and loads were all good things that the villagers were not willing to eat and save, such as rice noodles, bacon, dried fruits from the mountains, tools and cloth, oil, salt and tea bricks, dried vegetables and wine jars, and even some Brand new dinner plates, bowls and chopsticks, pots and kettles furniture.


    Seeing this scene, he shook his head greatly.


    "Everyone has a heart, but it''s really unnecessary. That''s the method I chose to practice in order to be in harmony with nature."


    "Since I have achieved a small level of cultivation, I don''t feel hunger, cold and heat do not invade, I don''t need these."


    Thinking that he had nothing to ask for and would make the simple mountain people feel uneasy, Fang Chang said to everyone:


    "These are enough, I choose by myself."


    Calling everyone to stop, he looked down at the field ahead, then stretched out his hand, chopped off a small piece of bacon the size of a palm, then took off the bamboo tube tied around his waist with rattan, pulled off the stopper made of wood, opened the wine jar and reached out. With one finger, a wisp of wine flew into the bamboo tube and plugged it.


    After receiving the sorghum wine in a small bamboo tube, he took a fresh melon that is very common in the countryside on the burden of melons and fruits, and said with a smile:


    "These are enough."


    The villagers in front watched this scene silently, and the technique of using magic to get the wine from the wine jar shocked everyone.


    And the villager who was chosen by the immortal head to thank him was overjoyed and proud.


    Hanging the bamboo tube on his waist again, Fang Chang bowed his hands to the crowd and said, "Thank you for your kindness. From now on, the two sides will not owe each other. I wish you all a happy life and peace." Then, while the villagers were still in a daze, he turned and drifted away. In a few breaths, it has gone far.


    Seeing that the Immortal Elder just made a point, the old man still sighed there, feeling quite uneasy in his heart.


    Lin Hai, who was supporting him next to him, said, "Uncle, I said before that the Immortal Elder is a true master of the world, so naturally he doesn''t like us vulgar things."


    "In other words, we in Linxi Village don''t have anything that we can do in front of Immortal Elder Fang. It is our blessing to meet Immortal Elder. Being too formal will only make it difficult for Immortal Elder Fang."


    If Fang Chang heard these words, he would definitely praise Lin Hai, he was the villager who understood Fang Chang''s true intentions.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    With the respect of the mountain people, Fang Chang searched for the way from the mountains and returned to Xianqi Cliff.


    He didn''t care about the small amount of merit that was returned during the process of subduing demons and saving people. If you don''t follow this path in your own practice, it won''t be of great benefit, but it can be regarded as a little positive effect, which is not a bad thing.


    The sun is setting.


    I went back to my site and looked around, and saw that the bamboo bed and quilt I had been lying on before was still placed in the open space.


    Fang Chang turned around and looked down the mountain at Linxi Village.


    After the water source problem was solved, the cloud above Linxi Village regained its vitality. He smiled easily, never expecting that he was the vitality of Linxi Village.


    After sighing, he moved the outer bed board back into the house.


    The firepit had already been extinguished, and the ashes in the middle were no longer warm, so he took out the fire bow and fiddled with it for a while, then lit the firepit again, Fang Chang found a smooth stone and washed it in, ready to heat it up.


    He took off the bamboo tube at his waist, untied the cane, and put it on the fire to warm it. Then he washed the bacon donated by the villagers, took out a small straight-backed jade knife, and cut it into thin slices.


    While waiting for the stone to heat up, Fang Chang ate the melon in the bag first.


    The melon fragrance is overflowing, sweet and crisp.


    What a good melon!


    Take out the seeds without throwing them away, put them in bamboo tubes that are split open and dry in the open space of the house, and plant them when the weather is good.


    Next, Fang Chang is going to roast the bacon and enjoy it with Natongshan Village''s home-brewed sorghum wine for dinner.

 019

    Bacon is cured meat that has been processed through special procedures. After the farmhouse makes it, it is often taken out to eat at the end of the year and the beginning of spring, so it is named after it.


    It is a special product in the countryside and can be stored for a long time. It can be used for self-serving and entertaining guests. Therefore, the really good bacon can only be found in people''s homes.


    That''s it for this piece.


    The pigs raised in the countryside drink natural spring water in the stream, eat wild vegetables in the mountains, and are fed cooked bran food cooked with firewood. The taste is naturally very special and authentic.


    The most important step in making bacon is smoking, and Yunzhongshan is rich in pines and cypresses, which are easy to obtain and are the usual source of firewood for daily cooking.


    The salted meat strips are hung above the stove, and the smoke has been smoky for many months. The meat has become charred and black over time, but the special taste of the pine and cypress smoke has been smoked in.


    When the stone is hot, put the washed and sliced meat on top of each other for frying. The meat is rich in fat, and it slowly oozes out as it is fried and grilled, and it starts to sizzling, and the aroma of the meat permeates.


    At this time, the sorghum wine in the bamboo tube was already warm.


    Fang Chang grabbed the bamboo tube, took a sip, then used pine branches as chopsticks, and put slices of roasted bacon into his mouth.


    Um! tasty.


    The meat is rich in aroma, the skin is crispy and the meat is soft, and the taste is good, with a hint of smoked pines and cypresses. Because the salt seeps into it, it is a little salty, but the flavor is more prominent. It is really good bacon.


    The sorghum wine is also good. The homemade wine is not filtered or the head and the tail are removed, but because the sorghum wine needs to be steamed, it is quite clear. Drink two sips, sweet and refreshing, with a lingering fragrance on the teeth and cheeks, and the mellow aftertaste will last for a long time.


    After a while, all the wine and meat were eaten, which was pleasant.


    Taking out the stones from the firepit, Fang Chang leaned aside to rest for a while, read the books again, and walked out of the thatched bamboo hut with his hands behind his back.


    The stars are shining outside.


    On the black silk-like sky, there are stars dotted, the moon has not yet risen, everything around is dimmed, and the mist floats like a spun yarn winding around the mountains. The hut behind him is filled with smoke and fire, and when I walk to the edge of the cliff, there are scattered lights on the land in the distance, which is the world under the mountain.


    Faced with this scene, Fang Chang smiled, turned his head back, and looked at the pottery blanks from before.


    This time they should be completely dry.


    Fortunately, there was nothing to do at night. I didn''t need to adjust my breathing. If I practiced meditation, I didn''t need sleep so much. I had enough firewood, so I might as well start the furnace now.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    After cleaning the previous furnace and checking that there were no cracks, Fang Chang began to break off the firewood and stuff it into it.


    Then take out the pottery blank, carefully put it into the furnace, and fill the surrounding area with firewood.


    The firepit was burning. He took a piece of pine branch to draw the fire and ignited the fuel in the furnace. Fang Chang began to take care of it, breaking apart the firewood and carefully placing it in the furnace.


    It was getting darker and darker.


    The lights in the distance below the mountain gradually went out.


    Only the fire from the furnace on Xianqi Cliff is left, which shines through the furnace mouth and the ash chamber, reflecting a small piece of ground around it bright red.


    The night wind gradually picked up, and the air became even colder. After taking a few deep breaths, Fang Chang looked in through the mouth of the stove and saw that several utensils were already burning red hot. He was careful to keep the fire going and keep the furnace warm.


    The firepit in the thatched hut was gradually extinguished, the birds and beasts near and far had fallen asleep, and the insects were singing clearly in the surrounding grass.


    A silver moon rises into the sky.


    The night is so beautiful.


    Fang Chang didn''t stop adding firewood until the east turned white, and waited for the temperature in the furnace to drop slowly. This firing consumed more than half of the firewood he had collected.


    Go to the big rock on the edge of the cliff first, take advantage of the first ray of sunshine in the morning, with five hearts facing the sky, and breathe out cross-legged.


    After some practice, he found a few more fruits for breakfast, and Fang Chang went into the forest to replenish the firewood. The firewood in the morning is still wet with dew, so it needs to be piled up in an open space to dry before it can be stored.


    When the temperature in the furnace dropped and he could touch it, he carefully pushed aside the ashes and took out a few utensils.


    Bowls, plates, and pots are not smooth and symmetrical because there is no roulette. Take them to the stream and fill them with water one by one, just to see if there are any cracks and leaks. If there are any damages, they can be crushed and added to the next furnace.


    The creek is still a little far away from the house. It would be much more convenient to take the time to divert the stream water.


    The success rate of this furnace is quite high, Fang Chang not only has tableware, but also cooking utensils.


    He found a few stones and put the water pot on the side of the firepit. He cut the fruit left over from the morning into small pieces and threw it into it to cook. The fruit soup in the pot gradually became delicious while the water was tumbling.


    Perfect!


    He scooped the soup into a bowl with a long-handled spoon made of bamboo tubes, Fang Chang tasted it, and praised himself in his heart.


    After washing the cooking utensils and tableware, he put the basket on his back and walked towards the bamboo forest down the mountain. He was going to cut some more. Bamboo is a very useful material.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    The mountain people picked or carried them, carrying incense, candles, wine, five-color offerings, and simple musical instruments, and rushed up the mountain along the path.


    After hearing about this incident, some people came from neighboring villages and small towns just to join in the fun. A few peddlers even heard the news, like chasing a market, carrying a burden to follow the crowd to sell, because there are many people here, their business is not bad.


    Now it was the slack season, and the people of Linxi Village did not wait too long after receiving Fang Chang''s request. After a simple preparation, the whole village was mobilized to worship at the mountain temple.


    The hillside, which is rarely visited by people, became lively again.


    Under the footsteps of the people, the small road became wider and more solid again. There was no road in the mountains, but when more people passed by, it became a road.


    Decorate the small temple with red silk, set up the offerings, and a few young people who know village musical instruments start to play. This red silk cloth with a flower in the middle has been used for many years, and it will be removed after the worship, and it will be used again next year.


    Zhang Shanshen, who was resting in his own cave to calm down the pain and exhaustion these days, was startled by the movement outside, and quickly got up to observe the situation outside.


    What are they here for?


    The mountain god was inexplicably surprised, it was not the season, so he started worshiping.


    But if there is incense, keep it. For God, the more such things are, the better, and this time the quality is good. After collecting a large wave of incense, the mountain god felt that his body was stable and his soul was strong, and most of his fatigue and pain disappeared, leaving only a little.


    When the villagers burned incense and candles to worship, the elder host stood at the front and prayed. From the prayer he made up himself, the mountain god knew that it was because of the water source in Linxi Village.


    After understanding the whole story, Zhang Shanshen''s affection for Fang Chang doubled: Fang Shangxian''s behavior made people feel like a spring breeze, and he really was a master of Taoism.


    The mountains are barren, and there are few festivals. In a year, the mountain god is rarely so fat. He felt that he had made money, and decided that if he had the opportunity, he must thank him in person.


    After the worship, the mountain people did not leave, and the bustle continued in the open space in front of the mountain temple.


    The people divided the offerings and collected the red silk cloth, and then some strong young people took out tools and some bricks, tiles and lime from the burden they picked, and began to heighten and reinforce the small temple, deepening it forward and backward.


    This repair and reinforcement has infinite benefits for the mountain gods who live here.

 020

    Having nothing to do, Fang Chang came down the mountain to cut bamboo again, digging up some bamboo shoots and roasting them.


    Under the sunny slope in the bamboo forest, the bamboo rats in the cave are fattening, but he is not going to catch them for cooking, and let them go for a few days.


    The sound of the stone ax smashing the bamboo resounded through the bamboo forest on the hillside again, every sound seemed to be chopping on the ghost of a certain bamboo spirit in the bamboo forest, trembling every now and then.


    As the sound kept ringing, the bamboo rats down the slope had already retreated into their caves, not daring to show their heads.


    Fang Chang dragged the chopped bamboo to the side and tied it with rattan. The bamboo shoots had been dug and placed in the basket behind him.


    He was going to cut down two bundles of bamboo and transport them back. Each bundle had to be hugged by three people. He was so strong that it was no problem to carry them.


    These thick and thin bamboos, long and short, were enough for him to use them for a long time after they were carried back to Xianqi Cliff.


    After fastening the rattan used for binding, Fang Chang looked up at the edge of the bamboo forest and was amused.


    Walking to the edge of the bamboo forest, looking at the twisted and trembling big bamboo in front of him like last time, Fang Chang circled around it, tapped it with the handle of the axe, and said with a smile:


    "Moved again?"


    Hearing this, the bamboo spirit was shocked, and then remained motionless.


    The mountain wind blows across the bamboo sea, causing green waves to turn up in the bamboo forest. But the mountain wind that blows the sea of bamboo can''t shake the big bamboo.


    Satisfied with the bad taste, Fang Chang laughed and walked back.


    after a long time.


    The bamboo spirit turned slowly, facing the direction where the person left. After observing for a while and seeing no movement, it seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and became flexible and relaxed.


    Just now when he was circled around to watch, Bamboo Essence shuddered at the sizing up.


    It''s so scary, it''s almost bursting with fright...


    Come here every day to cut bamboo...


    Let the demon live...


    After deliberating for a long time, the bamboo spirit made up his mind, pulled out the rhizome from the soil rustlingly, then swayed like a foot, and ran leisurely towards the direction of the sun.


    Since the hillside is facing the sun, the bamboo spirit escaped all the way down the mountain. Fortunately, it is quite spiritual and knows how to hide and come out at night, so it didn''t scare people, so it was not cut down.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    Wang¡ª¡ª


    While walking on the mountain road carrying a bundle of bamboo, Fang Chang suddenly heard a bark.


    Looking over, it was the yellow dog of the woodcutter Lin Hai. It was quite human, and it kept wagging its tail after seeing Fang Chang. It seems that the woodcutter should be cutting firewood on the mountain, which also means that Linxi Village has resumed its peaceful life in the past.


    After whistling lightly, the yellow dog ran over and wagged its tail cheerfully. Fang Chang put down the bamboo and went over to stroke the dog''s head.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The dog shook his head comfortably, then wagged his tail, and disappeared into the forest.


    Seeing the disappearing figure of the yellow dog, Fang Chang smiled, picked up the bundle of bamboo and put it back on his shoulder, and returned to Xianqi Cliff.


    Large pieces of good wood are very resistant to burning, because the firepit in the house is still burning because it has not been long since we left. Fang Chang poked the fire, added some firewood, then took clay pots to the stream, filled them with water, and set them on the edge of the fire pit to burn.


    A few days later, the impact of the mountain torrent has completely disappeared, and the stream flowing by the edge of the Xianqi cliff has also returned to clarity, without any turbidity.


    While waiting for the water to boil, he sat by the fire pit and took out his jade knife to make new utensils.


    The bamboo that has been split into wide strips with a stone chisel in advance is separated by Fang Chang with a jade knife to form thin bamboo strips, which are then crossed into grids, and then surrounded by bamboo strips in a circle. Woven around.


    Bamboo plaque.


    The reason for making this is that Fang Chang wanted to pick some tea leaves to dry. Although fresh tea has a pleasant aroma, it still has a green taste. If picked and dried in the sun, the tea will be more suitable for brewing after being dried by the heat of the sun.


    On the open space outside, next to the shack with firewood, a new melon field has been opened up.


    Very small, only three steps long and one wide.


    In this field, Fang Chang used stone flakes to loosen the ground, and planted the melon seeds he took out earlier in an orderly manner. It is estimated that it only takes two months to eat the melons grown by myself.


    The water in the jar boiled.


    Put the fresh tea leaves into the bamboo tube and scoop into the boiling water.


    It tastes better than directly boiled tea.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    Picking tea from the edge of a cliff requires certain skills.


    Fortunately, Fang Chang''s cultivation level is small, his body is light, and he can pick tea trees on the edge of the cliff flexibly.


    And with his current situation, even if he stumbles and falls from the cliff, there will be no tragic and unfortunate scenes, it just takes time to climb up again.


    Picking time is not considered, and it is suitable for picking tea at any time under the clouds and mist.


    After loading about half of the basket, he jumped back to the flat ground on the cliff.


    Several bamboo plaques have already been compiled, and he foresees that the next few days will be sunny and sunny. He only needs to spread the tea leaves on them and turn them over occasionally to make the sunlight even.


    Filling several bamboo plaques with fresh tea leaves, Fang Chang tied up a simple shelf with bamboo and wood, and put these tea plaques on it one by one, facing south.


    At this time, the sun is bright and the sun is very good.


    "Huh?"


    Suddenly, Fang Chang turned his head to look towards the edge of the open space.


    The grass and trees at the edge of the forest surged, and a huge black monster rushed out, heading straight for the wooden shack.


    "stop!"


    Seeing its momentum unabated, Fang Chang shouted.


    However, there was no effect at all, the opponent rushed straight, knocked down a firewood pile, and then stopped and began to hustle around, as if looking for something to eat.


    This is an adult wild boar that is as long as a person. Its back is covered with bristles, its body is black and muddy, and it has two pointed tusks. If it encounters it in the mountains, most hunters will give up cautiously and will not face it head-on. superior.


    Fang Chang was slightly annoyed: "What a wicked beast! Are you here to deliver dinner?"


    The wild boar''s eyesight is not very good, so he turned his head to look, and seemed to have spotted Fang Chang, then turned his head, lowered his head and accelerated, his fangs pointed directly at Fang Chang, and he ran with astonishing momentum.


    "Oh, interesting."


    Seeing the wild boar rushing towards it ferociously, Fang Chang shook his head, then stretched out a hand and pressed it lightly.


    The wild boar charged like a rainbow, but in front of his seemingly slender palm, it was like bumping into a mountain wall, unable to advance an inch. After being held down by this hand, no matter how the wild boar struggles, even with a thousand brute strength, it cannot escape.


    After holding down the boar with his left hand, Fang Chang stretched out his right hand, and with two fingers like a sword, he quickly tapped on its forehead to kill it.


    He let go of his hand, let the wild boar carcass fall to the ground, then shook his head, and began to pick up the firewood that had been knocked apart by the wild boar, and rebuilt it.


    Fortunately, the melon fields, thatched huts, firewood sheds, and tea drying racks were not harmed. As for the tables and benches in the open space... the wild boar collided with the boulder tables and benches, and it probably also ended up with a broken head.


    The sudden appearance of this wild boar not only brought a little trouble, but also brought a lot of meat.


    After the pottery comes out of the oven, it has the square length of the cooking vessel, which is completely worthy of it.


    Yunzhong Mountain is rich in products. He searched among the surrounding vegetation and found wild wild onions and gingers. Wild ginger is delicious, and wild onion has the function of onion and garlic. They can replace ordinary onion, ginger and garlic for cooking.


    These seasonings or their substitutes can remove the fishy smell and enhance the smell, and have a detoxification effect that Fang Chang can''t use. They are indispensable for cooking meat.

 021

    After everything was ready, Fang Chang picked up the big wild boar, washed it by the stream, cleaned it, cut it into several large pieces and picked it.


    The parts that cannot be processed at this stage should be discarded far away as food for wild beasts in the mountains.


    Putting the large pieces of meat in the cleaned back basket, he returned to his bamboo and wood hut, and then used a few cleaned logs as supports to take the meat out of the basket and put it on it for processing.


    Adding more firewood to the firepit, Fang Chang first picked large pieces of wild boar meat and divided them into thick strips, and put them on a bamboo plaque. Then cut the remaining part into small pieces, put them in clay pots, put them in the fire pond and boil them for a while, after changing the water, cut the wild onions and ginger into sections, boil the water, then remove the flames, Bring to a simmer.


    The lid of the pot is simply woven with thin bamboo slices, it is not tight, there are many gaps and holes, so the steam overflows from it, and the smell of meat diffuses, wafting in the room.


    Since Fang Chang didn''t have any sugar in his hand, he couldn''t braise it in braised sauce. At present, he only supports the method of stewing in clear water.


    Wild boars exercise all day long, with more lean meat and less fat, but the meat is delicious.


    While waiting, while tasting the tea in the bamboo tube, Fang Chang took two lengths of bamboo and began to sharpen it with the straight-backed jade knife. During this period of time, he has been breaking tree branches to use as chopsticks, which is not easy to use.


    Today coincided with the meeting, and I happened to make two pairs of bamboo chopsticks.


    The aroma in the room gradually became stronger, and when the pork pieces could be pierced easily with chopsticks, it meant that the meat was soft and rotten. Fang Chang opened the bag he brought up the mountain, took out a little coarse salt, crushed the salt grains and sprinkled them into the jar.


    Salt is the soul of cooking.


    Then, Fang Chang rummaged through the basket on his back, found a few plant tubers, peeled them, cut them into pieces, and threw them into the jar. Pull over more burning firewood, quickly boil the semi-finished product in the jar, and then simmer for a while, the cooking end is just right.


    Not afraid of burning his hands, Fang Chang took the jar off the fire, picked up his own rough clay bowl, and filled half of the bowl of stewed meat with a long-handled bamboo spoon.


    The sun was just right, coming in through the window, and shining on the food in the bowl.


    The primary color of the cooked meat is matched with the tuber, which looks light and not greasy. With its constant aroma and the light-colored soup in the bowl, it looks very attractive.


    When it is slightly cool, use freshly made bamboo chopsticks to pick up the delicious food in the bowl and put it in your mouth.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Stewing for a long time makes the meat melt in the mouth, leaving only a mouthful of fresh fragrance. After adding wild onions and ginger, it not only has no fishy smell, but also has a special flavor. The tubers are already ripe, but they have a crispy feeling when bitten off, and then loosen in the mouth, leaving a soft, glutinous and sweet fragrance, and the taste is just right.


    The only fly in the ointment is that the salty taste of coarse salt is not positive enough, with a slight bitterness.


    It''s a pity that the last time I got it from Linxi Village, the wine that was brought to Xianqiya was drunk in one go, otherwise it would be more enjoyable to eat with sorghum wine.


    For the next meal, Fang Chang would consider using the slate that he used to fry bacon last time, and fry fresh slices of meat.


    At the same time, the big bones removed can be used to make soup. It''s a pity that under the condition of insufficient seasoning, pork is not suitable for roasting, and one of the main cooking methods at this stage is missing.


    Although he didn''t get much fat this time, Fang Chang still saved some as much as he could, and prepared to use it to boil oil.


    Oil residue is a delicacy, and lard can be used to cook vegetables and vegetables. It has many functions in life and can greatly improve the quality of life.


    After eating and drinking enough, he started to process the strips of meat that had just been cut out on the bamboo plaque.


    Put the pigskin on the bottom, crush the coarse salt in the bag, put the long thick meat strips on it, and rub it slowly with salt. After feeling that it should taste good, tie up the thin rattan, hang it on the roof, and hang it over the firepit.


    The firewood Fang Chang usually uses is mostly pines and cypresses. The smoke produced by these fuels is very suitable for smoking bacon.


    Most of the salt brought was consumed, and the rest was enough for a while.


    But looking for salt should also be considered on the agenda.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    Linxi Village is actually not particularly remote, because a few miles away is the official road.


    The so-called official road is the road built by the imperial court. Due to the backward productivity, it is often raised with soil, sand, stones, etc., and the sides are simply drained. Horse-drawn carriages staggered past each other.


    This kind of road, when it rains and snows, will be slippery and muddy and difficult to walk on. This is also the norm in the world-stone roads are too expensive and can only be used in cities or on the streets of wealthy villages and towns.


    During the peaceful years, the official roads were repaired frequently, and there were more pedestrians and horses coming and going on them.


    The clothes of those riding donkeys were like the wind, those carrying burdens trembled, those driving ox carts were mediocre, and those carrying packages came and went. Everyone walked slowly and unhurriedly.


    After moving the pole on his shoulders, the porter surnamed Xie took a few steps and looked up at the sun in the sky:


    "The sun is so strong this afternoon!"


    The person next to him who was carrying a homemade bag walked silently, and responded: "Yes, it''s very hot, but it''s only for a while, at most half an hour, and it will be much more comfortable after the sunset comes out."


    "Um."


    Passers-by with similar speeds often like to go together. Chatting with each other can not only relieve loneliness, but also make them less tired.


    It is necessary to bring more water to drink on the road, otherwise talking too much will make you thirsty.


    It was getting late.


    As the setting sun approached the horizon, the color began to turn red, and because of the background of the far and near things, it seemed more huge.


    A group of people chatted and talked about the night''s rest.


    Porters often walk this way and are very familiar with how to lodge: "There is Linxi Village here, we can just walk there in the evening, and we can try to stay there. But there are only two abandoned old houses to live in, and each person pays one For two pennies, you can also ask the villagers to cook an extra breakfast, which is very cost-effective."


    With a book boy next to him, the master and servant walked with their books on their backs, and asked suspiciously:


    "When I passed by Huqiao Town just now, why didn''t I stay there? I saw that it was quite prosperous there, and there were inns and restaurants."


    The porter laughed and said:


    "Your Excellency, I don''t know that those of us who walk around the rivers and lakes are most afraid of delaying time, so we can walk as far as we can during the day, so that we can save several days by going back and forth. Can you earn more of these days? But it is related to the family''s livelihood, and living here is very economical."


    "In the direction you are going now, you can spend the night in Linxi Village. When you go back, you will arrive at Huqiao Town in the evening. At that time, you can seek accommodation in Huqiao Town. This will save the least time. After all, it is more than ten miles away. If it¡¯s too bad, I might have to walk another day.¡±


    People around heard it and wrote it down, silently remembering the words full of life experience in their hearts.


    The porter smiled and said, "Besides, we heard that when we passed by, something happened in Huqiao Town. It''s better to stay away."


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    The scholar next to him even dragged out a sentence and whispered: "A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall."


    The consumption rate of the outline is much faster than expected. I sorted out a little outline this morning and during the day, so there is only one update. Although it is far from clean, I will resume double updates tomorrow. Sorry~


    In addition, Xie Hanji quietly offered a reward.

 022

    The porter was familiar with the journey, so he took a few people to Linxi Village, and the villagers he knew could look for them.


    He knocked on a door.


    After a while, the male owner of the house came out, saw that he was an acquaintance, and said with a smile: "So it''s Lao Xie, who went to the east again?"


    The porter surnamed Xie said to the villagers: "Second brother Lin, these people happened to be traveling with me, and they have nowhere to stay today. I want to borrow your small courtyard to rest for the night."


    "Well, guests, please follow me."


    The villager, who is called Brother Lin, led everyone to an old courtyard, unlatched the door, invited everyone to enter, and then brought firewood: "There is firewood in the courtyard, and guests can light a fire to roast. It can dispel the cold air in the mountains, and you can sleep well at night.¡±


    Everyone handed over two copper coins per person, and asked the villagers to help clean up the dinner.


    The villager took the coin and was very happy. He arched his hands and said:


    "Guests, wait a moment. I''ll let my mother-in-law cook together. However, the conditions in the mountain village are limited. I hope everyone will not dislike the rough food."


    After talking, leave here and go to prepare food for several people.


    This is a deserted courtyard, and the family inside, that is, the family of the villager just now, has moved to another place to build a new house.


    There are no door frames or window lattices here. Fortunately, the house and courtyard are often cleaned, so it can be regarded as clean.


    It is not cold today, there is no need to enter the house to block the wind, and the starlight is just right, so everyone uses the firewood in the yard, builds a bonfire, sits around and chats.


    Several people communicated their names to each other.


    When they were just walking on the road, they were just a companion. Now that they are spending the night together, of course they should be more familiar with each other.


    Hearing this proposal, the porter first said: "Xie Guang''an, a person from Huaifeng Mansion, specially travels between Huaifeng Mansion and Long''an Mansion, accepting entrustment to carry goods back and forth, and this business has been done for generations in the family, if you have any needs in the future , please also inquire about ''Huaifeng Laoxie who is the foot-carrying''."


    Putting the bookcase aside, the young scholar who warmed up with the book boy introduced himself: "In the Qing Dynasty next week, I came from Guangping Mansion, and this time I went to Long''an Mansion, and went out of the state to Yangzhou to visit friends and study. This is my book boy Zhou Quan, and it is my honor to be on the same journey with you this time."This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Everyone spoke politely, and then an elderly man who was a little older and a man who looked like a Lianjiazi also briefly introduced who they were, where they came from, and where they were going.


    After getting acquainted with each other, Da began to get acquainted and talked more freely.


    "All the way, I saw that the seedlings in Huaifeng Mansion and Nanyun Mansion are growing very well. This year must be a good harvest." While chatting with the bonfire, the scholar Zhou Qing sighed. Regardless.


    The old man next to him nodded:


    "The same is true for Long''an Mansion. It seems to be another good New Year''s Eve."


    Xie Guangan, the porter, sighed: "Unfortunately, for the farmers, the benefits are not too much. After all, a few more buckets and a few stones will not be able to offset the drop in grain prices. Daily groceries will only consume more harvest. Fortunately, everyone can eat by themselves. If you feed the livestock, you will be able to have a good year."


    "Well, a good harvest is always good."


    Several people are familiar with the world, so they are not surprised.


    At this time, the villager who had just left came with a young young man carrying pots, bowls and chopsticks, and greeted: "Everyone come to eat, the bowls and chopsticks have been washed."


    Then he put his food on the side and served it for everyone. The young man who came with him said something in a low voice, took his leave and left the courtyard.


    A few people looked at it, and it was steaming hot in the clay pot, it was just steamed corn rice mixed with vegetables, and there was a little diced bacon in it.


    There is egg drop soup in the jar, and there are some oily flowers floating on it.


    In the small plate next to it are neatly cut pickles, with a little aroma of sesame oil.


    Under the light of the bonfire, the dinner made several travelers who had traveled for a long time move their index fingers. After taking the rice bowl, they began to fill themselves vigorously. Only the scholars were a little gentle.


    After the villagers served everyone a meal, they simply had nothing to do at night, and simply stayed by the side to watch everyone eat. After everyone finished their meal and thanked the villagers, the villagers were not in a hurry to clean up the tableware, but sat aside and listened to everyone''s conversation.


    The mountain village is closed, and there are few new things. Being able to listen to these people who have traveled far and wide is also a rare life adjustment.


    The scholar suddenly turned his head and asked the villagers: "Do people often come to stay at the master''s house?"


    The villagers laughed and said:


    "Most people on the official road will choose to rest in Huqiao Town. There will always be people here every three to five days, and I don''t know if it is considered ''frequent''."


    "However, I still come to this old yard to clean it every day, and I also prepare food, oil, and vegetables at home, and entertain people when they come. The family also has a small income."


    Zhou Qing, the scholar who asked the question, suggested: "Why doesn''t the master consider opening an inn here? It can also be considered as a business."


    The villagers laughed: "My guest, what do you think the inn is for?"


    "Of course it is a place to accept visitors from afar for a fee, provide meals and lodging, and give people a place to rest." Hearing the villagers'' questions, the scholar Zhou Qingqing said naturally.


    "What does the guest think they are doing here?" The villager knocked on the ground and asked the scholar with a smile.


    "The only thing that is lacking here is a signboard, but when the signboard is not visible on the official road, is the signboard still important? Besides, the space here is limited, and I can''t afford the capital, and I can''t provide food and lodging for a few people. good."


    After understanding the meaning of the villager''s second brother Lin, the scholar was speechless for a while, so he had to praise the other party a few words.


    Surrounded by the bonfire, talking about the new things in the surrounding provinces, it was nothing more than which big official put out the water mat, where the new powerful beast was captured, where the terrible case happened and so on.


    After chatting for a while, the villagers nearby listened with great interest, and a few of them also began to lament that the bigger the place, the more lively it is, but it often makes people feel at a loss.


    The porter Xie Guangan knew the villagers well, so he teased him: "Like Linxi Village, there shouldn''t be any changes. Every time I come here, I feel the same as the last time. There is no change. This is the real clean and good place."


    Unexpectedly, the villager''s second elder brother Lin shook his head: "Old Xie, you don''t know, there is really something going on in the village this time."


    "oh?"


    The few people who were chatting on Xingtou saw that there was a new Huatou, and they all turned their attention to see what the villagers had to say.


    The villager said: "Guests don''t know something, this Linxi Village almost disappeared." After a while, seeing that the people around him were listening to him carefully, he continued to talk about the events of the past few days:


    "The terrain here is quite high, and it is impossible to dig a well. Our daily water is taken from a small stream outside the village. But a few days ago, that small stream suddenly became smelly, and then suddenly stopped flowing..."


    He described the situation in detail, and when the woodcutter in the village came into the mountain to find the immortal, then Fang Xianchang subdued the pangolin demon, and then invited the mountain god to dredge the water veins again, everyone exclaimed again and again.

 023

    That''s a pity that the pangolin monster ran away before it was all done."


    The porter Xie Guang''an listened, lowered his head and sighed.


    Regarding Lao Xie''s reaction, villager Lin Erge laughed and said:


    "According to Brother Haizi, the Immortal Fang made the pangolin swear a heavy oath that he would never do evil again, so he spared its life. Since you have made an oath, you must obey it, otherwise taking the oath is no joke. "


    The scholar Zhou Qing next to him focused on something else. He frowned and asked Brother Lin in a strange tone:


    "This is a real fairy, you just missed it?"


    "Fang Xianchang is of course a true immortal. Immortals are immortals. What''s wrong with immortals?" The villagers felt very strange about the scholar''s expression.


    For the simple mountain people, the fact that Fang Chang is a fairy has no additional meaning except that it will make people respect him more.


    The scholar was choked and remained silent for a while.


    The porter next to him sighed:


    "Second brother Lin, your village is really lucky. Such a catastrophe has been solved by an immortal. This kind of incident, which happens in a million, does not know how lucky your village is."


    The villagers nodded and said:


    "Who says it''s not? Everyone is praising us for our good fortune, but the person who should be most grateful is that Fang Xianchang."


    Someone from the side asked, "Where does that immortal live?"


    "It''s just behind Yunzhong Mountain, living on the top of the precipitous and difficult-to-climb Xianqi cliff, where ordinary people can''t go up at all. Only some people who have been running the mountain all the year round can get there."


    "But no one can go up there. When I was a child, the old people in the village said that there are immortals up there. Don''t disturb them, otherwise there will be disasters." Brother Lin replied.


    For this matter, except for porters and scholars, it is regarded as a mountain village ghost story.


    Xie Guang''an, the porter, is familiar with Second Brother Lin, and knows that he doesn''t know how to make up stories, while the scholar deduces that the matter is true.


    After expressing a few opinions on this matter, the porter smiled and said:


    "The fairy trail is hard to find, but the mountain temple in the story can''t be escaped. People like me who pass by Yunzhong Mountain all the year round will pass by Linxi Village next time. If they have free time, they can go to worship the mountain god and seek blessings when passing by. It might work.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    A few people around the fire nodded, and everyone would rather believe such rumors.


    Looking at the sky, seeing that the crescent moon has climbed up, the villagers got up and said:


    "There is hay in the house to lay the bedding. Everyone is tired after traveling all day. You can consider resting early. I have to go to clean and put away the fire, so I won''t accompany you for the time being."


    Then he put away the bowls, chopsticks, pots and jars, left the small courtyard, and closed the gate by the way.


    Scholar Zhou Qing saw the villagers walking away, continued to shake his head and sighed, "I''m still too ignorant, these villagers don''t know how to cherish such a great opportunity in front of them¡ª"


    Hearing the scholar''s words, the Lianjiazi-looking Jianghu sneered and said:


    "Not to mention whether this story is true or not, so what if you know it''s a chance? If there is no such thing as fate, an ordinary person will just miss it neatly even if a god stands in front of you. And with your body, you probably won''t be able to climb up." If you go up that cliff, you might disturb the immortals, so why do you do such a thing in such a beautiful time."


    The porter next to him also kindly dissuaded him, telling the scholar not to think about such dangerous issues.


    The scholar nodded, agreeing with the advice of the people around him, and shrugged shyly and said:


    "I made everyone laugh, I''m just more interested in these strange village stories."


    "There is a saying in the book: Respect ghosts and gods and stay away. After reading the books of sages and sages over the years, of course it is the right way to go to Beijing to apply for the exam. It is the right way to manage the country with a family, so that you can live up to your good years."


    Several people in the same industry all praised it, and wished the scholar the title of the gold list.


    Then the topic changed, and Xie Guang''an took the lead, talking about things in a small town not far away: "Speaking of strange stories in the countryside, a lot of things have happened in Huqiao Town recently, and they are quite strange."


    The old man next to him who hadn''t spoken for a long time nodded slowly: "That''s right, I''ve heard about it a little bit. Some people say it''s haunted, but what exactly happened? Why did it happen?"


    The rest of the people all cheered up and listened carefully.


    Xie Guang''an, the porter, said: "Originally, I set off earlier and faster than you. When I passed by Huqiao Town, I chatted with some acquaintances there, and then I met you and walked together¡ª"


    "He told me that the Pang Yuanwai in Huqiao Town had a series of accidents in his family recently, and his animals were restless. He was looking for a mage, Wu Jie, to resolve the disaster."


    "Pang Yuanwai? That''s a powerful family."


    "Isn''t that right? The surrounding villagers complained about him, but they only dared to talk about it in private. It would be great if it spread to the ears of Pang Yuanwai."


    "Ah... the peaceful years, not everywhere peaceful..."


    Scholar Zhou Qing sighed aside.


    Several people shook their heads.


    The old man took the lead in yawning, and said with a little lack of energy: "It''s getting late, everyone should rest early, and we have to go together tomorrow. From here to Long''an Mansion, we have to wait until tomorrow evening."


    "Sleep and sleep."


    "It''s really sleepy."


    "Goodnight everybody."


    Walking into the house, Xie Guangan adjusted the burden of goods on his back, took out the thin bedding that he usually carried when going out, tidied up the straw on the ground, spread it out on it, and fell asleep with his clothes on.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    Fang Chang was walking in the mountains with a pannier on his back.


    However, he didn''t bring a stone axe, he just carried a small straight-backed jade knife with him. He simply found flexible bark and made a sheath for the knife.


    The wild boars that were delivered to the door before have been eaten, and the bones and the like have been stewed and drunk, and the bacon hanging on the firepit is still too early to be completed, so they will hunt for food recently.


    The meat is still delicious.


    With cooking utensils, even if it is just a clay pot, the quality of food is greatly improved.


    The stewed food has a better taste and a more distinct taste layer. It is also possible to stew plants and prey together to combine a variety of eating methods.


    Using the boiled animal fat, the vegetables become more delicious, not to mention the oil residue sprinkled with a little crushed salt, which makes people want to stop.


    While walking, Fang Chang saw a few low plants with wild fruits on them, showing an attractive deep red color. Walking up gently, he picked off the wild fruit, no matter what it was, and put it in his mouth.


    Hey, it''s too bitter.


    It''s full of bitterness, it''s not delicious, and it''s a waste of good looks.


    This kind of bitter taste is a bit like medicine, but unfortunately, I don''t know how to distinguish the types, and medicine is of no use to Fang Chang now.


    With his current conditions, he is able to distinguish spirit grass.


    During these days, he came across several plants, all of which exuded stronger or weaker alluring auras. Fang Changju marked the location and prepared to pick them when they matured.


    "Where to go!!"


    Seeing movement in the grass ahead, Fang Chang flew up and held down the prey.


    This is a white-haired rabbit, an ordinary beast that looks delicious.


    After disposing of the rabbit and putting it in the basket, Fang Chang was about to turn back and return. This rabbit plus some wild vegetables and tubers was enough for him to eat for two days, and it would be useless to catch more.


    Next to it is the Temple of the Mountain God, which seems to have been recently renovated. Since he doesn''t know whether the God of the Mountain Zhang has recovered, Fang Chang has not gone up to bother him recently.


    There was movement again in the grass ahead.

 024

    "Hey, what are you doing hiding, and I won''t eat you."


    Fang Chang stepped forward, stretched out his hand to push aside the grass nest, and pulled out a trembling fox from it.


    When the little fox was pulled out, he tightly covered his eyes with his front paws, as if he did not dare to watch the tragedy that followed.


    Seeing the fox like this, Fang Chang almost laughed out loud.


    Yunzhongshan is really rich in products, even the little demons that have become fine are rich in it.


    This fox''s cultivation is not bad, Fang Chang took a closer look, and saw that it had refined its bones and could speak human words. It is a little surprising that this kind of half-big fox can reach this level.


    In the vast world, there are all kinds of wonders, but they are not out of the ordinary.


    Seeing that the person holding him was silent, the fox slowly let go of his claws, and then bowed his hands in mid-air. At the same time, he screamed in a not-so-fluent language: "There is less meat!"


    Fang Chang laughed out loud.


    It is estimated that it saw the situation of hunting rabbits before and was frightened.


    After all, a live rabbit was pinned down by a human right in front of his eyes, and then died, and the human''s speed could not be stopped by himself. The scene is powerful for this little-informed half-fox, who realizes that he seems to be in danger.


    Seeing the human being stroking his fur and laughing, the fox was even more frightened, and shouted loudly while bowing:


    "There is an old man!"


    Fang Chang said with a smile on Linghu in his hand: "Don''t worry, I won''t eat Kai Hui''s creatures."


    Hearing this, the fox''s body softened, and then he felt that someone had put him on the ground, so he turned his head and glanced, remembering the person who just lifted his neck, and then spread his legs and ran towards the depths of the valley.


    Birds and beasts with wisdom turned on are completely different from ordinary beasts.


    No matter whether they have just awakened from ignorance, or those who have refined their bones to be human-speakable, or those who have acquired a human body, all of them no longer belong to the original species¡ªalthough there is no reproductive isolation in the original state.


    For Fang Chang, hunting and eating meat is normal. After all, his practice of nature needs to be close to nature, but it is by no means an extreme environmentalist.


    This "nature" is more inclined to comprehend the world in accordance with the original heart.


    Such as spirit beasts, although they seem to be very nourishing on the bright side, eating them or even killing them for no reason is also detrimental to cultivation.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Because all living beings who have enlightened wisdom in the world have joy, anger, sorrow and joy, and if they communicate, they will be entangled in cause and effect, and if they kill food, they will add resentment and anger, and entangle their spirituality.


    The same goes for monsters eating people.


    As human beings who are blessed by heaven and earth and born with spirits, they are entangled in thousands of dense causes and effects. If monsters kill more and eat for a long time, they will be haunted by hostility, and their spirituality will be blinded until they go crazy and can never escape.


    Seeing the little fox running away, Fang Chang turned around.


    On the hillside in front of him, Zhang Shanshen was walking down slowly on crutches, and said with a smile:


    "Shangxian really has a kind heart."


    Seeing Zhang Shanshen walking freely and vigorously, Fang Chang bowed his hands in salute, and said in greeting: "It turns out that Zhang Shanshen is in person, but it seems that he has finished his rest?"


    "I would like to thank Shangxian for this matter. The people of Linxi Village came here to pay homage. During this time, there was a lot of incense, and the little god was able to recover quickly."


    "This is the blessing that God of Zhangshan has blessed one side of the landscape."


    This is very close to the hillside where the mountain temple is located. The mountain god let Fang Chang pass by, sat down on the two big rocks where he usually stayed, and said with a little apology: "I have been bedridden recently, and I haven''t been able to collect some snacks. I have nothing. It can be used as a treat."


    Fang Chang asked curiously: "The chestnuts and pine nuts Zhang Shanshen had before were very good, but there are many pine trees nearby, but I have never seen a chestnut tree. I wonder where the mountain god picked them?"


    Zhang Shanshen stretched out his hand and pointed:


    "Counting from here to the north, the fifth mountain is full of chestnut trees. The mountain is not high, and the several peaks separated from here are not low, so it cannot be seen from here."


    After chatting about geography in the mountains for a while, Fang Chang said:


    "This Yunzhong Mountain is really a place of beauty. The little fox just now seems to have developed wisdom not many years after it was born. Although I haven''t seen many monsters, I know it''s a miracle."


    "That''s it." The mountain god laughed dumbly, "There is indeed a reason for the fox''s situation, and I just happen to know it. Anyway, there is nothing wrong, why don''t you come and visit with me?"


    Fang Chang gladly accepted the invitation of the mountain god.


    The two walked together and came to a valley northwest of the mountain temple.


    This place lives under the hillside full of tall and luxuriant green pines, with dense grass, but the land is quite dry due to the sun. It is also a good place to live for the mountain creatures.


    The mountain god walked to the entrance of the valley, paused his crutches, and shouted towards the valley: "Is old friend Hu Feng in the mansion? The old Zhang Zeqing is here to visit."


    After a few breaths, a hearty and sharp voice came from Gu Li, but he responded in a low-pneumatic way: "Of course, Zhang Shanshen will wait for a while, and I will come out to greet you."


    After a while, two foxes, big and small, came out from the valley.


    The little fox next to him was the one that Fang Chang had caught just now, and now he was a little timid after seeing Fang Chang.


    The other one is much bigger than the other foxes, with soft and golden fur, only four feet are black, but it is obviously old, and it is quite inconvenient to move, and it needs the help of the little fox.


    "Rare guest, er, this is..." Compared with the little fox next to him, this old fox is obviously more knowledgeable. After seeing the situation around the two of them, he immediately came to pay homage: "Little demon Hu Feng, bring grandson Hu Yun to see This Shangxian has met God Zhangshan."


    "Your name is also Yun?" Fang Chang waved his hand in return, then looked at the little fox beside him and said.


    Seeing that the mountain god next to him was curious, he smiled and explained: "There is a little monkey who has opened his spirit on the cliff of Xianqi. Met another Hu Yun."


    The little fox''s eyes flickered, but he didn''t answer. The old fox pushed twice and had to salute apologetically.


    The mountain god introduced: "Hu Feng is a fox demon. He helped me a lot in the past. We always see each other every two years. The little one next to him is his grandson Hu Yun. Hu Feng, this is Fang The Immortal Elder, who lives on the Immortal Habitat Cliff not far away, is a true Immortal with Taoism."


    Hu Feng''s grandson invited one person and one god into the valley, and brought out sweet and sour berries to entertain them.


    During the conversation, Fang Chang learned that Zhang Shanshen noticed that Fang Chang had captured Hu Yun not far away, and was about to come up to plead for mercy. Fortunately, Fang Chang just picked up the little fox for a look, and then let it go. This made the mountain god breathe a sigh of relief.


    Hu Feng, an old vixen, has been a demon for a hundred years, and now he is old and dying.


    For this matter, the old fox is very open-minded:


    "Everything in the world can''t escape aging and reincarnation. The world has its end, let alone the next little fox demon. The biggest regret is that I didn''t get a human body, but this is because I missed the Dao."


    "I only wish to be reborn as an adult in the next life, to enjoy the prosperity of the world of mortals, and if I am lucky enough to go back to the road of cultivation, that would be great. It''s just that my hundreds of younger generations are all muddle-headed fools, only this Hu Yun is more upbeat and successful. .¡±


    "In other words, this is my only descendant. I hope Zhang Shanshen will take care of you and me because of our friendship. As for after death, I have mentioned it many times. Hu Yun, remember, I was buried in the next to the flower garden. The hillside of flowers, this is my hometown and the place where I grew up, I hope my life will end in this beautiful place.¡±

 025

    On the fairy cliff, there are colorful fallen flowers.


    Most of the mountain flowers on the back hillside withered overnight, leaving only some green branches and green leaves. From time to time, petals floated down the stream, and the fragrance wafted along the mountain wind.


    Fang Chang put down the pitcher, looked up at the scene, and liked it a little.


    Suddenly moved, he found a thin, tall bluestone from nearby, and moved it to the stream to stand firm.


    Looking back, he was satisfied with the location of the stone, and moved his fingers like a sword to write on this stone.


    Although there are only two fingers, he wrote with a sense of brush and ink. In an instant, as the stone chips fluttered to reveal the groove marks, the three characters "Huanhuaxi" appeared on the stone surface like silver hooks painted on iron.


    "From now on, you have a name, Huanhuaxi." Fang Chang smiled at the stream.


    The sound of gurgling water and mountain wind, light and cheerful, seemed to echo him.


    After filling the bamboo tubes on his body with water and plugging them in, he picked up the jug and filled them with water. As he walked back, he thought that the current way of fetching water was a waste of time.


    In the future, you can consider burning a water tank, and then make a few buckets to store water for drinking. This requires a large kiln, and the conditions are not available for the time being.


    Another way is to open a tributary for this Huanhua Creek, bypassing his thatched hut, which can not only provide a water source close at hand, but also enhance the surrounding scenery. This can be considered as soon as possible, even if there is no efficient tool, you can use stone flakes, anyway - I have plenty of time.


    After a little comparison in his mind, Fang Chang smiled secretly: Ordinary people make choices, and practitioners either want them all or don''t want them all.


    Both of these can be done, you just need to act according to your mood and follow your heart.


    Walking to the open space in front of the house, he poured water into a mound of soil. The top of the mound was made into a depression for holding water. After going back and forth a few times, he stirred it with a long wooden stick and stepped on it with bare feet. A pile of reconciled dirt.


    Fang Chang planned to use these to expand the kiln, add a chimney to the furnace, and burn some lime at the same time.


    The deep woodland on Xianqi Cliff provided Fang Chang with almost endless firewood.


    Abundant and easy-to-obtain fuel makes there be smoke all day long on Xianqi Cliff. Fortunately, clouds and mists are always misty in the Yunzhong Mountains, and it is difficult to see it from a slightly higher mountain nearby, so that people will not be suspicious of the smoke on Xianqi Cliff.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Lime raw materials are easy to get, ordinary bluestone is good, this is very common in the mountains, the kind Fang Chang used to carve the name of Huanhuaxi just now.


    Select bluestone of suitable size and uniform texture, put it into the furnace, add firewood to calcinate, and then quicklime can be obtained.


    However, it must be fully digested to prevent moisture in the foundation.


    Not far from there is a depression on a stone platform, which becomes a natural ash pit. Put lime in it and add water fully. It takes seven or eight days.


    Adding slaked lime to the ground of the house can have better strength and water resistance, which is a good improvement for the living environment. At the same time, the slaked lime can also protect the roof from moisture and can be used to bond masonry.


    With it, many things are made more durable, and the time for manufacturing tools and utensils is greatly reduced, and labor efficiency is improved.


    There is a thick layer of lime in the ash pit. After being poured into the water, the lime blocks absorb water and release heat, and burst open. The poured water also starts to boil, and white mist rises up. The momentum is really strong.


    The birds and small animals not far away were frightened, and they clashed and ran away from this place for the time being.


    The lime digestion process still needs seven or eight days.


    Fang Chang didn''t want to be idle for the time being, he quickly demolished the previous kiln, then doubled the diameter, and built a bigger and better kiln - capable of burning thirty-two bricks at the same time.


    Bricks are also used in many ways, such as building houses, paving roads, making floors, or as some supports. With no gauges, he can only use the same frame to take off the adobe. The thoroughly dried adobe can be used to build a kang, build a stove, or be used as a temporary wall, but Fang Chang is not ready to use it for the time being. This time, he plans to make hundreds of bricks and save them for later use.


    In the past few days, Fang Chang has been dealing with dirt all the time, which made him a little dusty, without any sense of immortality.


    If those who called him "Xianchang" and "Shangxian" saw him now, they would definitely shatter the original image in their hearts. Fortunately, no one came to the fairy cliff, and none of Fang Chang''s previous vests fell off. .


    Once the kiln is ignited, it cannot be extinguished and needs to be looked after until it is finished.


    After entering the practice, Fang Chang didn''t need to sleep, and he felt no pressure on it. He walked around slowly, adding some firewood every once in a while to maintain the temperature in the furnace.


    Next to the thatched hut, a new shed was built, with only four pillars and a thatched roof, for storing some things, such as excess firewood, and bricks that were about to come out of the kiln.


    The mountain wind was gentle but cool, Fang Chang put his hands behind his back and looked up at the beautiful night sky.


    "Huh?"


    Compared with last night, several stars in the night sky today have obviously moved their positions, and they are shining brightly, exuding a pale light.


    This is not a good sign.


    He had a feeling in his heart, and after a simple calculation, the celestial phenomena had already appeared. With his current superficial level of calculation, he could also draw a conclusion: this world will not be very peaceful in the future.


    Sighing slightly, Fang Chang went back to work.


    The brick kiln still needs to be looked after, and the fire cannot be extinguished.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    As the brick kiln began to cool down, Fang Chang suddenly found himself idle again.


    Looking at the mountains of firewood piled up in the house and shed, he felt that it would be better to burn some charcoal. Charcoal is purer than firewood and has a higher calorific value. Pottery made with charcoal has higher temperature and fewer impurities. The quality will be even better.


    There are many ways to build a charcoal kiln, with different effects and applications.


    Fang Chang didn''t plan to build those reusable kilns, he just found something to pass the time in the cooling gap of the bricks, and he could burn firewood into charcoal, that''s all.


    Choose wooden sticks of appropriate thickness and tight texture, stand them up, pile them up like a bonfire, and then paste the mud outside as the kiln body.


    At the bottom of the charcoal kiln, in the four directions of southeast, north and south, a ventilation hole with the size of two fists is left for each, and a hole is left at the top, and then the fire is ignited from the fire pool in the house, and ignited at the top hole of the semicircular charcoal kiln. When the red light can be observed from the four ventilation holes at the bottom, block the upper hole and the bottom ventilation hole in turn.


    The next step is rather boring. You need to fill the cracks with soil continuously, and fill where there is smoke.


    This is a technique that Fang Chang learned in his previous life, but this is the first time he has practiced it.


    Back then, when he opened and closed his eyes, he changed the world and the environment, and appeared on this warm body, which made Fang Chang feel a little melancholy.


    However, Ben''s easy-going personality allowed him to adapt to his new identity smoothly, and even embarked on the path of practice after the adventure.


    The predecessor of this body walked very peacefully before, allowing him to receive the process smoothly.


    But he also has a last wish. For Fang Chang''s path of practice, if he can''t solve it smoothly, it will be considered a big difficulty.

 026

    When Fang Chang woke up from this body, he also received the past memories of the original body, but when he recalled them, it was like a different perspective, always reminding him that these memories did not belong to him.


    Before that, he just lived alone in a small town. Like his neighbors, he hoeed the fields every day, worked at sunrise and rested at sunset.


    The old man who raised him didn''t know his origin, he only knew that he was sent here, and the old man didn''t leave a word after he passed away.


    Therefore, Yuanshen has been looking forward to finding his parents, figuring out why he was sent away, and at the same time taking another look at them.


    Even this idea has become an obsession, lingering on this body, even though it is gone.


    Fang Chang knows that he needs to find an opportunity to fulfill this last wish on behalf of the original body, otherwise this obsession will become a big obstacle when he advances on the road of practice.


    It''s just that his spiritual sense told him that the opportunity has not come yet, it is not suitable to go down the mountain, and there will be no result in searching for it by force, and he still needs to wait for the opportunity.


    This kind of waiting with the flow is more suitable for one''s own practice path.


    It took longer for the charcoal kiln to cool down. Fang Chang first went to check the bricks. The bricks inside hadn''t cooled completely, but they had already formed. He reached out and took one out of the kiln, and tapped his fingers to listen to the sound.


    It sounds like a good brick.


    Of course, the quality is incomparable with that fired in a real brick kiln, and it only reaches the "usable" level.


    He stacked the bricks together and moved them into the new shed next to him. After thinking about it, he planned to use these bricks to dry build a brick pool in the middle of the shed, and sprinkle quicklime inside.


    After the charcoal comes out of the kiln, you can put suitable charcoal into the pool for storage to avoid getting black charcoal powder everywhere.


    Standing up straight, looking at the distance below the cliff, Fang Chang suddenly felt a twitch in his heart.


    That direction should be a small town?


    The charcoal kiln is still hot, but it won''t break if it is put away, and it will be the same when it is collected after a while.


    Fang Chang first opened a bamboo tube and poured some water on the melon seedlings in the melon field next to the shack. The land on the cliff is very fertile, and the melon seedlings that have just grown are not tall, but they are very strong, and the green shoots open to the sky, full of vitality.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    When I come back from this trip, I should look for thin bamboos and put a shelf for the melon seedlings, maybe they will grow better.


    Fang Chang is going to go down the mountain.


    Just when he finished collecting the bricks and looked down the mountain, his spiritual sense was suddenly touched, as if something was happening there. You have to follow your feelings, just go down the mountain to have a look, and by the way, after spending the time on the mountain, take a new look at the world of mortals and the fireworks in the world.


    This is good for practice.


    It doesn''t require too much preparation. When Fang Chang returns to the house, he should simply clean up and go down the mountain immediately. As the saying goes: A happy person does a happy thing, and he has no worries and a clear mind.


    Put the tea leaves on the shelf outside into the long bamboo tube and plug them in, then took the green cloth furoshiki that I had when I came, and put a change of clothes and my two books in it together.


    The "Practice Way" and "Practice Method" are must-have items. One is that they can be studied at any time, and the other is that they can repel mosquitoes.


    After thinking for a while, Fang Chang picked up the uncut jade that the monkey gave him from the corner of the bed, and broke off a piece of it. The monkey Sun Yun gave two pieces as a gift, and it seemed that they should be produced by Yun Zhongshan. Among them, the slender one has been polished by him into the straight-backed knife on his body, and the other one has been left unused in the corner of the bed.


    He wrapped two pieces of cooked venison with two layers of broad leaves, wrapped them with thin vines, and packed two plant tubers. These should be some kind of potato, and wild boar was stewed with it before. . After roasting, the potato tastes sweet and sweet, and the taste varies with the heat, either crispy or soft, which is very good.


    Wrapping the fur skin casually and tying it on his back, Fang Chang pushed back the gate of the fence house and went towards the layman.


    The sun is just right, and the side that is exposed to people is warm.


    To go down from Xianqi Cliff, you have to cross the valley from the side of the cliff, and then turn over three hills.


    Looking around, Fang Chang had an idea, and his childlike innocence grew. He walked to the boulder where he sat cross-legged and practiced every morning, looked at the misty clouds below, and then¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªjump!


    The wind whizzed past his ears, and the clouds and mist wanted to move towards him at high speed.


    The cloud and mist were slightly stirred by the falling Fang Chang, and it took half a quarter of an hour to return to calm.


    Falling lightly from the cliff, enjoying a free fall, Fang Chang secretly smiled and said, this is the fastest and shortest way to get down from Xianqi Cliff, there are neither rough rocks nor overgrown vegetation in the middle, but only You can do this yourself.


    There is a slope below. After landing, Fang Chang simply patted off his clothes, and only walked a hundred feet to the outside, and then saw a faint path.


    This path was obviously stepped on by humans. Due to the lack of frequent passing, the path is still full of weeds, but the growth is not as good as the sides of the road, so it can be clearly distinguished.


    A short walk down is Linxi Village.


    Fang Chang tightened his pack on his back and walked towards the mountain village. Not far through the mountain village was the official road.


    Not long ago, the disaster of cutting off the water source did not have much impact on this small mountain village, and the peace and tranquility of the past has been restored here.


    The only difference is that the mountain people all remembered that there was a kind fairy elder Fang on Xianqi Cliff who helped them through a catastrophe, and the mountain god in the nearby mountain temple also contributed a lot to this. .


    It was the slack season recently, near noon, and no one was working in the village or in the terraced fields on the hillside below.


    The last time he came to Linxi Village, Fang Chang only looked at the entrance of the village and communicated with the villagers twice, but he didn''t go in. Now passing by here alone, he observed it carefully with great interest.


    During the Taiping period, the houses in Linxi Village were fairly tidy, but most of them were made of earth, stone and thatch, with no bricks or tiles to be seen.


    Houses are full of smoke, and there are not many children playing outside. Thinking about this time, they have all been called home for lunch¡ªthanks to the fact that the world has not been chaotic for hundreds of years, and now even commoners have become popular three times a day. meal.


    Because it is close to Yunzhong Mountain, which is rich in products, there are a lot of livestock in the village, and more fodder is fed.


    The most common ones are pigs, sheep and chickens, and there are very few precious cattle.


    In addition, chickens in mountain villages are very precious, or in other words, chickens in the world are also very precious, especially those that need to be fed with rice in the city.


    Everyone raises them all year round, and they are used to chime the time and lay eggs. They will be slaughtered only when distinguished guests come. If they are killed for no reason, the whole village will hate and hate them.


    Because Fang Chang was always in harmony with the natural world, several mountain people in the village chatting with each other subconsciously ignored him, so he was able to pass by calmly and headed for the official road not far below the mountain.


    Behind him, in Linxi Village, a child who was playing with stones in front of his house suddenly threw the stone in his hand, turned his head and said to the adults next to him:


    "Father, I just met a fairy."


    "What fairy??"

 027

    Its the fairy chief Fang who came to the entrance of the village when the stream was cut off. You said it was the one who lived on the fairy cliff, and you told me not to come near it."


    The childish voice is not lost, and the voice is crisp.


    "Just now Immortal Fang walked past you, but you didn''t even look at him."


    "how come?"


    "He went down the mountain, you see, isn''t that right?" Seeing that the adults didn''t believe it, the child pointed towards the direction of the mountain outside the village.


    The mountain people who were chatting next to them were very surprised. There was a person with good eyesight who looked in the direction pointed by the child for a while, and he saw a person walking towards the distance.


    You need to stare carefully to find the other person''s whereabouts. If you don''t pay attention, you will subconsciously ignore it.


    The figure is very familiar, and it really is Fang Xianchang.


    The villagers felt a little sorry.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    A short walk down the mountain is the official road.


    The road repairs are fairly smooth, with thin loess paved on the road, and as pedestrians and vehicles pass by, there are waves of floating dust.


    The river bypasses the mountain, passes the official road under the bridge, and flows southward.


    The Huanhua Creek on the edge of Xianqi Cliff and the stream passing by Linxi Village will both flow into this river and flow into the river and sea together.


    Fang Chang briskly walked up the official road, and walked slowly along the road towards the west.


    Looking at all kinds of pedestrians hurrying on the road, he felt that he was the most leisurely one, and because of this, he was constantly overtaken by passers-by, donkeys, mules, and horses.


    While walking freely, a carriage passed by him.


    Seeing Fang Chang''s appearance, the people in the car felt close to him for some reason, so they ordered the driver to slow down, then leaned over to Fang Chang and said:


    "This gentleman is going in the same direction. Do you need to take a ride? The carriage is faster."


    "Okay, thank you very much."


    Fang Chang readily agreed, and then jumped into the car.


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    This car is very delicately decorated. Although it is not luxurious or expensive, it also shows the background of the owner, and it is quite spacious.


    Among them was a middle-aged man who was riding in the car. This man had a goatee and was dressed in a clean cotton robe, looking very energetic.


    The carriage accelerated again, and the owner didn''t care about Fang Chang''s old clothes, and bowed his hands and said:


    "Jian Zhengchu of Xingqing Mansion, returned from visiting relatives in Long''an Mansion, I wonder where sir is going?"


    Fang Chang didn''t talk about his own footsteps, but said after returning the gift: "The head below, I''m just a casual person, and I want to go to the small town ahead, it''s only a dozen miles away, thank you, the master, for the footsteps."


    "That''s just right. When we get to the small town ahead, please ask Mr. Fang to get off the bus."


    This Jian Zhengchu didn''t ask too many questions. He called Fang Chang "Mr. Fang" one by one, and Fang Chang also called "Mr. Jian" back, and the two chatted briefly.


    The conversation between the two sides was very shallow, and most of them were interesting things without root or reason. However, Mr. Jian was greatly surprised by Fang Chang''s conversation, and he thought it was very lucky to meet Mr. Fang during this trip.


    There are drainage ditches on both sides of the official road, but they are not covered with street trees, and the shade is always available at intervals. Whenever there are big trees on the side of the road, you can always see three or two people resting under the tree, or drinking water and eating.


    After walking down a short distance, he had already left the range of Yunzhong Mountain and entered the plain area.


    For a carriage, it takes nearly two hours to walk, and it only takes two quarters of an hour to get there.


    Seeing that the small town ahead was approaching, Fang Chang said with a smile: "I will be there in the future, thank you Mr. Jian for giving me a ride, and hope that the mountains and rivers will meet again."


    Jian Zhengchu replied: "It was a pleasure talking with Mr. Fang, and we hope to see you again when we have the opportunity."


    The two bid farewell to each other, then Fang Chang jumped out of the car, waved his hand at the carriage going away, then tightened his package, and walked towards the town.


    The place to get off is a stone bridge, the bridge head is tens of feet away from the town, the river under Yunzhong Mountain forks, and lies in front of the town, and the official road passes through this bridge and passes through the town.


    The convenient transportation has invigorated the economy, making this place relatively wealthy, and it also made the official road passing through the town a clean and strong stone road.


    Because it is close to the main traffic road, it is built by the road. There are high signboards on both sides of the stone road, half of which are catering and accommodation, which is very prosperous.


    On the low railing pillars at the head of the bridge in Zhenkou, "Fuhu Bridge" is engraved.


    A big stone was poked beside the official road at the entrance of the town, with three big characters "Huqiao Town" engraved on it with the test body, and the inside was painted with cinnabar.


    Well, this should be the handwriting of a scholar.


    Just under the boulder with the town''s name written on it, several passers-by were chatting, and the sound of the conversation floated into Fang Chang''s ears:


    "Zhuzi, let me tell you, there is a reason for the reputation of Huqiao Town."


    "How do you say it, third uncle?"


    "See that bridge next to it? It''s Fuhu Bridge. According to legend, a long time ago, there was a man-eating tiger in Yunzhong Mountain. Pick the strong and live people to nourish."


    "That vicious tiger is fierce and difficult to fight, but it is also extremely shrewd. Trapping, poisoning, and besieging... all are ineffective. Many good hunters recruited from other places have fallen into its hands. The county has issued recruitment orders for this, A high reward was offered, but an ordinary person came to accept the list."


    "Ordinary people? Third Uncle, what''s next?"


    Seeing that his third uncle suddenly stopped talking, the young man couldn''t help asking.


    After a while, the older pedestrian continued to point out enthusiastically: "That ordinary person is a baker who walks around the streets. He told the county magistrate that he had previously been The sugar and oil used to make cakes is too heavy, almost eating dead people and getting a lawsuit."


    "Excessive sugar and oil will eat dead people?"


    Seeing that his nephew was fascinated by this story, the middle-aged passerby was even more excited. He gesticulated and spittled and told the story that has been handed down:


    "Of course, heavy oil and heavy sugar are delicious, but they are difficult to digest and are extremely harmful to the stomach and intestines. I have used poison on the evil tiger before, but it never worked. The county magistrate let the peddler try it .¡±


    "This cake peddler rushed to make several large baskets of heavy oil and sugar cakes overnight, and several hunters carried them and fell on the path that the evil tiger must pass. Then, looking across a few hills, the evil tiger passed by. Tempted, I ate up several large baskets in one go, and lay down on the ground to rest."


    "One or two hours later, the tiger suddenly roared loudly, jumped and jumped, smashed trees and rocks all the way, rushed to this bridge, and died. The county magistrate ordered the tiger to be dissected, and it was found that its intestines had been pierced. Rotten, it is the cooking cake that ate too much oil and sugar and died unexpectedly, everyone praised the cooking cake man''s wonderful idea."


    "It was a wooden bridge back then, and the town was called another name. After the evil tiger died, the county lord specially paid for a stone bridge to be rebuilt, and named it ''Fuhu Bridge'', and the town was also called ''Tiger Bridge''. Bridge Town'', gradually no one called the town by its real name, and finally the town simply changed its name."


    The young man asked curiously, "Where is that peddler?"


    "He accomplished what others couldn''t accomplish, and brought back the peace, so he took a lot of rewards from the county, married a beautiful wife and beautiful concubine, and opened a shop here, specializing in selling his family''s special cooking cakes."


    "It is said that this is also the origin of the famous food here, Fuhu Cake, but the name of the strong man is no longer verified. Maybe if you can read, you can go to the county annals to find it."