In a small town in Hengyang's Changning, there lived a hardworking man named Zhang Muto, commonly known as the wood watcher. His life was tough, to say the least, as he spent his days under the scorching sun, watching over timber at the riverbank. With pockets almost empty and dreams of a better meal, he often found himself wishing for a stroke of luck. One sunny afternoon, while lazily enjoying a smoke by the water, Zhang's eye caught an unusual sight—a mysterious black chest bobbing through the river. His heart raced at the thought of hidden treasures inside. Curious and excited, he hurriedly opened the chest, but to his shock, a massive serpent sprang out! This was no ordinary creature; it was a vengeful river spirit trapped for centuries by Emperor Li Shimin. The serpent, with its shimmering scales and burning eyes, raged about its imprisonment. Zhang Muto, despite feeling frightened, quickly devised a clever plan. Not wanting to end up as the serpent's next meal, he tricked it into returning to the chest and secured it tightly. With a swift motion, he tossed the chest back into the river, watching the waters calm once again. In no time, word spread about Zhang’s bravery and quick thinking. The villagers celebrated him as a local hero, showering him with rewards like food and clothes. Zhang Muto had not only saved himself but also transformed his life, proving that even a poor wood watcher could become a legend.