Another form of Danmu is a jade-like state called Jinyu.
The Classic of Mountains and Seas describes this form in detail, stating that beside Danmu flows a river called Danshui. In Danshui, there is a white jade paste, a tribute frequently consumed by the ancient Yellow Emperor.
When the Yellow Emperor used this jade paste to water the Danmu, it would produce colorful flowers and bear colorful fruits after five years.
If these five-colored fruits from Danmu were then harvested and sown on the sunny side of a mountain, a rare five-colored precious jade could be born.
This jade is extremely hard yet exceptionally smooth and warm. It emits a multicolored glow, with each color shining upon the others, resembling the sun and moon.
When celestial beings and spirits discover this jade, they will offer sacrifices. If it is given to a noble person to wear, it can ward off all ill fortune and protect against all evil.
From this passage in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, it is evident that the ultimate form of Danmu after being watered with jade paste is clearly a natural magical artifact!
This artifact requires no forging or crafting; it is generated entirely by the power of heaven and earth.
Once formed, it possesses the power to repel all demons and evil!
If such a natural artifact were to appear in the world, how could people not go mad? How could they not covet it?
Even Ying Chen would absolutely not stand by and let others snatch such an artifact.
Of course, this is merely what is written in the book. No one knows if Danmu truly possesses this form, and no one has ever seen it.
Ying Chen would naturally not embark on a grand expedition and search painstakingly for such a nebulous legend.
Ying Chen has more important matters to attend to.
But Steven is different!
Steven has long been financially independent and has nothing to do all day but seek immortality and pursue enlightenment; he's essentially a vagrant.
Sending him to search for the vanished grotto-heaven in Zhongnan Mountain is perfect.
"Another form of Danmu? What is that?" Steven asked instinctively.
Ying Chen waved his hand, "You'll know when you find it. At that time, even if I don't take you as a disciple, I will teach you some techniques to ensure your cultivation is successful. I can even help you resolve any difficult troubles you encounter."
Upon hearing Ying Chen's words, Steven's eyes lit up instantly.
Even without the guidance of the four-character mantra, just based on the series of skills Ying Chen had displayed, and his knowledge of grotto-heavens and Danmu, it was enough to prove the immense depth of Ying Chen's power!
Steven was already a wealthy man with a high social standing.
However, compared to a celestial being like Ying Chen, he was still in a different league!
Therefore, Steven agreed without hesitation, nodding his head, "Alright! Since the immortal master commands, I will naturally do my utmost! I will find that vanished grotto-heaven again!"
"I will recruit my forces today and set off into the mountains tomorrow! I will dig three feet into the ground if necessary to find that grotto-heaven! Immortal Master, await my good news!"
Ying Chen's forehead darkened.
Is Steven planning to use his wealth to excavate the entire Zhongnan Mountain?
Such a ostentatious act would likely be exposed immediately and incite public outrage!
Furthermore, Zhongnan Mountain is part of the Qinling Mountains, located in the central section.
If the grotto-heaven had drifted to other mountains in the Qinling range due to geological shifts, would Steven then have to excavate the entire Qinling range?
Steven would likely be shot by the relevant authorities of the Dragon Country immediately!
Ying Chen quickly stopped Steven, saying, "This matter should not be publicized. You should find a few trustworthy subordinates. And there's no rush. You can treat this as a form of cultivation."
"I have a cultivation method here called the Eight Divisions Ape Strike Technique. It is perfectly suited for you to practice during your search. I will teach it to you now."
With that, Ying Chen imparted a set of incantations to Steven.
As Steven silently memorized them, he was deeply moved.
With a thud, he was about to kneel and kowtow to Ying Chen.
However, Ying Chen's figure flashed, and he dodged.
"This Eight Divisions Ape Strike Technique is not something I learned myself; I acquired it by chance in the past. So, strictly speaking, we don't have a master-disciple relationship in terms of passing down skills. Consider it an exchange!"
Ying Chen explained faintly.
The Eight Divisions Ape Strike Technique was actually obtained by Ying Chen from a tomb raider when he was suppressing an underground tomb years ago.
This cultivation method is not particularly profound, but it is quite interesting.
Long-term practice can allow one to move freely and disappear at will, like an ape soaring through the mountains, greatly increasing one's stamina limit.
It is perfectly suited for Steven to use when exploring Zhongnan Mountain.
"Then... thank you, Immortal Master, for bestowing this technique!" A trace of regret flashed across Steven's face, but he still solemnly kowtowed and said.
"Alright, our business is concluded. You two can resume your previous conversation." Ying Chen said, then turned and left.
As Steven watched Ying Chen's receding figure disappear, he withdrew his gaze and murmured, "Miraculous, a true immortal on earth, that's what they must be referring to!"
"Miss Min, given that I have met the immortal master and received his guidance, all my previous promises are now in effect!"
Steven looked at Min Ziqiong.
"Clearly mark the funds you will need within the next five years and send them to me. I will immediately arrange for the funds to be delivered."
"As for Baojie Group, I will do my best to negotiate with them. If negotiation fails, I will absolutely not stand idly by, but will guarantee that I stand on the same front as you, and we will advance and retreat together!"
Min Ziqiong blinked in disbelief.
A partnership was reached just like that?
Just because Ying Chen appeared and said a few words?
Without even needing a basic business plan, he simply gave an order and lavishly offered money?
This was too surreal!
At the very least, they should have discussed the partnership model and profit-sharing ratios.
Would Steven have agreed if Min Ziqiong had written a nine-to-one split?
If it were someone else encountering such a generous patron like Steven, they would likely be overjoyed and eager to sign the contract.
But Min Ziqiong clearly did not think so.
Min Ziqiong's gaze flickered, seemingly contemplating something.
After a moment, she took a deep breath and made a decision, "I'm sorry, Mr. Steven. Thank you for your kindness and trust, but I cannot accept your investment!"
"What?" Steven was stunned.
He didn't understand why Min Ziqiong still refused, even though he had conceded so much.
"Firstly, this investment carries a significant potential sacrifice for you, which does not align with my cooperation philosophy. I believe cooperation should be mutually beneficial, not detrimental to one party."
"Secondly, the reputation of Shenjing is currently in a delicate situation. If I accept your investment, it will undoubtedly be exploited by competitors like Baojie to hype up topics such as Shenjing selling out the country for money. At that time, Shenjing will be completely finished."
"Therefore, I have only one path forward. That is to operate independently and face our opponents head-on!"
Min Ziqiong said resolutely.
Her face was filled with unwavering courage and determination!