Grandmaster Pang Qian gazed at Yang Ying, a smile playing on his lips, yet he reached out without hesitation, stopping Yang Ying’s attempt to present the silver energy crystal. He shook his head. “This is too valuable; I cannot accept it. I recall the terms: what I gave you was just an ordinary blue sword, and it wasn't given freely, but in exchange for the three hundred thousand citizens you saved. You owe me absolutely nothing. I cannot accept this silver energy crystal either.”

A wave of admiration washed over Yang Ying. The silver energy crystal lay before him, yet the Grandmaster’s gaze hadn't wavered, as if it were merely a cheap trinket sold at a roadside stall.

“Then let it be for another reason—for everything you have done to help me up to this point. I believe I am well-deserving of this crystal,” Yang Ying offered, pushing it forward again.

However, as he extended his hand, it seemed to strike an invisible wall. He simply could not push it any further.

Grandmaster Pang Qian rose, stepped back two paces, and stated gravely, “In my heart, there are things more important than a silver light sword. If I accept this crystal, I will lose something far more valuable. This would be a loss that outweighs any gain. Young friend Yang Ying, please stop this.”

“It was my mistake, Master. Please be seated.”

Yang Ying hastily stood up, placing the silver crystal on the service cart. He remembered that the Psionic Temple had once offered Grandmaster Pang Qian a silver light sword, which he had also refused.

Grandmaster Pang Qian sighed and sat down again, turning his gaze to Katerina. “This girl is your girlfriend, isn’t she? She was with you the last time I visited Gray Port.”

“Yes,” Yang Ying replied, sitting down as well.

“Grandmaster Pang Qian, hello,” Katerina said, bowing slightly with a smile.

“Good, good. I remember you said the same thing the last time I saw you,” Grandmaster Pang Qian remarked.

“Master, I won't linger during your conversation. But if you finish the tea, just call me. I’ll wait outside.” Katerina gave Yang Ying a slight smile, left the service cart, and walked out of the reception room.

“She’s a fine girl,” Grandmaster Pang Qian observed as she departed, then turned back to Yang Ying. “Regarding the silver energy crystal, let’s discuss the terms from the Elder Council.”

“What are the terms?” Yang Ying inquired.

Grandmaster Pang Qian could already gauge Yang Ying’s attitude; these four energy crystals were clearly all available for trade.

“The Elder Council’s proposal is that each crystal can be exchanged for one space city. However, if you trade all four crystals, we can add one more space city to the deal.”

Yang Ying instantly began calculating. Five space cities for four silver crystals—these silver crystals were truly priceless. Yet, he noticed another point: “The Psionic Temple can produce five space cities at once?”

Grandmaster Pang Qian nodded and explained, “The space cities are produced by the Singer-Earth United Industrial Group, and the Psionic Temple has excellent relations with the Singers, holding a significant stake in that group. Preparing five space cities for you will not be difficult. Furthermore, these five cities can be customized to your specifications. Whether you want industrial cities, agricultural cities, energy hubs, or even amusement park cities, you have complete freedom to choose.”

“One space city exchanged for one silver crystal is indeed a very appealing offer.” Yang Ying openly expressed his interest in the proposal.

“Deal?” Grandmaster Pang Qian asked.

Yang Ying lowered his head in thought. The friendly relationship between the Psionic Temple and the Singers was no secret; the fact that every Psionic Master received a Master-class fighter jet from the Singers hinted at this.

But for Yang Ying, the refined cultivation methods within the Psionic Temple were far more valuable than space cities.

“Master, perhaps instead of space cities, could these silver crystals be exchanged for some cultivation methods that would benefit me?” Yang Ying asked tentatively.

“Psionic Temple doctrines are not disseminated externally. Obtaining an inheritance requires accepting corresponding responsibilities; this is an unchangeable Temple rule. The foundational training I provided you last time was an exception because you saved the three hundred thousand citizens of the Light of Titan. But for higher-level inheritances, there can be no such exceptions.”

Yang Ying sighed. “I see.”

“Of course, I repeat what I said before: if you join the Psionic Temple, all cultivation data will be open to you,” Grandmaster Pang Qian added.

“Master, I’m afraid I must refuse again this time. I apologize.” Yang Ying spoke seriously.

Grandmaster Pang Qian laughed heartily, showing no sign of displeasure. “It’s fine, this isn't the first time. I never held much hope for it anyway. You have already reached a pinnacle state through self-study. Even if you joined the Psionic Temple now, it would only be adding blossoms to the brocade—gaining a few additional attack methods usable by the Quasi-Master realm—it wouldn't bring about a fundamental breakthrough.”

Saying this, Grandmaster Pang Qian recited a poem in a serene tone: “One standing still atop a hundred-foot pole, though entered, the true path is not yet whole. To advance from the hundred-foot peak requires true ascent, only then is the whole of ten directions present.”

Yang Ying opened his mouth, unable to utter a word. He didn't know what to say at that moment.

Grandmaster Pang Qian continued his explanation. “This is a Buddhist kōan from the Song Dynasty, which I mentioned before. The Psionic Temple has no way to teach those who have not reached the Master realm. Besides that, Daoism also speaks of entering the un-willed state from the willed state. Everything captured in text and language is a willed method—like that hundred-foot pole. It is visible, tangible, and you can climb higher upon it. But once you reach the top, there is no path further up.”

“If there is no path, how does one proceed?” Yang Ying asked.

“That cannot be described in words,” Grandmaster Pang Qian pointed at Yang Ying. “You are standing at the top of that hundred-foot pole right now. The path above is invisible, intangible, and cannot be described by text or language. Do not try to deduce it using existing methods; logic will not help you. Anything that can be determined by logic is a willed method. The Golden Net Sutra states, ‘All worthies and sages differ only through the un-willed method.’ The Tao Te Ching opens with, ‘The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.’ Ancient sages all said this; clearly, the Master realm is inherently ineffable.”

Yang Ying nodded, an unusual smile appearing on his face, as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart. “Although I always knew this, there was always a sliver of hope in my heart. I suppose my cultivation is still insufficient. Thank you for your guidance, Master.”

“You are welcome. Words alone cannot point the way to Masterhood. My words are actually of little use. What is there to thank me for?” Grandmaster Pang Qian said dismissively.

“How can they be of no use?” Yang Ying spread his hands. “Your words have eliminated the wrong paths, which indirectly brings me closer to the right one, doesn't it?”

“That is true,” Grandmaster Pang Qian nodded seriously. “But you must be extremely cautious on the path to Masterhood. At the hundred-foot peak, one step further could lead to a new realm, or it could result in a devastating fall. Therefore, you must be meticulous in your practice and ensure your foundation is solid.”

Yang Ying nodded. “Forged through a hundred refinements—I understand.”

Grandmaster Pang Qian smiled. “Good. Now, let’s return to the previous topic: are five space cities in exchange for four silver crystals, agreed?”

“Agreed!” Yang Ying slapped his hand down decisively.

Typical commercial negotiations involve both parties striving to elevate the value of their assets to gain more. However, this was not the case for Yang Ying and Grandmaster Pang Qian. Whether Yang Ying viewed the silver energy crystals or Grandmaster Pang Qian viewed the space cities, their attitude was indifferent, as if these things were trivial external possessions unworthy of serious consideration.

In a sense, both Yang Ying and Grandmaster Pang Qian were cultivators. Although they possessed a profound understanding of mercantile thinking, they did not haggle like merchants.

Yang Ying knew this, which was why he entrusted the operations of Trane Corporation to Tom. Similarly, Grandmaster Pang Qian would never start a business.

“Master, you mentioned two matters earlier. The silver crystal was one. What was the second?” Having settled the silver crystal transaction, Yang Ying asked.

“The second matter concerns the Ghost fighter jet,” Grandmaster Pang Qian stated. “Specifically, the Ghost fighter piloted by Colonel Blade of your mercenary group during the Jupiter Campaign.”

Yang Ying instantly understood. “Is this about the Psionic personnel below the Master level in the Psionic Temple?”

“Precisely,” Grandmaster Pang Qian confirmed. “The Singers only gift their fighter jets to Master-level experts. The fighter jets piloted by Quasi-Master Psionicists are manufactured in-house by the Psionic Temple’s affiliated factories. They do not carry psychic weaponry. I reviewed the combat footage of Colonel Blade piloting the Ghost fighter; those high-speed moving turrets are clearly psionically guided. Colonel Blade has not reached the Master realm, yet he can fly that jet. It stands to reason that Quasi-Master Psionicists should also be able to pilot it, so—”

Grandmaster Pang Qian left the sentence unfinished, as the next part was obvious.

“I understand,” Yang Ying nodded. “The Psionic Temple hopes we can provide the special-type Ghost fighters. But what is the Psionic Temple willing to offer in return?”

“Providing the special-type Ghost fighters will be a long-term project. Performance tuning, after-sales service, and training for maintenance crews will all require support from Trane Corporation. Therefore, the Elder Council hopes to establish deeper ties with Trane Corporation. The Psionic Temple is willing to exchange shares in the Singer-Earth United Industrial Group for Trane Corporation providing the Ghost fighters, along with services like equipment repair, maintenance, and updates,” Grandmaster Pang Qian explained.

At these words, a bell rang in Yang Ying’s mind. The Singer-Earth United Industrial Group was, without question, the largest economic entity in the solar system, possessing irreplaceable and profoundly influential technological achievements, including space cities. Even the combined strength of the entire Council would be slightly inferior to this single group. A mere one percent of this group’s shares was valued in the trillions.

While Yang Ying was contemplating, Grandmaster Pang Qian added, “Of course, this is clearly not a one-off deal like the silver crystals. This is a matter of great importance, and it’s unrealistic for us to finalize it here. Therefore, the Elder Council only tasked me with inquiring about your opinion and suggestions. We hope you can communicate with the Board of Directors of Trane Corporation. If the timing is right, the Elder Council will dispatch an envoy versed in commerce for the next formal negotiation, to hold more in-depth discussions with your Board.”