404: I met a local.

As those exiled individuals discovered the New Continent, the Interstellar Peace Company naturally did not halt its expansion.

In the 97th year of the Star Calendar, at the outermost edge of the Orion Arm, lay a dim Star Domain not even marked on star charts.

The Interstellar Peace Company's 99th Deep Space Exploration Fleet, like an insignificant speck of dust, slowly glided through this corner of the Universe forgotten by the Cosmos.

Its mission was to be an outpost for the extension of the Star Gate network and to map this unknown region.

Captain Talimu stood before the bridge's viewport, gazing at the colossal gas giant, "Gze," in the distance.

This planet possessed an extraordinarily wide and colorful ring System, composed of ice crystals, rock fragments, and dust, which, under the illumination of the star, reflected an ethereal halo.

"Abnormal energy signal sources detected," a crew member reported. "Multiple signals exist within Gze's ring System, arranged regularly, indicating non-natural celestial bodies."

Talimu frowned slightly: "Zoom in and see."

The image on the holographic screen gradually became clear, and everyone gasped.

Those were not asteroid belts, nor were they any cosmic marvels.

They were islands suspended within the ring System!

Like floating islands naturally woven from giant plant roots and glowing crystals, they were delicately anchored at the gravitational balance points of the ring System, much like dandelion seeds.

Winding rivers, lush forests, and even faint outlines of artificial structures could be seen on the islands, emitting a soft glow of life.

"My goodness! A ring System ecosystem?" the accompanying biologist exclaimed. "How is this possible? The gravity, resources, and environment here..."

"No, why is this happening?!"

"Life signals confirmed!" another crew member's voice trembled. "Human Race-like heat sources discovered! The number... is very high!"

Thus, high-precision detectors penetrated the atmosphere, capturing images of these "residents."

If those islands even had an atmosphere.

They were about 1.7 meters tall, with slender and elegant figures, dressed in clothes woven from glowing fibers and natural Materials. Most strikingly, behind each of them trailed a fluffy, multicolored large tail, and their ears were pointed, standing upright on their heads.

Their faces were almost identical to the fox-Human Race staff from "Luofu" and "Yaoqing" within the Company!

Especially that unique temperament, as if time had frozen, and they no longer aged after adulthood.

"Fox-Human Race?! No? Ah?" Talimu felt his worldview being shattered.

"No, I always thought the Company's claim that those fox-Human Race staff were alien races who joined the Company due to an accident was a bluff. It turns out it's true?"

"Found fellow countrymen?"

He immediately realized the significance of this matter and promptly transmitted the discovery back to Pierpoint.

Pierpoint, Strategic Investment Department emergency meeting.

In the holographic projection, the dreamlike floating islands and images of the fox-Human Race from Gze's ring System slowly rotated.

Chen Hao's fingers lightly tapped the table, his gaze sweeping over the attendees. Several Directors from the Strategic Investment Department, as well as Yukun, the head of the External Affairs Department, who had been specially summoned.

To be honest, Chen Hao was stunned when he first received the report.

He never expected that this Universe would have local residents, no, local foxes.

"Everyone has seen the situation." Chen Hao smacked his lips. "I never imagined encountering 'local residents' in this manner at the end of the Orion Arm."

"What do you all think? Speak your minds."

Everyone's gaze simultaneously turned to Yukun.

This former Helm Master of the Sky-Faring Commission from the Xianzhou Luofu, now a high-ranking official of the Company, was intently staring at the images of her compatriots, who bore a striking resemblance to her.

Complex light flickered in her usually calm eyes—shock, curiosity, and even a hint of familiarity.

"Director Yukun," Director Shajin began, "you are the one with the most authority to speak among us. I believe the Chairman convened this meeting mainly to hear your opinion."

"In your view, how should this matter be handled? Should we make contact, or observe?"

Yukun took a deep breath, calming her emotions: "Chairman, Directors. Based on the video data, this Gze fox-Human Race civilization's physiological characteristics are highly similar to our Xianzhou fox-Human Race, but there are significant differences in their living environment and cultural manifestations. Their ability to establish a stable ecosystem in such an extreme environment indicates their civilization must possess unique aspects."

"The images show their activities are orderly, with no signs of panic. This may mean they possess some ability or technology we are not yet aware of."

"I recommend immediate formal contact. With the highest level of etiquette, to express our respect and goodwill."

She looked at Chen Hao, volunteering: "If the Chairman agrees, I request to personally lead a team to Gze. My presence might make it easier to build trust and eliminate possible misunderstandings."

Chen Hao exchanged glances with the Directors, then nodded: "Granted. You will be fully responsible for this matter, with the External Affairs Department and the Strategic Investment Department collaborating."

"Additionally, you are permitted to mobilize a squadron from the Luofu Fleet for escort, to ensure safety."

"Understood!" Yukun accepted the order, a glint flashing in her eyes.

Chen Hao knew Yukun had some personal motives, but as long as it was beneficial to the Company overall, he would turn a blind eye.

Weeks later, the Company delegation, led by the flagship "Cloud Rider" carrying Yukun, slowly approached the largest floating island in Gze's ring System, "Dreamweaver's Main Court," escorted by several Luofu warships.

When the fleet exited warp and appeared at the outer edge of the ring System, the sight before them astonished even the well-traveled Yukun and her entourage.

There were no defensive turrets, no tense fleet standoffs.

Above the vast floating island, thousands of fox-Human Race floated in the air, holding crystals emitting a gentle glow, chanting ethereal and ancient songs.

The light converged into rivers, the songs intertwined into celestial music, forming a grand, dreamlike, and solemn ceremony against the backdrop of the magnificent colors refracted by the ring System's ice crystals.

The entire island, and even the surrounding ring System space, was filled with a serene yet fervent atmosphere of welcome.

"They... are they welcoming us?" the accompanying cultural attaché asked in disbelief.

Yukun gazed at that ocean of light and song, the sense of familiarity growing stronger, but at the same time, a deeper sense of distinction also emerged.

The energy fluctuations from these fox-Human Race compatriots were distinctly different from those emitted by the fox-Human Race in the Star Rail Universe when manipulating the "Butterfly Illusion."

More introverted, more peaceful, very much like a spiritual resonance.

At the landing platform, an elderly fox-Human Race, the High Priestess Huanguang, holding an ancient wooden staff and draped in a star-patterned robe, waited silently, surrounded by many Elders.

Her eyes were clear and profound, as if she could see into people's hearts.

Yukun descended the gangway, greeting her with ancient Xianzhou etiquette.

When she looked up, revealing her equally pointed fox ears, a knowing and relieved smile flickered in High Priestess Huanguang's eyes.

"I am High Priestess Huanguang, starlight envoys from afar, welcome to the Isle of a Thousand Dreams." Huanguang's voice was like that of a gentle and loving Elder. "Our long wait has finally found its echo."

"We have already seen your figures in the dreams of the stars."

Yukun's heart trembled, but she maintained her elegant composure: "High Priestess, you flatter us. Yukun, Head of the External Affairs Department of the Interstellar Peace Company, has come to visit by the command of Chairman Qlipoth."

"I know. Such an existence can only be revered."

After the welcome ceremony, the "Spark Festival," both parties held a private discussion in the Dreamweaving Hall.

In the center of the hall was a massive star map naturally formed by countless glowing fibers; points of light flowed, faintly revealing parts of the contours of the Star Domain explored by the Company.

After exchanging much basic information, the Company's delegation was somewhat surprised. This seemingly not vast civilization possessed considerable achievements in technological advancement.

If classified by energy, they had already reached the Early Stage of nuclear Fusion.

However, limited by resource endowments, they had also reached a certain limit.

After a long conversation, Yukun finally asked the doubt in her heart: "High Priestess, forgive my directness. Our arrival should have been sudden for your esteemed party, so why are you not only unguarded but also welcoming us with such a grand ceremony?"

Huanguang gently stroked the wooden staff in her hand, her gaze distant, as if piercing through space and time: "Child, though I do not know where you come from, nor why many of you are so similar to us Gze fox-Human Race, I can feel a sense of familiarity."

"We cannot weave illusory dreams for them like you can, but our dreams can occasionally glimpse fragments of the future."

He pointed to the giant star map: "In countless shattered dreams, our 'Dreamweaver's Council' collectively saw a vision."

"Stars burned, civilizations withered, the Universe fell into a deadly silence, leaving only darkness and ashes. But in that desperate scene, only your light had not been extinguished."

"Like the only lighthouse in the darkness, shining resiliently."

Huanguang looked at Yukun, her eyes full of sincerity, and stated with conviction: "We dreamed of burning stars, and you are the only light not consumed by the fire."

"You are hope, why should we fear hope?"

Collective precognitive dreams!

Yukun understood instantly.

This Gze fox-Human Race possessed a racial talent distinctly different from that of the Xianzhou fox-Human Race. A fuzzy precognitive ability for macroscopic fate, utilizing collective consciousness and some unknown means!

Soon, Yukun's detailed report appeared on the Strategic Investment Department's conference table.

"Collective precognitive dreams... Although not precise down to specific events and times, this macroscopic perception of a civilization's fate has immeasurable strategic value." Director Shajin first affirmed, "Integrating them into the Company is an excellent choice."

Jade also gave a high evaluation after reading the analysis report: "Their social structure is highly harmonious, they place extreme importance on contracts and commitments, they advocate communication and learning, and they naturally possess strong adaptability."

"Moreover, because of the future possibilities they have seen, they highly identify with the concept of Preservation and subtly show an inclination to believe in the Chairman."

"I believe Director Yukun's proposal is reasonable and feasible."

General Jing Yuan smiled languidly: "From my understanding of Yukun, she doesn't mix too much personal emotion into official matters. Therefore, I also trust her judgment. For both public and private reasons, there's no reason to refuse."

"Although their population numbers in the millions, compared to the Company's current size of over eighty million employees, they are but a drop in the ocean once integrated into the Company System, yet they can bring unique perspectives and abilities."

Fuhuan also nodded slightly: "From the divination of the Matrix of Prescience, the Karma is deeply rooted, and acceptance is an auspicious omen."

Chen Hao listened to everyone's opinions and made a decision: "In that case, the Interstellar Peace Company officially accepts the Gze fox-Human Race as its first alien affiliated race."

"Respect their cultural traditions, do not interfere too much. The Company can provide protection and development support, but they must also encourage their talents to join the Company for employment."

"This matter will be handled by Yukun, and she will report directly to me for subsequent Fusion matters."