"Does Mr. Xue have some inside information?" Liu Hai was genuinely interested in the purpose of this cocktail party, successfully taking the bait.
Xue Jiye glanced at the conspicuously prominent group in the hall and explained in a low voice: "I heard it's because a natural Azure Gold Vein was discovered in the 18th Star Sector. They've already fought several battles with the Katun Civilization, losing over a thousand warships. I suspect those major players can't sustain such losses but refuse to relinquish their interests, hence this gathering."
Upon hearing Xue Jiye's words, both Irina and Liu Hai immediately understood, though they merely noted the information before moving on. Their targets had never been among the core thirty-six star sectors.
Without sufficient strength, one shouldn't constantly aspire to reach beyond their grasp. Apart from a few exceptionally delusional Pioneers, most were backed by corporations, families, or even military lords. While some might have become Pioneers through parental influence, the majority had earned their positions through capability.
Liu Hai was an anomaly among anomalies. Over thousands of years, he had single-handedly amassed the capital to establish a fleet and personally led expeditions to outer star sectors. You could count similar individuals on one hand.
"Do you two have any thoughts?" Xue Jiye persisted with his probing, undeterred by repeated rebuffs.
"No plans here. Small operations like ours shouldn't meddle in such affairs. We'll stick to exploring the sparsely populated tail end of the Third Spiral Arm," Liu Hai shook his head in immediate refusal.
Irina likewise declined outright, stating she was merely traveling to gain experience without expectations of significant gains.
Seeing neither would bite, Xue Jiye revisited his earlier proposal: "Since neither of you is interested in the central regions, why not join me exploring the middle sectors of the Third Spiral Arm? It's similarly sparsely populated—you might not encounter a Katun Civilization Exploration Fleet for years. Even if you do, both sides typically exchange brief greetings before parting ways. Minimal risk."
Li Yali narrowed her eyes meaningfully. "Mr. Xue seems to possess concrete information, already eager to depart for the Third Spiral Arm."
"Here's what we'll do—let's exchange contact codes. Certain matters aren't appropriate to discuss here. After the party, I'll send you both some materials. If interested, don't hesitate to reach out." Without further explanation, Xue Jiye exchanged codes before excusing himself to another corner booth.
"That man seems somewhat suspicious," Liu Hai muttered as he watched him leave.
Irina observed Xue Jiye's animated conversation and nodded in agreement—though his recruitment tactics seemed rather amateurish.
"Might I have the honor of partnering with Mr. Liu?"
"Partner with me? Is Ms. Irina also planning to visit the Third Spiral Arm?" Liu Hai regarded her curiously. Why was everyone suddenly flocking to remote corners? Where was their spirit of adventure?
Lady Irina exuded elegance: "Indeed, this outing is merely a casual excursion without any fixed destination. I've found Mr. Liu's conversation quite engaging and believe we could make excellent partners."
Liu Hai didn't immediately agree. He was unwilling to reveal his plans for establishing industrial bases in outer star systems. Once his capability for extraterrestrial development became known, his dreams of steady expansion and eventual dominance would be compromised.
Yet outright refusal wasn't advisable either. A rejection would practically confirm the existence of valuable resources in the Third Spiral Arm. Even uncertain rumors, if credible enough, would prompt Pioneers from the central regions to investigate—if only for a change of scenery.
"Joining forces is feasible," Liu Hai conceded, "but Miss Irina, our Starsea Fleet's capabilities may fall far short of your expectations. With our limited warp distance, we're prepared for a five-to-six-year voyage at minimum." He hoped the extended timeline would deter her.
For true newcomers, such prolonged deep-space travel with a newly formed fleet would inevitably cause internal strife.
But Liu Hai underestimated both her resolve and her resources.
"Only five or six years?" Irina remarked breezily. "I'd assumed a journey that distant would require at least a decade."
Liu Hai wondered if he hadn't fully recovered from his Intelligent Nexus training. The defining weakness of rookie fleets was their adjustment period—even military fleets required repeated extreme conditioning to achieve their flawless victory record against equivalent forces.
"This is my Elizabeth Fleet," Irina continued. "Rest assured, Mr. Liu, I don't share other Pioneers' resource obsession—though I won't refuse opportunities either."
"My sole objective is to find a Life Planet," she declared, her entire demeanor transforming as she spoke, as if undergoing sudden enlightenment. "To protect her, develop her, and become her sovereign."
Upon reviewing the transmitted data—including Elizabeth Fleet's specifications and exclusive intelligence—Liu Hai exchanged a resigned glance with Li Yali before reluctantly accepting the partnership. The negotiation nearly stalled over profit distribution.
"I thought you weren't pursuing resources?"
"Not actively," Irina countered, "but encountered assets shouldn't be wasted. At minimum, we must recoup expedition costs."
...
After painstaking negotiations, they formalized their Pioneer Agreement with military registry. The bureaucratic completion dissolved remaining barriers, prompting a flood of classified disclosures.
Liu Hai gorged on StarNet's unreported secrets until Li Xiuxian reappeared on stage during their animated exchange.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "tonight's gala approaches its conclusion. My deepest gratitude for your distinguished attendance."
His ceremonial bow preceded a final declaration: "Additionally, I'm pleased to share one more piece of excellent news."
"Three years ago, the Kindlers Legion discovered a natural Azure Gold Vein in Sector 18. The confirmed reserves on the identified mining planets alone amount to hundreds of thousands of tons."
"Additionally, there are several Star Systems that remain unexplored due to insufficient manpower within the Legion, and their resource output remains unknown."
"To bolster personnel for surveying the Azure Gold Veins in Sector 18, the Legion has decided to recruit additional forces to expand its capabilities. Any Pioneer fleets interested are welcome to contact the Legion's official website for further details."