Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

After receiving Shepard's report, the Citadel was naturally bewildered. They weren't doubting Shepard's honesty, as this matter could be easily verified through investigation. And since Shepard, as a Spectre, spoke so assertively, the Citadel had no choice but to believe it. Helplessly, the Citadel had to send another diplomatic team to the Nomadic Galaxy to communicate with Fang Zheng.

However, the process of communication wasn't smooth.

Initially, the Citadel Council wanted to invite the Heavenly Dao Palace to join the Citadel, just as they had done with other races. However, Fang Zheng outright refused. It was a joke; joining the Citadel would mean adhering to their laws and rules, which Fang Zheng clearly would not allow for the Heavenly Dao Palace to follow an external power's regulations.

This left the Citadel delegation bewildered. In their experience, most civilized races, upon learning about the Citadel, would choose to join—however, this Heavenly Dao Palace...

So unreasonable!

"We hope you can understand that the Citadel's treaties are meant to regulate the development of various civilizations within the Milky Way to avoid unnecessary dangers..."

"But why is it up to you to decide?"

Looking at the Asari envoy in front of him, Fang Zheng, in his Time Dragon form, had nothing but disdain.

"Your rules and laws are just that—your rules and laws—not the truth of this universe. The Heavenly Dao Palace doesn't seek anything from the Citadel and doesn't want to join it. So why should we follow your rules?"

"You..."

Listening to the verbal skirmish between the two sides, Shepard, standing aside, secretly envied the Heavenly Dao Palace. As a human, she was well aware of the hardships humans faced within the Citadel. Although joining the Citadel did broaden their horizons and allow interaction with other alien races, ultimately, it was because humans were too weak.

It's important to know that back then, humans chose to join the Citadel mainly due to the threat of war with the Turui Empire. Although the Asari mediators at the time didn't state it outright, humans weren't foolish; they understood that the hidden implication was that only by joining the Citadel would the mediation be effective. If they refused, full-scale war with the Turui Empire would be unavoidable.

At that time, humans had just ventured out of the Solar System, and their strength in this regard wasn't nearly as strong as the Turui, so they had no choice but to swallow their pride and accept the Citadel Council's suggestion to join.

After joining, their technological development was also restricted. For example, the Citadel prohibited the creation of artificial intelligence AI, rendering centuries of human research in AI nearly sealed and discarded. Even in warship construction and development, there were significant restrictions. Humans also went to great lengths, sacrificing many resources, and barely managed to secure a position within the Citadel.

Had it not been for Shepard single-handedly defeating the rogue agent Saren and the Sovereign, humans might still be years away from qualifying to join the Citadel Council.

From Shepard's perspective, the Heavenly Dao Palace's experience was quite similar to that of humans. Both first had armed conflicts with the Turui, almost reaching the brink of war, and then the Citadel Council sent people to negotiate, attempting to absorb this nascent power into the Citadel Alliance.

However...

"The Heavenly Dao Palace adheres to a non-alignment strategy. We will not form alliances with any power, organization, civilization, or race, nor will we unnecessarily become enemies with any. Therefore, we won't join the Citadel and certainly won't act according to the Citadel's laws and rules. We have our own laws and rules, and we only abide by them."

Facing Fang Zheng's response, the Citadel's delegation was left speechless, completely at a loss for words.

But what could they do?

Military threats were useless. During their time at the Heavenly Dao Palace, the delegation had also investigated its civilization and technology, reaching the same conclusion as Shepard: evidently, this was a force with technological power that surpassed even existing civilizations. Although their numbers seemed not vast, their formidable strength made it clear they feared no adversary.

If a conflict really did arise... the consequences would be unimaginable.

In the end, the Citadel had no choice but to compromise.

What the Citadel delegation signed with the Heavenly Dao Palace wasn't the membership agreement they had hoped for but rather a "Non-Aggression Pact," wherein both parties agreed not to invade each other's territories. In the exploration of undeveloped star systems, the one who first occupies a star system gains development rights over it.

Without permission, neither side may enter the other's star systems. If warnings are ignored, expulsion or even attack may follow.

For the Citadel, this was evidently not what they had hoped to see. But for Shepard, witnessing this scene was refreshingly satisfying.

If humans had the strength of the Heavenly Dao Palace back then, perhaps they wouldn't have had to make concessions in the Citadel.

Unfortunately, lacking the skill, bowing down was unavoidable.

In theory, once the treaty was signed, Shepard and her party could head back, but...

"An observation group?"

Standing in the communications room, looking at Anderson before her, Shepard was bewildered. However, Councilor Anderson nodded.

"Yes, the Heavenly Dao Palace will send an observation group to our star system for observation and exchange. Upon my suggestion, we've selected you and the Normandy as the leaders of this observation group."

"Wait, why me? You should know there are more important things than being a tour guide right now!"

Upon hearing Anderson's response, Shepard immediately jumped up. What a joke! The Reapers would soon come to harvest the entire Milky Way, and there were a mountain of things to investigate on her side. Where would she find the time to play tour guide to the Heavenly Dao Palace?

However, Anderson's expression was even graver than Shepard imagined.

"Precisely because of that, we need a stronger force to support us. If what you say is true, relying only on ourselves is clearly insufficient to resist the Reapers. Though they haven't joined the Citadel, they're still part of the Milky Way..."

At this point, Anderson lowered his voice.

"This isn't just my opinion; it's also the opinion of the Star Alliance."

Upon hearing this, Shepard understood immediately.

Evidently, humanity also has its eyes on the Heavenly Dao Palace's super technology and is attempting to negotiate with them to improve their technology. It seems this negotiation has also stirred emotions on humanity's side.

After all, in this universe, might makes right.

"What do I have to do?"

"You continue your mission to investigate the intelligence on the Reapers and Collectors. This observation group will act alongside you. I hope you'll make them understand that the Reapers are not just enemies of the Star Alliance or the Citadel but of all living beings in the Milky Way. If it's true, as you say, that the Reapers will soon attack and harvest the Milky Way, we need a stronger and more formidable ally."

At this point, Anderson's voice also took on a serious tone.

"This is my order to you, understood, Commander Shepard?"

"Understood!"

Hearing this, Shepard immediately straightened up and saluted.

"Mission accomplished!"