Here is an idea I am undecided about for wuxia space opera space travel:

The River is a hyperspace channel that threads throughout the galaxy, it is near every population centre and planet so that people can travel offworld to reach it and then drop into it, via a portal called a Dragon Gate, and then travel FTL to wherever.

However the River must remain 'pure'. Thus the Dragon Shamans that exist in population centres maintain proper order, in some fashion, so as to ensure the flow of the River isn't corrupted. Were it to become so then it would open to the forces of evil and travellers would be swept to their domains.

I am undecided on this because I'm not sure it doesn't sound rather twee; "think happy thoughts people, then we can travel to alpha centauri!"