Feicui Long takes a pause to drink something to refresh his throat.
Meanwhile, the women and girls are restless as they wait.
Then, Feicui Long resumes the story.
…
It is then when, within the clan council above the heavens, something is suggested, something never before thought of: creating new life. Although they did not know how, they believed it should be possible, especially due to their own existence.
So, they begin the experiments once again, gathering their best refiners-smiths, alchemists, inscription masters, rulers of life, lords of origin, guardians of creation, and masters of order. The last four are specializations within the clan, where a member of their race specializes in one of the ten laws.
With all of them gathered, the New Life Project was initiated, and they studied their own anatomy to exhaustion, analyzing which parts made up a living being. There, they discovered that every existing being, whether alive or undead, possessed a body, a soul, a spirit, and a mind.
With this knowledge, after great effort, they manage to create perfect bodies based on their own, perfect souls based on theirs, perfect spirits based on theirs, and perfect minds based on theirs. The problem now is how to unite them. A genius of unknown name, nicknamed the Unifier of Life, emerges and succeeds in doing so through his mastery of the four laws mentioned earlier.
But… something happened, or rather, nothing happened, because although these beings were perfectly functional with everything they should have, they did not open their eyes. They seemed like inert bodies without any life, but the strange thing was that they did have life: their hearts beat, they breathed, and they even ate.
All the girls and women watch as people move back and forth, using powers unimaginable to them before this moment. They see formations that compact energy into something tangible, artifacts that are glass tubes containing floating bodies, and liquid medicine within those tubes, a sight that is both disturbing and marvelous.
All of this is believed to have been wasted, so many resources lost, so much time invested, now trapped in limbo. The clan above the heavens worries that this failure will destabilize them. Desperate, the council offers a reward: whoever manages to awaken the bodies in the "New Life" project will be recognized as a hero in life, remembered until the end of time, and granted one of the greatest rewards ever seen.
It was not until a great genius emerged, a genius on the level of the one who created the Emerald Sphere, that things changed. He dedicated himself to studying the complete bodies, analyzing and understanding them, ultimately concluding that they lacked something, something that they, the creators, possessed but these bodies did not.
With the limited funds assigned to him, he created another body, the body of an extraordinarily beautiful woman, one of the most beautiful women in all existence. With this body, he intended to try everything to awaken it. He used lineage, injected abilities, pure energy, inscriptions, and more. Although each addition seemed to improve the body, nothing was enough to awaken it.
This genius immersed himself further and further into his research, even going to the extreme of using his own money to fund it. This went on for so long that he was nearly driven to bankruptcy, but instead of stopping, his obsession only grew stronger. It grew so much that he even fell in love with the body he had created, looking at it with desire every time he entered. Fortunately, he never decided to cross the line.
When the women see the images in sequence, they are left stunned. The girl in them is so beautiful that she is difficult to describe. But they are also shocked by the genius. They can see how time passes and how he sinks into a madness similar to an addiction.
But the genius never gave up. When the project was almost closed, the genius, in his room, then thought that if they used the power with which they were born, it could awaken his beloved. But how could he extract a law and give it a physical form… then the unthinkable crossed his mind, the emerald orb of uncontrollable power… this could be his key.
That night, he sneaked into the treasury of the Clan Above the Heavens with his pass. Using an artifact of his own creation, he infiltrated the forbidden zone. From there, he proceeded to the most heavily guarded area, and at the very bottom of it all was the chained sphere. Each chain emanated an irresistible domain; you could not refuse to do its bidding, and its will was yours. Using his master's key, the chains receded, and he took the sphere with him.
In his laboratory, he did everything he could, but the sphere almost went out of control. He had to contain it with several artifacts, but he managed to create a formation that connected to the crystal tube in which his love was floating. The formation injected that great power, though in a much more limited and precise manner. Yet, with everything the genius had done to the woman's body, it seemed closer and closer to awakening.
Almost all the women felt as if their hearts were beating a thousand times per minute, with only three exceptions: Isabella, Mariane, and Freja. Those who did feel it experienced the passion of this genius, his dedication not only to his work but also to his beloved.
As the days passed, the body responded more and more, until one day, the guards of the Clan Above the Heavens noticed that the sphere had disappeared. Upon investigating, they discovered the whereabouts of the genius. He was captured, and both his beloved and the artifact in which he had hidden the sphere were taken to the council.
When he was about to be sentenced to death, the woman opened her eyes. She quickly scanned the crowd, and when she saw the genius, her heart beat. The sphere, which had been hidden, responded to her newly awakened feelings, sending her its limitless power. The woman shattered the crystal tube and unleashed an incredible wave of power, one so immense that even the guards could not easily block it, sending them flying through the air.
The woman quickly took the genius and protected him behind her. The Celestial Sovereign of this generation, seeing this and feeling impressed, stopped everyone as the council members were about to fight. And although the woman was powerful, the strongest members of the Clan Above the Heavens were present, making it certain death.
The words of the Celestial Sovereign were, "You have done it. My congratulations, great genius."
The genius had achieved his goal… he had created life. But that did not matter to him, because in front of him was his beloved. He embraced her from behind, and she instinctively responded to his embrace. The woman, though unconscious, could see all the effort this man had put into her body, all the love and care, all the dedication. From the very first moment, she had fallen in love with him…
This time, almost all the girls felt as if their hearts were about to burst from the adrenaline. Without realizing it, they had been worried that this genius might never be able to see his beloved. But not only did they witness their reunion, they also saw how their love was reciprocated.
And this woman was the first original dragon, the Platinum Dragon, the mother of all dragons. The unparalleled genius was given the title of the Giver of Life, but more importantly, among the dragons, he would be known as the Golden Dragon, the father of all dragons, even though he was not a dragon.
As for the green sphere, it would be the first divine authority to exist, the divine authority of power. But since it was the cause of the dragons' creation, it would be named the divine authority of dragons, and the same would happen with the law of power.
As for why the genius would be known that way, it is simple. The original race, although they primarily used the form that today would be known as the human form, could take many shapes. At that time, these shapes had no names, but they were very similar to beasts, elementals, magical beings, and other clans related to their laws. Because of this, the genius could take the form of a dragon.
But this obviously did not stop there. The children of this genius and the dragoness were called the original dragons, and all of them were extremely powerful, making for a great army of conquest. Their problem was that they had a birth rate very similar to that of the race that created them. So they came up with an idea: take the genes of their children and create slightly weaker versions, dividing them into Eastern and Western dragons with different roles. Some were meant to guard treasures and places, while others served as combat units and protectors of people. However, later on, they realized that both types were quite similar, so they began assigning them to any role.
But even though they were slightly weaker, do not think the difference was that great. Still, it was enough to allow them to have a much higher birth rate. By the way, these are the true dragons that you mostly know today. Although the original dragons still exist, I was an original dragon, which is why I could switch between the two dragon forms. But now, original dragons are quite rare to see.
By the way, the other clans created their races thanks to the Clan Above the Heavens. The Infernal Clan kidnapped one of their researchers to extract the information, and although the Clan Above the Heavens launched an invasion to rescue him and succeeded, the Infernal Clan had already stolen the secrets, as they had also been stuck in the creation of their race. The Balance Clan took advantage of the commotion to copy the stolen information.
That is how the other two races emerged: the Infinite Clan and the Supreme Clan. As a result, their authorities and laws were renamed. The same happened with the other newly created clans. The Beast Clan, its divine authority, and its wild law were renamed the Law of Beasts. The Plant Clan, its authority, and the Law of the Green were renamed the Law of Plants. The Fungus Clan, its authority, and the Law of Spores were renamed the Law of Fungi. And so it was with the other clans.
Thus, the Supreme Divine Authorities and their laws were established: those of the Superior Rank, which held the highest divine authority and dominated the primordial concepts of the universe. Among them were Time and the Clan of Space, the End and the Clan of the End, the Origin and the Clan of the Origin, Dragons and Power, Infinity and the Race of Infinity, as well as Supremacy and the Supreme Race.
Then came those of the High Rank, which governed the essential forces of existence, maintaining the balance between creation and destruction, life and death, chaos and order. These included Creation and the Clan of Creation, Destruction and the Clan of Destruction, Life and the Clan of Life, Death and the Clan of Death, Reincarnation and Destiny, along with the Clan of Destiny and Reincarnation, Chaos and the Clan of Chaos, and finally, Order and the Clan of Order.
Those of the Medium Rank represented transcendental and mystical aspects, linked to the forces of the cosmos and the mastery of higher arts. These included Yin and Yang and the Race of Yin and Yang, the Mystical Energies, Inscriptions, Alchemy, Refinement-Blacksmithing, the Celestial or of the Heavens and the Celestial Race, the Infernal or of the Hells and the Infernal Race, the Balance between Heaven and Hell or of the Limbos and the Limbo Race, as well as the Mastery of Weapons.
Those of the Low Rank governed fundamental aspects of cultivation and the existence of clans, including External Cultivation, Internal Cultivation, the Divine Clan, the Demonic Clan, the Beast Clan, the Plant Clan, and the Fungus Clan.
Finally, those of the Inferior Rank, although at the lowest level of the hierarchy, still possessed immeasurable power within their domains. These included the Void and the Clan of the Void, the Clan of Monsters, the Magical Clan, the Spiritual Clan, the Elemental Clan, the Psionic Clan, and the Clan of the Undead.
…
Feicui Long, finally a little tired, says, "This is the true origin of the Dragon Clan."
Gloria, after hearing and seeing this, says, "I have doubts because some clans were created by races that have nothing to do with them, like the Infinite or the Dragon, and even the Balance Clan. Also, how do you know all this?"
Feicui Long, tired, replies, "Simple, because they were created later. Once there was more experience in this field, it became easier, so the Balance Clan took advantage of it to create races like the Celestial and the Infernal before those who possessed the laws did. As for the Dragon, Infinite, and Supreme races, it was because they inherited part of the Law of Mystical Energy, which had not yet incarnated in anyone. With that, they used it as a foundation for their own."
Isabella then asks the question that many of the women have been waiting to ask: "But what does this story have to do with the functioning of the Dragon Clan?"
Feicui Long smiles tiredly and says, "Calm down, all in due time. Let's begin by explaining this."
Feicui Long pours himself a third cup of wine. "Let's start with the titles. Titles are not like the ones you mortals use. Rather, the ones you use are mere mock imitations of those of the superior races. The titles of the superior races are not merely to reflect status, but they serve a purpose, and they are as follows: Knight, Baron, Viscount, Count, Marquis, Duke, Archduke, Prince, Regent, Lord, King, Emperor, Sovereign."
All of them make confused faces and almost manage to ask.
But they can't because Feicui Long quickly speaks, "Yes, I know they seem like the leader type, but they are different. The leader, civilized, and wild types emerge naturally due to the Law of Absolute Heaven. The titles, although now within the same law, were created by the three clans. And by the way, even though the leader, civilized, and wild types emerged first and naturally, Absolute Heaven took their names from the title system and simply added them."
Feicui Long then adds, "Besides that, they differ in many other ways. For example, they are not divided into grades, stages, or ranks. In addition, they have fewer characteristics and grant fewer benefits. But the main difference is that even though a title grants things like increased combat power, better talent, more skills, and greater abilities, its main advantage is its suppression over others of its same clan."
Feicui Long feels his throat getting a bit tired, so he drinks some wine and looks at Mariane.
Understanding her master's intention, she continues the explanation, "But don't think that the other boosts are significant. For example, at the maximum title, Sovereign, the combat power only allows you to surpass a total of three grades, nothing more. The number of skills granted is only a few, between three and five. The talent increase is not much either, and the same goes for the abilities, between three and five."
Then Mariane adds, "Only the suppression is truly impressive, even surpassing that of the leader type by 10 to 1,000 times. However, it only applies within one's minor clan or family. It decreases slightly in intermediate clans or orders, and it decreases further in major clans or phylos. For the racial clan as a whole, it drops even more, falling to between 10 and 100 times. It also affects outside the racial clan, but the further it extends, the more it diminishes, until it eventually reaches about the level of the leader type."
Feicui Long continues, "An example would be with humans. Although they originally belong to the Beast Clan and are later modified and infused with the power of the Magic Clan, making them part of the Magic Clan, the effect is then amplified against them due to proximity. If you are wondering, its purpose is to allow the three clans to easily command their armies, since there are far more of these races than the three original races, with numbers reaching between one thousand and ten thousand dragons per member of the Heavens Clan. The same happens in other races."
Everyone in the room opens their eyes. It is the first time they hear this, and it is astonishing information.
Feicui Long then says, "What I am about to say is practically sacred among the races. Many would hate me for explaining it to mortals, but here it goes. Some races, like dragons, are also divided into five categories from lowest to highest. The first are True Dragons, followed by Ancient Dragons, Archdragons, Primordial Dragons, and Supreme Dragons. Each category has its own titles. The higher the category and title, the stronger the suppression power will be, but at the same time, so will the dragon's strength, or that of the being in question."
Feicui Long then raises a finger and says, "There can only be one Sovereign per category in each universe, normally. The Supreme Dragon Sovereign is the supreme leader of the entire Dragon Race or any other race where this applies. The other Sovereigns do not have this luxury because, for example, a Supreme Dragon Empress is equivalent to the Primordial Dragon Sovereign, a Supreme Dragon Queen is equivalent to the Archdragon Sovereign, a Supreme Dragon Lady is equivalent to the Ancient Dragon Sovereign, and a Supreme Dragon Regent is equivalent to the True Dragon Sovereign. By the way, the Supreme Dragon God is equivalent to a Supreme Dragon Empress."
At this point, everyone finally starts to more or less understand and guess what Feicui Long means, but they still patiently wait, even Isabella, who bites her lip.
eicui Long says, "When I say equivalents, I do not mean just in influence or status, but in suppression or power. That is why, if the Supreme Dragon God is not the Supreme Dragon Sovereign, the one they will obey is the latter and not the former. Everything I just explain, by the way, applies to all races or species on the level of a dragon, such as the Infinite Clan, the Supreme Clan, or the Phoenix Clan."
Feicui Long lets out a sigh and says, "Now, the reason for this endless explanation is that the hierarchy of the Dragon Clan is based on five things. Let's start with number five. Strength or power is one of the most valued aspects in the Dragon Clan. Then, being female. Being a variant or mutant. One's species or bloodline. And finally, being a leader-type or possessing a title, though, as I mentioned before, the latter is valued much more."
Everyone is in shock, but this time, it is serious. They already know about number five, and the first three are also the same in mortal races. But number four? Isn't the Dragon Race supposed to be patriarchal?
Seeing their shocked expressions, Feicui Long smiles bitterly and says, "I know it is surprising, but the Dragon Clan is not actually a patriarchal clan. I know it may seem that way because most of the encounters are with male dragons, but it is a matriarchal clan, just like the Phoenixes, the Elves, or the Goblins, who are mostly matriarchal."
Feicui Long then adds, "I know it is shocking, but that is why I tell you the story. The first dragon of all is a woman. But it is not just because she is a woman that women's status in general is higher than a man's, it is because of their strength. As you see in the illusion, the mother is colossal for a dragon, and that trait is inherited by her daughters and their descendants. In other words, female dragons are larger, but not only that, they are also generally stronger."
Feicui Long drinks the entire bottle before saying, "That is why almost all kingdoms, nations, forces, or clans are ruled by women of the Dragon Race. They are the ones who decide everything, who to marry or whom they want to take as their own. Dragons, though they may not seem like it due to most encounters being with young male dragons, are not an anarchic race. On the contrary, they are highly hierarchical."
Everyone looks at him and Isabella for a moment. It seems they are starting to understand why he has difficulty dealing with women.
Ignoring this, Feicui Long continues, "That is why many young ones, fleeing from arranged or forced marriages or because they cannot find a partner within the clan, kingdom, force, or whatever it may be, go out to search for one. These are young, hot-blooded men who want to be free, to find a partner who will not oppress them, or simply to enjoy their lives. This is also why there are so many dragon-blooded individuals scattered around."
Feicui Long looks at Isabella and says, "This is why I resisted giving you the ring. Within the Dragon Clan, I am a treasure that all dragonesses have always desired to possess and take into their hands. When I had my power and my dragon body, due to hierarchy and strength, no one dared to try. But now, as a human, although I can cultivate more or less, I do not have the ability to resist. But more importantly, even if they do nothing to me because of my disciples, they could do something to you and your family. To them, you are staining me in their eyes."
Isabella finally understands everything: why that dragoness gave her that advice, why Feicui Long avoided revealing this. And although she certainly feels fear, she has only Feicui Long in her heart, along with a few loved ones. But he has taken the first place. Moreover, in her heart, to her, he belongs to her. Something inside her tells her that she must take him for herself, that it is her right, and her heart resonates with it. No matter what threat comes, she will face it, because she is the heir of a proud lion. She is Isabella Skylion.
While Isabella is thinking that, Feicui Long adds, "Thus, perhaps the Feicui Clan also comes to cause trouble, even though they are not allowed to interfere in my life. They will not do anything directly, but they can incite others to harass your family, so we must prepare for that."