Feicui Long is alone with Cecilia, his mother-in-law. After drinking a little wine, he looks at her and says: "Thank you very much, mother, for lending the troops, but I have another favor to ask. I beg your forgiveness."
Cecilia Skylion, the leader of the Skylion family, feels curious about this son-in-law of hers. Even though their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, it has been improving over these last four months, so she asks with interest: "What's going on? It's not normal to see you being so formal. You know you are now part of the family, so go ahead and speak."
Feicui Long nods and says: "Mother-in-law, before Isabella arrives and we talk about the next part, I would like to ask if you could give me 30 of your troops, preferably between 25 and 35 years old, with experience and at most in the elemental realm."
Cecilia looks at him and laughs gracefully 'Hahaha' and then says: "Was that all? Didn't I lend you 300 troops? That's nothing."
Feicui Long shakes his head and says: "I'm not talking about lending or assigning troops to me. I would like to, how to say it, buy them, recruit them from you. Look, this is the advance payment, three platinum coins." Then Feicui Long puts exactly that amount on the table.
Cecilia practically opens her eyes wide, not because of the request itself, even if Feicui Long had asked for them as a gift, she could give them. But this is a lot of money. Just the equipment of the 30 barely costs 50 gold coins, and that includes armor, halberd, sword, bow, energy rifle, among other things.
While each cultivator of the elemental realm, although valuable, is not worth that much. Maybe in the slave union they only charge 35 to 50 silver coins for one. If they have military experience, 1 gold coin. Even peak elemental realm cultivators would barely be worth 5 gold coins. That means it would be around 2 platinum coins in total, leaving 1 platinum coin as surplus. Though it's worth noting this is only in this region because there are few cultivators, and those that exist are from low realms. But in areas with more cultivators and higher realms, you could buy them for a mere 5 silver coins.
Cecilia is about to reject the money directly, but Feicui Long's gaze tells her he won't back down, so she simply takes a token with the family's symbol. After a few minutes, an orc woman enters through the door. It is Mylene, one of the commanders of the Sky Lion Guard. Then Cecilia says: "Mylene, I want you to find the best troops in the elemental realm, between 25 and 35, with extensive combat and military experience, and bring them with full equipment to where Feicui Long will be staying later. Be quick, as they will be completely transferred to him."
Mylene bows and says: "Yes, my lady." And then she leaves the room.
Shortly after that, Isabella and Isabella's father, Johan, arrive. The four of them have dinner together, but more importantly, they have an important talk about something else.
...
Later, Feicui Long goes to a room borrowed from the Skylion family. This room is practically empty with only four chairs, just as he asked. In front of him is Mylene, who is looking at him with a suspicious smile.
Seconds later she speaks and says: "Young master Feicui Long, this is the list containing the names of the 35 female soldiers who will accompany you. The 30 are those with the most experience in the elemental realm. They are quality soldiers, I can assure you."
Feicui Long nods in understanding and asks: "What do you mean 35? Weren't they 30? Where did the 5 come from?"
Mylene answers: "Yes, but I wanted to add 5. They are technically recruits, but I see great potential in them. They're a bit shy, though. It's my instinct. Now, without further delay, young master, I hope you take good care of all of them. I have to leave."
Feicui Long watches her leave while reading the list, and suddenly realizes something and says: "Wait, what do you mean all of them? No, better said, why are they all women?"
Mylene turns around, looks at him, and just gives him an even more suspicious smile before leaving the room. This only leaves him confused with the idea that maybe she misunderstood something during the trip and the stay in Feldbach and the escort to this town.
Feicui Long gets lost in thought while the troops arrive to see him and introduce themselves. Why only women? What could she have misunderstood? Was it the fact that he was accompanied purely by women when he came to take the 300 troops? Or is she perhaps playing a prank?
Isabella looks at him confused and asks curiously: "Honey, is there a problem with them being women?"
Feicui Long replies: "I have no problem with them being women. Not at all. Gender doesn't matter much in the cultivation path, at least for mortal races. For example, in the case of humans, men are physically stronger when they don't have cultivation, but this difference barely matters in most cases and only in very specific situations it actually makes any difference."
Callista and Melisa then have their eyes light up and see this as a chance for their uncle to teach them something new: "Uncle, and why is it like that?"
Feicui Long looks at them and sighs: "Let's start, for example, with a human male cultivator using a cultivation technique with no attribute. He could easily be defeated by a female cultivator with any of the four mystical energies: elemental energies, magic, psionic or psychic power, and spiritual power."
Feicui Long then adds: "Starting with the elemental, if the female cultivator cultivates lightning or wind, that physical advantage would be insignificant, since lightning could paralyze him if he gets too close and cause great damage, especially because there's a reason it is the king of the 15 elements. With wind, that agility and speed is annoying to deal with. In the case of fire, it could burn him. In the case of elements like metal, crystal, or earth, the defenses would be hard to overcome, and in the case of metal, the physical attack of the cultivator would be very strong. And that's not even considering that an elementalist can form a pact with beings from the elemental clan to improve their control and power."
The twins look at each other and nod, implying they understand. Isabella is also listening attentively, probably doesn't know these things but feels embarrassed to admit it.
Feicui Long raises a finger while moving the telekinetic daggers he was gifted and says: "In the case of the psychic, it would be hard to get close thanks to telekinesis and the use of things like telekinetic daggers or needles. In the spiritual one, it would be difficult to deal with, especially because their attacks are hard to defend against without spiritual protection artifacts or special techniques or other things. Particularly in realms below the spiritual palace realm, without automatic defense, or below the earth palace or the astral king realm, where defensive capacity increases. Not to mention that a spiritualist tends to make pacts with beings of the spiritual clan."
Feicui Long then mentions: "As for magic, although it's true that its strength is not physical combat in many cases, many compensate for that with their companion creature pact. Every living being is born with the minimum ability to form a pact, whether they are a cultivator or not, and whatever path they follow. They might be born with more and it increases with strength. Unlike contracts and taming skills or similar, this pact, like that of elementalists and spiritualists, must be completely consensual, meaning both parties must agree. So a mage would normally have a pact creature to defend them while they attack from a distance."
The twins curiously ask: "But what if the pact creature is weak or too slow to block the male cultivator?"
Feicui Long smiles and says: "Even if we ignored it, the path of the mage is the most versatile of all, only behind the neutral or no attribute one. They can use what is known as elemental magic. Yes, with this they can command the elements. The difference is an elementalist uses elemental energy directly in a purer and more powerful way, while mages use mana to control the elemental energy. In exchange, they lose power but gain precision and manageability. This doesn't only happen in elemental magic. Depending on the type of magic, mana controls another energy."
Feicui Long then adds: "And this is important, because it means that each mage fights differently. A metallic magic mage might be more specialized in physical combat, countering the man's advantage. A wind mage would focus on speed. A lightning one on paralyzing. For example, a holy mage would focus on healing, boosting, among others. The dark one could be used to curse or weaken him. And that's without even mentioning mages like magical swordsmen, warrior mages, combat mages, etc. And everything I've said since the beginning of this explanation is only with the four most basic attributes of all, only behind neutral or no attribute energy."
The twins then nod: "Could you tell us the exceptions you mentioned, the rare cases where gender still matters?"
Feicui Long nods: "They would particularly be in special cases. For example, in the case of external cultivation this can give them an advantage, but only if they are low-quality techniques. Even a decent body cultivation technique would already give, only in elemental grade 1, the first step in cultivation, the strength of two adult men."
Callista asks: "But wouldn't that make men stronger? I mean, they'd have the strength of three human men, right?"
Feicui Long shakes his head: "No, it may seem strange but the technique doesn't give you +2 male human strength, it converts your strength into the equivalent of two adult men. That means they go from having the strength of one to two. The same applies to women, so their strengths would be the same. While with low-quality ones, the increase is very small if it's an additive increase at the start. That is, it would give something like 25% of an adult man's strength and add it to yours, so it would be noticeable."
Melisa asks: "But why would that be bad? Wouldn't that make it good quality?"
Feicui Long smiles slightly and strokes her head: "In internal cultivation maybe, but in external it's the opposite. In external you first have to build a very, very solid base, so flat increases that replace your base are better. If you have an additive increase at the start, your base won't be very strong and therefore, when you reach higher levels, your body won't withstand the strength of things like medicines, body tempering, among others."
Feicui Long then continues with the final parts: "Now continuing, even if we leave external cultivation, there are some cases in internal cultivation, especially in techniques that use attribute-less or neutral energy. But again, here the quality of the technique matters, whether it's good or bad. For example, a low-quality sword cultivation technique would rely more on the user's strength, while a good one doesn't have that dependency. Because even if it seems strange, in the sword path, physical strength is the least important. It's true that it can help, but what really matters is sword mastery, sword quality, sword aura, among other things."
Callista is surprised: "I see, but cultivating using an attribute-less technique isn't a weakness in itself?, except for those focused on weapons."
Feicui Long also touches her head and shakes his head: "No, never underestimate attribute-less or neutral energy. It's true that the vast majority of techniques are weak, but that's because most people cultivate with this energy. However, there are many that are on par with the most powerful attributes and the strongest energies and laws."
Feicui Long finally sighs and says: "In any case, to conclude, if you notice, this happens more due to external factors like the quality of the technique, artifacts and so on, so gender doesn't really matter much, at least for mortal cultivators. It's different in cases like dragons where females are stronger, since the difference is very big. A female dragon can be twice or even three times as large as a male of the same species, but not only that, they can be equal in physical and energy strength, etc. In those cases, gender does matter in the cultivation world."
Shortly after, knocks are heard at the door and Feicui Long speaks: "You may all come in."
Soon, 35 fully equipped women enter. They are from all 14 mortal races, giving a rather curious appearance, but despite that, they are very well-formed. You can see how they form units of 10 with a clearly identifiable leader, since they are the only ones with full plate armor bearing the lion emblem. The funny thing is that all of them carry different weapons. One has a halberd, another a greatsword, and another an energy rifle. On top of that, they are of different races. One is a hobgoblin, another a kijin, and the last a lesser giant, but they are not the only well-equipped ones.
For example, the archers wear leather armor, chainmail and a gambeson, and they also carry a hybrid bow capable of firing both physical and energy arrows, plus a sword for defense. The front-liners carry a halberd, a sword and shield, or an axe and shield, or a mace and shield. They also carry daggers and wear chestplates with only the front part, a gambeson, chainmail, and a metal helmet. There are other classes too, all with different equipment according to their role.
Feicui Long nods and says: "Very well, everyone, I would like to introduce myself. I am Feicui Long. I suppose you have already been informed. From today, you will no longer be linked to the Skylion family as the family's army, but as mine. So first, I would like to ask this. Those who are afraid to die may leave, although you will not be able to return to the Skylion family. You may go without problems, but of course you will have to leave your equipment behind, since it belongs to me."
Soon, a slightly irritated voice from a woman with glasses and two horns is heard: "Excuse me, with all due respect, my young lord, but all of us here are soldiers of the Skylion family's army, or rather, we were. We have fought and faced death many times. Don't think we will back down that easily."
Feicui Long nods, but before he can speak, a timid voice from a peculiar group of five sounds, trembling a bit: "Hmmm w-we-we don't w-wa-want to d-die b-but s-still w-we w-will try our best."
Feicui Long looks at them. It is obvious they are the recruits Mylene mentioned. They have a rather curious appearance. They are well-equipped like the others, but their personalities are clearly noticeable. Instead of reacting with disappointment, Feicui Long chuckles 'Hahaha' and then says: "That's good, that's good. I like your attitude. A true warrior isn't defined by the inability to feel fear, but by the fact that despite feeling it, they don't let it dominate them and face it head-on."
Feicui Long looks at Mariane and nods. After that, Mariane uses her necromancy skill to summon several humanoid monster skeletons she had created earlier. Each skeleton grabs a tray and a paper and then walks toward the 35 women. None of them are scared because they have already seen several naturally produced undead, although they have to admit the sight is a bit peculiar.
Then Feicui Long approaches the front of the women and says: "Now then, you must sign this pact. This pact is similar to the Skylion family's Sky Lion Pact. I call it the Golden-Emerald Dragon Pact. Once signed, there is no going back. You will live for me and by me. I will take you to the highest peaks of all, a peak you would have never dreamed of seeing. No, a peak that not even the current gods of this world have dreamed of. So give me your lives, and I will give you everything."
Before anyone can speak, Feicui Long continues speaking: "At this precise moment, this is your last chance to back out. This time I mean it. Those who decide not to sign will have to withdraw, and although you won't be able to return to the Skylion family's army, I will make sure you suffer no consequences. You can live your lives as adventurers, mercenaries, or hunters, though obviously, as I said, without the equipment. I know you have no loyalty toward me at this moment, so I don't want to force you. I seek loyalty, not blind obedience."
All the women stand still, frozen, or so it seems, because from those five recruits, one hyperactive girl jumps and quickly grabs the paper from the skeleton's tray and, biting her finger, lets a drop of blood fall, causing the contract to catch fire and bind her fate to Feicui Long. Her friends, realizing what she did, are left speechless. They don't even have time to stop her.
The girl who spoke stuttering before says: "W-What did you do, Rebecca?!"
Rebecca replies: "What did I do? Isn't it obvious? I signed the contract. Isn't that what we've always wanted? We joined the army to enter the Sky Lion Guard. Whether we did it or not, we would have to sign a similar pact. Even if they gave us personal freedom to have children and other things, our lives would no longer be ours, but the property of the Skylion family. Whatever it is, it doesn't change much, and besides, that opportunity is gone. After all, we formally no longer belong to the army."
The other four girls look at each other. They are thoughtful and even argue among themselves for a short moment, but in the end they do the same. They've always been together, and Rebecca, their leader, is right. They joined the army to enter the Sky Lion Guard. Now that opportunity is gone... so why not be part of something similar?
Feicui Long sees this and nods, pleased. These girls have potential, although he will have to teach the leader of the recruits to control her impulsiveness, since it could be risky to throw herself like that without thinking about anything.
Feicui Long then looks at the remaining 30. Some hesitate between leaving or staying, but the Kijin leader, who is clearly the proudest from how she responded before, does not hesitate to sign, not wanting to fall behind some mere recruits. The other 9 members of the unit, upon seeing their leader do it, also sign. Then the younger giant girl does it too, although more relaxed, and with her, her entire unit.
The hobgoblin leader is trembling in doubt. Feicui Long looks at her and her unit: "Almost all of them have signed. It's time for you to choose. There is no shame in retreating from a battle that hasn't begun. You all have cultivation and can earn a living, even without the army's gear. With what you've been paid by the army, you can buy equipment and rebuild your lives. Don't waste your life on something you don't want to do."
Upon hearing this, the hobgoblin leader begins to tremble. She got into this because her mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, uncles and aunts, even her brothers, sisters, cousins... all did it. It was almost a family tradition. Some had success and did well, others not so much, and some even died. At first she didn't like this life... but now it has become the only thing she knows...
But now she's about to lose it all... all because the young fiancé of the heir's leader had a whim... why?... why did it have to be her, of all people? Why her? She had worked so hard to become leader first of a subunit of five, then a unit leader... and not only has her cultivation stagnated in Elemental Realm grade 9, stopping her from ascending to centurion or leading a large unit of 100 people, but now she's faced with this?
That's when a soldier from her unit looks at her and says: "Captain Lamira... I think we should go. Let's not delay any longer. The other units are watching us."
That was what triggered everything inside Lamira. She can't give up here. She can't do it. She has already sacrificed so much even if she didn't want to... what was sacrificing something else? It was just another step into the void like she's always done... Lamira, immersed in a frenzy, bites her finger and lets her blood fall on the pact, sealing the contract with it. Her unit, still hesitant, each one can only sigh and sign as well.
After seeing this, Feicui Long nods and says: "Good. Now the important part is about to begin." Feicui Long then gestures to his sides and Mariane, the twins, and even Isabella run out to place four pieces of a fragmented formation. Besides that, they secure the door.
Feicui Long then sits on the center chair and waits for Isabella to sit on his right side, Mariane on the left, and the twins beside Mariane. Then he pulls out a very beautiful crown, exquisitely decorated. This is his crown, the crown he created in his first life, and then he puts it on.
Everyone is confused about what's going to happen, but Feicui Long doesn't take long to speak: "I know I truly haven't earned your trust or loyalty yet, from Captain Lamira, Captain Ada, and Captain Ayame... but that's why I'm going to reveal a secret to you, and that's why this anti-spy and soundproof formation was deployed."
Feicui Long then activates his eyes and looks at them. All 35 women look into those incredible eyes, which causes them to briefly see images from a moment that happened in the future... but they are quickly pulled out of that special image...
Because from behind Feicui Long, something comes out. This time it is even more impressive: the image of a dragon with superior emerald scales and golden dorsal scales, vivid and hyper-realistic, with four horns, one green emerald pair, another golden pair. It is not large nor small, one could say medium among dragons. It also has three gems on its forehead, almost forming a crown: an emerald in the center, an amethyst on the right, and a topaz on the left... but that is not the most impressive thing...
The most impressive thing is the eyes. The right side is emerald, the left side is amethyst. The two colors are separated in the middle by that black dragon pupil, almost as if it were a crack in reality. From the center of the pupil, two golden clock hands emerge, while on the edge of the iris, golden symbols that look like numbers can be seen. Those eyes, so unique and so special, are unforgettable... especially because... they are the same as the young man they just looked at.
Feicui Long speaks and tells them a truth that would shake their souls: "This is my special soul, the soul of the emerald-golden dragon of space and time, and I am Feicui Long, the emerald-golden dragon god of space and time, disciple of Selene Skystars, the creator of this universe. This is my seventh life and even though I am a human at this moment, I promise you that I will fulfill what I told you, because I hate not being able to keep my promises."
After that, Feicui Long extends his hand and from his crown 35 tokens come out, and thanks to his telekinesis they fly toward each of the women, who receive them confused, and Feicui Long speaks: "This is only my first proof of what I said. These artifacts are very basic, but they have the ability to recognize their owner, and inside them is the highest-level cultivation technique of my temple, only for core members who signed the emerald-golden dragon pact. But also, this version is improved. This technique has one part for external cultivation and another for internal. You will be able to see the content and listen to my explanation step by step and in detail, along with images from my memories and how it works."
Feicui Long then absorbs the special soul into his body and says: "With that said, you may leave and rest. We depart tomorrow, so also take the opportunity to say goodbye to your families and bring whatever you wish, including your partners if you have them, or if you have family, you may bring them too."