"Pfft! No one's told you about something so important yet? That's crazy. But why are you so curious about it that you would ask me instead of others?" The Great Dragon asked.
"Well, for starters, my current wives have come to visit here. Which tells me quite a bit. So even if it was something men and women shouldn't discuss. One could say this meeting has been fated to happen. And it's easier to gain some idea by simply bringing it up even if I get no direct answer. Just seeing four young ladies' faces flushed as a result… is enough to make some inferences." I said, and then pulled a feather and a scale out. Placing both on the table. "The other reason is this. I don't think these have the same level of vibrancy. So I'm curious what power determines this Vibrancy?" I added.
"These are indeed at different levels. Your Phoenix feathers are not as Vibrant as your Dragon Scales. Hmm, perhaps your Dragon Source is more pure?" The Great Dragon said, in an unsure voice. "I know that this kind of thing can be improved by spending time in the Dragon Pond for us Dragons. But for the Phoenix Clan I'm not sure about." She added.
"So there is a way to improve it. Then I know how it works. And… it definitely isn't the purity of my Source. Otherwise one would have overpowered and swallowed the other. Instead they exist in a state of perpetual harmony." I said. "At least that solves that mystery. I should be able to improve this Vibrancy to unfathomable levels in the future. Heh heh, not going to be difficult for me." I chuckled.
"You're even more handsome up close. I wonder if it gets even better from here?" Feng Qiang smirked confidently.
"You'll find out in a couple of days. Of course, you'll have to win. Though, the four of you seem to get along well with my wives now. So I don't see a reason not to make it a little easier on you." I said with a smile.
"Wow, you really are different from the men of our clan. Most of them get reserved and let the woman take the lead in everything. This is interesting." Feng Qiang said. "What do you think about him, sister Chi Qiu?" She added.
"He is quite good. For some reason I want to catch him even more now. Especially after hearing about his rule and that he can improve Vibrancy. I want him so much more now." Chi Qiu said, with a passionate look in her eyes, and a smile.
"If that's the case then could just cancel the games and the four of us marry him right now." Bing Xue naively suggested.
"NO!" Feng Qiang, Chi Qiu and myself all said in unison.
"Sorry, even if there was such a thing. This event is not just a way for the women to claim their man. But it is also a test of strength and a test of will." I said.
"Moreover, it's a feeling ingrained in our very beings. One we can not ignore. If we didn't hold these games there would be a feeling that rises up in ourselves. A feeling of insecurity." Feng Qiang added.
"On top of that, once the union is formed through the games. The partners will gain an unbreakable bond of respect. I would refuse to simply just take a man into my nest if I haven't caught him playing the games. And no man would willingly go to a woman's nest if he had not been caught by that woman." Chi Qiu explained.
"It goes as deep as finding the right partner to raise their children. Vibrancy is not the only measure behind finding a mate. We also measure character, and that can only be determined through this game." Feng Qiang said.
"That aside, there are plenty of young men in the Phoenix Clan as well. And there will be a few others that will have their games held. Though it will happen before my games are held. Honestly I'm surprised it hasn't been adopted by the Dragon Clan. To me, it seems like an interesting way to find your partner. Straightforward and simple." I added.
"Well, the Dragon Clan is Patriarchal unlike the Phoenix Clan. Even if this generation the ladies of our Clan are better than the males… It still is like this." The Great Dragon said.
"I see, a shame honestly. Women of most any race are always more ferocious and relentless than the men. This is true of the Human Race as well. Which seems to have a sort of loose Patriarchy as well. Though Power is what is respected most." I said.
"It truly is annoying. Those two garden snakes kept attempting to court us. Even going as far as calling us their women. It was infuriating. We beat them so many times but they kept coming back." Bing Hua asked.
"Hmm, well, so long as you win in claiming me during the games then you won't have to worry. I just need you to understand. There might be a moment during the game where you'll need to get as far away from me as you can. If that moment arrives please back away. I'd rather not accidentally hurt you." I said.
"Hmm, future Husband is giving us a warning? What could happen that would hurt us? It's just a game." Bing Xue asked, surprising the other three.
"Hmm, if you already see me like this, willing to go so far as to say such things. Then I'd hope you won't ask me to elaborate any further. Just know, that if a moment comes… It will be dangerous. If you can not agree to this then I will do everything in my power to make it impossible for you to win. If you agree, then I can do everything in my power to do the opposite." I said, sternly, clearly indicating that I was not going to back down on this matter.
The four ladies looked at each other and nodded. "We agree, but you'll have to double the count." Feng Qiang said, raising her index finger.
"Fine, it's going to be a while before that can happen anyways. I'll deal with it at that time." I agreed.
"Good, then future husband can participate unbothered by anything." Feng Qiang said with a passionate smile.