The Golden Throne

"I just taught them the basic syntax, and sent them to the spirit realm. It looks like the standards of the spirits have fallen, as about eighty of our kids have awakened marks.", he told Liu Feng.

"Good, keep going. About nine thousand spirits have not given out contracts yet. We need to get all of them. There will be a war coming, and I need to be prepared. Let us go somewhere with some privacy.", Liu Feng spoke with Lucas in a hushed voice, so that no one else could hear them.

Amelia stayed there, knowing that she was not invited. Liu Feng and Lucas went to the altar, and started conversing.

"What do you know about demons, Lucas? Do you know that they exist, at least?"

"Of course. It was the biggest war in the history of Dicain. A horrible memory, that I just wish everyone forgets. It just boggles me how it was omitted in your history books. In fact, I did want to speak with you about it, but I stopped, I did not want such horrible truth to come to the surface without any reason."

"Well, they are back. You heard me right. The demons have resurfaced.", Liu Feng said, his face truly solemn.

"Back? Impossible. I am sure that we have defeated them quite thoroughly the last time around. They were killed. Every last one of them. They can't come back, not unless some one is deliberately bringing them in. No one here is ready to face demons. Dicain will fall in a matter of moments if this is the situation, Liu Feng. If you are absolutely sure about what you said, then this is no longer time to dilly dally on some stupid school. You must be preparing for the worst war of your entire life!"

"Don't worry, I think that we have a little time, but the problem seems to be that the standards of magic in Dicain have fallen drastically. I have seen the people of the four countries, and they are weak. Pitifully weak. I mean it. For now, train the kids to the best of your ability, and start importing a lot of orphans. I need a huge army, and I am willing to go to any expense. I will even 'buy' slaves. Remember, by next year, we need to have at least a thousand in the third order.", Liu Feng said, his voice a little agitated.

"A thousand? That will be difficult, but I can try. But we will need help with the stronger enemies. They can be as strong as the ninth order, and we have no one on our side who is as powerful.", Lucas warned Liu Feng.

"Well, about that, remember how I contracted a fire spirit? Well, I lied to you about who I contracted to. I am terribly sorry that I had to keep it from you. I wanted to keep it a secret, so that no one actually knew who I was contracted to. A matter of safety, that's all.", Liu Feng started.

"Stop beating around the bush and tell me.", Lucas snapped back.

"I am the contractor of Pyrus, the king of Fire, and that gives me certain benefits."

"Wait, did you say Pyrus? Doesn't that mean that we have a few others on our side. I remember that the King of the fire spirits had control over the - dragons.", Lucas said, barely whispering the last part.

"That's right, Lucas. I do indeed have command of the Dragons They will arrive in the coming summer. I will be there mostly, but if I am not, you have to explain to them the situation.", Liu Feng finally spilled the beans.

"What the hell are you talking about? You never thought about mentioning this to me? Come on, Liu Feng. Dragons are coming here this summer. Do you know how prideful they are? How easily they get offended?", Lucas raged.

"Well, I already met one of the dragons. He is my personal body guard, and he seems pretty nice. He was not any of those things that you just said."

"You have to start telling me more things, Liu Feng. Well then, I have classes to teach, and they just became more important with the news that you just said.", he said to Liu Feng.

Liu Feng nodded at Lucas, and Lucas nodded back. Liu Feng left with Amelia. The shadow guard had already retreated to the shadows.

"What were you talking about that was so important? It seemed pretty important, and you are just thirteen years old."

Liu Feng flicked Amelia's forehead. "So are you. Don't worry about it."

They went to the market now. Amelia saw a variety of shops that she had never been to, and even the normal ones were foreign to her. But the one shop that caught her eye was the jewelry shop. Liu Feng had introduced multiple modern designs that were not present anywhere else, and these sold like hotcakes. She rushed to the shop, and admired the pieces.

"Do you want to try them out?". He gestured at the merchant in charge, who took out the necklace that she was staring at. Liu Feng offered to help put it. As he was putting the necklace, they got very close to each other, and Amelia could feel Liu Feng breathing down her neck. Meanwhile, Liu Feng could smell the sweet scent of Jasmine from her. They both blushed, and after Liu Feng put on the necklace, he backed away.

Amelia saw herself in the mirror, and she loved the necklace. 

"I will take this one. How much is it?"

"No need to worry ma'am. The golden debit card that your boyfriend has provided is more than sufficient."

"Boyfriend? He is not my boyfriend.", Amelia's face went red, and Liu Feng smiled.

"Well I am going to be. Thank you for your time.", Liu Feng said, giggling.

"What do you mean, going to be. I still didn't accept anything. Don't tell anyone what you said ever again.", Amelia said.