Chapter 47 – Flames in the House of Red Phoenix
The Quelling of the Uprising
The news of Feng Haoran's recovery spread through the halls of the Auction House like wildfire. Factions that had rallied around Sun Rong's coup suddenly faltered when the Auction Lord himself strode into the great audience chamber, thin but standing tall, his aura steady once more.
Lin Xuan's group walked at his side. The sight alone—Cloudsky disciples standing guard beside the reborn Auction Lord—snuffed out the bravado of would-be rebels. Sun Rong's supporters melted away, and those who hesitated bent the knee when they saw Feng Haoran's eyes sharp with authority again.
It was not the disciples' blades that quelled the uprising, but their presence—an unspoken warning that Cloudsky itself now stood behind Red Phoenix.
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Promises Remembered
Later, in a private chamber, Xiaoyue knelt by her father's side, recounting everything that had transpired: the ambush, her vow to Lin Xuan's group, the Heavenly Elixir that had saved his life.
Feng Haoran listened in silence, then nodded slowly. "An upright man honors debts, even when his daughter wagers them in desperation." His eyes turned to Lin Xuan. "The Red Phoenix Auction House will fulfill every promise made to you."
Lin Xuan inclined his head politely. "Then allow me to present our need."
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The Ingredients
He unfurled the jade slip containing the Sect Master's Pill recipe, listing rare herbs, ores, and spiritual essences scattered across the land. Feng Haoran studied it with a practiced eye, then summoned attendants to fetch records from the vault.
Hours later, two items were laid before them:
Starlight Ginseng, roots gleaming faintly under torchlight.
Frozen Marrow Jade, a crystalline ore said to condense qi as if it were liquid.
"Two of the ingredients you seek," Feng Haoran said. "Rare, but we possess them. Consider them gifts—repayment for restoring my life."
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The Ransom of the Guards
When the matter of their captured Red Phoenix guards arose, Feng Haoran smiled faintly. "They are mine, and yet you hold them. To ransom them back is fair."
The disciples were escorted to the Auction House vault. Banners of red silk fluttered, golden braziers illuminating rows of treasures—blades, scrolls, cauldrons, and jewels.
"Choose one item," Xiaoyue said softly. "As ransom for our men. It will be honored without dispute."
The disciples exchanged looks, already debating which treasure would aid their journey most.
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Xiaoyue's Interest
As they walked the vault, Xiaoyue lingered close to Lin. Her eyes softened, a mix of gratitude and curiosity.
"You saved my life and healed my father. Red Phoenix owes you more than we can repay," she murmured. "I hope this alliance brings us closer."
Lin smiled politely, though his tone remained courteous distance. "Alliances are built on deeds, not words. What matters is that Red Phoenix stands as promised."
Her lips pressed thin, but she said no more.
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A Letter of Alliance
Before they departed, Feng Haoran sealed a letter with his personal crest, the phoenix mark pressed deep into wax.
"Deliver this to your Sect Master. It affirms our alliance—Red Phoenix Auction House and Cloudsky Sword Sect, bound in mutual strength. May it deter opportunists who circle you in weakness, just as it deters those who circle us."
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Departure
The disciples left Red Phoenix City at dawn, the phoenix banners rippling in the morning breeze. Packs heavier with treasures, hands steady with new purpose, they turned their eyes toward the map that still held many blank spaces.
They had secured the Heart Orchid.
They had gained two more rare ingredients.
They had bound the Red Phoenix Auction House into their cause.
But beyond the horizon, the next ingredient waited in forbidden lands.
The expedition had only just begun.