Chapter 46 – Flames of Trust
The Ransom Debate
The Red Phoenix cultivator sat bound, his medallion gleaming faintly even in the fading light. Lin Xuan's hand rested on the haft of his spear as he regarded him.
"We'll ransom them back to the Auction House," Lin said. "But not for gold or spirit stones. We'll ask for one of the ingredients the Sect Master needs."
Bai Liang leaned against a broken wall, arms crossed. "They're merchants. They'll understand a trade."
Wen frowned. "Or they'll try to cheat us."
Mu tapped her chin, thoughtful. "The Auction House has always been neutral, but neutrality bends where profit lies. If we do this, we're forcing a relationship—ally or enemy."
Lin nodded. "Which is why I ask: do you all agree? This isn't just my decision."
One by one, they gave their assent. Bai Liang without hesitation, Wen with a tight nod, Mu with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes. Even the other disciples deferred, though none doubted Lin's place as expedition leader.
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The City of Red Phoenix
They descended into Red Phoenix City at dusk.
It was unlike any city they had seen. Banners embroidered with phoenix crests lined the avenues, scarlet silk fluttering in the wind. Lanterns burned with fire-infused crystals, casting warm light on marble streets polished to a sheen. Merchants shouted from gilded stalls, their wares ranging from spirit beast pelts to Heaven-grade herbs.
And above it all loomed the Red Phoenix Auction House itself: a fortress-palace of crimson stone and gold inlay, its towers shaped like wings outstretched. Wealth and power radiated from its walls like heat.
"This is no mere auction hall," Wen muttered. "This is a kingdom built on coin."
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The Heiress's Story
Inside a private chamber of the estate, Feng Xiaoyue recounted her tale in full.
"My father, Feng Haoran, the Auction Lord, has been poisoned by slow venom. While he weakens, our butler, Sun Rong, has gathered loyalists and now seeks to seize control. Those guards you fought were his men."
Her hands trembled, but her gaze was steady. "I am the rightful heir. Without me, Red Phoenix will fall into his hands."
Lin listened quietly, then asked, "And what of your offer?"
Xiaoyue's chin lifted. "For saving my life, I will grant you one treasure from our vault. But if you can heal my father—if you can refine the elixir that will purge the poison—I will ensure the Auction House owes Cloudsky a debt it will never forget."
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Negotiating the Terms
The disciples exchanged looks.
Bai Liang: "If we do this, we could secure more than a ransom. We could win an ally stronger than most sects."
Mu: "Or bind ourselves to merchants who will sell us to the highest bidder tomorrow."
Wen: "But an obligation owed by the Auction House is worth more than gold."
Lin considered their words. "Very well. But Xiaoyue—you owe us twice over. Once for your life. Once for your father's. If we succeed, Red Phoenix honors that debt."
She bowed deeply. "I swear it."
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Examining the Auction Lord
They were led to a grand bedchamber where Feng Haoran lay. The once-proud Auction Lord was gaunt, his skin sallow, veins faintly blackened. His qi flickered like a candle guttering in wind.
Mu gasped softly. "A lingering venom. Whoever brewed it was skilled—it seeps into marrow and meridians alike."
Lin's eyes narrowed. "But not beyond remedy."
Xiaoyue's attendants brought the ingredients her father's healers had gathered. Earth-grade herbs, rare minerals, and blood essences lay arranged in golden trays. Good—but not enough.
Lin placed his hand above them. Upgrade.
Each herb bloomed with richer qi, their colors deepening. Minerals pulsed faintly with spiritual light. The blood essences thickened until their scent carried weight. What had been Earth-grade was now Heaven-grade, balanced and refined.
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Refining the Pill
Lin set the ingredients into the cauldron, Mu standing at his side, eyes wide and eager.
The original recipe: difficult, requiring precise control of flame to keep the venom-purging herbs from burning away too quickly.
Upgraded under Lin's hands: each step cleaner, each ingredient resonating with the next. His control of flame bent reality itself, the upgraded herbs yielding willingly to his will.
The cauldron glowed, inscriptions blazing. Mu leaned in, memorizing every gesture, every flick of his wrist. She felt her vow to follow him tighten in her heart.
Finally, with a low roar, the cauldron released its qi. Lin lifted the lid, revealing a single Heaven-grade Restorative Elixir, its surface shimmering like liquid jade.
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The Awakening of Feng Haoran
The elixir was administered. Feng Haoran stirred, color flushing back into his cheeks. The black taint receded from his veins. Within breaths, his eyes opened—clear and sharp.
"Xiaoyue…" His voice was hoarse, but strength returned with every word. "You've brought me back from the brink."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Father…"
He turned to Lin and the others, bowing his head from the bed. "Cloudsky Sect has given me my life. The Red Phoenix Auction House owes you a debt beyond measure."
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Closing
Lin stood silent, watching the phoenix banners ripple outside the window. They had secured the Heart Orchid, gained an ally of vast wealth, and earned a debt no coin could buy.
But he also knew debts and promises were fragile. The Auction House could yet prove a friend—or a dagger in the dark.
For now, though, the flame of trust burned.