Hearing Elder Lei’s introduction, Ye Fan was shocked, not expecting the Ghost Market to be so formidable in Jiangnan.
Every sector had their people, meaning if the Ghost Market wanted to make a move, they could completely influence the City Lord’s Mansion.
No wonder Mr. Cao had such a meaningful expression when he gave him that elder token. It turned out to be for this very reason.
The Ghost Market was divided into two branches in the country, one was the Southern branch, led by Mr. Cao. The Northern branch was even stronger than the Southern. However, Ye Fan didn’t know much about it; what he did know was occasionally mentioned by Mr. Cao.
“If I have a chance to go north, I must visit the Ghost Market.”
Ye Fan thought to himself.
The three of them walked down the underground parking lot and stairs. After multiple pat-down checks, they entered a passage.
“Anyone who wants to enter the Ghost Market must be certain they have no dangerous items, nor any communication devices. This is a prerequisite for ensuring the Ghost Market's safety. Furthermore, to shop in the Ghost Market, one must first obtain a Ghost Card there.”
Ghost Card?
Ye Fan stopped abruptly and turned to look at Elder Lei.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier? We’re already inside, and you’re telling me now?”
Ye Fan was completely speechless regarding Elder Lei. What was this old man thinking?
Elder Lei smiled and said, “For anyone else, without a Ghost Card in the Ghost Market, they definitely wouldn’t be able to purchase anything. But you are different. You are an elder of the Ghost Market, second only to Mr. Cao and the Ghost King. With your elder status, it’s almost like you can take whatever you want inside.”
Ye Fan was utterly speechless. He knew this old man never had good intentions. He hadn’t expected him to have this plan.
Although he was annoyed, it was too late to go back and get a card now that they were already inside.
He could only walk in with his frustrations.
The passage was pitch black. Many people walked by, all wearing masks, clearly not wanting their identities known.
When Ye Fan and the others entered, they were each given a mask at the entrance.
“The Ghost Market is truly thoughtful. This way, even face-to-face, you don’t know who the other person is. This prevents people from being recognized in the Ghost Market and facing retaliation outside.”
Elder Lei nodded, “Exactly. This is the most humane aspect of the Ghost Market, and the reason why its business is so booming.”
Both Ye Fan and Elder Lei were very familiar with the Ghost Market, and this mode of operation was normal for them. But Dongzi was different.
His exposure was strictly to legitimate antique businesses, and he held quite an opinion of the Ghost Market.
“Brother Ye, the items in the Ghost Market are all funerary objects. Those people are engaged in a wicked trade. How can we come here?”
Dongzi’s face was gloomy, and he was very resistant to the Ghost Market.
Seeing Dongzi’s expression, Ye Fan smiled slightly.
“Brother Dong, antiques, in general, have always been controlled by the powerful and wealthy. Do you think all the items circulating in the market come through legitimate channels? In China’s five thousand years of history, how many families can truly claim to have passed down their lineage from ancient times to the present? How many of those items could have been passed down?”
“After the test of time, even if true items managed to survive, they would likely have been worn and damaged. Therefore, most of the items circulating in the market are dug up from the ground. It’s just that no one knows about those things, so they can circulate openly.”
“And due to its special limitations, the items in the Ghost Market cannot be widely circulated. But don’t forget, those items are simply antiques. If they were left in ancient tombs, they would only be corroded by time. It’s better to dig them out. This not only satisfies the interests of tomb robbers but also injects fresh blood into the antique circle. Why not?”
Ye Fan’s meaning was clear. The ancient tombs that were excavated were usually of noble individuals. These people enjoyed lavish lives in life and were accompanied by a large number of treasures in death.
Therefore, Ye Fan didn’t feel any unacceptable about excavating their tombs.
Of course, this was also because he had lived another life.
If it were his previous life, he would have sneered at such places, as he himself was a tomb guardian.
In his past life, he guarded simple ancient tombs.
But in this life, he guarded the righteousness in his heart.
Hearing Ye Fan’s words, Dongzi’s expression changed slightly. Although he couldn’t fully agree, he was no longer as gloomy as before.
Elder Lei chuckled from the side, “Every industry has its flaws. While tomb robbers are indeed insidious, if the items they steal are not properly handled, and fall into the hands of those with ill intentions, or are sold abroad, wouldn’t that be a loss for our country and our nation? Therefore, by purchasing those items, we are also contributing to the nation. At least the items are in our own people’s hands, right?”
Compared to Ye Fan’s sense of justice, Elder Lei’s words were more profound.
Elder Lei’s words made Dongzi fall into thought, his brows furrowed.
Patting Dongzi’s shoulder, Ye Fan smiled, “Let’s go. We’ll take a look inside first.”
The three quickly walked into the Ghost Market.
Before coming, Ye Fan had imagined the situation here. There would definitely be more sellers than buyers.
But standing in the Ghost Market, Ye Fan was completely stunned.
It was bustling with people, no less lively than the antique street.
“This… is this really the Ghost Market? Why does it feel like an antique street?”
Even though Ye Fan had seen his fair share of grand occasions, he couldn’t help but exclaim.
Elder Lei laughed, “This is the formidable aspect of the Ghost Market. To make something hidden so glorious, no one but the Ghost Market can achieve it. Moreover, this is not a secret in Jiangnan, but neither the City Lord’s Mansion nor the Antique Association has ever thought of targeting it. Everyone’s perception has already tacitly accepted the existence of the Ghost Market, so it’s hard for the business here not to be good.”
Elder Lei said with a wry smile. As members of the Antique Association, they held absolute authority over Jiangnan’s antique business.
However, they had no way to deal with the Ghost Market.
The items here were exquisite and precious, unobtainable elsewhere.
Therefore, more and more people were coming here, and no one could do anything about it.
Ye Fan shrugged his shoulders, “No wonder the Ghost Market is making a fortune. If that’s the case, if I see Mr. Cao again, can I suggest he give me a salary?”
Ye Fan said with a smile, striding forward.
In reality, he didn’t know that from the moment he became an elder of the Ghost Market, Mr. Cao had already opened an account for him.
The income from the Ghost Market each year was deposited into his account as a commission.
Therefore, Ye Fan’s assets were far more than what he currently knew.