As Ye Fan's expression grew colder, Xue Tao felt a surge of triumph.
The idea of a young man daring to stand as an equal to his teacher was laughable. In his view, Ye Fan's abilities likely didn't even match his own.
Lei Shi also offered a wry smile. "Young friend Ye, there's no need to take it seriously. My disciple has a lively personality and is fond of joking. You needn't mind him. Later, I will take you to see the seated Buddha. Perhaps you can find some clues from it."
Since he had already decided to assess Ye Fan, he naturally wouldn't create an overly awkward situation at this moment.
What if Ye Fan became enraged and stormed off? Wouldn't all his previous efforts be in vain?
However, Ye Fan let out a cold laugh. "I originally did not wish to humiliate anyone with my abilities, but some people are relentlessly aggressive. To avoid future annoyance, I must go against my initial intentions and let you witness the gap between us."
His voice was calm and unperturbed, like a tranquil lake that remained smooth as glass despite the howling wind.
"Excellent. Mr. Ye is indeed a leading figure in the antique world and a master of treasure appraisal. You are straightforward. However, since Mr. Ye is about to display his skills, there should naturally be some stakes. How about this: if Mr. Ye can discern the peculiarity of this great Buddha and convince us all, then from this day forward, I shall take you as my teacher. Wherever I see you, I will immediately kneel and pay my respects. What do you say?"
Seeing that Ye Fan had actually agreed, Xue Tao was overjoyed. He could finally make Ye Fan utterly lose face.
In his opinion, if his master couldn't solve the mystery, how could Ye Fan possibly do it? It was simply absurd.
"I don't mind," Ye Fan said, spreading his hands with a nonchalant air.
"But what if Mr. Ye cannot explain it?"
Sensing the hostile chill emanating from Xue Tao, Ye Fan shrugged indifferently. "If I lose, you can do as you please. However, I doubt you have the capability for that."
"It's a deal. Everyone present can be a witness," Xue Tao declared, standing up and speaking loudly.
"Mr. Ye, let us begin over there."
Ye Fan once again examined the photographs and then swept his gaze across the faces of everyone present.
"Young friend Ye, is something amiss?"
Seeing Ye Fan's solemn expression, tinged with a hint of coldness, Lei Shi quickly asked, "My young friend is a dragon among men. Why bother with my ignorant little disciple? If you were to upset yourself, it would be my fault. Wouldn't it?"
He was about to intervene and stop the wager between Xue Tao and Ye Fan.
But Xue Tao quickly and urgently stated, "Master, you have always taught us to spar and learn from masters. Now that we have finally encountered such a treasure appraisal expert as Mr. Ye, I am unwilling to leave without experiencing his brilliance firsthand. I hope Master will grant my request."
His carefully laid trap had finally lured Ye Fan in. If his master interfered, wouldn't all his previous efforts be in vain?
Ye Fan also waved his hand. "Elder Lei, there's no need. Since your disciple wishes to compete with me, let us indulge him. It has been a long time since I've had a wager with anyone. Today, I have this inclination, which can be considered my token of allegiance to the investigation team."
He never bowed to anyone and had always believed in repaying kindness with kindness and grudges with grievances. Moreover, if someone as narrow-minded as Xue Tao wasn't taught a lesson, he would likely never know his place.
The antique trade, while seemingly simple, required more than just practiced skill. To truly master it and discern genuine items from fakes, numerous supporting factors were needed. Today, he intended to give Lei Shi's disciple a lesson, to prevent Xue Tao from becoming too arrogant in the future.
Seeing their stubbornness and animosity towards each other, even Elder Lei could only sigh. "Just make sure it's reasonable. Don't go too far."
This was a warning to Xue Tao. While he held great expectations for Ye Fan, he also valued his own disciple immensely.
Naturally, he did not wish for him to lose.
"Master, rest assured. With Mr. Ye's character, he certainly won't make things difficult for your disciple."
Xue Tao sneered, continuously setting traps for Ye Fan with his words, waiting for Ye Fan to lose so that he would be utterly humiliated.
Though Ye Fan disliked Xue Tao's insidious nature, he didn't take it to heart.
He would not lose, and certainly not to a petty person like Xue Tao!
With a serene smile, Ye Fan calmly stated, "Aside from its peculiar eyes, this seated Buddha has no other issues. It is carved entirely from white marble and is over a thousand years old. I believe everyone already knows these facts, so I will not elaborate. Now, let us focus on analyzing the eyes of this seated Buddha. To be honest, I am not entirely confident, but I can offer an analysis based on the situation."
Ye Fan did not position himself as superior. His tone was calm and his words were measured, creating a stark contrast with Xue Tao, a world of difference.
Unbidden, Lei Shi's estimation of Ye Fan rose another notch.
Unflustered by honor or disgrace, maintaining a composed state of mind – this attitude deserved nothing but praise.
"The 'Shangshu' once said, 'The Buddha resides in the Western Heaven, often meditating to temper his mind and looking afar with his eyes half-closed, a rare and precious sight.'"
"This passage is not difficult to understand; it speaks of the Buddha closing one eye and looking into the distance. If my prediction is correct, the reason this seated Buddha has one eye closed is to gaze towards distant treasures. In other words, following the direction of the seated Buddha's gaze, there must be a treasure trove. As for the distance, that remains to be studied."
He concisely expressed his hypothesis, immediately astonishing everyone present.
Treasure appraisal was by no means solely reliant on eyesight; it required a great deal of historical knowledge.
Only by understanding relevant historical facts could the best judgments be made.
Lei Shi frowned. "If what young friend Ye says is true, wouldn't we have a great opportunity?"
Xue Tao's face darkened, his brow furrowed.
He had expected Ye Fan to fail, but he never imagined he would be so learned and talented, even knowing such obscure texts as the Shangshu.
In this day and age, who else would be interested in such ancient texts?
Without answering Lei Shi, he turned to Xue Tao. "What do you think of my conjecture, brother Xue? Does it hold any merit?"
Being stared at by Ye Fan like this, Xue Tao felt his face flush with heat.
Had he lost? Would he have to take Ye Fan as his teacher from now on?
This was an immense humiliation; how could he accept it?
With a darkened expression, he angrily retorted, "You've only guessed half of it. The specific location is still unknown. Moreover, who knows if it is truly as you say? Therefore, you have not won this wager."
Such a weak sophistry caused Lei Shi's expression to turn grim.
His disciple could win, but he could also accept defeat. Moreover, this matter was initiated by Xue Tao's provocation. To quibble like this now was simply embarrassing him.
"The outcome is decided; why quibble? Xue Tao, you disappoint me greatly."
Lei Shi's icy voice reverberated, causing Xue Tao's body to tremble violently. He turned to look at Lei Shi.
"Master, I..."
"Are you not going to kneel and apologize to young friend Ye?"
While seemingly a stern demand for Xue Tao, it was also a way to give him an out. As long as he knelt and apologized now, Lei Shi could then beg Ye Fan to let him off the hook.
However, at this moment, Xue Tao was utterly blinded by rage.
He suddenly stood up, pointed at Ye Fan, and furiously declared, "Who do you think you are? Do you think you're worthy of me kneeling and apologizing to you?"