Unlike the unruly Jiangcheng Antique Association, the Jiangnan Antique Association was not only larger in scale but also had a very strict hierarchical system.
Here, being a second-grade appraisal master was no longer remarkable; at best, one could only be a steward. Only by reaching first-grade appraisal master could one become core.
Moreover, the Jiangnan Antique Association boasted a special-grade appraisal master, the only one in the entire Jiangnan region.
However, this individual was unwilling to manage affairs and was merely assigned an honorary chairman position. They lived a leisurely life, like a carefree immortal, and would not act easily unless a national treasure-level antique was encountered.
The entire Antique Association was divided into four levels and five ranks from top to bottom. The first rank was the chairman of the Antique Association, a first-grade appraisal master, who also needed to possess exceptionally high prestige.
The second rank was the vice-chairman, also a first-grade appraisal master. Old Master Lei was the vice-chairman of the Jiangnan Antique Association, holding a distinguished position.
The entire Jiangnan Antique Association had only three vice-chairmen, which indicated that even first-grade appraisal masters were extremely rare in Jiangnan.
Below the vice-chairmen were the grand stewards. Their appraisal abilities were inferior to those of first-grade appraisal masters but superior to second-grade appraisal masters. Thus, they had a special designation called "half-step appraisal masters," meaning they were only half a step away from being called first-grade appraisal masters.
Because special-grade appraisal masters and first-grade appraisal masters were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, and held extremely noble status, most matters within the Antique Association were managed by these half-step appraisal masters.
Below the half-step appraisal masters were the stewards, the second-grade appraisal masters. They understood antique appraisal, had good judgment, and were usually responsible for appraising and acquiring antiques.
As for the last rank, it consisted of third-grade appraisal masters and ordinary people. Their main tasks were trivial matters like acquisition, transportation, and so on.
At this moment, Ye Fan and Liu Piaoxu arrived in front of the Antique Association, a building as magnificent and palace-like as one could imagine.
It was four stories high, radiating brilliance. In front of the main entrance stood an ancient plaque, seven to eight meters long, with the words "Jiangnan Antique Association" inscribed in cursive script.
Even without understanding calligraphy, Ye Fan couldn't help but marvel at the dragon-like, phoenix-dancing strokes of these characters.
Compared to the Jiangnan Antique Association, the Jiangcheng Antique Association was simply a place for collecting junk.
Two guards at the entrance saw Ye Fan and them stop to admire the building and walked over slowly, "May I help you two with something?"
Their attitude was humble, without a trace of arrogance.
Ye Fan felt very comfortable, and his impression of the Antique Association's status subtly improved.
"Brothers, we are friends of Old Master Lei. Please inform him."
The two guards were slightly taken aback and exchanged glances.
Old Master Lei held a respected position in the Antique Association, second only to the chairman, and was renowned throughout Jiangnan. These two young people claiming to be his friends were likely impersonators.
However, even so, the two guards did not get angry. One of them smiled, "Please tell me your names, and I will go and inform him."
Since they were here to seek Old Master Lei's help, there was no harm in revealing their names. Ye Fan smiled slightly, "Just tell Old Master Lei that Ye Fan seeks an audience."
With that old man's methods, it made Ye Fan somewhat depressed to be seeking him out, but at this moment, there was no other way.
"Ye Fan? You said your name is Ye Fan?"
The guard was stunned for a moment, then looked at Ye Fan with a face full of shock.
"Are you Mr. Ye Fan from Jiangcheng Bogu Zhai?"
Seeing the guard's shocked expression, Ye Fan paused, then smiled and nodded, "Indeed, it is I."
He hadn't expected his reputation to be so great now that even Jiangnan knew of him.
"Mr. Ye, please wait a moment, I will inform him immediately."
After receiving Ye Fan's confirmation, the guard ran inside excitedly.
Seeing the guard's excitement, Ye Fan was a bit bewildered. Even if he was quite famous, it shouldn't elicit such a reaction from the guard.
Seeing Ye Fan's dazed look, the other guard quickly smiled respectfully, "Mr. Ye, you might not know, but after Old Master Lei returned from Jiangcheng, he specifically instructed us that Mr. Ye is a distinguished guest of our Jiangnan Antique Association and that we must treat you with respect. Moreover, Old Master Lei has recounted his experiences with Mr. Ye to us, and we are all deeply impressed."
Upon hearing the guard's explanation, Ye Fan finally understood. So that's how it was. He hadn't expected Old Master Lei to be so thoughtful as to issue such an order to his subordinates.
However, it was also within reason for that old man to do so, especially since Ye Fan had helped him so much. Otherwise, he might not have become the vice-chairman of the Jiangnan Antique Association.
When he went to Jiangcheng, Old Master Lei was just a member of the Antique Association and had not yet held the position of chairman. Everything was due to the discovery of the tomb, and Old Master Lei was promoted because of his achievements.
Therefore, all of this was thanks to Ye Fan, and it was not an exaggeration.
Soon, footsteps could be heard from inside.
At the same time, Old Master Lei's excited voice also echoed.
"Brother Ye, is it Brother Ye who has arrived?"
Old Master Lei walked out quickly, his face beaming with joy.
Upon seeing Ye Fan, the old man strode forward and embraced him.
"Brother Ye, ever since we parted ways in Jiangcheng last time, this old brother has been anticipating your arrival every day, so that I could fulfill my duties as a host. Heaven has been kind, and I have finally waited for you today."
His hair and beard were white, but his spirit was excellent. Now, with excitement, his face was even flushed.
Ye Fan could tell that the old man was genuinely happy, not just putting on a show.
Ye Fan smiled, "Old Master Lei, you are too kind. I also wanted to come earlier, but I was too busy with affairs. This time, my younger sister also wanted to come along, but due to her status, she was kept at Bogu Zhai."
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Old Master Lei nodded, "It's time for that girl Xuanxuan to come and learn the knowledge of antique appraisal from me. In a few days, I will personally call her to come."
Old Master Lei placed great importance on Ye Xuanyuan.
Originally, Old Master Lei had also worried that Ye Xuanyuan had no foundation in antique appraisal and would have to start from scratch, making it too difficult to become a master appraiser.
But to his surprise, after interacting with Ye Xuanyuan, he suddenly realized that she possessed exceptional talent and learned knowledge very quickly. In just a few months, she had already achieved the strength of a second-grade appraisal master.
Therefore, Old Master Lei held this last disciple in high regard.
Seeing that Old Master Lei had no intention of inviting Ye Fan and the others inside, a guard beside them coughed helplessly.
Leaving guests outside to chat was not the way to entertain them.
"Look at my memory, guests have arrived, and I'm still chatting at the door. Brother Ye, Miss Liu, please come inside."
With that, the three of them walked into the Jiangnan Antique Association.
If the exterior of the Jiangnan Antique Association looked ancient and elegant, then the interior decoration completely overturned Ye Fan's impression.
The interior was entirely European in style, with all imported furniture, exuding grandeur and splendor.