Facing Liu Yuan’s intense anger, the two elders wished they could bury their heads in the ground, daring not to utter a word.
They were both honored guests of the Liu family, enjoying extremely high treatment.
Yet, they had suffered such great humiliation today, and upon returning to the family, they were sure to be severely punished.
Seeing the two elders bow their heads in silence, Liu Yuan let out a cold snort and resentfully sat back down.
The matter had come to this; no matter how angry she was, it was useless.
Furthermore, since these two family honored guests couldn't understand the item, with his eyesight, it was even less likely he could discern anything.
Ye Fan smiled faintly, "So, Young Master Liu has lost this round."
Liu Yuan impatiently glanced at him and said sternly, "Ye Fan, don't celebrate too early. Although I couldn't appraise your item, you may not be able to understand the treasure in my hand."
As he spoke, he ordered someone to open the chest.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the chest. The moment it was opened, everyone was stunned.
"A bronze artifact, it's actually a bronze artifact! The Liu family has truly spared no expense."
The crowd exclaimed in disbelief, each one gasping for breath.
Especially those who had participated in the final round of the appraisal competition were now filled with shock.
They never expected the Liu family to possess so many bronze artifacts.
Moreover, judging by the quality of this bronze artifact, it was clearly superior to the silver goblet from the appraisal competition.
Ye Fan also frowned at this moment. The bronze artifact before him was a bronze bell.
About half an arm high, with hanging holes at the top, its surface was intricately carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, its design exceptionally exquisite. This bronze bell, even in ancient times, would undoubtedly be a treasure.
With a sigh, Ye Fan bitterly shook his head. The Liu family’s foundation was indeed profound.
But just then, Ye Fan sensed something unusual. His eyes fixed on the bronze bell, and he saw that within the bronze bell, there was actually another bronze bell enfolding it.
This was actually a bronze bell encased in bronze.
It was known that such craftsmanship, let alone in ancient times, would be incredibly difficult to achieve even in the technologically advanced modern era.
The wisdom of the ancients was astonishing, and equally admirable.
However, at this moment, Ye Fan's expression grew increasingly somber. With Elder Ji's eyesight, he might be able to see through the outer layer, but the inner enfolding bell was likely beyond his ability to discern.
In that case, Elder Ji would also be unable to appraise the item, and both sides would be at a stalemate.
According to Ye Fan's previous assumption, once Elder Ji could appraise Liu Yuan's item, he would win this round, and Liu Yuan would have no reason to seek trouble.
But if both sides were at a stalemate, Liu Yuan could find an excuse to challenge him again at any time.
Next time, how would he deal with him?
As Ye Fan frowned, Elder Ji was also knitting his brows.
Just as Ye Fan had thought, Elder Ji easily understood the bronze bell, but he dared not speak rashly. Since Liu Yuan had come prepared, he wouldn't let his discerning eye reveal the item's secret so easily.
Seeing the expressions of Ye Fan and Elder Ji, Liu Yuan let out a disdainful cold laugh.
"What? Are the appraisers from Tianyin Pavilion afraid to appraise it? Could it be that the item my Liu family has presented is so high-end that you've never seen anything like it?"
Liu Yuan spoke sarcastically, and even the subordinates behind him joined in with cold laughter.
This was exactly how Ye Fan had mocked them earlier.
Ye Fan frowned. He could see through the item, but he couldn't speak about it, so he had to let Elder Ji speak.
He looked at Elder Ji, only to see Elder Ji looking back at him with a questioning gaze.
"The situation has come to this, there is no other choice. Elder Ji, please speak with confidence."
Ye Fan sighed and shook his head.
From Ye Fan's expression, Elder Ji knew that this time, he was likely to lose.
But just as he was about to begin the appraisal, Ye Xuanxuan ran in quickly.
"Wait a moment, the real appraiser hasn't arrived yet. Why the rush?"
Hearing Ye Xuanxuan's words, Ye Fan was slightly taken aback, but upon seeing the confident look Ye Xuanxuan gave him, Ye Fan instantly understood.
No wonder this little girl hadn't been seen all afternoon; she had gone to fetch reinforcements.
The crowd parted, and Elder Lei walked in slowly.
"Mr. Ye, Lei has come uninvited. I hope Mr. Ye will not blame me?"
Seeing Elder Lei arrive, Ye Fan and the others breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"Elder Lei's presence honors Tianyin Pavilion. How could we possibly blame you? However, Elder Lei has arrived at an inconvenient time. Young Master Liu is currently challenging Tianyin Pavilion. If you don't mind, Elder Lei can wait for a moment."
Ye Fan deliberately distanced himself from Elder Lei in his words.
After all, only a handful of people knew their relationship, and this connection should be kept hidden as much as possible. It must not be easily revealed.
Nodding, Elder Lei’s gaze fell upon the bronze bell.
"It is indeed a fine item. The Liu family is truly a prominent family; their possessions are increasingly valuable."
Elder Lei scanned it once and then spoke with a smile.
Liu Yuan immediately frowned. The situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable for him.
Turning to look at Ye Fan, he said coldly, "What? Is Tianyin Pavilion afraid to lose and has brought in an external helper? However, Elder Lei is not a member of Tianyin Pavilion. Even if he is here, he probably cannot represent Tianyin Pavilion, can he?"
Liu Yuan stared at Ye Fan with a cold gaze, giving Ye Fan no chance to win.
Ye Fan smiled. Before he could speak, Elder Lei had already said with a smile, "Who says I cannot represent Tianyin Pavilion? This Tianyin Pavilion is opened by my disciple's sister-in-law, which means it belongs to my disciple. As the master, what is my disciple’s is also mine. Even if I represent Tianyin Pavilion, who can object?"
This string of words stunned even Liu Yuan. What disciple, sister-in-law?
He looked at Elder Lei in confusion, his eyes full of questions.
At this moment, a subordinate beside him quickly stepped forward and explained in his ear.
Only then did Liu Yuan understand, and he said resentfully, "Is Elder Lei openly declaring war on my Liu family?"
Knowing that today's affair might turn into a disaster, Liu Yuan had no choice but to invoke his family.
As long as he could stop Elder Lei, everything would be manageable.
However, upon hearing Liu Yuan's words, Elder Lei chuckled disdainfully, "The Liu family? What a grand reputation! If it were your grandfather who came personally, I might give him some face, but you are not worthy."
Saying this, he walked in front of Ye Fan.
"Mr. Ye, may I know if Lei can represent Tianyin Pavilion in appraising this item?"
Knowing that this old man was here to save the day, how could Ye Fan refuse? He smiled and nodded.
"I have long heard that Elder Lei is the ageless elder of the antique world. If I have the honor to witness Elder Lei's skill today, this young man will surely benefit greatly."
The two of them, with their coordinated words, left the surrounding crowd bewildered.
However, the outcome was clear to them: Elder Lei would represent Tianyin Pavilion in a showdown with the Liu family.
This reignited the excitement of the crowd. The pillar of the Jiangnan Antique Association going head-to-head with the Liu family was, just the thought of it, thrilling.