“If Miss Shen does not wish to compete, yet wants to protect Tianyin Pavilion, I have another path for you…”
Liu Yuan chuckled, staring at Shen Tianyin.
His gaze roamed over Shen Tianyin, filled with undisguised aggression.
“What path?”
Shen Tianyin asked in a deep voice.
Liu Yuan slowly stood up and walked in front of Shen Tianyin. He took a deep breath, then his face showed a look of intoxication.
“As long as Miss Shen leaves this good-for-nothing and becomes my woman, I naturally won’t make a move against you. Moreover, I guarantee you’ll be second to none in Jiangcheng’s antique business, becoming an supreme existence. How about it?”
In front of Ye Fan, Liu Yuan’s arrogance was clear; he was blatantly humiliating Ye Fan.
“I agree to compete with you.”
Ye Fan slowly pulled Shen Tianyin behind him, his icy gaze fixed on Liu Yuan, and said in a deep voice.
Liu Yuan looked at Ye Fan with surprise, then his lips curved into a smile.
“Oh? It seems you won’t shed tears until you see the coffin. However, this is good; I can take down Tianyin Pavilion in one fell swoop.”
Saying this, Liu Yuan gave his subordinate another look.
The subordinate quickly went to the door and shouted loudly to the outside, “Everyone, today the young master Liu Yuan of the Liu family is challenging Tianyin Pavilion. Young Master Liu will personally demonstrate to the people of Jiangcheng if Tianyin Pavilion has the strength to become the leader of Jiangcheng. If everyone is interested, you are welcome to come and watch.”
The subordinate’s shout immediately alerted half the street, and countless people came to join in the fun.
Ye Fan’s expression grew increasingly grim. Liu Yuan was truly insidious; this was clearly an attempt to make Tianyin Pavilion a laughingstock.
Shen Tianyin also gritted her teeth, “Ye Fan, what do we do?”
Shen Tianyin was full of worry. Tianyin Pavilion had finally gotten back on track, but she hadn’t expected to be schemed against by Liu Yuan.
Ye Fan, with a stern face and narrowed eyes, his gaze filled with coldness.
“We’ll meet force with force, block the water with earth. Go call Elder Ji.”
At this point, they had no choice but to go all out.
As long as Elder Ji could hold his ground without losing, Liu Yuan’s plot would crumble on its own.
However, given Elder Ji’s ability…
Shen Tianyin nodded heavily and quickly went to contact Elder Ji.
In less than half an hour, Tianyin Pavilion was crowded inside and out, a throng of people, with constant discussion.
“The contest between Young Master Liu and Tianyin Pavilion, I’m really looking forward to it. I wonder who will emerge victorious.”
“Ye Fan has already lost, what other capabilities can Tianyin Pavilion possibly have?”
“That’s Young Master Liu! With just a flick of his finger, Tianyin Pavilion might be annihilated.”
Everyone was pessimistic about Tianyin Pavilion. In fact, some were already mocking Tianyin Pavilion.
Those harsh voices kept ringing out, making the coldness in Ye Fan’s body grow stronger.
Soon, Elder Ji rushed over, his face pale.
This matter was too significant. Despite his vast experience, he still felt a tremor of fear.
“Ye Fan, I…”
Seeing Ye Fan, Elder Ji hurried forward, wanting to explain the pros and cons.
But Ye Fan waved his hand, interrupting Elder Ji.
Fixing his eyes on Elder Ji, Ye Fan said in a deep voice, “Elder Ji, from now on, everything in Tianyin Pavilion is in your hands. I believe you will absolutely not lose to a good-for-nothing like Liu Yuan.”
Every word Ye Fan spoke was low and extremely serious.
These words were from the heart, and Elder Ji could clearly feel Ye Fan’s genuine sincerity.
As things stood, he could no longer refuse and could only nod heavily.
“I will definitely do my utmost.”
Elder Ji looked at Ye Fan and replied with a heavy expression.
…
“Since preparations are complete, the competition officially begins. Both sides will authenticate each other’s items to determine the winner.”
An old man spoke silently.
Liu Yuan laughed heartily, took a box from his subordinate, and placed it on the table in front of him.
He looked at Elder Ji disdainfully, “Where are the items you prepared?”
Elder Ji looked at Shen Tianyin with difficulty.
Previously, to participate in the appraisal competition, Tianyin Pavilion’s most valuable treasures had all been taken out. Currently, there were no treasures of particularly high quality.
Shen Tianyin also had a grim expression and looked at Ye Fan.
Ye Fan pondered for a moment, then whispered a few words to Shen Tianyin.
Shen Tianyin immediately nodded and said in a deep voice, “Please wait a moment, the item will be sent over shortly.”
Then, she went to the back hall.
More than ten minutes later, Sun Yilang hurried over, carrying a box in his hand.
He placed the box on the coffee table, panting, and nodded at Ye Fan.
A faint smile finally appeared on Ye Fan’s face.
“Let’s begin.”
Seeing the change in Ye Fan’s expression, Liu Yuan was slightly stunned, filled with confusion.
Could it be that Ye Fan still had some trump card up his sleeve?
The information he received stated that the few items Bo Gu Zhai brought to the appraisal competition were all acquired by Ye Fan from the ghost market at the last minute, and Bo Gu Zhai had no real treasures.
But why did Ye Fan appear so calm? Even with a hint of eagerness?
Despite his doubts, he was not intimidated.
He let out a cold snort and then had the two elders behind him step forward.
The box Sun Yilang carried was opened, revealing a Buddha statue.
This Buddha statue had a peculiar appearance. Unlike the usual dignified statues, this Buddha statue had a ferocious face, tightly clutching a large snake in its hand, with two small snakes hanging from its ears.
Bare-chested, with fangs bared and claws extended, it looked less like a Buddha and more like a demon.
Upon seeing this Buddha statue, the two elders were so startled that they retreated several steps.
Seeing this, Ye Fan chuckled, “Young Master Liu’s people seem to lack courage. It’s just a Buddha statue, and they’re already scared stiff? Are they this timid?”
Seizing the opportunity to mock, Ye Fan naturally wouldn’t let it pass, and he taunted Liu Yuan.
Meanwhile, Sun Yilang, Elder Ji, and the others burst into laughter, continuously pointing and laughing at the two elders.
Hearing Ye Fan’s sarcasm, Liu Yuan’s face gradually darkened. He cast a fierce glance at the two elders, his gaze extremely menacing.
Seeing Liu Yuan’s glare, the two elders became terrified. They quickly suppressed their fear and hurried forward.
Seeing them seriously appraising the Buddha statue, Ye Fan calmly sat down.
Time passed quickly. Sweat beaded on the foreheads of the two men, and their brows were furrowed, never relaxing.
Clearly, they did not understand the item.
“If you don’t understand, just admit defeat. There’s no shame in it. Why waste everyone’s time here?”
Sun Yilang said impatiently, his face filled with disdain.
Hearing Sun Yilang’s words, the two elders became even more anxious.
But the more this happened, the more chaotic their minds became. Finally, the two men fell to the ground with a thud.
“Young master, we… we don’t understand…”
Hearing their words, Liu Yuan was completely enraged. He raised his hand and slapped them.
“Normally, you swagger around the family, looking down on everyone. How can you come out here and not even understand one item? The Liu family has truly raised you all these years in vain.”
Liu Yuan’s face was full of anger, his fury instantly ignited.