At this moment, even the Grand Consecrated, with his vast experience, felt a deep shock within his heart.
He discovered that Ye Fan possessed a unique perspective on appraising treasures, a perspective that even he had to admit was superior.
The Grand Consecrated couldn't help but look upon Ye Fan with newfound respect.
Although this young man always appeared calm, as if nothing could stir his inner being, the Grand Consecrated keenly sensed a hidden fire within Ye Fan's heart, a fire so potent.
Once ignited, this flame would likely propel him to unimaginable heights.
What Ye Fan needed now was that spark, that opportunity, and with it, his name would be renowned throughout the land.
The Grand Consecrated took a sharp breath, his admiration for Ye Fan deepening.
Soon, Elder Lei returned with the Hundred Miscellaneous Records.
With the Grand Consecrated personally examining it, everything indeed turned out to be as Ye Fan had stated.
Furthermore, the book was a traditional thread-bound volume with aged pages, clearly possessing considerable historical significance.
Such an ancient, thread-bound book was impossible to fake.
Moreover, in such a short span, even if Elder Lei were an immortal, he couldn't have produced such a high-quality forgery.
"Ye Fan's appraisal of this porcelain vase is entirely accurate. It was I who misjudged," the Grand Consecrated declared loudly after a moment of thought.
These words utterly astonished everyone in Jiangnan City; no one had anticipated such an outcome.
The Grand Consecrated himself admitted his misjudgment, and Ye Fan's eyesight was even sharper than the Great Elder's.
While they all knew Ye Fan was strong, having already gained some renown in Jiangnan City, they never imagined he would be so exceptionally capable. It seemed almost unbelievable.
After all, they were all familiar with the Grand Consecrated and knew his abilities well.
Yet, even he had been defeated by Ye Fan, which spoke volumes.
Jiang Zhong and Mr. Fu excitedly rose to their feet, applauding with fervor.
At this moment, Ye Fan's performance truly made them proud.
The fact that he displayed such dominance, especially in front of the Grand Consecrated, the strongest treasure appraiser in the Gu family, filled them with exhilaration.
However, Ye Fan maintained a gentle smile on his face.
He showed no particular excitement, not even a significant change in his expression.
This equanimity was truly admirable.
Observing Ye Fan's demeanor, the Grand Consecrated smiled slightly. "Ye Fan, you have truly exceeded my expectations. From this day forward, you, Ye Fan, are the undisputed number one among treasure appraisers in Jiangnan City."
His words were somewhat bold.
By defeating him, Ye Fan was now the undisputed top figure, implying that no one else in Jiangnan City could match him.
If anyone else had spoken such words, they would have been met with ridicule.
But coming from the Grand Consecrated, it commanded respect and admiration.
The reason was simple: the Grand Consecrated's own standing and authority.
It was undeniable that compared to someone like the Grand Consecrated, the appraisers in Jiangnan City were vastly inferior.
Their knowledge and skills were miles apart.
Yet, the Grand Consecrated did not act with arrogance; he maintained a calm demeanor.
It was no wonder he had held his position at the pinnacle of the antique world for so long, unchallenged.
Jiang Zhong, Mr. Fu, and others were filled with emotion.
The Grand Consecrated's endorsement today was worth more than years of Ye Fan's hard work.
After all, a person's reputation preceded them, and the Grand Consecrated was an absolute authority in the antique community.
"Thank you, Grand Consecrated," Ye Fan said. He understood that the Grand Consecrated was deliberately elevating his status.
With these words, his position in the Jiangnan City antique circle was solidified.
"Continue. I am already looking forward to the surprises you will bring me," the Grand Consecrated said with a smile, his words carrying a deeper meaning. Ye Fan would undoubtedly pass this selection.
However, what the Grand Consecrated truly anticipated was Ye Fan's brilliant performance in the treasure hunt, which was his true hope.
The next two items were effortless for Ye Fan; he appraised them without breaking a sweat.
With a faint smile, Ye Fan felt no difficulty in doing so.
After all, if he could accurately appraise the most challenging item, the others were hardly worth worrying about.
As Ye Fan finished appraising the last porcelain piece, the Grand Consecrated was the first to applaud warmly.
"Good, good, good."
Three consecutive "goods" perfectly conveyed his complete approval of Ye Fan.
Ye Fan let out a sigh of relief. These five porcelain pieces were the most challenging appraisals he had faced since his rebirth.
This was not only because they involved dynasties but also because it required a clear and thorough understanding of items from the periods of three different emperors.
He knew that anyone else would have likely retreated long ago.
As Ye Fan successfully completed the appraisals, those below who had consistently believed in and supported him erupted in cheers.
"Ye Fan, from this moment on, my Zhao family's antique business will only cooperate with your Xiao Ran Pavilion. I will personally visit Xiao Ran Pavilion later to sign a cooperation agreement with you."
"The Hu family is the same."
"As is the Li family."
"The Chen family..."
"The Wei family..."
At this moment, Ye Fan was the most brilliant star in the sky, a rising star recognized by everyone.
Ye Fan smiled and nodded his thanks to their enthusiasm.
Jiang Zhong and Mr. Fu also laughed heartily, no longer concerned with their status or position.
Seeing Ye Fan perform so powerfully filled them with immense excitement.
Elder Lei, in particular, was beaming with joy.
The Great Elder, standing nearby, nodded with deep satisfaction.
"Excellent, Brother Ye has indeed not disappointed us. From now on, Brother Ye can walk with his head held high in Jiangnan City's antique circle."
In fact, the primary goal of having Ye Fan participate in this selection was for him to pass the initial stage and gain the attention of the Gu family's Grand Consecrated.
Secondly, it was to enhance Ye Fan's reputation and make him a unique presence in the Jiangnan City antique circle.
Judging by the current situation, both objectives were likely to be achieved.
Both the Great Elder and Elder Lei held deep expectations for Ye Fan.
Having known Ye Fan the longest and understanding him the best, they truly regarded him as family.
While they each had their own ulterior motives, their affection for Ye Fan was genuine.
Ye Fan nodded to Elder Lei and the Great Elder, expressing his gratitude.
"I declare that Ye Fan has passed the first round of selection. Also passing are those who answered the questions correctly. I congratulate everyone here. However, this is only the first round, and we will proceed to the second round immediately," the Grand Consecrated announced loudly with a smile.