Only Elder Lei and a few of the grand elders maintained calm smiles.
They had long witnessed Ye Fan's strength, especially Elder Lei, who was well aware of Ye Fan's capabilities. It was precisely because of Ye Fan's formidable power that they were able to survive.
The Grand Elder had also witnessed Ye Fan's prowess in Taiping Town.
As for the Grand Preceptor, he nodded with satisfaction at this moment: "As expected of a formidable junior. Not only is his treasure appraisal ability outstanding, but his martial prowess is also this great. This is precisely the talent our Gu family needs!"
At this moment, the Grand Preceptor had completely approved of Ye Fan and resolved to draw him into the Gu family's camp, no matter what.
With such a talent, the Gu family was sure to gain something in this treasure hunt.
Seeing the Grand Preceptor's burning gaze, Gu Ping and the others all frowned.
Their impression of Ye Fan was very poor, especially Ye Fan's perpetually expressionless face, which made them feel very displeased.
However, the Grand Preceptor's strong approval of this person only made them more disgruntled.
"Second Young Master, we must find a way to stop Master. If Ye Fan is allowed to join this treasure hunting team, I fear we will all become a laughingstock," the Grand Elder's eldest disciple whispered to Gu Ping.
Gu Ping snorted coldly: "He's just a clown. He's not worthy of joining this treasure hunting team."
Staring coldly at Ye Fan, Gu Ping's voice was exceptionally indifferent.
Upon hearing Gu Ping's words, the Grand Elder's three disciples breathed a sigh of relief, their anxious hearts finally at ease.
Previously, they had all made sarcastic remarks about Ye Fan, but Ye Fan had stood out and even slapped their Master, the Grand Preceptor, in the face.
If Ye Fan were truly to join the treasure hunting team, wouldn't that prove they had no discerning eye?
Such a humiliating event must not happen.
And now, they placed all their hopes on Second Young Master Gu Ping.
After all, as the legitimate second young master of the Gu family, even the Grand Preceptor had to consider his decisions.
The next few participants were all rather mediocre in martial arts. Their fights were like children playing house, truly lacking any spectacle.
Even the Grand Preceptor could not help but shake his head.
Such individuals, once venturing into the deep mountains, would likely perish either from unknown dangers or sheer exhaustion.
These people, just as Jiang Zhong had said earlier, were utterly inept and ignorant of worldly affairs.
After just a few punches, they were already panting. How could such people possibly venture into the deep mountains for treasure? It was no different from seeking death.
Finally, in the first round of trials, Jiang Zhong, Mr. Fu, and others emerged victorious, successfully advancing to the second round.
There were a total of seven people in the second round, meaning one person would receive a bye.
Ye Fan eagerly hoped that this bye would fall to him.
However, after the draw, Ye Fan was once again disappointed. He had drawn the number one ticket again.
Even with Ye Fan's excellent composure, he couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, are they joking with me?"
Jiang Zhong, standing nearby, chuckled as he looked at Ye Fan: "Your luck is truly incurable, kid. You've drawn number one in both rounds. It seems you're destined to stand out this time."
Teased by Jiang Zhong, Ye Fan could only offer a wry smile: "I'd rather draw the last place."
He glared at Jiang Zhong impatiently, this fellow only knew how to mock him.
What angered Ye Fan even more was that the bye in this second round went to Mr. Hei.
When Ye Fan saw the black ball in Mr. Hei's hand, he almost rushed forward to fight him.
Was this fair?
Similarly, Mr. Hei was also grinding his teeth in anger, tightly gripping the black ball in his palm, causing it to emit a crunching sound.
If the black ball were not solid, it would likely have been crushed by Mr. Hei's grip.
Seeing Mr. Hei's expression, the previously enraged Ye Fan couldn't help but burst into laughter.
It seemed that seeing Mr. Hei displeased brought Ye Fan great satisfaction.
Perhaps, having nearly been killed by Mr. Bai before, Ye Fan harbored no good feelings towards the people of the Heavenly King's Mansion. He found great interest in anything that made them unhappy.
"Hurry up and start, I can't wait," Ye Fan said with a smile.
This made Jiang Zhong even more puzzled. What was wrong with Ye Fan? He was happy in the first round, then suddenly became furious.
And this time, just moments ago he had a grim expression, but now he was smiling, and seemed very happy?
Could it be that Ye Fan had some psychological issues? If that were the case, after this selection process, he must be taken to see a psychiatrist promptly. Psychological problems should not be delayed.
While Jiang Zhong was contemplating this, Ye Fan had already strode onto the stage, his face filled with anticipation.
Mr. Fu rose with a bitter expression: "Can I just surrender and forfeit?"
Seeing Ye Fan's excited demeanor, Mr. Fu said with a wry smile.
Jiang Zhong was slightly taken aback, but then burst into laughter: "Mr. Fu, I wish you the best in defeating Ye Fan."
Jiang Zhong was relishing the misfortune, never one to shy away from stirring up trouble.
Hearing Jiang Zhong's words, Mr. Fu was almost enraged and wanted to beat him up then and there.
The combat strength Ye Fan had just displayed was far beyond his own. Even if all the guards of the City Lord's Mansion were combined, they might not be his match. Moreover, he himself was not known for his martial prowess, but for appraising jade.
Seeing Mr. Fu hesitate and walk onto the stage with a look of helplessness, Ye Fan's face immediately broke into a smile.
"It's Mr. Fu. Today is truly a good day, to be able to spar with Mr. Fu."
Ye Fan chuckled.
Mr. Fu gave Ye Fan a glare and snorted coldly, "Ye Fan, don't get cocky, boy. Maybe I'll take you down later."
Naturally, Mr. Fu wouldn't back down verbally.
Ye Fan nodded very seriously: "I look forward to it."
The Grand Elder, Elder Lei, and the others were also covering their mouths, suppressing their smiles.
Perhaps when it came to appraising jade, Mr. Fu could still contend with Ye Fan, but in terms of martial power, ten Mr. Fus would not be Ye Fan's match. It was estimated that as long as Ye Fan got serious, Mr. Fu would only be in for a beating.
However, given the circumstances, Mr. Fu had no other choice and could only try his best to stall Ye Fan.
Seeing Mr. Fu's action, Ye Fan smiled slightly: "Mr. Fu, please."
Mr. Fu simultaneously extended both hands and charged towards Ye Fan.
His speed was quite fast. It was evident that Mr. Fu had practiced martial arts in the past, but he had become a bit rusty over the years due to his lack of practice.
A moment later, Mr. Fu had already reached Ye Fan. Instantly, Ye Fan raised his hand and deflected Mr. Fu's hands.
His body remained motionless, as if nailed to the ground.
Mr. Fu's face was filled with shock: "Are you kidding me, kid?"
Seeing Ye Fan's mischievous smile, Mr. Fu asked angrily.