Indeed, such a simple question, to have a treasure appraisal master authenticate it, was like using a butcher's knife to kill a chicken. Anyone would feel displeased.
"Nonsense, what place do you think this is? How can you allow yourselves to act so wildly here? If..."
Elder Lei reprimanded angrily, but Feng Xiao stood up.
"Elder Lei, we are all from the Jiangnan antique circle. Why show favoritism? What qualifications does Ye Fan have to sit in the front row? How many people present know Ye Fan? If he doesn't show some real skill, who will be convinced? Even if he wins the championship today, I doubt anyone will be convinced."
Feng Xiao's words were even more cutting than Chen Pangzi's, each one striking at the heart.
Not many people present actually knew Ye Fan.
Especially since Ye Fan was arranged beside Jiang Zhong, which made him even more suspicious.
Now, even Elder Lei found himself in a difficult position.
If he used his authority to suppress these people, they would likely not give up. In that case, not only Ye Fan's reputation would be affected, but the Antique Association would also be implicated.
Helplessly, he looked back at Ye Fan.
At this moment, Ye Fan naturally understood Elder Lei's intention and smiled leisurely.
"It's fine. Since Young Master Feng and Mr. Chen have doubts, it's only natural for me to explain for you. However, who will pay the appraisal fee?"
The appraisal of a treasure by an appraiser was not free.
Ye Fan's intention was clear: he would perform the appraisal, but he required an appraisal fee.
Although he wasn't short of money, he just wanted to annoy Feng Xiao and the others.
As expected, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Feng Xiao's face darkened.
Chen Pangzi glared at him maliciously at the same time.
"Tianbao Pavilion will cover Mr. Ye's appraisal fees. Tonight, Tianbao Pavilion will bear all of Mr. Ye's appraisal costs. As for the amount of the appraisal fee, it will be determined by Mr. Ye's final results, how about it?"
Zhao Dong stood up and provocatively said to Ye Fan.
Ye Fan was also taken aback when Zhao Dong suddenly appeared at this moment.
But then, he smiled and nodded, "Since Boss Zhao is so generous, if I disagree, wouldn't that be showing no respect to Boss Zhao?"
Saying this, Ye Fan turned around, his gaze sweeping across the faces of Feng Xiao and the others.
"Young Master Feng, listen carefully. This appraiser will only say it once. If Young Master Feng doesn't understand, don't blame me for not explaining clearly."
Ye Fan made his attitude clear: he wanted to annoy Feng Xiao.
"Hmph, I'm all ears."
Feng Xiao responded indifferently, clearly displeased with Ye Fan.
Seeing Feng Xiao's demeanor, Ye Fan's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Everyone, these two iron swords are completely identical in form. The difference is that one is new, and the other is decayed. If we judge by common sense, the older the sword, the more decayed it should be. This is human nature. However, you have all overlooked one point: there are exceptions to everything. The Sword of Goujian of Yue, unearthed years ago, although buried for thousands of years, was still as bright as new when brought out. This is the wisdom of the ancients."
Ye Fan's voice was not loud, but it could reach everyone's ears.
Hearing his words, many people frowned and fell into thought.
"You mean this iron sword is similar to the Sword of Goujian of Yue? That's utterly ridiculous. Everyone here is an antique expert. You all know that the Sword of Goujian of Yue is a bronze sword, not an iron sword. Because an oxide layer formed on its surface, it was preserved for thousands of years without decay. But this sword is made of iron. Once it oxidizes, it will form rust. How can it be so new?"
Zhao Dong narrowed his eyes and spoke faintly.
His voice was low, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
But his words were filled with doubt.
His words naturally drew agreement from many.
"Boss Zhao is right. Ironware absolutely cannot be preserved so perfectly after such a long time. This is simply preposterous."
"This kid is talking nonsense. How can ironware be preserved so perfectly?"
The crowd chattered, attacking Ye Fan.
But Ye Fan remained indifferent to this. If these people could understand these theories, they would all be senior appraisers.
At this moment, Ye Fan finally understood the saying, "How can sparrows understand the ambition of a swan?"
People on different levels simply have no common language.
Ye Fan glanced at Zhao Dong indifferently and said, "Boss Zhao, as the owner of Tianbao Pavilion, you should have extensive knowledge in appraisal. But why are your words so superficial?"
Ye Fan shook his head helplessly. "Ironware does change color when it oxidizes, but what if a layer of copper is plated on the surface?"
As he spoke, Ye Fan took the new iron sword and tapped its body with his finger.
"Dong."
The sound was not crisp but somewhat muffled.
"Pure ironware will produce a clear and pleasant ringing sound when struck, but if copper is plated on the surface, it will produce this dull sound. Therefore, this iron sword is genuine, with no problems."
No longer paying attention to those who still looked at him with doubt, Ye Fan slowly sat down.
It was unprecedented for him to explain, and he had no reason to make everyone understand.
Some things were simply like playing the lute to a cow, and Ye Fan did not have the energy for that.
Zhao Dong's face was somber, Feng Xiao's face was gloomy, and Chen Pangzi gritted his teeth in anger.
His teeth gnashed, and he looked at Ye Fan as if he wanted to cut him into a thousand pieces.
Ye Fan remained completely unfazed, not even changing his expression.
These few individuals were all intelligent and naturally understood what he was saying.
But if they still expected him to explain, they were dreaming.
Ye Fan simply wanted to annoy them, and they could do nothing about it.
Elder Lei on the side showed a smile.
"Those who questioned Ye Fan just now can now shut up obediently. If Ye Fan were not so magnanimous, with my old man's temperament, I would have kicked you all out. You bunch of scoundrels, daring to be arrogant here, truly don't know your place."
Elder Lei's face was cold, and his words were filled with chill.
But even so, some people below were still unconvinced.
"Elder Lei, although we were eliminated, we should at least be told how we were eliminated. Ye Fan just proved that the new iron sword might be genuine, but why is the rusted iron sword a fake?"
If this matter was not clarified, they would not feel at ease.
Hearing her words, Elder Lei frowned.
But just as he was about to get angry, he saw Ye Fan frown slightly.
Knowing that Ye Fan didn't want to waste time with these people, Elder Lei was helpless and could only suppress his anger, looking at them impatiently.
"Ironware appeared after the Han Dynasty. Furthermore, the iron smelting technology at that time was not as advanced as it is now, and they could not smelt pure iron. Therefore, this iron sword is a modern artifact, and the rust on it was specially treated by my men."
Elder Lei truly did not wish to speak more to these people; they were just a bunch of fools.