Sun Yilang paused, nodded in confusion, "The Ghost Market does have them, but why would people like us, who do business with integrity in antiques, go there?"
Those who dealt in genuine antique businesses naturally disdained places like the Ghost Market.
But Ye Fan shook his head, "Don't underestimate the Ghost Market; there are many treasures there."
In his past life, Ye Fan had frequented the Ghost Market. Although the Ghost Market was a mixed bag of people, the chances of finding hidden gems were much greater than in the antique street.
Sun Yilang looked at Ye Fan with a face full of confusion, "Mr. Ye, even if we find treasures, we can't openly display them, so what's the point of going?"
"Mingqi" (funerary objects) could not circulate in the market; this was a rule in the antique circle. Therefore, even if Ye Fan could find treasures in the Ghost Market, he could only keep them for himself, and finding treasures for the appraisal convention remained uncertain.
Ye Fan smiled and said nothing, "You just need to lead the way. I guarantee there will be treasures for the appraisal convention."
Although unsure where Ye Fan's confidence came from, seeing the determined expression on his face, Sun Yilang helplessly nodded in agreement.
As the sky gradually darkened, the two boarded a car and headed straight for the outskirts of Jiangcheng.
Because the Ghost Market dealt with "mingqi" and had to remain hidden, it could only be located in secluded places like the outskirts.
Firstly, it was easier to remain undiscovered in such a place with its diverse crowd from all walks of life.
Secondly, the terrain was complex, making it convenient for escape if any danger arose.
Upon arriving at the entrance, two burly men blocked their way, "Private property, entry is prohibited without invitation."
After all, it was an illicit trade, so strict security measures were understandable.
Sun Yilang took out a token from his懷. The material was unclear, but it was engraved with a skull.
He showed the token to the guards, and Sun Yilang said gravely, "Can we enter now?"
Upon seeing the token, the guards' faces immediately showed panic, and they quickly moved aside, "Esteemed guests, please come in. It was my oversight not to recognize your status; I have offended you."
The guards, who had been arrogant moments ago, now behaved like obedient cats. This sudden change stunned Ye Fan.
Sun Yilang nodded and pulled Ye Fan into the large gate.
"What is that token?"
Ye Fan asked Sun Yilang, puzzled.
Sun Yilang took out the token and handed it to Ye Fan, "This is the entry pass to the Ghost Market. Generally, one needs an invitation to enter. However, during the initial stages of its establishment, they issued exclusive tokens to influential figures in Jiangcheng's antique circle. As long as one holds the token, they can enter the Ghost Market at any time, and even request assistance from the Ghost Market if they encounter trouble. It's a form of privilege, you could say."
Hearing Sun Yilang's explanation, Ye Fan nodded. Given Sun Yilang's status and position, possessing such a symbolic token was not difficult.
"I see. I didn't expect the people in the Ghost Market to be so business-minded."
Ye Fan chuckled and shook his head, then swaggered into the Ghost Market with Sun Yilang.
The place was similar to a street market, except for the absence of hawkers; everything else was largely the same.
Stalls were set up along both sides of the road, with customers coming and going. If they fancied an item, they would stop to examine it closely and then haggle with the stall owner.
Most people who came here to hunt for treasures were collectors.
After all, these were all "mingqi," and being caught selling them was a serious crime.
Ye Fan's gaze constantly swept over each stall. Unlike casual antique enthusiasts who only understood the superficial aspects, Ye Fan could appraise an item much faster.
Different antiques had different characteristics and symbols of their era.
Many items could be identified as genuine or fake with just a glance.
"Mr. Ye, those are people from the Liu family."
Just as Ye Fan was intently examining a bronze *gu*, Sun Yilang whispered in his ear.
Ye Fan paused, quickly looked up in the direction Sun Yilang was pointing, and indeed, not far ahead, Liu Cheng was squatting on the ground with two other young people, holding an item and examining it carefully.
Ye Fan smiled and shrugged, "It truly is a case of paths crossing. Since we've seen them, we should go have a look. Elder Sun, are you interested?"
Teasing Sun Yilang, Ye Fan showed no fear, and even his smile was playful.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Sun Yilang's eyes held a trace of bitterness. I wish I could go, but I'm afraid you wouldn't agree. Since that's the case, why are you asking me?
"Dragon-patterned, blood-red, single-eared, tripod vessel. An item from the Taihe period. One of its feet was damaged and broken, and it was repaired using a firing and mending technique. The craftsmanship is average, leaving imperfections. However, the other parts are very well preserved. I'll take this tripod vessel for two million."
After examining it for a while, Liu Cheng identified the origin of the tripod vessel and confidently stated his offer.
The stall owner was taken aback, "So, you're an expert. No wonder you have such confidence. However, to take this tripod vessel for two million, are you gentlemen joking with this old man?"
Upon hearing the owner's words, Liu Cheng immediately frowned, "What my Liu family of the Dark Alliance says is an order. If I say it's worth two million, then it's worth two million." He thought that by invoking the name of the Dark Alliance's Liu family, he could intimidate the stall owner. However, the stall owner merely pouted.
"If you were in the antique street, invoking the name of the Liu family would naturally be effective. But this is the Ghost Market. No matter how powerful your Liu family is in the antique circle, it has no sway here."
The Ghost Market had its own system and rules.
And throughout it all, no one knew who the true owner behind the Ghost Market was.
The person who could establish such a vast Ghost Market must have an extraordinary identity, perhaps someone even the Dark Alliance would hesitate to offend.
Seeing the stall owner's boldness, Ye Fan was quite pleased and walked over slowly.
Liu Cheng, however, had a gloomy expression. The two young people beside him, a man and a woman. The man, a few years older, had narrowed eyes and a cold glint within them.
The woman, around twenty years old, had her long hair tied up high, wore a white dress with the character "Liu" meticulously embroidered on the sleeves, and was also frowning.
"I advise you not to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. My Liu family is not someone you can afford to offend."
The older man finally couldn't suppress his anger and stared at the stall owner, speaking in a deep voice.
His voice was somewhat hoarse but carried a powerful aura that was both amusing and caused the heart to pound.
The stall owner also felt this intense pressure and couldn't help but frown.
Clearly, he was unwilling to yield.
Ye Fan let out a cold snort and was about to speak up in support of the stall owner when he saw two figures swaggering over with extreme arrogance, an old man and a young man, walking with a swagger that suggested they owned the place.
"What is the Liu family? I've never heard of them. Not much fame, but quite a temper. You dare to act tough in our Jiangcheng Ghost Market? Who the hell do you think you are?"