Time passed slowly. Half an hour later, Shen Bao, along with dozens of law enforcement officers, stormed in.
Seeing Shen Tianyin injured, Shen Bao's face suddenly darkened, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Who did this?"
His voice was laced with boundless rage.
In Shen Bao's heart, Shen Tianyin was paramount. For this sister, he would even sacrifice his own life.
Seeing Shen Bao so enraged, Ye Fan slowly stood up. "I failed to protect Tianyin. The culprit is already dead."
He pointed to the middle-aged man still lying on the ground. Ye Fan's voice was devoid of any emotion.
Shen Bao frowned, glanced at the middle-aged man, walked over, and felt for his breath. Only after confirming he was dead did he nod with a somber expression.
At this moment, Elder Chen hurried over.
"Ye Fan attempted murder! I order you to arrest her immediately!"
Seeing the law enforcement officers, Elder Chen finally saw his saviors and had thrown all caution to the wind.
Moreover, he had grown accustomed to being overbearing in the Jiangnan Antique Association over the years and didn't put anyone in his eyes.
Therefore, when speaking to Shen Bao, he still used a commanding tone.
"You order me?"
Shen Bao's recently relaxed brow furrowed again.
"Slap."
He raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap to Elder Chen's face.
"What do you think you are? You dare to order me?"
This slap completely stunned Elder Chen. He staggered back a few steps, then fell straight to the ground.
Shen Bao glared at Elder Chen with cold eyes, his face contorted in a vicious expression.
"Ye Fan killed someone, why did you hit Elder Chen?"
Someone from the antique association stepped forward to protest. In their eyes, law enforcement represented justice. They couldn't believe Shen Bao would act without regard for right and wrong and strike Elder Chen, which clearly indicated he was protecting Ye Fan.
Shen Bao cast a cold glance at the man, then turned to look at Ye Fan.
"What exactly happened?"
Ye Fan spread his hands and shrugged.
"This person wanted to kill me, but I killed him in self-defense. The injury on my shoulder and Shen Tianyin's arm are evidence."
This was the reason Ye Fan had prepared. It was why he dared to kill the middle-aged man.
Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Shen Bao nodded, then turned to the man.
"Is what he said true?"
The man's face was grim, and for a moment, he didn't know how to answer.
Elder Lei then stepped forward and said, "What Ye Fan said is true. Many of us here saw it. The deceased indeed attacked Ye Fan first. Because Ye Fan's life was threatened, he retaliated."
Seeing Elder Lei step forward, several others came out to testify for Ye Fan.
A cold smile played on Shen Bao's lips. "It seems the matter is clear. This man acted first and was killed by Ye Fan in self-defense. Therefore, he got what he deserved. Guards, carry the body away."
Soon, several law enforcement officers stepped forward, carrying the middle-aged man's body away.
Everything that had happened was witnessed by everyone present, including Lin Yue, of course.
She had originally intended to use this opportunity to escalate the situation, but she hadn't expected Ye Fan to be so prepared.
Shaking her head helplessly, she muttered, "Idiot. How can someone like this climb to the position of Vice President of the Antique Association? Heaven is truly blind."
Clearly, Lin Yue was very displeased with Elder Chen's actions.
Beside her, Zheng Zhiyuan sighed, "Lord City Lord, this Ye Fan is not only outstanding in his appraisal skills but also possesses formidable strength. If we could recruit him to our side, wouldn't that be better than destroying him?"
Zheng Zhiyuan had always been puzzled as to why Lin Yue insisted on targeting Ye Fan.
If such talent could be utilized, it would certainly be possible to carve out an empire.
Lin Yue snorted coldly, her gaze towards Zheng Zhiyuan filled with chill. "Just do what you're supposed to do. Knowing too much is not good for you."
Sensing the chill emanating from Lin Yue, Zheng Zhiyuan couldn't help but shiver, lowering his head and not daring to speak.
After Shen Bao gave the others a few more instructions, he left with his men.
After the law enforcement officers departed, Zheng Zhiyuan ascended the stage again and announced that the appraisal competition would continue.
With Ye Fan's disruption, Elder Chen naturally would not continue the appraisal. The subsequent appraisals would be presided over by Elder Lei.
Soon, the top ten were identified.
Ye Fan, undoubtedly, took first place.
This was as expected, so Ye Fan's expression showed no fluctuations; he remained very calm.
The four major families of the Dark Alliance also advanced smoothly, with Tianyin Pavilion and Bowang Pavilion ranking among them.
"Everyone, the second round of the competition will be held tomorrow morning. Tonight, a charity auction will be held at the Antique Association. Please participate enthusiastically."
At this moment, Zheng Zhiyuan slowly stepped onto the stage and said with a smile to the crowd below.
Those participants who did not make it into the top ten cheered. Although they couldn't continue, finding treasures at the auction would also be good.
After all, this was organized by the Antique Association, so there would be no shortage of treasures.
Ye Fan and the others did not linger, returning directly to Tianyin Pavilion.
Since the auction was held in the evening, there was still some time.
Shen Tianyin was injured, and Ye Fan naturally felt uneasy. He sent her back to rest.
After accompanying Shen Tianyin and coaxing her to sleep, Ye Fan returned.
"Is everything alright?"
Seeing Ye Fan return, Liu Piaoxu asked softly.
Nodding, Ye Fan's brow furrowed as he looked at Liu Piaoxu's expression. "What's wrong?"
Liu Piaoxu's face was clouded with gloom, and her eyes held a hint of anger.
Clearly, something had happened here during his absence.
Liu Piaoxu let out a cold snort and looked into the distance.
Following Liu Piaoxu's gaze, Ye Fan saw Liu Yuan chatting and laughing with the other three members of the Dark Alliance.
"The Liu family has disowned me, and the old man personally issued an order to blacklist me. I'm afraid the Liu family will start taking action after the appraisal competition ends."
Liu Piaoxu's voice was icy, stunning Ye Fan.
The Liu family patriarch was truly ruthless to his own granddaughter, even intending to harm her.
However, reaching this point was a result of Ye Fan's actions, so it was within reason.
"We'll deal with them as they come. If the Liu family wants to move against you, it won't be that easy. Make sure they return empty-handed."
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of killing intent blooming within them.
"But doing so will undoubtedly weaken the Liu family's strength. Once I take over the Liu family, I'm afraid the Liu family will rank at the bottom of the Dark Alliance."
The four major families had rankings within the Dark Alliance. Different rankings meant different resources.
Therefore, these four major families were constantly vying for supremacy to secure a higher ranking for their own families.
"The Liu family deserves to be shattered and rebuilt. Otherwise, with the current foundation, even if you become the head of the Liu family, I fear they will not obey your arrangements."
Ye Fan analyzed in a deep voice.