So, the Gu family required those selected to possess extremely high combat power.
Ye Fan nodded, understanding the two crucial points. In terms of appraisal, he feared no one. As for combat strength, unless he encountered a terrifying expert like Mr. Bai from the Heavenly King Mansion, Ye Fan was not afraid.
Currently, his True Qi flowed smoothly in his dantian, his strength greatly improved. Even if he met Mr. Bai again, Ye Fan was confident he could put up a fight.
"That's excellent. I'm rather eager."
Ye Fan’s lips curled into a smile; he genuinely anticipated the selection’s commencement.
Seeing Ye Fan’s relaxed demeanor, without any trace of difficulty, the Grand Elder’s heart was thoroughly put at ease.
An hour passed quickly. The three of them left the study and proceeded to the main hall.
Meanwhile, several members of the Gu family also slowly arrived at the hall.
The Grand Elder, as the main representative of the Wang family, personally made the introductions.
Below, the crowd from Jiangnan City applauded warmly to welcome them.
This time, five people had come from the Gu family. The eldest among them was the Gu family's Grand Consecrator, Gu Tong. Gu Tong held a lofty position and was extremely distinguished within the Gu family.
Besides Gu Tong, there was also a young man, dressed in opulent attire, with a placid expression. He now surveyed the crowd below, as if looking at a swarm of ants.
The arrogance on his face was evident.
The Grand Elder had specifically introduced him as the second person among the younger generation of the Gu family, Gu Ping.
The Gu family's younger generation was named in a style that evoked peace and tranquility.
The four individuals each possessed their unique qualities. This second young master of the Gu family was the most ruthless, employing any means to achieve his goals, even discarding anyone to reach his objectives.
Such a person could be considered a formidable figure in chaotic times.
Within a large family like the Gu family, such an individual was also a dangerous presence.
This was because they never considered the consequences of their actions, only the outcome.
The remaining three were disciples of Gu Tong, known as Feng, Lei, and Huo. All three were around forty years old, with cold eyes, clearly not benevolent individuals.
With just a glance, Ye Fan had accurately deduced the situation of these people.
However, he was quite intrigued by this Grand Consecrator, Gu Tong.
To be the Grand Consecrator of the Gu family in Hangcheng clearly indicated immense capability, a world of difference compared to the people in Jiangnan City.
Therefore, Ye Fan felt a sense of eagerness to compete with this Grand Consecrator.
But now was clearly not the time, so Ye Fan could only offer a wry smile.
After introducing the Gu family members, everyone took their seats.
Following this, Wang Feng took the stage and announced the official commencement of the banquet.
A banquet, naturally, involved eating, drinking, and entertainment, with no particular highlights.
When the banquet had progressed significantly, Wang Feng once again took the stage.
"Distinguished guests, the members of the Gu family are here to select talent from our Jiangnan City to participate in a treasure hunt. As everyone knows, the Gu family holds the secret to a treasure. It is said that once this treasure is obtained, one can soar to unprecedented heights in a short period. Unfortunately, despite searching for so many years, there have been no clues. However, two months ago, a breakthrough finally occurred regarding this treasure, and clues related to it were discovered in a ruin."
Wang Feng's voice was calm, but upon hearing his words, the crowd below erupted.
Although many of them had already learned this news, hearing Wang Feng announce it personally made them extremely excited.
"Young Master Wang, since the Gu family has discovered clues, why don't they search for the treasure themselves? Why must they come to our Jiangnan City to select talent?"
A young man from the Feng family asked Wang Feng with a cold smile.
Seeing the Feng family members stirring up trouble, Wang Feng let out a cold laugh.
"Mr. Feng asks a good question. Since the matter of this treasure is known only to the Gu family, why don't they go search for it themselves after obtaining the clues? It's because this treasure does not belong to the Gu family; it belongs to everyone. This is a treasure left by the ancient sages, and it belongs to our Southern Province. Therefore, the Gu family intends to share this treasure with everyone, and they are sharing it without any cost."
Although the crowd below would not believe Wang Feng's answer,
it greatly saved the Gu family's face. After all, the Gu family and the Wang family had a good relationship, and at such a time, Wang Feng would naturally not offend the Gu family.
On the contrary, he had to give the Gu family ample face. As a prominent family from Hangcheng, they deserved such consideration.
Ye Fan smiled and shook his head from below. Wang Feng, truly the future successor handpicked by the Grand Elder, possessed admirable adaptability.
If it were someone else, being questioned by the Feng family like this might have caused them to lose their composure, let alone skillfully diffuse the situation.
One had to admit that these members of the prominent families were no ordinary individuals.
It was just that, usually, they appeared dim under the brilliance of their elders. However, when taken out individually to handle matters, one would discover that these people were significant figures.
Indeed, upon hearing Wang Feng's words, the Gu family members all displayed smiles, triumphant smiles.
The Grand Elder looked at Wang Feng with gratification, his years of cultivation had finally not been in vain.
The Feng family members, hearing Wang Feng’s response, wore grim expressions and remained silent. To speak further would likely offend the Gu family, which would be more loss than gain.
Therefore, they chose to yield.
Seeing that the Feng family had ceased their remarks, Wang Feng continued his speech with a smile, "This time, the Gu family will select a suitable individual from our Jiangnan City to jointly participate in the treasure hunt. This is an unparalleled opportunity for the people of Jiangnan City, and we hope everyone will cherish it. If one is selected, they will soar to great heights, not only themselves but also their families will be elevated along with them. Therefore, everyone must cherish this chance."
Wang Feng's words were perfect, at least making the people below excited once more.
Only a select few wore somber expressions, filled with disdain.
"Next, the selection officially begins. This first round will be presided over by the Gu family's Grand Consecrator. Let us welcome him with the warmest applause."
Saying this, Wang Feng turned and made a gesture of invitation to Gu Tong.
Gu Tong smiled and nodded, slowly rose, and stepped forward.
Behind him, three disciples were already carrying several boxes, which they placed on the stage.
"Five boxes, five ancient artifacts. You will need to find the artifact with the highest value among them and then analyze these five ancient artifacts. Anyone who passes will proceed to the second round of selection."
The rules were simple, with nothing out of the ordinary.
Yet, everyone gasped in unison.
If they were asked to choose the most valuable item among these five ancient artifacts, many could make a choice.
However, the requirement to analyze these five ancient artifacts would stump them.