The elder’s eyes flashed with a hint of satisfaction. These words had never been spoken to anyone before.
Had it not been for Ye Fan’s inquiry, he probably wouldn’t have revealed them.
Ye Fan looked at the elder in shock, not expecting the old man to harbor such intentions. He had underestimated him.
However, the elder’s words held great reason.
Jiangnan City had a large population, and countless people had made preparations in advance for this selection by the Gu family.
But these insignificant nobodies were merely fools with only an outward appearance, yet their judgment was surprisingly high. Once they failed the selection, they would surely cause trouble. Even if they feared the Wang family’s influence, these people would not give up easily.
Especially if someone were to instigate matters from the shadows, the situation might spiral out of control.
In that case, it would not only be an embarrassment for the Gu family but also for the Wang family.
By creating momentum for himself, at least those insignificant nobodies would retreat.
It had to be said that the elder’s approach was indeed extremely shrewd.
Ye Fan showed admiration in his gaze, "Elder, you truly live up to your reputation as the wisest person in Jiangnan City. Such tactics have enlightened me, Ye Fan."
This was by no means flattery. In the entire Jiangnan City, besides the elder, there was no one else Ye Fan would offer such praise to.
Despite Ye Fan’s praise, the elder chuckled.
"Don't flatter me, young man. I have lived a long life and weathered many storms, yet it is only your praise that makes me feel peculiar."
The elder said with a wry smile.
"Oh? I don't understand. Since Elder has weathered many storms, why can't you accept such simple words of praise from Ye Fan? That doesn't make sense."
Ye Fan’s lips curved into a smile, his expression growing more pronounced, resembling a cunning little fox.
And the elder was an old fox. With two foxes together, it was unrealistic to expect peace in the world.
"Elder, Brother Ye, please stop complimenting each other. Let's discuss the matter of this selection."
Wang Feng, standing nearby, couldn't stand the two foxes anymore and quickly interrupted them.
Upon hearing Wang Feng's words, Ye Fan and the elder both started, then glanced at each other and burst into laughter.
"Elder, please tell me the specific details of this selection, so I can be prepared."
Ye Fan asked with a smile.
The elder nodded. He had invited Ye Fan to the study precisely to discuss these matters.
After all, Ye Fan had the highest chance of passing the selection, and the elder also hoped for Ye Fan to pass, so that he could go together with Wang Feng and look out for each other.
Moreover, with Ye Fan present, the so-called treasure hunt had a high probability of success, and the Wang family would reap immense benefits.
If Ye Fan were to fail the selection, then this treasure hunt would likely end in failure. It was not that the elder lacked confidence, but that was the reality.
Given the capabilities of the Gu family and the people of Jiangnan City, who had been searching for so many years without success, could they find it this time?
It wasn’t that the elder looked down on these people, but their strength truly failed to impress him.
Therefore, the elder had put so much effort into promoting Ye Fan's selection this time.
"The Gu family rushed to Jiangnan City this time because they discovered ruins outside Jiangnan City, in Qingping Mountain. These ruins seem to be related to that mysterious treasure."
The elder squinted his eyes and said with deep meaning.
Ye Fan frowned, "Since the Gu family discovered the ruins, why didn't they enter themselves? Why do they need to select people?"
Ye Fan was puzzled. From his understanding of the Gu family, it was a clan with a lineage of over a thousand years, possessing deep foundations and producing numerous talented individuals.
If such a family found clues to a treasure, they would send people to investigate it immediately.
Yet, the Gu family had not done so, which clearly indicated something else was afoot.
The elder nodded, "Indeed, the Gu family did send people to try and enter. They dispatched a small team of over a dozen people, but none of them returned. These dozen people lost contact, and their fate is unknown. Therefore, the Gu family realized that there seemed to be immense danger within the treasure. Thus, they wanted to find someone who not only understood antique knowledge but also possessed exceptional strength to participate together. This way, they could ensure safe entry into the treasure and ultimately find it."
Ye Fan let out a cold laugh, "So that's how it is. The Gu family is looking for a scapegoat. But it is understandable. After all, opportunities and dangers coexist. To obtain the treasure, one must take necessary risks. There is no free lunch in this world."
Ye Fan was accustomed to such matters. Let alone a great family like the Gu family, any affair would be meticulously planned. Even any other force facing a similar situation would have the same idea. This was not about malice but about ensuring safety.
Moreover, this was the most secure way to proceed.
Seeing Ye Fan’s reaction, the elder nodded silently. He had initially feared that Ye Fan might be angered if he explained the situation clearly.
After all, anyone being treated as a scapegoat would likely be displeased, even furious.
Especially someone as capable and powerful as Ye Fan, who possessed his own pride.
Such a person would be unwilling to merely endure or be exploited.
But Ye Fan's reaction exceeded his expectations.
"Let's talk about the selection. Since I've decided to participate, I must be fully prepared."
Ye Fan urged the elder, asking in a deep voice.
The elder's earlier concerns were not unfounded, so for the sake of safety, Ye Fan had to make thorough preparations.
He would not allow any unnecessary accidents to occur.
The elder smiled, "Actually, it's not much. The first part of the selection is the appraisal ability of antiques. The Gu family will present several items for everyone to appraise, selecting the best ones. They will also need to provide explanations for the other items. This should not be a problem for you, as in the entire Jiangnan City, there is probably no one whose appraisal ability surpasses yours. Even Elder Lei from the Antiques Association is no match for you."
The elder was full of confidence, and he believed in Ye Fan's appraisal skills one hundred and twenty percent.
Even a first-class appraiser admired Ye Fan, let alone others.
Therefore, in Jiangnan City, if Ye Fan claimed to be second in appraisal ability, no one would dare claim to be first.
Ye Fan nodded. This was indeed not an issue for him.
"Besides antique appraisal, what else will be tested?"
Ye Fan asked.
"Martial strength."
To search for the treasure, sufficient martial strength was necessary. After all, the dozen-person team dispatched by the Gu family had been annihilated, which meant that the treasure contained immense danger. If one lacked formidable martial strength, then even entering would be tantamount to seeking death, and it would be better not to go at all.