"Mr. Li, it's good to see you!"
"It is truly an honor for the大会 to have Mr. Li attend the Spring and Autumn Brawl today."
"We are here, wishing Mr. Li great success."
The gathered appraisers walked towards them, cupping their fists in greeting to Li Yang.
They had seen Li Yang many times at various jade appraisal events and antique auctions in Jiangcheng. They were all familiar with his appraisal skills; when Li Yang made a move, none of them were his match.
This scene shocked Huang Bai on the spot.
He knew Li Yang's appraisal skills were superb, but he hadn't realized how respected Li Yang was in the antique world. Everyone had long since tacitly acknowledged his position in the antique community.
Even President Feng of the Antique Association showed great respect when he saw Li Yang. He personally walked up to Li Yang and said, "Mr. Li, I am willing to assist you in securing the top position at today's Spring and Autumn Brawl."
"I am already very old, and the affairs of the Jiangcheng antique world are becoming increasingly difficult for me. Looking across Jiangcheng, only you, Mr. Li, can shoulder this responsibility. Today, in front of so many appraisal masters from the Antique Association, I make this declaration."
"If you can achieve the title of Grandmaster, the position of President of the Jiangcheng Antique Association will be yours."
Wow!
The moment these words were spoken, all the appraisers present were stunned!
A disciple beside President Feng showed a displeased expression and stepped forward, saying, "President Feng, I think this kid is about my age. Why should he replace you? I believe the top position today will surely belong to you, Mr. President."
"Silence!"
President Feng sternly reprimanded him and said earnestly, "Mr. Li's appraisal skills are unmatched in Jiangcheng. Even I have lost to Mr. Li. Today, the Spring and Autumn Brawl is filled with masters. If I am not as good as Mr. Li, how can I possibly achieve the top position?"
After speaking, President Feng turned back and took Li Yang's hand, saying, "Mr. Li, please, you must accept my request."
"President Feng, you speak a bit too soon. The Spring and Autumn Brawl hasn't even begun yet. If I don't win the top spot, won't I disappoint you?" Li Yang said jokingly.
"That won't happen. I believe in Mr. Li's strength. However, to win the top position at today's大会, it's not enough to just have high appraisal skills; one also needs great patience and perseverance."
"Because I've just taken a look around and discovered that many renowned appraisers from the entire province, and even the capital, are gathered here today. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of the appraisers were invited by the Situ family. Today, the Situ family is determined to secure the top position."
President Feng explained to Li Yang very seriously.
"Situ Jue?"
Li Yang's brow furrowed. While he was pondering this, he suddenly heard several voices of praise from behind.
"Patriarch Situ, you are most welcome. It is thanks to Patriarch Situ's support that we are able to attend this大会 today. We will certainly not disappoint Patriarch Situ."
"We will definitely win the top position to repay Patriarch Situ's kindness."
A group of appraisers from other provinces gathered together. Upon seeing Situ Jue enter the venue, they immediately walked over and cupped their fists in greeting.
They had been invited today and had received considerable favor from Situ Jue.
They were here for the top position.
Situ Jue wore a brilliant smile and said with great satisfaction, "Thank you, esteemed appraisal masters, for your trust in me, Situ Jue. Today, you must all strive and showcase your best skills to win the top position."
"Whoever wins the top position, I, Situ Jue, will personally establish a million-dollar bonus as an encouragement."
"Oh? Then we must work even harder for this competition today!"
"Please rest assured, Patriarch Situ. With us here, no outsider will be able to take the top position."
The appraisers present were all full of confidence!
Huang Bai watched them rush forward as if injected with adrenaline. He turned back to Li Yang and said, "Mr. Li, do you see? These are all elite appraisers from various provinces."
"They have already joined forces to compete for the top position today. If Mr. Li faces them alone, even with a war of attrition, they can exhaust your energy."
"Lou Laoban and I have suffered such losses in previous大会s. Therefore, today I am willing to give up my chance to compete for the top spot and take on the pressure of the early rounds for Boss Li."
"Count me in as well. I, Lou Dong, am also immensely impressed by Mr. Li's appraisal skills, and I have long been displeased with this group who have ganged up to win. Today, I am willing to join President Feng in creating an opportunity for Mr. Li to win the top position."
"Add me too!"
"I also want to help Mr. Li."
The appraisers on Huang Bai's side quickly united, forming a counter-trend against Situ Jue's group.
Li Yang expressed his deep gratitude and cupped his fists towards everyone, saying, "Then thank you all, masters. If I truly manage to win the top position today, I will surely reward everyone present handsomely."
"Mr. Li, there's no need for politeness. We regard Mr. Li as an object of admiration. As long as Mr. Li becomes a Grandmaster in the future, it would be great if you could look after our businesses a bit more," Lou Dong said with a smile.
"Naturally!" Li Yang replied politely.
Just then, after Situ Jue's alliance was successfully formed and he was about to lead the appraisers into the venue, he happened to look up and saw Li Yang's face. His expression immediately turned serious, and he walked towards Li Yang.
As he approached, Huang Bai and the others focused their attention, wondering why Situ Jue was coming over.
Situ Jue had a great reputation in the antique world, but it wasn't a good one. Everyone knew he was despicable and insidious, often engaging in dark dealings that couldn't see the light of day.
Huang Bai had always kept his distance from him, and figures like President Feng and Lou Dong usually didn't interact with Situ Jue, so they posed no threat to him.
"Li Yang, what a coincidence. I didn't expect you to show up here. You're not thinking of competing for the top position, are you?"
Situ Jue walked over, his gaze disdainful towards Li Yang, and he sneered, "You certainly have some notoriety in Jiangcheng, but I advise you to give up on competing for the top position as soon as possible."
"As the saying goes, there's always someone better. Every appraiser I've invited today is ten times stronger than you. Your appraisal skills are only good enough to get by in Jiangcheng."
"Situ Jue, the appraisal competition hasn't even started, and you're already jumping to conclusions. Aren't you celebrating a bit too early? What if your appraisers are no match for me later, and you end up slapping yourself in the face?" Li Yang said dismissively.
"Having the courage to challenge is good, but being overly confident is arrogance!"
Situ Jue's smile didn't diminish as he mockingly said, "Since you insist on participating, then let's wait and see who gets the last laugh!"
"Alright, if you lose later, don't go crying," Li Yang retorted with a sneer.