So many things, Zhang Yanfei was dumbfounded. The other party explained that they wanted him to make a replica to take back as a souvenir, striving to make it as similar to the original as possible.
Zhang Yanfei laughed, saying that so many materials weren't necessary for one copy; they were enough to forge dozens.
These precious antiques, combined, were undoubtedly worth as much as an ancient painting. However, the Alchemy Sect had other standards because the relics of the founders were invaluable, and no effort should be spared in preserving them.
They weren't aware of the specifics of the original painting, so they tried to gather materials from different eras as best they could. It's worth noting that even a genuine ancient painting might comprise materials from various periods.
The term "genuine" mainly refers to the original painting surface and ink traces, which could have gone through multiple mountings during its transmission, and might bear inscriptions and stamps from different later periods on the painting.
Zhang Yanfei, being a Micro Realm Sect Sorcerer with Tier Two Scholar achievements, and also an artist, was highly skilled in such crafts. He meticulously created a replica sufficient to pass for the real one.
The Alchemy Sect expressed gratitude, giving Zhang Yanfei the remaining materials and offering a payment.
Naturally, Zhang Yanfei wouldn't accept payment, leading the other party to make another request: since the replica was so successful, could they take the real one while leaving the replica in the academy library?
Wu Yanjun was evidently not present at the scene, and Master Zhang Yanfei didn't discuss the matter with him in detail. Xiaowu only knew that, although Zhang Yanfei was reluctant, due to some undeniable reason, he had to nod in agreement.
Thinking it was over, Zhang Yanfei unexpectedly found it was merely the beginning. Before long, others approached him, mentioning an ancient masterpiece in the academy's collection, asking Zhang Yanfei to find a way to bring it out.
Zhang Yanfei wanted to refuse, but the other party had evidence of his illegal acquisition of national assets, namely the painting "Tan Xian's Walking Stick Painting" in the library. If Zhang Yanfei was willing to cooperate, there'd be substantial rewards…
Driven to desperation, Zhang Yanfei boarded the pirate ship, stealthily swapping out pieces to purloin at least dozens of works from the art college's collection over eight years. Many replicas were made using materials the Alchemy Sect had once provided.
Zhang Yanfei was cautious and exceptionally skilled, seemingly making detection unlikely. However, two years ago, the secret was exposed, and he was caught and brought to justice.
It was completely accidental; who would've imagined a replica being swapped out during a public exhibition, leading visitors to immediately spot the flaw?
The genuine works he had swapped out had appeared at overseas auctions, occasionally prompting queries. Zhang Yanfei claimed ignorance, suggesting those auctioned might be fakes or ancient imitations.
Distinguishing between a replica and an imitation is crucial; for instance, if an ancient artist's reputation and works were significant enough, not only future generations but contemporaries, including disciples, would imitate his works.
If the imitator's skills were high enough, future generations might struggle to distinguish them, and such imitations could be viewed as genuine relics in a sense. This is why Zhang Yanfei could use this as cover.
However, once the case emerged and the police intervened, gathering considerable related information and evidence, such explanations no longer worked. Zhang Yanfei was detained two years ago, followed by Wu Yanjun's incarceration not long afterward.
At this point, He Kao couldn't help but interrupt, "How did you end up in there too?"
Wu Yanjun solemnly retorted, "What I said, you don't believe me?" Simultaneously, he pulled out something and placed it on the table — incredibly, it was a release certificate, looking rather intimidating.
He Kao shrank his neck back: "I believe you, never said I didn't, just asked."
Saying this, he quickly glanced at the certificate, confirming the name was indeed Wu Yanjun, with the release date approximately a month and a half ago.
Wu Yanjun put the certificate away, saying, "A cellmate told me, after getting out if you're broke, show this at a restaurant to the boss, and you can enjoy a free meal.
But I've never done that because I loathe the idea of freeloading meals; know why?"
He Kao inwardly remarked, "You haven't freeloaded meals, but you did swipe Xiaopang's card!" Outwardly, he cooperatively asked, "Why is that?"
Xiaowu's conversation was fragmented, causing He Kao some inability to maintain composure, unsure how to respond supportively. He could sense the other's intense need for trust and acknowledgment, often repeated during the talk.
Wu Yanjun: "The reason I got in was for beating up someone freeloading meals…"
Though Xiaowu tried hard to portray himself as a transcendent being, his life was rather simple, born into an ordinary family in Nanhua City, his family running a small business.
Many locals love eating, lining up before five in the morning for pork rib rice at a regular food stall, just because it's special and tastes great, arriving late meant missing out.
Xiaowu's family also ran a distinctive eatery, initially cooking on a street-side stove, later renting a stall, eventually buying two street-facing shops to open a noodle shop.
"Wu Yan's Powdered Face" might not be a century-old establishment, but spanning forty years from grandparents to parents, it had some local fame as a time-honored brand with consistent business.
Despite seeming small, it was quite profitable, especially in earlier years, earning much more than average working families, although it was exhausting being up early and working late.