In order to become a Heroic Spirit, I had no choice but to cause trouble in history.

Harley didn't bother Anno any further. She watched for a short while and then left quietly.

This painting has virtually no connection to the scenery and carries a strong sense of fantasy.

Anno named it "Hell Tour".

When Anno returned to Verrocchio's studio with his easel, canvas, and paintings, the sun was already setting. Having eaten all day, Anno felt extremely hungry.

The other students had already gone home, and dinner would be served in a while, so Anno decided to show the painting to Verrocchio.

Verrocchio's bronze sculpture is nearing completion, and he's probably currently in his office figuring out how to sculpt Goliath's head.

Anuo knocked on the door: "Teacher, are you inside?"

"Is this Lawrence? Please come in." Verrocchio's voice was muffled by the door.

Anno pushed open the door and went inside.

"Teacher, this is my work for today." Anuo thought for a moment, "Hmm, it's a bit special?"

“Oh? Something special? Let me see.” Verrocchio became interested.

Lawrence was the most worry-free and surprising student among the students he had taught.

Therefore, he was not surprised by any kind of work Lawrence produced.

He took the painting that Anno handed him, which was pasted on the drawing board, and his eyes lit up.

He began by saying, "The guys at the church will probably like this painting."

Surprisingly, Anno had expected Verrocchio to question the work, but to his surprise, it received positive reviews.

Anno overlooked the fact that, apart from a few extremely rigid individuals, artists are inherently a group of pioneers with a strong capacity for receptiveness.

"A burning tree, green water, white grass... a very striking image!"

"The walking Jesus is calm and composed...that's really good!"

Anno explained, “The fiery tree represents human emotions and resentment, the green water represents human influence on the world, and the white grass represents ubiquitous troubles that are numerous and uncontrollable.”

Verrocchio pulled Anno into a hug, somewhat excitedly saying, "Lawrence, do you know, this could be the moment you become famous!"

Anno was a little embarrassed: "In fact... teacher, if I hadn't received advice from a woman by the river, I probably would still have painted an ordinary landscape painting, perhaps excellent, but boring."

“Women…that’s not important, Lawrence.” Verrocchio shook his head. “Lawrence, my student, promise me, may I take this painting to church?”

“Of course, teacher.” Anno smiled quietly.

“Alright, it just so happens that my Madonna and Child painting will be finished tomorrow, so I can take it with me.” Verrocchio smiled and patted Anno on the shoulder.

The Madonna and Child painting was a new order he received not long ago, and it was completed today. He named it "The Madonna and Child of Berlin".

The painting is much more exquisite than Anno's "Hell Tour", but it is much less impactful and innovative.

The Catholic Church today is not as assertive as it was a hundred years ago. Moreover, Anno's painting clearly praises the greatness and fearlessness of Jesus, who dared to walk in hell. Isn't that great?

Although Anno only added Jesus for political reasons, he himself was not religious.

In the current Florentine monarchy, the relationship between the Church and the King is good.

After eating a simple meal, Anuo went to sleep.

But the storm that this painting will unleash in Florence is already brewing.

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Chapter 165 A Groundbreaking Work

Inside the church, the priest prayed quietly.

crunch--

The door was pushed open.

"It's not time for worship yet," the priest said, his back to the visitor.

"It is I, Your Excellency Father Anasaro." Verrocchio put down what he was holding and stood beside the priest in prayer, under the priest's gentle gaze.

Although the influence of religion has greatly diminished after the great catastrophes of the last century, it has not died out; it merely hides behind royal power and continues to spread faith.

The royal family also strongly supports Catholicism, so in Florence, almost everyone is a Catholic, even if it's just a facade.

After the prayer, Father Anasaro faced Verrocchio and bowed respectfully: "Good morning, devout believer, Mr. Verrocchio."

"Good morning, Father Anastasia," Verrocchio returned the greeting.

"May I ask why you've come today...?" Father Anasaro's young and handsome face showed a hint of doubt.

"Ah, one of them is the church order that I specially went to Berlin to draw, which has been completed."

“Is that so? That’s wonderful,” Anasaro smiled.

"And I've brought you a surprise," Verrocchio said excitedly.

He ran to the back with the bag, followed by Father Anasaro, who was very curious about the surprise Verrocchio had mentioned.

The two went to a private room, where Verrocchio sat on a stool, took out his work "The Virgin and Child of Berlin," and handed it to Anasaro.

The priest gazed at "The Virgin and Child of Berlin," admiring and captivated by it.

"Excellent work, Verrocchio, your level has not declined."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency Anasaro." Verrocchio chuckled twice. "I originally thought my work was quite good, but compared to the painting I'm about to present, it pales in comparison."

"Hmm? You actually praise a painting like that?" Anasaro was slightly surprised. "Whose work is it?"

"Lawrence, you've met him before."

"Your student?" Anasaro asked with a questioning look.

“You’ll understand once you take a look.” Verrocchio took out Anno’s work, “A Tour of Hell,” and handed it to Father Anasaro.

When the priest received the painting, his first impression was of its powerful visual impact.

Then he saw the contents of the painting.

After spending two minutes fully understanding the painting, Anasaro sat in his seat without saying a word for a long time.

However, his arm was trembling slightly, indicating that he was not at peace at the moment.

He grabbed Verrocchio's arm tightly: "This is a masterpiece unlike any other, Mr. Verrocchio."

Verrocchio, with a knowing smile, looked at Father Anasaro and said, "I knew you would like it, Father."

Anasaroth paid no attention to anything, continuing to gaze at the painting: "Walking through hell with wings symbolizing holiness... Oh, Lord..."

The two artists had already put "The Virgin and Child in Berlin" behind them; this groundbreaking new work was the focus of their attention.

After a long pause, he finally recovered: "Mr. Verrocchio, may I... see Mr. Lawrence?"

“Of course, if he agrees.” Verrocchio readily agreed.

Anno will definitely agree.

"I want to buy this painting..."

“Of course you can, but perhaps there is a more appropriate way than to buy it with money, my Father Anasaro.”

"You mean..."

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Chapter 166 A World Where Only Anno Suffers

Outside the Grand Cathedral in Florence, Father Anasaro held a grand exhibition for this new work, featuring Laurence Antoine Falgao's "A Tour of Hell" as the main exhibit, Verrocchio's "The Virgin and Child in Berlin" and other works by several of Verrocchio's students. The exhibition invited prominent political figures and dignitaries from Florence and several surrounding major cities, as well as some well-known connoisseurs.

As the artist who painted "A Tour of Hell," Lawrence Anau naturally had to attend in full regalia.

A strange black and white hat was draped over Anno's head, her straight black hair was curled up and hung loosely to one side. She wore a beige inner layer, over which she wore a large, puffed-up coat, and a short cape was hung on top of it.

The coat was cut off at the elbow, below which were pure black gloves.

She wore a pair of tight blue leggings, the kind that fit her body completely, and on her feet were pointed shoes with metal decorations, the toes of which could kill someone.

In addition, Anno also had some gold and jewelry decorations that he made himself. After all, he mainly studied goldsmithing and recently started to get involved in the jewelry industry.

In short, Anno looked noble and refined in his formal attire, but also incredibly strange. However, in that era, this outfit was the greatest respect one could show to those who came to appreciate his work.

It's winter now, and even in Florence, where it never snows, the temperature is only around ten degrees Celsius, but Anno is sweating profusely from the heat.

Anuo, who is usually very calm, was a little annoyed by this outfit.

It was both cumbersome and ugly; if it weren't for the need to show respect to these powerful figures, he would never have worn that outfit, even if it meant his death.

However, he also understood that Verrocchio was helping him. Artists live off their fame; without money and fame, where would they find the energy to create art? Even putting food on the table would be a problem.

Anno's work is not an abstract work; it merely distorts real-world scenes to depict a non-existent "hell." Essentially, it is still a world dominated by human troubles, and Jesus is not walking in hell; the place he walks is still the human world.

A group of nobles and connoisseurs surrounded Anno and his painting, seemingly unsure whether they understood the meaning Anno wanted to convey through the painting, but they kept exclaiming in amazement.

"This is so holy! God bless..."

"Ahhh, is this what hell looks like?"

"A stunning new style!"

Everyone praised him, and Anuo endured the winter heat, greeting them with a smile.

Verrocchio and a group of his artist friends were chatting happily nearby.

Nobles and connoisseurs appreciated the excellent works of art.

The church attracted more believers, and Anno's paintings also conveyed a positive religious message.

Only Anno's world was born.

The chubby Perugino walked up to Anno, his expression excited. He was the closest to Anno among Verrocchio's apprentices: "You're really something, Lawrence!"

"Thank you, Perugino." Anno's sweat dripped down his cheeks, but he still smiled.

Verrocchio said to the priest, "I have already spoken with Lawrence, and he will donate this work to the church free of charge after the exhibition."

Father Anasaro gratefully approached Anno and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence."

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There were no updates today.

I'm sorry, but due to personal reasons, there won't be any more updates today. Around 7:30, I fell ill at my company. It was a heart condition. After medication failed to suppress it, my colleagues took me to the hospital for emergency treatment. I'm now safe and sound and back home.