This was the first time the cultivators had heard any fluctuation in the Dao Child Ink Spirit's tone.
Seeing that the painter looked unremarkable and unfamiliar, they all turned somewhat curious gazes toward the painting.
Song Yan, however, was startled.
He realized that since Senior Wu Daoxuan had known the Sword Sect's seniors well, there was also a chance he had seen the Sword Sect Jade Seal.
The Dao Child Ink Spirit stared at the seal for a long time.
Faint ripples seemed to spread through his previously impassive ink-wash body.
At last, seemingly having confirmed something, he slowly raised his head and looked past the scroll at Song Yan.
"Your name is Xu Youhe?"
"Uh..."
Looking somewhat embarrassed, Song Yan hurried forward and showed Senior Wu Daoxuan alone Xiao He inside his sleeve.
He said quietly, "I know nothing whatsoever about painting. In fact, my spirit pet painted this."
Xiao He poked her head out of his sleeve, then pointed her tail tip at herself with great satisfaction.
Indeed, it was I.
"..."
The Dao Child Ink Spirit fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "The little demon has considerable spiritual intelligence. Do not squander her splendid talent for the Painting Dao."
As the saying went, teaching knew no distinctions. Senior Wu Daoxuan did not mind that Xiao He was a demon.
Song Yan chuckled. "I understand, Senior. I understand."
"Is this seal yours?"
"Yes."
Song Yan nodded.
The Dao Child Ink Spirit said nothing more and returned the painting to him.
Then he continued judging the paintings.
The minor interlude drew little attention.
Among the Xuanyuan Sect members, however, Shen Yu stared at that ordinary-looking cultivator, lost in thought.
Why did the portrait this man had painted bear such a striking resemblance to Song Yan?
Was it