Song Yan and Zhong Ali met at the entrance to the Painting Sage Courtyard.
Zhong Ali had remained in the courtyard, contemplating the painting, originally because she felt it would be somewhat discourteous to leave without Dao Child Ink Spirit.
Only after learning from Song Yan that the senior had already left did she decide to leave.
Although the two did not know each other, the atmosphere was fairly friendly under these unusual circumstances, and they left the courtyard while chatting.
As soon as they stepped through the gates, they saw several Wu Clan disciples waiting respectfully nearby.
Only when they saw the two emerge did they approach.
They were all young, with cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Realm Middle Stage.
"Fellow Daoists, please wait."
One of them stepped forward with a gentle smile and cupped his hands. "Fairy Zhong, Fellow Daoist Xu, for you both to win our ancestor's favor during this Painting Refinement, enter the garden, and receive Ink Treasures is truly a grand occasion for the Painting Dao, and an honor for our Wu Clan."
His voice carried complete sincerity. "Our Wu Clan's ancestral grounds have a painting garden devoted to exchanges on the Painting Dao, lectures and study, and copying ancient works. On our elders' orders, we sincerely invite you both to honor the Wu Clan with your presence, so that we may explore the marvelous techniques of painting together."
"Our clan elders would like to speak with you both."
Wu Yuqian, standing nearby, chuckled as well. Since he knew Zhong Ali, his words were less formal than the other man's.
"Miss Ali, Fellow Daoist Xu, you can rest assured. The Wu Clan has a thousand-year heritage and would never do anything to harm either of you. The elders have invited you as guests, and there