At the Imperial Army Camp, after a sparring match that had been a test in all but name, Xuan Yu departed, looking deeply displeased.
That display of emotion, which should not have been revealed, planted suspicion in Ning Chen's heart. None of the twelve princes and imperial daughters of the Heavenly Demon Royal Clan were simple figures. The breadth of mind displayed by this Sixth Prince truly did not match his status.
In all things, excess was as bad as deficiency. Xuan Yu's behavior left him unable to keep suspicion from rising.
After pondering for a moment, Ning Chen temporarily gathered his thoughts and stepped down from the fighting platform. Looking at the middle-aged man below, he smiled and said, "Brother Xuan Mo, I have made a fool of myself."
"Your Highness is too modest. Your performance truly opened our eyes," Xuan Mo said with feeling.
"It was a martial art I learned years ago, one I had always struggled to incorporate into actual combat. Thanks to my master's Soaring Swan Art, I finally had a chance to try."
Ning Chen smiled and continued, "Still, it was my first time using it, so I was somewhat unpracticed. Although the Soaring Swan Art can evolve all martial arts under heaven, its requirements for talent are far too high. That happens to be my shortcoming."
"Diligence can make up for clumsiness. With Your Highness's attainments today, you have long surpassed everyone of the same generation. Talent is no longer important," Xuan Mo said solemnly as he looked at the person before him.
"Heh."
At the side, Yun Hong chuckled. "Commander, why does that sound to me like you are praising yourself?"
"Brother Yun jests. I am merely speaking of the matter as it is. His Highness's attainments in martial arts have indeed