In the True Martial Grand Hall, heroes from across the realm gathered. Countless delicacies from mountain and sea were laid upon the tables, extravagance pushed to its utmost limit.
At the head of the banquet, Ning Chen sat quietly beside the True Martial High Priest. From the moment he took his seat, he had not spoken another word.
Within the hall, Ninth Princess Chen Hongmian toasted the guests one by one. Her beauty, capable of toppling kingdoms and cities, undoubtedly became the focus of everyone present.
Before long, Chen Hongmian raised her cup and came to the head of the banquet. "How should I address you, Young Master?"
"Ning Chen."
Ning Chen raised his cup and answered calmly.
"Young Master Ning, please."
Chen Hongmian covered her face as she drained the wine in her cup, then placed it on the tray held by the maid beside her. With a faint smile, she walked toward the opposite side.
Ning Chen set down his cup and watched the woman before him, his gaze unusually complicated.
Back then, she too had once possessed beauty that outshone the world. Alas, she was not her.
Across from him, Chen Hongmian sensed the gaze upon her back, and a slight ripple rose in her heart. This person... she seemed to have seen him before.
"What do you think of this princess of our dynasty?"
Beside Ning Chen, the True Martial High Priest suddenly spoke.
"She possesses excellent talent. Not bad."
Ning Chen gave his honest assessment.
"Would she be worthy of becoming your disciple?"
The True Martial High Priest asked again.
Hearing this, Ning Chen turned his gaze toward the old man beside him and said evenly, "I do not take disciples."
"Only a registered disciple. It will not affect you in any way. Moreover, the