In the Star Luo Imperial Palace, Her Highness the Princess's reception room was not nearly as extravagant as outsiders imagined. Instead, it was elegant and refined, with a faint fragrance of incense lingering in the air.
Xu Jiujiu had changed out of her battle attire into casual clothes, losing some of her martial bearing from the arena and gaining the gentleness and nobility of an imperial princess.
She personally poured Dai Youheng a cup of tea, her movements graceful.
"Youheng, today's match was splendid." Xu Jiujiu went straight to the point, her eyes still full of admiration. "Especially that final slash that broke through my Star's Protection. The resolve behind it and the concentration of its power far surpassed my understanding of the Soul Ancestor realm. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."
Dai Youheng inclined his head slightly. "You flatter me, Your Highness. It was only luck. Your Star's Protection left me awestruck as well. It truly deserves its reputation as the strongest defensive skill capable of isolating attributes."
"It wasn't luck." Xu Jiujiu shook her head and gazed at Dai Youheng with genuine curiosity. "Your increase in strength could be attributed to your fortunate encounter with an immortal herb. But your combat instincts, your grasp of opportunities, and especially that exquisite saber art I've never heard of-none of those could have been developed overnight. I really want to know how you managed to undergo such a complete transformation in so little time. If your face, Martial Soul, Soul Rings, and Soul Skills hadn't remained unchanged, I would almost suspect you weren't yourself anymore."
Here it comes!
Dai Youheng thought to himself. He had long anticipated such suspicions, but his face revealed a perfectly timed trace of reminiscence, a touch of wistfulness, and a hint of deep affection delivered with masterful