As candid and direct as Desmond was in stating his own problem, there was something that didn't feel right about it, and Mei Fei Long's keen senses didn't miss it. There was something simply wrong with Desmond and Fei Long felt it during every second of their exchange. The technique was there, and Desmond certainly wasn't lacking in dexterity, it was something about the intent he emitted that made Fei Long suspicious.
Fei Long could tell that there was something going on with Desmond, maybe several things, but it was obvious that Desmond was trying to keep up appearances, so she didn't call it out. Having seen through at least one of Desmond's problems, Fei Long used it to divert attention. "It looks like you've just undergone multiple breakthroughs, and you haven't had time to get used to your new strength, I guess that's where the instability in your mana comes from. Are you having trouble adapting your control?"