The group waited a while longer, but Zuan still didn't appear.
Bi Linglong's initial excitement and anticipation gradually sank.
At this moment, Gu Xing said with dissatisfaction, "Linglong, that guy probably won't dare to come, but don't worry, with us brothers protecting you, this trip will definitely be fine."
Bi Linglong forced a smile: "One more person means one more source of strength."
Gu Heng also spoke up: "It seems that the Crown Princess values Lord Zu very much."
"That's right. There was originally a spot for someone above the seventh rank to enter the secret realm, but the Crown Princess didn't take me and chose him instead." Rong Mo pouted, her tone revealing deep resentment.
"Don't talk nonsense. This is the result of everyone's consideration." Bi Linglong glared at her fiercely. This girl is getting more and more unruly.
The Gu brothers exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. Having lived in the Bi family for many years, they were well aware of Rong Mo's importance.
Although this woman looks young, she is actually quite old; otherwise, she could never have reached the 7th rank or higher.
However, because she was adopted by the Bi family from a young age and cultivated in seclusion, her mental age is much younger than her actual age. That's why she was sent to be Bi Linglong's personal maid. This also shows the trust that the Bi family and Bi Linglong have in her.
But for such an important event as the Crown Prince's examination, Bi Linglong didn't bring her along, but instead chose Zu'an. The implications of this are self-evident.
Either Zu'an's cultivation level far surpasses Rong Mo's, or the Crown Princess values him more.
Rong Mo is already a seventh-rank cultivator. Zu An is young and grew up in the city. He didn't receive any systematic or professional cultivation training from a young age. How could he possibly be far superior to her?
Therefore, in their view, the latter is more likely the reason.
Thinking about this, the two felt a deep sense of crisis.
Gu Heng thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, if Lord Zu doesn't come, are we all just going to wait here? It's fine for my brother and me to wait, but it's not appropriate for the Crown Prince to wait here too. Besides, if we miss the time to enter the secret realm, we'll be in big trouble."
Gu Xing secretly admired his older brother. Although his older brother clearly shared the same thoughts as him, he always managed to use some high-sounding reasons to cover up his true intentions. Normally, he would think that was hypocritical, but at this moment, he found his older brother to be really adorable.
Hearing his words, the fat man next to him also chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, it's so boring sitting here."
Seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, Gu Heng and Gu Xing exchanged a glance, their lips unconsciously curving upwards slightly.
Seeing the fat man's noisy and disruptive behavior, which showed no trace of the prince's demeanor, Bi Linglong's eyes flashed with disappointment. She said indifferently, "Mo Mo, you guys escort the prince to the National Academy first. I'll go check on Lord Zu's house first."
"Alright, alright, let's go play at the National Academy." The Crown Prince said excitedly, and started to walk out.
Rong Mo didn't have time to say anything and could only hurriedly follow to escort the Crown Prince. Many guards from the Eastern Palace also hurriedly followed.
The Gu brothers did not move. They said, "In that case, let us brothers protect the Crown Princess. We also want to see what kind of hero that Lord Zu is."
Bi Linglong actually went to the other party's house in person to find him. This favor made them both jealous and envious, so they naturally wanted to follow her to see what was going on.
The Crown Princess frowned. She could clearly sense their hostility towards Zu'an, and taking them there was not a good idea.
However, she thought again that they would still be in the secret realm for many days, and it would be beneficial for the mission if the two of them could make contact with Zuan as soon as possible and get to know each other. So she nodded and called Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun outside to come along, since she had never been to Zuan's house before.
Zuan's mansion was located in the inner city. A group of people quickly arrived outside. Bi Linglong did not have anyone announce her arrival, but went straight into the house.
When the servants of the manor saw the Crown Princess arrive, they hurriedly bowed. Bi Linglong looked left and right but couldn't see Zu An: "Where is Lord Zu?"
"Lord Zu left early this morning," a maid replied.
"He went out?" Bi Linglong was a little surprised. Why hadn't she seen him all this time?
Did he really have an accident on the road?
Thinking of this, her heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked Park Dan-diao beside her, "Guard Park, have there been any fighting incidents in the inner city today?"
Park Dan-diao shook his head: "I haven't received such a message."
Bi Linglong frowned immediately. Where did he go?
Keep in mind that this is the inner city. With Zu An's cultivation level, it's impossible for him to be subdued so silently.
At this moment, Gu Xing said with a smile, "Could it be that they know the secret realm is dangerous and are afraid to go for fear of losing their lives?"
With the Crown Prince absent, he could speak of danger without restraint.
Jiao Sigun, who was standing to the side, snorted: "Lord Zu is not that kind of person."
He had been holding back his anger for a long time, having heard the two of them constantly making sarcastic and negative remarks about Zu'an.
"You can know a person's face but not their heart. Now the facts are clear: he didn't show up as promised," Gu Xing said, spreading his hands.
"Perhaps Lord Zu was delayed by something else," Park Duan-diao added, trying to explain.
Gu Heng frowned slightly. It seemed that Zu An was very popular in the Eastern Palace, even these two junior guards were speaking up for him.
Gu Xing scoffed: "What could be more important than the Crown Prince's grand examination today?"
Park Duan-diao was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to respond.
At this moment, Gu Xing glanced into the room and said, "Perhaps Lord Zu is pretending to go out, but is actually still hiding in the room."
As he spoke, he went into the room to look for someone. Because the Crown Princess was there, none of the servants in the mansion dared to stop him. They could only follow behind him anxiously.
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