It wasn't because Zu'an's cultivation level was too high, but because the measured level was too low, only sixth rank.
In many people's eyes, although he defeated the Prince of Qi because a mysterious master was hiding in the shadows and he got the advantage, he must have been at least a seventh-rank or sixth-rank peak expert to be able to fight the Prince of Qi for so long.
The result was only a sixth-rank official.
The officials from the Qi King's faction immediately raised questions, feeling that there was something wrong with the test, and they did not want the Crown Prince to have too many powerful helpers after entering the secret realm.
The Crown Prince's faction was well-prepared, and many officials immediately engaged in heated debates, forcefully refuting their claims.
The argument escalated, and the two sides ended up exchanging insults with each other's parents.
At this moment, Qi Yaoguang snorted coldly: "Are you questioning whether our National Academy is biased towards Zu'an?"
Although her voice wasn't loud, it was extremely penetrating, and the room quickly fell silent.
Officials from the Qi King's faction immediately greeted them with smiles: "Seventh Miss, you misunderstand. How could we doubt the academy's stance? Since Zu An's test result shows it's sixth rank, then it's sixth rank."
They didn't want to offend the National Academy and push this neutral force towards the Crown Prince's side.
In fact, they had already discussed it internally. The entry of someone of the seventh rank or so would not affect the overall situation at all. They were just putting on a show to make the Crown Prince's side feel uncomfortable.
At this moment, Bi Linglong heard her father Bi Qi's voice transmission from afar: "Linglong, did you give him some kind of magical artifact to conceal his cultivation level?"
Bi Linglong was also somewhat bewildered: "No, I don't have such a magical artifact."
"Then is his true cultivation level only at the sixth rank? Is it just because of some messy methods that his combat power is much stronger than others of the same rank?" Bi Qi's tone was full of speculation.
"Maybe." Bi Linglong bit her lip, thinking to herself, "Is that guy really only a sixth-grade? Then this trip to the secret realm is probably going to be dangerous."
However, thinking of the solemn promise Zuan made to her that night, she suddenly felt at ease.
At this moment, Bi Qi asked, "At most, the King of Qi would only agree to let us send in one seventh-rank official, but you used the spot on him instead of Rong Mo. Was it really worth it?"
Bi Linglong took a deep breath: "I believe him!"
Bi Qi frowned, but he knew his daughter was always very capable and insightful. Since she insisted on this, there was no need to say anything more.
While the father and daughter were secretly communicating, Gu Xing was gloating: "I thought he was a great god because Linglong valued him so much, but he's only at the sixth rank. Haha, which of us has a higher cultivation level than him?"
Liu Xian, who was standing to the side, coughed to indicate that he had been offended.
Gu Heng didn't show it so obviously, but said to Bi Linglong in a deep voice, "Your Highness, you have always been kind. You don't know how treacherous those people in the city are. You were probably deceived by him before."
Bi Linglong frowned and said, "His strength is definitely higher than that of a sixth-rank cultivator."
However, he lost confidence as he talked about it. The academy's equipment for testing cultivation levels had never malfunctioned before, and this time, under the watchful eyes of everyone, it showed a sixth-grade cultivation level.
Gu Xing chuckled and said, "Linglong, why are you so sure? In my opinion, some people are not focused on cultivation, but rather they have a group of propaganda teams that boast about how great their strength is. If it weren't for the National Academy test today, they probably wouldn't have been exposed."
“It’s not impossible,” Meng Pan chuckled. “These days, his various deeds are being spread all over the capital. I don’t believe there’s no one behind it.”
Zhao Xi from the Liang Prince's Mansion snorted, "I used to admire him a bit, but it turns out he's only this good."
Liu Xian didn't take it seriously at the time: "Putting aside his cultivation strength, his ability to pick up girls is undeniable. I'll have to ask him later how he managed to win over Miss Chu with such ordinary conditions in all aspects."
A group of people were discussing animatedly. Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun were indignant, but unfortunately, the difference in their status was too great, and the test results showed that they were only at the sixth rank. They didn't know how to refute it.
At this moment, Bi Linglong also began to waver. Looking at the figure on the stage, her expression was somewhat complicated. She did not doubt the other party's potential, but potential needs time to be realized. If there were any mistakes in this Crown Prince's Grand Examination, there would be no time later.
At this moment, the group of people next to him were led astray by Liu Xian.
Zhao Xi teased, "What, you've fallen for Miss Chu again? You were just fawning over Qi Yaoguang a moment ago."
Liu Xian stroked his mustache: "Of course not. Married women are not my type. I like the kind who are obedient in relationships and are especially pure. I've decided that Seventh Sister will be my next target. I'm going to study at the National Academy and get into her class so I can get close to her and have a better chance."
Meng Pan scoffed, "Save your breath. The students at the National Academy are all exceptionally talented. Moreover, Seventh Sister is the direct disciple of the Chancellor, and she usually only teaches students who are qualified to enter the back mountain. You definitely have no chance."
Zhao Xi's tone was full of admiration: "Seventh Miss is truly beautiful and capable. She became the chief disciple of the Grand Master at such a young age. The key is that she can also glimpse the secrets of heaven. She is truly powerful and mysterious."
"Spying on the secrets of heaven?" Liu Xian finally realized. "No wonder she knew what I was thinking beforehand. Haha, a woman like that makes one feel even more conquerable."
The others rolled their eyes, too lazy to pay attention to his daydreaming, and the group started chatting amongst themselves:
"I plan to go to the National Academy for further studies after I come out of the secret realm. I only studied there for two years, and now I regret it a bit because I didn't learn the most core things of the academy."
“That’s right, I had the same idea. I heard there will be a selection exam in the back mountain of the academy soon. With our qualifications, we should be able to register directly. Only then can we enter the back mountain and learn advanced techniques from the personal disciples of the Grand Master.”
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