C15 Empress's Ambition to Build a Team!!

Initially, Zhuang Banxue was itching to give Wu Zhi a piece of her mind.

Yet, when she realized that even with her Immortal Energy Foundation Establishment cultivation in full swing, she couldn't even ruffle a single hair on Wu Zhi's head, her frustration was palpable. Despite the itch in her teeth from sheer irritation, she had no choice but to abandon the idea.

Wu Zhi, on the other hand, knew he was at fault and refrained from the cockiness he'd shown earlier in the day.

After Zhuang Banxue had unleashed her fury, he took the opportunity to explain the condition of the bead.

At first, Zhuang Banxue was livid.

But upon learning that the bead's power had been significantly amplified, her rage evaporated into thin air, replaced by an unparalleled sense of astonishment.

She had heard of the panda's unique gifts, but never had she imagined such profound effects!

In that moment, her valuation of Wu Zhi soared exponentially.

Moreover, since the cultivation progress of a beastmaster and their spirit beast was shared, Wu Zhi's gains were also hers. Zhuang Banxue's anger dissipated.

Instead, she graced Wu Zhi with a rare smile, as if beholding a precious treasure.

Though Zhuang Banxue's smile was enchanting enough to eclipse the natural beauty of the world, Wu Zhi couldn't help but tense up, suspecting she was up to something.

...

Three days later, Zhuang Banxue, seated in meditation within her chamber, opened her eyes.

She had successfully solidified the foundation of her Foundation Establishment cultivation base.

"Foundation Establishment is complete, and with Immortal Energy at that, significantly boosting my power!" she thought.

"Just with my Immortal Energy Foundation Establishment base, I can contend with a Divine Ruins Stage opponent!"

"And if I deploy my trump cards..."

A gleam of fierce determination flashed in Zhuang Banxue's eyes.

"I could even take on a Dharma Stage warrior!"

To be a Dharma Stage warrior was to embody the peak martial prowess of the Lee Dynasty!

This meant Zhuang Banxue now possessed the credentials to stand at the zenith of the Lee Dynasty!

However, at that moment, she was alone.

As a former Empress, Zhuang Banxue was acutely aware that in this world, going it alone simply wouldn't suffice.

Building her own power base was of the utmost importance!

"Currently, we're entering autumn... In three days, the Lee Dynasty's annual grand event, the Autumn Hunt, will take place!"

"I'll use this event as the first step in establishing my own power."

Wu Zhi, who had been sound asleep beside her, suddenly awoke.

He had heard quite a bit about the Autumn Hunt during his recent outings with Qing.

He quickly sent a telepathic message to Zhuang Banxue, reminding her to include him.

Lately, he had felt cooped up in the Imperial City. Even though he had been out and about with Big Black and Scarface, enjoying himself daily, he was still within the confines of the city.

"Isn't it nice to get back to nature once in a while?"

With the laid-back attitude of someone just looking for a good time, Wu Zhi planned to accompany Zhuang Banxue to the event in a few days.

...

Three days passed.

The Autumn Hunt.

As its name implies, this was the season of bountiful harvests, when Emperor Lee would lead his officials on a hunting expedition.

The Lee Dynasty was founded on martial prowess.

Valuing combat as its cornerstone, the dynasty saw the annual battle against ferocious beasts as a symbol of its valor.

Thus, the Autumn Hunt was considered a significant annual festival within the Lee Dynasty.

Everyone of influence, including Emperor Lee, placed great emphasis on this event.

It was an opportunity for the younger generation to shine, hoping to catch the eye of the powerful and potentially skyrocket to success!

On the day of the hunt, a formidable army set out from the Imperial City, heading straight for the Sunset Grassland to the west.

This fertile land was home to numerous ferocious birds and mutated beasts.

It was here that the Autumn Hunt would commence!

Upon reaching the Sunset Grassland and establishing camp, Emperor Lee personally took out a longbow imbued with a fearsome presence. Amidst the assembled army and officials, he drew the bowstring taut and released an arrow skyward!

This arrow signaled the commencement of the Great Autumn Hunt!

"Those qualified to participate in the Autumn Hunt, step forward!"

Emperor Lee's voice was calm, yet it resonated with everyone across the vast Sunset Grassland.

The Autumn Hunt was a significant event that gathered numerous officials and even their family members, but only a select few were eligible to compete.

The stringent requirement was the possession of a Foundation Establishment level of cultivation.

Without such prowess, one would be relegated to the tents, merely spectators of the hunt.

Soon enough, a group of experts with Foundation Establishment strength stepped forward, a subtle air of pride evident on their faces.

Among them were individuals whose cultivation and status far surpassed the basic requirement, such as Prince Ann and Prime Minister Cao.

In the Lee Dynasty, where martial prowess was paramount, even princes and prime ministers could not afford to neglect their cultivation.

These two were pillars of the Lee Dynasty.

After stepping forward, they scanned the crowd behind them. Having participated in numerous Autumn Hunts, they recognized most of the qualified contenders at a glance.

The crowd was largely familiar, with only a handful of newcomers.

Yet, these novices had barely achieved Foundation Establishment and were hardly a concern.

But just as they were about to look away...

They spotted an out-of-place child amidst the group.

It was Zhuang Banxue!

Her small stature was starkly conspicuous among the adults.

Not only did Prime Minister Cao and Prince Ann notice her, but so did the throngs of onlookers.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Why is this little girl here? Could she possibly have reached Foundation Establishment?"

"How could that be? Maybe it's her first time and she's unaware of the protocols, accidentally joining in."

"That's not it, I recognize this girl! Let me think... Wow! Isn't that the Seventeenth Princess, Zhuang Banxue?"

"What?! She's the so-called useless Seventeenth Princess?"

"I've just realized, it's the Seventeenth Princess, the one who hasn't achieved Foundation Establishment in three years! How did she get a spot? Could it be that she's finally succeeded in Foundation Establishment?"

"How could that be possible? Everyone knows she's a failure; it's plain to see!"

Zhuang Banxue's reputation as a failure was quickly acknowledged.

The murmurs and discussions among the onlookers grew more intense.

Prince Ann and Prime Minister Cao, having noticed the commotion, made their way toward Zhuang Banxue.

"Zhuang Banxue, this hunting team is reserved for those who have succeeded in Foundation Establishment. What business does a failure like you have here?" Prince Ann, known for his volatile temper, was quick to confront her.

The grudge he harbored from their last encounter, when Zhuang Banxue had challenged him, was still fresh in his mind.

So this time, he didn't hold back in his reproach.

"Don't assume that just because you're a princess and have the Emperor's favor, you can behave so irresponsibly! The Autumn Hunt is no place for your childish games!"

Prime Minister Cao chimed in with a seemingly warm smile.

"Seventeenth Princess, we're all too familiar with your defiant spirit, but previously, those were private matters. As your elders, we dismissed it as mere child's talk, and let it slide."

"But this is the Autumn Hunt, an event that reflects on the honor of the Lee Dynasty's royal family!"

"Throwing a tantrum here won't do you any favors, and not even Uncle Cao can defend you before His Majesty."

Despite Prime Minister Cao's seemingly empathetic words, his intent was clear: he was slyly reinforcing the image of the Seventeenth Princess as stubborn and troublesome.

Zhuang Banxue, who in a past life was an Empress, saw right through their facade. With a cold laugh and an air of defiance, she stated,

"My participation has been authorized by my father, the Emperor."

"Emperor Lee?" Prince Ann frowned, puzzled as to why Emperor Lee would make such an exception for Zhuang Banxue to partake in such a significant event.

Zhuang Banxue, perceiving his confusion, let her cold smile grow wider.

"Prince Ann, surely you don't believe that my chance to participate is merely due to Emperor Lee's favor, do you?"

"You couldn't be more mistaken!"

"The entry requirement for the Autumn Hunt is merely Foundation Establishment, isn't it?"

"For you all... is that truly so inconceivable?"

As Banxue spoke, her aura...

Suddenly burst forth with intensity!