The Conquerors Path Chapter 970 - 968-Bad Decision.

A Short While After Austin Lost His Protection:

Third Person POV:

Operations within the archery association were proceeding smoothly. While the halls were filled with activity and a peaceful aura, those in the upper echelons were beginning to execute the directives Austin had established. Suddenly, the air grew heavy and stagnant, as if an ancient, primordial gaze had fixed itself upon the location.

Before the occupants could grasp what was happening, the fabric of space surrounding the tower began to distort. In an instant, three formidable vessels materialized, encircling the structure. It appeared as though the space at three specific coordinates had folded, allowing these massive ships to emerge and cast imposing shadows across the ground as they hovered in wait.

These vessels immediately drew the attention of everyone in Babylon City, particularly the local powerhouses. However, upon sensing the mana signatures and identifying the emblems displayed on the hulls, the onlookers quickly averted their eyes in silence. The insignia of the War Council was emblazoned upon the ships. Soon, several high-level figures descended from the decks, surrounding the building on all sides.

The arrivals moved with precision, fanning out to establish a perimeter that placed the entire sector under lockdown. Inside, confused onlookers watched as guards descended to redirect the crowds—herding the unlucky civilians to specific zones while segregating the association members into a different assembly.

The operation was swift, clinical, and executed with ruthless efficiency. Most were too stunned to react before the lockdown was complete. However, a few were quick-witted enough to respond. The moment the ships were sighted, urgent messages were dispatched to the relevant authorities—all sent just seconds before the War Council erected barriers to sever every line of communication.

The invaders moved with an air of absolute authority, acting as though the facility belonged to them. Their conduct was rapidly deteriorating, showing a blatant lack of respect toward such a prestigious organization.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?"

Eldon, the human Quiverlord currently stationed at the tower, demanded an explanation while narrowing his gaze at the man before him. The individual appeared to be a refined and scholarly human, sporting meticulously styled hair and spectacles. Despite his intellectual appearance, the aura he radiated confirmed he was a powerhouse at the half-step Imperial Realm.

"We have received reports of internal corruption manifesting here. Our sensors indicate a significant threat surrounding this location, and perhaps... a deliberate attempt at a cover-up?"

The man emphasized his final words pointedly. Eldon remained outwardly composed, yet a fierce rage began to simmer within him. The mana in his vicinity grew agitated, turning as hot and sharp as a razor, resembling an arrow poised to fly at any moment.

"We were never notified of such an investigation. And just who the hell are you?"

Eldon asked with a cold smile. His mana was now sizzling with a lethal sharpness, like a volley of archers ready to strike. Simultaneously, he exerted control to prevent a premature outbreak of violence, signaling his guards to stand down. Any reckless move now would only give the War Council more leverage against them.

"I am Lorel Von Biff, a certified Inquisitor of the Corruption Division. I possess the legal authority to establish a containment zone in the event of corruption-related anomalies."

As Lorel spoke, a crushing restrictive force descended upon the tower. This overwhelming pressure forced Eldon to his knees as he sensed the presence of several Imperial Realm cultivators hovering in the sky above.

Eldon’s mind reeled at the realization. Beings who had surpassed the 2nd level of the Imperial Realm were supreme figures—often the heads of their own organizations. The fact that so many had gathered here at once carried a grim significance.

Dread burned in his mind as he processed the situation. They had come fully prepared, and this confrontation would not be easily resolved. At this very moment, in the deepest sanctum of the tower, Eleanor was focused on breaking through to her next level of strength. These people had arrived specifically to sabotage her progress.

The motive became clear to Eldon. Despite her youth, Eleanor had already reached the 3rd level of the Imperial Realm and was on the verge of ascending to the 4th. Such a breakthrough would elevate the entire association's status. Furthermore, Eleanor was a pioneer of her own unique Dao; her future abilities would be entirely unpredictable and potentially beyond the War Council's ability to control—a prospect they clearly found unacceptable.

As Eldon grappled with these dark thoughts, he felt the heavy pressure pinning him down. Lorel maintained his polite facade, offering a gentle smile as he continued.

"Please, do not make this difficult. We have uncovered deeply concerning data regarding this tower, and we must act for the safety of the world."

Pure hatred flickered in Eldon's eyes. He strained against the invisible shackles binding his body but found them unbreakable. He realized the entire tower was effectively being held hostage. It was likely that the other towers were facing similar raids simultaneously; this was a coordinated strike designed to dismantle the Archery Association's reputation!

"Cease this."

A voice suddenly rang out. Before Eldon could even blink, the crushing weight upon him vanished. In that same heartbeat, Eleanor’s figure materialized directly in front of him.

"Master..."

He whispered, his voice thick with a mix of fury and concern. Eleanor ignored the surroundings and locked eyes with Lorel. Though the Inquisitor kept smiling, a single bead of sweat rolled down his temple. Standing before Eleanor felt like facing a raw, unstoppable force of nature. Only the intervention of one of the Imperials above saved him from being crushed by her sheer presence.

With a disdainful snort, Eleanor vanished. She reappeared high in the sky, confronting the Imperial Realm experts who were floating far above the sight of ordinary men. Among the group were three specialists at the 3rd level of the Imperial Realm—two elves and one beastperson. Leading them was a 4th-level Imperial Realm elf who wore a faint, knowing smile.

This leading elf appeared older, his face marked by grey hair and subtle wrinkles. He had the look of a middle-aged man, suggesting his actual age was far beyond what anyone could guess.

"Child, do not escalate this. Allow us to conduct our search. If all is in order, we shall resolve this through the proper channels."

"Hehe... if things were truly normal and you desired a civil resolution, you never would have resorted to these tactics,"

Eleanor countered. Her eyes and expression were eerily still, but the environment told a different story. The weather itself began to warp in response to her temper; the mana around her trembled violently. To Eldon below, it felt as though the mana had shaped itself into countless arrows.

The experts in the sky felt it even more acutely. They were already experiencing the sensation of phantom arrows pressing against their skin, as if sharp points were boring into their very souls. This was the manifestation of her intent alone; Eleanor had not even made a physical move yet!

The lead Elf realized that her intent was potent enough to slay a half-step Imperial instantly. With a single thought, she could riddled her enemies with holes before they even realized they were under attack.

Recognizing the danger, the Elf unfurled a scroll before Eleanor. It contained the official mandates and referenced the sacred oath she had sworn upon entering the Imperial Realm—a vow to protect the realms and to submit to investigation should the oath be triggered by suspicions of corruption.

"By the authority invested in me, I place the Archery Association under the War Council's inspection. I invoke the oath you have sworn and demand you honor it. Stand down for the protection of the realm and allow us to fulfill our duty to all living beings."

As the decree was spoken, invisible chains of the oath coiled tightly around Eleanor, restricting her movements. Her power surged as she instinctively tried to shatter or resist the binding, but the Elf spoke again.

"Consider the followers who look up to you, the legacy you have built, and consider your successor. If you fall today, who will be left to shield him?"

Those final words caused Eleanor to freeze. Immediately following her stillness, a killing intent so vast it blanketed the entire realm erupted from her. The Imperials flinched, and the War Council guards fell to their knees, gasping for air. The world itself seemed to turn a deep, bloody crimson.

"Eleanor! Control yourself!"

The Elf shouted as the oath's restraints tightened further, nearly choking her. She remained defiant, her eyes bloodshot as she glared at the Elf.

"If you dare lay a finger on my successor, I will tear you and everything you hold dear apart with such agony that you will beg for the mercy of death."

Having delivered her ultimatum, she withdrew her murderous aura, allowing a tense peace to return as she hovered silently. The other three Imperial experts moved quickly to surround Eleanor, locking her in place. She was now in their custody, and the lead Elf allowed a triumphant smile to touch his lips.