The Conquerors Path Chapter 975 - 973-Total Defeat.

To put it mildly, the entire situation was chaotic as fuck. From a broader perspective, the most effective strategy would be to manipulate this disorder for my own gain. Naturally, parading Draxton in this state—battered and utterly shamed—would invite complications. It was bound to create friction and even dampen the morale of the entire tower. However, this was a burden I had to shoulder to pave the way for a superior future.

Behind my mask, I was actually quite pissed. It appeared that because things usually went my way, I had fallen into the trap of assuming they always would. This was especially true given the immense control I wielded over this world. Yet, it seems that when fate decides to screw you over, it will find a way, regardless of how capable you believe you are.

"Now, we have confirmed that nothing is amiss. And I, Austin Lionheart, descendant of the protector, have upheld my word. Furthermore..."

As I finished speaking, a brilliant radiance erupted from deep within my Dantian, momentarily blinding everyone. In its wake, a magnificent, breathtaking bow manifested, its presence causing ripples in the space around me. The weapon seemed to bridge the gap between the chaotic and the holy, shining with a devastating beauty. It was as if the artifact existed on a plane of existence far beyond the understanding of this realm.

The bow glowed with an exquisite blue hue. Moments later, an explosion of power surged from within me. This blue Qi, which seemed to combat corruption itself, felt like it originated from a different existential level. It was something primal and comforting—the sensation of absolute trust and joy one feels when sitting with someone they rely on completely.

It was an aura of love and total acceptance, akin to returning to a mother’s embrace during childhood. This energy swirled around me, merging into my form from the bow I had unleashed. I let the power flow outward, covering a vast area of the city. While it didn't reach every corner, it extended far enough to envelop several vital organizations.

The aura instilled a sense of divine blessing and connection in everyone’s heart. However, this purity also acted as a catalyst for a violent breakdown in others. Draxton, standing beside me, remained unaffected. Yet, throughout the vicinity and in specific locations nearby, individuals began to convulse and tremble. Shortly after, the telltale red aura of corruption began to seep out of them.

Bystanders who had been ready to offer aid suddenly recoiled, their eyes filled with terror. Friends who believed they shared a bond felt the stinging burn of betrayal. Anger flared up instantly. In a heartbeat, numerous hidden corrupted ones across the area began to shake and break down. The transformation took hold both internally and externally.

The reaction was immediate, and chaos erupted. It wasn't limited to the civilians; my aura exposed the disgusting red stain on the bodies of several guards from the war council who had arrived to pressure the Archery Association. This occurred across various strategic locations. High-ranking members who had held power for ages were suddenly exposed like rotting pieces of corruption.

It was bad. Extremely bad.

Utilizing my aura and the power at my disposal, I forcibly restrained them. They were paralyzed in place, unable to move while they screamed and sobbed in agony. I directed a smile at the elf before me, whose face had turned ghostly pale. Reaching out, my right hand gripped the bow, and I felt its immense power surging through my Meridians as I held it firm.

With the seasoned posture and expertise gained over years of Cultivation, I aimed the bow toward the firmament and drew back the string. The mere act of drawing the bow caused the spatial fabric around me to warp and fracture. A sharp, straining sound, like heavy metal being forced to bend, echoed through the air. With a grin, I spoke.

"Time to teach a lesson."

With that declaration, I released the string, and a colossal arrow shot forth. In an instant, the projectile fractured so many times that it surpassed my direct control, tearing through spatial rifts and vanishing. Over a hundred arrows were generated as they sliced through the void and disappeared from sight.

Their destination? The other sectors of the Archery Association currently under siege.

"Consider this the price for acting without weighing the consequences of your deeds," I said, addressing the trembling, pale elf. Currently, they were attempting to tear a wound into my territory, my home. In response, I had just ripped open a deep scar within the war council itself. If it had been anyone else, it might have been ignored, but I had publicly demonstrated that corruption existed within the war council's own ranks for the whole world to see. Their justification was shattered.

Contemplating the move, I pulled the string once more. This time, a soft, light-blue arrow of light manifested, which I fired into the sky. This arrow split into gentle pulses of blue radiance that descended upon the corrupted individuals scattered throughout the area. Each member lying on the ground was struck by the light.

From those collapsed on the streets to those hidden away in private chambers, the gentle blue light descended like a holy blessing. Their screams were silenced as the radiance enveloped them. It provided relief as the blue power clashed with the red corruption, systematically dismantling it.

This struggle soon reignited their screams. As the red and blue energies battled for dominance, I coughed up a spray of blood. A crimson trail leaked from my nose, and lines of blood began to stream from my eyes as well.

As I processed the strain—

"Austin!"

Eleanor’s voice cried out as she blurred to my side, catching me before I could hit the ground. She gripped me tightly as I stumbled. My feet dragged on the earth, and I appeared visibly drained, my aura fluctuating wildly. It was as if this single feat had pushed me to my limit. Finally, with a soft pulse, every person touched by the blue light lost consciousness.

"Cough... Cough!"

I hacked up more blood. The bow vanished back into my body as I covered my mouth, chest heaving.

"Austin! Breathe! Just breathe!" Eleanor yelled, her voice thick with panic as she rubbed my back to soothe me. After a few tense seconds, my coughing fit subsided and I began to stabilize. My eyes were bloodshot and my face was stained red. Despite the lingering draconic majesty radiating from my body, I looked fragile. Leaning on Eleanor for support, I wiped the blood from my skin and let my voice carry.

"I couldn't entirely sever the link to the corruption, but its influence has been weakened. With further care and treatment, they should recover."

My tone was gentle and resolute. By the end of it, I appeared as the tragic hero, leaning heavily into Eleanor as she anxiously wiped my face. I maintained a smile, leaning closer to whisper into her ear.

"See? I kept my word. I protected you."

Eleanor froze at my words. Her frame trembled, and she found herself completely at a loss for words.

"You... you..." was all she could manage while holding me close. While we were occupied with each other, the rest of the city was descending into a fresh wave of pandemonium. The sheer scale of what had transpired was enough to shock anyone, let alone the revelations I had forced into the open. I had executed the plan perfectly to the smallest detail. They no longer had any grounds to interfere—they were just as compromised as everyone else!

My senses picked up the movements of stunned citizens. Some were attempting to suppress the news in private sectors, but it was a futile effort. My strike wasn't merely a rescue mission; it was designed to expose the rot hidden within the most powerful factions. To the common people, I was a savior. To the elite, I had placed a massive target on them, proving that corruption lived in their houses too.

Resting against Eleanor, I noted the expression on the lead elf’s face. He was utterly shell-shocked. No matter how imaginative he might have been, he could never have predicted this outcome. This went beyond any contingency. I had dragged the world's greatest taboo into the light of day, and I had done it before a global audience.

However, age brings wisdom and a quickening of understanding. The elf’s stunned look gradually transitioned into a mask of defeat and realization. He surveyed the surroundings with a profound sadness, noting the seeds of distrust growing even among his own people as they looked at their infected comrades.

Eventually, his gaze settled on me, and he spoke in a low whisper.

"It is a total defeat. Well played. Well played indeed..."