The Conquerors Path Chapter 971 - 969-Lets Dance!

Eleanor remained suspended in the air, her movement restricted on every side. The collective gaze of the Imperials was fixed intently on her, yet she only responded with a smirk. As she began to settle her mind and analyze the predicament, the lead Elf suddenly broke the silence.

"Interesting. What sort of monster have you fostered?"

The Elf’s inquiry left Eleanor momentarily confused until he projected an orb toward her. Her eyes widened at the projected image: Austin was locked in combat, trading blows with a massive warrior. No, as Eleanor looked closer, she realized the truth—Austin was completely dominating the encounter.

"For your information, your disciple is currently engaged with the named Juggernaut of this generation."

The Elf’s words caused Eleanor’s pupils to dilate, but that shock was quickly replaced by a surging tide of pride within her chest. He wasn't simply a student; he was HER man, standing his ground and conquering the world. For a fleeting second, seeing him shirtless sparked a flicker of possessive jealousy, but she suppressed it, refusing to show any weakness to the Elf.

A soft smile touched Eleanor’s lips as she recalled the promise Austin had once made to her.

<I will become worthy enough to be with you, strong enough to hold the world with you....>

Those memories always brought her warmth, and now, seeing Austin standing against the world and overwhelming his peers, she felt he might truly hold the world for her one day. This realization brought a profound sense of peace to her heart, the love she felt for him acting as a shield against the pressure of her current captivity.

However, that warmth soon sharpened into a ruthless glint in her eyes. The Elf spoke again, his voice trailing off.

"He is matching him strike for strike using nothing but pure physical strength....."

The Elf muttered this while observing Eleanor’s proud expression, his mind racing. Though he maintained a calm exterior, he was inwardly stunned by the sight. It seemed impossible—a human who appeared to possess no weaknesses whatsoever.

The thought took root in the Elf’s mind as he repeated, "You truly have raised a monster."

"Not at all. I merely provided the right guidance. Everything else is a legacy of his own making," Eleanor replied with a casual tone. Her focus shifted back to Austin, a mixture of lethal intent and burning desire swirling within her. She understood the underlying motives for this confrontation, but what truly enraged her was the War Council’s intent to harm him. She knew they viewed him as a significant threat to their plans.

A cold ruthlessness flickered in Eleanor’s eyes. She realized she might have to gamble everything on a single, destructive strike to break free. Though the thought made her tremble momentarily, she forced herself to remain calm. On the surface, she appeared composed, but internally, she was gathering her power for one final, explosive burst.

The determination burned deep inside her.

....

"Oh? This is becoming quite intriguing."

The Elf spoke as the Imperials shifted their attention to a carriage that had just touched down. Eleanor’s eyes flashed a murderous blood-red when she saw Austin being barred from entering his own home—a place he was destined to inherit. To her, there was no greater insult.

"You dare... YOU DARE!?"

Eleanor’s scream sounded as if it were torn from the pits of hell, vibrating through the heavens. Yet, before she could act, a surprising scene unfolded. Austin didn't lose his temper or start shouting. Instead, he called for his grandfather!

At this, the Elf’s lip twitched. He was well aware of Max Lionheart's true standing. While the world saw him only as a legendary General, his actual status was far higher—a position that would hold supreme authority during times of conflict. With war looming, provoking such a man was a foolish move for anyone.

Just as the Elf considered letting Austin through, curious to see what the boy would do next, something shocking occurred. Austin produced two stones in his hands. The moment they appeared, a chill ran down the spines of every Imperial present. To a commoner, they might look like ordinary rocks, but the survival instincts of these veterans told them a different story.

They sensed an overwhelming, lethal danger!

Before their eyes, Austin crushed the stones. A blinding golden radiance erupted, obscuring the vision of everyone, including the Imperials. Even the watching Princess was stunned into a wry smile, for she alone understood exactly what those items were.

...

Austin POV:

What’s the most effective way to handle this?

In truth, there isn't a single "best" move. The situation is incredibly layered. My master, Eleanor, is currently paralyzed because any Cultivator who ascends to the Imperial realm is forced to swear an oath to defend the realms when the call arises.

Initially, this was a standard oath meant to maintain order and foster unity. However, as certain factions gained more influence, the purpose of the oath was corrupted. The War Council now uses it to justify intervention wherever they claim "corruption" exists, turning it into a struggle for the realm itself.

Once that happens, any Imperial bound by the oath has no choice but to stand aside. They are forced to watch as the War Council "corrects" the situation in the name of safety. What began as a noble protection has been warped into a tool of control.

There’s no escaping it either. The War Council monitors everyone who reaches the Imperial realm, forcing them to take the oath. To refuse is to be branded a traitor to the very world that birthed you.

It’s a trap, a set of invisible chains. While there are some limitations on how this power can be wielded, it is devastatingly effective when played correctly, as it is now.

Eleanor can't intervene because the War Council’s actions are technically legal. Since they’ve declared a state of emergency, her interference would be viewed as treason. Of course, if the Council fails to prove any corruption, the blowback on them would be massive.

But so far, this strategy has never failed them.

I pondered this as the golden light enveloped me. My mind was racing through various strategies. Honestly, I could probably talk my way out of this by showing off my influence and playing the political game. I’ve built enough social and personal power to manage that.

But I am absolutely livid.

I’m tired of one problem after another being shoved in my path. More than that, looking at the sky makes my blood boil. My master, my lover, the woman I cherish—she’s being held up there like a prisoner. I can feel her desperation; she’s preparing to risk her very life just to save me.

They’ve invaded my home, my association, where I am the Young Master. They’ve broken in and treated me, the rightful heir, like a stray dog at the gate. I’m pissed off, and I want to break them. I want to smash their arrogant faces in. Will this cause more trouble?

Without a doubt, 100% yes.

Do I care? Not even a little.

Can I handle the fallout? Absolutely.

A smirk crossed my face. Some might remember the Dragon God’s arrow I used against Xavier back at the academy—a relic from a dangerous inheritance that nearly killed me. But that wasn't the only treasure left behind. There were several rewards for those who survived the trials, and I’m the only one who walked away with them.

The stone in my right hand grants me the raw power of a Level 3 Dragonoid. To ensure my body doesn't shatter under the strain, I’m using the stone in my left hand—a rare artifact that allows me to channel that massive power without self-destructing. Both are gifts from the Dragon God.