After the treaty was signed, the number of visitors to the Tower of Knowledge multiplied millions of times over.
With more visitors, the Spirit of Knowledge could select more potential seekers of knowledge.
Although most were from the top forces, with a few incentives, Maximus was sure he could draw them in.
"How many have you found?" he asked.
[There are already 23 individuals.]
"That's more than enough; it's time to put the plan into motion…"
While waiting for the ultimate treasures his family needed to absorb, Maximus began to implement his plan.
First, he would build some Ether devices, particularly the Ether Refiners.
Initially, he'd wanted to construct the Ether Forge first, generating countless of origin crystals.
However, with the opening of the Tower of Knowledge, his wealth began to skyrocket.
In just a few months after signing the treaty with the top forces, his balance had soared to tens of quadrillions in origin coins!
All of this was thanks to those arrogant prodigies with nothing but money.
Despite their elite status, their family had a limited array of manuals from which they could choose.
Even those disciples and saints of the sect didn't always have perfect manuals suited for them.
However, by paying for the library's deductions, they could acquire cultivation manuals tailored just for them.
With hundreds requesting customized perfect manuals, Maximus earned tens of quadrillions in one go!
He expected this trend to continue, earning him quintillions of origin coins within a thousand years.
With no shortage of money, he only needed to create Ether Refiners to convert them to endless strands of causality points.
"Notify the candidates… It's time I meet them…"
On the 160,000th floor of the Tower of Knowledge, Atlas was training on the Knowledge Simulation Platform.
Adjusting the pain level to his tolerance limit and couple with thousandfold comprehension enhancement, he felt he was on the verge of comprehending the River of Pain.
Just as he was reaching his limit, a notification popped up, breaking his focus.
"What? Who could it be?" Atlas growled, irritated.
[You are summoned by the owner of the Tower of Knowledge…]
"The owner wants to meet me?"
Reading the brief message, he frowned.
"Why? Is he interested in my physique?"
With an ultimate physique yet lacking status, Atlas had long been a target as an excellent vessel for others.
If not for his luck and iron will, he would've died long ago.
"It shouldn't be that…"
Assuming the owner of such a prestigious tower wouldn't stoop that low, Atlas decided to accept the invitation.
The other 22 candidates also agreed to meet with Maximus, curious about the Tower's mysterious owner.
Having been chosen by the Spirit of Knowledge, meant their perception toward Maximus tent to lead to positive side.
Although cautious, most were more intrigued and excited to meet him.
At the peak of the Tower of Knowledge, 23 people gathered, casting curious glances at each other.
"There are others, too?" Valentina complained.
She thought their cheap future father-in-law was calling them to meet his sons.
Perhaps she was getting ahead of herself.
Valentine stopped struggling against such arranged marriage; knowing the plight of her family, she was willing to make a sacrifice.
"Don't get so hasty; we'll meet them soon enough," Nora teased, nudging her.
"Hmph! I wasn't thinking about that at all!"
"Hehe, sure you weren't…"
As they chatted, the door suddenly opened.
They expected another candidate, but feeling the unique aura as the River of Knowledge gathered around him, they had one thought: the Supreme Primordial Candidate, Maximus Shadowcrest!
"Nice to meet you. I'm Maximus Shadowcrest, the owner of this library. I'm glad you all could make it here…"
Confirming that it was real, their eyes widened with excitement as if meeting their idol.
Sensing their admiration, Maximus smiled.
"I know you're puzzled about why I summoned you here."
They fell silent, waiting intently.
"I'll get straight to the point: I invited you here to encourage you to follow me on the Path of Knowledge."
"Follow the Path of Knowledge?"
Shocked and hesitant, they exchanged uneasy glances.
Although the Path of Knowledge was one of the Forbidden Paths, it wasn't known for combat prowess.
Even its wealth-generating abilities weren't as powerful as other paths.
"No? It seems the Path of Knowledge doesn't appeal much to you~" Maximus said teasingly.
"I know you each have your reasons—whether it's revenge, protection, or freedom. The Path of Knowledge, which only grants the pursuit of wisdom, isn't often a first choice…"
"However, let me tell you this: if it weren't for this 'mediocre' path, without even the slightest combat ability, I wouldn't be here today." Maximus's tone was sincere.
Amongst all the paths, the Path of Knowledge was considered weak.
However, as a forbidden path, it still had something that could bridge the gap compared to the others.
The Path of Knowledge is the path to omniscience.
The further Maximus ventured down this path, the more he understood the terror and strength it contained.
True omniscience, the absolute of knowledge—at that level, Maximus would know everything and, in essence, do anything.
Hearing Maximus praise the Path of Knowledge, many of them were tempted.
Yet, faced with reality, they couldn't immediately decide.
"Alright, I won't waste more of your time. Here are all the benefits you'll receive if you join me on this path. Give me your answer within a month."
Reading the benefits listed before them, their eyes glowed with excitement and desire.
Money, status, power—everything they wanted and desired was laid out before them.
All of their problems were even listed, as Maximus was willing to solve all of them once they joined him.
Just as Maximus was about to leave and give them time to think, Atlas was the first to stand.
"I'm willing to follow your path, Master!"
"We also choose to follow you on the Path of Knowledge!"
Soon, under the influence of the crowd, all of them knelt, pledging to follow his path.