With an explosion of energy, the River of Knowledge began to expand, and the Source of Knowledge began to evolve.
The River of Knowledge and the Source of Knowledge were distinct entities.
If the River of Knowledge represented the land, space, and surface where the "water" resided, then the Source of Knowledge was the source of endless "water" flowing forth to fill the land.
Merging the Ocean of Truth with the River of Knowledge was akin to carving out a vast trench beside the River of Knowledge.
By softening the stubborn rocks and soil around it, the bottleneck that hindered the River of Knowledge finally shattered.
As the land expanded to accommodate more "water," Maximus drew on endless strands of causality to fill the empty expanse and fuel the ongoing transformation.
Years, decades, and centuries passed, and the ever-expanding Ocean of Knowledge could no longer remain hidden.
Sensing the shift through their connection to his source of path, the top members of the Order of Maxim began reaching out Maximus to ask about the advancement of the path of knowledge.
"It has advanced," Maximus said, nodding as he continued to channel the power of causality to fuel the source of knowledge to produce more "water."
Hearing his confirmation, the members of the Order of Maxim erupted in joy and celebration.
The Path of Knowledge—the path they all walked—had advanced!
But this time, instead of mere joy and disbelief, their gazes toward Maximus were filled with a newfound fanaticism.
From a forbidden path, no one could conquer to an Ocean of Law that all aspired to reach—it had all been achieved in less than a million years.
The Founder of the Order of Maxim, the Pioneer of Knowledge, was truly monstrous.
His strength, talent, and brilliance were so overwhelming that he seemed like a born Overlord, slowly reclaiming his former power.
Feeling the surge of Primordial Will, Maximus couldn't help but notice the fervor in their eyes.
This achievement of his was too extraordinary.
"Keep this matter a secret for now; Do not spread it beyond yourselves," Maximus warned.
Being a master of an Ocean of Law at tier 10 was too extraordinary, and Maximus was uncertain how the outside forces might react.
Fortunately, the Ocean of Knowledge remained fully encapsulated by the tier-12 Dimensional Barrier.
Besides the masters of the River of Law who walked the Path of Knowledge, no one should know the advancement of the Path of Knowledge.
Hearing his warning, the top members of the Order of Maxim quickly vowed to keep the matter confidential.
With their surging fanaticism with Maximus at the current moment, even if he were to tell them to kill each other, they wouldn't blink an eye, thinking it was the truth and the most logical thing to do.
Witnessing such fervor, Valoros felt a chill in his heart.
Even among the top sects and families, such blind devotion was rare.
Yet here, mere members of an organization displayed a loyalty so intense it bordered on zealotry.
He couldn't begin to imagine the heights the Order of Maxim might reach with such a loyal group and Maximus, this monstrous Pioneer, leading the way.
Thinking that he was also a subordinate of such a man, Valoros couldn't help but fall into a deep thought about the future.
Though his desires had always been to study freely and live without restraint, following such a man into the unknown was an undeniably exciting prospect.
As Maximus dismissed the members of the Order of Maxim, he turned his attention to Valoros.
"You can leave now. It's enough for me to handle the advancement of the Ocean of Knowledge."
After centuries, the Ocean of Knowledge had stabilized.
Though it continued to advance, it now only required a constant infusion of energy to sustain its progress.
Looking deeply into Maximus, Valoros suddenly dropped to one knee.
"I, Valoros, the Lord of Truth, wish to follow the lead of the Pioneer of Knowledge. I swear never to betray you, to follow all your orders, and to devote my very life to serving you!"
Hearing Valoros swear on his life, Maximus's eyes widened in shock.
The elusive Lord of Truth, who had chosen endless hiding and seclusion over bowing to any Overlord, was now kneeling before him—a mere tier-10 powerhouse.
While such a vow was less binding than a plane-level contract, it still held tremendous weight.
Breaking it would result in eternal stagnation, making further progress in one's path impossible.
Witnessing such a solemn declaration, Maximus was stunned.
"Are you sure about this?" Maximus asks in a solemn tone.
Turning the Omniscient Mode, he began to deduce the reason for Valoros' sudden action.
Becoming the Pioneer of Knowledge, possessing the rare Dimensional Source Physique, outshining even him in the field of study, inspiring fanatical loyalty among his subordinates, and a certain bright future—all of it had been a catalyst.
Valoros's pride and stubbornness had been overwhelmed by a single impulse: to bow before a man he deemed worthy and surrender his very life.
"I'm certain," Valoros said without hesitation.
"As long as you will it, my life is at your disposal."
Valoros had seen too much and experienced too much.
While he was cautious in his actions, when it came to pivotal moments in his life, he was fearless.
Even if Maximus commanded him to die at this very moment, he would not hesitate.
Betting everything he had on this choice, Valoros felt no regrets.
"Fine..." After countless thoughts and deductions flash into his mind, Maximus finally comes to a decision.
"From this moment on, you, Valoros, shall be the Minister of Truth; You will manage the Order of Maxim, aiding me in exploring the endless knowledge."
"You will serve as both sword and spear to strike down my enemies; The shield and protector for me, my family, and my home."
"Do you accept this decree!?"
"I, Valoros, take this order as my creed, and I vow to follow it to the letter until the last ember of my existence fades!"