Hearing the conversation between Valentine and Nora, an incomprehensible expression appeared on Maximus's face.
"The Fritz Family..."
As far as he knew, the Fritz Family was ranked bottom among the top families.
Engaging in a marriage alliance should be a measure to strengthen their influence and bet on their rise to power.
Even knowing their intention, Maximus was somewhat interested.
Sam and Luke were the only ones of his sons who hadn't married yet.
If he left it alone and let nature take its course, they might remain single for eternity.
Looking at Nora and Valentine, Maximus also approved of their talent.
With a natural affinity for the path of knowledge and supreme-grade physiques, these two were more talented than his children.
As for Valentine's arrogant attitude, it wasn't too bad, considering where she grew up.
"Could this be the reason these two passed the criteria I've set?"
Loyalty was the most challenging condition he had required.
Though it was easy to find loyalty in those with weaker strength and willpower, the first two conditions he set were like iron walls.
The first was an affinity for the path of knowledge.
With minds constantly seeking the most logical and reasonable paths, how could they easily follow orders?
The second was potential; Regardless of status or standing, those with such high talent tended to see themselves as supreme, beneath no one.
Being chosen by the spirit of knowledge proved that these two sisters had a high chance of getting into their family and, thus, loyal to him.
"Hmm... Interesting,"
Maximus decided that if his sons didn't directly disagree, he could proceed with this marriage alliance.
Furthermore, although the Fritz Family ranked lower among the top families, they were still one of them.
Possessing most of the mining rights in the Aeon Plane, they were veritable giants in raw materials, which he just needed to create the Ether Devices.
Next, Maximus turned his attention to the other three individuals the Spirit of Knowledge chose.
"Gustavo? Not bad..."
Looking at Gustavo's talent and loyalty to his people, Maximus couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.
Having such an intelligent and loyal subordinate, Maximus couldn't ask for more.
As for the other one, Henry, Maximus also had no complaints.
Although Henry possessed an innate arrogance that couldn't be erased, he was very talented in the art of forging and had a high affinity to the path of knowledge.
For arrogant individuals like this, loyalty could easily be achieved by either being stronger than them or providing enough benefits.
Finally, turning his attention to Atlas, his eyes widened in shock.
"Origin-grade physique?!"
That's right—Atlas, an unknown wanderer wanted by the Dimensional Alliance, possessed an origin-grade physique like him.
"I didn't expect there would be more of us..."
Because the causality of the Aeon Plane protected all those with origin-grade physiques, he couldn't use Omniscient Search to locate them specifically.
Though shocked, he couldn't help but frown, wondering how such a talented individual could have the potential to be loyal to him.
"Hmm? The Unrivaled Will? What a masochistic maniac!"
As the creator of the manual, Maximus quickly recognized its signature even without the help of the River of Knowledge.
"Did it advance to an ultimate manual?"
It seemed this broken skill he had developed in the past had undergone massive changes, radiating the aura of an ultimate-level manual.
Amalgamation of Will Advancement Path: 6.9 million years
System Creation Technology: 10.25 million years
World Tree Advancement Path: 79.9 million years
Dimensional Merging Analysis: 107 million years]
"It's time to create the Tier 11 Origin Manual..."
Thanks to Iris sponsoring a trillion strands of causality, Maximus was no longer short on energy.
With 240,000 years of countdown on the panel, it would only take Maximus about 130 billion causality points and just over 11 years to create the manual.
"There's also the virtual tower," Maximus suddenly remembered.
Aside from their physiques, all his family members had already reached the peak of their current realm.
Taking the Tier 10 virtual trial should yield decent rewards.
Even Maximus was eager to attempt the trial.
Perhaps he could obtain 2 to 3 more ultimate treasures this time or other rewards that would aid his development.
With this in mind, Maximus informed his family to prepare to sweep the wealth of the Dimensional Alliance.
Since they had the strength, why hold back?
As for being too conspicuous, Maximus didn't have much worry.
He was no longer who he once was.
Although he couldn't yet defeat the powerful Masters of the River of Law, let alone the Master of the Ocean of Law, Masters of the Absolute Law, or the Overlords, he still had the ability to protect himself from harm.
From his status as one of the primordial candidates, alliances with top sects and families, and unique physique.
No one would dare to directly attack him in the territory of the Dimensional Alliance.
Especially as the bearer of the Dimensional Source, his importance surpasses that of Atlas, the son of the plane.
If Atlas was the key beyond the plane, then Maximus was the key to its treasure trove.
Perhaps those Overlords would be more cautious than he was, discreetly protecting him from the shadows.
Proceeding with his plan, Maximus first accelerated the deduction of River of Knowledge Advancement Analysis.
---
Meanwhile, the Tower of Knowledge continued to cause an uproar.
After the initial shock, the top forces began investigating the Tower of Knowledge.
From its profits, utilization, and significance to its advantages and disadvantages.
Reviewing the data, a look of horror crossed their faces.
"How can this be possible? A thousandfold comprehension enhancement ability? How could a mere river of law have such a large-scale ability?!"
Usually, only the Master of the River of Law could benefit from such enhancement.
Yet the Tower of Knowledge defied this logic.
As long as one had the funds, anyone could enjoy this comprehension boost on the 160,000th floor of the Tower of Knowledge.
"That's not the worst of it. Look at this! Isn't this book your precious secret cultivation manual? It's only 12,000 Origin here!"
"What? How dare the Shadowcrest family... This is a family heirloom! How can it be sold publicly?!"
Seeing their secret skills, techniques, and manuals exposed to the world, the investigators from the top families were furious.
Turning to check if any secret depository from the top sects were leaked, they couldn't hide their disappointment.
"Why isn't there a single secret technique from the top sects? What a massive coward!"
"Heh, I'd call that responsible..."