Contacting the top sects and families, Maximus convened a meeting at the Dimensional Origin Library.
Surveying the familiar room where they had previously discussed business, the supreme leaders attending the meeting couldn't help but reminisce.
"We've returned to this place again..."
Initially, the reason they started the war was to avoid ever coming back to this place—to escape the humiliation of negotiating with someone they deemed inferior at the cost of immense resources and wounded pride.
Yet now, not only had they lost the war, but the very individual they belittled had risen to their level.
Looking at Maximus, who sat leisurely, seemingly indifferent, waiting for them, they couldn't help but grit their teeth in frustration.
"Welcome to the Tower of Knowledge. I trust you've been well," Maximus said with a faint smirk.
"Thank you for your concern," they replied sarcastically.
Over the last thirty thousand years, they had barely recovered from the war.
Although the eight Masters of the Ocean of Law had recuperated, and even Hylos of the Espionage team had successfully condensed his Origin, it would still take billions of years for the other eight to resurrect.
What's more, they had lost hundreds of Masters of the River of Law—figures who could not be resurrected like the others.
To replace them, they would need to cultivate new ones from scratch, expending another countless resources.
Besides the loss of people, their reputation had also taken a massive hit.
The Shadowcrest Family, led by Maximus, had risen to prominence by stepping over their corpses, earning recognition as one of the top families.
Now, some first-tier organizations have even begun to show them less respect, revitalized by Maximus's success, thinking they could achieve the same.
Reflecting on the hateful comments and the growing cynicism surrounding their forces, their hearts couldn't help but throb with anger.
"Let's calm down, shall we? We're here for a grand gathering where our future path lies..."
Hearing this, they could only sigh and force themselves to calm down.
Sitting in a circle, the group turned their full attention to Maximus.
Although they knew the purpose of the meeting, they waited for Maximus to reveal his intentions.
"As you all know, I, Maximus Shadowcrest, possess the fabled Physique—the Dimensional Source."
"Huh~"
Despite knowing this revelation beforehand, they couldn't help but gasp.
"This—"
Hearing the price, they couldn't help but grimace.
A Tier 12 Ultimate Treasure was not something one could find just anywhere.
It was a unique and precious artifact, difficult to acquire even with their vast resources.
Even for those who possessed such treasures, they were the foundation of their sects and families.
Especially for families like the Farnyr Family, the Midgar Family, and the Elfalhn Family, losing these Ultimate Treasures could jeopardize their positions among the top ranks.
For the top sects, offering up an Ultimate Treasure would feel like cutting off an arm or a leg.
While some sects had unused reserves, the number of treasures they could part with wouldn't be enough for all their Masters of the Ocean of Law to advance.
"What? This is the final price I can offer!" Maximus said firmly, unwilling to bargain.
"This is already extremely generous—an Ultimate Treasure for a guaranteed Absolute Realm? Where else could you find such a deal?"
Hearing this, they could only roll their eyes.
Wasn't Maximus the only one offering such a deal? Where could they even compare prices?
Although the offer was undeniably cost-effective, it was still a hefty price to pay.
"Maximus, what about us? Didn't you say you'd give us gifts?" Malgron chided, looking at Maximus as if he had forgotten something.
"Oh~ I almost forgot. For my allies, I'm willing to offer a 50% discount. For every Ultimate Treasure, I will supply enough Origin Energy for two Masters of the Ocean of Law,"
"Hahaha! You really are a friend—so generous!" Malgron hurriedly praised.
Although it was still expensive, they knew it was a bargain compared to what others had to pay.
Unfortunately, the three families—especially the Elfalhn Family—could only look on with pitiable expressions.
The Elfalhn Family only had the Ancestral World Tree as their Ultimate Treasure.
Giving up the Ancestral World Tree would be akin to uprooting their foundation in exchange for advancement.
Seeing their pitiful faces, Maximus didn't wish to push them too far.
"For the Elfalhn Family, the Farnyr Family, and the Midgar Family, I'm willing to let you take a credit," Maximus offered kindly.
Hearing this, the three families erupted into cheers.