Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1810 A step forward

Sector 99 Mid Planet Kizar.

At this moment, hundreds of individuals from a multitude of races and origins stood scattered yet orderly in the vast plaza, their postures relaxed yet attentive. Some placed their hands in front of their stomachs, others clasped them behind their backs, a mixture of calm composure and subtle tension reflected in their movements. Every one of them wore either exquisite civilian attire, shimmering with gemstones that caught the ambient light in a dazzling display, or sharp, polished blue-and-black military uniforms. Behind them, distinctive cloaks fluttered in the soft breeze, signaling rank, honor, and authority.

These were not mere onlookers-they were rulers of planets, high-ranking government officials within imperial headquarters, Wing masters of elite divisions, and generals of the armyʼs most formidable legions. Each carried the weight of leadership, responsibility, and expectation on their shoulders.

”The simulation of the Fourth Weaponization Bath will commence immediately,” announced a deep, commanding voice from among those standing in full view of everyone. A massive figure with shaggy brown hair covering much of his muscular frame stepped forward. It was Shaddad, of course-the imposing, unmistakable presence that radiated authority. He lifted one massive arm, his voice booming across the assembly. ”Three, two... one!”

Ooooom

In that instant, the enormous, covered pool in front of them began to shimmer and glow, spinning with violent acceleration around its axis, a hypnotic vortex of liquid and light. Within it, dozens of organic and metallic materials floated, etched with intricate symbols and patterns, each element infused with faint glimmers of essence energy. As the lights intensified, the substances melted seamlessly into a single, cohesive mixture, swirling together in a mesmerizing, almost soothing display that seemed both beautiful and ominous.

Once the mixture reached perfect uniformity, the whirlpool gradually slowed, its spiraling motion stabilizing. Then, hundreds of small tubes along the inner edge of the pool opened simultaneously. They began to draw the radiant liquid upward, projecting it rapidly and directly toward a massive circular platform above. On this platform sat one hundred individuals, each from a different race or lineage, perfectly spaced at equal intervals. Their expressions reflected a mixture of anticipation, apprehension, and determination.

And then, the process began in earnest. Precision needles shot out from the platform, injecting the glowing liquid into the lower bodies of the seated individuals. From behind, a secondary tube extended and targeted their necks, pumping the same liquid directly into their spinal cords, causing shivers to ripple across their bodies.

”Ahhhhhhh-!!”

All one hundred participants screamed simultaneously, a collective wail of shock and sudden overwhelm, yet their cries were brief. Moments later, their eyes and mouths glowed with a supernatural radiance, illuminating the platform with eerie, majestic light. They fell unconscious, mouths open and luminescent, creating a scene that was simultaneously awe-inspiring and terrifying, a haunting vision of power and control.

Step step

From the midst of the crowd, Aru emerged, clad in a flowing blue robe, his white crown sparkling with dozens of small, radiant gemstones. He moved forward confidently, stepping between the onlookers until he reached the operators of the massive matrix. His eyes, wide with curiosity and excitement, scanned the array. ”Guys, whatʼs happening now? How do we know if the experiment is truly successful?”

”...” Shaddadʼs gaze lingered, his piercing green eyes sweeping over the volunteers with an intensity that made the onlookers hold their breath. A faint smile threatened to appear on his face, but he suppressed it. Instead, he addressed the young men standing beside him. ”Big brother, do you see what I see?”

”Without a doubt,” Jabba replied, his own emerald-green eyes glowing faintly in reflection of the experimentʼs light. ”Although there is no visible increase in aura or any outward sign of force, the armoring liquid has clearly penetrated the nervous system in a controlled and safe manner. Every channel is active, every synapse engaged.” He allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. ”Weʼve succeeded.”

”Haha! We did it!” Aru exclaimed, raising both arms in triumph, his voice echoing across the chamber. He turned to the assembled crowd, raising his voice even louder to ensure everyone heard him. ”Weʼve successfully simulated the Fourth Weaponization Bath! Now users of the Fifth Path can achieve the peak of the Sageʼs Realm! Absolute mastery awaits those prepared!”

”Haha, this is incredible news!”

”Excellent! History is being written today!”

”The Grave Empire is unstoppable, no matter how many rivals and adversaries conspire against it!”

The hundreds of generals, rulers, and dignitaries began to applaud slowly, the sound of hands striking together echoing throughout the hall. Laughter, pride, and exhilaration rose among them as they exchanged formal bows and greetings, smiles broad and genuine, even hugs offered in the most ceremonial

manner.

Among the crowd were the Grand Wing masters themselves, their towering presence commanding attention. Even Ranther personally attended, a Wing master responsible for nearly 800 planets within his domain.

His face, usually stoic and unreadable, betrayed a rare, visible joy at witnessing the success of the experiment. The news was monumental, its significance reverberating across every political and military echelon present.

Poof

”We succeeded, huh?” Jabba finally tore his gaze away from the glowing array and placed his heavy arm on Aruʼs shoulder, giving a firm, almost protective grip. ”And tell me, what exactly did you contribute to this? The land belongs to His Majesty, and the funding was his as well.” His tone was teasing, but a faint pride lingered behind it.

”Hehe, donʼt focus too much on the details, Mr. Jabba,” Aru replied with a slight blush of embarrassment, his voice softer this time, almost lost in the hum of the residual energy from the array. ”This achievement isnʼt just a personal celebration for you and Lord Shaddad. Itʼs far bigger than that. Itʼs a monumental milestone, something that will shake the very foundations of the empire itself. The ripples of this success will be felt in every sector, every capital, and every heart under His Majestyʼs rule.”

”Hmm, alright, youʼve convinced me,” Jabba said with a hearty laugh, raising his hand in a gesture of surrender and amusement. ”But may I ask what brought you to Planet Kizar today, Marshal? You even brought your entire entourage with you. From what Iʼve heard, you already have more than enough responsibilities and tasks to occupy yourself for a lifetime.”

”Heh~ Did you hear that?” Aru exhaled slowly, a calm confidence settling into his posture. He stepped forward to stand among the Truth Chosen, a quiet but commanding presence among the high standing individuals around him. ”In truth, the general morale hasnʼt been at its peak recently. People have been tired, stressed, and distracted by the empireʼs many pressing matters. So I thought that this test this grand-scale simulation- could act as a national event, something that would revive spirits, inspire hope, and remind everyone why we serve. From what I can see right now... it seems that goal has been fully achieved.”

”Nothing raises morale better than a demonstration for the Fifth Cultivation Path, hah hah!” Shaddad said, his deep laugh resonating through the hall. He stood proudly, his eyes scanning the array and the assembled personnel, the green glow of his gaze reflecting the brilliance of the success. ”This is an achievement that will be remembered for generations. Well done, everyone involved.”

”So... what comes next?” Aru asked, clapping his hands together with a bright, triumphant smile. ”This is the seventh array youʼve constructed over the past ten years, and now that this simulation has succeeded, whatʼs the next step? Will it be an eighth array, or the more critical simulation -the Fifth Weaponization Bath simulation- which is destined to produce the true back bone of the army, martial emperors?”

”Hooh-” Shaddad let out a low, satisfied hum. ”We no longer need to worry about constructing arrays on scattered planets across the empire. The team I gathered from the Sky Opening City branch in Sector 99 Mid has already learned every detail-construction, inscriptions, procedures, calibrations. With their assistance, you can now build any number of arrays you wish, exactly as you envision them.” He gestured toward a group of twenty skilled operators standing near the edge of the chamber. ”Right?”

”Right, City Lord!” the operators answered in unison, their voices firm and serious, their posture disciplined, each of them trained to the highest

standards.

Shaddad turned back to Aru, his gaze sharp but approving. ”It depends on how

many resources you and the Shadow Swords can provide. Each array costs 1.5 billion Pearls to construct, as you know. And if you want multiple arrays operational simultaneously, the numbers-and the energy requirements-will increase exponentially.”

”....” Aru remained quiet for a moment, letting the weight of the figures sink in,

then slowly nodded, determination returning to his expression. ”Itʼs fine. Building arrays is undeniably costly, but consider this: each array runs two full sessions per day, with a hundred soldiers per session. That means these seven arrays combined serve 1,400 soldiers every single day. Over the course of a year, thatʼs roughly half a million soldiers gaining precise, structured body path push.”

He smiled to himself, a quiet, proud smile as though convincing his own doubts. ”Even if these sessions donʼt result in immediate surges in power, and even if each soldierʼs growth rate is different, providing structured cultivation sessions to half a million personnel annually is a remarkable achievement. Even if only a thousand true martial emperors emerge from these programs over the next decade, it will be a monumental success for the empire.”

Aru slapped his palms together firmly, sealing his own resolve. ”Iʼll bring them up to ten arrays. In a century, we will have our first World Cataclysm, exactly as His Majesty commanded. Nothing will stand in our way once these soldiers

are ready.” ”Good,” Shaddad said, nodding with a broad, approving smile that barely concealed his excitement. ”I will return to begin the simulation of the Fifth Weaponization Bath immediately. The preparations are complete, and the team is ready to follow every command precisely.”

”Haha, excellent!” Aru spread his arms wide in triumph, then turned to Jabba,

his expression half teasing, half serious. ”And you will do the same, Mr. Jabba? Or do you intend to assist me with something else?”

”Me?” Jabba raised a brow and pointed to himself with a grin, then looked toward the distant horizon. ”My work here is finished. Itʼs time to take this experiment elsewhere.”