This was the first time a non-member of Heavenly Sect gained a cultivation method. Cultivation methods were always kept as a closely guarded secret.

However, they were unable to catch Ultris.

"It seems like Ultris left the True Blessed Lands as soon as he got his hands on Cultivation Method."

Of course, the cultivation method contained a lot of useful knowledge, but to become a Heavenbreaker… that was something Ultris could not do.

Cultivators needed Spirit Roots to absorb World Energy, and Ultris didn't had it.

"Ultris must've gone through a lot of harsh things that led to strengthening of his Willpower, and he ultimately, and luckily awakened as Heavenbreaker.

"After that, he just needed to use the Cultivation Method he stole to get stronger."

Ultris' Dao was Dao of Blood, and ranked twenty-eight.

Dao of Elements, used by Celestial Worthy, was ranked twenty-second.

These ranks were determined by the "initial" strength of Daos. It was entirely possible for a Path to become so strong that it made ranks assigned to them meaningless.

An example was Neo's Dao, Dao of Absolute Transcendence.

It was ranked twelfth.

The reason for low rank was the fact that this Dao depended a lot on people of Cosmos.

Moreover, in the beginning when Cosmos had low population, the powers this Dao could bring were weak.

A Cultivator following this Dao had to wait until people of their Cosmos became a lot stronger and gave high rank techniques.

And, there was another problem.

The new abilities would be random.

And even after all this, the Cultivator would have to watch the people of his Cosmos and learn the techniques by observing them.

Of course, these were not a problem for Neo.

With Primogenitor and Heavenly Records, he could create techniques according to his need.

And with Darkness Firmament, Shadow Core, and Resonance that allowed him to copy techniques, he could gain powers of all people inside his Cosmos.

Thus, the power Neo could show was much stronger than what a Dao of twelfth rank should have.

Cultivator Bai Zhen, the follower of Worlds Beyond Shadow Dao, had the Dao of 11th rank.

And yet he was defeated by Neo, even though Neo was crippled and two ranks lower.

Neo did this by using an ability he gained through Ultris path, which had a twenty-eight rank Dao.

This proved that the ranks of Daos were meaningless.

They only mattered in beginning.

After that, the strength would depend on how one developed their Path.

"Neo! Neo!"

Neo's eyes snapped open.

He felt weak.

His lips were chaffed and his throat was dry.

"Are you okay?! Why were you sleeping on floor!"

Sarah looked at him in worry.

'Did I fall unconscious while mediating?'

Neo tried to speak but no voice came out of his mouth.

'Heavenly Record, why am I so weak?'

[Master, you had been mediating for two three days and haven't eaten anything nor drunk anything.]

"You! Why are you like this!? Do you know how uncle and aunty would feel if they saw you living like this!"

Sarah shouted while crying.

"You don't talk to anyone anymore! You don't eat! Are you thinking of dying!"

It took Neo a few hours to calm down Sarah.

After that, she helped him eat food to recover his strength.

She also insisted to stay the night, saying she didn't want to leave him alone, not knowing what he would do.

Her concern was valid.

Neo knew his mental psyche had been worsening.

Until now, Neo had always been working hard to get stronger.

But he couldn't train due to his current situation. And he knew eh would soon regain his strength, so he didn't have reason to seek out anyone for help.

He was… aimless.

In midst of all this, he lost his parents who loved him dearly.

That led to his current situation.

In the end, it took him a lot of time to tell Sarah that he would not do anything stupid and she should sleep in her own home.

She only left reluctantly after his repeated explanation that he was okay and would take care of himself.

After she left, Neo was once again staring at the ceiling with empty gaze.

'Should I burn a bit of Life Flame and use Happiness Concept to heal my psyche.'

Neo knew better than anyone else how dangerous his current situation was.

Even if he wanted to deny it, he needed mental support.

'Should I meet mother?'

'Or should I leave the village and go towards Elizabeth and Vivi?'

That was when it happened.

A cold gust of wind, chilling yet comforting passed.

"Neo?"

He turned his head towards the soothing voice.

There she stood.

"Elizabeth…?"

Wide eyed, Neo stood up.

He walked towards her, unable to believe his eyes.

"Elizabeth?"'

He stood before her.

"Are you really here?"

He cupped her face with one hand, the touch making him realize this was real.

"Yes. I'm sorry for being late."

Seeing her beautiful smile, Neo bit his lips.

He hugged her.

He hugged her hard.

"I…"

I missed you.

I am sorry.

I love you.

There were countless things he wanted to say.

But for now, he just hugged.

"It's alright now."

Instead of asking him why he was reacting like this, Elizabeth hugged him back.

He caressed his head.

And unironically, Neo could feel his psyche improving.

Even though he always acted as if he had infinite willpower. Even though he acted like a God that knew no defeat.

That wasn't who Neo was.

He had been broken countless times. That's why had gained such a strong willpower.

He had suffered countless defeats. That's why he knew he couldn't hesitate when facing his enemies.

Defeat was something he had tasted a lot of time.

Defeat was something that couldn't afford.

The pressure on him always kept increasing.

He had to keep moving forward to save everyone. To bring them happiness.

And yet, he wanted peace too.

"I missed you."

Neo tightened his arms around her and buried his head in her shoulder.

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