The Lord of the Universe stopped helping Ling Tian gather strange energy, leaving both him and Po Qiong deeply disappointed. After all, without that energy, Ling Tian's strength would improve much more slowly. More importantly, it could hinder the process of turning his Small World into a universe, which would have a major impact on his tribulation in the future. Fortunately, Ling Tian knew there was no use forcing the issue now, so he stopped dwelling on it. From then on, he would focus all his efforts on improving his strength.
There was still some good news for Ling Tian. In particular, Xiao Shi had finally broken through to the Near-Saint Twentieth Heaven, becoming the second cultivator after Ling Tian to reach that level.
Xiao Shi's breakthrough finally let Ling Tian breathe a sigh of relief, and he was even faintly pleased. It wasn't just because Xiao Shi's strength would improve. It meant Xiao Shi could reach a higher limit and live longer; and the longer Xiao Shi lived, the longer he could keep Ling Tian company. That would do the most to ease Ling Tian's loneliness. Sure enough, it wouldn't be long before Hua Min'er and the others reached their limits and hid inside the Outer Realm Stone. That included Fairy Meng Shang and the others, who had a chance to break through to the Near-Saint Twentieth Heaven. For a very long time after that, Ling Tian would be alone. Xiao Shi's company would undoubtedly ease his loneliness considerably.
"Tsk, tsk. That little fellow Xiao Shi is finally about to break through to the Near-Saint Twentieth Heaven. This is wonderful news," Po Qiong said, delighted after confirming that Xiao Shi was the one breaking through. "To reach the Near-Saint Twentieth Heaven so quickly—and, more importantly, with his Bloodline Power