Plunderer: Master of the Multiverse

Clad in chain mail, under the grip of his magnetic ability, over 100 kilograms of force bore down on his frame. Alex trained relentlessly, even through meals, drinks, and daily routines.

Blending internal and external cultivation forged Alex's foundation into unyielding steel. Gripping the White Dragon Sword with both hands, each move was a simple chop, thrust, stab, or flick. It looked like a novice's swordplay, but in Alex's hands, it radiated a primal, back-to-basics mastery.

The martial arts skill of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer world is modest, so its swordsmen honed intricate sword techniques, birthing the Dugu Nine Swords.

The martial arts might of One Piece world is colossal, with swordsmen chasing the raw power to cleave cities and mountains…

But whether it's the Dugu Nine Swords of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer or the kendo of One Piece plane, all stem from these fundamental sword strokes.

After copying kendo knowledge from Law, Alex realized his weakest link was his foundational swordsmanship.

After grinding through practice for hours, Alex set down his sword and dove into his mental disk. He could see the Dugu Nine Swords file had upgraded to a hefty 5.5G.

This showed that as his foundation deepened, his Dugu Nine Swords grew ever more refined.

Of course, his crystal points surged too. Crystal points reflect the energy pulsing within the body. Beyond the measurable crystal points, Alex's physical gains were harder to quantify.

But Alex could feel his physique sharpening, a tangible leap that fueled his drive to train harder.

"Roaming the worlds, I can copy others' bloodlines, skills, and knowledge. These are my keys to blazing-fast growth! Plus, the time flow in these worlds differs from the real world, giving me a leg up for a meteoric rise back home…"

He sank to the ground, breath heavy. The internal energy of the Yi jin jing coursed through him like a gentle stream, washing away his body's fatigue. Alex quietly pondered his future path.

Alex didn't bring Lily along for this world crossing. After all, hopping through myriad worlds was his deepest secret, one he guarded fiercely from everyone.

Last time, in the One Piece world , he'd had no choice, worried about leaving Lily alone in the wilds.

But even when he brought Lily, Alex ensured she was asleep during the jumps back and forth, safeguarding his secret to the max.

The combat might of The Storm Riders world is sky-high, with Xiongba's crystal points nearing the 1,000 mark. In Alex's eyes, this plane brimmed with treasures worth copying.

Like Wuming's Celestial Blade? Or Jiansheng's Twenty-Three Sword ?

Of course, if he could cross paths with Di Shitian, with Di Shitian's knack for posing as a wise master to dupe others, he might cozy up to his alias Xu Fu and snag a chance to study and copy the phoenix blood in his veins.

"Hall Master Alex, Hall Master Alex, oh my…"

Just as Alex sat cross-legged, channeling the Yi jin jing's inner strength to banish fatigue and plotting his next moves, a high-pitched voice broke through. A robed man, face dusted with rouge and powder, minced toward Alex with a shrill cry.

"Steward Wen, what's up?" Alex asked, eyeing Wen Chouchou as he scurried over.

Though Wen Chouchou's flamboyant look wasn't everyone's cup of tea, his skills were undeniable.

As Xiongba's right-hand man, Wen Chouchou kept the sprawling World Alliance running like clockwork, earning his spot as steward. Flattery alone wouldn't have won Xiongba's trust or the steward's mantle.

"Hall Master Alex, the gang leader's decided to take two new disciples. It's a huge deal. As a hall master, you've gotta be there to see it…" Wen Chouchou panted, trotting up to deliver the news.

"Got it, I'm on my way," Alex nodded, rising and heading off.

It seems that Xiongba has comprehended the words given to him by the Clay Buddha, and has also discovered the existence of Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun?

Sure enough, a crowd of World Alliance members, including a gaggle of kids around ten—future lifeblood of the gang—had gathered in the combat arena. Xiongba stood in the arena, his face calm.

Just standing there, his commanding aura made folks instinctively bow and yield.

Once Alex arrived, Xiongba spoke, announcing he'd take two new disciples. Naturally, they were Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun.

Alongside Qin Shuang, Xiongba's existing disciple, he now had three under his wing.

As Xiongba's words landed, countless gang members shot envious glances at Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun.

Nie Feng, with his sunny disposition, wore a bright smile on his youthful face. Bu Jingyun, beside him, exuded a mature, steady vibe, his expression cool and unreadable.

Studying Bu Jingyun's demeanor, Alex gave a quiet nod of approval. Such poise in a kid was rare.

To others, Bu Jingyun might seem cold and ruthless, less likable than Nie Feng, but Alex, hardened by the apocalypse, respected Bu Jingyun's steel.

"I'm not okay with this!" But then, a young voice piped up, sharp with defiance.

All eyes turned to the source—a ten-year-old kid, face flushed with indignation, shouting: "The leader's playing favorites. I'm the son of Southwood Blade Master Duan Shuai. Why take Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun as disciples but not me?"

Duan Shuai, the Southwood Blade Master, was a renowned figure in the martial world. As his son, Duanlang always swelled with pride, convinced he outshone his peers.

Today, Xiongba picked two disciples, and Duanlang wasn't one? It stung, and he couldn't swallow it.

Xiongba's eyes flickered with a trace of annoyance.

As gang leader, having a member—even a kid—challenge him publicly grated on his nerves.

Truth be told, Xiongba knew Duanlang had serious potential, or he wouldn't have brought him back with Nie Feng that day.

But Xiongba had a rule: no taking disciples who already knew martial arts. Duanlang, young as he was, had trained under Duan Shuai, so Xiongba wouldn't take him on.

"Duanlang…" Alex murmured to himself, eyeing the ten-year-old.

If Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun were The Storm Riders's stars, Duanlang was the ultimate sidekick, sticking it out nearly to the end and even killing Di Shitian.

If Storm Riders leaned on their protagonist aura to hit the top, Duanlang clawed his way up through sheer grit and skill.

Alex knew Wen Chouchou would soon step in, assigning Duanlang to menial tasks to appease Xiongba and save the kid's skin.

But Alex took a few steps forward and said, "Boss, I think the kid's got real talent. You may not want him, but I'm intrigued. How about letting him be my disciple to carry on my skills?"

In One Piece's timeline, set ten years pre-canon, Alex had built ties with Law as a long-term play.

This Storm Riders World, also ten years before its main plot, was a chance for Alex to set up another strategic move.

World-hopping might seem random, but who's to say he wouldn't return?

If he did come back, a little effort now to lay groundwork could pay off big later. No harm in that, right?

"Oh? Hall Master Alex wants to take this kid as a disciple?" Alex's words caught Xiongba off guard.

These days, though Alex held the hall master title, he was a martial arts nut in the World Alliance, ignoring gang politics. Who'd have guessed he'd want a disciple?

But on second thought, Duanlang was gifted. If Alex trained him well, it'd boost the World Alliance too.

With that in mind, Xiongba gave a slight nod: "In that case, Hall Master Alex can decide for himself."

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Author's Note:Hey everyone! Just a quick update — my classes have started, so my schedule is a bit tight right now. Because of that, there might be days when updates are uneven or I can't post daily. But don't worry — I'm not dropping this story! All I ask is for your continued support and your votes. That's all I need to keep going. Thank you for reading and staying with me on this journey!