The Return and Unshakable Might
Chapter 9: The Return and Unshakable Might
The moment Alex grasped the mythical sword, a deep hum echoed throughout the secret realm, sending tremors across the space. As if it had been waiting for this exact moment, the realm itself began to crumble, shards of spatial energy collapsing like shattered glass. A deep rumble erupted from beneath the earth, and a surge of energy lashed out in all directions.
"The sword… It was the core of this realm," Alex muttered as he felt the ground shake beneath his feet.
[Ding! The system interface flashed in front of his eyes.]
---
System Interface
Name: Alex Johnson
Realm: F9 (Limit level)
Fighting prowess:B9
Physique: Infinite Physique (Unique, Growth-Type)
Combat Strength: Capable of exceeding realm limitations
Spiritual Energy: Boundless
Inventory: Mythical Sword (Bound)
Rare Spiritual Treasures (7 identified for recovery purposes)
Various spiritual herbs and weapons
---
The system's notification faded, but Alex's focus returned to the chaos unfolding around him. Space was collapsing, and the exit portal flickered dangerously. All the cultivators who had entered alongside him began rushing toward the portal, fear in their eyes.
"Move! The realm is collapsing!" someone shouted.
Alex stood still for a moment, his expression calm. Only after ensuring nothing valuable remained did he step toward the portal. "No point lingering. This realm is done for."
As he exited, the portal shimmered for the last time and collapsed entirely behind him. The secret realm was gone.
---
Outside the Realm
The open plains outside the realm were bustling with activity. Representatives from every major country and empire had gathered, waiting anxiously for the return of their genius cultivators. This was a monumental moment: the first secret realm since the awakening of Earth's spiritual energy. The treasures inside held the potential to awaken physiques and elevate countries in power.
When the cultivators began emerging, a wave of tension and excitement swept through the crowd.
"Murchus is back!"
From the , Murchus from the country of Valtherion, their young prodigy, stumbled out of the portal, his expression dark and filled with rage. His clothes were torn, and blood stained his sleeves—a clear sign of the battles he had faced. His father, the governor of Valtherion,approached immediately.
"Murchus, what happened?" the official demanded, his voice tight with concern.
Murchus gritted his teeth, his face twisting with anger. "It's… Alex Johnson."
The official's eyes narrowed. "What about him?"
"He killed everyone and took everything from me. The best treasures, the mythical sword—everything!" Murchus's voice trembled with humiliation. "He was… unstoppable."
Gasps erupted among the crowd. The news spread like wildfire, and representatives of rival countries turned toward the portal, their eyes glinting with a mix of anger and jealousy.
"How is this possible?"
"Alex Johnson… Who is this boy?"
Then, Alex Johnson stepped out.
He emerged from the remnants of the portal, the mythical sword strapped to his back, its faint aura still radiating power. Unlike the others, he appeared unscathed, his demeanor calm and unbothered. For a moment, silence fell across the field as every pair of eyes fixed on him.
---
The Confrontation
"Alex Johnson!" a furious voice roared. Representatives from multiple countries surged forward, led by Murchus's father. Soldiers and young cultivators gathered, weapons in hand.
"Young man, hand over the treasures you stole!" Murchus's father thundered, his voice carrying authority. "The resources of this realm are not yours alone!"
Alex glanced at them indifferently, his gaze sharp. "Stole? As far as I recall, there were no rules. The strong take what they can claim. Isn't that the law of this new world?"
"You insolent—!"
The hostility escalated, and Alex's calm face grew colder. These people… they were nothing but opportunists, blinded by greed. He had no desire for unnecessary bloodshed, but if they forced his hand…
Alex clenched his fist. "I'll warn you once. Stand down."
No one listened. The tension exploded as dozens of warriors moved to surround him.
"Fine." Alex sighed. His Infinite Physique surged, and spiritual energy exploded from his body. With a single step, he raised his fist and slammed it into the ground.
BOOM!
The earth split open with a deafening roar. A seven-unit earthquake rippled outward, sending massive cracks across the plains. Dust and debris shot into the air as the shockwave spread like a tsunami, forcing everyone around Alex to stagger backward.
The air pressure alone sent cultivators flying. Some fell to the ground, coughing blood, while others scrambled to stabilize themselves. The crowd was thrown into chaos.
"This… this power!"
"He's already at F9!"
Alex lowered his hand, his expression composed as he surveyed the stunned crowd. "I said… stand down."
The representatives hesitated. For all their anger, none of them dared approach again. The display of power had been overwhelming—Alex Johnson was the strongest person here.
Without another word, Alex turned and walked toward the representatives of his own country.
The representatives of Alex's country stepped forward, their expressions both awed and relieved.
"Young man, you've done well," one of the officials said, trying to maintain composure. "The treasures you've secured will benefit the country greatly."
Alex reached into his inventory, pulling out a small assortment of treasures he didn't need—herbs, spiritual stones, and weapons. "Take these. Use them wisely."
The officials were stunned by his generosity.
"You… You're handing these over?"
Alex nodded. "I have my reasons. For now, I expect my rewards when we return. We'll discuss the details then."
"Of course!" the official said quickly, bowing slightly. "You'll be rewarded handsomely for your contributions."
Alex didn't reply. His mind was already elsewhere, focused on his next goal.
After the formalities were complete, Alex returned home. He lived alone in a modest house—once warm and lively but now quiet and empty.
In the corner of the room sat a small table with a framed photograph. It showed his parents, smiling with pride.
Alex's expression softened as he looked at the photo. His parents had been in a coma for three years, victims of an accident that no ordinary treatment could heal. The doctors had told him there was no hope, that only a miracle could save them.
Now, miracles existed.
Alex sat cross-legged and opened his system inventory, examining the treasures he had separated earlier. Each one pulsed with spiritual energy, rare and potent.
[Ding!]
System Notification:
"The combined use of the selected treasures will awaken your parents' bodies and physiques. Would you like to proceed?"
Alex's heart pounded. "Yes."
The treasures floated out of his inventory, glowing with vibrant light. They hovered before him for a moment before merging into two radiant streams of energy—one gold, one silver.
"This will work," Alex murmured. "It has to."
The light enveloped the room, bathing it in warmth. Alex closed his eyes, determination etched into his face.
"I'll save you both… no matter what."