Goblin Dependency

Then, under Xia Nan’s watchful eyes, when the adventurer retrieved his right hand from the crevice in the reef, there was already a fist-sized, semi-transparent deep blue crystal rock in his palm.

"That old guy’s information is quite accurate, as expected."

"Hahaha! I actually found it!"

Clearly, the source of the information was the very family he had just tried to mistreat.

It’s understandable.

Perhaps at first, this adventurer from the "Wind Forger" team did not know about the intelligence, but simply broke into the civilian’s home to vent his desires.

In order to survive and for the safety of his daughter, that weathered and destitute middle-aged man likely divulged his discovery on the southern coast of the island at that moment.

However, with adventurers’ conduct in this world, they would obviously treat this information as an incidental gain during their actions, without stopping the assault.

Until the dwarf from the "Furious Tide Battle Gang" appeared, the adventurer then flusteredly left under the disadvantage of being outnumbered.

And now, ahead of Xia Nan, the adventurer found the Deep Sea Resonating Stone described in the intelligence among the reef area.

Feeling annoyed that the expected target was discovered first, Xia Nan did not approach but stood from afar, observing the three adventurers from "Wind Forger".

Firstly, the leader with a team tattoo on his neck, judging by the round shield behind him and the one-handed sword at his waist, appears to be a [warrior] type.

The two companions behind him: one carrying a longbow and the other with two dagger sheaths on his waist, likely are respectively from [Ranger] and [Wanderer] professions.

Judging by the aura sensed from them, the three have a professional level of around Level 1, just stepping onto the path of professionals.

Clearly, this falls within the scope Xia Nan could handle alone.

To be honest, Xia Nan never considered himself a good person, and his actions are primarily driven by personal interest.

If the adventurer were holding the [key] to the Dream Weaving Corridor, or some rare enchanted equipment, high-quality forging materials, he would snatch it away without any psychological pressure.

But since it is only one out of a hundred Deep Sea Resonating Stones distributed around the island, with time still on his side.

It’s unnecessary to recklessly make enemies over such trivial matters, potentially affecting subsequent actions at the Moon Tide Banquet.

He’s already made up his mind to temporarily give up.

Meanwhile, since there were no obvious obstructions on the beach, Xia Nan and his companion made no attempt to conceal themselves, and the adventurers from Wind Forger also noticed Xia Nan and Alton from afar.

Their reaction was quite interesting.

Barely had time to celebrate, upon seeing Xia Nan, the tattooed adventurer immediately stuffed the resonating stone into his coat and drew his sword and shield.

His two companions behind him also showed a wary and ready-to-fight demeanor.

This is understandable, as the activity on Stodd Island is still ongoing, adventurers are in a competitive relationship.

At the moment of finding the resonating stone, being witnessed by outsiders, it is only natural to be vigilant.

However, soon the tattooed adventurer seemed to recognize Xia Nan’s identity, and his expression turned hesitant.

Having been at the "Glass Oar" tavern scene, he naturally saw Xia Nan interacting with the boss of "Furious Tide Battle Gang".

Lately, through introductions, he matched the face of Xia Nan with the renowned "Haiya" in the Southern Islands.

That’s why he felt so conflicted now.

With no clear animosity towards "Sword of Vengeance", or ’Haiya’ himself, knowing their strength far exceeds his, or even their combined effort, they aren’t opponents.

If Xia Nan asks, he would have to hand over the resonating stone.

Otherwise... it would only depend on whether the Wind Forger crew leader Sefeng’s influence works.

Direct combat is undoubtedly a dead end.

He considered whether to offer the resonating stone to Xia Nan before he speaks, hoping to build some rapport.

The combat stance slightly relaxed, the tattooed adventurer pondered and then pulled the Deep Sea Resonating Stone from his coat.

He walked a few steps forward, leaving the triangular formation of his team, extending his hand holding the stone as if assuming a humble posture.

On the other side, Xia Nan also noticed the change in his body movements and attitude, realizing their intention.

Without refusing, he opened his mouth intending to say something.

But his gaze suddenly paused.

His keen perception ability caused his body to react faster than his mind, instinctively shifting his focus to the sea surface beneath the reef beside the adventurers opposite him.

There, a shadow resembling a crocodile silently approached with a mysterious presence.

"Left!"

Just as Xia Nan’s warning reached the tattooed adventurer’s ears, the sea beside him erupted with an explosive roar and a hiss of air.

Focused entirely on Xia Nan in the distance, the tattooed adventurer didn’t have time to react and dodge.

Turning instinctively, what met his eyes was a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth, enveloping his entire view, with pink flesh writhing in its throat.

"Slash!"

The sound of bone breaking, and flesh tearing echoed faintly in the beach air.

The tattooed adventurer, holding the Deep Sea Resonating Stone and heading towards Xia Nan, disappeared.

In its place was a gruesome shark beast that Xia Nan knew all too well, standing nine feet tall with a humanoid shape and grey-blue rough skin.

"Ahhhh!!!"

Seeing his companion brutally killed by a creature ambush, the Wanderer from the "Wind Forger" team did not lose his will to fight and run away.

With bravery, he launched an attack on the shark beast.

Wielding two daggers, he charged towards the creature.

His brave will was commendable, but clearly, the tenacity of his spirit couldn’t make up for his lack of combat ability.

Within just a couple of rounds, the shark beast’s exaggerated power caught his arm in one claw.

The black, sharp claw deeply pierced the flesh, with a slight force, twisting and tearing the Wanderer’s entire right arm away from his body.

Overwhelmed by the pain, the nimble Wanderer lost his ability to dodge, and with his head, half his body was bitten off.

"Aw..."

The wolf’s howl just began to echo but abruptly halted.

For Xia Nan, though he disapproved of the other’s mistreatment of civilians, he did not mind temporary cooperation against the shark beast, a common enemy.

This was why the wolf’s howl from [Teeth Hunting] resonated.

But it abruptly stopped when he realized.

Among the three adventurers, one was ambushed and killed, another couldn’t withstand the shark beast.

The only remaining Ranger didn’t flee or assist with his bow.

Instead, he ran towards Xia Nan’s side, intending to lead the enemy to Xia Nan, making "Haiya" take the shark beast’s attacks and risks.

Xia Nan, not one to repay evil with kindness, once the behavior was displayed, abandoned the idea of offering help.

To be honest, a Ranger with only a professional level of Level 1 was insignificant to the battle between him and the shark beast.

"Ughhh!!!"

The scream ceased in an instant.

The Ranger running towards Xia Nan, exposing his unguarded back to the shark beast, fell into its clutches without resistance.

With four claws, the beast impaled him from behind through his chest, pinning him forcefully to the sand.

Blood splattered.