Goblin Dependency

Thus, when he inquired about the specifics of the Moon Tide Banquet from Lorin, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

It’s worth mentioning that "Algae Scale" Dodd, after reigning over the Southern Islands for years and lying low following his being wanted by the Sevia Kingdom, is a Great Pirate.

Recently, he has reversed his previous stance of contraction; his ship group’s activities have increasingly been sighted at sea, and he has taken the initiative to host this year’s Moon Tide Banquet, covering most of the costs.

This has led many informed and slightly sensitive individuals to speculate whether this previously low-key pirate, who seemed to have retired, will re-emerge during this banquet.

Moreover, rumors suggest that Dodd’s previous low-key behavior was partly due to the kingdom’s pursuit and partly due to his pursuit of career advancement.

Now, this sudden grand move clearly shows he has achieved substantial progress in advancing on his career path.

Of course, these are just rumors, not highly credible, and are among the many rumors circulating at sea.

In light of this, due to his cautious habits, Xia Nan still takes this factor into consideration.

He plans to first gather information at the banquet, ideally learning the specific location of the Dream Weaving Corridor key.

If the key is indeed with Dodd, and he refuses to exchange it in a peaceful manner like a transaction, and if his strength far exceeds what Xia Nan can handle... then he will have to think long-term.

Honestly, Xia Nan is quite confident in his speed of improvement.

Since his transmigration, in just about two years, he has grown from a rookie adventurer to a Level 3 outwardly, with actual battle skills far exceeding his level.

Now he has obtained the Proof of Diligence, further accelerating his growth.

With patience, maybe in a few more years, Dodd may have no choice but to willingly offer the Dream Weaving Corridor key.

...

The attack by the Windkind Octopus and Sha Hua Fishman was merely a minor incident during the voyage, not delaying much.

Additionally, setting out many days in advance greatly improved the margin for error.

When the Vengeance Blade Blade arrived near the destination, it was three days earlier than expected.

The location for this Moon Tide Banquet is an island called "Stodd."

Just speaking the name, most ordinary people living in the Southern Islands might not recognize it.

But if we talk about its nickname, it’s as famous as thunder; even those who haven’t visited or toured it would have heard of it from minstrels.

— "Thousand Pile Island" Stodd.

To be honest, Stodd Island itself isn’t that large, similar in rank to Wild Rabbit Island and Wildberry Cliff, categorized as medium to small-sized compared to the average, not standing out in the entire Southern Islands.

What truly makes it stand out among countless larger islands with better locations in the Southern Islands sea area is its exceptionally good geographical environment.

Located at the core of a large reef and shallow area, its surroundings are filled with stable shallow sea zones, allowing for expansion and construction beyond the limits of the island’s own size.

More critically, it’s home to a special local product called "Water Iron Wood."

No one knows the origin of this peculiar tree, nor can anyone figure out why it only grows on Stodd Island and cannot be transplanted.

Some speculate it was a magic plant left behind by an ancient Ocean Empire, while others believe it might be blessed by a certain Divine.

But today, this unique product from Stodd Island, which can’t be replicated, has already become one of the most sought-after timber materials in the Southern Islands.

Living Water Iron Wood, as it grows, absorbs substantial nutrients from seawater and specific minerals, gradually "ironizing" its wood fibers, making them tough and hard.

After being felled and peeled, its fiber sap undergoes a special chemical reaction with external air, forming a gray-brown protective film tough as ironstone on the wood surface, greatly enhancing the wood’s hardness;

Moreover, the wood has a limited degree of self-repair ability; minor damage like a few cracks doesn’t even need effort to fix, as it can heal itself;

The protective film formed from its tree sap also provides anti-termite traits, making shipworms and certain fungi find it hard to thrive.

Its excellent properties make this wood popular in the Southern Islands.

Additionally, the unique trait of Water Iron Wood and Stodd’s unique geographical position have led the locals to develop a distinctive traditional ecology over years.

Local natives, called "Piledwellers" by outsiders, drive sturdy Water Iron Wood stakes into the shallow sea for load-bearing support;

Then they lay thick boards made from the same wood as platforms for movement.

Shelters, warehouses, workshops, and even churches... buildings are moved from the island to the sea, connected by ropes, with wooden rafts and suspension bridges.

Using the island as the core, sea platforms made of Water Iron Wood gradually spread outward.

As of today, Stodd mainland almost no longer hosts its native population, it’s completely used for cultivating Water Iron Wood.

Instead, it’s a sprawling platform made solely of Water Iron Wood encircling the island, larger than the island’s land by several times.

If one has the chance to look down from high above, the entire area resembles an egg’s cross-section.

Stodd Island is the "yolk" at the center, while the "egg white" is the surrounding sea platform.

Its vast scale and distinctive features, even Xia Nan from the information-explosion modern society, who has seen countless buildings worldwide, finds novel and interesting.

Standing beside the rail at the deck’s edge, he gazes at the horizon, at the towering green island, and the sprawling gray-brown "wooden land" below it, readying himself for disembarkation.

Due to the island’s specialties, human settlements have formed nearby in considerable scale.

Chosen as the venue for this year’s Moon Tide Banquet, it is becoming increasingly lively as the event draws near.

At the pier, masts and flags are lined up, and the noise from the crowd can be heard from afar over the sea.

Thinking to discuss the plan for landing with Lorin, Alton, and others, Xia Nan turned around and noticed the Ranger Sarisa with her thin Dragon Descendant lineage also standing alone by the rail, gazing at the distant "Thousand Pile Island."

After consideration, she ultimately chose to follow the Vengeance Blade Blade Ship Group to the banquet venue and return with the group to Suo Yu Bay after the event.

"First time here?" Xia Nan asked casually.

In response, Sarisa shook her head.

"I’ve passed by with the group a few times before, and even stayed here for a few days for rest and supplies."

Despite saying this, her expression appeared somewhat unusual.

Not expectant, yet not quite normal, it exhibited a kind of inexplicable suppression.

As if worried about something.

Based on his recent interactions, Xia Nan deduced it might be related to the upcoming Moon Tide Banquet.

Not planning to hold back, he asked straightforwardly:

"You don’t seem very interested in the Moon Tide Banquet?"

Not expecting her thoughts to be noticed or that Xia Nan would be so direct, Sarisa appeared startled, her already tense face suddenly stiffening.

Then she forced a smile, explaining:

"I was just thinking about Captain Aude and the others, Mr. Xia Nan."

"If it weren’t for the Windkind Octopus’s task, we Black Tide Hunters would probably already be here by now."

Glancing at the Dragon Descendant’s face before her, Xia Nan acknowledged her half-true statement based on his Perception without exposing her, nodded slightly, and walked away.