Goblin Dependency

Xia Nan and the Wind Forger Team did not have any substantial grievances on the surface.

Until this afternoon, the two sides hadn’t even met in person; they had only heard rumors about each other.

If at this moment, the location of their meeting was a crowded street or an association hall full of adventurers,

it’s not impossible that Captain Sefeng of the Wind Forger might nod in greeting as Xia Nan passes by.

But the current timing is in a quite delicate state.

From the Wind Forger’s perspective, what they saw was

an elite adventurer with a certain reputation in the Southern Islands, known as "Haiya," who at this moment had parted from his team and was teaming up with an unknown half orc.

And was fighting a powerful demon with a peculiar appearance, the situation quite tense.

After all, adventurers are adventurers.

Perhaps the disparity in professional level and combat experience compared to those minor characters fighting goblins in the forest is huge, but to some extent, they are ultimately the same kind of creature.

On the mission trail, those who lend a helping hand to their peers are always the few, while most stand by watching the situation unfold, seeking an opportunity.

For the Wind Forger, they did not know, nor did it matter, about the Deep Sea Resonating Stone inside the Shark Beast.

What really instilled murderous intent and hostility in Sefeng towards Xia Nan was his own greed—for Xia Nan’s equipment and gold coins, and the reputation gained from killing "Haiya."

Of course, the familiarity displayed between Xia Nan and the Furious Tide Battle Gang, known as a nemesis, at the "Glass Oar" tavern also had some influence.

On the other hand, for Iron Grid of the Furious Tide Battle Gang,

having just slain a batch of Sha Hua Fishmen attacking from the sea due to the commotion, he arrived and saw Xia Nan fighting the shark beast monster.

Due to the relation with Aurie, since the demon’s own strength didn’t exceed manageable levels, Iron Grid wasn’t opposed to offering Xia Nan some assistance.

In fact, he was indeed planning to do so.

Until he saw the Wind Forger Team on the other side, poised for battle as if ready to take the stage any moment.

The already chaotic situation on the field solidified in an instant.

"Damn it, why are those guys here too?"

Behind him, a Dwarf adventurer exclaimed in surprise.

As the captain, Iron Grid did not respond, staring across at Sefeng who similarly stood at the forefront of his team.

The enmity between Wind Forger and Furious Tide Battle Gang had a long history, and the relationship between the two parties now resembled a barrel full of gunpowder, ready to explode at the slightest spark.

The two squads on Stodd Island met by commission, maintaining restraint under the guidance of their respective captains due to the upcoming Moon Tide Banquet.

At this moment, if the Wind Forger descends to besiege Xia Nan, whether due to personal grievances or the relation with Aurie, the Furious Tide Battle Gang will not stand idle;

Conversely, should the Furious Tide Battle Gang join to aid Xia Nan in battling the shark beast monster, the Wind Forger, having previously shown hostile actions and fully opposing "Haiya," might not withdraw.

Consequently, all professional-level senior adventurers on the beach unanimously paused their actions.

Assuming a stance of confrontation, standing on both sides of the field.

Meanwhile, Xia Nan’s battle with the shark beast had reached its most intense stage.

A Gloomy Black Wolf composed of pitch-black powerful qi could be seen, agile and light, circling around the shark beast.

Its slender limbs touched the sand effortlessly, dodging claw strikes and bites capable of slicing through steel while leaving behind deep, bone-revealing wounds on the enemy’s body.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to the initial sword that inflicted serious injury on the Shark Beast, alerting the demon, the Shark Beast no longer allowed Xia Nan the opportunity to simultaneously apply Gravity Etching and Heavy Tide for a full-on strike, each attack reserved space for dodge counter-attacks, making it difficult for Xia Nan to conclude the battle swiftly.

On the other hand, such actions by the Shark Beast allowed Xia Nan to completely control the pace, tilting the scales of victory entirely in his favor.

Xia Nan estimated that within about ten more rounds, the wounds he inflicted would accumulate and lead to a qualitative change, utterly worn out the Shark Beast, culminating in a fatal strike.

For whatever reason,

maybe due to truly feeling the drain of stamina, and powerless against the slippery black wolf; or perhaps the adventurers on either side of the beach sensed a threat.

The shark beast monster, covered in scars, had its inner fury quietly extinguished as blood continued to flow.

Not high, but there’s some sanity returning to its brain.

"Roar!!"

It let out a frantic roar.

Its arms swinging like hammers, circled fiercely around, forcing Xia Nan to retreat.

Regardless, it opened its disproportionately large bloody maw again, where dense water vapor condensed.

Knowing the opponent would use that water jet attack, Xia Nan locked his gaze, focusing attention.

With prior preparation, relying on his explosive power and agile speed, Xia Nan was fully capable of dodging the instant the water jet fired.