Chapter Summaries

Mand’s investigation into Old Mark’s ocean-related illness drove him toward obsession, and he vanished before his mentor Adonis Pope arrived in Fishhook Town. Xia Nan’s vision of their confrontation ended with time freezing and Adonis’s briefcase remaining on the sofa, revealing a pocket watch but no apparent attribute gain.

• Mand questioned Old Mark about surviving a storm at sea, and Mark described hearing a strange sound and seeing a vast, writhing presence beneath the ocean.
• Mand received a letter from Adonis Pope, who reported similar sea-linked cases and planned to visit Fishhook Town, prompting Mand to fear losing credit for his research.
• Mand tore up the letter and resolved to finish and submit his paper before Adonis arrived, then vanished amid eerie murmurs and shadowy figures.
• Adonis reached Mand’s neglected home three days later, found a hidden passage and operating room, and confronted Mand beside a corpse as Mand said he had found it.
• Xia Nan’s vision abruptly shifted back to the canyon, where he opened Adonis’s briefcase and saw a pocket watch but no attribute panel entry.

After leaving the Twin Canyon Secret Realm, Xia Nan discovered that it had recharged the [Dreamweaver Corridor] and found a platinum medical pocket watch called [White Pot], which could store twelve items and accelerate healing. He kept the pocket watch with Lorraine’s approval and gave up his share of the mission’s remaining loot.

• The [Dreamweaver Corridor] automatically absorbed energy from the Twin Canyon Secret Realm and reached 6.2% remaining energy.
• Xia Nan inspected the operating-room briefcase and found the [White Pot], a spatial storage pocket watch with twelve item slots and a 25% healing-speed increase.
• Xia Nan recognized Adonis Pope’s name on the pocket watch’s description and recalled the professor’s role in the Secret Realm.
• Xia Nan showed the pocket watch to Lorraine and the Oath of Vengeance Blades team, explaining that it was a spatial storage item with restrictions.
• Lorraine told Xia Nan to keep the pocket watch as his loot, and Xia Nan declined his share of the mission’s other loot.

After Xia Nan helped defeat the shark beast in Twin Canyon, he warned Lorraine that the creature’s corpse was fused with a dangerous human body. Lorraine ordered the valuable remains burned, and the fleet prepared to leave with its other spoils and Xia Nan’s new pocket watch.

• Gordon and the crew waited anxiously at the dock until Alton arrived and called for help after the battle ended.
• The sailors reached the canyon, helped clean up the battlefield, and saw that Xia Nan had killed the enormous shark beast.
• The crew collected loot from the ruins and battle, while Xia Nan reflected on his improved skills and the [White Pot] pocket watch he had obtained.
• Xia Nan warned Lorraine that the shark beast had been fused with a human body whose influence could endanger people who handled its remains.
• Xia Nan opened the corpse and found that the human and shark beast’s organs were fused together, convincing Lorraine to order the sailors to burn it.

During the fleet’s quiet return voyage to Barracuda Bay, Xia Nan thoroughly tested the [White Pot] pocket watch and learned the limits of its storage spaces. As the ship approached the port, he considered his pending commissions, equipment, and plans for after returning.

• Xia Nan stored and retrieved food with the [White Pot] pocket watch, confirming that it could hold items in twelve independent spaces.
• Xia Nan concluded that each space held up to one cubic meter, that collections such as packed backpacks counted as single items, and that stored items remained unchanged over time.
• Xia Nan noted that using the watch required physical contact and three seconds, making it unsuitable for combat but useful for carrying supplies and spare armor.
• A crew member told Xia Nan that the Oath of Vengeance Blades was nearing Barracuda Bay, and Xia Nan joined the injured squad members on deck.
• As Breaking Waves Wharf came into view, Xia Nan thought about Ellison’s commission, the Flying Fish Oil Barrel’s renovation, finding Goblin Nests, and collecting his Shark Beast armor from Pearl Spinning Tailor Shop.

After returning to Breaking Waves Wharf, Xia Nan prepared to spend a month’s downtime in Barracuda Bay while reconnecting with the Oath of Vengeance Squad. He rescued Alton from a shakedown by the Tide Retreat Gang, whose members recognized Xia Nan as Sea Fang and feared his reputation.

• Aken invited Xia Nan to celebrate with the crew at the Three-Legged Sea Dog, and Lorraine told him he could take work independently during the squad’s month of rest.
• Xia Nan arranged to practice fishing at Hain’s coral reef and agreed to meet the crew at the tavern that evening.
• At Breaking Waves Wharf, Hogan and several Tide Retreat Gang members surrounded Alton and demanded his money.
• Xia Nan approached, and his menacing presence made Hogan back down as Xia Nan and Alton walked away together.
• Hogan’s companion recognized Xia Nan as Sea Fang, and Hogan angrily blamed the gang for nearly provoking a dangerous adventurer.

Xia Nan learned that the Tide Retreat Gang had expanded into the Shark Gang’s former territory after he destroyed the gang, then visited the tailor shop Pearl Spinning to collect his commissioned armor. Selianne presented the finished equipment, and Xia Nan opened its box to reveal a surge of water vapor and a vast Attribute Panel.

• Hera told Xia Nan that the Tide Retreat Gang controlled part of Curved Alley and had expanded into the Shark Gang’s former territory after Xia Nan wiped out the Shark Gang.
• Hera offered to contact the Tide Retreat Gang, but Xia Nan declined her offer and left the Three-Legged Sea Dog Tavern.
• Xia Nan went to Pearl Spinning, where Selianne recognized him and fetched his completed equipment.
• Selianne set the oak box containing Xia Nan’s equipment on the counter and urged him to open it.
• Xia Nan opened the box, releasing dense water vapor and a vast Attribute Panel.

Xia Nan inspected and tried on the rare-quality underwater armor set [Abyssal Flow], which Selianne had crafted from Abyssal Shark Beast materials and special metals. Satisfied with its appearance and abilities, Xia Nan learned that its Fish Bladder core was embedded in the chest, and Selianne reminded him that the remaining payment was due.

• Xia Nan examined [Abyssal Flow] and found that its nine effects improved its defenses, underwater movement, stamina use, breathing, and ability to detect injured enemies.
• Xia Nan considered the armor’s limitations as a set designed mainly for underwater combat, but decided it would serve as his main armor in Barracuda Bay and the Southern Islands.
• Xia Nan changed into [Abyssal Flow] and praised its fit, appearance, and compatibility with his [Bone Binding Iron Greaves].
• Selianne explained that the shark beast’s Fish Bladder was embedded in the chest armor as the core connecting the inner lining and outer armor.
• Selianne looked at Xia Nan and brought up the remaining payment for the equipment.

Xia Nan paid the remaining 1,500 gold for [Abyssal Flow], an armor set crafted from Abyssal Steel by Selianne, and asked him to make a couple of small items. He then reported his Twin Canyon findings to Ellison, whose disappointment left Xia Nan wondering why he had not asked his sister Lorraine instead.

• Xia Nan paid Selianne the remaining 1,500 gold for [Abyssal Flow], leaving him with 412 gold, 6 silver, and 8 copper in savings.
• Selianne explained that the armor's expensive [Abyssal Steel] and careful forging had produced its exceptional quality and 25% Fire Resistance bonus.
• Xia Nan declined to commission more equipment but asked Selianne to make one or two small items, which Selianne agreed to provide the day after tomorrow.
• Xia Nan went to the Adventurers Association and told Ellison that the Secret Realm and strange buildings in Twin Canyon did not match what he was searching for.
• Ellison gave Xia Nan the commission reward and showed his exhaustion and disappointment, prompting Xia Nan to ask why he did not ask Lorraine.

Xia Nan learned from Ellison that he and Lorraine were siblings, and that both were searching for answers about their father, Lyle Molton, who vanished after an attack by Dodd, Algae Scale. Ellison also offered to connect Xia Nan with a well-connected collector who might know about exotic items and secret realms, leaving Xia Nan waiting for the collector’s return to Barracuda Bay.

• Xia Nan asked Ellison about Lorraine, and Ellison confirmed that she was his sister after realizing she had told Xia Nan about their relationship.
• Ellison explained that Lyle Molton had disappeared during a voyage after Dodd, Algae Scale attacked him, and that Lorraine sought revenge while Ellison continued searching for their father.
• Xia Nan realized that he and Lorraine both had reasons to pursue Dodd and considered proposing that they cooperate.
• Ellison told Xia Nan that he had searched for clues through the Black Market, the Three-Legged Sea Dog Tavern, the Adventurers Association, and a well-connected collector.
• Ellison promised to introduce Xia Nan to the collector when he returned to Barracuda Bay and advised him to avoid taking outside missions in the meantime.

Xia Nan used the Tidal Surge Lure Rod to attract fish at Hain’s coral reef, but a large grouper snapped his line before he caught it by force. Hain arrived, and they went to confront fishing boats using fine-mesh nets, where Xia Nan spotted someone familiar.

• Xia Nan activated the Tidal Surge Lure Rod and attracted large fish to the reef.
• A large fish broke Xia Nan’s line against the sharp reef, so he dove into the water and subdued a Giant Grouper.
• Hain arrived and praised Xia Nan’s catch, then suggested steaming the grouper and inviting Lorraine and Sasha to eat it.
• Hain noticed fishing boats using fine-mesh nets in her protected reef and flew over to confront them.
• Xia Nan followed Hain and spotted a familiar slouching figure aboard one of the boats.

Hogan, a newly promoted Tide Retreat Gang leader, fled in terror when he recognized Xia Nan on the shore. Hain explained that the thugs had been trying to fish in her protected coral reef, and she and Xia Nan headed back after he caught a Giant Grouper.

• Hogan returned to the Tide Retreat Gang after surviving his earlier encounter with Xia Nan and became a minor leader assigned to collect protection money and fish along the coast.
• Hogan led several thugs to a coral reef to fish, but Hain transformed into an albatross and sent a fierce gust that blew their net ashore.
• Hogan spotted Xia Nan standing on the reef and panicked, forcing the thugs to turn their boat around and flee.
• Hain wondered why the thugs had run so quickly, and Xia Nan identified them as members of the Tide Retreat Gang.
• Xia Nan killed the Giant Grouper and stored it in his pocket watch, then reminded Hain they needed to return for someone who wanted her to identify a Torture Rack.

Xia Nan joined the Oath of Vengeance Squad as they negotiated the sale of the [Blood Vein Rock Comprehensive Surgical Bed] with the renowned appraiser Auriye Silverheart. After Auriye identified the table as a likely medical device, he noticed Xia Nan’s unusually large collection of suspected Enchanted Equipment and greeted him as Sea Fang.

• The Oath of Vengeance Squad brought the operating table to Barracuda Bay and decided to sell it to support the ship’s crew.
• Xia Nan and Hain joined Lorraine, Sasha, Aken, the Twin Brothers, and Alton at the Adventurers Association to meet the prospective buyer.
• Xia Nan checked the Attribute Panel and confirmed that the [Blood Vein Rock Comprehensive Surgical Bed] retained its surgical benefits.
• Auriye Silverheart identified the table’s red-veined marble as foreign to Sùbīn Province and observed that it had been used repeatedly for at least thirty years.
• After inspecting the table’s features, Auriye agreed it was likely made to save people, then noticed Xia Nan’s equipment and addressed him as Sea Fang.

Xia Nan watched Auriye Silverheart appraise and buy the Oath of Vengeance Squad’s surgical bed, then received word that Ellison’s promised contact was ready to meet him. Lorraine postponed their discussion of cooperation until that night.

• Xia Nan met Auriye Silverheart, who introduced himself as a retired auction-house owner and appraiser.
• Hain explained that the squad had scared off Tide Retreat Gang members near the coral reef, prompting Aken and Lorraine to discuss the gang’s growing boldness.
• Auriye identified several special effects of the Blood Vein Rock Comprehensive Surgical Bed and bought it from Lorraine for six hundred gold.
• Auriye invited Xia Nan to contact him if he had loot to sell and left him his address.
• An Association staff member told Xia Nan that Ellison’s contact was ready, and Lorraine postponed their conversation until they returned to the tavern that night.

Xia Nan met collector Auriye Silverheart again through Ellison and accepted an invitation to see Auriye’s collection. Inside Auriye’s tower, Xia Nan examined several ancient artifacts before his Attribute Panel appeared as he focused on the next display case.

• Xia Nan reunited with Auriye at the Adventurers Association, where Ellison confirmed that Auriye was the collector he had planned to introduce.
• Auriye asked Xia Nan about his ability to spot unusual equipment, and Xia Nan attributed his discovery of the marble workbench to sharp Perception and luck.
• Auriye invited Xia Nan to visit his collection, and Xia Nan followed him to his unusual tower in the White Cliff District.
• Auriye showed Xia Nan the tower’s crowded halls and dedicated display room, including an ancient Crown and a Tarot Card said to be linked to the God of Gambling.
• As Xia Nan focused on the next display case, his Attribute Panel appeared before his eyes.

Xia Nan discovered that Auriye Silverheart’s bracelet, Proof of Unweariedness, greatly improved training and Combat Technique proficiency, and he became determined to acquire it. Auriye believed the bracelet only had modest stamina-related effects, leaving Xia Nan to suspect its true powers had gone unnoticed.

• Xia Nan searched Auriye’s collection for items linked to other worlds but found no likely Secret Realm artifacts among the crown and Tarot Card.
• Xia Nan examined Proof of Unweariedness and discovered that it reduced stamina consumption, improved recovery and training efficiency, and held Shifting Shadow Dust, which boosted Skill-type Combat Technique proficiency gain.
• Xia Nan inferred that the bracelet’s nine slots could hold other badges that might enhance proficiency in additional Combat Technique types.
• Auriye explained that he had bought the bracelet at auction for just under a thousand Gold Coins, believing its main benefit was stamina recovery.
• Xia Nan suspected Auriye had failed to identify the bracelet’s training-efficiency and proficiency effects, and resolved to obtain it at a price that did not cross his limit.

Xia Nan tried to buy Auriye Silverheart’s [Proof of Unweariedness] bracelet, but Auriye refused to sell it for Gold Coins. He offered to discuss a price after Xia Nan recovered Auriye’s stolen shipment and punished the Pirates and Tide Retreat Gang members responsible.

• Xia Nan learned that Auriye had bought the bracelet cheaply but still regarded it as a collectible, and he asked about its condition and effects.
• Xia Nan admitted that he was interested in the bracelet because he suspected it had another special effect, but Auriye said he had no intention of selling it for Gold Coins.
• Auriye asked Xia Nan about the Tide Retreat Gang and revealed that Pirates with ties to the gang had stolen a shipment of collectibles bound for Barracuda Bay.
• Auriye asked Xia Nan to recover the shipment and teach the Pirates and Tide Retreat Gang a profound lesson in exchange for discussing the bracelet’s price.
• Xia Nan agreed to Auriye’s offer.

After Xia Nan left, Auriye reflected on his interest in the young adventurer and decided that recovering his stolen collection could also give him a chance to test Xia Nan’s strength and trustworthiness. At the tavern, Xia Nan and Lorraine discussed the coming mission against the Tide Retreat Gang and their shared aim of confronting Dodd at the Moon Tide Feast.

• Auriye recalled how Xia Nan had openly identified his interest in the [Proof of Unweariedness] bracelet and considered using the recovery mission to assess him.
• Xia Nan reviewed his conversation with Auriye and prepared for a likely outing mission against the Tide Retreat Gang.
• The Oath of Vengeance Blades Fleet celebrated its successful commission at the Three-Legged Sea Dog Tavern while Xia Nan sat at the bar.
• Lorraine joined Xia Nan and offered help for his coming mission, but he said he expected to travel with several temporary Professional teammates.
• Lorraine confirmed that Xia Nan knew about the Molton family conflict and explained that they shared a goal involving Dodd and the Moon Tide Feast.

Xia Nan sailed toward Wildberry Cliff with the Iron Rock Shield Squad to recover Auriye's stolen collectibles from pirates linked to the Tide Retreat Gang. Habik’s team chose to infiltrate the island from the side, and Xia Nan agreed to follow their plan while remaining ready to act alone.

• Xia Nan traveled from Barracuda Bay aboard Auriye’s disguised merchant ship without asking his usual allies to join him.
• Xia Nan met Habik, Haoge, Seli, and Agu of the Iron Rock Shield Squad, whose members kept their distance from him.
• Haoge urged the squad to storm the island and kill the pirates, but Seli silenced him and Habik rejected the proposal.
• Habik proposed luring the pirates out to sea or infiltrating Wildberry Cliff from the other side, and Seli supported infiltration as the safer option.
• Habik chose to land from the side and assess the island before deciding what to do next, while Xia Nan resolved to follow unless circumstances forced him to act alone.

Xia Nan and the Iron Rock Shield Squad infiltrated Wildberry Cliff Island to find Auriye's hidden goods, while Xia Nan secretly considered how he would kill his suspicious companions if necessary. After Seli and Agu silently killed two guards, the group discovered a recently dug underground passage and heard human voices below.

• Xia Nan and the Iron Rock Shield Squad landed on Wildberry Cliff Island's northwest shore and moved toward the pirate base.
• The squad arranged Xia Nan between its members, while he privately planned to eliminate Seli and Agu first if the group turned against him.
• Seli and Agu killed two pirate guards outside a wooden door, and Seli admitted she had accidentally killed the guard Habik had wanted to question.
• Haoge tore open the door, revealing crude earthen steps leading underground.
• Xia Nan and the others noticed signs of recent digging and heard faint human voices from below.

Xia Nan and the Iron Rock Shield Squad discovered nineteen abused civilians imprisoned beneath a Pirate hideout. After opening one cell and learning the prisoners had been seized from several islands, Xia Nan heard a warning about Murlocs.

• Xia Nan and the Iron Rock Shield Squad descended into a filthy underground dungeon holding nineteen injured and starving civilians.
• A young prisoner struck the bars and begged Xia Nan to save them while the squad members reacted with indifference or irritation.
• Xia Nan confirmed the prisoners had no Transcendent Power, cut the chain with [Honey Tangerine], and opened the cell gate.
• Xia Nan asked where the young man came from, and the prisoner said people from Talo Island, Alpha Island, and Silver Reef Fishing Village had been captured.
• The young man warned Xia Nan to watch out for the Murlocs.