Chapter 1171 - 579: Waiting in Hell

"Ahhh!!!"

A roar filled with anger and pain reached their ears.

The intense collision seemed to make the ground tremble slightly, and the air was thick with the stench of blood.

When Xia Nan and his group followed the commotion to the shore, the scene was already in chaos.

They naturally saw the towering and magnificent Coral Altar that sent chills down their spines, and also noticed the gruesome pile of corpses, disturbing even to the most experienced adventurers.

But what truly caught the adventurers’ attention, making them unconsciously hold their breath and their pupils contract, was the fierce battle nearing its final stage directly ahead in the open area by the shore.

Broken Fishman corpses were scattered about, their bright blue blood dyeing the sandy ground a deep brownish-blue.

Fishman minions, Elite Guards, and even a few Fishman Commanders lay scattered on the ground, some with their skulls cut open, blue and white viscous liquid slowly seeping out, and some not completely dead, limbs twitching as foam sprayed from their mouths.

The culprit behind all this carnage was none other than the tall, robust figure standing in the center of the field.

It was undoubtedly "Algae Scale" Dodd.

Even though many adventurers at the scene had never seen this Great Pirate in person before, having only heard of his past deeds or seen his likeness on bounty posters.

Yet now, when they saw the unique tail characteristic of a Dragon Descendant and the platinum scales on his body, the adventurers instantly recognized his identity.

However...

The scenario was completely different from the image of him as the mastermind waiting calmly at the shore for the adventurers to rush in for a final showdown.

"Algae Scale" Dodd’s current physical state was beyond terrible, even beyond the ordinary scope of "severe injury."

Blood, both blue and red, from enemies and himself, flowed uncontrollably from multiple gashes on his body, drenching the sand that should have been kicked up with his movements, sticking to him in a messy, disheveled manner.

It looked like he had been pierced by a sharp weapon, resembling a fish spear, as three bloody holes going straight through him revealed the scenery behind, with flesh and fragments of organs falling out with his movements.

The dragon tail, vital for balance in combat and functioning partially as a weapon, was severed from the middle, the clean cut resembling a treestump, displaying the muscle fibers and the pale bone at the core.

Such injuries, even for a high-level adventurer with a strong constitution, were classified as "near-death."

Considering this, the fact that a Senior Adventurer almost reaching Transcendent level had fallen into such a state, it was clear his opponents had also paid a hefty price.

Even with vastly diminished combat ability, "Algae Scale" Dodd, single-handedly facing the entire Fishman group, still inflicted far greater damage than the Sha Hua Fishmen had anticipated.

Setting aside the ordinary Elite Guards and Fishman minions who got caught up in the battle, he had killed three full Fishman Commanders—all strong opponents!

Moreover, several Sha Hua Fishman Priests lurking in the sea seemed to have been added to the tally—one could see Fishman corpses bobbing on the sea’s surface.

As an adventurer with extensive combat experience, how could Dodd not know to prioritize dealing with Spellcasters?

The only pity was that despite his efforts, he ultimately failed to break through the main objective of the fight—the defenses of the Sha Hua Fishman High Priest named "Uek."

Even after exerting all his strength and losing his tail in the process, he only managed to inflict a slight wound on the opponent’s left arm.

"Damn... damn sea rats..."

"If, if I were in peak condition..."

Dodd panted heavily, his lips moving, muttering something unknown, his vertical pupils slightly dazed due to severe injuries.

If he hadn’t been weakened by the Secret Realm ritual, he was confident he could have at least escaped the encirclement even if he couldn’t eliminate all the Fishmen.

Unlike now, trapped in such a dire situation.

Meanwhile, adventurers hurrying from the other side of Stodd Island got a clearer picture of the scene.

"What’s going on, internal conflict?"

"Furious Tide Battle Gang" Captain Iron Grid, known for his straightforward and fiery temperament, had been at the forefront and was the first adventurer to spot the scene ahead.

After escaping from the Secret Realm, he had communicated with Xia Nan and others, knowing that "Algae Scale" Dodd likely struck some deal with the lowly Sha Hua Fishmen for his promotion ritual.

He had mentally prepared to face both the Fishmen and Dodd’s forces.

But unexpectedly, upon reaching the shore, this was the sight that met his eyes.

"Stay alert, watch out for ambushes!"

Beside him, "Wind Forger" Captain, the Pure-blood Elf Sefeng, warned with furrowed brows.

His sharp eyes meticulously scanned Dodd, the Fishmen, and further towards the sea.

Compared to Iron Grid, the Elf’s character was clearly more somber and meticulous.

Even though the suspected internal conflict was unexpected, he remained wary of possible hidden dangers around them.