"Master Colin," Mod approached and sat down in front of him, his complexion slightly pale.
"Still feeling seasick?" Seeing his continued poor spirit, Colin couldn't help but ask further.
"It's a bit better after activating the protective shield," Mod replied.
His seasickness was not merely a simple physical issue, but rather more due to some peculiar tainted babblings of the ocean, similar to the reason sailors suffered from insomnia when they left Blackstone Island.
However, as the Sea Swallow, valued at over ten thousand Magic Stones, it naturally possessed corresponding protective features.
While it couldn't be said to provide complete protection, it could at least mitigate some negative conditions.
"Mm," Colin nodded, slightly relieved.
Being on the same ship, it was necessary for him to pay attention to the state of each crew member and passenger, to ensure any crises could be nipped in the bud.
"Is there something you need?" Colin asked again.
"It's like this, Master Colin," Mod hesitated but finally spoke up, "I was wondering if you would be willing to accept payment for teaching?"
"I have some questions about cultivation I'd like to ask, and I can pay in Magic Stones. How about one hundred Magic Stones per session? Of course, depending on the question, the specific price can still be negotiated."
Colin was somewhat surprised, but after a moment's thought, he agreed:
"That is acceptable."
A price of one hundred Magic Stones was already not low. After all, the Bananka bookstore sold overviews on Advanced Official Wizards' knowledge for only three hundred Magic Stones... An opportunity not to be missed.
"Thank you, Master!" Mod's face clearly showed a flash of joy upon receiving his consent.
As a Wild Wizard, it was normal for him to frequently encounter issues in his cultivation.
Previously on Bananka Island, in such cases, he often sought the guidance of familiar Advanced Apprentices and paid them for answers.
However, now in the vast sea, he naturally could not find any other Advanced Apprentices for guidance; Colin was the only one he could turn to.
Fortunately, Colin was more approachable than he had imagined.
After pausing for a moment, Mod began to pose his question.
"Master, I would like to ask you about the knowledge of the Meditation Method."
"When I reach the Siya Continent, I plan to try joining a new School, and I already have a target. I've been modifying the target School's Meditation Method recently, but I've encountered some issues."
"To smoothly modify the Meditation Method, I've completely dispersed all the Magic Power I accumulated through previous cultivation, to facilitate the cultivation of new Magic Power, but somehow, the Magic Power doesn't disperse completely.
Of course, I know that such issues always arise when modifying the Meditation Method, and that the Magic Power cannot be completely dispersed."
"But the residual Magic Power is too abundant, greatly affecting the efficiency and quality of my re-cultivation. I would like your help to see how I might further disperse some..."
Colin listened expressionlessly, yet he was somewhat astonished inside.
Blackstone Island was just a remote backwater, and the Lap School was merely created by a Lap Wizard for ritual purposes.
Thus, although he was a Wizard from a School, in some areas of knowledge, he was not as well-versed as Mod, who had a small fortune and lived on Bananka Island.
For example, he did not know about such drawbacks in modifying the Meditation Method.
In that case... perhaps he should also make preparations ahead of time.
"Here are my two Meditation Methods, Master, please have a look." After narrating his issue, Mod proactively handed over the Meditation Methods he practiced.
Colin wasn't surprised; while Meditation Methods were precious, this did not include the Apprentice stage methods.
It was the knowledge of Meditation Methods for Official Wizards and above that the Schools maintained.
Such as the Apprentice stage content in Meditation Methods were not uncommon.
Previously in the Bananka bookstore, they openly priced it from five hundred up to ten thousand Magic Stones.
Unfortunately, for him at the present, without involving the Official Wizard stage Meditation Methods, these were merely some wasteful papers... No amount of cultivation could advance him to becoming an Official Wizard.
Colin took the Meditation Methods, briefly looked through them, then raised his head and gazed at Mod, saying:
"This problem is not simple; I am not certain if it can be solved. If it is solved, I would require a payment of two hundred Magic Stones. If not, I would still need a compensation of one hundred Magic Stones... do you agree?"
"No problem," Mod agreed without hesitation.
Although earning Magic Stones was not easy for him on a daily basis, he labored precisely for the sake of spending them, and he would not hesitate or dwell on such matters.
"Very well."
Colin nodded, holding two Meditation Methods in hand, ready to discuss in detail with Mod in the study next to the master bedroom.
As he had said, he wasn't sure whether he could solve Mod's problem, since he was just an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.
But even if he couldn't solve it, it would still be an interesting attempt… The longer he stayed in this world, the more he liked to learn new knowledge, one could even say he was somewhat obsessed.
Moreover, even if he couldn't solve it, it wouldn't damage his disguised prestige as an Official Wizard.
After all, an Official Wizard wasn't omnipotent, and the prestige only came from power.
"Sir,"
Before he could stand up, he heard Renee's voice from outside.
"Rael Island is approaching!"
Colin raised an eyebrow, took the Meditation Methods, and walked out of the first-floor reception room to look into the distance.
On the vast ocean, within sight, there appeared a crescent-shaped island with lush, abundant vegetation, creating a lush green vista.
He then pulled out his pocket watch to check the time.
It was exactly three in the afternoon, and by the speed of the Sea Swallow, they would probably arrive at this sole rest stop of their half-month journey by four o'clock.
He took another look at Rael Island.
"Let's go," Colin withdraw his gaze, signaling Mod to continue following him.
There was still some time before reaching Rael Island, and it shouldn't be wasted.
…
An hour passed in a flash.
Woo—!
The steam whistle sounded.
The Sea Swallow slowed down its speed, approaching the coast of Rael Island like a white fish, and finally slowly docked at the old wooden pier.
Click.
The gangway unfolded, and Colin, along with Renee and others, slowly descended the metal stairs.
The previously calm waters near the dock now rippled in circles due to the slight swaying of the Sea Swallow.
Goo goo~
Several indistinct bird calls sounded in the distance.
Stepping onto the pier, the somewhat old wood creaked under the weight.
Colin paused slightly, looking in the direction the dock extended.
A dense green jungle met his eyes.
The wooden dock here didn't connect to a beach or a bustling port, but a secluded jungle as if it had never been touched by humans.
Colin's brows slightly furrowed as he recalled the notes Gibson from the Black Pearl Trading Company had made on the sea chart about this island—
"Rael Island, a lush crescent-shaped island, not dangerous."
"Possible to obtain some vegetables and other supplies here."
"Caution: Do not rashly enter the jungle alone. Although there is no danger to life, it is difficult to find one's way out without local guidance."
As he hesitated,
"A good afternoon to you, respected Wizard Sir, who has come from afar."
A hoarse yet enthusiastic voice sounded not far away.
*
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Later sections of the plot, according to comments, were a bit redundant, and looking back, there indeed seems to be some, just haven't had the energy to modify it yet, hope later readers understand. Chapter 140 departs, Chapter 141 arrives at the Holy Flame Kingdom.
— Striving to write better, Ten Gardens.