Chapter 128: Source Sea Meditation (Seeking Collection)

Chapter 128: Source Sea Meditation (Seeking Collection)



As night approached, the sky still held a faint glow, and an oil lamp illuminated the room with a flickering halo.

But as tentacles emerged from Karl's body, the surrounding light suddenly dimmed.

It seemed as if,

The light was being devoured.

The pitch-black, deep tentacles, adorned with circular saw-like teeth, carried an aura that made one shudder in fear.

Eerie!

Death!

Strange!

Little Mustache's eyes twitched, his expression contorted, and his body struggled to move, but it was already too late.

"Swish!"

The menacing, dancing tentacles pounced downward, enveloping Little Mustache within.

When the tentacles spread open again, only a pile of corroded, tattered clothes remained on the spot.

Everything happened too quickly; by the time the others reacted, it was already over.

"Charge!"

The remaining man and woman in the room teamed up, a hint of fear flashing in their eyes, but it was instantly suppressed.

Grand Knights!

Both of them were Grand Knights.

Whether it was the path of a wizard or a knight, it seemed that the Magic Forest far surpassed the Eastern Kingdom Continent.

"Mr. Karl, be careful!"

'J' shouted, drawing his longsword to face the two.

"Clang!"

The clashing sound echoed.

The howling battle aura tore through the entire house, as the man blocked 'J', and the female Grand Knight continued her assault towards Karl.

"Die!"

The longsword, enveloped in battle aura, glowed with a light that seemed to have an added anti-magic spell.

Up close, the Grand Knight showed no fear towards the wizard apprentice.

"Heh..."

Facing the attacking female assassin, Karl merely smiled faintly and then lunged forward.

The menacing tentacles collided with the assassin's.

The female assassin's eyes narrowed, and she witnessed firsthand the aftermath of her boss being enveloped by the tentacles.

She quickly brandished her longsword, slashing towards the tentacles.

But the sensation of the sword passing through was empty.

Vanish!

The tentacles suddenly vanished, gliding past the sword and pressing against the female assassin's face before solidifying and biting inward.

Countless suction cup-like teeth clamped down, and the female assassin could only manage a painful scream before being completely devoured.

"Clatter..."

As the tentacles spread open, a pile of white bones fell to the ground.

The remaining man, locked in a fierce battle with 'J', saw the situation and his face paled. He turned to flee.

Karl gently tapped his staff forward.

Minor Mage Field!

Control Gravity!

With nearly six points of psychic energy, a powerful force field silently descended upon the man.

'J' seized the opportunity, his sword flashing and clashing as they crossed blades. The man was already struck by the sword and fell to the ground.

"Mr. Karl."

Despite defeating his opponent, 'J's face remained grim. He rushed to Karl's side and asked with concern:

"Are you injured?"

Today's unexpected event could be said to have been entirely caused by him. If something happened to Karl, he would undoubtedly face severe punishment from the Sixth Circle Tower.

"I'm fine," Karl shook his head lightly and smiled:

"Charlie's gift truly gave me a big surprise."

Umm...

Upon hearing this, 'J's face turned awkward, and his tense hands didn't know where to rest. He could only bow his head and say:

"It's my incompetence. I didn't expect this group to be so disregarding of the rules, attacking their own boss."

"Fortunately!"

"Fortunately, Mr. Karl, you're unharmed. Otherwise, even offering my life wouldn't help."

"Forget it!" Karl waved his hand:

"Don't tell Charlie about today's events just yet. If he finds out, he'll likely blame himself."

"This..." 'J' hesitated for a moment, then nodded:

"Alright."

The fewer people who knew, the lower the chance of punishment, or perhaps even no punishment at all. He was, of course, willing to take that chance.

Seeing Karl skillfully scavenging the corpses, his expression became peculiar.

This wizard apprentice...

His corpse-searching movements were so skilled.

Coupled with his previous killing methods—cruel, ruthless, and efficient—he didn't seem like a novice at all.

Could it be that Calim Continent wasn't very safe either? How else could such skills be trained?

"Mr. Karl, being an apprentice from the Sixth Circle Tower, these people are all top-notch assassins."

'J' sighed:

"In front of you, they didn't even have a chance to fight back."

These words weren't mere praise but the truth.

Among the three, Little Mustache was the strongest, and his close-range assassination skills were hard to evade, even for a legendary knight.

Karl was a legendary knight.

As a result, he was directly impaled through the heart without any awareness, and even the phantom amulet couldn't react in time. If not for his robust physique, he would have surely perished.

Detecting evil was useless against these three. Their murderous intent was so well-concealed that it only revealed itself at the moment of eruption.

Alas,

They had encountered Karl.

"Today's events end here."

Karl put away a gem ring, stood up, and said:

"The commotion just now was quite loud, and it's likely that the market patrol officers have been alerted. Let's head back."

"Remember!"

He reminded them again:

"Don't tell Charlie about this."

Karl temporarily didn't want others to know about his practice of bloodline spells and his possession of abyssal blood.

"Yes, Mr. Karl. Rest assured, I will never tell a second person about your affairs," 'J' said firmly.

...

The next day.

Charlie rushed over from the Wizard Tower and called out to the busy Karl, bringing him to the backyard guest room and asking:

"You've seen Simon, right?"

"Yes, I have."

"Sigh!"

Charlie let out a sigh:

"After thirty years of companionship, it's impossible to say there's no emotion. But he brought this upon himself by trying to escape. I heard he stole the Cape Family's magic stone and ran away. If he had stayed and done his job properly, this wouldn't have happened."

"Karl, my apprentice!"

"The environment in the Magic Forest is different from where you came from. Here... death is common, even for us from the Sixth Circle Tower. So, we must be cautious in our actions."

Karl nodded solemnly.

He had already heard about the dangers of the Magic Forest, but now he truly understood.

The locals' audacity was evident; they dared to kill even the disciples of the Sixth Circle Tower for money.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this." Charlie waved his hand and took out two items from his pocket, handing them to Karl:

"Considering your contributions to the apothecary, the mentor and several archmages discussed and decided on this reward for you."

Karl's eyes lit up.

He had known he would receive a reward from the tower, and he was quite eager for it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so quick to offer his beast pill refinement technique."

Finally, it's here!"

First were three mana crystals, thumb-sized diamond-shaped crystals shimmering with captivating radiance.

This item can be likened to an advanced version of a Mana Crystal, which is worth a hundred Magic Stones.

Additionally, the operation of the Wizard Tower and the arrangement of advanced spell traps require Mana Crystals to provide energy.

Three Mana Crystals are equivalent to three hundred Magic Stones, which is not a small amount, but it's not a significant sum either.

For Karl, who was used to handling large sums of money, the allure was not that great.

Aside from Mana Crystals, there was also a spellbook with intricate patterns engraved on its cover.

Source Sea Meditation

This was what Karl was truly interested in.

"Originally, you people from the Calim Continent need to undergo several years of testing to become true disciples of the Sixth Circle Tower and obtain the corresponding inheritance."

Charlie spoke up, "However, my mentor is also about to leave, and you've done great service to the shop, so I'll waive the process for you."

"This Source Sea Meditation is a required spell for the Natural School's Water Wizards in the Sixth Circle Tower. Its grade is much better than the meditation you're currently practicing, and it will be easier to advance to an Archmage in the future."

"Oh, and!"

"It can't be sold outside. Even if it's passed down to your own disciple, you need the Tower's approval."

"I understand." Karl's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Source Sea Meditation was not just better than his current meditation; it was almost a different type of practice altogether.

With his original meditation, becoming an Archmage was already a stretch.

But this Source Sea Meditation,

Within the Sixth Circle Tower, the Natural School's Water Wizards continue to practice it even after becoming Third Circle Wizards.

The chances of breaking through to become an Archmage were at least twenty percent higher than with the original meditation.

"There's no need to thank me. This is what you deserve."

Charlie nodded and lightly patted his forehead.

"I almost forgot. Oma sent me a letter for you. She's currently following Wizard Bella for her apprenticeship, so it's not convenient for her to come find you."

As he spoke, he handed over a letter.

"Oma has outstanding talent, and she's gained the favor of Wizard Bella. She will definitely become an Archmage in the future."

"That's truly enviable!"

His wizard talent was even inferior to Karl's, and he was only able to join the Sixth Circle Tower due to his connections.

Now, at the age of sixty, he still hadn't become an Archmage, and it was uncertain if he ever would. It was natural to feel envious.

Karl didn't respond to his sentiment and casually asked, "What did Bella arrange for Oma to do?"

"Work?"

Charlie shook his head.

"Bella asked her to help clean the Wizard Tower, but it's not like they need anyone there. She just wants Oma to stay in the Tower for her apprenticeship."

"The Wizard Tower is a node connecting the mortal world and the Star Realm. Meditating inside for one day is equivalent to seven or ten days outside. It won't be long before Oma has the qualifications to attempt to break through to become an Archmage."

As he spoke, he sighed again.

Aside from Archmages, few wizard apprentices were allowed to stay in the Wizard Tower for their apprenticeship, which showed how much Bella valued Oma.

"So..."

Karl's eyes held a complex expression.

"It's truly enviable!"

Those with talent often received better treatment, and this was true for both Karl and Charlie.

All they could do was look on with envy.

In the following period, the apothecary's business became more stable, and the sales of beast pills and potions improved.

During his free time, Karl tried to switch to practicing Source Sea Meditation. With his foundation, the transition was smooth.

Now that he had entered the realm of Source Sea Meditation, he could feel its prowess.

In the same amount of time, his cultivation progress was almost twice as fast as before, and even his utilization of potions had greatly improved.

One day...

"Karl!"

A familiar voice called out from outside.

[6◇9◇Book◇Bar]



"Nancy! Hodgson!" Karl looked towards the voice, his face lit up with joy, and he quickly stood up to greet them.

"Come in and sit down!"

"You two are such rare guests! What brings you here?"

Nancy, with freckles, and Hodgson, with his handsome features, entered the shop side by side.

"We were just strolling through the market with nothing better to do, and we passed by here. Your business is booming!"

Looking at the customers coming in and out of the shop, Hodgson sighed, "Nancy's side isn't doing so well. She only gets a few customers a day, and the Magic Stones she earns are barely enough to cover her expenses."

"It's different here," Karl shook his head. A teapot and teacups nearby were brought to the table by a Wizard's Hand. "Over there, they're selling Magical Artifacts, and it's been three years since they opened, and they're still eating into their savings."

"Potions need to be taken regularly, so naturally, more people buy them. Who would buy a Magical Artifact on a whim?"

"That's not the case," Nancy shook her head. "I've been here for over a month, and I've already endured a lot of scolding. I'm almost at the point of wanting to cry to my mentor."

"Hmph!" Hodgson snorted. "In my opinion, it's that old woman, Meg, who's jealous of your talent and deliberately picking on you."

"If that's the case, Nancy, you should find Senior Marianne," Karl said. "Although we're outsiders, we shouldn't let people bully us."

"This..." Nancy's face showed struggle, and she spoke softly, "It's not that bad. I also have my faults, and I shouldn't trouble my mentor over a small matter."

"That would make me seem incompetent."

Karl shook his head.

Seeking someone to complain about wasn't a sign of incompetence.

On the contrary, being bullied and not daring to speak up was true cowardice and made one more vulnerable to others' bullying.

However, it was their choice, and he, an outsider, had nothing to say.

"Karl!"

Hodgson straightened his body and spoke, "I heard about what you did. You taught the locals a lesson and even received a reward from the Tower."

"You must have gotten a large sum of Magic Stones, right?"

"A little," Karl smiled. "I didn't expect that the alchemy techniques I acquired in the Black Swamp would be useful here."

"It's your luck. You can't escape it." Hodgson laughed and then leaned forward, asking quietly, "Magic Stones, you haven't spent them yet, have you?"

Hmm? Karl's eyes flickered.

Apparently, they weren't just casually strolling; Karl asked, "What's the matter? Do you need Magic Stones?"

He glanced at Nancy, who was standing nearby with a tense expression.

Nancy's mentor was Marianne, and she herself came from a wizard family, making her a small rich lady.

Everyone who came from the Black Swamp knew that Hodgson had been using Nancy's money, so he should have no shortage of Magic Stones.

"That's right."

Hodgson straightened his body and explained, "Since the Calim Continent isn't willing to send people over, the Tower's business here lacks management."

"Next year, another group of people will be leaving, and many businesses won't be able to sustain themselves. So, the High Tower plans to sell or lease some of its businesses or lease them out for a fee."

Karl slowly nodded.

He was well aware of the High Tower's shortage of personnel.

"Originally..."

Hodgson glanced at the shop and continued, "This apothecary was also meant to be sold, but because of you, Karl, the High Tower has decided to keep it running."

"But the shop at Nancy's place can't be kept, and it's already been decided to sell it. We plan to take it over."

"Hmm?" Karl raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You?"

"Yes!" Hodgson nodded.

"It's me and Nancy!"

"I remember, you two haven't done much business, and you don't even have much experience working for others." Karl frowned. "Running a business isn't easy, and Nancy has outstanding talent. She has a great chance to advance to the Archmage level, so she shouldn't be wasting time on this."

Nancy's eyes lit up, nodding in agreement.

"Oh well!" Hodgson waved his hand dismissively.

"What's so difficult about doing business? It's just about buying low and selling high to make a profit. I understand these things."

"That shop mainly sells magical artifacts. The High Tower has wizard apprentices who can create them, and we can find others to supply the goods. As for sales, we just need to advertise."

"You haven't really done business before, and you managed to make this apothecary successful. How can you say I can't do it?"

"..." Karl opened his mouth, but he had experience and the Beast Pill technique.

What do you have?

Shaking his head in disbelief, he spoke softly, "Do you plan to borrow magic stones to take over the High Tower's business?"

"Yes!"

Hodgson's eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously.

"The High Tower offers two ways to acquire that shop: buying it outright or paying a lease fee."

"I definitely don't have enough for a buyout of several thousand magic stones, but I think I can manage two thousand magic stones in rent for a year."

"How much?" Karl's wrist trembled, and he looked surprised.

"Two thousand magic stones a year?"

"Yes!" Hodgson nodded.

"Don't think it's too much. This is a preferential price we're offering because we consider you one of us."

"If someone else takes it over, the minimum rent for a year is two thousand four hundred magic stones, and they also have to pay a two-year deposit."

"This is..." Karl shook his head. "Two thousand magic stones is too much. I'm afraid I can't be of much help."

"How can that be?" Hodgson looked surprised. "Before coming here, I inquired, and I heard you're a famous wealthy man in the Black Swamp. You've invested in real estate and even had others sell potions for you. With the High Tower's reward, you should have over a thousand magic stones, right?"

"I don't need to borrow much. Just lend me eight hundred magic stones!"

Eight hundred magic stones!

Is that all?

Karl's expression turned blank, and he shook his head, speaking softly, "I'm sorry, but some rumors might have misled you. I don't have many magic stones."

"As for this reward..."

"It's mainly the High Tower's spell inheritance. There are some magic stones, but not many. And my wizard talent is too low, so I need potions to keep up with others' cultivation, which also requires a lot of magic stones."

In short, he wasn't lending any.

"Karl!" Hodgson's expression turned displeased.

"What are you saying? I'm asking you for a loan as a friend. I haven't asked anyone else."

Friend?

Thank you very much!

Karl's face remained expressionless.

"I truly don't have any magic stones. It's nice to see you both today, but let's not bring up the topic of borrowing again."

"You..." Hodgson's face darkened, and he slammed the table, standing up.

"Karl, you really won't lend me any?"

"It's not that I won't lend, I simply don't have any." Karl shrugged.

"Nancy, Oma is staying at the Wizard Tower to cultivate. She wrote me a letter saying that within a few years, she'll have a chance to attempt the Archmage realm."

"You're a Second Rank Wizard Talent, so you'll advance to a High Mage Apprentice even earlier. You should focus on your cultivation."

"Yes." Nancy's eyes flickered, and she glanced at the displeased Hodgson before stammering, "I... I also thought that maybe we could wait a while before deciding."

Karl shook his head lightly.

He couldn't understand why Nancy, a High Mage Apprentice with a formal wizard mentor and such high talent, would be afraid of Hodgson.

Hodgson had a low talent and was only an Apprentice High Mage. He even relied on Nancy for magic stones.

Yet, the one who dominated the relationship was Hodgson, who should have been in a lower position.

"Hmph!"

Hodgson snorted coldly.

"Let's go!"

"Ah..." Nancy hurriedly stood up and nodded at Karl.

"We're leaving now. Goodbye, Karl."

"Goodbye!"

Karl waved goodbye and watched as Nancy left, looking timid. He shook his head in disbelief once more.

...

On the street.

Nancy spoke softly, "Hodgson, you don't need to be so hasty. I have enough magic stones for us to live comfortably here."

"Hmm?"

Hodgson's expression changed.

"You don't think I'll succeed either?"

"No, no!" Nancy quickly waved her hands and explained, "I just think we don't need to rush. In a few years, I'll attempt to break through to the Archmage realm. If I succeed, it'll be easy to borrow two thousand magic stones, and you can start your business then."

"What do you know?" Hodgson's voice turned cold.

"Now, they all look down on me. I want to show them my success."

"Nancy!"

"I know you mean well, but can you bear to see me being looked down upon, especially by your mentor Marianne? She knows we love each other, yet she doesn't approve of our marriage. If I succeed in business, she might agree to our wedding."

Nancy opened her mouth, wanting to say something but stopping herself.

In truth, Hodgson knew that if Nancy became an Archmage, their relationship would be even more impossible.

It had to be now!

He needed to rely on Nancy's success to earn a lot of magic stones, giving himself a chance to become an Archmage and achieve a class leap.

Then...

Looking down at Nancy's freckled face and average appearance, Hodgson felt a wave of disgust. But he quickly recovered and spoke gently, "I know a way to borrow magic stones, Nancy, my love. Will you help me?"

"Ah!"

Nancy looked bewildered, raising her head to meet Hodgson's tender gaze, feeling as if her entire being was filled with sweetness.

She nodded repeatedly, smiling sheepishly, "I'll definitely help you."

Please collect!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end