The old man placed the lightning-shaped sword gently on the table and gave a slight flick of his right sleeve. Spatial ripples undulated, and a complete set of ancient tea utensils appeared out of thin air, settling neatly on the table.
This scene instantly left Nicholas William stunned, his breathing becoming erratic.
The old man retrieved three teacups, placing them carefully in front of the three of them. He then opened a rustic jar and poured out a small amount of tea leaves.
Sensing the aroma of the tea, Dean Bruce's brows furrowed slightly. The fragrance seemed eerily similar to the Enlightenment Tea Leaves he had acquired before!
"I wonder, what brings you two esteemed guests here today?" the old man inquired casually as he reached into his robe, pulling out a white jade bottle. Removing the stopper and tilting it slightly, a stream of crystalline, jade-like liquid shimmered as it flowed out, filling each cup.
"What a rich vitality! What kind of water is this?"
Nicholas William's eyes widened, his face full of curiosity and confusion.
"The imperial capital is truly a place like no other. Even a simple tavern like this holds the Spring of Life," Dean Bruce remarked calmly. "The saying goes, 'Those who hide well may dwell in the wild, but the greatest hiding is in the heart of the city.' You've taught me a valuable lesson, elder."
"I dare not take credit for such wisdom."
The old man replied, his voice equally calm. He asked again, "To be able to recognize the Spring of Life, you are clearly no ordinary folk. May I ask, what business brings you here?"
As he finished speaking, the old man gently tapped the table, causing the three teacups to float into the air.
"Whoosh!"
A peculiar wave of energy rippled through the air, and a fireball appeared out of nowhere, radiating heat as it roasted the three teacups.
The light from the flames illuminated the old man's features, revealing his appearance more clearly to Dean Bruce and Nicholas William.
The man's face and hands were covered in deep wrinkles, his skin loose and sagging. His beard was gray and unkempt. However, his eyes were the most shocking part—scorched and charred as if burned by fire, leaving only blackened flesh.
Nicholas William, taken aback by the sight, swallowed hard and didn't dare speak. He quickly turned to look at Dean Bruce, seeking guidance.
Dean Bruce, instead of responding to Nicholas William's silent plea, turned to the old man and asked, "Elder, this tavern seems to have been here for many years. You must know a great deal about the Pur-cloud Imperial Capital. May I ask if you know where the General's Mansion is located? And are you aware of the recent events that have transpired in the capital?"
Hearing the question, the old man shook his head and replied, "There are many generals in the capital. May I ask which one you're referring to, esteemed guest?"
When the old man finished speaking, Dean Bruce turned his gaze toward Nicholas William. It was then that he realized he didn't even know the name of Nicholas's fiancée.
Nicholas William also seemed to have just remembered this fact. He scratched his head awkwardly and was about to speak when the old man interrupted, "As for what's happening in the imperial capital right now? It's simply the cycle of cause and effect—retribution for past deeds." MVLeMpYr-original-content
Dean Bruce's pupils constricted sharply, and he stared intently at the old man. "The cycle of cause and effect, retribution for past deeds" was a concept that only someone from the modern era would know. People in this world shouldn't be familiar with such ideas.
Even if the old man had mentioned retribution alone, Dean Bruce wouldn't have been this surprised!
"You seem to be quite astonished by my words, esteemed guest." Though the old man was blind, his spiritual sense was incredibly acute. He turned his head slightly, facing directly at Dean Bruce.
Dean Bruce narrowed his eyes, struggling to suppress his curiosity, and finally asked, "Elder, may I ask where you heard about the cycle of cause and effect, retribution for past deeds?"
The old man's hand, which was maintaining the fire magic, trembled slightly, though he quickly steadied it. But that brief moment didn't escape Dean Bruce's notice, making his heart tighten with unease.
Blue electric sparks flickered in the air, and the lightning-shaped sword that had been placed on the table began to tremble violently. Arcs of electricity danced along its blade, as if it were cheering with excitement.
This unexpected scene left both Dean Bruce and Nicholas William staring in wide-eyed astonishment.
The old man remained calm and composed, saying, "Esteemed guest, this sword seems to resonate with you. I wish to gift it to you. Would you be willing to accept it?"
"..."
Hearing this, Dean Bruce couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly.
He carefully sensed the surroundings. There was no trace of killing intent, nor any other signs of danger. After a moment's thought, Dean Bruce nodded and accepted graciously, "There's a saying: 'A gift from an elder should not be refused.' Since you're offering it to me, elder, I won't decline."
"I promise to return someday and have a good conversation with you."
Dean Bruce wasn't foolish—he could clearly hear the old man's earlier hint to leave.
Since the old man seemed to have no connection with the upheaval in the Pur-cloud Imperial Capital, Dean Bruce had no intention of staying longer. He reached out, picked up the lightning-shaped sword, and stood up, heading directly for the door.
Nicholas William was surprised and confused by the sudden decision to leave. He had no idea why they were departing when the conversation seemed to be going well. Nonetheless, he quickly followed after Dean Bruce without hesitation.
It wasn't until Dean Bruce and Nicholas William had left the tavern that the old man's previously serene expression finally broke. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and two streams of tears seeped from his charred eye sockets, flowing down his withered face.
"Ding!"
"System Notification: Congratulations, Host, on obtaining the sealed divine artifact—Blade of Thor's Judgment!"
[Blade of Thor's Judgment (Sealed State): When equipped, grants 10% immunity to lightning-element attacks.
Each time you launch an attack, there is a 10% chance to summon a bolt of lightning, randomly striking enemies within a 30-yard radius, dealing 200% of the host's magic damage, and a 2% chance to inflict paralysis for 1 second.
Currently in a sealed state. Unsealing it will greatly enhance its power and unlock additional abilities.]
[!!!]
Seeing this description, Dean Bruce's pupils contracted sharply.
What a powerful artifact!
A highly potent magical weapon!
With damage mitigation, random offensive procs, and a control effect, this could truly be classified as a divine artifact.
He swung the blade a few times casually, and the sound of it slicing through the air echoed crisply. Dean Bruce could feel its sharpness and precision.
It was unmistakable—despite being in a sealed state, the Blade of Thor's Judgment was indeed a divine artifact. The forging materials used were incredibly rare and unique. Purely in terms of sharpness and quality, it far surpassed typical magical equipment.
Even without any of its special effects, Dean Bruce guessed that the Blade of Thor's Judgment could easily cut through many so-called high-grade magical items or even legendary sacred artifacts!
The only thing that puzzled Dean Bruce was why the old man would give away such a powerful weapon.