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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.

After a long pause, the old man finally spoke, "Many years ago, I traveled far and wide across the planet Meze, crossing the four continents with my master. I heard and saw too much to remember exactly where I first encountered those words. I only recall my master once using them to describe a certain event—an event that was very similar to what is happening now.

I spoke out of habit, never expecting that you, too, would know the meaning behind these words."

"Ah?"

"You\'ve traveled across all four continents?!"

Nicholas William, stunned, shot up from his seat, his eyes filled with disbelief as he looked at the old man.

The old man ignored Nicholas William and continued speaking to Dean Bruce, "My master once said that no matter how much time passes, everything that happens in this world is nothing more than a repetition of the same cycle. Even if the actors are different, the essence remains unchanged."

"What is happening now in the Pur-cloud Imperial Capital—events like these have occurred countless times over the millennia across the four continents. It\'s not worth your time to get involved."

Dean Bruce nodded slightly, understanding now that this blind old man possessed extraordinary strength and knew the entire truth of the situation.

But, unfortunately, he wouldn\'t say a word about it.

He wouldn\'t even get involved himself—merely playing the role of a spectator.

However, from the old man\'s few words and expressions earlier, Dean Bruce deduced that this wasn\'t a supernatural occurrence but a conspiracy orchestrated by humans!

"Esteemed guests, the tea is ready. Please, enjoy it," the old man announced calmly.

As he spoke, the fireball dissipated, and the three cups of tea floated gently back down onto the table. Looking down, they saw that the liquid in the cups emitted a faint green glow, and a delicate fragrance wafted up, filling their nostrils.

Without a moment\'s hesitation, Nicholas William grabbed one of the cups and took a large gulp.

"Gulp!"

After downing the entire cup in one go, Nicholas William\'s cheeks flushed red. He grinned and said, "Excellent tea! Truly excellent! Elder, could I trouble you for another cup?"

Dean Bruce wasn\'t upset by Nicholas\'s sudden action. He could tell that Nicholas William was worried there might be poison in the tea and had drunk it first to test it out.

The old man shook his head gently and said, "This tea can only be consumed once in a short period. Esteemed guests, please enjoy your cup."

After speaking, the old man picked up the cup in front of him and took a delicate sip.

Dean Bruce, recalling videos he\'d seen in his past life about proper tea-drinking etiquette, picked up his cup with one hand, blew on it lightly a few times, and then took a small sip. "This is indeed fine tea. With such generous hospitality, I\'m at a loss as to how I should repay you."

"You are guests, after all. And more importantly, you are distinguished guests. I\'m only worried that my hospitality might be inadequate and cause you any displeasure."

The old man said gently. "Although my eyes are blind, I can sense that both of you are blessed with great fortune. Your journey in the Pur-cloud Imperial Capital will surely go smoothly. There\'s no need to worry. Finish your tea, and then you should be on your way."

"You can read fortunes? You can see what hasn\'t happened yet?" Nicholas William was completely taken aback. Glancing at both Dean Bruce and the old man, who remained composed and unperturbed, he couldn\'t help but purse his lips.

The old man suddenly sighed, "Prophecy? Who can truly know the future? So-called fortune-telling is merely a glimpse into one of countless possible outcomes."

Dean Bruce took another sip of his tea and was just about to set the cup down when, all of a sudden, a peculiar energy surged through his body.

"Crackle!"

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.