Yuna envied Thea. What had Thea ever done to deserve James's protection? James, humming a tune, sped toward Thea's house on his electric motorcycle.

Instead of taking the main roads, he used shortcuts. As he passed through an alley, a jeep suddenly appeared, blocking his path. A middle-aged man emerged.

The man wore a loose robe, had bushy eyebrows and large eyes, and a square jaw. He looked powerful, like a man accustomed to command. James stopped his motorcycle, staring at the Blithe King.

The Blithe King approached, tossing James a cigarette. James caught it. The Blithe King pointed at the car.

"Let's talk," he said.

James lit the cigarette and took a drag. "There's nothing to discuss. If you have something to say, spit it out. My wife is waiting for me."

"What are you trying to do?" the Blithe King asked calmly.

He had just arrived in Cansington, yet he had already cleaned up James's messes twice. He was the Blithe King of the West, now commander-in-chief of the five armies. He was not James's lackey, yet James repeatedly ordered him around.

"I'm not trying to do anything," James said mildly.

The Blithe King roared, "First, it was Ella Corporation, then Prosperous Dynasty. James, I know you possess unparalleled strength, but we're in Cansington, not the Southern Plains. Are you seriously treating your countrymen like you treat your enemies?"

James remained unaffected by the Blithe King's rage. "They can come after me, but not my wife."

The Blithe King took a deep breath. "All I'm asking for is your cooperation. Please don't cause any more trouble for me. Also, rumor has it you visited The Great Four and demanded they kneel for ten days at the Cadens' cemetery before committing suicide, or face your wrath?"

"Yes," James said, his expression darkening. "They deserve it."

"Even if they deserve it, you shouldn't have done it. Let me handle this. I'll arrest all those involved within three days and mete out punishment."

James raised his head and met the Blithe King's gaze. Time seemed to stop.

"Blithe King, I'm warning you. Stay out of my business. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind if the Five Commanders became four."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Yes!"

"How dare you!"

The Blithe King was furious. No one had ever dared to speak to him like that.

"I've heard your power is unmatched, but we've never sparred." The Blithe King removed his shirt.

Suddenly, James moved. A silver needle appeared in his hand. Before the Blithe King could react, the needle pressed against his throat. Time seemed to hang suspended.

Sweat beaded on the Blithe King's forehead. He was the Blithe King of the West, a leader of armies; he had seen it all. Yet, at this moment, he was terrified. A wave of coldness washed over him, as if he'd been plunged into ice. Cold sweat trickled down his spine. He knew the Black Dragon was powerful, but he hadn't expected him to be this terrifying. No wonder the higher-ups respected him so much.

James retracted the needle. The cold dissipated.

Casually, he said, "Don't get involved in my business with The Great Four. If you want to help, track down the location of Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge."

With that, James straddled his electric motorcycle, whistling as he disappeared.

Only after James had vanished did the Blithe King stagger backward. Daniel, his confidant, emerged from the car.

"Sir…"

The Blithe King waved him off. "Who knew he had become so powerful? If he wanted to kill me, a silver needle was all it would have taken. The Black Dragon lives up to his reputation indeed." The Blithe King took a deep breath.