The woman appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six years old. A vision in a black leather jacket and pants, her long black hair flowed down her back, accentuating her lithe figure. Arriving at the underground parking lot, she stood in a corner, seemingly searching for something. Subtly, she produced an exquisite pistol from behind her back.

She suddenly turned and aimed it at James. Seeing him, she panicked, quickly holstering the weapon and stammering, "It'sit's you?"

James sauntered over, leaning against a stone pillar and studying the deceptively innocent woman. He said mildly, "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at the border of the Southern Plains?"

He recognized her as a key member of a grave-robbing gang he'd previously apprehended pilfering an ancient tomb. He'd let them go after receiving a hefty ransom, as they'd targeted an enemy tomb. Their presence in Cansington, however, was unexpected. Black Rose, visibly nervous, was sweating profusely. James, known as the Black Dragon, general of the Southern Plains' Black Dragon Army, was out of place, away from his border duties.

"General, I—I followed someone here," she explained.

"Hmm?" James looked at Black Rose. He'd sensed murderous intent, but it hadn't originated from her. Black Rose was skilled, but not that terrifying. Whoever it was possessed the aura of a multiple murderer. Black Rose wouldn't lie to him.

"Sir, we entered an ancient tomb and obtained a treasure, but were ambushed. I'm the sole survivor. I tracked the attacker to Cansington, but the trail went cold."

James was unconcerned. He narrowed his eyes. "This is Cansington, not the border. Obey the law and stay out of trouble."

He turned to leave. Black Rose panicked, quickly stepping forward and grabbing his hand. His expression darkened. He seized her by the neck, lifting her off the ground. Coldly, he asked, "What are you doing?"

Choking, Black Rose turned red. "S-sir, I'm sorry! I didn't mean any harm. Please, hear me out!"

He dropped her as if she were a sack of potatoes. She instantly knelt, her forehead touching the ground.

"Please take me in, sir."

Carelessly, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Everyone I knew died for this treasure. I have the key. The enemy eliminated our team so easily—they must be powerful. Please grant me your protection. I'll give you the key."

James, though initially dismissive, found this intriguing. He waved a hand.

"Stand."

"Yes, sir." Black Rose rose to her feet.

He asked, "Which tomb did you rob, and what treasure did you acquire?"

"The Prince of Orchid Mountain's tomb. We obtained an ancient chest rumored to contain immeasurable value, unlocking the secret of Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge—a legend passed down for millennia."

James' expression darkened. Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge? The Prince of Orchid Mountain? What connection did this tomb's treasure have to his family heirloom?