Ch. 881..890

Chapter 881

Maxine stared at the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge.She would never have imagined the painting to change when it encountered blood.

On top of that, it only happened with James’ blood.

"That’s the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge."

James looked at the excited Tobias and said, "I've told you the secret.From now onward, you have to protect me."

"That won’t be a problem.You’re a Caden.As the head of our family, how could I not offer you protection?"

He picked up the painting and cackled with laughter.

"Haha! The Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge’s mystery has finally been solved!"

Suddenly, the picture returned to its original state.He asked anxiously, "What happened?"

James answered, "How would I know? Maybe it needs more blood."

"Why did it work with your blood but not mine?"

James shrugged.He had no idea as well.

‘Why does it have to be mine? ‘We’re both Cadens, so why does my blood change the painting, but his doesn’t?’ Thought James.

"I need some of your blood," said Tobias.

"Sure, but I've already lost a lot of blood, so I’m a little weak right now."

"Get some rest for now, then.Maxine, make sure James gets his rest.Take good care of James for me," Tobias ordered.

Then, he picked up the painting and the ancient box and left with a big smile.

Maxine pushed James back into the room.

Inside the room...

Maxine carried James onto the bed.

‘James, how did you discover the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge’s secret?"

James replied softly, "It was by coincidence.Could you leave for a bit? I'd like some time alone to rest."

"Alright."

Maxine did not linger.She turned to leave and headed to meet Tobias.

Meanwhile, James closed his eyes and recalled the ancient words he saw on the painting.

They were very profound, and it would take him some time to unravel what they meant.

However, one thing was certain —this cultivation method needed to be combined with the meridian diagrams.

Tobias’ study room...

Maxine walked into the room.

"Come, sit down."

Tobias was in a good mood, and joy was written all over his face.

"Grandpa,"

Maxine greeted him and took a seat.

"James is a blessing to our family.He managed to uncover the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge in just a few days.I must draw his blood when he recovers and carefully study the painting."

Tobias chuckled.

Maxine said with a smile, "Congratulations, grandpa.Since you’ve unraveled the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge, you'll be able to advance to the ninth rank.Soon, you’ll become the strongest person in the world."

Tobias waved her off and said, "That’s easier said than done.It hasn’t been accomplished since ancient times.However, this time, we may really have hope.By the way, how did James uncover the secret behind the painting? Also, why is his blood so powerful? Could there be something special to it?"

Maxine shook her head and said, "I’m not sure.I found him lying on the ground covered in blood.After he woke up, he insisted on going to the underground basement, so I took him there."

"You've done a great job.Get some rest and continue taking care of James.Also, I need you to keep an eye on him.There must be some other secrets to him."

"Alright."

Maxine nodded, stood up, and left.

Meanwhile, James was lying in the room trying to understand the ancient words in the painting.

After some thought, he realized that they were indeed an Internal Martial Arts cultivation method.

However, the cultivation method was quite unusual.

Similar to the meridian diagrams, there were many unconventional things about it.

"What is this? It doesn't make sense at all.Could Maxine’s interpretation be correct? Could it be like the meridian diagram that needs to be separated and practiced by two people?"

James murmured.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Chapter 882

Knocks came from the other side of the door.

"Come in," James answered weakly.

The door was pushed open, and Maxine, dressed in a white dress, walked in.She did not have time to change her clothes, which had been stained red by James’ blood.

"James,"She called out his name sweetly while walking toward him.

"Mhm," James responded gently.He asked, "Is your True Energy restored? I need you to circulate your True Energy and help me heal my wounds."

"I've recovered a little but not fully," Maxine replied.

James uttered softly, "I think the cultivation method in the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge requires two people."

Maxine asked, "Why do you think so?"

James said, "I’m guessing what we did previously was correct.It just didn’t work because we lacked the cultivation method.After the painting encountered blood, the bright moon disappeared, and a scorching sun appeared.According to my understanding, the moon should represent Yin, while the sun represents Yang.Yang represents men, and Yin represents women."

"What about the flowers that suddenly withered? What could that mean?" asked Maxine.

James thought about her question.

After a while, he said, "There might be more to the painting.We’ve probably only uncovered a portion of the secret, but I’m sure we’re heading in the right direction.By the way, I saw a paragraph about a cultivation method in the picture.Help me analyze it and separate it into two parts."

Maxine asked surprisedly, "What? Y-You saw a cultivation method in the painting?"

"Mhm.Get a pen and a piece of paper.I'll write it out for you."

Maxine quickly went to get the items.

Then, she helped James get up from the bed.

James was still frail and was unable to sit steadily, so she had no choice but to keep him propped up.

His arm meridian was severed, and he could not exert any strength.He picked up the pen but could not write anything after a long time.

James said weakly, "This isn’t going to work I can’t move at all.It hurts whenever I try to move.I’ll have to wait until my injuries get better.Go and get Tobias for me.I need him to help me with some acupuncture."

"Didn't you say we shouldn’t let him know about this? Wouldn’t doing so expose everything?"

"Don’t worry.I just need him to use normal acupuncture needles.He's powerful and has reached at least the fifth rank.I'll use a special method that utilizes his True Energy to regulate my Governor Vessel, Conception Vessels, and Eight Extraordinary Meridians."

Maxine looked at James doubtfully but refrained from questioning him.She nodded, laid him in bed, and went to get Tobias.

Soon, she returned with Tobias.

Tobias’ curiosity was piqued after learning that James wanted to self-heal and only needed to borrow his True Energy.He wanted to know how James would heal himself from such a terrible condition.

James instructed Maxine to help him get undressed.She quickly obeyed his order.

Tobias asked, "What do you need me to do?"

James answered, "I need you to use your energy to insert these needles into me.I’ll tell you which acupuncture points and when to pierce them."

The Cadens had practiced medical skills since ancient times.

Thus, Tobias was also equipped with high medical knowledge.

Despite that, he could do nothing to help James’ current condition.

He was curious to see how James planned to save himself, and he looked forward to witnessing James’ medical skills.

Tobias nodded.

"Alright.I’m ready."

"Start by using your True Energy to stimulate my philtrum acupoint."

Tobias followed his instructions.

Soon, James’ whole body was covered with acupuncture needles.

"Put your hand on my back and start transfusing your True Energy."

Tobias did precisely as he said.

Suddenly, the acupuncture needles on James’ body trembled.

"What’s happening?"

Tobias was shocked.

‘Why is this happening?’ Before he could register what was happening, an odd sensation followed.

Tobias sensed a powerful surge of energy gathering together, gushing through James’ Governor and Conception vessels as well as his Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

"You..."

After overcoming his initial shock, Tobias smiled and said, "You utilized my True Energy to forcibly regulate your Governor Vessel, Conception Vessels, and Eight Extraordinary Meridians.Martial artists would have to be at least the fifth rank to activate them."

Chapter 883

Governor Vessels, Conception Vessels, and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians were crucial for martial artists.

Those with low cultivation bases would not be able to regulate them.

One would have to step into the fifth rank and have a solid cultivation base to activate them.

Initially, Tobias was unsure about how James intended to heal his wounds.

However, he was a grandmaster and a doctor, so he quickly spotted some clues.

Healing his wounds was a bluff.

His true intentions were to regulate his vessels and meridians.

James had used him to insert acupuncture needles into his meridian and acupuncture points throughout his body to protect his heart meridian.

Thus, no matter how much pain the body suffered, he would not die.

Even so, his body was already in horrible condition and could not sustain more injuries.

The layout of the acupuncture needles enabled the True Energy that was transfused into James’ body to gather rather quickly.

Tobias’ True Energy accumulated inside James’ body and formed a vortex.

Tobias was losing control of his True Energy that was being transfused into James’ body.

It was rapidly absorbed, gushing quickly through James’ meridians and acupoints.

James’ body should not have been able to withstand the impact of True Energy.

However, since James was already injured, it simply aggravated his wounds.

Even though Tobias had seen through James, he did not stop transfusing the energy but instead increased the intensity of the transfusion.

He wanted to know if James' method of dying and rebirthing could regulate the meridians in one’s body.

If he succeeded, the True Energy in his body would flow smoothly and allow him to keep growing stronger.

James could break through the fifth rank quickly and perhaps reach an even higher rank.

The acupuncture needles inserted into James’ body could not withstand the increased intensity of the transfusion.

They trembled and seemed to be losing their hold.

James quickly instructed, "Maxine, pay attention.

If any acupuncture needle comes off, insert it back quickly.

Otherwise, if the True Energy leaks, I'll die instantly."

"Alright!"

Maxine nodded and kept her eyes fixed on the acupuncture needles on James’ body.

She carefully watched those that were about to pop off, staying on high alert to quickly insert them back in.

A powerful surge of energy gathered around the surface of James' body and circulated around him.

James endured the intense pain.

Even though the War God had gone through countless battles and suffered all kinds of injuries, the excruciating pain from the energy rapidly gushing through his meridians was unbearable.

"Ahh!!!"

James roared out in pain.

Tobias knew he could not stop.

If he did, the True Energy being transfused into James’ body would immediately dissipate, or it might even explode in James' body.

James would die along with the explosion.

The powerful True Energy forcibly gushed through his Governor Vessel, Conception Vessel, and Eight Extraordinary Meridians that have yet to be regulated.

Whoosh! The acupuncture needles could no longer withstand the force and started shooting out.

Maxine was already holding one needle in her hand when another suddenly popped out.

Noticing it, she quickly inserted it back into his body.

However, the terrifying force from the acupuncture points made her arms feel numb.

After consecutively inserting a few needles back into his body, her palms began to bleed from the force of True Energy.

"Come on!"

Tobias roared and exerted all his strength.

His True Energy rushed through James’ body.

Boom! It sounded as if something exploded in James’ body.

It was as if the flood had demolished the dam.

Tobias was also pushed back by force.

Instantly, the acupuncture needles on James’ body popped out.

Chapter 884

Maxine quickly ran away from the force.

However, she was not fast enough and was injured by the needles that came flying out.

James’ body collapsed to the bed.

Tobias was sweating profusely.He wiped the sweat beads off his face, looking at James with relief.

"This young man is incredibly courageous.I can't believe he came up with something so dangerous," said Tobias.

"Grandpa, how is he?"

Maxine could not be bothered by the injuries on her body and quickly inquired about James, who was lying lifelessly on the bed, covered in blood.

With a smile, Tobias stroked his white beard and said, "It was a success.His Governor Vessel, Conception Vessel, Eight Extraordinary Meridians, and every single vessel in his body were opened up.In theory, he should’ve entered the fifth rank."

"Really?" Maxine was shocked.

"Does that mean we'll be able to create more martial grandmasters of the fifth rank using this method?"

Tobias shook his head and said, exhausted, "It’s not going to be easy.

James’ meridians were already damaged, and he was on the brink of death.

By using acupuncture needles to protect his heart meridian, he was pretty much putting all his eggs in one basket.

However, we succeeded.It would be impossible for an ordinary person to bear such excruciating pain.

"Additionally, the True Energy used to perform this procedure would have to come from someone of at least the fifth rank.The overwhelming True Energy would tear through one’s meridian and vessels.An ordinary martial artist wouldn’t dare attempt such a thing."

Maxine looked at the unconscious James and said with admiration, "He’s really courageous.By the way, even though James regulated all his meridians, they’ve already been damaged previously.Would he be able to survive?"

Tobias said solemnly, "He would’ve had zero chances of surviving.

However, this kid is full of secrets and probably has a way to save himself."

Hearing this, Maxine was relieved.

"Continue taking care of him.I’ve exerted too much True Energy and will have to rest."

"Alright." Maxine nodded.

Tobias said no more.He exited the room.

Maxine checked on James and went to fetch him some warm water.She took out a towel and began to wipe off the blood on his body.

Before she could finish cleaning James up, he woke up.He was completely drained of energy and could not get up.

Despite that, a smug smile crept up on his face.

"How could you still be smiling, James? Do you know how dangerous things were for you just now?"

"How dangerous could it be?" James replied with a weak smile.

"My body was already beyond saving.No matter what pain I had to endure, it wouldn’t have been enough to take my life.I'd protected my heart meridian, so I’d have survived even if it failed.But, thankfully, it worked."

"Mhm." Maxine nodded.

Then, she said, "Grandpa said that the meridians throughout your body have been opened up.Theoretically speaking, you’ve entered the fifth rank, and now, the only difference between you and a real fifth-rank grandmaster is True Energy.Since your meridians have been regulated, you would only need to put in half the amount of effort.Your True Energy will continue increasing, and you'll enter the fifth rank soon."

"Alright.Enough said.I can’t take it anymore.Hurry and insert the Crucifier’s needles into me.I’ll die soon if you don't."

James understood his own body and knew that if he did not use the Crucifier, it would be the end of him.

"Okay."

Maxine nodded and reached out to take off the wire around James’ arm.

However, no matter how hard she tried, she could not remove it.

James slightly moved his arm, and the wire immediately loosened and scattered into eighty-one silver needles.

"What the hell was that? Why didn’t it budge when I touched it?"

"Don’t ask.Just get on with it.In my current state, I can only bear two needles at most.Start with the heart meridian."

"Okay."

Maxine picked up the needle, infused it with True Energy, and inserted it directly into James’ chest.

As the needle entered his body, a stream of energy flowed through his whole body, beginning to heal him.

"Insert one more into my scalp."

Maxine followed his instruction.

After two consecutive insertions, her True Energy was exhausted again.She sat weakly on a chair with a pale face.She said, "I'm exhausted."

"Thank you.Go ahead and rest.I won’t die any time soon, but you'll have to recover your True Energy as soon as possible to heal my wounds.Otherwise, I won’t be able to survive."

"Alright.I'll leave you alone for now."

Maxine nodded and left.

Chapter 885

After leaving, Maxine headed to the closed-door meditation sanctuary in Tobias’ backyard

She knew that Tobias True Energy was depleted and that he would need to meditate to recover them.

There was an independent wooden house in the backyard of the Cadens’ mansion.

Maxine came to the wooden house and knocked lightly on the door.

“Come in,” A voice sounded from inside the room.

Maxine pushed the door open and walked inside the wooden house. She looked at Tobias. He was sitting in a lotus position, circulating his energy to replenish his depleted strength.

“Grandpa,” She called out for him.

“Yeah? What’s the matter?”

“Grandpa, I’d like to request some rejuvenation pills.”

Tobias turned to Maxine and questioned, “You didn’t exhaust your True Energy, so why do you need rejuvenation pills?”

Maxine lowered her head and uttered embarrassedly, “I forcibly tried to exercise the meridian diagram, and my True Energy retrograded, causing a severe depletion”

Tobias did not pursue the matter further. He took out a small bottle from his pocket, took three red pills out, and threw them to Maxine, saying. “They’re hard to refine, so use them sparingly”

Maxine took the pills and said, “Thank you, grandpa.”

“Leave me.”

“Understood.” Maxine turned and left.

She returned to her room and immediately took a pill.

After consuming it, a warm current spread through her throat, and the depleted True Energy rapidly recovered.

Although her True Energy had recovered, she still had injuries all over her body. However, she did not think about them and quickly rushed to James’ room to heal his wounds with acupuncture.

She continuously used her True Energy for the next few days to heal James’ injuries.

The Crucifier had miraculous effects. Along with the infusion of True Energy, it could even bring the dead back to life. Naturally, with its use, the injuries on James’ body gradually improved.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye

The injuries on James’ body were almost fully recovered. However, he had not regained his True Energy. Maxine was once again helping James heal his injuries.

After having the Crucifier’s needles removed from his body, James started looking better. Maxine could not help but ask, “James, how do you feel now?”

James said, “I feel much better, but it’ll take a few more days for me to recover my True Energy.”

“Incredible.” Maxine’s pretty face was in a daze.

James’ injuries were undoubtedly fatal. However, he managed to regain his energy back in just a few days.

“James, what exactly are these needles? How are they capable of such a miracle?”

James simply smiled and did not answer.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Tobias walked into the room.

Looking at James’ vibrant complexion and how he was chatting energetically, He could not help but say, ” Not bad. It’s only been a few days, and you’ve already made a great recovery.”

“Grandpa,” Maxine bowed her head and greeted respectfully.

“Mhm.” Tobias nodded slightly to acknowledge her.

His eyes were fixed on James. He walked over, sat down, and said, “Give me your hand. I’ll check your pulse.”

James waved his hand gently and said, “There’s no need for that. I’m a doctor myself and know my physical condition very well. I’m almost completely recovered.”

“That’s a relief. By the way, can I have some of your blood?”

James nodded.

He understood that to get the Cadens’ protection, he would have to obey Tobias.

Tobias took out a syringe.

James took it from him and drew a generous amount of his blood for Tobias.

Tobias was curious how James recovered in just a few days.

He had the urge to ask Maxine, but he could not wait to study the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge. Hence, he pushed his curiosity aside for the time being and left with James’ blood.

After Tobias left, Maxine sighed in relief.

“By the way, have you looked at the cultivation method I gave you?” Asked James.

Maxine had stayed by James’ side for the past few days to care for him. During that time, he had written down the ancient characters that he saw on the painting for her.

Chapter 886

Maxine was a member of the Cadens and had studied the ancient language, so she could understand it.

She shook her head slightly and said, “It seems to be a cultivation method. I’ve been researching the phrase for the past few days but found nothing. I’ve also tried dividing the words into two parts, but they didn’t seem to make any sense.”

“Alright.” James nodded and said, “It’s been a secret for thousands of years. It wouldn’t be so easy to crack. Don’t worry. I believe we’ll be able to solve it eventually. However, I’ll have to leave soon.”

“What?” Maxine was stunned for a moment. “Are you leaving?” She asked.

James nodded and said, “I’ve been in the Capital for quite some time. I’ve got things to do in Cansington.”

James was worried about Tiara.

When he left, Tiara was still hospitalized. Since many days had passed, he was worried about how she was coping.

Also, there was Thea.

When he left. Thea seemed a little off, and he was worried that something would happen again.

He had to return as soon as possible. Otherwise, he could not be at ease.

“But, your True Energy hasn’t recovered yet. Plus, the Cadens can only protect you in the Capital. If your leave this place and the others come for you, even grandpa won’t be able to protect you.”

“I’ll speak to Tobias about it. As long as he makes things known to others, they wouldn’t dare attack me recklessly.”

“Alright. Do as you please.”

Maxine did not prevent him from leaving.

“I’ll go now.James did not linger around and walked toward the door.

It was morning. As soon as he opened the door, bright sun rays entered the room.

It was almost winter.

The late autumn sun was not scorching but a little chilly.

Maxine said, “I’ll bring you to see grandpa.”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

“Come this way.” Maxine gestured to him.

The two walked side by side to the backyard.

Maxine said, “I’ll study the cultivation method to the best of my abilities. If I crack it, I’ll come to look for you so we can try it together.”

“Alright. We’ll talk about it after you solve it.”

James could not tell what would happen in the future, so he casually brushed it off.

Soon, they arrived at an independent wooden house in the backyard.

Tobias, on the other hand, could not wait to use James’ blood after retrieving it. He sprinkled it on the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and watched as the painting transformed. After seeing the ancient words on the painting, he was ecstatic, and his heart pounded heavily.

He studied the ancient text and found it to be an incredibly profound cultivation method.

However, it seemed flawed. There were many unreasonable aspects to it, making the cultivation of it seem impossible.

Tobias was deep in thought when suddenly, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

He quickly put away the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge, which had already changed back to its original state, and answered, “Come in.”

James and Maxine walked in.

Tobias looked at the two and asked, “What’s the matter?”

James went straight to the point. “I’m here to say goodbye.”

Tobias frowned. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah.” James nodded.

“I’ve been in the Capital for quite some time. It’s time I return to Cansington. I’m here right now because need you to inform the others that the Cadens are protecting me. Whoever touches me will be going against the Cadens.”

Tobias did not agree immediately but asked, “Have you seen the secret behind the painting?”

James nodded, not denying what he knew. “Yeah. I have.”

“Have you managed to cultivate it?”

James shook his head and said, “It’s incredibly odd. It seems impossible to cultivate. Forcefully trying to do so would only cause one to go through an energy deviation.”

Seeing that James had not solved it yet, Tobias was relieved

He quickly changed the subject and said, “You don’t have to be in such a rush to leave. I promised I’d let you enter the Cadens’ library and read until your heart’s content. Our ancestors have left us countless pieces of martial arts knowledge, plenty of which are incredibly highly-skilled martial techniques that will be of great help to you.”

James was indeed interested. Nevertheless, he was worried about what was going down in Cansington.

He had stirred up a considerable uproar and was afraid that the enemy would not hold themselves back. They might be targeting some of his people in Cansington. He had to return as soon as possible.

“I’d better return to Cansington first. I’ll come back to study them when I have the chance.”

“Alright. I’ll make a statement immediately Tobias nodded.

Chapter 887

James was firm on leaving, so Tobias did not stop him.

Tobias did not want to offend the great forces and make them his enemies for the sake of James. Still, he had already promised protection in exchange for the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge’s secret

Now that James had regulated his entire body’s meridians, he could be considered a fifth-rank grandmaster and had limitless potential. Given time, he would only rise up the ranks.

This James was worthy of his protection.

He immediately took out his phone and phoned Hades, the patriarch of the Johnstons.

The call connected, and an unfriendly voice sounded from the phone, “Yo, who do I have here? Isn’t this Mr. Caden? What are you calling me for?”

“Hades, I just wanted to inform you that from now onward, James is part of our family. His business. equals the Cadens’ business.”

Saying that, Tobias hung up. He then made a few calls to all the forces in the Capital, giving them the same message.

His attitude was unyielding.

Whoever touched James would be making an enemy out of the Cadens and would suffer the Cadens” wrath.

James was relieved upon seeing Tobias making the phone calls.

After Tobias was done phoning everyone, he looked at James and reminded him, “Be careful in Cansington. I may have already warned them, but these people are not to be messed with They’ve been secretly training strong martial artists. If they were to use those artists to ambush you, it’d be difficult for us to trace things.”

“Alright I’ll be careful.” James nodded.

Tobias sighed. “The Cadens have now turned their backs on the world for you. Don’t disappoint us. We might need you to take charge of our family in the future.”

Tobias fell into thought for a while. Then, he looked at Maxine and ordered, “Maxine, follow and protect him for a while.”

“Ah? Me?” Maxine was taken aback.

She never expected Tobias to give her such a task.

Tobias nodded and said, “Yeah James’ body has recovered, but it hasn’t reached its prime. You’re at least second rank. With you by his side, I’ll be more at ease.”

“Understood. I’ll do as you say.” Maxine dared not disobey Tobias. Moreover, deep down, she was actually happy about the arrangement.

“That’ll be unnecessary, don’t you think?” James frowned.

Tobias patted James on the shoulder and said, “Now that you’ve regulated the meridians in your body. you’ll definitely be able to reach the fifth rank or even higher within the next three years. On top of that, you’re the only one who’s uncovered the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge’s secret. There’s no one amongst the third generation of the Cadens who’s as competent as you. You’re the hope of the Cadens, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.

James did not refute Tobias’ words. Maxine was indeed powerful.

Although James had yet to recover his strength, he knew that he would not be able to go up against Maxine even if he was in his prime. With her protecting him, he would not have to worry so much.

“Wait outside, James. I need to have a few words with Maxine.”

“Alright.” James turned and left the room.

After he left, Maxine asked, “Grandpa, do you want me to follow and monitor him?”

Tobias nodded but then shook his head.

“What do you mean, grandpa?” Maxine was confused by his reaction.

Tobias said, “There haven’t been any talents amongst our third generation. James is indeed a talented kid. I’m worried the Cadens might not have a successor after I’m gone. We might perish.”

“Do you mean to raise him as the heir?”

Tobias said, “We’ll see how far he can go. Follow him, protect him, and update me on his whereabouts. Also, look out for any opportunities where you might get to discover some secrets about him.”

Maxine nodded. “Understood!”

“You’re dismissed.”

Maxine turned around and left.

Outside the door…

James waited for a while.

Soon, Maxine came out and called for him, “James.”

James asked, “What did he tell you?”

Maxine stroked her hair and said, “It’s nothing. He told me to protect you and not let you get hurt. Grandpa thinks of you very highly now. He intends to raise you as an heir.”

“Is that so?” James asked disapprovingly.

Chapter 888

Similar to his situation with Blake, James could not see through Tobias.

He depended on his instincts when it came to making friends, and he felt that Tobias was unreliable

This man was unfathomable, and it was hard to know what was on his mind.

Moreover, there was the issue of the inner confüct of the Cadens from thirty years ago and the annihilation of James’ family ten years ago. Tobias was the culprit, and hence, there would always be vengeance sitting in the back of James’ mind.

Despite that, James was still unsure if he should kill Tobias and avenge his family once he got strong enough.

“What are you thinking, James?”

“Nothing. Let’s go.”

James shook his head, refusing to explain himself. He turned around and walked away.

Before leaving the Cadens’ gates, James was stopped by Bobby, who stood alongside a man about the same age as him. The man was dressed in a white robe, and he held a hand fan, looking like a graceful scholar.

“Stop right there Where do you think you’re going?”

Bobby stepped in front of him.

The man in the white robe looked at Maxine with a smile on his handsome face. He greeted, “Maxine

Maxine frowned but still greeted him, “Skyler”

Then, she introduced him to James, “James, this is Skyler from the Sullivans

James looked at Skyler and did not say much. He turned to Maxine and said, “I’ll be going straight to Cansington”

“Maxine, are you going with him?” Bobby looked at Maxine and asked

Maxine nodded “Yeah Grandpa ordered me to protect him”

“Hal” Bobby sneered

“James, you’re the Black Dragon, the commander of the Black Dragon Army. How did you end up needing to be protected by a woman?”

“That’s none of your business Get out of the way,” James said coldly.

Bobby had caused him a lot of trouble, so James was not polite

“You’re already crippled. How dare you act so arrogant…” Bobby’s face darkened. He suddenly raised his hand and pressed on James’ shoulder, roaring. “Kneel!”

However, James did not budge at all

“What? Bobby’s expression immediately changed

He heard that the Johnstons had crippled James. He was supposed to be completely useless

James raised his hand and struck Bobby with a punch His fist slammed into Bobby’s chest, causing Bobby to fall back from the impact.

Bobby had a pained expression.

After a moment, he shouted, “Skyler, help me teach this guy a lesson!”

Skyler was already dissatisfied the moment he saw Maxine with James. However, he could not take action as he was in the Cadens’ territory. Yet, now that Bobby had given him permission, he immediately agreed.

“Alright!”

“What are you guys doing?!” Maxine stepped forward and shielded James. She glared at Skyler. “Skyler, grandpa has ordered me to protect him. If you attack him, you’ll be forcing me to go against you.”

“Maxine, you rebel…” Bobby growled, pointing his finger at her. “I’ll kill you if you protect him!”

“Go ahead and try.” Although Maxine did not have a high status amongst the Cadens, she was obeying Tobias’ orders. Hence, she was not worried at all.

“Brat, you’re so useless. How can you call yourself a man when you’re hiding behind a woman?” Skyler wore a disdainful expression.

The more Maxine protected James, the more furious he got.

How would he have a footing in the Capital if word got out that he did not teach James a lesson?

Everyone knew that he was pursuing Maxine.

Chapter 889

Skyler had been pursuing Maxine for some time.

That was why he always appeared in the Cadens’ mansion every few days.

Although relations between the four families were sensitive, the relations between the younger generations had not been affected much.

Even with the issue of the Johnstons collaborating with the Sullivans and the Lees to corner the Cadens, Skyler still dropped by the Cadens’ mansion often.

Skyler glared at James.

Maxine was protecting James, which made him incredibly furious.

“Brat, if you’re a man, get over here, and let’s have a fair fight.”

“Ignore him, James,” Maxine whispered.

James was unwilling to get into conflict with Skyler. He knew Skyler was strong and had cultivated True Energy.

He walked passed Bobby and Skyler, leaving through the gate.

Skyler swiftly moved and blocked James again. He stretched out his hand and barricaded his path His handsome face was full of anger. “Are you scared? If you’re scared, you can crawl out from under me. Only then will I let you go.”

After saying that, Skyler spread his legs.

“Skyler, don’t overdo it.” Maxine’s face was gloomy. “Grandpa has given me the order to protect James. If you make things difficult for him, I’ll have no choice but to go against you.”

“Maxine, are you really going to stand against me for a sinner of the Cadens?” Skyler asked sadly. “I’ve pursued you for so long. Is this how you’re going to treat me?”

“Those are two different things. I’m only following orders. If you insist on fighting James, seek permission from grandpa. I won’t stop you if he allows it.” Maxine did not want to ruin their relationship, so she deliberately used Tobias to stop Skyler.

Sure enough, upon hearing Tobias’ name, Skyler immediately lost confidence.

“Don’t use grandpa to scare me.” Bobby stepped forward.

“Skyler, you can go ahead and beat him up. If grandpa gets mad, I’ll bear the punishment.”

Hearing Bobby’s words, Skyler was relieved.

His face darkened, and he rubbed his fists together. In a swift motion, he raised his hand to grab James, intending to lift and slam him to the ground.

However, before Skyler’s hand could even touch James, he was blocked by Maxine.

Maxine blocked his arm and slammed her palm into his chest. The powerful force made him take a step backward. Blood started dripping from the corner of his lips.

“You, you…” He pointed his finger at Maxine.

Maxine said coldly. “That was me being merciful. If you continue to trouble him, I won’t go easy on you.”

“Very well, Maxine Just wait!” Bobby threatened.

Maxine ignored him and turned to James, saying, “Let’s go, James.”

“Okay.” James nodded.

They turned and left.

Bobby shouted, “James, do you think I wouldn’t come for you just because you’ve gained grandpa’s support? Just wait. I’ll kill you sooner or later.”

James walked out of the courtyard.

Outside the Cadens’ mansion…

Maxine said apologetically, “James, don’t take it to heart.”

James smiled lightly.

For ten years, he had never been afraid of anything.

However, right now, it was true that he was not as strong as the others. Therefore, he had to endure their harsh words to save himself some trouble.

“After cultivating my True Energy, I’ll teach those two ignorant kids a lesson.”

“Huff,” Maxine sighed and said nothing more.

After James left the Cadens’ mansion, he headed directly to the military region.

Ever since he was kidnapped, Henry and the Black Dragon Army had not left and had been patiently waiting for him.

The Black Dragon Army rejoiced upon witnessing James’ safe return. After learning that James had returned, Henry quickly ran out of the building and jumped on James, hugging him.

“Haha! You’re back, James! I thought you died after being captured by the Johnstons.”

Chapter 890

James criticized him, “Get off me. Nothing good comes out of your mouth”

“Haha!” Henry laughed.

He turned to the beautiful Maxine beside James and asked, “By the way, who is this?”

James said, “Maxine. She’s from the Cadens”

“You’ve changed a lot ever since you divorced Thea, James. There are so many beauties by your side now.”

Hearing this, Maxine blushed and hurriedly explained, “That’s nonsense! We’re related!”

“Oh, you’re related?”

Henry immediately realized his mistake and quickly changed the subject “What are you planning to do next, James?”

James replied, “I plan to go back to Cansington. You should head back to the Southern Plains and take charge of the situation there. There’s a traitor among the general ranks. Look into it, but don’t act rashly After investigating the matter, inform me of the results. I’ll head back to deal with the traitor after completing my work in Cansington.”

“Huh? Who do you suspect?”

“I’m not sure yet. However, that person has great authority and can easily find out my whereabouts You figure it out. Check on everyone that you can, but be secretive about it”

“Alright.” Henry nodded.

James instructed, “Prepare a plane for me. I need to head back to Cansington right away”

“Alright. I’ll prepare one immediately” Saying that, Henry left

Soon, the plane to Cansington was ready for James

However, before James boarded the plane, Gloom appeared

Gloom glanced at Maxine and said with a smile, “It seems you’re receiving great treatment from the Cadens. Tobias even sent Maxine to protect you.”

James glanced at Gloom and said, “This time, I almost got caught up in something with no way out because of you guys.”

Gloom said, “It seems you’ve found out a lot these days.”

James replied with a smile, “How could I not? It was such an elaborate scheme So many forces were involved in it. It’s hard not to notice. Also, the King didn’t come forward to protect me. Is he planning to give up on me? If it weren’t for the Cadens, I would’ve been dead.”

Although James was smiling, his words were oozing coldness.

Gloom answered embarrassedly. “James, as a commander and the Dragon King that possesses the Blade of Justice, you must know that there are people in this country whom the law cannot convict. Thus, we need to use your hands to punish these people. It’s your responsibility, so you shouldn’t complain. The King simply had to consider the big picture.”

Of course, James knew about the circumstances.

He was not angry about it either. Otherwise, he would not have bothered speaking with Gloom

Moreover, the Emperor did cause him a lot of trouble. Hence, even if the King had prevented him from killing the Emperor, he would still have gotten rid of the scourge.

“Since the King has sent you to me, I’m assuming you have an order for me?”

Gloom said, “Tobias has informed many forces that the Cadens are protecting you. That means they value you a lot. You might even become the head of the Cadens. The King thinks that…”

He paused and glanced at Maxine.

Maxine immediately took the hint and said, “I’ll go for a walk.”

Then, she turned and walked away.

James asked, “What does he think?”

Gloom said, “Since Tobias values you so much, you should use this opportunity to infiltrate the Cadens. Take control of the family and find an opportunity to get rid of Tobias. You’ll become the family’s patriarch and can use its influence to eliminate the families and forces who are threatening the country. You can bring peace to the world.”

“Ha!” James chuckled.

“The King sure has a great imagination. For the country’s sake, I should definitely do so. I should serve the country and the people. However, by doing so, I’ll become the sinner of the Cadens.”

“Don’t forget that your grandfather and father died in his hands,” Gloom reminded him.

“I remember very well. You can leave now.”

Of course, James did not forget.

However, he did not immediately agree to Glooms’ proposal.

“Think about it carefully. I’ll leave first.” Gloom turned and walked away.

After he left, Maxine returned to James’ side. She did not inquire about their conversation but instead asked, “When are we heading to Cansington?”

“Right now.” James did not want to linger in the Capital anymore.

The Capital was an enormous battlefield where people were constantly scheming against each other. If he was not careful, he would be roped into their schemes.