Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A blizzard engulfs the scene, obscuring everything beyond ten paces.
• Long Cheng, a Heavenly Knight, arrives, captivating Angel with his arrogance and charm.
• Long Cheng forcefully kisses Angel in broad daylight, causing Lin Qi to consider murder to cover it up.
• Angel, surprisingly, invites Long Cheng to dinner, shocking Lin Qi.
• Long Cheng invites another woman to join them for dinner, enraging Lin Qi and Enzo.

Character Developments

• Angel: Initially indifferent, she becomes flustered and blushes after Long Cheng's kiss, then invites him to dinner, suggesting a change in her initial cold demeanor.
• Long Cheng: He displays extreme arrogance, disregard for social norms, and a high opinion of his own charm, yet also shows a cunning and calculating side.
• Lin Qi: He initially tries to protect Angel's honor but later considers murder to cover up Long Cheng's actions, revealing his ruthless and ambitious nature.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance vs. Humility: Long Cheng's extreme arrogance contrasts with the humility expected of a Heavenly Knight.
• Power Dynamics: The power imbalance between Long Cheng and the others is evident, with Long Cheng asserting dominance.
• Social Norms and Expectations: Long Cheng's actions defy social norms, causing Lin Qi to consider extreme measures to maintain appearances.

Character Interactions

• Long Cheng and Angel: Long Cheng's aggressive advances lead to an unexpected dinner invitation from Angel.
• Lin Qi and Long Cheng: Lin Qi's initial shock and anger towards Long Cheng's actions shift to consideration of murder to maintain his family's reputation.
• Lin Qi and Enzo: They share a moment of understanding and outrage at Long Cheng's invitation to another woman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The patrol squadron, led by Lieutenant Colonel Navy, navigates the treacherous No-Return Cape near Dunkirk, searching for any foreign race infiltrators.
• Lieutenant Colonel Navy sends a letter via a Blood-Eyed Iron-Wing Falcon to his uncle, detailing Lin Qi's actions and requesting a transfer to a more prestigious post.

Character Developments

• Lieutenant Colonel Navy: He is ambitious and seeks a more powerful position, willing to use Lin Qi's influence to achieve this. He also expresses affection for his niece, Viviya.
• Jerry (Adjutant): He is disillusioned with the war and hopes the foreign races will cause trouble elsewhere, showing a lack of patriotic fervor.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Contentment: Lieutenant Colonel Navy's ambition contrasts with Jerry's contentment in avoiding trouble.
• Patriotism vs. Self-Interest: Jerry's lack of patriotism is evident in his wish to avoid conflict, while Lieutenant Colonel Navy's actions are driven by self-interest.

Character Interactions

• Lieutenant Colonel Navy and Jerry: Their interaction is minimal, but Jerry's thoughts reveal his lack of enthusiasm for the patrol mission, contrasting with Lieutenant Colonel Navy's ambition.
• Lieutenant Colonel Navy and the Blood-Eyed Iron-Wing Falcon: The bird serves as a symbol of Lieutenant Colonel Navy's ambition and connection to higher powers, as it carries his letter seeking a transfer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A grand banquet is held at Dunkirk City Hall to celebrate Lin Qi and Enzo's successful hunt of a Unicorn Whale King.
• The banquet is hosted by Baron Miro using City Hall's administrative funds, with subpar food and wine due to his incorruptibility.
• Lin Qi and Enzo recount their harrowing tale of hunting the Unicorn Whale King, with Enzo's bravery highlighted.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Shows humility and praises Enzo's bravery, despite being the main protagonist of the hunt.
• Enzo: Displays fearlessness and courage, earning respect and admiration from the attendees.
• Baron Miro: Maintains his incorruptible image, hosting a frugal banquet despite the occasion's grandeur.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and Courage: Enzo's actions highlight the importance of these virtues.
• Incorruptibility vs. Grandeur: Baron Miro's frugal banquet contrasts with the lavish celebrations expected for such an event.
• Wealth and Power: The Unicorn Whale King's value is emphasized through the expected tax revenue it will bring to Dunkirk.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Enzo: Their camaraderie is evident as they recount their adventure, with Lin Qi highlighting Enzo's bravery.
• High Officials and Nobles: They engage in conversation, marvel at the hunters' tale, and applaud Enzo's courage.
• Young Ladies: Several faint dramatically during the storytelling, as expected at Western Continent banquets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi and Enzo reveal they encountered the Odin Holy Guard, an elite force from the Five Great Linked Islands.
• Lin Qi claims they killed a barbarian berserker warrior and two temple wizards, and Enzo confirms their account.
• Baron Miro threatens Lin Qi to admit if he's lying, as his father's reputation is at stake.
• Lin Qi and Enzo reveal they didn't report the incident earlier to avoid spoiling the Unicorn Whale King celebration.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, using the encounter to boost his and Enzo's status.
• Enzo shows maturity and consideration for others' feelings, understanding the impact of their revelation on the celebration.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Empire and the Five Great Linked Islands.
• The importance of military merit and its impact on one's future.
• The manipulation of information and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Enzo work together to present a united front, supporting each other's claims.
• Baron Miro challenges Lin Qi, testing his honesty and integrity.
• The nobles and dignitaries in the city hall react with shock, awe, and interest in Enzo's military merit.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Lin Qi and his group return to Dunkirk Hall, where they find Long Cheng confronting Tangier, the son of Dunkirk's chamber of commerce president.
• Long Cheng is revealed to be a powerful figure, evenly matched with Blackbeard.
• Tangier challenges Long Cheng to a duel to the death, accusing him of beating his fiancée, Anlin, and another woman, Angel, until they bled.

Character Developments

• Long Cheng: Revealed to be a powerful and dangerous individual, hiding his presence earlier.
• Tangier: Demonstrates his chivalrous nature and adherence to knightly virtues, seeking to defend the honor of his fiancée.
• Lin Qi: Realizes he should have informed Blackbeard about Long Cheng earlier.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hidden threats (Long Cheng's revelation).
• Chivalry and honor (Tangier's actions).
• Consequences of past actions (Long Cheng's actions against Anlin and Angel).

Character Interactions

• Long Cheng vs. Tangier: A tense standoff leading to a duel challenge.
• Lin Qi and Blackbeard: Frustration and lack of communication regarding Long Cheng's presence.
• Tang Qiao (Tangier's father) vs. Tangier: Disapproval of Tangier's actions.
• General reaction: Shock and amusement at Tangier's innocence and Long Cheng's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tangier exposes Long Cheng's affair with Angel and Anlin's mothers at a banquet, causing public outrage.
• Tangier challenges Long Cheng to a duel, but Long Cheng refuses, citing Tangier's non-noble status and the Western Continent's duel laws.
• Long Cheng offends the dignitaries of Dunkirk with his harsh words, and Tangier pursues them after they leave the banquet.

Character Developments

• Tangier: Shows chivalrous behavior but lacks understanding of societal norms and the consequences of his actions.
• Long Cheng: Remains calm and composed under pressure, revealing his noble status but also his rude and offensive nature.
• Lin Qi: Attempts to defuse the situation and prevent further conflict.

Significant Themes

• The double standards of societal norms, particularly regarding women's chastity and the consequences of exposing private scandals.
• The power dynamics between nobles and commoners, as exemplified by the duel laws.

Character Interactions

• Tangier and Long Cheng: Their interaction highlights Tangier's naivety and Long Cheng's disregard for social norms and etiquette.
• Lin Qi and Long Cheng: Lin Qi tries to protect Long Cheng from further conflict, showing his concern for his friend's safety.
• Lin Qi and Enzo: They exchange information about Tangier and Long Cheng, demonstrating their close relationship and mutual understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fierce snowstorm hits Dunkirk.
• Tangier, enraged by Long Cheng's actions, rides through the streets, challenging the unknown assailant.
• Lin Qi, Long Cheng, and Enzo watch Tangier from a rooftop.
• Lin Qi gives Long Cheng two and a half million gold coins as payment for saving his life.
• Long Cheng offers Lin Qi a chance to go East with him, but Lin Qi declines.
• Long Cheng gives Lin Qi his Imperial Mandate Token and invites both Lin Qi and Enzo to visit him in the East if they have the chance.
• Long Cheng leaves for the imperial capital of the Gallic Empire.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his resourcefulness and generosity by quickly providing Long Cheng with the promised payment.
• Long Cheng reveals his adventurous and reckless nature, as well as his connections and influence in the East.
• Tangier shows his impulsive and hot-headed nature, recklessly challenging the unknown assailant.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fate and chance encounters is emphasized, with Long Cheng and Lin Qi's meeting being described as "meeting is fate."
• The contrast between the East and the Western Continent is hinted at, with Long Cheng suggesting that the women of the East are even more exquisite than those of the West.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Long Cheng form a tense but respectful relationship, with Lin Qi admiring Long Cheng's strength and Long Cheng appreciating Lin Qi's resourcefulness and courage.
• Tangier's reckless behavior is a source of amusement for Lin Qi and Long Cheng, who watch him from the rooftop.
• Enzo is included in Long Cheng's invitation to visit him in the East, suggesting that he has earned Long Cheng's respect as well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, bare-chested, chops down black pine trees with a massive axe for the New Year's bonfire, following Western Continent tradition.
• Long Cheng leaves Dunkirk without facing Tangier's duel challenge, leaving Angel and Anlin wealthy and scandal-free.
• Lin Qi and Enzo discuss Long Cheng's intentions to go to the imperial capital.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his strength and determination by chopping down the thick, dense black pines.
• Enzo shows his relaxed and carefree nature, enjoying wine while watching Lin Qi work.
• Long Cheng's actions reveal his mysterious and extravagant nature, leaving a positive impression on Angel and Anlin despite their scandal.

Significant Themes

• Tradition and customs: The importance of following New Year traditions to bring good fortune and prosperity.
• Wealth and status: Long Cheng's generosity and noble appearance elevate Angel and Anlin's reputations and cause envy among Dunkirk's nobility.
• Power and strength: Lin Qi's physical prowess is showcased through his laborious task of chopping down the black pines.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Enzo discuss Long Cheng's motives, leading to a realization about Long Cheng's potential intentions.
• Lin Qi toasts and interacts with his family members during the New Year celebration.
• Arthur appears unexpectedly to block Lin Qi's path, hinting at an upcoming interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Tiger Family's New Year banquet is in full swing, with various halls hosting feasts and dances.
• Lin Qi, accompanied by Enzo, returns after three years and reunites with his childhood friends, now grown into formidable young men.
• Lin Qi joins the lively "Storm Dance" with the family's youth, displaying his youthful vigor and freedom.
• Lin Qi points out Maria, his former personal maid, and Leo, his former guard and Maria's husband, to Enzo.
• Arthur blocks Lin Qi's path, questioning Lin Qi's recent achievements and provoking him.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Shows his carefree and wild nature, reunites with his friends, and displays his loyalty to Maria and Leo.
• Enzo: Feels the joy and passion of the Black Tiger Family's youth, learns about Lin Qi's past, and sees Lin Qi's protective side.
• Arthur: Demonstrates his arrogance and disdain for Lin Qi, provoking him at the banquet.

Significant Themes

• Youth and freedom: The young members of the Black Tiger Family express their joy and passion through dance, contrasting with the more reserved and formal atmosphere of the banquet.
• Loyalty and friendship: Lin Qi's strong bond with Maria and Leo is highlighted, showing his protective nature and the importance of loyalty in his life.
• Conflict and provocation: Arthur's actions towards Lin Qi emphasize the tension and conflict between them, foreshadowing potential future confrontations.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and his childhood friends: Reunite after three years, share drinks, and reminisce about their past.
• Lin Qi and Enzo: Enzo observes Lin Qi's interactions with his friends and learns more about Lin Qi's history.
• Lin Qi and Arthur: Arthur provokes Lin Qi, leading to a tense confrontation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arthur, drunk, spots Lin Qi at the Black Tiger Family's New Year banquet and is overcome by memories of Lin Qi gouging out his eye.
• Arthur confronts Lin Qi, who kicks him in a sensitive area, causing Arthur intense pain.
• Arthur's guards attack Lin Qi, but Enzo and Leo defend him.

Character Developments

• Arthur's obsession with Lin Qi's past actions is revealed, leading to his impulsive behavior.
• Lin Qi shows no hesitation in using force against Arthur, demonstrating his growth in confidence and strength.
• Enzo and Leo display loyalty and bravery by defending Lin Qi against multiple opponents.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of past actions and grudges.
• The importance of self-control and restraint, especially in public settings.
• Loyalty and protection among friends and subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Arthur's hostility towards Lin Qi escalates, leading to a violent confrontation.
• Lin Qi's disregard for Arthur's status and authority is evident in his actions.
• Enzo and Leo's loyalty to Lin Qi is shown as they intervene to protect him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi beats Arthur, who was instigating trouble at the New Year's banquet.
• Enzo and Leo protect Lin Qi, incapacitating Arthur's men.
• Blackbeard intervenes, sending Lin Qi back to the imperial capital and Arthur to his father's territory.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his strength and determination, willing to fight and even kill Arthur.
• Enzo and Leo showcase their skills and teamwork, proving themselves as reliable allies to Lin Qi.
• Arthur's schemes backfire, leading to his humiliation and departure.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of provoking the wrong person (Lin Qi).
• Loyalty and camaraderie among allies (Enzo and Leo).
• The importance of family and unity in the face of external threats.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi vs. Arthur: A long-standing feud reaches a boiling point, with Lin Qi emerging victorious.
• Enzo and Leo: They work together to protect Lin Qi, revealing their skills and mutual respect.
• Blackbeard: He maintains order and makes decisions to diffuse the situation, sending both parties away.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Tiger Family's New Year banquet is a success despite the tension between Lin Qi and Arthur.
• Lin Qi returns home, much to the family's joy.
• Arthur is ignored after Lin Qi's return.
• Blackbeard secretly heals and strengthens Lin Qi's meridians, allowing him to reach the mid-tier Heaven rank without bottlenecks.
• Blackbeard reveals he intentionally crippled Arthur's battle qi cultivation when Arthur was fifteen.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi regains his strength and confidence after Blackbeard's intervention.
• Arthur's true situation is revealed, showing he's not a threat to Lin Qi.
• Blackbeard's loyalty and cunning are highlighted as he protects his biological son's position.

Significant Themes

• Family and Loyalty: Blackbeard's actions show his deep loyalty to his biological son, Lin Qi, and his willingness to protect his family's legacy.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and status within the Black Tiger Family is evident, with Lin Qi and Arthur representing competing interests.
• Manipulation: Blackbeard's manipulation of Arthur highlights the theme of using others for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Blackbeard share a moment of understanding and bonding as Blackbeard helps Lin Qi regain his strength.
• Lin Qi's respect for Blackbeard grows as he learns of Blackbeard's actions against Arthur.
• Arthur is largely ignored, highlighting his reduced status within the family.

Key Plot Points & Events

• The novel "Age of Light" is now available in bookstores.
• The author, Pighead, is requesting readers to cast their monthly votes (tickets) for the story.
• The VIP chapters, which are expected to be more exciting, will be released in a couple of days.

Character Developments

• Pighead, the author, is shown to be actively engaging with readers, seeking their support for the novel.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reader engagement and support in the success of a novel.
• The anticipation and build-up for upcoming, potentially more exciting content.

Character Interactions

• Pighead directly interacts with the readers, encouraging them to cast their monthly votes for the story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Blackbeard reveals a secret passage to Lin Qi, one of the family's eighteen important hidden routes.
• Blackbeard explains the circumstances of Red-Haired Ghost's death and his alliance with him.
• Blackbeard reveals his true intentions behind adopting Arthur and treating him well, using him to maintain his reputation.
• Blackbeard admits to crippling Arthur's cultivation on his 15th birthday.
• Blackbeard plans to send Lin Qi to the imperial capital and have Arthur return to his father's territory, with the intention of letting Arthur die at the hands of alien armies to complete his plans.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi gains a deeper understanding of his father's cunning and long-term planning.
• Blackbeard's true nature is further revealed, showing his ruthlessness and willingness to use others for his gain.

Significant Themes

• The balance of power and interests in the dark world.
• The ruthless nature of the dark world and its inhabitants.
• The use of others for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Blackbeard and Lin Qi: Blackbeard imparts wisdom and plans to Lin Qi, while Lin Qi learns more about his father's true nature.
• Blackbeard and Arthur: Blackbeard's past actions towards Arthur are revealed, showing his manipulation and eventual planned disposal of Arthur.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi and Blackbeard reach a bronze door, the entrance to one of the Black Tiger Family's core strongholds.
• The door is ancient, forged from a metal no longer smelted today, and has survived multiple historical eras.
• Blackbeard opens the door using a complex sequence of actions involving a magic array and his blood.
• They enter a passageway with a self-destruct array capable of destroying half of Dunkirk beneath it.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi shows curiosity and caution when facing the ancient door, revealing his intelligence and wariness.
• Blackbeard displays pride in his family's history and shares family secrets with Lin Qi, showing trust in him.

Significant Themes

• The importance of bloodline purity in the Black Tiger Family, with consequences for those who mix blood with people from the Western Continent.
• The family's history of internal conflicts due to mixed bloodlines, highlighting the dangers of disobeying ancestral precepts.

Character Interactions

• Blackbeard and Lin Qi's relationship deepens as Blackbeard shares family secrets and trusts Lin Qi with crucial information.
• Blackbeard treats Lin Qi as an equal, showing respect and confidence in his abilities.
• Lin Qi shows eagerness to learn and understand his family's history and secrets, bonding with Blackbeard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi and Blackbeard enter the Black Tiger Family's secret vault, a massive underground space filled with treasures.
• The vault contains mountains of gold, silver, and gemstones, as well as various strange and valuable items.
• Blackbeard warns Lin Qi not to disturb three black coffins containing guards that will attack anyone without the family's bloodline.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi shows greed and curiosity upon seeing the treasures but also caution and horror when encountering the guards.
• Blackbeard reveals more about the family's history and their less-than-honorable methods of acquiring treasures.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and wealth.
• The consequences of dishonorable actions.
• The importance of family legacy and bloodline.

Character Interactions

• Blackbeard guides Lin Qi through the secret vault, explaining the origins and uses of various treasures.
• Blackbeard warns and advises Lin Qi about the dangers and improprieties of certain treasures.
• Lin Qi and Blackbeard share a moment of understanding and bonding as Blackbeard reveals more about the family's past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi and Blackbeard explore three hidden vaults containing the Black Tiger Family's most precious possessions.
• Lin Qi receives valuable medicines, a spatial anklet, and magical weapons for himself and his brothers.
• Blackbeard warns Lin Qi not to touch the family's strategic reserve.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates greed and excitement when seeing the valuable items, but also practicality in choosing items for his brothers.
• Blackbeard shows generosity and care towards Lin Qi, providing him with valuable equipment and knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Greed and desire for power and wealth.
• The importance of family and loyalty, as seen in Blackbeard's care for Lin Qi.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Blackbeard have a playful, almost father-son dynamic, with Blackbeard teasing Lin Qi and Lin Qi showing respect and appreciation.
• Blackbeard shows favoritism towards Lin Qi, providing him with valuable items and knowledge not typically given to outsiders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi and Enzo leave the family treasury at dawn.
• Enzo is training, and Lin Qi gifts him a magic Stabbing Sword.
• Enzo tests the sword by piercing a thousand-pound bull with 18 thrusts, feeling no resistance.
• Auntie Lili praises Enzo's swordplay but criticizes his weak battle qi.
• Lin Qi gives Enzo two Leopard Meridian Pills.
• Butcher Knife arrives, announcing the visit of three powerful figures from the Night Alliance.

Character Developments

• Enzo: Shows dedication to training and is impressed by the magic Stabbing Sword's power. He's also grateful for the Leopard Meridian Pills.
• Lin Qi: Demonstrates generosity and care for Enzo by gifting him powerful items.
• Auntie Lili: Exhibits immense strength and knowledge about battle qi cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic weapons and their impact on combat.
• The importance of dedicated training and cultivation.
• The influence and respect commanded by the Night Alliance and its members.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Enzo: Their friendship deepens as Lin Qi gifts Enzo powerful items, while Enzo is grateful and admiring.
• Enzo and Auntie Lili: Auntie Lili praises Enzo's swordplay but also points out his weakness in battle qi cultivation.
• Lin Qi, Enzo, and Butcher Knife: Butcher Knife informs Lin Qi and Enzo about the arrival of powerful visitors, indicating their importance and the need for preparation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, dressed in a fitted outfit and armed with a rapier, accompanies Blackbeard to receive three black-robed stewards.
• The Night Alliance, a coalition of dark forces, is introduced, with the Night Alliance Council (including Blackbeard and the visitors) acting as mediators for internal conflicts.
• The visitors are revealed to be powerful figures: Fat Bird Kirk (smuggler), Mantis Tang En (bandit leader), and Black Rose Lady Ross (slave trader).

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates his boldness and disregard for protocol by openly discussing Blackbeard's lovers with Butcher Knife.
• Blackbeard's affectionate behavior towards Lady Ross hints at his philandering nature.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances among dark forces.
• The law of the jungle governing the dark world.
• The ruthlessness and greed of the visiting stewards, reflecting the moral decay of the Night Alliance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Butcher Knife share a private conversation, displaying their familiarity and mutual respect.
• Blackbeard's affectionate greeting of Lady Ross highlights his disregard for social norms and his attraction to her.
• Arthur's appearance from Fat Bird Kirk's carriage suggests a connection between Kirk and Arthur, possibly involving Arthur's recent injuries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arthur returns to Dunkirk and greets Blackbeard, his adoptive father.
• Lin Qi, Arthur's half-brother, arrives with two powerful underworld figures: Fat Bird Kirk and Black Rose Lady Ross.
• Blackbeard invites them into his residence for breakfast and conversation.
• Fat Bird Kirk displays an enormous appetite, consuming vast amounts of food.
• Blackbeard asks about their visit, and they all claim to be merely passing through.

Character Developments

• Arthur shows respect and deference to Blackbeard but maintains a tense relationship with Lin Qi.
• Lin Qi is cunning and manipulative, investigating Arthur's affairs and calculating Fat Bird Kirk's worth.
• Fat Bird Kirk is revealed to be a powerful and greedy figure in the smuggling trade, with official backing.
• Blackbeard is authoritative and protective of Arthur, warning Lin Qi not to cause trouble.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within the underworld.
• The tension between Arthur and Lin Qi, reflecting their sibling rivalry and mistrust.
• The importance of appearances and deception in maintaining power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Arthur and Blackbeard: Respectful and affectionate, with Blackbeard showing protective behavior towards Arthur.
• Arthur and Lin Qi: Tense and guarded, with both brothers aware of each other's manipulations.
• Lin Qi and Fat Bird Kirk: Lin Qi sizes up Kirk's power and wealth, while Kirk is cautious around Lin Qi.
• Blackbeard and Fat Bird Kirk: Blackbeard is dismissive of Kirk's attempts to inquire about Arthur's plans.