"Don't become arrogant just because you are one of the rising young cultivators in New York. I can get you crushed without lifting a finger," threatened the Major, who was infuriated by Adam's words.
Angela Maxwell's previous arrogant and entitled attitude, which had changed and improved, annoyed Adam, especially when she used it against non-cultivators.
There was no need to act arrogantly towards someone that had done nothing to you or wasn't your enemy.
Adam didn't have the time or patience to deal with the arrogant and ambitious Major, so the best way to quickly deal with him over the phone, was by crushing him with his own arrogance and ambition.
Against an innocent or defenceless individual, unless they had previously done something to harm him or someone else, Adam would not clash with them, but against someone like the Major, Adam enjoyed toying with them.