Sofia quickly recovered from the initial shock of seeing Christ. Her eyes darted toward Christ's team, where she spotted one of the bodyguards holding the purple star flower—the medicinal herb she had been seeking.

Annoyance flickered across her face at the thought that, due to being just a moment too late, someone else had obtained the herb she desperately needed.

Calming herself, Sofia began to strategize ways to reclaim the herb. While she was deep in thought, Christ observed her keenly.

Noticing her fixed gaze on the purple star flower and recalling her earlier warning, he quickly deduced what Sofia wanted. However, he couldn't afford to relinquish the herb, as it was crucial for his brother's recovery.

Although not directly required for the treatment, the flower's potent healing attributes could significantly aid in Fallion's recuperation.

Christ remained mentally alert, aware from their first encounter that Sofia was a formidable opponent. Her determined demeanor and the intensity in her eyes confirmed she would not back down easily.

As they stood there, both calculating their next moves, the stakes were clear: neither was willing to leave without the purple star flower, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

Sofia darted towards the bodyguard holding the purple star flower, her plan straightforward and audacious: snatch the herb and escape.

Her sudden burst of speed took everyone by surprise. Just as the herb was about to fall into her hands, Christ, already on high alert, swiftly intervened. His preemptive awareness made it easier for him to counter Sofia's bold move.

The tension escalated as Sofia and Christ engaged in a rapid game of chase and run. Sofia, determined and agile, tried to outmaneuver Christ, but he was relentless, matching her pace with equal determination.

The terrain became their battlefield, with the lush greenery and rugged paths adding to the complexity of their pursuit.

Sofia's eyes flashed with frustration and resolve, while Christ's gaze remained steely and focused. Their footsteps pounded against the forest floor, each intent on outlasting the other. Sofia's plan had been to strike quickly and retreat, but Christ's quick reflexes and strategic foresight turned it into an intense contest of wits and endurance.

The chase continued, both unwilling to concede, each fueled by their own urgent need for the precious herb.

Frustrated by the situation, Sofia noticed that while Christ's team was indeed protecting the purple star flower, their main focus was on another herb—the lotus-shaped medicinal herb—guarded by the strongest man in the group. Seizing this insight, she quickly devised a new plan.

Feigning an attack on the purple star flower that Christ was protecting, Sofia abruptly shifted her direction towards the lotus-shaped herb. Her swift and unexpected maneuver caught Christ off guard, filling him with panic.

He immediately followed her, rallying his bodyguards for a coordinated defense. Together, they launched a double attack to counter Sofia's move.

Their joint effort successfully thwarted Sofia from obtaining the lotus-shaped herb, but it came at a significant cost. In their frantic defense, they realized that Sofia had uncovered their primary vulnerability.

The knowledge of their strategic weakness was now in her hands, which could lead to a devastating loss for Christ's team in any future confrontation.

On the other side, despite not securing the herb, Sofia was beaming with a triumphant smile. She had discerned the critical weak point in Christ's defenses, which meant she could now strategize more effectively.

This newfound knowledge gave her a significant advantage, making it easier to reverse the situation in her favor. Her frustration transformed into a quiet confidence as she planned her next move, knowing that the tides had subtly shifted in her favor.

Christ understood his priorities clearly: he could not afford to lose the lotus-shaped medicinal herb, as his brother's health was at stake.

Making a quick decision, he entrusted his aides with the crucial task of returning to their headquarters with the herb. "Take the lotus-shaped herb and head back to the Roy mansion immediately," he instructed. "Deliver it as fast as you can."

Meanwhile, Christ chose to keep the purple star herb with him, creating a diversion to ensure Sofia would focus on him rather than his departing team.

His strategy was successful; Sofia recognized his plan but allowed the bodyguards to leave the forest unhindered. She knew that her true target was Christ.

As his team swiftly retreated with the lotus-shaped herb, Christ braced himself for the confrontation ahead. He clutched the purple star herb, understanding that it served as both a lure and a shield.

Sofia's eyes were locked on him, filled with determination and a newfound strategic edge.

The forest grew silent as the bodyguards disappeared into the distance, leaving Christ and Sofia to face each other. Christ's heart pounded with the weight of his decision, but he stood firm, knowing that his brother's recovery depended on the herb reaching the mansion safely.

Sofia, on the other hand, felt a surge of confidence. She had isolated her adversary and understood his vulnerability. The stakes had never been higher, and the outcome of their impending clash would hinge on cunning, resilience, and the will to prevail.

When Christ braced himself for Sofia's attack, she did something completely unexpected. Dropping her weapon, she smiled suddenly, a cunning expression that caught Christ off guard. He was surprised by her sudden shift and asked with a relaxed tone, "Have you finally realized that you cannot win? Is this gesture meant to declare your defeat?"

Sofia didn't answer immediately. Instead, she walked closer to him, her smile fading as she spoke in a cold tone, "Do you know, when I was close to the lotus-shaped medicinal herb, I sparked something on it?" As she closed the distance between them, Christ's nerves tensed, filled with a mix of rage and panic.

The thought of Sofia tampering with the crucial herb sent a chill down his spine, fearing what unknown substance she might have applied.

Just as he was about to confront her, Sofia made a sudden and unexpected move—she kissed him.

The soft touch on his lips surprised him, causing him to lose focus for a critical moment. In that brief instant, Sofia snatched the purple star flower from his grasp and dashed into the depths of the forest.

When Christ regained his senses, Sofia had already vanished. Shock turned into a rueful laugh as he processed what had just happened. "What a cunning fox," he muttered, recognizing the brilliance of her ploy.

She had expertly diverted his attention by planting the idea of a threat to the herb meant for his brother's treatment. Then, breaching all his defenses with an unexpected kiss, she seized her chance to take the herb and escape.

Staring into the direction where Sofia had fled, a dark glint flashed in Christ's eyes. "You will pay the price for your little prank today, cunning fox," he said in a dark yet alluring tone.

"You should be prepared for what is coming next, my fox." The challenge in his voice was clear—this battle was far from over, and he was determined to win .