A whole week had passed, and Long was like a man burning from within.
Every day he searched, tracked, investigated — but nothing.
The stolen ingredients left no trace.
At first, he was calm and quiet...
But with time, a fire began to blaze in his eyes.
"No one steals from me... and lives."
He stood atop a high rock, shirtless, staring at the sun as sweat dripped from his brow.
He began reviewing ancient techniques in his mind... until he remembered something.
"The Blazing Yin Technique from the Sacred Land... doubled energy in exchange for complete focus... Just give me that herb."
The required herb was Flame Hawk's Eye — simple, yet rare.
Long went to the clan leader.
"I want this herb. And I'll need a sealed room with spiritual wards — no one is to enter."
The leader raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Long looked at him with a cold gaze.
"To do what you failed to do... I'll catch the thief."
The leader chuckled with interest, then grew serious upon seeing the determination on Long's face.
"It's a clever plan. We'll do it... and I'll prepare something extra for you."
That night...
Long sat in the room, breathing slowly, focusing his energy. But he wasn't just training...
He was watching.
"If the thief was greedy enough to steal once... he'll do it again."
What the thief didn't know... was that the room was rigged.
With explosive traps set by the clan leader himself, under Long's direct orders.
And on the next night...
A sound of stealth... soft footsteps... then—
"Click!"
"BOOM!!!"
The ground shook, smoke rose, and a scream pierced the silence of the night:
"Damn it!! What is this!!"
Long stepped out of the shadows, eyes glowing like embers, laughing — a terrifying, quiet laugh.
"Hello, little rat... You've walked into my trap."
The clan leader appeared behind him, silently staring inside.
The smoke cleared...
The thief was revealed...
Long froze, then gave a small, sad smile.
"You?"