Red Boy lay with his eyes closed, his face as white as paper, his lips without a trace of color.
His left shoulder sagged where Wukong's Golden Cudgel had struck him, swollen into a great lump.
Little White Dragon watched Red Boy for a moment, then slowly shifted, trying to move closer.
He had barely moved when the pain in his ribs sent darkness swimming before his eyes. He had to stop and lean back against the rock wall, circulating his qi to try to suppress his injuries.
Just then, Red Boy stirred.
His eyelids fluttered, then slowly opened.
His eyes wandered blankly before focusing on Little White Dragon.
Their gazes met.
Red Boy froze, then jerked backward, slamming his back against the rock wall and grimacing in pain.
His right hand instinctively groped beside him, but found no Fire-Tipped Spear.
His expression was ugly with panic.
Little White Dragon said nothing, only watched him.
Red Boy gritted his teeth and tried to brace himself against the wall and stand.
The moment he straightened, the injury in his left shoulder made him list to one side, nearly falling.
He forced himself to hold on, supporting himself against the rock wall with his right hand as he looked down at Little White Dragon.
His voice rose. "I'll kill you right now."
Little White Dragon leaned against the rock wall and looked up at him.
His stern face showed little expression, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly, as though he were smiling.
"Try it," he said.
Red Boy clenched his fist until his knuckles cracked.
He tried to pinch his nose and breathe fire, but the instant he drew in a breath, agony tore through his chest. His qi scattered, refusing to gather, and turned into a violent coughing fit.