Wuxie instinctively took a step back, his hand still on his stomach. He wasn't sure if it was the fruit's power surging inside him or just the sight of Han Li that made him feel worse. Either way, he needed to get away from this confrontation—now.
"We're not looking for trouble, Han Li," Wuxie said, his voice strained. "Just let us pass."
Han Li laughed, a cold, humorless sound. "Not looking for trouble? Then why are you crawling out of Blackthorn Mountain like some sort of thief? Were you after the Paramecia Fruit?"
Wuxie stiffened at the accusation. His mind raced, but the pain inside him was growing unbearable. He couldn't afford to fight—especially not in this condition.
"I don't have time for this," Wuxie muttered, his voice laced with irritation as he tried to step past Han Li. His legs were unsteady beneath him, his body still reeling from the violent surge of energy coursing through him.