Bright Sword: Conquer the monk at the beginning and take down Zhou Weiguo

"Brother Cang, are you sure?" a deep voice suddenly came from beside him. Qin Cang turned around and saw the old hunter, Old Man Wang. He was over sixty years old, but still energetic, his eyes sparkling. Old Man Wang was once the best hunter in this forest, extremely familiar with the terrain, and a capable assistant that Qin Cang relied on.

"Old man, if we don't even believe in ourselves, what chance do we have?" Qin Cang's lips curled into a wry smile. Although his words were firm, a trace of hesitation flashed through his heart. The enemy was coming in full force, and the resources they had were pitifully few. But Qin Cang knew he couldn't show the slightest hesitation at this moment. If he wavered, the villagers' confidence would collapse.

"Ah, you're right." Old Man Wang took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm old and can't walk anymore, but as long as I can draw the bow, I won't back down. I'll fight the way you say!"

Qin Cang patted Old Man Wang on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "With you here, I feel more confident."

As night fell, the village gradually quieted down, with only the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind to be heard. At this moment, everyone's nerves were on edge, knowing that the enemy could attack at any moment. Qin Cang was sleepless, silently patrolling every corner of the village, ensuring that every defense was properly deployed.

"Brother Cang, aren't you going to rest yet?" A gentle voice echoed in the darkness. It was Zhao Yun. She was the village's only female doctor, responsible for caring for the injured. Her voice always brought a touch of warmth, like a rare ray of sunshine in this world filled with blood and killing.

"Yun'er, you should go and have a rest too. Once the war starts tomorrow, I'm afraid there will be many wounded soldiers who need your care." Qin Cang smiled slightly, his voice a little tired, but still gentle.

Zhao Yun walked forward and saw the worry between Qin Cang's brows. She said softly, "Brother Cang, I know you're under a lot of pressure, but if you carry it all alone, you'll be crushed sooner or later."

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, and finally sighed, "If I don't carry it, who else can I ask to carry it? Everyone is watching me. If I fall, there will be no hope for the village."

Zhao Yun looked at the man before her, a wave of sadness welling up in her heart. He was always so strong, so fearless, as if he had never been weak. But she knew that behind this strength lay unspeakable loneliness and pain. She gently held Qin Cang's hand and said softly, "No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

Qin Cang felt the warmth of her hand, and his heart warmed. He looked at her, a flicker of tenderness in his eyes, but then he regained his composure. He couldn't let himself indulge in these tender moments, because he knew that tomorrow's battle would be a matter of life and death.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps in the distance shattered the tranquility of the night. It was Li San, running over breathlessly, his face filled with anxiety. "Brother Cang, this is bad! Scouts have discovered that the enemy is approaching the mountain pass, and there are more of them than we anticipated!"

Qin Cang's heart sank, but his expression remained calm. "Notify everyone to immediately assume combat positions and proceed according to the original plan." He turned to Zhao Yun and said, "Go to the center of the village immediately and move all the women and children to a safe place."

Zhao Yun nodded, turned around and left without saying anything. She knew that now was not the time to drag things out; every second could mean the difference between life and death.

Qin Cang took a deep breath and gazed coldly at the dark forest ahead. He knew that this battle was a life-or-death struggle, but he had no choice but to retreat. This was not just for himself, but also for the innocent villagers behind him. If he couldn't repel the enemy today, then this village would cease to exist, and everyone would be plunged into endless darkness.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!" Qin Cang shouted, drawing the long sword from his waist. The villagers emerged from their hiding places, weapons gripped tightly in their hands, faces filled with tension and anxiety. However, under Qin Cang's resolute gaze, they seemed to draw endless courage from it, and the fear in their hearts gradually receded.

Qin Cang knew that victory or defeat at this moment no longer depended on the quality of their weapons, but on their determination and faith. What they had to protect were their families, the land they had lived on for generations, and all the beautiful memories brought by this land.

As the enemy's cries drew closer, Qin Cang's eyes grew colder. He silently prayed for himself and the villagers, hoping the people of this land would once again see the dawn of peace. The battle was about to begin, and he knew there was no turning back.

Under Qin Cang's command, the villagers took their positions, each face etched with tension and determination, as if all their hopes rested on this life-or-death struggle. The night was thick, and the surrounding woods devoured the faint firelight like a giant beast. Occasionally, a few night birds were startled and flew away, emitting shrill cries that were chilling.

Qin Cang stood atop the highest boulder at the village entrance, overlooking the entire village. Moonlight shone on his resolute face, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, his expression revealing an unshakable determination. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind, and all his past experiences flashed before his eyes like a revolving lantern.

He couldn't help but recall his father's dying words: "A man may fall, but he must never admit defeat." Back then, he was still young and full of energy, believing that he could change his fate with his passion. But today, he stood here, carrying the hopes and future of the entire village on his shoulders. He had to succeed; he couldn't fail.

"Brother Qin, we've already arranged scouts in the east. If the enemy attacks from that side, we'll be able to respond promptly." Li San hurried over again, his eyes still filled with the unconcealable nervousness. Although he tried to remain calm, his voice trembled slightly, revealing a deep sense of unease.

Qin Cang looked at the young man, knowing that he had done his best. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Li San, relax a little. Remember, we are not fighting alone." He paused for a moment and said firmly, "As long as we unite, we will be able to defend this village."

Li San nodded and swallowed hard, as if to cheer himself up. He was fully aware of the responsibility on his shoulders and knew that this was not an ordinary battle, but a decisive battle that concerned everyone's life.

Qin Cang watched the dark shadows approaching from the depths of the distant forest, his fingers clenching slightly around the hilt of his sword. The enemy had already entered the trap, but he couldn't order an attack yet. The timing was not right; a rash move would only alert the enemy and give them an opening. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his anxiety, and quietly waited for the perfect moment.

Time ticked by, and the atmosphere at the village entrance grew increasingly solemn, even the air itself seemed to grow heavier. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the signal.

"Brother Cang, can we really win?" Zhao Yun appeared beside Qin Cang without him noticing. Her voice was filled with a hint of fatigue, yet also with a hint of hope. Her eyes were fixed on Qin Cang, as if she was searching for an answer she could rely on.

Qin Cang turned his head and looked into her eyes, filled with anticipation. His heart softened. He knew that Zhao Yun, like the other villagers, had placed all their hopes on him, and he couldn't let them down. Even though there was a hint of uncertainty deep down, at this moment, he had to appear unwavering.

"Yun'er," Qin Cang whispered, his voice gentle but firm, "We will definitely win. No matter what, I will protect this village." His words were like a warm current, instantly dispelling the chill in Zhao Yun's heart. She nodded and smiled faintly. Although there was still a hint of worry in her smile, it was clearly more confident.

"Everyone, get ready!" At that moment, Li San suddenly shouted, shattering the brief silence. A scout ahead blew a sharp horn, signaling that the enemy's vanguard had crossed the trap and was attacking the village. The villagers tensed instantly, gripping their weapons tightly, their eyes ablaze with fighting spirit.

Qin Cang's eyes turned cold, and he drew his long sword, shouting loudly: "Trap activated!" Before he finished speaking, there was a loud "bang" and the gunpowder ambushed underground was ignited. The enemies in front were instantly blown to pieces, and screams were heard everywhere. Qin Cang watched this scene coldly, but he didn't feel any pleasure in his heart. This was just the beginning.

"Quick! Archers, prepare!" Qin Cang quickly gave the order, and dozens of villagers immediately drew their bowstrings, arrows raining down on the enemy formation. At this moment, the night sky seemed to be raining death. Enemies fell one after another, and the front-line soldiers screamed in pain. However, this did not make the enemy retreat, but instead aroused their anger even more.

"Damn it! How can they be so stubborn?" Li San gritted his teeth as he watched the enemy charge stubbornly, his heart filled with anxiety and anger. Qin Cang, however, simply observed the changes on the battlefield calmly, his eyes as sharp as a hawk. He knew that the enemy's main force was still in the rear, and their true goal was to minimize the enemy's vanguard before the main force arrived.

"Shield soldiers, advance! Archers, provide cover!" Qin Cang commanded, and dozens of villagers, armed with wooden shields, quickly rose to the forefront, forming a simple yet sturdy line of defense. Arrows continued to fly through the air, piercing the enemy's armor. Though the villagers' weapons were crude, their desperate desire to survive unleashed boundless fighting power.

"Brother Qin, can we hold on?" a young villager asked timidly, his hands trembling slightly with nervousness. Qin Cang looked into his fearful eyes and knew that morale, not weapons, was what was most needed at this moment. He stepped forward, patted the young man's shoulder firmly, and said firmly, "As long as you don't give up, victory will definitely belong to us."