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

"I know." Liu San nodded, his eyes still sharp, "But don't worry, since you have decided to go, I will definitely ensure your safety."

Qin Cang sighed softly, a complex expression flashing across his eyes. Indeed, returning wasn't easy. Every step was fraught with danger. Enemy spies were everywhere, and their every move could be monitored. Furthermore, returning to that place might no longer be what he remembered. But no matter what, he couldn't let go of that concern, couldn't forget the child who still needed his protection.

"Let's go." Qin Cang finally made up his mind, his eyes firm, "We have to be careful along the way."

Lin Hao had been following them silently, seemingly unsurprised by Qin Cang's decision. He had even anticipated this moment. His eyes flickered for a moment, and then he nodded. "It's good that you've made your decision. Bringing Xiao Hu back is indeed a considerable challenge, but I believe you can handle it."

Qin Cang said nothing, only nodded slightly. Although he knew he wasn't in his strongest form right now, at least he still had faith. Faith to protect every inch of land he cherished, every concern he had.

They continued forward, the road ahead still seemingly endless. A distant wind blew in, bringing a hint of chill and an invisible pressure. With each step, Qin Cang's heart grew heavier. After all, he faced not only the enemy, but also a deep sense of guilt and helplessness.

"Xiao Hu..." He repeated the name silently in his heart, his voice low and filled with a hint of reluctance and regret. No matter what the future held, he could never forget the innocent child who had once smiled at him. Now, the only thing he could do was to bring that little life back to his side, so that he would no longer be alone.

Qin Cang's steps remained firm, yet his heart was filled with considerable turmoil. He knew that Liu San's decision wasn't simply a matter of companionship, but rather a hidden promise, a tacit understanding that secretly tightened the already inextricable bond between them. Although on the surface, Liu San remained the straightforward, courageous warrior who faced everything head-on, Qin Cang knew that every decision Liu San made was carefully considered.

"Liu San is following me." Qin Cang whispered to himself, his eyes inadvertently sweeping towards the figure behind him.

Liu San kept his distance, his eyes calm and his steps steady. Despite being a soldier, he seemed to carry a subtle complexity, a tenacity and indomitable spirit that only sprouts quietly from countless battles and trials of life and death. But today, Liu San wasn't as relaxed as usual; a hint of solemnity could even be seen between his brows.

Qin Cang didn't speak immediately, his gaze returning to the front. Though he appeared indifferent on the surface, a wave of emotion was brewing within him. He hadn't expected Liu San to follow him. Given Liu San's personality, he should have stayed with the team, continuing to assist Lin Hao with his plans and handling more complex matters. After all, Liu San's abilities were unmatched, and he always preferred to shoulder greater responsibilities. Sometimes, his presence seemed like an invisible pillar, supporting the entire team's operations.

But today, Liu San did not do so. Even when Qin Cang suggested taking Xiao Hu back, Liu San chose to stand by him without hesitation and decided to go with him.

"Liu San, what are you thinking about?" Qin Cang asked himself in his heart, but he did not speak.

As the team's progress continued, Liu San's presence didn't slow them down in the slightest. Instead, Qin Cang's uneasiness eased slightly with Liu San's company. Although he was used to traveling alone, today he felt a sense of stability he'd never experienced before. Perhaps this was dependence.

"Qin Cang, are you sure you want to take him back?" Liu San finally spoke, with a rare caution in his tone.

Qin Cang didn't answer immediately, but remained silent for a moment. He knew Liu San's question wasn't just about Xiaohu, but about his own inner turmoil. The decision to bring Xiaohu back wasn't easy, fraught with risks and uncertainties. This decision wasn't just a personal test for him; it also profoundly impacted his relationship with the team.

"I have to go back." Qin Cang's voice was low, even with a hint of unquestionable determination, "This is the only choice."

Liu San glanced at him, a complex glint in his eyes. "I know," he said calmly, but his eyes couldn't hide his worry. "But have you ever thought about the possible consequences of returning? Can you really protect Xiaohu?"

"I didn't think that much." Qin Cang sighed, his eyes gazing at the gradually blurry scene ahead. "I only know that if I don't go, I'll always feel uneasy."

"I understand." Liu San nodded and said softly, "But you have to remember, this road is no longer yours alone. I will accompany you to the end."

Qin Cang looked at Liu San, and a wave of emotions suddenly welled up within him: guilt, gratitude, and even a hint of warmth. Liu San had never expressed much of his feelings to him, and at times, their tacit understanding had almost reached the point of being speechless. Whether in battle or facing difficulties, Liu San always stood behind him without hesitation, as if he were born to be his most reliable support.

"Thank you." Qin Cang's voice was low but extremely sincere.

"We need to focus now." Liu San suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming serious. "The way back is not easy, especially under the enemy's nose."

Qin Cang nodded, his expression growing serious. Liu San was right. The way back was indeed filled with too many variables. The enemy was no fool. Their every move would be meticulously monitored and tracked. Although they had tried their best to be cautious, if their whereabouts were exposed, the consequences would be disastrous.

For the remainder of the journey, everyone's mood grew even more solemn. Though the wilderness and the impenetrable darkness still lay ahead, everyone's gaze grew exceedingly alert. The atmosphere within the group shifted subtly; even Lin Hao lost his earlier composure. Qin Cang noticed that, despite Lin Hao constantly leading the way, his recurring glances were no longer resolute, but instead held a lingering, unspoken worry.

"What on earth does he know?" Qin Cang thought to himself, narrowing his eyes slightly, staring at Lin Hao's back through the dark environment.

At this moment, Lin Hao's steps suddenly stopped, and the atmosphere in the team instantly became tense. Qin Cang and Liu San both stopped and stared ahead vigilantly. Lin Hao slowly turned around, a complex emotion in his eyes.

"There's an ambush not far ahead." Lin Hao's voice suddenly came, breaking the silence, "They've discovered our whereabouts."

Qin Cang's heart tightened, his alertness rising once again. The enemy hadn't let down their guard, and had even begun pursuing them. Their whereabouts had been exposed, and the moment of life and death was drawing near. Qin Cang's mood instantly shifted from his previous anxiety to a calm determination. He knew that what was coming next wasn't just a matter of life and death, but also of whether they could successfully return with Xiaohu.

"What should we do?" Liu San asked softly, with a determined light in his eyes.

Qin Cang took a deep breath, his calm expression returning to his face. He knew that the decision at this moment depended on all their future hopes. "We can only keep going. We can't stop," he whispered. "Even if we're ambushed, we can't turn back."

Lin Hao's eyes flashed with recognition. He nodded and slowly walked forward. "Get ready for battle. The enemy won't let us go easily."

In this land that has long been torn apart by war, everyone has his or her own story and carries a heavy fate, and Liu San's story is destined to be closely connected with him.

"Let's go," Qin Cang whispered, his voice hoarse but filled with determination. He glanced into the distance, where chaos reigned. Corpses, horse hooves, thick smoke, everything commemorating this protracted battle. War, like an endless nightmare, devoured everyone's youth and dreams, ruthlessly ripping apart their past and future.

"Are you sure?" Liu San's voice suddenly rang out, and her back appeared in Qin Cang's sight, a barely perceptible glint in her eyes. She stood before a huge rock, her frail figure blending seamlessly into the desolate landscape. Her clothes were already stained red with blood, and the dirt and sweat on her face made her look even more resilient, like a stone sculpture, standing there impassively.

Qin Cang didn't answer immediately. He stared ahead, his eyes a bit lost. He knew he wasn't fearless, and the shadow in his heart would always creep up on him at any moment. But he also knew that if he stopped now, everything would fall into a deeper darkness.

"I have never done anything worth regretting." Qin Cang's voice became deeper, as if he was talking to himself, or as if he was answering Liu San.

Liu San didn't respond, but silently walked to his side and stood behind him. Her figure was not tall, but she left a deep impression on Qin Cang's heart. She once said that she didn't care about life or death, but was just fulfilling a promise. To her, that promise might be more important than life itself.

Qin Cang knew that Liu San's toughness was not innate, but because she had experienced too much pain. Her past was a mystery, and no one knew what kind of person she was.