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

Liu San nodded slightly, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He had never imagined he would be so dependent on others, especially in a critical moment of life and death. He had once believed himself strong and independent enough to handle anything. But reality made him realize that his once indestructible self-esteem and determination now seemed so fragile.

"I will persevere." Liu San smiled with difficulty, his eyes moist, "I won't let you down."

Qin Cang's heart tightened, and he looked down at Liu San and sighed silently. No matter how Liu San insisted, Qin Cang knew that everything that happened next would be the key to whether they could get out of this wilderness.

Li Feng had already crushed the herbs and began applying them to Liu San's wound. The scent of the herbs emanated, bringing a refreshing aroma that, though pungent, felt comforting. Liu San's body seemed to react slightly to the contact of the herbs, and his face gradually faded. Although his injuries were not yet completely under control, at least, at this moment, they seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Next, we must try to avoid further contact with the enemy." Qin Cang's eyes were cold and he said softly, "We will make plans after Liu San's wound stabilizes."

Xiaohu and Li Feng both nodded. Although they were still filled with doubts, they kept silent under Qin Cang's command. At this moment, the life and death of the team was no longer a simple war, but a desperate test of survival.

Qin Cang gazed at the team around him, the pressure in his heart like a huge rock pressing against his chest. He knew the road would only get harder and harder, each step filled with uncertain dangers and heavy burdens. Liu San's injuries hadn't improved, and their situation had only worsened because they couldn't secure enough medicine and resources. The damp air was like an invisible hammer, hammering down on his heart.

He didn't have time to dwell on his anxiety and uneasiness. The sense of responsibility behind him suppressed every thought in his mind, making it almost impossible to breathe. Seeing that Liu San still refused to stop, he felt a little angry, but more of it was helplessness and worry.

"Li Feng, Xiaohu." Qin Cang called out in a deep voice. The two men immediately walked to his side, their expressions a little nervous, as if they knew that what they were about to hear would not be easy.

Qin Cang's gaze was calm and resolute. He swept his gaze over the slightly tired faces of Li Feng and Xiao Hu, then spoke, "You two, listen carefully." His tone was commanding, leaving almost no room for negotiation. "During this period of time, I require you not to act on your own. No matter what happens outside, any emergency, you must report it to me. Do you understand?"

Li Feng and Xiao Hu were both stunned for a moment, then lowered their heads with serious expressions. Li Feng clenched his fists and replied softly, "Understood, Brother Cang."

Xiaohu nodded, a complex look flashing in her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't understand Qin Cang's decision, but she felt a little disgusted. She knew Qin Cang was trying to protect everyone, but she never liked being constrained. She was used to acting independently and struggling for survival in danger. But at this moment, she also knew that in this environment, the risks of individual actions far outweighed any potential benefits.

Qin Cang didn't wait for their response, but turned to look at Liu San. Liu San still had his eyes closed, his brows slightly furrowed, as if enduring some unbearable pain. Qin Cang's heart tightened. He stood for a moment, then walked over to Liu San and whispered, "Rest for a while, don't force yourself, be obedient."

Liu San opened his eyes, his gaze silent and stubborn. Although he didn't speak, the look he gave Qin Cang was filled with a complex emotion. It was a pain and unwillingness hidden deep within him. He didn't want to be a burden to others, but he didn't want to show weakness even more.

"Brother Cang, I can do it." Liu San's voice was low, as if a little weak, but still determined.

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, knowing that no matter how stubborn Liu San was, he couldn't escape his physical limitations. He knew he couldn't let Liu San continue to hold on like this, letting him make the wrong choices over and over again regarding his wounds. Such persistence would only make him more vulnerable, and might even lead him to his own death.

"You said you could do it, and I believe you, but you need to rest. We survived because we relied on each other. You can't always handle your own problems." Qin Cang looked at Liu San and said more firmly, "You're not fighting alone on this road. Remember this."

Liu San's eyes flickered slightly, his lips moved, but in the end he said nothing, just nodded slightly, as if he finally understood the weight hidden in Qin Cang's words.

"Li Feng, Xiao Hu." Qin Cang turned his head again and looked at Li Feng and Xiao Hu. "You two, especially you, Xiao Hu, it's best to put aside the resentment in your hearts." He said to Xiao Hu, "Our most important thing now is survival, not fighting alone. You must learn to cooperate. All actions must be approved by me. Do you understand?"

Xiaohu's expression changed slightly, her lips moved slightly, and she finally nodded: "I understand, Brother Cang." Although she still felt a little uncomfortable and felt that her autonomy was being restricted, she knew that she could not conflict with Qin Cang at this time. She knew too well that the current environment was different from before, and any rash action could have fatal consequences.

Li Feng didn't react at all, simply lowering his head slightly, his expression remaining calm. He knew every word Qin Cang said was for their survival. Everyone's life was tied to an extremely fragile thread, and no one could let it slip easily.

Qin Cang took a deep breath and glanced around, his gaze finally resting on Liu San's emaciated form. The invisible pressure within him intensified. He admired Liu San's tenacity, but it also pained him. A man, to protect everyone, endured until the very end. Qin Cang knew that such stubbornness might bring temporary success, but it could also one day destroy everything.

He squatted down and patted Liu San's shoulder gently: "You are our strongest member, take a rest for a while, okay? Leave the rest to us."

Liu San looked at him silently, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, and then he nodded slightly.

"Li Feng, Xiao Hu, you two will take turns on guard duty tonight. Try to let Liu San rest quietly and don't let him move again." Qin Cang looked at the two of them and added, "I'll go patrol and see if there are any enemy forces around."