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

He whispered to Liu San, "Don't let these things create any rift between you and me."

Liu San was stunned, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes. He didn't quite understand the meaning of Qin Cang's sudden words, but he nodded, understanding Qin Cang's current thoughts. Faced with the unknown and danger before him, Qin Cang was not only concerned about Xiao Hu's fate, but more importantly, he didn't want this matter to affect their relationship, especially at such a life-or-death moment.

"No, Qin Cang." Liu San's voice was low, but with a hint of determination, "There is no longer anything between you and me."

These words made Qin Cang feel a little more relaxed. He turned and gave Liu San a deep look, his eyes filled with unspeakable gratitude and trust. At this uncertain time, having Liu San by his side made him feel incredibly secure. After all, no matter where he went, no matter what crisis he faced, as long as Liu San was there, nothing was invincible.

"You're right," Qin Cang whispered, his gaze turning back to the iron door. He reached out and gently pushed the doorknob. Instead of the expected heavy resistance, the door gave a low, creaking sound, as if responding to the fate they were about to enter.

He and Liu San exchanged a glance, their tacit understanding prompting them to move almost simultaneously. Qin Cang was the first to step through the door, followed closely by Liu San. Behind the door was a long, narrow staircase that led down to the depths of the basement. The dark corridor seemed endless, and the air was filled with dampness and mildew, making one feel oppressive, as if entering a dead abyss.

Qin Cang instinctively frowned, a sense of unease rising within him. The basement's environment and atmosphere were far more hostile than he'd expected. It wasn't just the oppressive nature of the place, but also the intangible threat that couldn't be ignored. Once they went down, he and Liu San would be entering a trap set by the enemy, and Xiao Hu's fate seemed inextricably linked to it.

Liu San followed behind, each of his steps seemed heavy. Although his expression remained calm, Qin Cang could sense his inner anxiety and tension from his slightly tense shoulders and constantly rubbing fingers.

"What do you think happened to Xiaohu?" Liu San suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. His tone was a little hurried, but also contained a hint of rationality.

Qin Cang's steps didn't stop, his eyes still fixed on the front. He said in a deep voice, "He's injured, but I can't be sure how serious the injury is. The enemy won't let him get away easily. We must find him before they react."

Liu San nodded, his anxiety growing more pronounced. Every time he heard Xiaohu's name, an inexplicable pain and guilt welled up in his heart. Xiaohu carried too much on his shoulders, and they all seemed to be paying the price for their choices. And Xiaohu remained the passive pawn, unable to escape fate's tricks, no matter how hard he struggled.

"I hope he's okay." Liu San gritted his teeth and whispered. His voice was low and helpless. "If we had found him earlier, maybe he wouldn't have gone through this."

Qin Cang's brows furrowed unconsciously. He knew Liu San had a point. If they had discovered Xiao Hu's predicament sooner, perhaps everything wouldn't have been so complicated. However, there are no ifs in this world, only consequences. He felt a pang of pain in his heart, but quickly forced himself to focus and suppress the emotion that was about to overflow.

"The only thing we can do now is to do our best to save him." Qin Cang's voice was very low, with a helpless determination, "We can't regret it."

When Liu San heard these words, he felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet and spreading through his body. He knew that Qin Cang's words were not empty words. In this dangerous moment, there was no turning back. No matter what awaited them, they had only one goal: to rescue Xiaohu.

"I understand." Liu San whispered, his tone becoming more determined.

They continued forward, their steps steady and in unison. At the end of the stairs was an old wooden door, its surface somewhat rotten, looking as if it hadn't been cared for in a long time. Qin Cang didn't think twice before quickly opening the door and leading Liu San into the basement. The temperature suddenly dropped, the humidity in the air assaulted their faces, and the stench of decay made it almost impossible to hold your breath. The dim light in the basement flickered, making it almost impossible to see the scene ahead.

"Xiao Hu." Qin Cang called out in a low voice, his voice full of anxiety and deep worry.

The basement was silent, without an echo or response. But Qin Cang wasn't discouraged. Instead, he walked in one direction with even greater resolve. This basement wasn't as simple as it appeared. There were piles of debris in the corners, and the walls were covered in thick moss and damp mold. Every detail silently told of a long absence.

"He's right here." Qin Cang stopped in front of a corner and turned to look at Liu San. His heartbeat unconsciously quickened. Although his expression remained calm, his heart was filled with turmoil.

Liu San's eyes did not leave him, his eyes were filled with endless anxiety and expectation: "Are you sure?"

"Liu San, why haven't you come yet?" Qin Cang whispered to himself, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. The outcome of this battle not only affected their fate, but also the future of a young life - Xiaohu. He couldn't help but feel a surge of unease in his heart.

This wasn't the first time they had fought side by side; Liu San had carried his gun and saved his life countless times. Now, fate had once again brought him to a crossroads – could Liu San make it in time?

At this moment, the sound of rapid horse hooves broke the silence. Qin Cang looked up suddenly and saw a horse galloping towards him. The figure on the horse's back was as swift as a gust of wind. Qin Cang's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew that person was Liu San.

Liu San's arrival did not bring much relief to Qin Cang, but instead made him feel a heavier atmosphere. Liu San did not speak, but simply jumped off his horse and quickly stood shoulder to shoulder with Qin Cang, his eyes coldly sweeping around, as if confirming something.

"The enemy's ambush has been set up," Liu San's words were brief and powerful, his voice low, as if he was weighing every future action.

"How is Xiaohu?" Qin Cang asked, without any hesitation or anxiety in his eyes. Although his heart was anxious, his tone was unusually calm.