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

"You kid." Qin Cang took a deep breath and whispered, "This is not something you should worry about. We all have to go on. Whether it's you or Xiaohu, it's my responsibility." He paused slightly, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, "But I want you to know that I won't let you get hurt."

Liu San was silent for a moment, then said in an almost comforting tone: "I know, Boss, don't worry, I will always follow you and will not let you down."

Qin Cang didn't reply, merely nodding slightly. He knew Liu San's resolve, and he knew he didn't need to say anything more. At that moment, they both understood that life-or-death moments didn't allow for excessive words. Only by silently cooperating in battle could they most effectively maintain their chances of survival.

The two continued on their way. Despite the difficult, muddy, and rain-soaked road, each step seemed to carry an invisible force, pushing them forward. Qin Cang could sense Liu San's tenacity, the same aura he'd felt when he'd first met the young man—calm, resolute, and resolute. Now, this aura had grown even deeper, like an ancient tree standing tall in a storm, battered by the wind and rain, yet still standing firm.

Time slipped by quietly, the humidity in the air making their breathing heavier, but they remained vigilant. As they drew closer to the enemy's fire, Qin Cang's nervousness grew stronger. He knew the moment of battle could come at any moment, and once engaged, there would be no turning back.

"Boss." Liu San suddenly whispered, "Are you ready?"

Qin Cang's heart skipped a beat. He didn't answer immediately, but instead tilted his head slightly, looking forward, as if trying to see through the pitch-black night before him. "Ready or not, we must move forward," he finally spoke, his voice low and firm.

The two men swiftly crossed the muddy ground, approaching the enemy position. Although the enemy's fire was still visible in the distance, at this moment, Qin Cang's attention was completely focused on every inch of the ground ahead. The sound of wind, rain, and footsteps echoed in his ears, and he felt the pressure from the unknown piercing his heart.

Suddenly, a faint sound came from the front, like a soldier's whisper. Qin Cang stopped abruptly, leaned forward slightly, and listened nervously. He did not react immediately, but used his eyes to signal Liu San to keep quiet.

A few seconds passed, and the enemy's position remained unclear, but the faint sound made Qin Cang's heart tighten again. The rain wet his forehead, dripping down, and at this moment, he began to imagine how they would respond if the enemy discovered them.

"Liu San, let's go around and get ready." Qin Cang's voice was calm and concise, and he made a judgment in an instant.

"I understand." Liu San nodded, reacted quickly, and began to move to the right.

The downpour intensified, thunder roared across the sky, as if the heavens were wrathful and the world was roaring in fury. An atmosphere of chaos and madness permeated the air. Every step forward was filled with uncertainty, and every clap of thunder strained Qin Cang's nerves. Although he appeared calm, his heart was like a surging wave, surging and turbulent. Any uncertainty could trigger a massive shock.

Qin Cang knew he couldn't handle the situation he faced with composure. The anxiety lurking within him grew ever more pronounced, threatening to burst the surface of his control. He forced himself to ignore the potential conflict, but every time he glanced at Liu San, a sense of responsibility weighed heavily on him. Liu San, the young swordsman he had personally mentored, had grown into a valiant warrior with countless distinguished achievements in battle. But at this moment, he was still just a teammate relying on Qin Cang's guidance, a young man filled with anxiety and doubt on this stormy night.

Qin Cang didn't look back. He knew Liu San would see his worry, but he didn't want him to see his vulnerability. Ever since Xiaohu appeared, Qin Cang had never been so afraid. Xiaohu was no longer the child in need of protection, but as he rushed into the sea of ​​fire, with enemy fire behind him, Qin Cang still couldn't relax as he once did. Perhaps it was because he had gradually lost his former confidence over the years, or perhaps it was because those memories, etched with blood and iron, made the pain of loss even more unbearable.

Liu San noticed something strange about Qin Cang. He could vaguely sense the heaviness and oppression within his boss. Although the two had faced countless life-or-death situations, this invisible burden was hard for Liu San to ignore. The silence in the air grew increasingly oppressive, and every step felt like treading on lead blocks, so heavy that he could barely breathe.

"Boss." Liu San whispered, his voice almost inaudible due to the wind and rain, but he knew Qin Cang would definitely hear him. Liu San paused, his eyes complex, hiding a hint of helplessness and pain, "Are you worried about Xiaohu?"

Qin Cang was stunned, his heartbeat accelerating. Despite his best efforts to conceal his feelings, it seemed impossible to hide them in front of Liu San. Liu San's words seemed to have opened a wound deep within his heart that would never heal. Yes, just as Liu San had said, he was constantly worried about Xiao Hu. That worry was like a shackle, tightly binding him and causing him to feel a constant pain in his heart.

"You're right." Qin Cang finally spoke, his voice heavier than ever. "I worry about him. Every time he gets hurt, I feel like I've lost something. Maybe it's because... we've been through too much, too much unbearable pain."

Liu San frowned slightly, as if trying to understand Qin Cang's feelings. Although he was still young and had experienced few life-or-death situations, he could sense the fragility and pain that Qin Cang had never revealed. After a few seconds of silence, Liu San did not ask further. He understood that it was not that Qin Cang did not want to talk, but that the pain hidden deep in his heart was difficult for even himself to express.

"Boss, don't worry." Liu San said in a low voice, his eyes burning, "Xiaohu is stronger than you think. I believe in him." There was a firm belief in his words. That belief was not simple self-confidence, but the precipitation and determination deep in his heart after going through countless difficult moments.

Qin Cang didn't respond, he just nodded silently in his heart. Liu San's words did make sense. After all, Xiaohu was calmer and more alert than anyone else. In this predicament, he might be able to find his own way out.