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

Xiao Hu was stunned for a moment, his expression a bit complicated. He was silent for a moment, then asked, "Are you sure? He didn't...do something wrong?"

"I can confirm this." Qin Cang's voice was low. "Liu San is not an assassin, not a murderer. He was framed. And all this is not accidental."

Xiaohu put down his wine glass and became serious. "What do you mean by this? What evidence do you have?"

"I can't tell you these evidences for now, but I've found a key clue." Qin Cang paused, then continued, "I need you to come with me to find that 'shadow'."

"Shadow?" Xiaohu frowned. "Who is this person? Why is he related to Liu San's matter?"

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, his eyes complicated. "'Shadow' is not a person, but a code name for a certain force. This force is controlling everything behind the scenes, and Liu San is just their pawn. We have to start from here and find them to uncover the truth."

After hearing this, Xiaohu's face became serious: "So, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to investigate 'Shadow' and find out the truth behind this force. But this process may be dangerous, and I need you to accompany me."

Xiaohu showed a hint of hesitation on his face, but in an instant, his eyes became firm again: "Brother, if this is your business, then I can't just stand by and watch. I'm with you."

Qin Cang nodded, feeling relieved. Xiaohu's promise gave him more confidence. In this world full of dangers and conspiracies, at least now, he was no longer alone.

The two of them were silent for a moment, and Qin Cang's gaze returned to the darkness outside the window. His heart grew heavier. The deeper he delved, the more he felt the enormity and complexity of this conspiracy. And Liu San, what kind of victim had he become? What secrets lay hidden behind this truth? All of this filled him with an indescribable sense of oppression.

"Xiao Hu, our current goal is to find a clue leading to 'Shadow'." Qin Cang stood up, his eyes like arrows, "Tomorrow, we will start."

Xiaohu nodded and stood up: "Okay, I'm ready."

The morning light gently filtered down over the dilapidated house, a damp smell lingering in the air. A chilly breeze blew through the cracks in the windows. Qin Cang and Xiao Hu rose early, silently packing their bags. Today was supposed to be the day they began their mission, aiming to find clues to the "shadow" faction. However, Qin Cang's mood wasn't as relaxed as it appeared. Deep within him, his emotions were turbulent, and he couldn't calm down.

Stepping out, the sunlight hadn't yet fully illuminated the surroundings. A thin, morning mist lingered in the air, as if transporting one to a hazy dream. Qin Cang's steps slowed slightly, his gaze traversing the scene before him, unable to focus. His mind replayed his conversation with Liu San last night. Those words lingered in his mind, like a needle piercing his heart, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Liu San's attitude was far too intense. He had clearly tried his best to help him, to find the truth behind the injustice, yet he seemed unappreciative, even tinged with undeniable anger in some of his words.

"Do you want to help me, or do you want to fight for something for yourself?" Liu San's words, like a sharp sword, pierced Qin Cang's heart.

Qin Cang stood outside, his hands tightly clutching his sleeves, a mixture of anger and frustration swirling in his heart. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong. All his efforts had been met with Liu San's doubt and dissatisfaction. He had thought he was doing this for Liu San's own good, but Liu San's words were like a slap in the face, catching him off guard.

"Xiao Hu." Qin Cang suddenly spoke in a low voice.

Xiaohu turned around and looked at Qin Cang, frowning slightly: "Brother, what's wrong?"

Qin Cang didn't respond immediately, but instead stared silently at the empty road ahead. His gaze wandered, as if he had a thousand words in his heart, but couldn't say them out loud. Finally, he sighed, "Liu San and I are having a conflict."

Xiao Hu didn't seem surprised. He was silent for a moment before he spoke, "I know part of what happened between you. Actually, Liu San... feels a little uncomfortable. Maybe no matter how much you do, he won't be grateful."

Qin Cang gave a bitter smile, but an indescribable bitterness rose in his heart: "I understand, but I really don't want to see him like this." He paused and continued, "I know he fights for his innocence, but sometimes, his emotions are too intense and he easily pushes everyone away."

Xiaohu was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Actually, some things may not be within your control. Everyone has their own persistence, and if you help them, they may not understand. You need to think clearly about whether you can withstand such pressure."

Qin Cang nodded, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He didn't want to admit it, but deep down he knew that all these contradictions might have been foreshadowed long ago. Liu San's stubbornness and obstinacy never made him feel at ease, and his own expectations of Liu San only made this friendship even more burdensome.

"Let's go." Qin Cang finally took a deep breath, composed himself, and turned to walk forward. "Let's go see Liu San and resolve these issues. What comes next is more important."

Xiaohu didn't say much, but just followed Qin Cang's pace and silently accompanied him to Liu San's residence.

A few minutes later, the two stood in front of the simple house. The house was not large, the windows were closed, and a chill still hung in the air. Qin Cang felt a heavy feeling in his heart. He knew that today, no matter what, he would have to face the unresolved issue.

When Qin Cang pushed open the door, Liu San was already sitting at the worn table, his eyes flickering slightly, looking a little uneasy. Seeing the two people come in, Liu San did not speak immediately, but just raised his head silently, as if waiting for something.

Qin Cang walked into the room and sat down across from the table. He said in a low voice, "Liu San, I know you have resentment in your heart. Maybe I didn't do it well enough, but I really want to help you."

Liu San's eyes darkened slightly, and he clearly wasn't going to give in easily. He raised his head and looked directly at Qin Cang: "Do you really understand me? Do you know why I've been so angry?" His tone wasn't gentle; it even carried a harsh coldness.

Qin Cang's heart tightened, and he suppressed the feeling of loss that surged in his heart: "You are wronged, right? I understand, but you shouldn't vent all your anger on me. We are friends, not enemies."