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

Chapter 522: Obviously a little nervous

"We simply don't have a choice right now," Qin Cang replied coldly, his voice low. "We're not playing tricks on Liu San, we're fighting against everything. As long as Liu San is involved, none of our decisions can be guaranteed. If Liu San truly has our best interests at heart, he'll understand our decision."

However, as these words left his mouth, Qin Cang's heart stirred even greater waves. He had never thought he would doubt Liu San; after all, this man had always been his trusted partner. But as the situation became more complicated, he began to feel a strong sense of powerlessness. It was as if everything was out of his control, and they were no longer the chess players in control.

They moved silently through the forest, avoiding their usual routes. Along the way, Qin Cang's thoughts remained restless. With every step, he recalled his conversation with Liu San, that subtle moment, the flicker in Liu San's eyes. Were they already being led by some invisible force? Were their choices never truly their own?

"Boss, there is a fork in the road ahead. Which one should we take?" Xiaohu suddenly asked, with alertness in his eyes.

Qin Cang looked up at the forked path before him. Without a moment's hesitation, he quickly made a decision: "Go right, take a longer detour."

Xiaohu responded, and the two of them followed the mountain path to the right. The road was narrow, covered with weeds and low shrubs. Their steps were light and cautious. Although they were now far from their original route, the anxiety within them remained.

Qin Cang's hands trembled slightly in the chilly air. Though he tried to suppress his inner anxiety, a lingering feeling of unease lingered. After tacitly avoiding Liu San's sight, he and Xiaohu entered the depths of the forest. Silence reigned, almost devoid of life. The occasional rustle of the wind and the distant low growl of animals seemed to hint at some unknown danger.

Qin Cang knew they were on a path of no return. Every decision he made, every step he took, could mean the difference between life and death. The dark forest before them became their temporary refuge, yet it was also filled with hidden threats. He began to consciously and slowly adjust his pace to avoid being seen by the enemy. For added security, he decided to build a makeshift fence to conceal their hiding place as much as possible.

He lowered his head, intently examining his surroundings. The tree branches were intricately intertwined, yet this natural barrier could be used as cover. He took a deep breath, ready to act, yet a wave of hesitation lingered within him. After all, building this fence was both for concealment and to give Xiaohu and himself more time to think and prepare. The construction of this temporary shelter symbolized his preparation for the situation ahead, his resistance to Liu San and all the unrevealed truths.

"Boss, are we just going to stay here?" Xiao Hu watched Qin Cang start to search for branches and leaves, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Even in such a hostile forest, he couldn't hide his anxiety. "What if Liu San comes looking for us? Or, what about that... enemy in the other direction? Shouldn't we act in advance?"

Qin Cang snapped the branch in his hand with a soft, cracking sound. His expression remained calm, his eyes deep. "No rush, steady your steps first." His tone was calm but with an unquestionable firmness. "The enemy doesn't know our location yet, and we need some time to think about the situation. Otherwise, taking action now will only lead us into deeper trouble."

Countless thoughts raced through his mind. He understood Xiaohu's doubts, but he also knew that every step was fraught with uncertainty. On this thorny road, only calmness would allow them to advance. Facing the intertwined threats from Liu San and the enemy, Qin Cang felt he was being forced into an inescapable corner. Regardless, building this simple fence was not only to avoid the enemy's sight, but also to give himself and Xiaohu some breathing space.

"Boss, I understand you." Xiao Hu looked at Qin Cang and couldn't help but sigh. It seemed that after a long period of tension, he had finally let go of his doubts. "But, Liu San..." He wanted to say something, but the words stopped. Obviously, he also knew that now was not the time to discuss these issues.

Qin Cang's gaze remained fixed on the branches before him, his fingers deftly interweaving several sturdy wooden sticks together, forming a simple fence. Each branch he placed was imbued with his current contemplation. His heart was in a constant struggle, and he had never felt so uneasy. Liu San's actions had left him with suspicion, a suspicion that would not be easily dispelled. He still didn't want to fully trust Liu San, but he couldn't fully conclude that this comrade who had once fought alongside them had truly betrayed them.

As he busied himself building the fence, he kept thinking about his future plans. While the fence wasn't perfect, it at least provided some protection. As the night deepened, the surroundings grew increasingly quiet. Even the wind seemed to fade, leaving only his own heartbeat and footsteps, echoing through the silent forest.

"Boss, can you go a little faster?" Xiaohu asked impatiently, looking around from time to time, obviously nervous. He was also obviously uneasy about his surroundings.

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, then looked up at Xiao Hu. "Stay calm. Just because you're nervous doesn't mean the situation is changing." His tone was calm, yet it carried a sense of indifference. "If the enemy really came, they wouldn't be here so quickly. Besides, we're not waiting for the enemy, we're waiting for an opportunity. Don't be impatient."

He lowered his head and once again firmly fixed a branch beside him. The fence gradually took shape. Although crude, it at least hid their figures. Qin Cang's movements began to become faster. As the fence grew higher and higher, his heart gradually calmed down. This action seemed to give him a kind of psychological support - they still had a chance, they could still seize the turning point of the situation.

Xiaohu stood aside, silently observing his every move, seemingly no longer offering any objections. His eyes held a hint of fatigue and uneasiness. After all, they had already experienced so many uncertainties that waiting became their only option. The pressure of waiting was often heavier than any direct battle.