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

Chapter 524 No Longer Silence Than Before

Xiaohu didn't say anything else. He knew very well that Qin Cang's decisions were always made after careful consideration. Although he was still worried, he knew that he could only choose to trust him at this time.

Qin Cang stood by the simple fence. The night sky above him gradually darkened, and the surrounding darkness seemed to swallow them all. The breeze carried a slight chill, rustling the leaves, and the tension in the air grew thicker. Qin Cang's hands tightly grasped the branches, his heart growing heavier in the silence. He knew there was no turning back; this path was unavoidable.

His suspicion and distrust of Liu San had long been deeply rooted, and his worry about Xiao Hu had become more pronounced as time went on. He saw Xiao Hu's behavior at the moment, and although he seemed to be obeying on the surface, Qin Cang could sense his uneasiness and hesitation from the occasional anxiety and tension he revealed.

He took a deep breath and scanned the surroundings. Little Tiger was also searching nearby for natural resources to exploit, preparing to further strengthen the fence. The air was eerily still, as if even the surrounding flora and fauna were holding their breath, watching their every move.

Qin Cang's thoughts began to drift, recalling the events of the past few days. He and Liu San had fought side by side countless times, through countless battles. But all that tacit understanding and trust suddenly felt so fragile in this situation. Liu San's eagerness made him feel a strange sense of unease. Was that eagerness to act hiding some hidden motive, or was it simply impatience? These questions swirled in Qin Cang's mind, leaving him unable to extricate himself.

At this moment, his attitude became clear. Whether it was Liu San, Xiao Hu, or anyone else, he no longer harbored any illusions. Regardless of what others chose, he could only continue on his own path. Trust was already a luxury, and his trust in himself was more resolute than anything else. He no longer cared about Liu San's gaze, nor did he try to interpret Xiao Hu's emotions. With each step, Qin Cang became more clear about the direction he should take, no longer hesitating, making all the decisions.

"Xiao Hu, come here." Qin Cang finally broke the silence. There was no tenderness in his tone, but rather a calmness and determination.

Xiao Hu looked up and walked to Qin Cang with a slightly tired look, with a hint of confusion and doubt in his eyes. "Boss, what's the matter?"

"Is the fence almost done?" Qin Cang asked quietly, his eyes calmly scanning the surroundings. At this moment, he didn't directly discuss Liu San, but was more concerned with the simple protection in front of him. Although it all seemed insignificant, he knew that this was the only guarantee they could provide for the time being.

Xiaohu nodded, "Almost done, Boss, what should we do next?"

Qin Cang paused, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew that Xiao Hu was his only trustworthy companion; at least at this moment, he was the only one he could rely on. However, his own mindset was no longer as gentle as before. He had become calmer and more rational, but this change didn't bring him comfort; instead, it became a huge burden.

"Next, we wait." Qin Cang's tone was calm, yet revealed an unshakable determination. "We can only wait, wait for Liu San's reaction, wait for the enemy's movement. All decisions must be put on hold for the time being."

Xiaohu's expression changed slightly. He clearly disagreed with the word "wait," and his anxiety remained lingering. "But, Boss, if we just keep waiting like this, can't we just take the initiative and attack? The enemy could be here at any moment. We have to be prepared and not passive."

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, his eyes deep. He didn't respond immediately, but slowly turned and gazed towards the distant woods. Liu San's anxious face resurfaced in his mind. Was the comrade who had fought alongside him truly as anxious to rescue them as he appeared to be? Or was Liu San's impatience an unconcealable trap?

"Sometimes, taking the initiative doesn't guarantee victory." Qin Cang's voice was low and complex. "We can't act blindly now. We must first determine the true intentions of the enemy and Liu San. No matter how eager he is, we must remain calm."

Xiao Hu lowered his head and thought for a moment. He seemed to understand what Qin Cang meant, but he couldn't completely let it go. "Boss, I know what you mean, but you also saw Liu San's expression. He's really anxious. If we continue like this, I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Qin Cang raised his head and looked at Xiao Hu calmly, his eyes revealing a cold determination. "Do you think Liu San's eagerness is his loyalty? Or does his eagerness mean that he is helping us?"

Xiao Hu was stunned by the question, and seemed to realize that he might have missed something. He lowered his head, was silent for a moment, and finally stopped talking. Qin Cang's words were like a sharp knife, cutting through the doubts in his heart, forcing him to re-examine everything before him.

Qin Cang said no more. He knew that now was not the time to argue. Remaining silent was the best option. Right now, all he could do was observe, remain calm, and wait.

He continued to inspect the fence, meticulously trimming each branch to ensure that this simple barrier could provide them with a modicum of protection. Although he knew it couldn't completely guarantee their safety, it was at least a temporary refuge, allowing them a little more breathing space in the darkness.

"Boss, if we can know the enemy's movements and prepare in advance..." Xiaohu suddenly spoke, a hint of anxiety in his voice, "we can take the initiative and seize the initiative."

Qin Cang paused his movements, slowly turned around, and looked at Xiao Hu. His eyes were no longer silent, but now filled with deep thought. "Initiative?" Qin Cang's lips curled slightly. "Initiative often lies in the hands of the calmest person. If the enemy senses our actions, it could disrupt our plans."

He paused, a complex glint in his eyes. "Some situations may appear disadvantageous on the surface, but we can still find a way out. We're not in a rush, and there's no need to rush to gain control. Stay calm, be discreet, and be patient. That's what we can do."

As Xiaohu listened to Qin Cang's tone, his doubts gradually subsided. He knew that every decision made by the boss was carefully considered. Although he was still filled with anxiety, he gradually understood that Qin Cang's calmness and determination were their only support at the moment.