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

Chapter 535 Looking Back at Xiaohu

"Prepare for action." Qin Cang said briefly and forcefully, his eyes flashing with a deep determination. "Lead the team and infiltrate in batches. We will start from the flank and quickly approach the enemy position."

Qin Cang glanced at Liu San, and a deeper judgment suddenly formed in his mind. Liu San's expression was filled with a hint of unease, the muscles at the corners of his eyes twitching from time to time, and his face looked even paler than usual. Although he still maintained the toughness expected of an ordinary soldier, Qin Cang knew clearly that Liu San was not as carefree as he appeared. In that brief moment just now, Qin Cang keenly caught a hint of hesitation in Liu San's eyes, a hesitation not about tactics, but about concealing something.

He didn't speak immediately, his mind reeling at Liu San's unusual behavior. Experience showed that any soldier's emotional fluctuations in the face of an impending battle could harbor significant risks. The relationship between him and Liu San wasn't simple. Although he had always been loyal and reliable within the ranks, these unconscious emotional fluctuations had caused Qin Cang to begin to harbor suspicions.

"Liu San." Qin Cang finally spoke, his tone calm but with a hint of meaning. "Your expression isn't right. What happened?"

Liu San was shocked by the question, and the weapon in his hand unconsciously tightened, appearing a little bewildered. He hesitated for a few seconds, his eyes flickering, as if he wanted to explain but couldn't find the words. At that moment, Qin Cang clearly saw his inner struggle.

"Nothing." Liu San finally spoke, his tone a little hurried. "I'm just a little tired, Captain, don't worry."

"Tired?" Qin Cang's eyes were as sharp as ever. "Can you tell me now what happened to you before this battle that made you so upset?"

Liu San clamped his mouth shut, as if afraid to meet Qin Cang's gaze. His heart, like a deep undercurrent, churned with unspoken secrets. Every time he tried to speak, his mind resurfaced with the image of Xiao Hu, the accused young warrior, and the undeniable emotions he'd felt as he defended himself.

Liu San knew he was suffering from an invisible torment. The situation now went far beyond the anxiety of battle. More importantly, he had to choose between two options: continue to conceal something, or let the truth be revealed?

He didn't want Qin Cang to notice his emotions anymore, especially at that moment, when Qin Cang's eyes seemed to see through everything. He lowered his head and whispered, "Captain, it's really okay. It's really just the tension before the battle."

Qin Cang's eyes grew more serious. He didn't press the issue, but instead watched Liu San quietly, observing his every move. Although Liu San seemed to be trying to conceal something, Qin Cang didn't let his guard down. This man clearly had something he wasn't telling him. And this concealment would eventually become a burden to the entire team.

"You know what to do." Qin Cang's tone was intimidating. "No matter what, remember, you are a member of the team. Anything that affects our combat effectiveness must be reported immediately."

Liu San's lips trembled slightly, and in the end, he just lowered his head and didn't respond. Qin Cang didn't say anything more, just turned and looked into the distance, the uneasiness in his heart still lingering.

At this moment, Xiaohu's voice suddenly broke the silence.

"Captain," Xiaohu said slowly, a hint of anxiety in his voice. "The enemy's position seems to have changed. Should we prepare in advance?"

Qin Cang turned to look at Xiao Hu, a flicker of approval in his eyes. Although the young warrior still had a touch of immaturity, his reactions had begun to show maturity and sharpness.

"Did you see it clearly?" Qin Cang asked in a low voice.

Xiaohu nodded, his eyes focused on the distance. "Yes, Captain. It seems that several soldiers on the enemy's right side have begun to change positions. It may be time for us to prepare for the attack."

"Alright." Qin Cang's eyes became sharp. "Let's get ready, everyone. We need to make a quick decision. We need to take advantage of this opening and quickly penetrate. Liu San, you will be responsible for coordinating the flank defense to ensure that we are not surrounded."

Liu San was slightly stunned, but soon nodded. Although his face was a little pale, he still didn't say much and turned around silently to command the team members.

Qin Cang stared at his back, his uneasiness still lingering. Liu San's emotional fluctuations were completely inconsistent with his current judgment. For a veteran, suppressing emotions was normal, especially in this situation, but Liu San's reaction clearly exceeded Qin Cang's expectations. He had a vague feeling that things were not as simple as they seemed.

"Captain." Xiaohu's voice sounded again, interrupting Qin Cang's thoughts, "I heard some movement behind us, it seems someone is approaching us."

Qin Cang snapped back to his senses, a flash of alarm in his eyes. He glanced back in Liu San's direction, alarm bells ringing in his heart. In that brief moment, his intuition told him that Liu San's abnormality might not be accidental, but a sign of some impending danger.

"Stay alert." Qin Cang's voice was low and calm, instantly echoing throughout the camp. He turned back to look at Xiaohu, his eyes flashing with a deep determination. "Xiaohu, stay alert and be ready to respond at any time."

Xiaohu's expression instantly grew serious. He turned abruptly and quickly began directing the other soldiers' tactical arrangements. Despite his youth, the hesitation in his eyes was gone, replaced by the calmness and decisiveness expected of a warrior.

Qin Cang, his gaze fixed once again on Liu San, couldn't help but feel even more suspicious. What was Liu San hiding? Was he feeling uneasy because he feared failure? Or was there something more complex going on behind his back that was weighing on his nerves?

Qin Cang didn't have time to think too much. The enemy's movements were becoming increasingly obvious, and the battle had already begun. He had to put all his doubts aside for the time being and devote himself to the situation at hand.

Qin Cang stood at the edge of the camp, his heart swirling with anxiety and complex emotions. The air around him seemed especially heavy, as if everything was awaiting a decision. He took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes. Each deep breath seemed to briefly allow him to forget the nagging doubts, but the next moment, the anxiety surged back like a tide.

He knew that he was retreating step by step. He had originally thought that he was strong enough to face all challenges calmly, but now, he felt an irresistible retreat.