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

The soldiers' whispers gradually faded within the tents, replaced by the sound of the wind, a low, ominous omen that disturbed the tranquility. Qin Cang remained seated at the tent's desk, his pen tracing minute lines on the map, his gaze occasionally drifting outside. His brow furrowed slightly, evidently troubled not by the battlefield's complex terrain but by another issue—Liu San.

Over the past few days, Qin Cang had tried to keep his contact with Liu San to a minimum. He knew that if he continued to interact with him, Liu San might resent him, which was far less effective than maintaining a proper distance and observing him calmly. His observations over the past few days had indeed made Qin Cang increasingly convinced that Liu San still hadn't completely shaken off his inner turmoil.

Qin Cang knew that Liu San's impulsiveness wasn't just a mistake; it reflected a deep-seated unease and discontent. He sensed Liu San's hesitation in action, his indecisiveness in issuing orders. While Liu San maintained his stern demeanor and often engaged in discussions with a passionate gaze, Qin Cang knew it was all just a facade.

"If he keeps going like this, he'll explode sooner or later," Qin Cang muttered to himself, his tone tinged with worry. He put down his pen, stood up, and walked to the tent window. He peered through the curtains into the distance. The lights of the camp flickered in the night sky, like countless turbulent heartbeats.

Liu San's inner struggles were clearly more complex than Qin Cang had imagined. Qin Cang had fought countless battles and witnessed countless warriors' reactions under pressure. He knew Liu San wasn't incapable, but rather hampered by inner turmoil. Calmness and rationality on the battlefield often had to be found by a person at a crucial moment. And Liu San, right now, clearly hadn't completely let go of his inner burdens.

"We can't delay this any longer," Qin Cang whispered, his expression growing increasingly grim. Liu San's emotions had already exceeded his tolerance, and if he didn't take action soon, Liu San's emotional collapse would not only harm himself but also threaten the safety of the entire team. He was determined to make a decision quickly.

At this moment, the tent curtain was lifted again, and Xiaohu walked in silently, his eyes deep and with a hint of silence that he had never seen before. Qin Cang looked at him, a questioning look in his eyes.

"Xiao Hu, what's the situation?" Qin Cang's tone was low and calm, as if he already knew the answer, but still hoped to get confirmation from Xiao Hu.

Xiaohu sighed softly and whispered, "Sir, Liu San's emotions are still unstable. Although he appears to have regained some composure on the surface, I can sense his inner struggle and unwillingness. Especially when it comes to mission arrangements, he seems to be starting to show some hesitation."

"Continue to observe his actions. Remember, don't expose yourself." Qin Cang's eyes narrowed, his tone remained calm, but his worry was obvious. "His current mental state is more dangerous than any enemy on the battlefield."

Xiaohu nodded. After a moment's silence, his voice rang out again, "Sir, Liu San seems to be... questioning the direction of the team. He expressed a slight dislike for your orders, but he hid it well on the surface. However, you know, he's not the type to hide his emotions easily."

Qin Cang's brow furrowed, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. Liu San's reaction wasn't simply rebellion, but rather dissatisfaction with his situation, and even doubts about the current strategy. While he didn't dare directly disobey orders, his doubts grew stronger. These accumulated emotions would eventually become the fuse for an explosion.

"Xiao Hu, do you understand what I mean?" Qin Cang's eyes became sharper, revealing a determination that could not be ignored. "If Liu San continues like this, sooner or later he will make an unpredictable decision on the battlefield."

"Understood." Xiao Hu nodded, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. He knew very well that Qin Cang was not someone who made decisions lightly. If Qin Cang was determined to take action, it would mean that Liu San was no longer the warrior he could trust.

"I will try my best not to reveal my whereabouts, but I will also be ready to take measures at any time." There was a hint of helplessness in Xiaohu's voice, but also a certain unshakable determination.

Qin Cang nodded slowly, looking into Xiaohu's eyes. A subtle pang of pain suddenly welled up in his heart. He knew Liu San, knew this man's past glory and dreams, and knew the stubbornness deep within him that refused to admit defeat or surrender. And now, Liu San was caught in his own psychological warfare. Qin Cang had to make a decision quickly. Otherwise, when Liu San's emotions erupted, it could bring a fatal crisis to the entire team.

"If he makes any extreme decision... I will stop him myself." Qin Cang's voice sounded coldly, like a heavy hammer, hitting Xiaohu's heart.

Xiao Hu was silent for a moment, and finally replied in a low voice: "I understand, sir." He turned to leave, but suddenly stopped and looked at Qin Cang, "Sir, are you really determined to do this?"

Qin Cang didn't answer directly. Instead, he gazed out at the night sky outside the tent, his eyes deep, as if piercing the darkness and gazing into the unreachable distance. After a long pause, he spoke softly, his tone still calm, yet tinged with a hint of helplessness: "Sometimes, as a commander, I can't just be a friend or a comrade. I must make the most ruthless decisions for the greater good."

Xiaohu stood there, his heart swirling with complex emotions. He knew that Qin Cang's words concealed countless pain and struggles. But he also understood that as a commander, Qin Cang had no choice. The overall interests of the army and victory in battle were the only things he could rely on. On the battlefield, human relationships and friendships often seemed so fragile, even a luxury.

"I'll try my best." Xiaohu responded in a low voice, turned around and disappeared into the night outside the tent.

Qin Cang stood still, his gaze like a knife, piercing the restless night. He knew that every step forward would be filled with danger and uncertainty, and Liu San was still this dangerous unknown.

"If he can't let go of the past, perhaps he is destined not to make it to the end of this battle." Qin Cang thought to himself, with a cold determination flashing in his eyes.

The night was already drawing to a close, and the camp was completely silent. The only sound was the wind, mingled with a few scattered whispers. Qin Cang sat at the table, his eyes deep, his fingertips tapping lightly on the surface, as if pondering some important decision.