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

"Commander, I understand your concerns." Xiaohu's tone softened. "But Liu San isn't someone who can't communicate. Perhaps we can find a way to gradually get him to accept your arrangements without losing his self-respect."

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, his gaze turning to the window. The wind gently ruffled the tent curtains, and the occasional chatter of soldiers outside drifted by. Everything in the camp seemed to flow peacefully, yet Qin Cang's deep anxiety remained undimmed. He knew that if Liu San continued like this, the end result could plunge the entire team into even greater danger.

"Xiao Hu, perhaps you're right." Qin Cang's voice was low and slow. "Liu San is indeed worthy of communication, but I cannot ignore the threat he may pose. I can't let him challenge my orders again. I can't let him think that resistance will be rewarded."

Xiao Hu nodded, fully aware of Qin Cang's concerns. A complex mix of emotions welled up within him. He knew Liu San wasn't a bad person, and in fact, his courage and decisiveness often proved invaluable in critical moments. But at the same time, he also understood that if Liu San's ambitions weren't restrained, they would ultimately become an uncontrolled time bomb.

"I'll continue to observe him, Commander," Xiaohu replied. "But do you need me to talk to him again? Perhaps through more direct communication, I can resolve some of his emotions."

Qin Cang was silent for a moment, his eyes deep, as if he was weighing something. "No, you don't have to talk to him," he finally said, his tone decisive. "If he doesn't want to obey, then let me face him personally. I won't let anyone challenge my authority again, especially Liu San."

Xiaohu frowned slightly upon hearing this. Qin Cang's words were filled with determination. He knew that the commander's tolerance for Liu San had reached its limit. Once this tolerance ceased, it could lead to even more intense conflict.

"I understand, Commander." Xiaohu took a deep breath and nodded silently.

Qin Cang didn't act immediately, choosing instead to wait and see. After a few days of observation, his mood grew increasingly heavy. Whenever Liu San entered the camp, his subtle anxiety and impatience were palpable, like leaves swaying gently in the wind, always sounding a warning at the slightest disturbance.

Qin Cang stood on the wooden platform in front of the tent, his head bowed in thought. A breeze blew in from the valley, carrying a hint of moisture and a fresh earthy scent. It was a seemingly peaceful day, yet Qin Cang's heart was like a raging storm.

"Liu San, this guy, he's definitely not that simple." Qin Cang sighed inwardly. He'd always been a reserved person, but now he felt a new tension. In the past, he'd been accustomed to knowing every team member intimately, watching every action unfold under his nose. He could accurately predict the dynamics of the situation, even see into everyone's heart. But Liu San, always on the edge of his sight, was always quietly bending those rules in the shadows. Like a beast lurking in the shadows, ready to leap out and rip apart all of Qin Cang's plans.

He decided to observe Liu San more closely. Every detail could not be ignored, and any tiny movement could reveal Liu San's true thoughts.

The atmosphere in the camp remained bustling, the soldiers each busy with their own tasks, but Liu San was a constant presence. He was always among the group, moving in and out thoughtfully, occasionally whispering to some of the soldiers. On the surface, he seemed indifferent, but in reality, his eyes always held a hint of provocation and uneasiness.

"What are you doing here?" Qin Cang suddenly spoke, breaking the noise around him. His voice was low but could not be ignored.

Liu San was startled by the question. He turned around immediately, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth rose slightly: "Commander, you go ahead and do your thing. I just want to check the preparations."

Qin Cang's gaze, sharp as a knife, swept across Liu San's face. The familiar evasion and uneasiness made him feel even more uneasy. "Don't forget who you are." Qin Cang's voice remained calm, yet it carried an undeniable pressure. "You are not here to act arbitrarily."

Liu San pretended to be calm and nodded: "Yes, Commander, I understand."

When he left, Qin Cang still stood there, frowning, watching Liu San's back disappear into the depths of the camp. At that moment, Qin Cang's mood did not relax because of Liu San's obedience, but became even heavier.

"There must be something wrong with him." Qin Cang told himself silently in his heart.

He knew Liu San hadn't completely given up on his plan. Although he appeared obedient and submissive, the fire within him continued to burn brightly. That indescribable aura made Qin Cang wary.

At night, the camp was shrouded in darkness, the embers of the fire emitting a faint light, and the air was filled with the aroma of burning wood. The soldiers entered their tents one after another, and the camp returned to a brief tranquility.

Qin Cang didn't rest immediately, but found an opportunity to quietly follow Liu San's footsteps. The darkness concealed his figure, and he approached carefully, hiding behind a large tree. Through the gaps between the branches, he kept his eyes on Liu San's movements.

Liu San seemed oblivious to being followed, continuing to walk nonchalantly along the edge of the camp, occasionally pausing to glance around. Qin Cang's heart tightened. This unusual behavior undoubtedly confirmed Liu San's suspicions. He wasn't simply there to inspect the camp's preparations; he was seeking some more covert contact or action.

"What is he looking for?" Qin Cang pondered silently, his gaze fixed on Liu San like a hawk. Soon, Liu San turned and entered a relatively secluded tent, a place rarely visited. Qin Cang did not act rashly. He kept his distance and continued to wait quietly.

He waited for a long time, and time seemed to pass by very slowly. Liu San finally emerged from the tent, holding something in his hand. Qin Cang, with quick eyes and hands, peeked through the sparse branches. It was a letter, folded very neatly, obviously given to him by someone.

"Who is it?" Qin Cang's heart was shocked. At this moment, he finally confirmed his guess - Liu San did have external connections, and someone was secretly controlling him, or at least influencing his decision-making.

Liu San did not return to the camp directly, but walked to the other side of the camp and entered the depths of the woods. Qin Cang felt a strong sense of unease in his heart. He knew that if he did not take action, Liu San would probably do something more extreme.