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

Just as they approached the edge of the woods, a figure suddenly appeared in their sight. It was a young man, nimble and quick as the wind, who quickly disappeared into the darkness, as if he were part of the night.

"He... he is looking at us." Liu San's voice was a little low, and his eyes were staring at the figure sharply.

A cold light flashed in Qin Cang's eyes, "He knows that we know."

"What should we do?" Liu San gripped the hilt of the knife tightly, ready to chase after him.

Qin Cang's eyes didn't waver at all, and he said softly, "Follow me."

However, Liu San knew that Qin Cang's composure wasn't ruthlessness; it was his way. Behind every choice, there was a carefully considered judgment. That composure, which allowed him to remain grounded in desperate situations, was the key to their survival through countless life-or-death moments. But at this moment, Liu San still couldn't fully let go, his mind flooded with memories of Xiao Hu.

He and Xiaohu had fought side by side countless times, their coordination in battle almost beyond words. Yet, now, the young man who had once blocked swords and arrows for him had become the source of betrayal. Whenever Liu San thought of this, a cold tremor ran through his heart, as if his heart were being squeezed.

"Do you think Xiaohu really betrayed us?" Liu San suddenly spoke, breaking the tense silence.

Qin Cang's steps didn't stop for a moment, he continued to move forward without a word. Liu San was a little anxious, trying to find a clue from Qin Cang's reaction, but he only saw his eyes that were always as calm as ice.

"You didn't give me an answer." Liu San's voice gradually became a little impatient. "Do you think he... did something wrong, or..."

"Do you think Xiaohu betrayed you, and does that really mean he betrayed you?" Qin Cang suddenly turned his head, his eyes sharp, as if he could directly penetrate Liu San's heart.

Liu San was stunned, his heart pounding. He had never expected Qin Cang to ask him such a question.

"Betrayal and loyalty are often not defined by others." Qin Cang's voice sounded coldly, as if echoing in the air, with an unquestionable firmness. "Everyone's position is different, and their enemies and friends will also have different appearances."

Liu San's thoughts froze for a moment. He didn't answer, but silently followed Qin Cang forward. Qin Cang's words deeply touched him. Was his trust in Xiao Hu really so fragile? An indescribable anxiety surged in his heart again.

Suddenly, Qin Cang stopped and whispered to Liu San, "Wait a moment, I'll go outside and take a look."

"What are you looking at?" Liu San frowned slightly, unable to hide the doubts in his heart.

"See if there's any firewood outside." Qin Cang's tone was without hesitation. "We can't just stay here quietly like this forever. Tomorrow's action requires more preparation, and firewood is essential."

"Firewood?" Liu San's brows tightened involuntarily. "Why are you saying this? What we need most now is intelligence, not firewood."

Qin Cang turned around, his eyes still gleaming with calmness. "You don't have to go, but sometimes, details are the key to success or failure. We may be hiding safely in these woods, but I know that the enemy has begun searching for our location. Our goal, in addition to intelligence, is to survive."

Liu San's heart trembled. He understood what Qin Cang meant. Although they were now deep within enemy territory, the enemy didn't fully grasp their location. In the darkness of the night, their hiding place should have been safe, but Qin Cang's foresight told him that the enemy had already approached silently.

"I understand," Liu San whispered, the invisible burden in his heart suddenly becoming heavier. He then looked around, vigilantly observing every detail. Deep in the woods, there was a silence, and the chill in the air grew thicker, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Qin Cang nodded, then turned and disappeared into the darkness. Liu San didn't immediately follow him, but paused for a moment, trying to calm himself. He knew he had to be even more cautious. At this moment, every decision was a matter of life and death, and every choice could affect the next move.

A moment later, Qin Cang reappeared in Liu San's sight, clutching a few dry branches. Liu San looked at him and couldn't help but sigh. Qin Cang's eyes were calm and focused, as if he was born with the ability to make the most appropriate decision in the most dangerous moments. He knew that no matter what decision this man made, he would not tolerate any hesitation or retreat.

"Go back." Qin Cang's voice was low, but it carried an irresistible force.

Liu San nodded, followed Qin Cang's steps, and continued to walk back. Countless questions still surged in his mind, but he knew that these questions could not affect him at this moment.

Returning to his spot, Qin Cang casually dropped the dead branch he was holding onto the ground and scanned the surrounding camp. A flicker of alarm flashed across his eyes, and Liu San followed suit. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, as if a storm was brewing.

"We have to make a decision quickly." Qin Cang suddenly spoke, his tone becoming serious. "The enemy has already set up a siege on the periphery. We don't have much time left."

Liu San nodded slightly, biting his lower lip nervously. At this moment, he was no longer simply worried about whether the enemy would discover their tracks, but began to wonder if they could escape the enemy's encirclement. He looked at Qin Cang, his eyes filled with doubt and anxiety, but he didn't say anything else.

"If we are surrounded, our only option is to break out." Qin Cang's words once again broke Liu San's silence, "But to break out, we must be fully prepared."

"Prepare?" Liu San's voice was a little anxious. "What can we prepare?"

"First," Qin Cang's eyes became sharper, "we need to find the enemy's command center, grasp their movements, and find their weaknesses."

Liu San lowered his head in thought. The enemy's command center was indeed the key to their ability to reverse the situation, but finding it was a huge challenge. They had little intelligence, and the betrayal of the traitor Xiaohu seemed to make everything even more confusing.

"If it's Xiaohu..." Liu San whispered, an indescribable emotion surging in his heart, "If he really is the enemy's pawn, then... where is he now? Will he help us?"

"Do you think he can?" Qin Cang asked back coldly, with a deep light flashing in his eyes.

"Is Xiaohu asleep?" Qin Cang's voice suddenly broke the silence, low and calm.