Peng Ak, polite by nature, greeted Hyun Jong and then slowly turned to face Tang Gunak.
Hope you have been well, Lord Tang.
Tang Gunak nodded slightly.
Since the Hubei Peng family and the Sichuan Tang family both belonged to the Five Great Families, there was bound to be friction. So, Tang Gunak knew the man, Peng Ak.
I think it feels different from when I met you in Sichuan Tang,
Is that so?
It meant that the Sichuan Tang, which actually belonged to the Five Great Families, had decided to come here without any consultation with the others. But Tang Gunak ignored Peng Aks words.
The eyes of Peng Ak shone darkly at those words.
I have no idea what you are thinking.
He had felt it before, but the nature of Tang Gunak wasnt easy to deal with.
Firstly
At that moment, Hyun Jong was the first to speak.
I know you came first, but I do appreciate you giving up your time.
No, sect leader.
Peng Ak shook his head.
That is because we have a lot to share, so do not worry about that.
Have a lot to share
Hyun Jong smiled.
He had met a few of those who came to represent the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families. Still, most of them only offered light congratulations and didnt reveal their true feelings.
It is my pleasure.
Well, I dont know. I wonder if this is something he would be willing to go ahead with.
Peng Ak smiled and turned to Tang Gunak.
Having a blind eye is a nice thing. It might be a breath of fresh air for Kangho, too, which has been so stuck with the nine sects and five families.
Tang Gunak looked at Peng Ak in silence.
But I dont think that Lord Tang doesnt know the impact this will have.
Peng Aks gaze was firm.
The head of the Hubei Peng family is also expressing great concern about the movements of the Tang family. No matter what the Lords intentions are, wouldnt it be perceived from the outside as the Tang family distancing themselves from the Five Great Families and aligning with the Heavenly Friends Alliance?
Tang Gunak had a light smile on his lips.
It doesnt have to seem like that.
uh?
Peng Ak couldnt hide his shocked expression at this.
Are you being serious?
The Lord isnt an amazing person, but I sure know that I am not one to lie.
Peng Aks eyes narrowed at this.
So, are you declaring that the Sichuan Tang family is stepping back from the Five Great Families?
I will declare it if I have to.
Tang Gunak maintained a calm gaze, his eyes seeming to pierce through the body.
Peng Aks face stiffened at that. If anyone other than Tang Gunak had said it, he would have shouted at them right then.
The position of the Sichuan Tang family and the dignity of the man called Tang Gunak was so high that he couldnt act rashly.
Hyun Jong, who was observing all this, quietly pushed the teacup towards the man.
This is Yunnan tea. It will not be a bad thing for you to start controlling your mind.
Peng Ak chewed his lip and looked at the teacup. Gazing at the steaming tea, he bowed lightly.
I apologize for getting swayed there.
Hyun Jong smiled.
Who can blame you for being concerned about your family? It is alright.
Tang Gunak was trying to overwhelm him, and Hyun Jong was trying to ease him.
Peng Ak sighed. Even though he, an elder of the Peng family, was at a loss with this Alliance, he didnt have a tough time understanding how the small and medium sects were feeling.
This is not normal.
The Peng family was aware of the Heavenly Friends Alliance from the beginning. However, they didnt pay much attention to it because they believed it wouldnt pose a threat to the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families.
If the Alliance were to fail, the Tang familys status among the Five Great Families would also decline, making it easier for the Peng family to benefit.
I once again congratulate you on this new start. Our family will stay here until the ceremony comes to an end and greet you once again when leaving.
Then, it would be most nice. Please also express my gratitude to the Peng family for gracing us with your presence.
Definitely.
Peng Ak stood up and headed out. Still, he looked back before closing the door with a bit of regret.
Hyun Jong was it
Tang Gunak was strong. He was a person who didnt need much to be told.
Of course, strength was good, being strong was good because Kangho was where the strong ruled. However, the problem was that Tang Gunak wasnt only strong but also had a strong nature.
Those who were recklessly strong tended to cause chaos. If the leader of the Heavenly Friends Alliance were Tang Gunak, then Peng Ak wouldnt worry about the existence of the Heavenly Friends Alliance.
He was an unprecedented individual who completely dominated. He revived a family related by blood, but he wasnt someone who could unite those with differing interests.
But
Mount Hua if it is Mount Hua.
Hyun Jong was different.
Even though Peng Ak initially spat out quite sharp words, Hyun Jong never once lost his gentleness and calmness.
A person who had developed great strength and ascended to the position of leader naturally needed to be strong. Even if one wasnt like that daily, they would quickly become accustomed to flattery and praise from those around them and would listen to even minor criticisms with anger.
What if Tang Gunak suppressed other sects by force, and Hyun Jong managed to coax and lead them?
Maybe the full potential of the Heavenly Friends Alliance isnt even realized yet.
Peng Ak sighed and then walked away.
I guess I need to speak to the lord about this.
Hyun Jong and Tang Gunak, who were left in the room, looked at each other.
I am sure it isnt just the Peng family alone.
Tang Gunak nodded.
I think so too, sect leader. Although not everyone speaks out, there are probably less than three-tenths of those who came here genuinely welcoming the Alliance. If we limit ourselves to those who are considered prestigious, then it wouldnt be a good job.
Haha. I have work to do. All this makes me realize what a rough path we have chosen.
It wasnt an easy thing. Because this was a rebellion against the actual order the world was running on.
Nevertheless, many came.
That means we cannot ignore this, even if we dont want to think about it.
Tang Gunak had a bitter smile.
Now, all we have to do is show them that the Heavenly Friends Alliance is a more formidable place than they thought. This initiation ceremony is for that purpose.
I know very well what you mean, Lord Tang. But I still do not get it. Am I capable of taking on such a responsibility?
If the sect leader isnt in charge, no one can become the leader.
.
Even if we put everything aside.
Tang Gunak looked at the door with a confused look.
If the sect leader were to step down from that position, wouldnt there be one person out there who could chase you with both the sword and their mouth not stopping?
I would be lucky if a knife found its way to me.
The two people laughed and looked at each other.
Sect leader.
Yes, Lord Tang.
Like you said, this is something that needs to be done.
.
I believe in the sect leader and in Mount Hua, so, Mount Hua, please trust our Tang family.
Hyun Jong smiled softly at Tang Gunaks serious words.
Who would I not trust if not the Tang family? We request your continued support.
The two people lightly held hands.
And then.
Chang!
Suddenly, there was a loud noise, which made both of them turn their eyes to the ceiling.
Yah, you bastard! I told you not to climb onto the roof of the sect leaders residence!
Ah, why nag now!
Come here! Come down here!? Ack, damn it!
A lot of things were happening.
The two people thought that perhaps the biggest enemy for the Heavenly Friends Alliance wasnt the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Families.