Besides, with Lord Kunpeng's cold and distant temperament, there was no chance he would travel a thousand miles just to avenge them and stand up for them.
After working together for many years, Ice Peng had long since grasped Kunpeng's disposition.
He also understood his own weight in the other man's heart:
he might count as a trusted confidant, but he was far from irreplaceable.
Should the situation change, Kunpeng would very likely discard this chess piece without hesitation, and instead cultivate a new general who was more convenient to use and more loyal.
To Kunpeng, such a move would be effortless, without the slightest burden.
The Northern Darkness Deep Sea would remain as vast and boundless as ever, while he, Ice Peng, would vanish into smoke and dust, leaving not a trace behind.
Since there was already no road left to retreat upon, why bind his own hands and feet and shut the door on a path to survival?
"Good! You truly understand the bigger picture and know when to advance or retreat! Since that is so, from this day forth, you, I, and all these brothers are one family. Let us return to Blazing Sun Island together—my Big Brother is waiting for this news."
Seeing Ice Peng bow his head in obedience, his heart wholly won over, Eastern Emperor Taiyi's smile was sincere, his gaze open and frank, without the slightest pretense or probing.
His heart, too, was filled with boundless delight.
Though he was bold by nature and unconcerned with trivial details, as one of the two Demon Emperors of the ancient Demon Race Heavenly Court, he had weathered countless storms and seen no fewer than tens of thousands of people.
Who had submitted sincerely and who merely feigned obedience—he could see through them at a glance.