In Meng Zhao's view, He Wuji was an exceptionally detached man. Though there was affection among the Five Holy Emissaries, trying to use that as a breakthrough to threaten him would likely backfire.
Of course, setting other factors aside, whether it was Si Peng, Xiang Qing, or even Su Hongtu, who had already been plotted against, all were exceedingly rare talents, outstanding figures. Without Commander Bai, they surely could have achieved something of their own instead of merely becoming chess pieces, helplessly manipulated by others.
Xiang Qing sighed. His opponent truly was formidable, seeing straight through the crux of the matter at once. "Si Peng, you and I have been friends for many years. I truly cannot bear to watch you keep straying down the wrong path. Commander Bai is heaven-blessed in talent, unrivaled in martial arts, and astonishing in strategy. You have never escaped his control, and Su Hongtu is no different. If you continue being willful and insist on opposing Commander Bai, you will only bring about your own destruction. Today, Su Hongtu crossed the limits of Commander Bai's tolerance, which was why this calamity befell him. If you remain stubborn and refuse to change, you will meet the same end someday."
Xiang Qing was fairly considerate. Though, on the surface, he had already defeated Si Peng completely, he did not kick a man when he was down. Instead, he patiently tried to persuade him, hoping the other man could turn back.
He naturally understood that once certain relationships had deteriorated, restoring them was simply impossible. Likewise, he and Si Peng would never return to those carefree days of focusing single-mindedly on martial arts.
Yet he had to do this, because he needed to consider the bigger picture and recognize the greater good. He could not invite trouble.