"Haha, well said, Sect Leader Gu. For the sake of peace in the martial world, we at Mount Song have spent years working to unite everyone against the Demonic Cult.
"But my influence is limited. Even now, our efforts have borne little fruit." Zuo Lengchan laughed, his words carrying a barb.
He was plainly referring to how every sect in the Five Mountains had opposed his bid to merge them.
"Martial Uncle Zuo is quite right. I'm sure future generations won't forget his achievements.
"That's why I firmly believe that, under Martial Uncle Zuo's leadership, all our sects in the Five Mountains can stand together as one."
Gu Hui put particular emphasis on "all our sects." Everyone present was sharp enough to understand.
He, too, was opposing the merger and pushing back against Zuo Lengchan's claim that it was necessary to fight the Demonic Cult.
His words carried another message as well: Mount Hua had no intention of competing for the alliance leadership.
He was no ordinary young man. From the moment they met Sect Leader Gu that day, the elders of the Five Mountains sects and the heroes of the martial world had seen that his wisdom far surpassed his years. The student had outdone the master.
As for his martial arts, they assumed that, talented as he might be, reaching the First-Class level at his age would be the limit.
A First-Class Martial Artist was more than qualified to lead any sect in the Five Mountains.
The current sect leaders were all First-Class Martial Artists themselves. The only difference was how far each had progressed.
"Haha, well said, Sect Leader Gu. I couldn't agree more," said Heaven's Gate. Of everyone on Mount Tai, he was the most blunt.
"Haha, Young Hero Gu—no, I should call you Sect Leader