The strength of the Tengu Clan was similar to that of the Oni, roughly around B-Rank.

The excellent ones could formally enter B-Rank.

Some with poorer aptitudes could also maintain their magicules at 5000+, which is a B-Rank level.

As for the strong individuals within the Tengu Clan, there were also dozens of them who were A-Rank or higher.

Overall, the combat power of the Tengu Clan was far superior to that of the former Oni.

If one also considered Momiji, the daughter Kaede had nurtured for three hundred years, who combined the bloodlines of the Oni and the Tengu Clan, her strength was Special A-Rank, close to a Demon Lord Seed.

With dozens of A-Rank strong individuals, such strength had already reached the limit that the current Great Jura Forest could accommodate.

The reasons they did not participate in the forest's struggle for dominance were twofold, first, the Tengu Clan's arrogant nature disdained competing for territory with the monsters from the lowlands.

Additionally, they faced a threat from the east, the Country of Frey, one of the Ten Great Demon Lords.

The Tengu Clan and the Harpy Clan, due to their similar ecological niches, had been in constant conflict over the years.

In their engagements, the Tengu Clan was often at a disadvantage.

Because of this, the Tengu were forced to live in seclusion in the mountains, using an interdimensional barrier to evade Frey's prying eyes.

"Father."

Momiji asked, "You said that Rin, that Lord, is truly willing to take on our conflict with the Harpy Queendom?"

"This, this old man cannot say for sure."

Hakurou felt that Rin certainly wouldn't care about these things.

But he couldn't make decisions for Rin.

Even if the person opposite him was his own biological daughter, and the Elder of the Tengu Clan was his beloved wife, Hakurou, as an old man of his age, understood the issue of position very clearly.

"Alright, Momiji." Kaede interjected.

"Don't make things difficult for your father."

"Yes..."

Momiji's mood was a bit low.

Too many things had happened in the past few days.

First, she met her biological father, and then she was defeated in a fair duel with Benimaru.

Her father and mother had already reached an agreement.

Momiji would lead the Tengu Clan to submit to Rin and become his subjects.

Alliance and submission are two completely different concepts.

Kaede knew that such a decision would inevitably bring a considerable impact to the Tengu Clan.

Some strong-willed Tengu could not accept such a decision.

Hakurou and Benimaru stated in their reply to Rin that Kaede and Momiji had differing opinions.

But the actual situation was not like that.

Momiji and Kaede were actually both on Rin's side.

The reason it developed into two dissenting factions was mainly the result of the Hawk Faction Tengu's coercion.

Momiji had no choice but to step forward and appease the Hawk Faction Tengu.

This led to the current situation. Read full story at NoveIꜰire.net

"Rest assured, Momiji."

Hakurou held his wife's hand and said calmly, "Our Lord's magnanimity is beyond our imagination."

"The only thing we need to do is maintain a humble attitude and leave a good impression on him."

The Tengu Clan is numerous, and their hearts cannot entirely lean towards Kaede and Momiji.

The mother and daughter had already selected their factions and clansmen.

This included most of the ordinary Tengu Clan, leaving only the old guys representing the Hawk Faction and the young people they had brainwashed.

Hakurou cared about his wife and daughter.

And Rin also gave his assurance that he would treat them kindly, as well as the Tengu Clan who were willing to follow him.

'This is enough.'

Hakurou would not think of speaking for the Tengu and saving the entire clan.

If he did that, Hakurou would look down on himself.

Eating Rin's food, enjoying Rin's benefits, yet because of his wife and daughter, he would take on the responsibility of the Tengu Clan.

Given Rin's character, if a conflict between the Monster Nation and the Tengu were to arise, he would immediately take Kaede, Momiji, and their direct kin away.

As for the rest, whether they lived or died, what did it have to do with him?

"You've troubled yourself."

"Not at all, it is I who owe you too much."

Hakurou and Kaede looked at each other, their affectionate gazes making Momiji very uncomfortable.

"I, I'll go out first."

Momiji couldn't bear it and had to excuse herself.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Benimaru waiting in the corridor.

"Yo!"

Benimaru had already received Rin's reply, he was coming here and wanted Benimaru to set up a teleportation anchor point first.

"Is that Lord preparing to come directly?"

Hearing Rin's decision, Momiji was startled, not expecting him to be so decisive.

"Well, that's my Lord."

Benimaru was a devoted fan of Rin, greatly admiring him. "Only when you experience it yourself will you understand how benevolent and powerful he is."

"I hope it's as you say."

Momiji said, "Come with me. The spatial teleportation point cannot be set up inside the hidden village, the Tengu will not agree."

Benimaru narrowed his eyes, he had a good impression of Momiji and Kaede.

As for the other Tengu, Benimaru could only say that they truly lived up to their reputation as an arrogant clan.

Just like now, as the two walked along the path leading out of the village, some ill-intentioned gazes constantly swept over Benimaru.

Those Hawk Faction Tengu hiding in the shadows grew increasingly brazen.

Benimaru had been restraining himself, if it were Shion, there would probably have been a bloodbath already.

"Benimaru, you've worked hard."

"You too."

Benimaru: "It must be tough having to bear the responsibility of a mountain god at such a young age, right?"

"Actually, it's not so bad..."

Being cared for like this, Momiji lowered her head slightly, a blush appearing on her face.

'This child...'

Benimaru thought to himself, 'She's indeed quite cute.'

Although Benimaru was somewhat resistant to the idea of an arranged marriage, he knew he couldn't be willful for Rin's cause.

Of course, this didn't mean Benimaru disliked Momiji.

He just didn't know how to get along with girls.

In other words, this guy was actually a bit afraid of women, the type who would definitely become a henpecked husband after marriage.

This was also an old tradition in the Benimaru family.

In their family, the true decision-maker was never Akano, but Shuna.

Once the younger sister gets angry, both father and son become more timid than the other.

Fortunately, Benimaru didn't think Momiji was that kind of girl.

(To be continued.)

***

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