Hard styles, "From external to internal"
Soft styles, "From internal to external"
When we are young and full of hard energy, hard styles are more appropriate. But, when we age and lose muscle strength, then internal styles become more realistic than external styles. I see no conflict, just compliment. The people I train with who do both Taijiquan and Shaolin Gongfu, say that the Shaolin styles are easier and less frustrating, but that they get more fulfilment out of Taijiquan.
I only do Taijiquan, but at 34, I wonder if I could learn White Crane - I feel that Long Fist is beyond me now. White Crane knows how to fight close-up, where Taijiquan is effectively sealed when you cannot maintain your Peng.
They're all Kung Fu, by the way.