Chapter 412 - Chapter 412: Chapter 359: Invitation! Do You Have Confidence in Winning?

Chapter 412: Chapter 359: Invitation! Do You Have Confidence in Winning?

Translator: 549690339

Pei Xuanjing!

Now, when Tie Mad hears this name, his heart is filled with mixed emotions.

So many years have passed, but the impression of Pei Xuanjing’s face from their brief skirmishes is still deeply etched in his memory.

As he recalled, their first encounter was just a match in the blessed land within the Forbidden Place of Anping Prefecture. Despite being a well-known prodigy of Northwest Dao, he was effortlessly defeated by his opponent. The shameful retreat even with the help of others led to countless rounds of mockery; it could be said that this was the nadir in Tie Mad’s life.

However, as Pei Xuanjing’s reputation resonated throughout the martial arts sphere overpowering the fame of all other heroes, many people realized that Tie Mad was one of the few rivals Pei Xuanjing had faced who had survived.

Tie Mad had never expected such a swift turn of events. The person who had initially caused him countless ridicule and driven him into a pit, eventually became a highlight in his life, to the point that many people expressed admiration.

This left Tie Mad feeling awkward and uncomfortable, but he was unable to voice his feelings explicitly since he was the one who had actively fled back then.

“An invitation?” Tie Qianshan sounded surprised.

He was fully aware of Pei Xuanjing’s widespread fame, but actually, their paths had hardly crossed.

He perused the invitation with a puzzled look, which cleared up once he understood the meaning behind it. Handing it to Zhao Baiyang next to him, he said, “You must have also received one, but since we’re here, why not have a look.”

Zhao Baiyang took the invitation.

After handing over the invitation, Tie Qianshan looked over to Tie Mad, whose expression was complicated.

Understanding his disciple’s thoughts and dilemmas, he gently consoled him, “Do not dwell too much on the past. Your initial defeat could also be deemed a toughening experience. If it were not for that loss, would you have achieved the Realm you possess today?”

Tie Qianshan had taken on many disciples, but few possessed outstanding abilities. In the beginning, the one he held in highest regard was the disciple who came from the same place as Pei Xuanjing. However, to his dismay, that disciple didn’t survive the chaos in Northwest Dao.

Although Tie Mad initially appeared proud and impatient, he was not exceptional among other disciples. His downward spiral after the defeat in Anping Prefecture reduced him to mediocrity.

However, sometimes, one can never predict the vagaries of fate. The inconspicuous Tie Mad, who had faded into the background, surprisingly stumbled upon a great opportunity in a blessed land after the Heaven and Earth recovery, which served as a turning point in his life. His rapid growth and ascension in strength left others in dust, making him the third disciple of Tie Qianshan to break through to the Second-Class Realm.

Yet it seemed that Pei Xuanjing’s influence on him was too profound. He was still unable to truly let go and move on from his defeat.

“Brother Pei’s talent is peerless, he was able to step into the Spirit Realm even before the recovery of Heaven and Earth. Even if he were hailed as the most talented individual in thousands of years in the Tang Dynasty it wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Losing to such a master is no disgrace.” Zhao Baiyang put down the invitation and chimed in, seeing Tie Qianshan consoling his disciple.

Bursting into laughter, he said, “Think about brother Pei’s journey. Many talents have been defeated by his hands, including the heads of both our sects having to avoid his edge. The fact that you survived his hand is an honor.”

If not for his relationship with Tie Qianshan, Zhao Baiyang wouldn’t have spoken these words.

From his perspective, the young generation of today was simply too weak – they were stuck on some minor setbacks.

In fact, among the many powerhouses of the world, apart from exceptional geniuses like Brother Pei, who could ever claim to have never tasted defeat on their path to success?

Even Zhao Baiyang and Tie Qianshan experienced many setbacks on their way up. There were times when they were so cornered by the enemy that they had nowhere to run, but they persevered!

Tie Mad stayed silent. He understood these concerns very clearly, but there were things that time and understanding simply couldn’t resolve. Years of obsessing over past defeats wasn’t something that could be easily resolved.

“All right, as much as words could help, it is ultimately up to you to let go,” Tie Qianshan sighed and dismissed him. “Go on then!”

“I take my leave, Master!”

Tie Mad bowed to both men before quietly exiting.

“Ah, my disciple is still immature. I apologize for the embarrassment,” Tie Qianshan said apologetically.

Zhao Baiyang waved his hand dismissively, “Young people, they’ll have a better understanding when they see more of the world.”

The same had also happened to his disciple, Yu Yiyao, who looked down on Pei Xuanjing. But after witnessing the great deeds Pei Xuanjing accomplished, she ultimately came to accept reality.

Tie Qianshan chuckled, switching the topic, “You’ve seen the invitation, what do you think of it?”

“What do I think?” Zhao Baiyang responded with a faint smile, “Since we have been invited, we can’t exactly refuse, can we?”

Tie Qianshan nodded, “Correct. The conference this time invites all the famous forces of the world. If missed, I fear we wouldn’t have the face to appear in the martial arts world again.”

In his opinion, this invitation was essentially a challenge letter. Pei Xuanjing must already know about their achievement in reaching the Spirit Realm. His invitation to them was akin to flexing his own prowess, a form of intimidation. If they dared not attend, they would surely be looked down upon by many.

With these thoughts in mind, Tie Qianshan asked Zhao Baiyang, “And how confident are you now?”

“I’m not!” Zhao Baiyang shook his head firmly.

He understood that Tie Qianshan was asking whether he was confident he could engage in a battle with Pei Xuanjing after breaking through to the Spirit Realm.

With a cold smile, he said, “Given Brother Pei’s style of handling affairs, he wouldn’t have dared to invite us if he didn’t have complete confidence to handle any one of us. Besides, nobody would believe that his power has remained unchanged after several years of secluded training.”

It took Pei Xuanjing only a dozen years to go from being a beginner in martial arts to standing at the pinnacle. His outstanding talent is recognized and admired by all.

Can anyone believe that someone who entered Spirit Realm before the recovery of Heaven and Earth had not made any progress in the years following the recovery? It’s ridiculous to consider.

Even from Zhao Baiyang’s point of view, the recovery of the Heaven and Earth wouldn’t have brought greater benefits to any other members of the martial world compared to what it must have brought to Pei Xuanjing.

“Given that the situation is as such, may I know if Brother Tie has made a decision regarding my proposal?” asked Zhao Baiyang earnestly.