As expected, the debate and sparring match in the Western Mortal Realm ended with both sides stopping short of serious injury.
The cultivators had only wanted to learn more about one another, not fight to determine a victor or decide who lived and died. This was the best possible outcome.
After that exchange, the tension between the two sides eased considerably. Lin Qiao and Bai Yu no longer showed open hostility toward each other, and they spoke more often in private.
Even Xu Zheng, who had kept a stern face and said little before, sought out Ming Fang a few days later to discuss what they had learned from their bout.
Amid this newfound harmony, the day arrived for the Five Elements Secret Realm to open.
As honored guests of the Five Directions Immortal Mansion, the Yang Clan cultivators were given the chance to enter the Secret Realms first.
Chen Huai'an at the Lan Shui Immortal Mansion, Yang Yuanling at the Miaomu Immortal Mansion, and Lin Qiao at the Kun Yuan Immortal Mansion had all made their preparations.
Of the two Immortal Estates that remained, Ning Jiu of Meishan would enter the Gold Dao Secret Realm as a New Heaven cultivator, taking charge of exploring its mysteries and carrying out the Immortal Capture Operation.
Chi Tian of Lingxiao Dao Academy, currently the foremost prodigy on the Canglan Righteous Path's Gold Ranking, would conceal his identity and enter the Fire Dao Secret Realm as a disciple of one of the Dao Academy's subordinate sects.
These five young cultivators, directly appointed by the New Heaven Project's leadership, would lead the operations within the Five Directions Secret Realm. The New Heaven cultivators from the Demon Soil would have to make secret contact with them inside the Secret Realms and quietly assist them.
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