The system is the proficiency panel

The room fell into a brief silence. Xiao Ningxue keenly noticed the slight trembling of Elvis' fingertips, while Daoyan observed the changes in the elf wizard's expression thoughtfully.

Lin Ji did not urge him, but just waited quietly. His eyes were calm and firm, showing his unshakable determination.

Elvis took a deep breath, as if he was having a fierce ideological struggle in his heart. Finally, he raised his head, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes.

"There is a way."

Elvis' voice deepened.

"There is a piece of territory at the border between the Eternal Glory Forest and the Dust Throne..."

He paused, his fingers drawing a vague boundary line on the table.

"There are signs of being eroded by corrupted ancient trees, but because it is located at the border and the geographical location is not good, both humans and elves want the other party to help solve the problem, resulting in a state of chaos there."

Elvis frowned and continued.

"The official forces are unwilling to intervene, and whenever there is a problem, they hire adventurers to solve it. Over time, it has even become a hotbed for various cults."

He raised his head and looked directly into Lin Ji's eyes.

"If you want this kind of place, it can be obtained relatively easily."

A gleam of light flashed in Lin Ji's eyes, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Where is the exact location? How big is the area?"

Elvis waved his hand and summoned a magical projection, showing an area marked in dark red.

"The area is about one-fourth of the Elf Forest. It used to be the border between the forest and the desert, but now it has become a no-man's land."

Xiao Ningxue looked at the projection carefully and suddenly pointed at one place and asked.

"What are these black marks?"

"Corrupted ancient tree's roots."

Elvis' voice grew solemn.

"They will pollute the land and all living things. What's more troublesome is that there are some evil cults that worship demons entrenched there."

Yun Shitian grinned.

"That sounds exciting!"

Daoyan seemed more cautious.

"This kind of place... it would probably take a lot of manpower and time to clean it up."

Lin Ji pondered for a moment and suddenly asked.

"If I can solve these problems, will the elves and humans recognize my ownership of that land?"

Elvis was visibly stunned for a moment, then began to think seriously.

"According to tradition... there is indeed such a precedent. If someone can clear and protect an unowned land, they can obtain legal rights. However..."

He hesitated.

"It needs to be approved by the local lord or city owner. In that area, theoretically, it needs to be approved by both the Elven Elders Council and the Human City-State Alliance."

Lin Ji's mouth corners slightly raised.

"Sounds like a fun challenge."

Xiao Ningxue echoed softly.

"Now that we are here, we can't just stay here for a while. We must have our own territory."

Feng Tian snorted coldly.

"Count me in on the fight."

Pu Jianxing, who had been quietly enjoying the food, also spoke.

“There is a real need for a territory to develop.”

Elvis looked at this group of alien visitors with surprise and admiration. He originally thought that they would retreat in the face of difficulties, but unexpectedly, it aroused their fighting spirit.

Looking at the confident expressions of the crowd, his worries were slightly relieved, and he spoke after pondering for a moment.

"If you really decide to take this land, I can introduce you to the Council of Elders. But before that, you need to prove your strength."

Lin Ji smiled slightly.

"How to prove it?"

"A mission accomplished."

Elvis said.

"For example, clear out the corrupted ancient trees in an area, or wipe out the evil cult entrenched there. Only in this way will the elders recognize your abilities."

Lin Ji nodded.

"That makes sense. You can arrange the details of the mission."

Elvis smiled gratefully.

"Thank you for your understanding, Lin Ji. I will take you to see the elders tomorrow morning."

The atmosphere of the dinner became lively again. Yun Shitian asked about the customs and practices of Aetheris with great interest, and Elvis answered patiently; Xiao Ningxue and Daoyan discussed the characteristics of the corrupted ancient trees in a low voice; Pu Jianxing tasted wine alone, occasionally looking at the night sky outside the window.

Lin Ji sat quietly, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. This corrupted land might be their first step to gain a foothold in Aetheris.

……

The midday sun shines through the gaps in the treetops, casting mottled shadows in the Elf Forest.

Elvis walked in the front, his long silver hair glowing softly in the sun. Lin Ji followed behind him, his eyes sweeping around - the elves shuttled lightly between the vines and the tree houses, occasionally casting curious glances, but quickly looking away, appearing both polite and restrained.

"The elves have a unique understanding of time."

Elvis explained as he walked.

"At noon, the energy of the light core is the most abundant. It is the best time to discuss important matters."

Pu Jianxing followed silently at the end, the long sword on his back trembling slightly as he walked, making a subtle humming sound. His sharp eyes kept scanning the surrounding environment, assessing the city's defense system.

The three of them came to the Morning Dew Tower, which was so tall that it reached the sky. In front of the tower stood two elf guards in silver armor, their armor was engraved with intricate runes, and it shimmered in the sun.

"Lord Elvis."

The guards saluted respectfully and looked at Lin Ji and Pu Jianxing with curiosity.

"These two are my distinguished guests. They have important matters to discuss with Elder Seranville."

Elvis said gently.

The guards looked at each other, and one of them took out a crystal and shone it on Lin Ji and Pu Jianxing. The crystal glowed with a faint green light, and the guard nodded and let them pass.

"Please forgive me, this is a necessary procedure."

Elvis explained apologetically.

Lin Ji nodded slightly, but was secretly alert in his heart - the crystal obviously had the function of detecting evil aura. It seemed that the elves were extremely sensitive to corrupt forces.

Entering the tower, the spiral staircase winds upward. The tower wall is made of some kind of translucent material, and when the sunlight passes through, it refracts a colorful halo, just like walking in a crystal palace. At intervals, there are lifelike magic portraits hanging on the wall, and the elves in the paintings are either singing or casting spells, as if they will walk out of the paintings at any time.

"These are portraits of legendary wizards from past dynasties."

Elvis proudly introduced.

"Each of them has made outstanding contributions to the elves."

Pu Jianxing's gaze lingered on a portrait - the elf in the painting was holding a staff, with a burning forest behind him, and a resolute look in his eyes.

"That's Lord Arthas."

Elvis' voice deepened.

"Three hundred years ago, he single-handedly resisted an army of demons and bought time for his people to retreat."

Lin Ji was in awe. No matter which world they were in, the spirit of the guardians was always the same.

As the altitude rose, the concentration of magic power in the air gradually increased. Lin Ji could feel the spiritual power in his body becoming active, as if a long drought had finally brought a downpour. Pu Jianxing also narrowed his eyes slightly, obviously noticing this change.