The system is the proficiency panel

As soon as Yu Shui finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense. The three True Lords had different expressions, their brows slightly furrowed, and they were clearly concerned about this proposal.

Bai Hongyin's face darkened, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes—a dignified Yuanying Zhenjun actually had to wait for a junior to come back to discuss matters? But when he thought of the Star Liquid that Lin Ji had contributed, he suppressed his dissatisfaction, snorted coldly, and turned away.

Ding Peng and Geng Qing exchanged a complex glance. They both recalled Lin Ji's act of sharing the Trial Tower and Star Fluid. That selflessness was truly moving.

"Well, let's just follow what Yu Shui said."

Bai Hong was the first to speak, and although his tone was cold, it had softened a lot.

"Anyway."

Geng Qing spoke in a low voice, with a hint of emotion in his eyes.

"Lin Ji shared the Star Liquid with us, and we are indeed indebted to him."

Hearing this, Yu Shui raised the corners of his lips slightly, his green shirt fluttered gently like water, and his eyes were as gentle as the spring breeze.

"That kid has always been sensible. Even though the Star Fluid is so precious, he offered it without hesitation, just in exchange for a promise to restrict exploration of the Abyss."

Bai Hong's stern expression relaxed a little and he nodded slightly.

"Indeed. His previous request is insignificant compared to the Star Liquid."

Ding Peng sighed softly, his long beard drooping, and a hint of approval appeared in his eyes.

"In that case, let's select the right person first and then finalize the details after Lin Ji returns."

The four of them reached a consensus, and the spiritual lamps in the room seemed to sense the easing of the atmosphere, radiating even brighter light. In the interplay of light and shadow, the figures of the four Yuanying Zhenjun cast long shadows on the stone wall, as if silently conveying the weight of this decision.

After a moment's silence, Yu Shui suddenly spoke with a hint of inquiry in his tone.

"Do you have any new ideas for further cultivation methods for the Nascent Soul stage?"

Bai Hong's eyes moved slightly, and he exchanged glances with Ding Peng and Geng Qing. After a moment of hesitation, he answered.

"The three of us have studied your method of cultivating the Golden Elixir, and it has indeed been enlightening. Perhaps we have focused too much on the aspect of life in the past, and have neglected the cultivation of death."

Geng Qing took over the conversation with a smile on his face.

"Yui Shui, your method of cultivating the golden elixir belongs precisely to the aspect of death—everything returns to one point. If you can balance life and death, perhaps you can make further progress."

He paused and looked at Yu Shui meaningfully.

"I suppose you've already started trying?"

Yu Shui chuckled and nodded calmly.

"That's right, if there are conditions, we should always try."

He glanced at the three of them, his tone teasing.

"Besides, I'm probably not the only one trying to practice?"

The four of them smiled at each other, their understanding tacit. Then, they stood up one after another, their figures gradually disappearing in the halo of the spirit lamp, leaving only their shadows on the stone wall slowly dissipating.

……

After seven days of retreat and cultivation, Lin Ji sat cross-legged in the inn's quiet room, surrounded by crimson flames. The flames sometimes coiled like snakes, sometimes blossomed like lotus flowers, illuminating his handsome features. Concentration shone between his brows, and the heat of the flames gently ruffled his black hair, its tips gleaming with a faint golden glow.

The profound meaning of the inextinguishable power of fire swirled within him. He felt every inch of his flesh and blood grow stronger under the flames' tempering. The life-giving force of the wood realm intertwined with the destructive power of the fire, forming a wondrous balance. It felt as if magma flowed beneath his skin, yet it shone with the emerald green sheen of life.

"As long as the body is not destroyed below the atomic level..."

Lin Ji murmured softly, a wisp of flame condensing from his fingertips, gently swiping it across his arm. Wherever the flame passed, the skin instantly charred black, but in the next moment it returned to its original state, leaving no trace. A hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

The practice of controlling fire was even more refined. In his palms, the flames transformed into birds, flapping their wings as if ready to take flight; then into fish, nimble and agile in the water. His consciousness guided each wisp of flame like a thread, allowing it to change form at will. The flames' temperature, brightness, and range were all under his control, as if they were the work of his fingers.

He called up the system panel to check.

Cultivation: Four Realms of Intention, Foundation Building

Skills: Fire·Unquenchable (50/100) Fire·Control (60/100)

Artistic conception: time and space, sword, water, wood

"Controlling the fire is much easier than practicing immortality."

Just as Lin Ji sighed, a sudden wave of consciousness came from his mind—Xiao Ningxue and Dao Yan were rapidly approaching. Their breathing was a little rapid, obviously something important.

Lin Ji put away the flames, stood up, and pushed open the door to the quiet room. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, gilding his figure. He stepped onto the balcony and saw Xiao Ningxue and Dao Yan descend from the sky.

Xiao Ningxue's white hair shone like snow in the sunlight, her dark pupils gleaming with excitement. Her long skirt fluttered in the breeze, accentuating her slender figure. Daoyan followed closely behind, his white robe spotless, his ponytail tied high, looking capable and calm.

"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Lin Ji asked, concern in his voice.

Xiao Ningxue raised the corners of her lips slightly, her eyes full of joy.

"Husband, the portal issue has been resolved!"

Her voice was as clear as a bell, revealing an unconcealable sense of accomplishment.

When Lin Ji heard this, his eyes lit up with surprise. He took a step forward and held Xiao Ningxue's hand.

"So soon? You really didn't disappoint me."

Xiao Ningxue's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke softly.

"Thanks to the tuning fork's positioning, I finally established a stable channel between the two worlds. I just returned to the Rift City through the portal and met with Master Geng Qing."

Lin Ji nodded and turned his gaze to Dao Yan.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Daoyan smiled faintly, his ponytail swaying gently in the wind.

"It's a piece of cake. Xiao Ningxue's attainments in formations are truly admirable."

Lin Ji pondered for a moment and said decisively.

"Ningxue, open the portal again now. I will go see the True Lord in person to discuss the follow-up arrangements. You and Daoyan will stay here to ensure the safety of the portal."

Xiao Ningxue nodded solemnly, taking out the tuning fork once more. With her fingertips, she tapped the small world bead on her wrist, and a silver-white portal slowly emerged. As the runes circulated, a spatial vortex gradually took shape, emitting a steady wave of energy.

Lin Ji didn't delay any longer and stepped into the portal. A silver light flashed, and his figure disappeared in an instant.

……

On the upper floors of the Morning Dew Tower, Elder Selanville stood by the window, his long, silvery beard rustling in the breeze. His gaze pierced the distant horizon, settling in the direction of the inn. Even before Xiao Ningxue commissioned Elvis to craft the tuning fork, he had already sent someone to secretly monitor the situation.

"People from other worlds are indeed extraordinary..."

He murmured softly, a hint of depth flashing in his emerald eyes.

The elf guard beside him asked in a low voice.

"Elder, is intervention necessary?"

Seranville shook his head, the silver threads on his robe gleaming in the sunlight.

"No need. Just wait and see."

He turned and walked towards the back of the room, his figure gradually disappearing into the shadows.