The system is the proficiency panel

Inside the canyon, the once tranquil valley was now filled with an orderly bustle. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the layers of treetops, casting dappled light across the valley floor and illuminating the makeshift settlement that was rapidly taking shape.

Lin Ji sat cross-legged on a massive bluestone flattened by sword energy. His spiritual energy surged like a tide, focused on the understanding of fire: inextinguishability and fire: control. Each subtle flow of spiritual energy solidified the interwoven forces of life and destruction within him, and his control over the flames grew ever more refined. He could clearly sense every movement of the stronghold's construction, but he didn't interfere; after all, it wasn't his forte.

Master Pang Bin was now the busiest person on the scene. His slightly plump figure moved nimbly from place to place, his signature friendly smile still plastered on his face, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, accurately focusing on every key point.

"This way! Yes, bury the base of the formation half a foot deeper! Tamp the soil and rocks firmly, using Rock Condensation!"

Pang Bin's voice was resonant but not harsh as he directed several Foundation Establishment cultivators in the realm of mind to reinforce the outer fortifications. He seemingly casually patted a stout, newly erected log. A subtle surge of spiritual energy seeped into it, instantly tightening and toughening the wood's texture, giving it a faint metallic sheen. This was the ingenious application of his mastery of forging techniques to civil engineering—strengthening the very essence of the material.

"Master Pang has great skills!"

A nearby Lingtian Sect cultivator at the state of mind-building, observing this, expressed sincere admiration. The area he was responsible for happened to have a few pieces of wood that were slightly weaker, and Pang Bin had easily strengthened them, saving him the trouble of replacing them.

"Haha, little trick, little trick."

Pang Bin waved his hand, smiled, and then pointed to another place.

"The reserved opening for the array node over there needs to be widened by three points! The composite array designed by City Lord Xiao requires redundant space for subsequent integration!"

Xiao Ningxue, however, focused on the protective formation at the core area. She stood at the improvised center of the formation, her white hair falling like snow, her expression focused and cold. Her slender fingertips traced the air, and patterns shimmering with azure light materialized, imprinting themselves onto the ground, the rock face, and even a few specially selected boulders with the precision of living creatures. Her movements were fluid, without a single lag, each stroke revealing a profound understanding of the flow of spiritual energy and the structure of space.

The formation she had arranged wasn't purely a cultivation formation. At certain key turning points in the formation, she had cleverly incorporated some of the native magic patterns of Aetheris, which she had learned from Elvis's collection of books and from observing the runes in elven architecture.

Although still very immature, these lines act like bridges, allowing the formation to slightly enhance its ability to absorb and transform the abundant spiritual power of this world, while also enhancing its ability to filter and repel alien energies (such as the breath of the abyss or the power of corruption).

The prototype of a complex formation based on the artistic conception of water and earth, which has the functions of protection, concealment, spirit gathering and purification, is rapidly taking shape under her hands.

A thousand late-stage Qi-training disciples, like efficient worker ants, worked together under the command of several Foundation Establishment cultivators. Lights of object control flickered, effortlessly moving heavy stones and timber into position. Earth-based spells expertly leveled the ground and consolidated the foundations. Disciples skilled in wood-based spells nurtured resilient vines around the edge of their stronghold, forming natural fences and shelters. Their movements were swift and silent, their discipline rigorous, demonstrating the fine qualities of the elite disciples of the four great sects.

Deep within the canyon, a semi-natural, semi-man-made cavern was chosen as a storage facility and temporary residence for key personnel. Several disciples meticulously carved runes at the cave entrance for reinforcement and temperature regulation. The flatter area at the valley floor was designated as a camp and training ground, with the framework of simple barracks already erected.

Time slipped by in a flurry of activity. As the sun dipped, painting the canyon a warm orange, the core framework of the outpost was essentially complete. The outer earth and stone barriers took shape, and the main pattern of the protective formation in the core area was complete, awaiting Xiao Ningxue's final activation and debugging. The barracks were neatly arranged, and the warehouse was operational, the first batch of supplies brought from the Rift City securely stored.

Lin Ji slowly opened his eyes, concluding his training. He felt his control over the fire improve a little further. He glanced over the initial stronghold, nodding slightly. Pang Bin's organizational skills and Xiao Ningxue's mastery of formations were truly effective.

At this moment, a subtle yet sharp spiritual energy wave burst through the air, landing precisely in Lin Ji's palm. It was Pu Jianxing's jade communication talisman!

Lin Ji probed with his spiritual sense, and Pu Jianxing's steady and calm voice sounded directly in his mind.

"Daozi, we've completed a preliminary exploration of the Quicksand Forest. Without exposing ourselves, we've secured a small cult's base. This place is more complex than we anticipated. The roots of corrupted ancient trees are deeply embedded, the pollution is widespread, and the land is highly toxic and spiritually corrosive. Various cultists are evident, and their forces are mixed. Even more problematic, we've sensed a polluted, ancient, and powerful force deep within the forest, suspected to be connected to the source of the corruption. A topographic map and preliminary markings of dangerous areas are attached to the jade talisman. Recommendation: Take a long-term view and proceed with caution."

Lin Ji's brow furrowed slightly. An ancient and powerful contaminating force? This undoubtedly increased the difficulty and uncertainty of the mission. He handed the jade talisman to Xiao Ningxue and Pang Bin, who had just approached.

"Master Pu's message has arrived."

Lin Ji's voice was calm, yet with a hint of solemnity.

"The situation in the Quicksand Forest is more troublesome than the intelligence indicated. It seems that our temporary base must be put to better use as soon as possible."

Pang Bin was still smiling, but his eyes became serious.

"It's fun when there's a challenge. Lin Daozi, since that place is so 'lively', we need to prepare a 'generous gift' as well. I'll quickly improve the defenses and workshops at this stronghold to ensure it provides a solid backing."

……

As night fell, the lights of the canyon outpost shone brightly in the darkness. Lin Ji stood in the makeshift command post, spread out before him the topographic map sent back by Pu Jianxing. Xiao Ningxue stood beside him, her white hair as white as snow, a soft halo under the light. Her fingertips gently touched a mark on the map—a twisted tree outlined in red ink.

"The roots of the corrupted ancient tree are entrenched here, almost covering the entire central area of ​​the Quicksand Forest."

Xiao Ningxue's voice was cold and calm, but Lin Ji could sense some worry in her words.

At this time, Master Pang Bin pushed the door open and walked in. He still had a friendly smile on his slightly plump face, but his eyes were a little more serious.

"Lin Daozi, the outer defenses have been set up and can withstand the attacks of Jindan Zhenren (legendary strongmen). However..."

He paused, his eyes falling on the map.

"If the situation in the Quicksand Forest is really as Master Pu said, we may need more preparations."

Lin Ji nodded, his eyes scanning every mark on the map. The roots of the corrupted ancient tree, the unknown ancient power... these were not things that could be easily resolved.

"Master Pang, you will stay at the stronghold tomorrow and continue to improve the defensive fortifications. Ningxue, you will be responsible for the final debugging of the core formation. I will lead ten foundation-building cultivators in the realm of mind to the Quicksand Forest to reunite with Master Pu."

Xiao Ningxue frowned slightly, and her fingertips tightened unconsciously.

"Husband, be careful."

Lin Ji patted the back of her hand gently, with a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I won't take any risks."

As the night deepened, the discussion in the command post continued. Lin Ji laid out the action plan for tomorrow in detail, and everyone was clear about their tasks. When the last cultivator took his orders and left, only Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue remained in the room.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the ground. Xiao Ningxue stood in front of the window, her back slender and straight. Lin Ji walked up behind her and gently put his arm around her waist.

"What are you thinking about?"

Xiao Ningxue leaned in his arms, her voice so soft that it was almost inaudible.

"The source of corruption in the Quicksand Forest is related to the gods. I'm worried that I might encounter a divine clone descending upon me."

Lin Ji was silent for a moment, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head.

"When an enemy comes, we will fight him; when a flood comes, we will block it with earth. We are not fighting alone. If all else fails, I suggest that the True Lord also use his clone to try to cross the boundary."

Xiao Ningxue turned around and looked up at him. The moonlight reflected in her eyes like stars in a cold pond.

"I'll be with you no matter what."

Lin Ji bent down and kissed her forehead.

"I know."