The system is the proficiency panel

The atmosphere inside the command post was solemn. Xiao Ningxue, Daoyan, and Master Pang Bin gathered around a central sand table, which clearly marked the terrain of the Quicksand Forest, the spheres of influence of various factions, and the latest intelligence gathered. Xiao Ningxue's white hair gleamed faintly in the light filtering through the window lattice as she pointed to several points on the sand table near the direction of Cuiying City.

"After the Rotmaw patrol retreated to the core area, the defenses of the outer strongholds were unusually weak. However, according to the scattered information Mo Ying had previously sent back, the Ash Merchants' insiders discovered that the Rotmaw's elite Root Shadows appeared to have been dispatched towards Emerald Shadow City. This is very dangerous. They are said to be skilled in disguised infiltration. Emerald Shadow City is a mixed bag. Although our stronghold is well-concealed, it is not completely invulnerable. Especially since the entry and exit of personnel and the supply of supplies may leave traces."

Master Pang Bin touched his chin, and the usual friendly smile on his fat face became much more restrained, with a solemn look.

"I've been reinforcing the defensive formation, but it's inert. If a legendary being from the other side were to personally test it, or use special means to circumvent the formation's sensing and infiltrate, the risk of being exposed would still exist. We have to prepare for the worst."

At that moment, Lin Ji appeared at the door. He was reserved, but his demeanor, which had become more profound and harmonious after training, attracted the attention of the three people in the room.

"Husband/Lin Ji/Daozi."

The three of them spoke at the same time.

"How's it going?"

Lin Ji walked to the sand table and glanced at the area mentioned by Dao Yan and Xiao Ningxue.

Xiao Ningxue quickly reiterated the concerns that had just been discussed, emphasizing the potential threat posed by the Root Shadow's infiltration into Cuiying City and the risk of exposing the stronghold.

After listening to this, Lin Ji looked calm and tapped lightly on the edge of the sand table with his fingertips.

"The elves have been operating in Emerald City for many years, so they have plenty of spies. This elite Rotmaw unit's infiltration may not be able to hide from the elves."

He looked at Xiao Ningxue.

"Ningxue, your itinerary for document research remains unchanged. You will depart for Emerald Shadow City tomorrow as planned. Besides the documents, you must also monitor the elves' reactions to unusual movements within the city, especially whether they are aware of the Root Shadow. This will help us assess the elves' surveillance capabilities and their attitude towards us."

"clear."

Xiao Ningxue nodded, a hint of worry flashed in her eyes, but more of determination.

Lin Ji turned to Pang Bin again.

"How's Master Pu doing?"

"Master Pu's injuries are stable. He is currently practicing deep breathing exercises. The backlash has been suppressed, but recovery will take time."

Pang Bin replied.

"Well, don't disturb him."

After Lin Ji finished speaking, his eyes fell on Daoyan.

"Daoyan, your foresight is crucial to the safety of our stronghold. Stay alert. Where are Yun Shitian and Feng Tian?"

"They're leading patrols on the periphery. News arrived today that a large number of patrols are slowly searching towards Emerald City, and we need to be prepared."

Daoyan replied.

Lin Ji nodded slightly. Xiao Ningxue had already walked in front of him. She stretched out her slender white fingers and gently straightened his collar and lapels, which had become slightly loose due to training. Her movements were natural and focused.

At this moment, an extremely weak spiritual power message with unique shadow fluctuations was like a stone thrown into calm water. It accurately passed through the layers of defense and alerts outside the stronghold and fell into the command post without any hindrance. It hovered in front of Lin Ji. It was the jade slip sent back by Mo Ying!

Lin Ji's eyes focused, and he immediately reached out to grab the jade slip, sinking his consciousness into it.

In an instant, the conspiracy planned by Blood Hand Carlos of the Ash Merchant Group unfolded in his mind like a scroll.

Disguised as Bloodthorn mercenaries, they looted the Rotmaw stronghold, wreaked havoc, and deliberately left evidence to frame others... and Carlos personally led a team to take advantage of the chaos to loot the Rotmaw warehouse reefs, obtaining a large amount of precious materials, especially those forbidden items that contained a strong breath of the abyss.

The information was detailed and clearly organized, exposing Carlos's greed and insidiousness as well as Ash's route of action and details of the spoils.

Lin Ji slowly withdrew his spiritual sense, holding the jade slip containing Mo Ying's information, and a cold arc appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"What a way to divert trouble and take advantage of the situation! Carlos from Ashes has actually given us a great gift!"

The eyes of the three people in the room instantly focused on him, questioningly.

"The information sent back by Mo Ying."

Lin Ji handed the jade slip to Xiao Ningxue who was closest to him.

"Bloodhand Carloz of the Ash Merchants planned an attack while the Rotmaw was pulling back on defense."

Xiao Ningxue's consciousness swept over the jade slip, and a glint of understanding flashed in her cold eyes. Daoyan and Pang Bin immediately leaned in to share the information. After a moment, all three of them showed signs of joy.

"Disguised as Bloodthorn, looted the stronghold, deliberately destroyed it, and left evidence..."

Master Pang Bin clicked his tongue twice, and that amiable smile returned to his fat face.

"This Carlos is afraid that Rotmaw and Bloodthorn won't fight, so he deliberately chose a base close to the Bloodthorn's activity area. This frame-up is really thorough."

"The key point is the reef warehouse he personally led his men to plunder. Those forbidden items imbued with the aura of the abyss, as well as a large amount of refined magical materials."

Daoyan's voice was still cold, but his speech speed was a little faster.

Lin Ji nodded, walked to the sand table, and pointed his finger precisely at the location of the reef warehouse that Carlos had personally looted, as well as the locations of the Rotthroat strongholds that were attacked by the frame-up team.

"Carlos wants to play the game of profit, pitting Rotmaw and Bloodthorn against each other. So let's make this fire burn brighter."

Lin Ji turned his gaze to Daoyan with a hint of trust and entrustment.

"Daoyan, your ability to predict the future is crucial, but there is another more urgent task that requires you."

Daoyan's ponytail fluttered slightly, and his black pupils met Lin Ji's gaze calmly.

"Please say."

"Since the battle, the Jones family's spies have settled near the Adventurer's Guild and haven't continued searching for the real culprit who robbed and killed their mages and stole their goods. Carloz looted the Reef Warehouse and made a rich harvest. Among them might be the precious goods lost by the Jones family! Those forbidden items related to the Abyss are particularly suspicious."

Lin Ji pressed his fingers a little harder on the spot on the sand table that represented the Ashes stronghold.

"I want you to disguise yourself as an intelligence dealer who has been lurking in the Quicksand Forest for years. Inadvertently reveal to the Jones family's spies the news that the Ash Merchants have recently made a fortune, specifically acquiring several forbidden items of unknown origin but astonishing power. Key hint: this batch of goods is very similar to the one they lost."

He paused and added.

"Remember, only provide clues and guide them to verify and associate on their own. Your precognitive ability ensures that you can avoid most risks during contact and evacuation and get out safely. Whether they believe it or not, you have to get them moving again!"

After Daoyan confirmed the feasibility, he nodded solemnly.

"Understood. I will choose the right time and target so that they can get this news by chance."

Lin Ji looked at Master Pang Bin.

"Master Pang, focus on monitoring the Rot Throat patrols heading towards Emerald Shadow City. If they get too close to the stronghold's security area, use magic to disperse or mislead them. If they insist on forcing their way in, kill them with lightning, leaving no one alive. We absolutely cannot let them discover the stronghold's exact location."

"rest assured!"

Pang Bin patted his chest, a fierce look on his fat face.

Lin Ji's eyes swept over the three of them with unquestionable determination.

"Let Mo Ying remain undercover. Carlos's operation was successful, and there will surely be celebrations or division of spoils within the Ashes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the inside story, especially the source of those Abyssal items and Carlos's subsequent plans. Tell him that safety comes first, but this opportunity is rare."

Xiao Ningxue looked at Lin Ji and said softly.

"Husband, will you accompany me to the Elven Documentation event tomorrow?"

Lin Ji smiled slightly and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Okay, it's good to have some rest."

Daoyan couldn't stand the intimate behavior of the two and walked out first. Pang Bin also left tactfully so as not to disturb the emotional exchange between the couple.

That night.

Daoyan's figure blended into the night like a shadow, quietly leaving the base and sneaking towards the area where Jones's spies might be active. Her foresight was like the most sophisticated radar, searching for the safest and most effective contact path among countless possible futures.

At the same time, on the edge of Emerald Shadow City, a mysterious and stealthy Root Shadow squad, led by a high-ranking fallen elf, slipped into the city silently, disguised like ink in clear water. Their goal was to search for any trace of that devastating sword and the Desecrator. Atop the Emerald Shadow City elven outpost, the ranger in charge of surveillance frowned slightly, as if he had detected an unusual, repulsive wave of corruption, yet it was fleeting, like an illusion.

……

As the morning light began to filter through, a thin mist like a veil seeped through the window lattice, casting a hazy glow in the quiet room. Lin Ji slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he felt was the soft and delicate touch in his arms.

Xiao Ningxue nestled in his arms, not yet fully awake. Her long, cascading white hair spread across the pillow, shedding a cool, soft glow in the dim light, like moonlight. Her exposed shoulders and neck, exposed from the silk quilt, looked even more jade-white, as if meticulously carved from the finest mutton-fat jade. She leaned slightly to one side, her slender back flowing gracefully, a few strands of hair playfully plastering her slightly cool cheek. Her cold, stunning face, shorn of its usual aloofness in sleep, her long eyelashes drooping, her pale lips slightly pursed, revealing an unguarded, heart-meltingly soft beauty.

He didn't get up immediately, but simply watched quietly, feeling her steady, long breath brushing against the side of his neck, bringing a subtle tickling sensation. With a hint of laziness from just waking up, his fingertips gently brushed the hair away from her cheek. Xiao Ningxue seemed startled by the slight disturbance, her long eyelashes trembling, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Those dark eyes, as deep as the night, were at first misty. She didn't speak, but simply pressed her cheek closer to his, nuzzling his solid chest. Like a snow fox seeking warmth and reassurance, she let out a barely audible sigh of contentment. Beneath her cold exterior, this attachment, revealed only to him, was more moving than any passionate love words.

"woke up?"

Lin Ji chuckled, his voice hoarse from the morning, and kissed her smooth forehead.

"Ah."

Xiao Ningxue's voice was similarly hoarse, fresh from waking, yet with a hint of softness in its clarity. She lifted herself slightly, the silk quilt sliding off, revealing her graceful shoulders and neck. The morning light outlined her cool silhouette. She didn't rush to straighten her clothes. Instead, she extended her slender, white fingers, meticulously and carefully smoothing the slightly messy collar and front folds of Lin Ji's shirt.

Lin Ji let her move, his eyes locked gently on her face, enjoying the tranquility and intimacy that belonged only to him. After she was ready, he held her hand, gently caressing her slightly cool fingertips with his fingertips.

"It's time to leave."

Xiao Ningxue nodded, the tenderness in her eyes undimmed, only enhanced by the clarity of a formation master. She rose smoothly and gracefully, her white dress sliding down like water, draping her slender figure. The two of them packed up quickly, not alerting anyone else in the base.

Leaving the base, Lin Ji immediately put his arm around Xiao Ningxue's waist. Their figures transformed into an elusive streak of light, darting low and high toward Cuiying City. The wind whistled in his ears, and below, at the edge of the Quicksand Forest, twisted, dead trees cast eerie shadows in the morning light. Lin Ji deliberately slowed down, not out of inability, but because he wanted to share this brief, peaceful journey with her.

Soon, the outlines of Emerald Shadow City, a blend of elven elegance and human ruggedness, emerged into view. Its walls, built of massive logs and graystone, were covered in vibrant vines. Towering elven-style arrow towers contrasted beautifully with the massive human-style towers. People were already streaming in and out of the city gates: human mercenaries, half-elf rangers, and dwarven traders mixed in. The air wafted with the scent of herbs, baking bread, cheap tobacco, and a hint of magical materials.

Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue landed not far outside the city, disguising the aura of high-ranking cultivators and walking side by side towards the city gate like two ordinary adventurers. Xiao Ningxue's beauty and aloof demeanor still drew attention, but with patrolling elven guards nearby, no one dared to disturb them.

Xiao Ningxue lagged slightly behind Lin Ji by half a step, her gaze calmly sweeping over the city gate guards, passers-by, and the elven runes refracting light above the city walls. She silently engraved every detail of this elven outpost monitoring the Quicksand Forest into her mind.

The elven core of Emerald Shadow City stands in stark contrast to the bustling periphery. Towering elven-style buildings have replaced the crude wood and stone structures. The smooth white stone is intricately carved with vines and star reliefs, gleaming with a gentle sheen in the morning light. The air is filled with the fragrance of plants and a calming energy. Patrolling elven guards, clad in light yet exquisite silver armor, march silently and in an orderly fashion.

Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue stopped before an archway formed naturally by the twisting roots of a massive ancient tree. Beyond the archway stood a magnificent complex of towering ancient trees, their branches artfully forming supports and corridors. Dappled light filtered through the green leaves. This was the Silver Leaf Outpost, the heart of the elves' Green Shadow City.

The two guards' gazes fell on the two of them as if they were real, with scrutiny and vigilance.

Lin Ji's expression remained calm as he stepped forward and removed a small, exquisite emblem from his storage ring. Crafted from mithril, the emblem featured a lifelike silver leaf, its veins radiating a faint emerald green. It was a token of the Elven King's court. He handed it to the guard.

The leader of the guards took the emblem, a soft green light emanating from his fingertips as he gently brushed it across its surface. The silver leaves on the emblem seemed to come alive, the emerald green light flowing through the veins accelerating, resonating with the guards.

A flash of surprise flashed across the guard's eyes, then turned into a solemn respect. He handed the badge back to Lin Ji with both hands, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a standard elven etiquette.

"Your Excellency Lin Ji, Your Excellency Xiao Ningxue, welcome to the Silver Leaf Outpost. Elder Selanville has given instructions. Please follow me."

His voice was low and clear, and his attitude became respectful.

Lin Ji nodded slightly and put away the emblem. Xiao Ningxue stood quietly beside him. Led by the guards, the two of them passed through the archway and entered the realm of the elves.