The system is the proficiency panel

The scene inside Silverleaf Outpost was even more breathtaking. The floor was smooth, natural stone, harmoniously intertwined with the emerald moss growing within. Massive vines entwined the stone pillars, their shimmering blossoms providing a soft illumination. The air was filled with a tranquil, peaceful, natural magic. Occasionally, a robed elven scholar would hurried by, casting a curious yet restrained glance at Lin Ji and the others.

Leading them was a female elf dressed in a pale green scholar's robe. Her long, smooth, light-blonde hair was tied back with a simple vine headband, revealing her pointed ears. Her face was delicate, with the elf's characteristic calm demeanor. Her emerald green eyes were clear and filled with wisdom. As she gazed at Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue, there was a subtle hint of curiosity and inquiry.

"Your Excellency Lin Ji, Your Excellency Xiao Ningxue, I am Lilana Chenlu, responsible for the management of the library and some historical research."

The elf girl's voice was as gentle and pleasant as a flowing spring.

"Elder Selanville instructed me to lead you two to the Cuiying Library, where the relevant documents authorized by the royal court for open access are copied and stored. Please follow me."

Lilana led the way, her robes brushing the polished floor with a light, almost soundless tread. She led the two through several naturally formed archways of living vines and up a spiraling wooden staircase. The walls on either side of the staircase were not brick or stone, but specially treated wood covered in luminescent moss. Embedded with relief carvings of ancient elven script, they exuded a sense of history.

"The Jade Shadow Library is the oldest repository of knowledge in the outpost."

Lilana introduced softly as she walked, her voice particularly clear in the quiet environment.

"Part of its structure is directly connected to the earth's veins, allowing it to better preserve ancient scrolls and special carriers of knowledge. A catalog of some of the documents available to the royal court has been prepared, and you two can consult it in the designated reading area."

Soon, they reached a massive wooden door. Crafted from a single block of ancient, densely grained, dark brown wood, it was etched with intricate magical runes and elven symbols of wisdom and inheritance. Lilana extended her slender fingers and chanted a short elven spell. A soft green light shone from her fingertips, and she gently touched a rune in the center of the door.

hum-

A deep, distant resonance echoed, like the whisper of an ancient tree awakening. The runes on the doorway lit up with emerald green light one by one, and then, the heavy wooden door slid silently inward, revealing the scene behind.

A scent of ancient parchment, dried plants, special magical ink, and pure natural magic hit me. What I saw was not a traditional row of bookshelves.

The library's interior is vast and soaring, its dome naturally formed by the intertwining of massive tree roots, whose drooping roots shimmer with a faint fluorescent light. Light comes from natural sunlight filtering through the gaps in the dome, as well as from soft balls of light suspended on the walls and in the air. The massive pillars supporting the space are themselves living trunks of ancient trees, cleverly carved into grooves and platforms to accommodate scrolls and books.

The entire space is filled with the harmonious rhythm of life and magic, quiet and sacred, as if you are in a living forest of knowledge.

Lilana turned sideways and made a gesture of invitation. Her emerald green eyes looked at Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue with a hint of expectation and reserve unique to scholars.

"Your Excellency Lin Ji, Your Excellency Xiao Ningxue, the library has been opened for you. The catalog of documents authorized by the royal court and the corresponding carrier locations have been marked on the guidance crystal in the reading area over there. Please help yourself. I will be waiting at the entrance. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call me."

Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue looked at each other, and saw a hint of admiration for this crystallization of the elves' wisdom in each other's eyes. They stepped into this ancient and magical library.

Lilana did not leave immediately. She stood quietly in the shadow by the door, staring calmly at the backs of the two people walking towards the guiding crystal, and whispered to herself in a low voice, almost inaudible.

"May the wisdom of nature guide you, and may you not bring greater storms. Knowledge itself is power, but also responsibility."

……

The Guiding Crystal was a pure green crystal about a meter tall, suspended above the reading area. A liquid-like emerald glow flowed within it. Clearly listed in Elvish and Common was a catalog of documents permitted by the Elven King's court. There weren't many entries, and as Xiao Ningxue had previously judged, most of them were marginal and basic information.

"Whispers from the Abyss: Analysis of Secondary Pollution Characteristics" - More description of the behavior of organisms or environments slightly eroded by abyssal energy, and does not involve deep into the root pollution.

"Collection of Ancient Elves' Purification Prayers (Fragments)" - records several ancient ritual prayers for land corruption and water pollution, but the core materials or specific star times required for the rituals are extremely difficult to meet in the current environment, and the effect of pollution on the divine level is questionable.

"Record of Corrupted Creatures' Behavior in the Starfall Sea Campaign" - More like a military report, it details the tactics and weaknesses of a specific Abyssal Familia during the campaign, but has little direct relevance to the Maw of Corruption.

"Research on the Corruption Resistance of Common Magical Materials in Aetherius" - It is highly practical and lists the resistance or purification effects of various local materials on low-to-moderate corrupt energy. It may be inspiring for the daily defense of strongholds and the refining of corrosion-resistant magic tools.

"A Study on the Relationship between Geological Changes at the Boundary of the Yonghui Forest and Magic Tides" - It seems unrelated, but it may provide some insight into the factors that led to the spread of corruption in the Quicksand Forest.

Lin Ji's eyes quickly scanned the catalog, his expression calm, not a trace of disappointment visible. He hadn't expected the elves to directly hand over core secrets. Xiao Ningxue, on the other hand, had already extended her finger and lightly tapped the two documents on the crystal: "Collection of Ancient Elven Purification Prayers (Fragments)" and "A Study on the Resistance of Common Magical Materials to Corruption in Aetheris." The crystal simultaneously projected the specific locations of the two documents: on the third vine platform of a living ancient wooden bookshelf and in a crystal bookcase embedded in the rock wall.

"Separately check."

Lin Ji whispered.

"kindness."

Xiao Ningxue nodded, her white hair fluttering slightly, and she walked gracefully towards the ancient tree where the purification prayer was stored.

Lin Ji walked towards another copy of the "Starfall Sea Battle Record." He chose this one not because he had any direct expectations for its contents, but because he wanted to learn from the elves' military records whether they had used any special methods or observed any unusual phenomena when fighting against the Abyss Lords or their followers in the past, perhaps drawing inferences from other cases.

The library was utterly silent, with only the subtle rustle of ancient pages turning and the faint rustle of air as the light ball drifted slowly through the air. Time seemed to have lost its speed here.

Lin Ji immersed himself in the records of that ancient battle. The elven text was beautiful and precise, detailing the characteristics of a corrupted creature called the Abyssborn Stalker, its attack patterns, and the types of magic, arrows, and combat techniques that effectively countered it. He quickly scanned the text, capturing key information.

Elsewhere, Xiao Ningxue frowned slightly. She was analyzing the fragmented purification prayer. The prayer itself embodied a pure natural force, but its structure was incredibly complex, demanding strict requirements regarding the casting environment, materials, the channeler's bloodline, and even the constellation. Many of the materials mentioned were unfamiliar to her; they were clearly treasures unique to Aetheriss and possibly extinct. More crucially, these prayers targeted tainted land and creatures. Judging by their power level, they were only effective against a Legendary-level contaminated core. They would likely struggle to even shake the remnant of what appeared to be a weak divine power.

"Could it be that the elves are truly helpless against the remains of the gods? Or... is the relevant knowledge classified as a supreme taboo, and not disclosed here at all?"

Xiao Ningxue pondered in her heart, but her fingertips kept moving, forcing every syllable and rune structure of the prayer to be memorized. Even if she couldn't use it directly, the purification concepts and energy circulation methods contained in it might provide some inspiration for improving her formation.

Time passed quietly.

Lin Ji had already quickly skimmed through "The Starfall Sea Battle Record" and "Whispers from the Abyss," but gained little. He walked over to Xiao Ningxue and asked.

"how?"

Xiao Ningxue shook her head slightly, and her spiritual consciousness sent back a stream of information, which included her judgment and the summary of the prayer she had written down.

"The ritual's requirements are demanding, and its effectiveness is unlikely to reach the essence of the divine remains. It's more likely a means of targeting the environment and large-scale low- to medium-level pollution."

Lin Ji wasn't surprised. He glanced at the remaining document, "A Study on the Correlation between Geological Changes at the Boundary of the Yonghui Forest and Magical Tides." This document seemed the least relevant, but a thought stirred within him. The remains of the Corrupted Maw could contaminate vast tracts of forest and even alter the properties of the leylines. Could its very existence have interacted with the local geological and magical environment in some way? Understanding this might provide a clearer understanding of the state of the remains.

He walked to where the document was stored—a naturally formed groove in glowing moss, within which lay several heavy scrolls emitting a faint scent of earth and life. He took out the first scroll and unfolded it.

The scroll contained not just text but a wealth of exquisite maps, geological profiles, and luminous line annotations representing the flow of magical energy. It appeared to be quite ancient. It detailed the edges of the Everglorious Forest, including information on the landforms of the Quicksand Forest region over the past millennia, river diversions, and the depletion and regeneration of mineral veins. These were then compared and correlated with the monthly tidal cycle of the Aether Flood magical energy.

Lin Ji's attention was quickly drawn to the Quicksand Forest. According to records, before the onset of corruption, the Quicksand Forest's ground contained a rich vein of warm and energizing Sunstone, which was the reason for the presence of dwarves in the area in the past.

However, approximately two hundred years ago, following an exceptionally violent aetheric flood, the Golden Leaf Forest Sea experienced a massive landslide near the present core area, and the Sunfire Stone Vein's response also drastically weakened. Since then, the forest began to wither, until a hundred years ago, when the power of the Throat of Corruption fully manifested itself, transforming it into a deadly place.

"The ground subsides... the mineral vein weakens..."

Lin Ji's finger slid across the line on the map that marked the direction of the ancient Yangyan Stone Vein and happened to pass through the core area of ​​the current Quicksand Forest.

"Is it a coincidence, or was that unusual ether flood and ground subsidence itself caused by the arrival or awakening of the wreckage?"

He felt like he might have touched upon a clue. If the wreckage's existence was closely tied to the earth's ley lines, even relying on them to spread pollution and absorb energy, then did that mean that destroying or altering them could indirectly weaken or even threaten them?

……

Time ticked by, and the night cast a veil of tranquility over Emerald Shadow City. Magical lanterns twinkled like falling stars among the elven-style buildings. Lin Ji and Xiao Ningxue walked side by side out of the archway formed by the ancient roots of the Silver Leaf Outpost, bidding farewell to Lilana Morning Dew, who was waiting outside.

"Thank you both for coming. I hope these ancient texts can be of some help to you."

Lilana saluted gracefully.

"Thank you, Ms. Lilana, for your guidance. I have benefited a lot."

Lin Ji smiled calmly in response, and with a flick of his finger, a smooth white jade token flew gracefully toward Lilana. The token was engraved with the Xuantian Sect's cloud pattern, and a faint glow shone in its center.

"This is a jade communication token. If you have any new clues about the wreckage, abnormal leylines, or other matters, you can inform me through this. It's very simple to use; just touch it with a trace of mental energy."

Lilana carefully took the jade token, feeling the exquisite and unfamiliar refining technique in it, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she nodded seriously.

"I understand. If there are any relevant discoveries or cooperation, I will inform you promptly."

She put the jade token away carefully.

Leaving the Silver Leaf Outpost, the air around seemed to become a little lighter, and the hustle and bustle of the outer area could be faintly heard.

"Go straight back?"

Xiao Ningxue asked softly, the night wind blowing a few strands of her silver hair across Lin Ji's arm.

"Ah."

Lin Ji nodded and naturally put his arms around her waist again.

"After a day, I'm afraid a lot of things have piled up at the base."

The two figures once again transformed into an imperceptible stream of light, rising silently into the air, passing over the walls of Cuiying City, and plunging into the deeper night outside the city.

The journey home was silent, both of them silently digesting the vast amount of information they had forced themselves to memorize. Xiao Ningxue's fingertips unconsciously traced the void, deducing the possible integration of those ancient purification runes with the existing formations, her brow alternately furrowed and relaxed. Lin Ji repeatedly pondered the relationship between the depleted Yangyan Stone Vein and the Corrupted Core.

Soon, the outline of the canyon stronghold appeared in my perception. The defensive array was operating smoothly, but the atmosphere inside seemed a little more tense than when I left.

The two of them landed directly in the core area of ​​the stronghold. Immediately, Master Pang Bin came forward to greet them. His fat face was less friendly than usual and more solemn.

"Daozi, City Lord Xiao, you are back."

"What happened?"

Lin Ji asked directly, his eyes sweeping towards the quiet room. Pu Jianxing's breath was still steady, and he was still recovering deeply.

"Two things."

Pang Bin spoke faster.

"First, regarding the Rotthroat patrols searching toward Emerald City, a small group approached our 1,000-kilometer outer perimeter this afternoon. Their behavior didn't resemble an aimless search, but rather a vague direction. Feng Tian and Yun Daozi used an illusion array and earth-sinking techniques to lure them away. No direct combat ensued, but they seemed confused as they left, unsure if they had discovered anything."

Lin Ji's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The Root Shadow's activities in Emerald City may have indirectly provided ambiguous information about certain areas that require focused investigation. Increase the alert level and set up more real and fake traps."

"already arranged."

Pang Bin nodded.

"The second thing is that Daoyan Daozi has returned with some news. She is waiting for you inside."

Inside the command post, Daoyan was standing quietly in front of the sand table. She turned around at the sound of footsteps. Her complexion looked better than before, but there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes, clearly having been exhausted from today's operation.

"Lin Ji, Ning Xue."

She nodded slightly.

"The news was accidentally leaked to one of the Jones family's spies. The process went smoothly. They initially suspected a trap, but the clues I left were vague but enough to arouse their suspicions. They seem to be divided internally. Some believe it's a diversionary ploy, while others insist that any clues related to valuable goods and the abyssal aura must not be missed. So far, it seems that they have begun mobilizing personnel to attempt to verify whether the Embrace of the Corrupted Maw possesses these items, but they are acting cautiously, as if to avoid alerting the enemy."

"enough."

Lin Ji walked to the sand table and pointed his finger at the location representing the Ashes stronghold.

"As long as they start to move, investigate, and test, Carlos will not be safe. It's been a tiring day today, go and rest, Daoyan."

Daoyan hummed, turned around and left to return to his room.