The system is the proficiency panel

Lin Ji turned his gaze to the sand table. On the sand table, the large area outside the Quicksand Forest was now covered with blue flags, indicating control. This formed a stark contrast to the core area in the center, which was still covered with thick red and black markings.

"The elves want to discuss issues concerning the core area."

Xiao Ningxue said softly, her fingertips running across the outline of the core area on the sand table.

"They fear the Whispering Root more than we do, or rather, the remains within it."

"normal."

Lin Ji spoke calmly as he looked at Xiao Ningxue and Pang Bin and Dao Yan beside him.

"Reply to Elder Seranville: In three days, I will personally travel to the Silver Crown to discuss the core matters of the Quicksand Forest with the Elven King. Daoyan, you will accompany me. Master Pang, you will continue to be responsible for the defense of the stronghold and the interrogation of Carloz. Ningxue, keep a close eye on the movements in the core area and report any unusual activity immediately."

"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison.

Master Pang Bin added with a smile.

"Don't worry, Michiko. We're in safe hands at home. I think we can still squeeze something out of that Carlos."

The plan was set, and everyone left to prepare.

Lin Ji walked alone to the window, gazing out at the distant forest core, which, even on clear days, remained shrouded in a heavy haze. Agares, the Whispering Root, the remains of the Corrupted Maw… this was the true challenge. Negotiations with the elves would determine whether to confront this cancer of the abyss with a relatively steady, perhaps slow, approach, or with a thunderous force.

……

In the core area of ​​the Quicksand Forest, the atmosphere of frenzy and tyranny that once permeated the area has now been replaced by a deeper and more biting fear.

With the demise of Harkonn, the High Priest of the Heart-Eating Self, and his elite guards, news of the fall of the outer reaches of the Quicksand Forest spread like a plague among the remaining Corrupt Maw cultists, and a doomsday panic spread uncontrollably. Without their strong leadership and core, these fallen elves and corrupted humans were like frightened birds whose nests had been destroyed. The cruelty and arrogance they once embodied through their corrupted power were gone, leaving only an instinctive trembling in the face of an unknown and powerful threat.

They no longer dared to patrol, hunt, or perform blasphemous rituals as recklessly as before. Instead, a common instinct drove them forward, like a trickle of water flowing into the abyss, from their respective hidden dark corners and abandoned strongholds, converging towards the ultimate source of corruption—the core ruins of Whispering Root Agares.

The closer they got to the core, the thick, stench of sulfur and corrupted blood in the air grew stronger, and the whispers of madness that constantly eroded their minds became clearer. But now, the source of power they once fanatically worshipped now brought them more cold fear and a final, glimmer of hope.

Beneath the twisted branches of ancient trees shrouded in dark red decay, within the crevices of the ruins, more and more Corruptmaw cultists prostrated themselves. Their clothing was tattered, their bodies bearing traces of corruption to varying degrees. Their eyes were filled with confusion, despair, and a lingering, twisted piety. They knelt before the massive, decaying Whispering Root, which emanated a suffocating pressure. They knelt like pilgrims, chanting broken and fervent prayers, praising the name of Morgaroth, the Corrupted Maw, and begging for the gaze of the abyss.

"Great Maw of Corruption, embodiment of the Endless Abyss... Your humble servant begs for your guidance..."

"Holy Tree Agares, please sense our fear and give us enlightenment..."

"Lord of darkness, the one who devours the core of light, please unleash your wrath and punish those who blaspheme..."

Their voices were disorganized and faint at first, but as more and more believers gathered, the prayers gradually merged into an eerie low hum, echoing in the dead and twisted core area, interweaving with the rustling of underground roots and the muttering of the mentally collapsed in the air, forming a desperate elegy.

To please the gods, and in exchange for a faint response, the remaining cultists began to perform ever more frantic and bloody sacrifices. They dragged their remaining, not-yet-corrupted companions to the Whispering Root, slit their throats with rough bone blades, and splattered their warm, still faintly alive, blood onto the rough, dark red bark, which resembled congealed plasma. Some even frantically chopped off their own limbs and offered them as sacrifices.

Dark crimson blood stained the earth and seeped into Agares's vast root system. Its feeble life force was like a stone dropped into a bottomless abyss, stirring only a tiny ripple. The Whispering Root's massive form remained silent, offering no clear revelation or power.

However, amidst the desperate prayers and bloody sacrifices, the obsidian-like abyss debris buried deep in the core of the ancient tree, with the tiny crack on its surface cut by Pu Jianxing's Sword of Rules, seemed to be slowly healing under the nourishment of the fearful wails and life sacrifices of these fallen souls.

The remaining Rotmaw cultists were oblivious to this subtle shift; they sensed only the stillness of the sacred tree, the unanswered god. This deathly silence only intensified their fear, making their prayers even more hysterical and their sacrifices even more frantic and hopeless. Like trapped on a sinking ship, they could only cling to the single mast, issuing a final, desperate cry into the dark abyss.

……

Three days later, the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated from the streets of Cuiying City, but Lin Ji and Dao Yan had already appeared on time in front of the archway naturally formed by the roots of ancient trees at the Silver Leaf Outpost.

Lilana Morningdew was already waiting there. She had changed into a more formal, exquisite scholar's robe. Her long, light-blonde hair was meticulously combed and secured with a silver leaf hairpin inlaid with an emerald, giving her a solemn and elegant appearance. Upon seeing the two, she gracefully touched her chest in a bow.

"Your Excellency Lin Ji, Your Excellency Dao Yan, good day. Elder Selanville is required to stay in Emerald Shadow City to guard against a counterattack by the remaining forces of the Quicksand Forest and possible external intrusion. He is unable to personally accompany you to the royal court. He has asked me to apologize on his behalf and to accompany and guide you throughout the journey."

Her eyes swept over Lin Ji, this Taoist from another world who had stirred up the situation in the Quicksand Forest and even killed the chief priest of the Rotten Throat. His aura was calm and deep, more restrained than a few days ago, but he inexplicably made people feel a sense of invisible pressure.

"Elder Seranville guards the border, and his responsibility is heavy. We understand."

Lin Ji nodded, not surprised. After this turmoil, Cuiying City really needed a heavyweight to take charge, and Seranville was indeed the right person.

"Please follow me, the portal is ready."

Lilana led the way sideways, taking the two of them through the quiet corridors inside the outpost. Instead of heading towards the library, they arrived at an area with more strict security.

An archway carved from pure white crystal stood in the center of the room. Its frame was inlaid with intricate silver-white runes, and a gentle, steady aura of energy flowed through it. Beyond the doorway lay not a room, but a swirling, mercury-like curtain of brilliant light, emanating a powerful spatial vibration. Two high elf guards, clad in heavy silver armor and bearing the aura of those at the Single Mind Realm Foundation Establishment, stood at the door like statues. Upon seeing the token in Lilana's hand, they silently saluted and made way.

"This is a short-distance directional portal that leads directly to the outer teleportation courtyard of the Silver Dome Crown."

Lilana explained.

"Because the Crown of the Silver Dome is located at a key node in the Light Core's refraction orbit and has a special spatial structure, it can only be safely reached through a specific transmission network."

She was the first to step into the light curtain, and her figure disappeared as if it melted into mercury.

Lin Ji and Dao Yan looked at each other, then followed him into the portal.

A brief feeling of weightlessness and spatial distortion came over me, but its intensity was far less than that of a cross-dimensional teleportation. But a moment later, my feet were firmly planted on solid ground.

The scene before them suddenly became clear, and even with Lin Ji and Dao Yan's state of mind, a hint of amazement flashed across their eyes.

They were on a huge open-air platform, paved with a kind of jade-white, warm and radiant stone. Elegant elf statues stood on its edge, holding magical instruments and pointing to the void. However, the most shocking thing was the sky above and the surrounding scenery.

The first thing I felt was an unusually pure and rich magical energy. With every breath, I could almost feel the elements stirring with joy. Looking up, I saw a light suspended high in the center of the vast sky, its magnificence and brilliance beyond words—the Light Core.

It wasn't the glaring, scorching heat of the sun, but more like a living, eternally burning gem, radiating a pure, warm white glow that illuminated the entire plane. Liquid flames seemed to flow slowly across its surface, imbued with the boundless power of life and order. Simply gazing upon it cleansed the soul, and even the flow of spiritual energy within seemed to accelerate slightly.

Around this core of light, the faint outlines of twelve immense shadows could be seen, slowly moving like planets orbiting a sun. Their forms varied: some resembled blossoming ice crystals, others swirled dragons, and still others took the form of standard geometric cities. These were the twelve floating cities, the Silver Crowns, collectively refracting and guiding the core's light, bringing the cycle of day and night to Aetherius.

The Silver Crown, where Lin Ji and his companions were, was one of these floating cities. The platform, situated at the edge of the city, offered a bird's-eye view of the sea of ​​clouds swirling in the distance. Lin Ji could see the vast expanse of the Yonghui Forest below, spread out like a giant green carpet, its rivers and lakes inlaid like silver threads and gems.

Within the city, the architecture embodies the elegance and fantasy of the elves. Towers do not pierce the heavens, but rather wind naturally, like giant trees or vines. Their summits often bloom with softly luminous energy flowers or crystals. Bridges connect the towers, not stone, but composed of frozen rainbow light or animated plants. The air lingers with the faint sound of melodious music and the fragrance of flowers.

"Welcome to the Crown of the Silver Dome, the Guardian City of the Light Core, the Heart of the Eternal Glorious Forest."

There was a subtle hint of pride in Lilana's voice, and she looked at the two of them with a smile.

"His Majesty is already awaiting you at the Light Speaker Temple. Please follow me. Do not touch any arrays or facilities along the way. The energy flow here is extremely delicate."

She led the two of them onto a bridge of light suspended in mid-air. The bridge was transparent yet remarkably stable. Below them lay a thousand meters above the sky, a dreamlike landscape layered upon layer, encompassing the city center. Occasionally, patrols of elven knights, riding on pristine white-winged spirithorns, flew silently by, casting curious, scrutinizing glances.

Daoyan took a half step closer to Lin Ji and transmitted his message through his spiritual consciousness.

"The spatial structure here is very stable, and the energy level is very high."

Lin Ji responded as he glanced at the buildings and magic array nodes that seemed to have grown naturally but actually contained enormous energy.

"Normal. The elves have been operating here for countless years, so they must have a strong foundation. Just remain vigilant. This trip will primarily focus on negotiations."

He could feel that the city itself was a huge living magic circle, echoing with the central light core and the other eleven floating cities, together maintaining the vital light and order of this plane.

Led by Lilana, they crossed the bridge of light and entered a magnificent temple composed primarily of living ancient wood and pure crystal. Inside, the light, not from lamps, filtered directly from the walls and ceiling, creating a soft and luminous glow. A refreshing and soothing atmosphere permeated the air.

The interior of the Temple of Light Language is even more vast and magnificent than it appears from the outside. Soft light shines down, illuminating the circular meeting hall below.

The Elf King, Iselama, sat at the head of the table. He wore no regal robes, but rather a simple yet exquisite silver-white gown. His long, silver-white hair cascaded down his shoulders like flowing moonlight. His face was handsome beyond his gender and age, imbued with the majesty and wisdom honed by time. His emerald eyes, as deep as a forest, gazed calmly at Lin Ji and Dao Yan as they entered the temple.

On either side of King Iselama sat several core members of the elven tribe. Having read books on elven things, Lin Ji recognized the older members: the Chief of the High Mage Council—an old elf with a stern face; the High Priest—a female elf with a gentle demeanor but a resolute gaze; the Supreme Commander of the Silver Leaf Rangers—a male elf with a stern face; and several others with profound auras, clearly the heads of major families or important institutions.

Lilana Morning Dew led the two to the center of the council chamber, bowed deeply in the direction of the throne, and then quietly stepped aside.

"Your Excellency Lin Ji, Your Excellency Dao Yan, on behalf of the elves, I welcome you to the Crown of the Silver Dome."

The voice of the Elf King Iselama was not loud, but it had a peculiar penetrating power and affinity, and it was clearly heard by everyone, as if it sounded directly in their hearts.

"Thank you for the reception, Your Majesty."

Lin Ji nodded slightly, neither servile nor overbearing. Daoyan followed suit, his manner cool and proper.

"Please take a seat, both of you."

King Iselama raised his hand in a gesture. Two chairs, naturally grown from pure white roots, rose silently from the smooth floor. They were located in the center of the meeting room, facing the throne, yet forming a delicate balance with the elves on either side.

Lin Ji and Dao Yan sat down calmly.