The system is the proficiency panel

At the crown of the silver dome, the light core is refracted deep into the tower.

Within a spherical observation chamber constructed of pure crystal, countless fine streams of silver light silently flowed across the walls and ceiling, outlining the energy veins of the Material Plane of Aetheres, particularly the Everglades and its surrounding areas. Several elven observers stood motionless, like statues, at their respective control nodes, their eyes reflecting a myriad of light, monitoring the earth's every breath of energy.

Suddenly, the thick, filthy dark red energy cloud representing the core area of ​​the Quicksand Forest began to fluctuate violently and abnormally, like a stagnant pool into which a stone was thrown!

It wasn't the violent, outward-flowing spread of pollution of the past, but rather a frantic, inward-collapsing absorption! The dark red light suddenly intensified, its core brightness increasing by several energy levels in just a few breaths.

Because the total amount of energy did not exceed the warning range, the shrill alarm did not sound, but the faces of all the elf observers in the observation room instantly became extremely solemn.

"The energy flow is abnormal. High-intensity, unnatural life energy absorption is occurring in the core area!"

An observer cried out in surprise, his fingers swiping quickly across the crystal control panel to call up a detailed data stream.

"This exaggerated movement must be due to something Agares is doing."

The elven mage leader in charge of the observation room immediately realized the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, he activated the highest-priority communication array, transmitting an encrypted message containing all abnormal data and preliminary analysis results directly to the temporary studio at the Silver Leaf Outpost in Emerald Cinema City. The recipient was marked as Master Olivier.

……

Cuiying City, Silver Leaf Outpost temporary studio.

Master Olivier was reviewing the operating data of the first earth vein dredging spirit vortex array with Xiao Ningxue and their assistants. A smooth and satisfactory energy diversion curve flowed on the light curtain.

At this moment, an emerald green leaf-shaped communication symbol that Master Olivier carried with him suddenly burst out with a rapid and bright light, and a stream of information poured directly into his mind.

The master's gentle and wise face froze in an instant, his brows were tightly furrowed, and a trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes, which then turned into deep understanding and urgency.

"Sure enough...it has come to this."

He murmured softly, his voice heavy.

Xiao Ningxue immediately noticed the drastic change in his expression and asked coldly.

"Master, what happened?"

Master Olivier didn't respond immediately, instead quickly channeling the information stream received by the communication symbol into the light screen at hand. Suddenly, the terrifying scene of the Quicksand Forest's core area frantically absorbing life energy and radiating a dark red glow, along with the data from the Silver Dome Crown indicating a rapid increase in the activity of the debris, were clearly displayed before everyone.

The atmosphere in the studio instantly plummeted to freezing point. The elven mages' faces were filled with horror and pity, knowing full well what a tragic sacrifice that scene signified.

"It's our diversion array..."

Master Olivier's voice was filled with mixed emotions, including the expected calmness and a hint of regret for not being able to completely avoid the incident.

"The reduction in the earth's energy supply was like cutting off a portion of its stable food supply. It sensed something was amiss and chose the most direct and brutal method: devouring all the cultists around it, in order to forcibly accelerate itself in a short period of time and deal with the perceived threat."

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Xiao Ningxue. His eyes became extremely sharp, and the scholar's demeanor was replaced by the decisiveness of a powerful elf.

"We can no longer hesitate or conduct slow experiments. We must further strengthen and weaken it. We must not allow it to successfully complete this devouring and transformation."

He turned to his assistant and Lilana, his tone firm and unquestionable.

"Immediately pass my orders to the Royal Court Leyline Team and all the mage teams on standby."

"Activate the emergency plan and forgo verifying each subsequent node one by one. Following the successful template and optimized parameters of the first Spirit Vortex Array, simultaneously focus on constructing the Earth Vein Drainage Spirit Vortex Array at the other three key nodes I previously identified. This is the highest priority. Spare no resources and complete and activate it as quickly as possible."

The order was passed down swiftly and silently. The entire elven power of Cuiying City and the formation masters of Xuantian Sect began to work rapidly like the most sophisticated machines.

More jade pillars and crystal piles were transported to the designated desolate valley. Under the unified dispatch of Xiao Ningxue and the remote guidance of Master Olivier, more mages and disciples were involved in this grand project of racing against time with the abyss.

……

Time passed quietly in the tense and depressing atmosphere of preparation, and a month passed in a flash.

During this month, the four earth vein diversion spirit vortex arrays on the periphery of the Quicksand Forest have all been completed and are in continuous operation. Like four precise giant hands, they cleverly guide the surging earth vein energy to take a detour, successfully separating nearly one-third of the energy supply flowing to the core area.

Data transmitted from the Silver Crown Observatory clearly showed that the activity and overall magnitude of the foul, dark-red energy cloud at the heart of the Quicksand Forest had dropped to their lowest point since observations of the Whispering Root began. While the evil essence deep within that core remained terrifying, its surging power had clearly been effectively contained, like a ferocious beast with its throat strangled, its momentum greatly diminished.

This month was not without its share of noise. Whether it was some radical Silver Leaf Ranger officers within the elven tribe or some disciples within the stronghold eager for battle, they had repeatedly advised Xiao Ningxue and Olivier, who were in charge of the overall situation, that the time had come and they should immediately launch a general attack while the enemy was weak.

However, Xiao Ningxue remained cold as ice and rejected all these radical suggestions.

"Master Pu's injuries have not healed, and his high-end combat power has not yet reached perfection."

"The state of the core debris is unknown. Its decay rate needs to be continuously observed."

"The time has not come yet."

Her reasons were sound, and since Olivier had no intention of objecting, she easily suppressed all the restlessness and ensured that the entire plan proceeded at the safest and most successful pace.

until today.

Within the quiet room, Xiao Ningxue sensed Pu Jianxing's finally fully revived, even more powerful than before, sharp sword intent from his retreat, like a divine weapon unsheathed, ready to strike. She then reviewed the latest energy monitoring report from the Silver Dome Crown—the energy in the core area was still slowly declining.

She knew that the long-awaited opportunity had finally arrived.

Xiao Ningxue stood up, her white hair falling like snow. Without disturbing anyone, she walked alone through the busy passage in the stronghold and came to the door of the quiet room where Lin Ji was in seclusion.

The stone door was tightly closed, faint ripples of time and space flowing across it, isolating the inside from the outside. But Xiao Ningxue could clearly sense the aura behind the door, deep as the abyss, yet filled with vibrant vitality, and the sharp artistic conception that seemed poised to rip everything apart at any moment.

She didn't force her way through the gate. Instead, she extended a delicate jade finger, a wisp of pure aquamarine spiritual energy condensed on her fingertips, and gently tapped the center of the stone door. Like a stone dropped into a calm lake, the spiritual energy spread out in tiny ripples, transmitting her thoughts with a unique frequency.

"Husband, the time has come, it's time to leave."

Her voice was transmitted clearly into the depths of the quiet room through the vibration of spiritual power.

In the quiet room, Lin Ji slowly opened his eyes. A flash of crimson fire seemed to flash within them, then they returned to a deep calm. He spread out his palms, revealing several blood marrow crystals that had once been vibrant in color. Now, they had completely turned to a dull grayish-white, their internal structure completely shattered, and no longer possessed any spiritual power.

With a slight force on the fingertips, the crystal powder fell down.

His mind moved slightly, and his consciousness sank into the system panel deep in his sea of ​​consciousness, which only he could see:

[Fire Control: 100/100 (Perfect)]

[Fire: Unextinguishable: 80/100]

Looking at the clear data on the panel, Lin Ji's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of satisfaction. His control over the power of fire had reached a state of perfection. Wherever his mind directed it, the blazing flames took shape, his control more precise than ever before. His understanding of the true meaning of immortality had also advanced to 80%. All that remained was a final comprehension and accumulation of knowledge, and he would truly reach the profound threshold of incinerating all things while remaining eternally alive.

After a month of seclusion and hard training, with the help of a large amount of resources and my own insights, my strength has indeed improved to a higher level.

He rose to his feet, his bones creaking in a series of subtle, crisp clicks. Vast energies and spiritual energy surged through his body like a mighty river, unstoppable. He didn't deliberately exude a commanding presence, but the air in the quiet room seemed to stagnate for a moment, filled with an invisible, heart-pounding sense of profound power.

Pushing open the stone door of the quiet room, light from the outside world poured in. Xiao Ningxue's cold and beautiful figure was waiting outside the door, in white clothes and white hair, like a cold plum blossom under the moon.

"Ningxue."

Lin Ji spoke, his voice gentle.

"Husband."

Xiao Ningxue walked forward, her eyes swept over him, and a barely perceptible ripple appeared in her cold eyes.

"Your aura...is becoming more profound."

"Something gained."

Lin Ji smiled slightly, then naturally took her hand and squeezed it.

"What's the situation outside?"

"The four earth vein drainage arrays are operating smoothly. The energy in the core area continues to decay and has reached the expected point. Master Pu came out of seclusion half an hour ago. His sword power is more harmonious and perfect than ever before. Master Olivier of the Elf Clan and his team are also in place. The Silver Dome Crown is ready, and we just need to activate it."

Xiao Ningxue spoke steadily, letting Lin Ji massage her while she explained the latest situation clearly.

"it is good."

Lin Ji nodded, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"Gather everyone and hold a meeting at the command post. It's time to put an end to that wreckage."

He walked out, Xiao Ningxue in his arms. His steps were steady, and his figure stood tall as a mountain amidst the light and shadow of the corridor. An invisible aura of determination and authority quietly permeated him.

The final offensive is about to begin.

……

In the central square of the canyon stronghold, all personnel involved in the final operation have gathered.

Lin Ji stood at the forefront, followed by Pu Jianxing, whose aura was as sharp as a drawn sword; Master Pang Bin, whose smile was restrained and who appeared exceptionally calm; and Feng Tian, ​​whose face was calm, yet the fire of Nirvana flowed around him. At his side were the powerful elves, led by Elder Seranville and Master Olivier.

Further out, Xiao Ningxue, her white clothes whiter than snow, stood at the core of a massive, newly constructed formation disk. The disk was composed of countless profound metal and crystal components, its surface engraved with intricate patterns that blended cultivation runes with elven magic patterns. It emanated a heart-pounding energy surge—this was the formation she had painstakingly constructed over the past month, combining the strengths of the formation techniques of both lands: the [Tianshu: Purifying Evil and Breaking Realm Axe].

With the help of the elves, this formation can avoid the restrictions of Aetherius's rules and has the ability to attack from a super long range. It is also Xiao Ningxue's main learning goal now.

Hundreds of disciples and formation masters behind Xiao Ningxue have taken their positions, standing solemnly at various nodes of the formation plate, their spiritual power surging, connecting with the aura of Xiao Ningxue in the main formation.

On the other side, the Elf Mage Corps was also ready under Lilana's coordination. They would do their best to maintain the operation of the four earth vein dredging spirit vortex arrays to ensure that the food-cutting strategy for the Whispering Root continued to be effective.

The atmosphere was as heavy as iron, solemn and silent.

Lin Ji's eyes slowly swept over everyone present, and his voice was clear and calm, reaching everyone's ears:

"Everyone, prepare for a month. Success or failure depends on this one move. The core battle is difficult for anyone other than a Golden Core Legend to intervene. Forcing your way in will only increase casualties and become a burden."

His eyes fell on Pu Jianxing, Pang Bin, Seranville, Olivier and Feng Tian.

"Master Pu and Master Pang will lead the attack from the front. Elder Seranville and Master Olivier will suppress it with their magic. Feng Tian and I will assist you in the attack."

Finally, he looked at Xiao Ningxue on the formation plate. When their eyes met, there was no need for words, only trust.

"Ningxue, the support of the [Tianshu·Pure Evil Breaking Axe] in the outer area is now in your hands. Elf Mage Group, you must ensure the continuous drainage of the earth veins!"

"I will not disgrace my life!"

Xiao Ningxue's cold voice was filled with absolute determination.

"Follow orders!"

Master Olivier responded solemnly on behalf of the Elf Mage Corps.

"set off!"

Lin Ji gave the order and no longer hesitated.

The six figures of the core team transformed into streams of light, instantly soaring into the sky. Like six sharp blades, they pierced the increasingly gloomy and polluted core of the Quicksand Forest. Wherever they passed, the pervasive miasma of corruption was forcibly dispelled by Pu Jianxing's sword intent, forcibly tearing a path through them.

Xiao Ningxue watched them leave, took a deep breath, and all emotion vanished from her eyes, leaving only absolute calmness and focus. She raised her hands, and her ten fingers, like playing the stars, suddenly pressed down on the core of the formation disk.

"Activate the formation! Position the Tianshu, gather the power to purify evil!"

Om-!

The huge [Tianshu·Pure Evil and Break the Realm Axe] array plate vibrated violently, and countless runes lit up. Huge amounts of energy gathered from the surrounding space and the bodies of hundreds of disciples. After being transformed and amplified by the array plate, it turned into an extremely thick, azure light column that condensed the dual wills of purification and destruction. It tore through the sky and locked onto the core direction of the Quicksand Forest from afar, ready to go!

At the same time, the four earth vein diversion spirit vortex formations, driven by the full force of the Elf Mage Corps, shone brightly, and the efficiency of extracting and diverting earth vein energy was instantly increased to the maximum!

The war finally begins!