Starting as a prodigy wanting milk? A world-destroying deception in the opposite direction.

Ling Buyu paused, then looked at Shen Zhen.

"Shen Zhen, you seemed to have something to report just now?"

Shen Zhen immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Yes, sir."

Last night, my father talked to me about what he had secretly investigated recently.

He tracked Shen Zhenglan down to another group of heretics who promoted "hedonism," lived extremely extravagantly, and were elusive, possibly connected to the western border regions.

He also gave a clear and concise report on the situation of several suspected locations.

After listening, a hint of relief appeared on Ling Buyu's stern face:

"Although Lord Shen has retired, he still cares about the safety of the temple. He has been a great help this time."

He tapped his fingertip lightly on the table and pondered for a moment:

"But... it's a bit of a coincidence that heretical tokens have just appeared here, and then Lord Shen has provided information on the stronghold of another group of hedonistic heretics."

Lei Lie stroked his chin:

"Does the Master mean... someone deliberately led us there? Trying to set a trap for us?"

"It might not be a false clue," Han Yan analyzed calmly.

"It could also be infighting among different factions within the heresy, or a deliberate deception to confuse us and allow them to escape unscathed."

Ling Buyu pondered for a moment, then made a decision:

"Whether it's a coincidence or not, now that clues have appeared, we can't ignore them. Right now, the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light; only by following the clues can we have a glimmer of hope."

He then turned his gaze to Shen Zhen, his tone carrying a hint of expectation:

"Shen Zhen, you have recently made many outstanding contributions, and you are calm and resourceful."

I have applied to the Grand Temple to promote you to captain of the fourth squad of the Purification Division. The Grand Temple's approval will be issued soon.

I hope you will mentor the new recruits well and live up to my expectations.

Shen Zhen's heart warmed, and he clasped his hands in a solemn gesture, saying:

"Thank you for your guidance, Master! Shen Zhen will do her utmost to live up to your expectations!"

The voice just fell.

Zhao Huaijin was the first to walk over. Although his face still held its arrogance, his tone was quite decisive:

"Captain Shen, this is finally going to become a reality. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Li Qingyan, Zhou Shi, and others also stepped forward to offer their congratulations. Wu Xian rubbed his hands excitedly, while Chen Xi and Qi Xuejian also smiled.

Even Lei Lie patted Shen Zhen's shoulder heavily:

"Good lad, you've risen fast! From now on, we'll be on equal footing!"

Shen Zhen quickly waved his hand humbly and said:

"Since I am highly regarded by the Master and have the support of everyone, I, Shen Zhen, will do my utmost to advance and retreat with you all and safeguard the peace of this capital."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ling Buyu immediately gave the order:

"Squad One, Squad Two, Squad Four, commence joint operations immediately and focus on investigating the strongholds provided by Lord Shen!"

Be extremely careful and avoid rash actions!

"Yes!" the crowd answered in unison.

Just then, a cheerful voice came from the doorway:

"Wow, it's so lively here? Looks like I've arrived just in time!"

Everyone turned their heads and saw Ye Zhi Qiu of Qi Tian Palace standing at the door with a smile, waving a folding fan. His gaze swept around and finally landed on Han Yan.

The members of the Purification Division were already used to this.

Lei Lie rolled his eyes and muttered, "This clingy pest is at it again..."

Han Yan didn't even lift her eyelids, completely ignoring her.

Ye Zhi Qiu paid no attention to the reactions of the crowd, walked in on his own, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Ling Buyu:

"Lord Ling, I am here on the orders of the Palace Master to inquire about any new developments in the matter of the heretics, and whether our Qitian Palace needs any cooperation?"

As he spoke, his gaze seemed to be glued to Han Yan.

Ling Buyu was familiar with his mannerisms and succinctly explained the arrangements she had just made.

After listening, Ye Zhi Qiu closed his folding fan and laughed:

"What a coincidence! The stronghold may involve array disguise, and array research is precisely the forte of my Qitian Palace."

"Chief Ling, how about I join in the fun and learn from Captain Hanyan's team?"

Ling Buyu glanced at him, then at the expressionless Han Yan, hesitated for a moment, and nodded:

"Very well, Ye Zhi Qiu, you will join the team and follow Captain Han Yan's instructions."

Ye Zhi Qiu's smile widened, and he gestured to Han Yan as if to say "Please give me your guidance".

Han Yan finally raised her eyes, gave him a cold glance, and remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

With the tasks assigned, each team immediately sprang into action.

Shen Zhen led his fourth squad, which was originally the rookie squad, with their target being a dilapidated winery called "Forget-Me-Not Wine" on the outskirts of the city.

This is the most remote and inconspicuous of the strongholds provided by Shen Zhenglan.

On the way, Li Qingyan couldn't help but whisper:

"Captain Shen, Ye Zhi Qiu is really... persistent when it comes to Captain Han Yan."

Before Shen Zhen could answer, Zhao Huaijin scoffed:

"King Xiang had a dream, but the goddess had no heart."

Captain Hanyan only cares about cultivation and missions; she wouldn't bother with someone as idle as him.

Qi Xuejian was a little curious:

"But Ye Zhi Qiu seems to be quite capable. Having his help wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?"

Chen Xi said cautiously:

"I hope he's genuinely trying to help and not just causing trouble, but judging from his character, he's certainly quick-witted."

"During the last battle of the God-Soothing Ceremony, I even saved Captain Hanyan..."

At this point, Chen Xi choked up.

Upon seeing this, everyone realized that she was Lu Renjia.

The atmosphere in the group suddenly became somber. Wu Xian wanted to go forward to comfort her, but in the end, he did not move. He simply rode his horse silently beside Chen Xi.

Zhou Shi chuckled and whispered words of comfort:

"It's all in the past. If Renjia were here, he would also want us to complete the mission well."

Shen Zhen's eyes darkened, he slowed his horse, and said in a deep voice:

"We have never forgotten Lu Renjia's sacrifice. This purge of heretics is also to complete his unfinished mission."

Everyone, stay alert and don't let his blood be shed in vain.

These words gradually dispelled the sorrow in everyone's eyes, and Zhao Huaijin drew the sword from his waist:

"Captain Shen is right! We will definitely wipe out those heretics in one fell swoop!"

"That's right!" Qi Xuejian smiled, patted Chen Xi's hand, and teased her.

"Once we take down this outpost, I'll treat everyone to hot soup at the sweet soup shop at the street corner. It'll be a celebration of Captain Shen's promotion and a boost for us!"

Wu Xian immediately replied:

"I'll have two bowls then; sweet soup with candied fruit is the perfect flavor!"

Zhao Huaijin chuckled but didn't refute, while Li Qingyan smiled and shook her head:

"You're such a glutton; be careful you don't miss the mission."

The gloom in the group completely dissipated, and amidst laughter and chatter, the team was nearing their destination.

From afar, the "Forget-Me-Not Wine Estate" truly lived up to its name.

It looked dilapidated, with mottled earthen walls, a crooked wooden door, and illegible words on the signboard. Weeds grew all around, giving it a desolate feel.

However, when Shen Zhen signaled the team to disperse and hide, and quietly approached, he could faintly smell a very faint sweet fragrance that seemed out of place with the dilapidated exterior.

This fragrance... is somewhat similar to that of the woman from Jubao Fang.

But it was lighter, more ethereal, with a hint of wine lees and some kind of herbal flavor.