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

Soon after, the Grand Temple and the Imperial Family jointly issued an edict, officially announcing the list of the delegation and giving it a public mission: the Western Frontier Pacification and Local Customs Survey Mission.

The edict declared:

To demonstrate the blessings of the divine ancestors, consolidate the friendly relations between the empire and the various tribes in the western borderlands, promote border trade, and gain an understanding of local customs and traditions, this mission was specially dispatched to the western borderlands.

The temple's special envoy, Shen Zhen, will represent the temple in exhortation and demonstrate divine grace.

The royal representative, the Third Prince Fengyu, will convey His Majesty's concern.

The elites from each of the accompanying palaces will be responsible for tasks such as security along the route, geographical surveying, recording folk customs, and cultural communication.

This grand-sounding title perfectly concealed the true purpose of investigating heresy.

Inside the Department of Purification.

When Shen Zhen learned that he would be appointed as the head of the "Pacification Mission" and lead such a team to the western frontier, he felt not much joy, but rather a greater sense of pressure.

He immediately understood the deeper meaning behind this title:

Mingxiu plank road, dark Chencang.

The real task of this mission is arduous, and the complex backgrounds and relationships within the team are probably even more difficult to coordinate than the potential heretics in the western borderlands.

Su Mingyuan and Qiu Zhengnan had different expressions after learning of the appointment.

Ye Zhi Qiu, in particular, sighed and said:

"The western frontier is a harsh and cold land, nowhere can it compare to the prosperity and comfort of the capital. Now that I'm gone, I don't know when I'll be able to hear the fairy-like voice of Miss Hanyan again."

But deep in his eyes, there was a hint of eager curiosity and shrewdness.

Thus, a complex mission, ostensibly for "pacification and investigation" but in reality for investigating clues of heresy, was about to set off.

This public title both lulled potential enemies into a false sense of security and provided a "legitimate" guise for the actions of various factions within the mission.

After the list of delegations was announced, Shen Zhenglan quietly arrived at Yi Tianxing's secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city that very night.

The two met under the moonlight.

The initial awkwardness and silence stemming from past events made the atmosphere somewhat stagnant.

Finally, Yi Tianxing broke the silence with a carefree laugh, and took out a wine pot and wine cups:

"Alright, Zheng Lan, we've been brothers for so many years, who are you trying to impress with that sour face?"

"You've come for Shen Zhen's trip to the western frontier, haven't you?"

"I can't hide it from you," Shen Zhenglan sighed, his face showing the deep worry of a father.

"Xuan'er has just started her training and is still young. I need to stay in the capital and cannot leave."

In the western frontier, fortunes are unpredictable. The heretics employ bizarre methods, and the relationships within the temple, the royal family, and aristocratic clans are complex and turbulent.

Although Zhen'er has already broken through her limitations, she is still young and stubborn, and I really can't help but worry about her...

I would like to ask Brother Yi to secretly accompany me.

just in case......

"If we encounter any danger along the way that even he cannot handle, I implore you, senior brother, to protect him for the sake of our past relationship."

His voice carried a barely perceptible plea.

Yi Tianxing tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, then laughed heartily and patted Shen Zhenglan's shoulder forcefully:

"I don't think it's a big deal!"

Shen Zhen is also my disciple, Yi Tianxing! Isn't it only natural for a master to secretly protect his disciple?

"Don't worry, with these old bones of mine still here, as long as I have a breath left, I will never let the only heir of your Shen family, my precious disciple, perish in that desolate western frontier!"

His words were bold, yet his eyes shone with unwavering determination.

"Perfect timing, I haven't traveled far in many years, so I'll take this opportunity to stretch my muscles and bones."

There's no need for thanks between us. If I say thank you again, you'll have to drink three cups of wine as punishment!

His words, spoken with great fervor, completely melted away the last vestiges of ice between the two men caused by past events.

Under the moonlight, two old friends raised their glasses and drank together, reminiscing about past grievances with a smile.

Meanwhile, at the Shen residence.

Shen Xuan handed Shen Zhen a bulging bundle, her face flushed with excitement:

"Brother, here you go, these are all good things I carefully prepared."

There's a talisman inside, which I embroidered myself. It will protect you and keep you safe!

There's also a bag of sweet sugar biscuits; eat them if you get hungry on the way!

"And this sachet," she said, handing over another exquisite sachet.

"These are herbs I specially found; they can repel insects and ward off evil spirits. There are many insects in the western border region, so you should carry them with you at all times..."

Looking into her younger sister's bright, concerned, and reluctant eyes, Shen Zhen felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She solemnly took the bundle and gently ruffled her hair.

"Don't worry, Xuan'er, I will definitely come back safely."

Stay home and cultivate yourself properly, and listen to your father.

Soon after, the temple and the royal family jointly held a grand departure ceremony for the western delegation.

The main streets of the capital were packed with people, all eager to watch the spectacle and discussing the young delegation with curiosity and anticipation.

The mission was a grand procession, with banners waving in the wind.

As the chief envoy, Shen Zhen rode a magnificent white horse, leading four small teams at the forefront of the procession. The young man was handsome, composed, and had a firm gaze, attracting attention.

Behind the fourth squad is Su Mingyuan from Zhen Niantang.

He sat upright on his horse, his expression carrying the composure and restraint that comes with a century-old family background, as well as a hint of unspoken superiority.

Following closely behind Su Mingyuan was Gu Chengye, son of Gu Qing, the chief celestial official of the main temple.

He was dressed in a brocade robe, skilled in horsemanship, with an upright posture and a calm demeanor similar to his father's.

Next was Ye Zhi Qiu, still waving his folding fan and looking around, but when his gaze swept over the aloof and beautiful figure in the Jingxie Division's farewell procession, he immediately wilted.

In stark contrast is Qiu Zhengnan of the Ceremonial Department.

She wasn't dressed in a traditional Chinese dress, but rather in a sharp, tailored outfit. Her brows were furrowed with a spirited air, and her eyes shone like cold stars, revealing a decisiveness that rivaled even the most valiant men.

The most conspicuous is the Third Prince's reputation.

He stood on the carriage, dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe, standing out among the uniformed figures. He wore a frivolous smile and occasionally raised his hand to fiddle with the white jade pendant at his waist.

When his gaze swept across the crowd, it lingered a few more moments on the young woman, with a hint of casual amusement.

It was as if this trip was not a journey to the far west to investigate heresy, but a leisurely tour to enjoy the scenery.

The guards behind him had to constantly fend off the surging crowds of onlookers, keeping them extremely busy.

Ye Zhi Qiu sidled up to Shen Zhen's horse, her face contorted with a mournful expression:

"Special Envoy Shen, this journey to the western frontier is long and arduous. Alas, to whom can I confide my longing and yearning..."

His exaggerated tone amused Wu Xian and Zhou Shi, who were standing nearby, and they couldn't help but chuckle.

Zhao Huaijin gave him a cold glance and ignored him.

Li Qingyan and Chen Xi then carefully checked the supplies they were traveling with for the last time.

Qi Xuejian and Wu Xian whispered excitedly to each other, full of imagination about the local customs and culture along the way.

Shen Zhen smiled slightly, reined in his horse, and turned around.

He saw his father, Shen Zhenglan, standing not far away, nodding slightly to him, his eyes filled with trust and concern;

He saw his younger sister, Shen Xuan, waving vigorously in the crowd;

He also saw Master Yi Tianxing, leading a thin horse and wearing a straw hat, casually glance at him and nod slightly in acknowledgment in the crowd at a street corner in the distance.

Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, he turned his head, took a deep breath, looked towards the western horizon with a firm gaze, and spurred his horse forward.

"Set off!"

With a loud announcement from the master of ceremonies, the motorcade slowly started moving, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement, raising a light dust.

The large and orderly procession headed westward, towards that vast land full of unknowns, challenges, opportunities, and dangers.

The prosperity and tranquility of the capital city, as well as the concerns of relatives and friends, were gradually left behind.

What kind of turbulent changes and life-or-death trials await this young delegation on the road ahead?

The mystery of the case from four years ago will eventually be revealed on that land in the western border region.

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Volume One: The Mysterious Cases of the Divine Capital - The End

Epilogue: The stage in the capital city has temporarily come to a close, and the mists of the western frontier are spreading.

Next volume: The Western Frontier Mist