Chapter 270: Chapter 174: The Iron Armor Fierce Tiger’s Awakening Paternal Love (Part 2)

"Advisor Yang, it’s about the incident in Cangshan with Professor Yu’s team—the one where the startled wolf pack attacked them. Our bureau and the municipal forestry department have held several joint analysis meetings."

Deng Lei said, "Taking all the factors into account, especially the wolf pack’s abnormal, collective, panicked flight, we’ve come to a consensus. We believe the wolves’ panic was, in all likelihood, caused by that unidentified beast we still haven’t been able to track down!"

"Any new leads or discoveries?" Yang Qi asked.

"That’s what I’m getting to."

Deng Lei sighed. "To get to the bottom of this and eliminate the safety hazard, our bureau and the forestry department formed a joint exploratory team. It’s made up of experienced Forest Police, rangers, and experts, and we’ve equipped them with specialized gear."

"For the past few days, they’ve been deep in Cangshan, conducting detailed surveys and searches, especially in and around the area where the incident occurred."

"And the results?" Yang Qi pressed.

"We came up empty."

A note of helplessness crept into Deng Lei’s voice. "That beast is too cautious, too good at hiding. It seems aware of our search parties and always manages to skillfully evade them."

"What about drones?"

Yang Qi knew that many field investigations now use drones.

"Don’t even get me started."

Deng Lei gave a wry smile. "Deep in Cangshan, especially in the Ancient Goose Forest and the valleys beyond, there’s magnetic interference."

"When a normal drone flies in, the signal either cuts in and out or it just loses control and crashes. They’re completely useless there."

"We tried anti-interference models, but they didn’t work well either. Besides, the terrain is complex and the forest is dense, so the drone’s visibility is extremely limited."

He paused, his tone turning sincere. "So, the bureau thought of you, Advisor Yang. We were wondering if you could help us out?"

Yang Qi had already guessed. "You want Qi Zai to help search from the air?"

"Yes!"

Deng Lei said hurriedly, "A Beaked Eagle flies high, has a wide field of view, and is sharp when it comes to spotting large targets on the ground. Plus, since he’s a wild animal himself, his presence in the skies above the forest shouldn’t make the unknown beast overly wary."

"If he can help, he might be able to spot clues that our ground teams would miss."

"And that area in the Ancient Goose Forest with the magnetic anomaly shouldn’t affect a living creature like Qi Zai."

He added, "Of course, we’re not asking Qi Zai to take risks, get close, or provoke the beast. We just need him to observe from high up. If he finds any trace of a suspicious large beast, he just needs to remember its general location and activity patterns, and come back and tell you."

"It’s far more efficient and much safer than sending a large team into the mountains to search blindly."

"Alright."

Yang Qi replied, "I’ll go talk to Qi Zai right now. I’ll have him start keeping an eye out for any large beasts when he heads into the mountains tomorrow. The moment he finds something, I’ll let you know."

"That’s great! Thank you, Advisor Yang. And please thank Qi Zai for us."

Deng Lei quickly thanked him from the other end of the phone.

Hanging up, Yang Qi leaned back on the sofa, raising an eyebrow slightly.

’This unknown beast in Cangshan... it’s not just powerful. Its caution and ability to hide far exceed those of any ordinary animal.’

Yang Qi’s curiosity was growing.

After a moment of reflection, he got up and left the house.

He hopped on the electric scooter parked in the courtyard and rode through the night toward the aviary where Horn Carved Qi Zai was kept.

When Yang Qi arrived, Qi Zai was nestled in his nest, head tucked under his wing, seemingly about to fall asleep.

Sensing Yang Qi’s presence, Qi Zai lifted his head, a low, guttural sound coming from his throat.

What is it, Master?

"Nothing major."

Yang Qi sent the message directly with his enhanced Spiritual Sense. "I just have a favor to ask. Starting tomorrow, when you’re out flying free in the mountains, I need you to pay extra attention to any large beasts."

"Caiyun doesn’t count."

"If you spot any beasts other than Caiyun—ones that are really big, look powerful, or seem unusual in any way—try to follow them discreetly. Remember the general area they frequent, or where their lair is."

No problem.

Qi Zai agreed readily.

To him, it was just a fun new "scouting game."

The next moment, Qi Zai keenly sensed a change in Yang Qi and asked with curiosity.

Master, you’ve gotten stronger?

You feel different than before.

"Haha, I’ve made a little progress."

Yang Qi responded with a laugh, taking out three Spirit Rice Balls from his Hundred Pouches Belt and tossing them one by one to Qi Zai.

Qi Zai expertly caught them in his beak and swallowed them happily, savoring the warmth and satisfaction that spread through him.

After feeding him the rice balls, Yang Qi took out a Strengthening Pill and tossed it to Qi Zai.

Qi Zai swallowed the pill as well, then gave a contented shake of his feathers.

Thank you, Master.

"You’re welcome."

Yang Qi replied, "I won’t disturb your rest anymore. Be safe in the mountains tomorrow. Just observe from a distance, don’t get too close."

Goodbye, Master. I’ll be careful.

Qi Zai chirped in response, watched Yang Qi leave, then went back to preening his feathers, preparing for sleep.

...

The next day, early in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Yang Qi stopped his cultivation.

He went downstairs to the backyard, dismantled the Demon Extermination Array, and counted his earnings: over eight hundred contribution points.

He immediately did eight consecutive draws.

The first five draws yielded standard, practical supplies.

The last three times, he drew three Low-grade Wood Spirit Stones in a row.

He put the rewards away and went back inside. After preparing plenty of cat food, dog food, and fresh water for Xiaojiu, Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard, he ruffled each of their heads and gave them instructions.

"I’m going out today and might not be back until tonight. You all be good at home, watch the house, don’t fight, and don’t bother the neighbors."