Yang Qi walked out of the enclosure, a majestic Beaked Eagle perched on his shoulder, and signaled for the workers to go in.

The workers entered with their tools and materials and got to work.

First, they cut a section of the protective mesh on the ceiling, then installed a sturdy alloy frame and a special movable mesh panel.

The panel was driven by a small motor, allowing it to be opened and closed by remote control. When closed, it fit snugly with the surrounding mesh, leaving almost no visible gap, and was equipped with an electronic lock.

Throughout the process, Qi Zai stood steadily on Yang Qi’s shoulder, watching quietly and occasionally letting out a low rumble from its throat.

About an hour later, the construction was complete.

All the tools were removed from the enclosure, and the workers conducted a final remote control test from outside.

"Alright, Yang Qi, it’s done. Have Qi Zai try going in and out so we can see how it works," the lead craftsman shouted from outside.

Yang Qi nodded and walked back into the enclosure with Qi Zai on his shoulder.

Pointing to the newly installed skylight, which was currently open, Yang Qi used his "Basic Spirit Communication Technique" to issue a command.

"Qi Zai, that’s a new door for you. Try flying out through there, circle around in the sky, and then fly back in the same way."

Qi Zai tilted its head back to look at the skylight, which was bright with the sky outside. A flash of understanding and excitement passed through its eyes.

It let out a rumble from its throat to show it understood, then with a beat of its wings, it leaped lightly from Yang Qi’s shoulder.

Its powerful wings stirred the air as its gray and white form shot straight toward the skylight, slipping through the opening with ease and without hesitation.

"SKREEE—"

A clear, high-pitched cry, full of the joy of freedom, echoed above the enclosure.

Qi Zai’s form unfurled in the sky. It circled twice, as if familiarizing itself with the new entrance.

A moment later, it adjusted its direction, aimed for the skylight, and executed a precise dive. It slipped back through the opening and landed steadily on a high beam inside the enclosure before flying down to land beside Yang Qi.

The entire process was smooth and natural. Qi Zai had adapted to its new "door" with incredible speed. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Good boy."

Yang Qi didn’t hold back his praise. He turned and gave an "OK" sign to the waiting technical staff outside.

The workers outside breathed a collective sigh of relief, their faces breaking into smiles. They waved at Yang Qi, packed up their tools, and left.

Only Yang Qi and Qi Zai were left in the enclosure.

Yang Qi turned around. With a thought, he retrieved three longan-sized rice balls, shimmering with a faint Spiritual Qi, from his "Hundred Pouches Belt."

"Here, this is your reward."

Qi Zai chirped in delight, carefully picked up a rice ball with its beak, and swallowed it. It flapped its wings happily a few times.

’Thank you, Master.’

"You’re welcome."

Yang Qi smiled and stroked its smooth back feathers, then his expression turned serious as he gave his instructions. "From now on, this is your nest, your home. You can freely come and go through this skylight to go outside, hunt, and patrol your territory. But there are a few things you need to remember."

Yang Qi held up a finger and said, "First, you must be back before dark. It’s not safe outside at night, and you need to rest."

"Second, don’t go near places with a lot of Two-legged Beasts. You can expand your range a bit."

"Third, be careful. Avoid places like high-voltage power lines."

"As for large birds of prey, there are basically none in the mountains, but you should still be on the lookout."

Qi Zai listened intently, continuously making low rumbling sounds in its throat to show it understood. Its sharp eyes were fixed on Yang Qi, its gaze focused.

’Understood.’

’Don’t worry, Master.’

"Good."

Yang Qi smiled. "Behave yourself, and I’ll give you something even better to eat next time."

’Yummy food.’

Hearing this, Qi Zai immediately became excited, unable to stop itself from flapping its wings again, stirring up a light breeze.

...

That evening, Yang Qi drove his SUV toward Hongshu District.

Today, Gao Zhenyue was treating him to dinner.

As usual, the evening rush hour in Donghua City was congested.

By the time Yang Qi finally reached the commercial district where the restaurant was located, he was already nearly twenty minutes late.

Driving the SUV, Yang Qi circled the restaurant three times before he found a parking spot.

Afterward, he walked briskly toward the restaurant.

The restaurant was bustling with business, brightly lit, and filled with the clamor of voices.

Yang Qi pushed open the heavy glass door, and a wave of heat mixed with the aroma of food and the chill of air conditioning washed over him.

He walked slowly through the spacious ground-floor lobby, heading toward the private room area—

[Untamed "Golden Threaded Ghost Python" detected. Host may abduct it and bring it back to the sect to obtain contribution points.]

???