The secrets to switching between different stances like offense, defense, and crowd control?

...

Countless insights and epiphanies flowed through his mind, settling within him.

After a long while, Yang Qi slowly opened his eyes, a faint cyan glimmer flashing within them before vanishing.

He took out a Qi Condensing Pill and swallowed it. The pill dissolved into a warm current, quickly replenishing the Magical Power he had expended while refining and testing his Divine Abilities.

Standing up, Yang Qi surveyed his surroundings.

The valley had lost its former pristine tranquility. Scattered branches and leaves littered the ground, and the vegetation was in disarray, disturbed by the ripples of his Divine Power. He frowned slightly.

’The might of Divine Abilities is undeniable,’ Yang Qi thought to himself. ’Even a minor Divine Ability like "Every Blade of Grass a Soldier," which is more for support and crowd control, has incredible destructive power when used at full strength.’

’It seems I’ll have to be more careful about controlling the scope and intensity when I practice in the future. It would be best to find a more hidden place, or somewhere that’s already a wasteland.’

’Otherwise, making this much noise and leaving such obvious traces is just asking for trouble. If it attracts unwanted attention, it won’t be worth the risk.’

On the path of cultivation, before one could truly transcend worldly rules, discretion and caution were always the necessary Body Protection Talismans.

Having made up his mind, Yang Qi didn’t linger. He called out.

"Xiaojiu, it’s time to go. Go get Bai Wan and the others."

"Meow~"

Xiaojiu responded with a cry, and with a flash of movement, dashed out of the valley.

A short while later, Xiaojiu returned, leading an excited Bai Wan, Hu Zi, and Leopard.

WOOF WOOF~

[Master, you were so amazing just now!]

[The grass and trees all listened to you!]

The moment he was back, Leopard excitedly circled Yang Qi, his tail wagging so fast it looked like a propeller.

WOOF WOOF~

[Yeah, yeah!]

Bai Wan came closer too, nuzzling his head against Yang Qi’s hand.

WHINE~

[As long as Master is okay.]

Hu Zi was more reserved, but the excitement and adoration in his eyes were impossible to hide.

"Haha, it was alright."

Yang Qi laughed and ruffled their furry heads. Seeing them so excited brought him joy. "Don’t be envious," he said. "Once my Cultivation improves and I break through to the Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation, I can pass on the Ten Thousand Beasts Devouring Moon Technique, a Cultivation Technique that’s suitable for you."

"When that time comes, you’ll cultivate your own Spiritual Power, and you’ll be able to slowly awaken the innate abilities hidden deep within your bloodlines."

"That will be your true power!"

"Bai Wan, your ’Blood Combustion,’ and Hu Zi, Leopard, your ’Thunderous Deterrence’—those are all excellent innate talents. As for Xiaojiu..."

Yang Qi glanced at the black cat perched on a nearby rock. "Your ’Hyper-Speed Self-Healing’ might not be flashy, but it’s a life-saving divine skill in a crisis."

WOOF WOOF?

[Really? We can become as amazing as Master?]

Hearing this, Leopard’s eyes went wide. He got so excited he stood up on his hind legs, placing his front paws on Yang Qi’s knees.

WOOF!

[When has Master ever lied to you?]

Although Hu Zi verbally scolded Leopard, his own tail, which usually hung calmly, was now wagging uncontrollably, betraying his inner excitement.

WOOF WOOF!

[I believe Master! I’ll definitely train hard in the future!]

Bai Wan nodded his head vigorously, his eyes filled with determination.

Meow~

[It doesn’t matter if I’m amazing or not.]

Xiaojiu licked a paw and looked at Yang Qi.

[As long as I can always stay with Master, that’s all I want.]

"Haha, good, good, you’re all so ambitious. But Xiaojiu is right too. We’re a family, and being together is what’s most important."

Yang Qi laughed heartily, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.

He patted each of their heads in turn and said, "Let’s go. Time to go home. You’ll get extra food tonight as a reward for your hard work standing guard today."

"WOOF WOOF!"

"Meow~"

Amidst a chorus of happy barks and meows, Yang Qi and his Guardian Beasts walked out of the mountains, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun.

...

...

The next morning, while Yang Qi was in his dorm catching up on his studies, a colleague informed him he had visitors.

When he arrived at the Zoo’s reception room, Professor Yu Chengbang was already waiting there with the female student, whose foot was in a cast, and the male PhD student, who had bandages on his face and hands.

Although Professor Yu still had gauze wrapped around his forehead and his face was a bit pale, his spirits were clearly much improved.

Seeing Yang Qi enter, Professor Yu quickly walked over and gripped his hand tightly. "Advisor Yang, thank you so much! If it weren’t for you and your animal friends, the three of us would... we’d be gone!"

Yang Qi quickly invited them to sit. "Professor Yu, and you two students, I’m just glad you’re all safe and sound. I only did what I was supposed to do."

"No, no, no."

Professor Yu waved his hands dismissively. "It wasn’t as simple as ’what you were supposed to do.’ Officer Deng already told us the gist of what happened. The Beaked Eagle’s discovery, the owl’s search, the clouded leopard’s protection... It’s a miracle!"

"Advisor Yang, your understanding of and ability to communicate with animals is simply godlike! I’ve already reported this to my university’s leadership. We’re preparing to send a formal letter of thanks to your zoo and to you personally, on behalf of the Provincial Agricultural University and our research group. And also..."

"Professor Yu, a letter of thanks is fine, but there’s no need for anything else."

Yang Qi quickly interrupted him. "Personally, I’d rather not have this matter publicized too much. I appreciate the thought, though."

Seeing the confused expressions on the faces of Professor Yu and his students, Yang Qi paused for a moment before stating his request. "If the three of you truly want to thank me, I have just one small favor to ask, and I hope you can agree to it."

"Advisor Yang, please, say the word! If it’s something we can do, we’ll do it without a second thought!"

Professor Yu declared immediately, and the other two nodded vigorously.

"It’s about the details of the rescue, especially the parts involving the clouded leopard."