But as it turned out...

The three police dogs had an even more exaggerated reaction than Xiaojiu.

Upon receiving the information, Leopard froze on the spot. Its ears perked up, and its eyes glazed over as if it had been struck by lightning, its face a perfect picture of confusion: ’Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?’

Hu Zi, on the other hand, shook its head, seemingly trying to fling the incomprehensible information out. It then looked at Yang Qi in confusion, glanced down at its own paws, and let out a series of indecipherable whimpers, clearly unable to understand any of it.

Bai Wan, at least, tried its best to "think," but its simple mind was utterly incapable of processing such complex information.

After trying for a moment, it gave up. With its tongue lolling out, it nudged Yang Qi’s hand with its wet nose, its eyes full of innocent, fawning affection.

Seeing this, Yang Qi’s suspicions were completely confirmed.

’So it’s just as I thought...’

Yang Qi sighed softly. He wasn’t discouraged; instead, the path forward became even clearer.

The Basic Spirit Awakening Technique was an initiation, the key that had opened the door.

To truly master it and embark on the path of cultivation, he would need a more advanced "key" or "stairway."

This "key" could be a higher-level Spirit Awakening Technique, or perhaps some kind of rare treasure or Miracle Elixir.

’It’s okay, no rush.’

Calming himself, Yang Qi went to comfort each of the somewhat dejected furry kids.

"I was the one who oversimplified things."

"You’re all already amazing! We’ll take our time with this cultivation stuff. I’ll find a way to make you all as strong as I am!"

"Meow~"

[I believe in you, Master.]

Xiaojiu rubbed against Yang Qi’s hand.

"WOOF WOOF!"

[Master is the best!]

Bai Wan and Leopard immediately regained their spirits.

"Woof~"

[We’ll listen to Master.]

Hu Zi responded calmly.

...

...

The matter of training the Guardian Beasts was set aside for the time being.

Life went on as peacefully as ever.

「That afternoon, as the sun began to set.」

Yang Qi first finished the routine cleaning and enrichment check for the Gray Wolf and raccoon enclosures.

Then, as usual, he went to the Leopard Hall to visit Big Flower.

The pregnant leopard’s condition remained stable. When she saw Yang Qi arrive, she affectionately came over to rub against him again and again, finishing a nutritionally balanced extra meal in his company.

The zookeeper, Old Li, watched from the side, grinning from ear to ear.

After leaving the Leopard Hall, he had just reached the corner of the staff passageway when the phone in his pocket began to vibrate.

Yang Qi took it out and saw it was a WeChat message from Lu Gangsheng, the vice director of the Yongcheng Zoo and an expert on large felines.

He opened it, and the first thing that popped up were several photos.

The photos were of an adult male Northeast Tiger with an extremely powerful build, vibrant fur, and distinct stripes.

It was lying on a large, artificial rock platform, its head resting on its forepaws. Its pair of amber eyes seemed somewhat listless, yet they held a hint of stubbornness as it stared fixedly toward the enclosure’s entrance.

The photos were very clear. You could see that although the great tiger’s spirits were low, its coat still had a decent sheen. It was just that its eyes had lost their usual domineering air and alertness, replaced by a strange sense of loneliness?

Immediately after, Lu Gangsheng sent a detailed text explanation.

[Advisor Yang, sorry to bother you. This is an adult male Northeast Tiger from our zoo. His name is Da Wei, he’s eight years old, and in the prime of his life. His condition has always been excellent, and he’s one of our star animals.]

[But starting yesterday, his keepers reported that he suddenly started refusing to eat. Whether it’s fresh beef, chicken, or even his usual favorite—a live rabbit feeding—he just sniffs it, licks it once or twice at most, and then lies back down, staring motionlessly at the entrance.]

[We’ve done a comprehensive examination. His temperature, complete blood count, and biochemical panels show no significant abnormalities. We also found no foreign objects or obvious inflammation in his oral cavity or digestive tract.]

[We’ve tried changing his food, adjusting feeding times, and even simulating a wild feeding environment, but nothing has had much effect. We’re very worried if he continues on like this.]

[That’s when I thought of you, Advisor Yang, and your unique expertise in interpreting animal behavior and providing psychological counseling. You seem to have a special affinity for large felines in particular.]

[So, I’m taking the liberty of asking if you might be free tomorrow to come to our Yongcheng Zoo and take a look at Da Wei? We can arrange for all your accommodations and cover all expenses. Awaiting your reply!]

After reading the message and looking at the photos, Yang Qi raised an eyebrow slightly.

A healthy, prime-of-his-life tiger suddenly refusing food and staring constantly at the entrance?

This was indeed unusual. It didn’t seem like a common illness or environmental stress, but more like something was weighing on its mind—a psychological factor.

After a moment of thought, he typed out a reply.

[Director Lu, you’re too kind. I understand the situation. I have time tomorrow, so I can come over and take a look. However, I can’t guarantee I can solve the problem, only that I’ll do my best.]

The message had barely been sent when a reply came back almost instantly.

Lu Gangsheng: [That’s wonderful! Thank you, Advisor Yang. Your coming gives us a glimmer of hope. I’ll have our office staff contact you immediately to arrange your high-speed rail ticket for tomorrow and your pickup. Thanks again!]

Sure enough.

Less than two minutes later, a landline from Yongcheng rang. The caller identified himself as Xiaowang from the Yongcheng Zoo office.

His tone was extremely respectful. He asked for Yang Qi’s ID information in detail to book him a business class seat on the earliest high-speed train to Yongcheng the next morning. He also confirmed the arrival time and said a car would be waiting at the station.

Just as he finished coordinating the travel plans with the Yongcheng Zoo staff, his phone rang again.

This time, the caller ID showed "Mei Ying."

Yang Qi answered, "Hello, Sister Mei."

"Xiao Yang, are you busy?"

Mei Ying’s voice was full of laughter. "Just wanted to let you know about something. We just received a formal letter from the Yongcheng Zoo. On behalf of their zoo, they’re officially inviting our zoo’s ’Animal Behavior and Welfare Expert,’ Comrade Yang Qi, to visit them tomorrow to participate in a joint consultation for a Northeast Tiger that has suddenly refused to eat."

"The letter is full of high praise for you! So, what do you think? Can you make it tomorrow?"

"Sister Mei, I was just about to report this to you."

Yang Qi chuckled at her words. "Vice Director Lu Gangsheng from the Yongcheng Zoo already contacted me privately just now. He explained the situation, and I’ve already agreed to go over tomorrow to help. They sure work fast with that official letter."

"Director Lu contacted you personally?"