Chapter 522 - 246: The "Hidden Mountain Beast" That Came Knocking
Chapter 522: Chapter 246: The "Hidden Mountain Beast" That Came Knocking
He composed himself.
Yang Qi directed the transport truck driver, guiding the vehicle to a pre-prepared temporary quarantine area near the Wetland Birdwatching Area.
Feng Jianye was already waiting there with several on-duty keepers and the veterinarian, Luo Cheng.
When the truck came to a stop, Feng Jianye and the others hurried forward.
The rear doors of the truck opened, revealing over a hundred birds with varied plumage and alert expressions, all sorted and housed in professional transport cages. Despite having been mentally prepared, the crowd couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.
"Wow, that’s so many birds."
"What kind of bird is that? Its feathers are so beautiful!"
"I think I’ve seen this parrot in a documentary. It’s a protected species, right?"
"Director, you really... went out for one trip and brought back an entire Rare Bird Hall!"
As they marveled, the staff, under Luo Cheng’s professional guidance, began carefully unloading the cages. They transferred the birds to the temporary quarantine enclosures, which had already been disinfected and furnished with perches, food, water, and enrichment toys.
With each transfer, Luo Cheng performed a quick initial visual inspection, recording the bird’s ID number and species.
Meanwhile, Feng Jianye was in charge of coordinating and scheduling the subsequent feeding, observation, and quarantine plans.
The process was tedious, but everyone was full of energy.
The arrival of these birds meant that the richness and appeal of Xianlai’s future Wetland Birdwatching Area and Spiritual Bird Garden would be elevated by several levels.
By the time all the birds had been safely transferred, night had fallen.
Yang Qi called over to the truck driver, had him park in a designated spot, and then took him to the staff cafeteria for a simple meal.
After the meal, he personally drove the driver to the nearby Datang Town. He found a clean, comfortable hotel, checked the driver in, and even paid for the room in advance, telling him to get a good rest before heading back the next day.
After settling the driver in, Yang Qi returned to the Xianlai Zoo.
The temporary aviary was brightly lit; Feng Jianye, Luo Cheng, and the others were still finishing up the last of the organizing and record-keeping.
When they saw Yang Qi return, everyone gathered around him, their faces filled with excitement and admiration.
"Director, with this batch of birds, the framework for our Wetland Birdwatching Area and the planned Raptor District is instantly fleshed out. This will save us at least half a year of acquisition and breeding time," Feng Jianye said with emotion.
Luo Cheng, who was usually quiet, couldn’t help but smile. "Director, there are several species in there that I’ve only ever seen in professional field guides. I never thought I’d get to see them in person, let alone help care for them. This is an invaluable experience and a real treasure for our entire team."
"Yeah, yeah, the Director is amazing!"
"From now on, Xianlai’s bird exhibits will definitely be a highlight."
"..."
Yang Qi smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "It was just good luck. I was in the right place at the right time, and we had the support of the Yuanzhou Police and the Forestry Bureau."
"The most important thing is for everyone to take good care of them from now on. Many of these birds were frightened, and some are not fully tamed. They’ll require extra patience and professional care."
"Teacher Feng, Dr. Luo, I’ll have to trouble you both during the New Year holiday."
"Don’t worry, Director. We’ll take good care of them!" everyone replied in unison.
"The Director’s luck is unbelievable."
"The Director should go buy a lottery ticket. Maybe you’ll win five million."
"What, are you trying to get the Director to hand out red envelopes?"
"HAHAHA..."
The group joked and laughed.
They went along with his "good luck" explanation, but they all knew better.
’How could taking in rare birds from a criminal case be a simple matter of luck? It’s not like Yuanzhou City doesn’t have its own zoos and wildlife rescue centers. There was only one explanation for how Yang Qi managed to bring this flock back: the merit he had earned in this case was so immense that the Yuanzhou Police and other relevant departments were more than willing to thank and support him in this way.’
Once again, their young director’s influence and abilities had forced them to see him in a new light.
「...」
Once things at the aviary were mostly settled, Yang Qi returned to his small villa.
Qi Zai had already flown back to the rear mountain to rest, while Xiaojiu followed him into the house.
After several hectic days on the road, he was finally home.
Yang Qi took out some Spirit Rice from his Hundred Pouches Belt and put it in the rice cooker.
The pure fragrance of the Spirit Rice soon filled the kitchen.
Xiaojiu wandered contentedly in and out of the house, patrolling its territory.
While the rice was cooking, Yang Qi sat down on the living room sofa and focused his mind, entering the system. ’I’ve gained almost five thousand construction points this time. It’s the perfect chance for a few lottery draws to replenish my supplies and see if I can get anything new.’
"Draw!"
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn: Low-Grade Gathering Spirit Pill]
’Nice. Gathering Spirit Pills are a better cultivation resource than Qi Condensing Pills.’
’Keep drawing!’
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn: Hundred Beasts Detoxification Powder]
’Not bad either. Hundred Beasts Detoxification Powder is an antidote made specifically for beasts, and it can also be used to lure them.’
’Again!’
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn: Beast Spirit Pill]
’Alright. Beast Spirit Pills are a cultivation resource for Guardian Beasts, and I was running low.’
’Keep going!’
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn: Calming Powder]
’Another good item. An indispensable resource for calming beasts.’
’Again!’
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn: Mid-grade Spirit Stone (Water Attribute)]
’A Mid-grade Water Spirit Stone. A primary material for setting up arrays.’
’Keep drawing!’
[Congratulations, Host. You have drawn...]
...
Yang Qi performed fifty draws in one go, spending a total of five thousand construction points.
Although he didn’t get any completely new items, his haul was still quite substantial.
He got two of each of the Five Elements Mid-grade Spirit Stones (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth), enough to set up two basic Five Elements Spirit Gathering Arrays.
He also drew five Mid-grade Spirit Stones each of the Wind and Lightning attributes, replenishing his stock of those as well.
As for the Five Elements Low-grade Spirit Stones, he drew two or three of each type, which could be used for daily consumption or as nodes for smaller arrays.