"Advisor Yang’s affinity is the real deal. His reputation is well-deserved."

Director Wang clicked his tongue in amazement as he watched.

Vice Director Zhao nodded in agreement. "That ’Druid’ nickname... I thought it was an exaggeration at first. Now I see he’s really got the skills."

They had both heard about Yang Qi’s "exploits" at the Zoo and had seen some of the videos circulating online, so they had some understanding of his affinity with animals.

But hearing about it was one thing; seeing it with their own eyes was something else entirely.

Police dogs, especially retired meritorious ones, are extremely loyal and vigilant. They are naturally wary of strangers. To see them so easily show affection and trust toward Yang Qi upon their first meeting was an incredibly rare sight in all their years on the job.

Yang Qi paid no mind to the onlookers’ astonishment.

As he gently stroked Hu Zi’s and Leopard’s heads and necks, he discreetly circulated his Magical Power to carefully examine the two dogs’ conditions.

Bones, muscles, internal organs, spirit... subtle feedback flowed into Yang Qi’s mind.

Soon, Yang Qi had drawn a comparison in his mind.

Although Hu Zi was older and had old injuries, his eyes were clear and his spirit was focused. His spirituality was a clear cut above, though he was tinged with the weariness of old age.

Leopard was younger, with a solid constitution, strong resilience, and a more outgoing, lively personality. His spirituality was a notch below Hu Zi’s, but he might have greater potential to be molded.

...

"So, what do you think, Advisor Yang?"

Seeing Yang Qi stroking the dogs for a long time in thoughtful silence, Director Wang spoke up. "Our base’s retired police dogs may have had to leave their posts for various reasons, but every single one was rigorously selected and trained. Their obedience, discipline, and physical conditioning are all top-notch. They’re absolutely wonderful companions."

He paused for a moment before adding, "Are you leaning toward Hu Zi, or do you prefer Leopard?"

Vice Director Zhao chimed in with a smile, "If you like both of them, Advisor Yang, it’s no problem to adopt them together. They used to be comrades in the same unit and are very close. They’d keep each other company."

He spoke with such magnanimity, as if he weren’t offering two well-trained and priceless retired Meritorious Police Dogs, but a pair of ordinary puppies.

But after he said it, the two directors’ eyes met for a fleeting moment.

"In that case, I’ll adopt them both."

Yang Qi stood up, having made his decision. He thanked the two directors, "Thank you, Director Wang, Vice Director Zhao. And thank you to the base for your trust."

It wasn’t hard to guess the motive behind the Police Dog Base’s "generous" display.

They simply wanted to see if these two police dogs, who had either reached the peak of their abilities within the base’s system or been forced to retire due to injury, would undergo some unexpected transformation in the hands of a "hidden master" like him. They wanted to see if new potential could be "coaxed" out of them.

Adopting retired police dogs wasn’t a one-and-done deal. The base would conduct periodic or unscheduled follow-up visits, and even the dog’s death had to be reported.

If Hu Zi and Leopard truly experienced a "second spring" under Yang Qi’s care—becoming healthier, smarter, or even exhibiting special abilities—the Police Dog Base would absolutely approach him to seek deeper cooperation.

’For me, this would mean some extra work and potential scrutiny, but the overall impact would be minimal and manageable.’

’More importantly, police dogs—especially Meritorious Police Dogs—embody the recognition and honor of an official law enforcement agency. They naturally come with a "blessing of fortune"!’

’Once I form a Soul Contract, that fortune will feed back into my cultivation. That’s a tangible benefit.’

’As for whether Hu Zi and Leopard becoming far more than ordinary dogs in the future would attract unwanted scrutiny...’

Yang Qi wasn’t too worried.

’For one, dogs can’t talk, so they can’t leak any secrets.’

’For another—and this was the most fundamental point—once the Soul Contract was complete, I would be their one and only master, commanding their absolute and undeniable loyalty. With our minds linked, they would know how to "hide their true abilities" even better than Bai Wan and Xiaojiu.’

Therefore, when a double blessing of fortune was delivered right to his door, Yang Qi certainly wasn’t going to be modest. He took the entire package.

...

"Excellent!"

Hearing this, Director Wang’s smile grew even wider. He decisively agreed, "It’s Hu Zi and Leopard’s good fortune to be with you, Advisor Yang. I’m sure they won’t disappoint you."

"I’m sure of it, too," Yang Qi replied with a smile.

Right away, a staff member guided Yang Qi through the process. He smoothly completed the adoption procedures for both dogs, paid a symbolic fee, signed a series of documents, and received their registration papers, vaccination records, and retirement certificates.

When he returned to the kennels, Hu Zi and Leopard seemed to sense something and were exceptionally docile.

Yang Qi personally put new collars and leashes on them, and the two directors escorted him all the way to the main gate of the base.

The guard at the gate saw Yang Qi emerge from a distance, leading two majestic German Shepherds with both directors in tow. A look of surprise crossed his face, and then he gave Yang Qi a thumbs-up through the window.

Yang Qi smiled and nodded in return.

Opening the back door of his SUV, Yang Qi gave the command.

"Hu Zi, Leopard, get in."

Without the slightest hesitation, the two well-trained police dogs leaped nimbly into the spacious back seat and sat side-by-side in perfect posture.

Yang Qi closed the door and said farewell once more to Director Wang and Vice Director Zhao, who had walked him to his car.

"Please, don’t trouble yourselves any further. Thank you for all your help today."

"It was no trouble at all, we were free anyway," Vice Director Zhao said with a smile.

"Take care, Advisor Yang. Come back and visit anytime!" Director Wang added.

The two men waved enthusiastically.

Yang Qi started the car and slowly pulled away from the Police Dog Base.

In his rearview mirror, he could see the two directors standing in the same spot, watching his car recede into the distance.

"Lao Zhao."

The smile on Director Wang’s face slowly faded. Gazing toward the end of the road, he spoke softly, "Tell me, do you think we did the right thing? Handing both Hu Zi and Leopard over to him for an ’experiment.’"

"What’s not right about it?"

Vice Director Zhao replied calmly, "We’re just finding them a good home and observing a possibility on the side. Whatever the outcome, it’s a good thing for Hu Zi and Leopard. Besides..."

He paused and looked at Director Wang. "Do you really think that Advisor Xiao Yang can’t see what we’re up to? The man knows exactly what’s going on. The fact that he accepted the dogs means he’s not afraid. If he isn’t worried, why should we be?"

Director Wang fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"That’s true. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. Let’s hope it’s a pleasant surprise."

...

On the drive back, Hu Zi and Leopard demonstrated excellent obedience and stability, sitting quietly in the back seat.

It wasn’t until the car passed through the main gates of the Zoo that the two dogs’ ears twitched slightly as they took in the new surroundings through the window.

[Host has brought back two "Thunder Battle Dogs" that are initially tamed and possess combat aptitude. The sect’s foundation and potential combat strength have been effectively bolstered. Sect Contribution Points +1000]