Third: Array Reinforcement Zones.
Yang Qi deliberately routed the path through several areas where the Array’s "confusion" effect was relatively strong. In these places, the disorientation would be more pronounced, making it easier for the experts to experience the "anomaly."
Fourth: Safety Considerations.
The route avoided areas with potential dangers like venomous snakes and wild beehives, and also bypassed steep cliffs and deep ravines, ensuring the expedition team’s basic safety.
As Yang Qi walked, he sensed the Array’s effects along the path from an Array Master’s perspective, adjusting and reinforcing the functions of certain nodes.
’I can strengthen the electronic signal interference a bit here.’
’At this turn, the visual misdirection created by the Array could be a little more natural.’
’The Spiritual Qi fluctuations in the forest ahead need to be smoothed out a little, lest the instruments pick up any anomalies.’
’...’
Yang Qi was like a director meticulously setting a stage, polishing every detail, all so that in tomorrow’s "performance," the "actors" would follow the predetermined "script," complete the predetermined "plot," and reach the "conclusion" he wanted.
Of course, all of this still required Uncle Cai’s cooperation.
On that front, Yang Qi was confident he could persuade him.
...
Afternoon.
Uncle Cai arrived at the Zoo as scheduled.
Yang Qi, Jiang Kai, and Uncle Cai discussed the route in a small conference room.
Throughout the discussion, Yang Qi subtly guided the conversation, using the excuse of convenience and suitability for scientific research to lead Uncle Cai along his line of thinking.
Uncle Cai came from a background of old hunters; his top priority was personal safety.
He didn’t doubt Yang Qi’s scientific-sounding explanations.
And so, the route they finally decided on was almost exactly what Yang Qi had planned.
...
「The next day, early in the morning.」
After breakfast, Yang Qi took Bai Wan and Leopard and drove out of the Zoo.
He left Xiaojiu and Hu Zi behind to guard the house.
The car left the city and turned onto the road leading to the forest park.
The scenery on either side gradually shifted from buildings to farmland, and then to rolling hills.
At 7:40 AM, Yang Qi arrived at the designated meeting point: a relatively secluded parking lot on the east side of the forest park.
A few cars had already arrived.
One minibus and two SUVs.
A group of people was organizing gear by the vehicles, the sound of their conversations drifting over.
Yang Qi parked his car and had just gotten out when he heard a familiar voice.
"Advisor Yang, over here."
It was Uncle Cai.
He was squatting on the ground, putting special leashes on Dahuang and Big Black.
Although both dogs were very well-behaved, with so many strangers around, necessary precautions had to be taken.
Seeing Yang Qi, Dahuang and Big Black immediately started wagging their tails happily.
Yang Qi walked over, greeted Uncle Cai, and patted the two dogs on the head.
Dahuang and Big Black docilely nuzzled against Yang Qi’s hand.
"Minister Jiang isn’t here yet, but he should be soon."
Uncle Cai stood up and pointed to the crowd. "See? Those are the leaders of the expert team. The one with the salt-and-pepper hair is Professor Zhou, the one who studies bird ecology. He was leading the team that got lost last time."
"The tall, balding man next to him is Senior Engineer Li from the Provincial Institute of Geology. The woman with short hair is Engineer Liu from the Meteorological Institute..."
Uncle Cai introduced them with a practiced familiarity.
Though not an expert himself, he had dealt with these departments for years and knew many of the people.
Yang Qi looked in the direction he was pointing.
Professor Zhou appeared to be in his early fifties, with a refined, scholarly face. He was currently holding a tablet and quietly discussing something with Senior Engineer Li, his expression focused.
Senior Engineer Li, on the other hand, was constantly fiddling with a black instrument in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed.
Meanwhile, Engineer Liu was directing two young assistants as they unloaded a pile of equipment from a vehicle.
The entire team consisted of about seventeen or eighteen people. Aside from a few core experts, most were young graduate students or technicians.
Everyone wore matching outdoor work attire, and the atmosphere was serious and professional.
Just then, a black sedan drove into the parking lot. Jiang Kai and two other staff members from the Forestry Bureau got out.
Jiang Kai strode over, nodding first to Yang Qi and Uncle Cai before heading toward the expert team to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with Professor Zhou and the others.
"Professor Zhou, Senior Engineer Li, Engineer Liu, and all the experts, thank you for making the long trip!" Jiang Kai said warmly.
"You’re too kind, Minister Jiang. We’re the ones imposing on you," Professor Zhou replied with a smile.
The two sides briefly introduced their accompanying personnel.
Jiang Kai introduced Yang Qi and Uncle Cai to the expert team.
"This is Yang Qi, from our Zoo’s Animal Management Department. He’s very familiar with the animals in Cangshan and the back mountain area. He’s also a Special Investigator Advisor for the Donghua City Bureau and an Animal Expert."
"This is Master Cai, our best local Forest Patrol Officer. He knows Cangshan like the back of his hand. This time, he and Yang Qi will be guiding everyone."
Yang Qi and Uncle Cai stepped forward to greet them.
Professor Zhou and the others had already heard of Yang Qi.
After all, the title "the police consultant who can communicate with animals" had earned him some fame in relevant circles within the province.
Now, as they looked at Yang Qi, their gazes held a hint of curiosity.
For Uncle Cai, however, their looks held more respect and trust. The value of a veteran Forest Patrol Officer on a field expedition like this was undeniable.
"Advisor Yang, Master Cai, we’ll be counting on you both this time," Professor Zhou said politely.
"Of course, Professor Zhou," Yang Qi replied politely.
"Not a problem," Uncle Cai said calmly.
Jiang Kai then reiterated the safety precautions. He reminded the expert team that the situation deep in Cangshan was complex, especially with the recent intensification of magnetic anomalies. He stressed that they must follow the guides’ instructions and not wander off from the group.
The expert team had clearly done their homework, and everyone nodded in understanding.
The time was now eight o’clock sharp.
All personnel and equipment checks were complete.
As the team leader, Professor Zhou gave a brief pep talk.
"Everyone, the purpose of our trip is to scientifically and objectively investigate the magnetic field and environmental anomalies in this special region of Cangshan. I hope everyone maintains a rigorous scientific attitude, pays attention to safety, and follows instructions."
"If there are no more questions, let’s move out!"