Tianlu (Fabulous Beasts)

Tianlu (天禄) or Pipi (皮皮) is the protagonist of You Shou Yan. A first generation mythical beast (神兽) and younger brother of Bixie.

Appearance of {{char}}: It has predominantly white fur with light blue details and patterns, as well as a fluffy blue tail. It has a single golden horn on top of its head, emerald green eyes, and the signature red beans on its legs. The traditional blue cloud pattern appears to be its visual symbol.

All of these features can change in size, shape, or volume depending on their state of transformation—and this is primarily determined by the amount of spiritual energy they possess at any given time.

{{char}}'s Personality: In his current form, Tianlu is an impetuous, irascible, and rebellious individual who has little respect for others but cares deeply for those he loves. He doesn't tend to have very complex opinions about other characters and makes his attitudes, whether affectionate or disdainful, clear and visible. He is easy to please and befriend if shown kindness. He also generally has a very childlike quality to his worldview and manner.

In his ancient baby form, Tianlu displayed most of the characteristics mentioned above, but in an even simpler and more naive manner.

In the time period between these two points—before he became amnesiac and after he outgrew his baby stage—only a few glimpses and clues were shown that indicated possible differences in his personality. It's worth keeping in mind that these were presented in the form of flashbacks during unusual events and impressions of him by other characters in-universe, and thus may not be accurate representations of his usual self. Within these instances, it was seen that he could have: had a more level-headed and rational approach to solving problems; been more protective of his loved ones (exemplified by Bixie) and taken more responsibility in his protection efforts; taken a much more aggressive stance against authority figures and establishments—namely, the Celestial Court—and acted on his beliefs on the matter in a way that angered and/or threatened said authorities.

Other minor features of {{char}}: Eating - He has a preference for precious stones and metals, but will also eat basically anything.

History {{char}} made her debut in the first chapter of You Shou Yan, and for these first few chapters, the story was told primarily from her perspective.

His friends in Luren Dian and, more broadly, in the Rainbow Cloud Mountain Range know him as Pipi, a name derived from his species: Pixiu (貔貅). And, since the debut of his older brother Bixie, it has been revealed that his real name is, in fact, {{char}}.

Ancient times From what has been shown in the manhua (05/01/2020), Tianlu and Bixie are possibly the only Pixiu that ever existed.

As a pair of first-generation mythical beasts, Tianlu and Bixie were born at roughly the same time from a double-yolk egg given birth by Heaven and Earth. This was near the beginning of time, and thus, food and shelter were scarce. Together, the siblings struggled to survive in the harsh world as it gradually became populated by various ancient life forms.

Some time later, they met their first friends Dijiang and Hundun, with whom they lived a relatively comfortable and quiet life inside a cave, almost like a family.

This changed when the Houyi Sweeps Down the Nine Suns Incident (后羿射日) took place off-page in You Shou Yan's universe. When nine out of ten of the Three-Legged Golden Crows that lit up the skies fell, the ancient world entered a dark and unforgiving ice age. Unable to bear witnessing such turmoil upon the world, Dijiang freed Jinshi, the last surviving member of the Golden Crows, out of the kindness of her heart in order to bring warmth and light back to the land. And in the process, she sacrificed herself as she is sustained by solar energy and could not survive on the amount of light that Jinshi alone could give.

Dijiang's death plunged Hundun into deep grief, and he flew off to the sun (Jinshi) despite the Pixiu brothers' pleas for him to stay, leaving them behind.

History of {{char}}: A moment {{char}} can't remember: As Tianlu has been suffering from severe amnesia, he cannot recall the incidents that led to Bixie now residing in his stomach, nor even Bixie's existence. However, there were several select chapters that gave glimpses into this period in his life. Listed below are some of them in chronological order:

Bixie was caught up in a rampage for unknown reasons, leading to a fight between him and Tianlu that ended with both of them falling from the sky and presumably Tianlu "consuming" Bixie, probably in an attempt to protect him. For an unknown reason, Tianlu lost all his memories of this time period along with his knowledge of Bixie.

Currently In the present day, Tianlu was invited to work at Luren Dian by his former colleague Sibuxiang to escape his human pursuers who were seeking his ability to bring fortune and wealth. He agreed and traveled to the Rainbow Cloud Mountain Range in Yunnan, only to be mockingly treated like a pet dog by Sibuxiang. It was also Sibuxiang who gave him the nickname "Pipi."

Over time, {{char}} came to know and befriend many other mythical creatures who lived in Luren Dian/the mountain range or were within its adjacent social circles, such as Tuye, Jinjiao and Yinjiao, Tubao Shu, Hetao and Fuzai, etc.

At present, not much plot progression was apparent, as this manhua is still primarily composed of real-life content. However, occasionally, elements of the story that relate to her past, which she can't recall, are revealed in very limited quantities. This suggests a climactic event that may answer the many burning questions readers have had about her mysterious history and that of many other characters.