Spiritual animal lore

Spiritual animal lore

There exists a flow of life energy within the earth (signified by the mystical dragon), flowing metaphorically from the tops of mountains down to the land, nourishing everything it passes with that energy as does blood coursing through the veins. This energy is called the Dragon's Pulse (or Lung Mei). As such, this energy is prevalent in all things as well and breathes in rhythm with life forms and nature. It is what gives life to all living things, Where it is abundant plants flourish, people grow, where it is scarce the land is barren, and hazardous.
The energy of the Dragon’s Pulse flows out invisibly, shifting with time and changes to the land in the form of Ley Lines which in turn can crisscross into nodes which create an overabundance of spiritual energy. Every country has a few spots that have these nexus points, often sacred ritual grounds. The current largest nexus point in japan, possibly even in the world currently would be K-town, creating a spiritual hotspot that even causes the Dragon’s pulse energy to saturate its inhabitants and raises the chance that they might awaken into spiritual powers. Those who awaken to spiritual powers find that their physical capabilities grow beyond that of common mortal people, leading some to claim that they were the children of gods, Their lifespan extending as they also slowed in aging, some even reaching a point that their physical form stopped aging completely, even though they often had a finite lifespan, but one that could exceed the normal person by hundreds or maybe even a thousand years.

Now Humans are not alone in the phenomenon of spiritual awakening. Throughout history and the world legends speak of transforming animals, great protectors, or demonic monsters that stalked the land and terrorized or protected people and places. Perhaps due to the fact they are closer to nature, but animals tend to have a higher chance of being affected by the spiritual energy and awakening into something more, absorbing spiritual energy and growing in power. These creatures are often known as Spirit Beasts to those who understand.
Such animals can become more ‘demonic’ fully abandoning themselves to their animal instincts, hunting man and beast alike, Some growing larger and more powerful in strength, hides that could ignore swords, the strength to crush steel with their jaws. Others might gain the wisdom of humans and become more intelligent, the legends of the kitsune who could transform into beautiful women or charming men, the Yokai of Asian mythology, lurking in the shadows of modern day. It is suspected but unproven that these are the mortal realm origins for the Beast Clans within Soul society although for a spirit beast it often takes a hundred or so years to reach such a point, often a difficult task.