Orchid Mantis

Five-Color Orchid Mantis (Creature 9), Giant Orchid Mantis (Creature 2), Orchid Mantis Swarm (Creature 6)

While many sapient beings like to put themselves above the animal kingdom, the gap can be closer than many realize and catch the arrogant off guard. Tian stories abound with tales of masters learning mystic or martial arts from animals, though many scholars dismiss these creatures as powerful beings simply taking animal form. The five-color mantis is a strong counterargument to the latter claims, as are animals who undergo the transformation into yaoguai. Rarer tales speak of mimic birds who cast spells that they overhear or larvae that cocoon themselves into artifact shells and pupate into living weapons.