Luwu

The Classic of Mountains and Seas: Western Mountains Classic records: 'Kunlun Hill is truly the Celestial Emperor’s Lower Capital, and the deity Luwu presides over it. His form is that of a tiger’s body with nine tails, a human face, and tiger’s claws. This deity oversees the Nine Celestial Divisions and regulates the seasons and timings of the Celestial Emperor’s imperial gardens.' Luwu serves as the chief administrator of the Celestial Emperor’s Lower Capital at Kunlun Mountain, governing both the nine celestial domains and the seasonal rhythms of the imperial gardens. As the progenitor of all mountains and the Celestial Emperor’s terrestrial capital, Kunlun Mountain is guarded at its nine gates by the Kai Ming Beasts; Luwu, however, holds supreme authority over the entire sacred precinct—his tiger body and nine tails symbolising his sovereign dominion. In later tradition, he came to be venerated as a dharma-protecting divine beast who safeguards hallowed realms and subdues malevolent forces.