What do you think?
Rate this book
Copper Coins: Tong Qian Kan Shi (Novel) #2
Copper Coins: Tong Qian Kan Shi (Novel) Vol. 2
THIS ADVENTURE IS DOWNRIGHT HAUNTING!
The egotistical dragon Xue Xian and the memory-wiped monk Xuanmin are still stuck together—and so are the many mysteries trailing in their wake. Their ghostly companion, Jiang Shining, seeks peace for his departed parents, but first he must find the last of his living kin. Meanwhile, Lu Nianqi, now empowered and burning for answers, is determined to uncover the truth behind the deadly tomb on Fentou Island that took his brother’s life.
The party’s quest takes a bizarre turn when they hitch a ride with a troupe of theatrical ghosts—only to end up in a cursed village overrun with restless spirits. The deeper they dig, the more the threads begin to tangle…and point toward a single origin.
Why does everything seem to circle back to Xue Xian’s downfall? And what role does the enigmatic monk at his side truly play? One thing’s for sure: If they don’t kill each other first,
The egotistical dragon Xue Xian and the memory-wiped monk Xuanmin are still stuck together—and so are the many mysteries trailing in their wake. Their ghostly companion, Jiang Shining, seeks peace for his departed parents, but first he must find the last of his living kin. Meanwhile, Lu Nianqi, now empowered and burning for answers, is determined to uncover the truth behind the deadly tomb on Fentou Island that took his brother’s life.
The party’s quest takes a bizarre turn when they hitch a ride with a troupe of theatrical ghosts—only to end up in a cursed village overrun with restless spirits. The deeper they dig, the more the threads begin to tangle…and point toward a single origin.
Why does everything seem to circle back to Xue Xian’s downfall? And what role does the enigmatic monk at his side truly play? One thing’s for sure: If they don’t kill each other first,
332 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 26, 2026
This volume challenged my prejudice against bald love interests. The shiny, bald head of Xuanmin showed me the true path, and I realized the error of my ways.
I found that this volume did not disappoint. The expectations set by the first installment were fulfilled, as the storyline was even more engaging and the arcs revealed little by little more of the overarching plot. We gained additional insights into Xuanmin's past, which added layers to his character.
Xue Xian emerges as the ultimate brat in this volume. His arrogance is palpable, and his immediate shift into a tsundere tendency when faced with problems he caused is so amusing. He is a delight to read about as he makes any situation fun, but also when he gets serious, it shows how truly formidable he is.
In this volume, Xuanmin truly stepped into the spotlight. His presence became more pronounced, displaying a richer personality and allowing his emotions to surface more openly. We also learn a bit more about his background, although at the same time, his past remains shrouded in mystery, deepening the intrigue.
The dynamic between these two characters is incredibly enjoyable to read. I love that they communicate honestly from the beginning, never hiding anything from each other. Both are on the same pace regarding the progression of the romantic feelings between them. Although Xue Xian is a bit more on the slower side, he'll get there. The volume also subtly increased the romantic tension, and I found their interactions increasingly compelling. Their bickering is entertaining, yet they trust each other deeply, making their relationship one of the highlights.
We cannot forget Jiang Shining, the adorable cinnamon roll, who remained as cute as ever in this volume.
In conclusion, this volume was just as fun and engaging as the first. The ending left me eager and barely able to wait for the third volume, promising even more developments and deeper connections.
I found that this volume did not disappoint. The expectations set by the first installment were fulfilled, as the storyline was even more engaging and the arcs revealed little by little more of the overarching plot. We gained additional insights into Xuanmin's past, which added layers to his character.
Xue Xian emerges as the ultimate brat in this volume. His arrogance is palpable, and his immediate shift into a tsundere tendency when faced with problems he caused is so amusing. He is a delight to read about as he makes any situation fun, but also when he gets serious, it shows how truly formidable he is.
In this volume, Xuanmin truly stepped into the spotlight. His presence became more pronounced, displaying a richer personality and allowing his emotions to surface more openly. We also learn a bit more about his background, although at the same time, his past remains shrouded in mystery, deepening the intrigue.
The dynamic between these two characters is incredibly enjoyable to read. I love that they communicate honestly from the beginning, never hiding anything from each other. Both are on the same pace regarding the progression of the romantic feelings between them. Although Xue Xian is a bit more on the slower side, he'll get there. The volume also subtly increased the romantic tension, and I found their interactions increasingly compelling. Their bickering is entertaining, yet they trust each other deeply, making their relationship one of the highlights.
We cannot forget Jiang Shining, the adorable cinnamon roll, who remained as cute as ever in this volume.
In conclusion, this volume was just as fun and engaging as the first. The ending left me eager and barely able to wait for the third volume, promising even more developments and deeper connections.
April 18, 2026
I enjoyed this a lot more than vol 1 for the following reasons:
- More dragon action
- More humour eg. Xuanmin (our monk ML) putting our dragon Xue Xian in the ‘naughty corner’ and giving him time outs made me chuckle.
- You could see the romance blossoming between them in vol 2 and it happens in a very organic way. They both start to trust and open up to each other more.
- Side characters were nicely utilised and woven into the plot
- The reveals made sense
I’m very curious to see how things wrap up in the third and final volume. I have theories about the state preceptor so it will be interesting to see if I’m right or not.
- More dragon action
- More humour eg. Xuanmin (our monk ML) putting our dragon Xue Xian in the ‘naughty corner’ and giving him time outs made me chuckle.
- You could see the romance blossoming between them in vol 2 and it happens in a very organic way. They both start to trust and open up to each other more.
- Side characters were nicely utilised and woven into the plot
- The reveals made sense
I’m very curious to see how things wrap up in the third and final volume. I have theories about the state preceptor so it will be interesting to see if I’m right or not.
January 18, 2026
"You're gone, but it's all right. I'll become you and carry you with me."
I finished this volume and immediately realized I still don’t know how I feel about this series, which is probably the most honest thing I can say. Two books are out now, and somehow I’m still not hooked. I’m not uninterested, exactly. I keep reading, I keep paying attention, and parts of it definitely work for me. But when I closed the book, I didn’t feel that pull to sit with it or think about what comes next. It feels like a story that wants patience and trust from the reader, but hasn’t quite given me enough back yet to earn either.
What kept me going is the dynamic between Xue Xian and Xuanmin. Xue Xian is loud, sharp, and emotionally messy in a way that feels intentional. He provokes, lashes out, and throws his weight around like it’s the only way he knows how to stay in control, and while that makes him interesting, it also gets tiring. Xuanmin works as his opposite, steady, restrained, and morally grounded without feeling cold. Their relationship builds through irritation, physical proximity, and unspoken reliance rather than open emotion, and when it works, it really works. The problem is how often it repeats the same emotional beats. The intimacy is convincing, but after a while it stops feeling like forward movement and starts feeling like being stuck in place.
The story itself keeps escalating without ever fully settling. Every section introduces new dangers, new information, or another shift in direction, but resolution is constantly just out of reach. Answers don’t close doors, they open more of them. Victories feel partial, consequences linger, and the sense of progress is slow and measured instead of satisfying. I can see why readers who enjoy restraint, subtext, and delayed payoff love this series. I just wish it grabbed me harder by now.
Date Read: 2025.01.09
I finished this volume and immediately realized I still don’t know how I feel about this series, which is probably the most honest thing I can say. Two books are out now, and somehow I’m still not hooked. I’m not uninterested, exactly. I keep reading, I keep paying attention, and parts of it definitely work for me. But when I closed the book, I didn’t feel that pull to sit with it or think about what comes next. It feels like a story that wants patience and trust from the reader, but hasn’t quite given me enough back yet to earn either.
What kept me going is the dynamic between Xue Xian and Xuanmin. Xue Xian is loud, sharp, and emotionally messy in a way that feels intentional. He provokes, lashes out, and throws his weight around like it’s the only way he knows how to stay in control, and while that makes him interesting, it also gets tiring. Xuanmin works as his opposite, steady, restrained, and morally grounded without feeling cold. Their relationship builds through irritation, physical proximity, and unspoken reliance rather than open emotion, and when it works, it really works. The problem is how often it repeats the same emotional beats. The intimacy is convincing, but after a while it stops feeling like forward movement and starts feeling like being stuck in place.
The story itself keeps escalating without ever fully settling. Every section introduces new dangers, new information, or another shift in direction, but resolution is constantly just out of reach. Answers don’t close doors, they open more of them. Victories feel partial, consequences linger, and the sense of progress is slow and measured instead of satisfying. I can see why readers who enjoy restraint, subtext, and delayed payoff love this series. I just wish it grabbed me harder by now.
Date Read: 2025.01.09
Did Not Finish
January 11, 2026dnf at 50%
honestly i dont even want to continue anymore. picking this up feels like a chore now so i think im out. im really sad about that cuz i thought vol 1 was a riot.
honestly i dont even want to continue anymore. picking this up feels like a chore now so i think im out. im really sad about that cuz i thought vol 1 was a riot.
December 21, 2025
5/5 🌟
It had to end in a cliffhanger! My fujoshi self can't handle the anticipation!! (˶˃⤙˂˶) hehe
So many answers were given in this volume and so many are still left unanswered. I'm loving Xue Xian more and more! He's such a badass and that final scene!!!!!!! What a badass dragon! (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭
This volume made me laugh so hard! Xue Xian is such a dork! His inner dialogue and conundrums are hilarious! This venerable one indeed! ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
And then he has Xuanmin wrapped around his finger hehe. Xuanmin has been the biggest mystery. But seeing how he's so alike Lan Wangji from MDZS makes me swoon for this bald donk- I mean monk! I loved seeing his jealous salty sides, his worries come out more. He truly will do anything for Xue Xian. Oof! My heart!! ♡(˃͈ ˂͈ )
They're chemistry is insane! They have this connection that can't be described in words. It's all about their actions and the things they do for each other. I need them to kiss now, please! ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵) ♡(˶˘ ³˘(´͈ ᵕ `͈˶)
That one scene with the siblings had me bawling my eyes out!! What a incredible moment. This novel is so good! Easily making it into my S Tier! We will see after i finish the story.
What I love the most about this story is how it emphasizes that good karma will come to you if you do good unto others. And bad karma will if you do evil. There were so many heartwarming moments that the side characters had because of doing good to others and helping one another. Every side character is so remarkable and memorable! Not one is boring.
Finished: 12/20/25
It had to end in a cliffhanger! My fujoshi self can't handle the anticipation!! (˶˃⤙˂˶) hehe
So many answers were given in this volume and so many are still left unanswered. I'm loving Xue Xian more and more! He's such a badass and that final scene!!!!!!! What a badass dragon! (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭
This volume made me laugh so hard! Xue Xian is such a dork! His inner dialogue and conundrums are hilarious! This venerable one indeed! ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
And then he has Xuanmin wrapped around his finger hehe. Xuanmin has been the biggest mystery. But seeing how he's so alike Lan Wangji from MDZS makes me swoon for this bald donk- I mean monk! I loved seeing his jealous salty sides, his worries come out more. He truly will do anything for Xue Xian. Oof! My heart!! ♡(˃͈ ˂͈ )
They're chemistry is insane! They have this connection that can't be described in words. It's all about their actions and the things they do for each other. I need them to kiss now, please! ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵) ♡(˶˘ ³˘(´͈ ᵕ `͈˶)
That one scene with the siblings had me bawling my eyes out!! What a incredible moment. This novel is so good! Easily making it into my S Tier! We will see after i finish the story.
What I love the most about this story is how it emphasizes that good karma will come to you if you do good unto others. And bad karma will if you do evil. There were so many heartwarming moments that the side characters had because of doing good to others and helping one another. Every side character is so remarkable and memorable! Not one is boring.
Finished: 12/20/25
February 15, 2026
I'm really enjoying this series! I love the humour and the dynamic between Xuanmin and Xue Xian. They're so silly, but it's so clear that they started having feelings for each other. The mystery is intriguing too, so I'm really looking forward to vol 3.
March 15, 2026
Genuinely really enjoyed both the dynamics and mysteries in this book .Keeps you wanting to read every chapter .I can't wait to read the next one .
April 24, 2026
The only thing he remembered was that Xuanmin, someone he could trust, was by his side
Ahhh this was sooo good. I love how naturally Xuanmin and Xue Xians relationship develops from not being able to stand the other to reluctantly working together to trusting each other and not wanting to be apart from the other. I'm also pretty sure that at this point they already have feelings for each other without realizing yet.
I feel like the plot also really picked up compared to the first volume. There were so many mysteries introduced in this volume that I'm really curious to see how everything will tie together in the next and finale volume.
July 23, 2026
The difference between how much I enjoyed this volume over the first one was a bit shocking to me. Book one was still good and I did enjoy reading it, especially the latter third. But I don’t feel like Copper Coins truly comes into its own until this second volume. The first book had a pretty slow start but this one really hits the ground running and pretty much held my interest right from the get go and all the way up until the end. The personalities and quirks of the main characters really shined in this volume and the humor was spot on. We also start to get some hints of romance between the two leads which is subtle and definitely slow burn, but extremely tantalizing and engrossing. I love the tension between these two!
Whereas things felt a bit disjointed and meandering in the first volume, this one finally begins to reveal how all of those seemingly disparate threads come together to form a cohesive plot. The wild journey of our crazy crew of quirky misfit characters is set against a backdrop of mystery and suspense. There are so many lingering questions, ones that I’m dying to know the answers to. Although this volume does provide some answers, it leaves the reader with even more questions. That’s not to say that this volume was confusing or unsatisfying, instead it really builds the suspense and creates more intrigue to hook the reader in.
Probably my favorite thing about this volume though was the development of the two main characters and the budding relationship between the two of them. I absolutely fell in love with Xue Xian! He somehow manages to be the perfect blend of a mature, deadly immortal dragon and a mischievous troublemaker who is used to always getting his way and being the most powerful being in the room. I feel like it would be very easy for a character like this to come off as annoying but somehow Xue Xian pulls it off flawlessly and even manages to ooze an effortless charisma and charm at the same time. He’s just so disarmingly likable that it’s hard not to smile at his antics and cheer for all his ridiculous, over the top schemes, particularly when they are aimed at a certain stoic monk. Speaking of Xuanmin, he also is an unexpectedly fascinating and likable character. His personality and actions are subtle and understated but I feel like that’s part of what makes him so intriguing. Every word and action, no matter how small, speaks volumes. I think Mu Su Li does an excellent job here, managing to paint Xuanmin’s character in strokes that seem broad and simple on the surface, but upon closer inspection, you realize that they all come together to form an elegant and alluring masterpiece. With Xuanmin, less is somehow more. I’ve seen others criticize him for being even more aloof and taciturn than Lan Wangji, to the point of being boring and uninteresting. I personally would have to strongly disagree with that assessment. Xuanmin might not say much, but his actions and gestures speak volumes, particularly when it comes to Xue Xian. For me, this adds a unique romantic tension so intense that’s it’s practically scalding.
If you aren’t someone who can appreciate subtle, slow burn romance like this and tend to prefer everything to be overt or to have lots of smut, then you will likely be disappointed in Copper Coins. Of course, I can’t speak for the entirety of the series since I haven’t read the final volume yet. However, this promises to be a subtle yet poignant and deeply moving romance in a similar vein to Thousand Autumns. From what I’ve seen in fan discussions, I think that a lot of people were unable to appreciate the romance between Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi. I’ve seen it said time and time again that there is no romance or barely any romance in Thousand Autumns, but that simply is not true. The same can be said for Copper Coins. The romance is there, you just have to be able to appreciate the subtlety of deep bonds slowly forged on a foundation of mutual respect and trust tempered in the fires of shared experiences of hardship and danger.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the humor in this volume. There were so many instances where I found myself grinning like a madwoman or even laughing out loud. Xue Xian’s crazy, over the top antics combined Xuanmin’s deadpan responses are so hilarious. I love how these characters can simultaneously feel like perfectly matched equals while at the same time, Xuanmin can still get away with treating the wise immortal dragon like an unruly child. The rest of the cast also adds their own unique brand humor and levity to the mix. Shitou Zhang in particular was pretty hilarious at times and I also found his reactions and perspective as an average person unwittingly dragged into a crazy supernatural adventure with an ancient dragon, a powerful monk, a ghost and a diviner to be very relatable.
This book really had it all for me and I enjoyed it immensely. I am really looking forward to jumping into the final volume to find out the conclusion and get the answers to the mysteries that still lay shadowed in Xue Xian and Xuanmin’s respective pasts. I’m also excited to see further developments in the relationship between our two leads.
Whereas things felt a bit disjointed and meandering in the first volume, this one finally begins to reveal how all of those seemingly disparate threads come together to form a cohesive plot. The wild journey of our crazy crew of quirky misfit characters is set against a backdrop of mystery and suspense. There are so many lingering questions, ones that I’m dying to know the answers to. Although this volume does provide some answers, it leaves the reader with even more questions. That’s not to say that this volume was confusing or unsatisfying, instead it really builds the suspense and creates more intrigue to hook the reader in.
Probably my favorite thing about this volume though was the development of the two main characters and the budding relationship between the two of them. I absolutely fell in love with Xue Xian! He somehow manages to be the perfect blend of a mature, deadly immortal dragon and a mischievous troublemaker who is used to always getting his way and being the most powerful being in the room. I feel like it would be very easy for a character like this to come off as annoying but somehow Xue Xian pulls it off flawlessly and even manages to ooze an effortless charisma and charm at the same time. He’s just so disarmingly likable that it’s hard not to smile at his antics and cheer for all his ridiculous, over the top schemes, particularly when they are aimed at a certain stoic monk. Speaking of Xuanmin, he also is an unexpectedly fascinating and likable character. His personality and actions are subtle and understated but I feel like that’s part of what makes him so intriguing. Every word and action, no matter how small, speaks volumes. I think Mu Su Li does an excellent job here, managing to paint Xuanmin’s character in strokes that seem broad and simple on the surface, but upon closer inspection, you realize that they all come together to form an elegant and alluring masterpiece. With Xuanmin, less is somehow more. I’ve seen others criticize him for being even more aloof and taciturn than Lan Wangji, to the point of being boring and uninteresting. I personally would have to strongly disagree with that assessment. Xuanmin might not say much, but his actions and gestures speak volumes, particularly when it comes to Xue Xian. For me, this adds a unique romantic tension so intense that’s it’s practically scalding.
If you aren’t someone who can appreciate subtle, slow burn romance like this and tend to prefer everything to be overt or to have lots of smut, then you will likely be disappointed in Copper Coins. Of course, I can’t speak for the entirety of the series since I haven’t read the final volume yet. However, this promises to be a subtle yet poignant and deeply moving romance in a similar vein to Thousand Autumns. From what I’ve seen in fan discussions, I think that a lot of people were unable to appreciate the romance between Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi. I’ve seen it said time and time again that there is no romance or barely any romance in Thousand Autumns, but that simply is not true. The same can be said for Copper Coins. The romance is there, you just have to be able to appreciate the subtlety of deep bonds slowly forged on a foundation of mutual respect and trust tempered in the fires of shared experiences of hardship and danger.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the humor in this volume. There were so many instances where I found myself grinning like a madwoman or even laughing out loud. Xue Xian’s crazy, over the top antics combined Xuanmin’s deadpan responses are so hilarious. I love how these characters can simultaneously feel like perfectly matched equals while at the same time, Xuanmin can still get away with treating the wise immortal dragon like an unruly child. The rest of the cast also adds their own unique brand humor and levity to the mix. Shitou Zhang in particular was pretty hilarious at times and I also found his reactions and perspective as an average person unwittingly dragged into a crazy supernatural adventure with an ancient dragon, a powerful monk, a ghost and a diviner to be very relatable.
This book really had it all for me and I enjoyed it immensely. I am really looking forward to jumping into the final volume to find out the conclusion and get the answers to the mysteries that still lay shadowed in Xue Xian and Xuanmin’s respective pasts. I’m also excited to see further developments in the relationship between our two leads.
May 5, 2026
This volume is so much better and far more enjoyable than the first. The plot really starts to thicken here, and everything feels significantly more engaging compared to the earlier developments. It took me a few days to warm up to it, but once I got invested, I ended up finishing it in what felt like a blink.
A big part of that comes from how much Xue Xian and Xuanmin's relationship progresses in this volume. Xuanmin, who is usually so stoic and restrained, begins to show more emotion, especially when it comes to matters involving Xue Xian. Meanwhile, Xue Xian remains his bratty self, acting spoiled and childish at times, but there's also a clear sense of trust beneath that behavior. He relies on his bald donkey so much that he grows uneasy whenever something happens or when Xuanmin is out of his sight. And watching them slowly get drawn toward each other was genuinely compelling. Their dynamic feels more alive now, with a stronger emotional pull compared to the first volume, and it's clear that their connection is deepening in ways that go beyond what's immediately shown.
What I especially appreciated, though, is the significance of the recurring clues woven throughout the story like the copper coins, the threads, fragments of memories, and other subtle details. They all feel intentional and layered, hinting at something much larger beneath the surface. This is exactly what I like about Mu Su Li's writing: she doesn't really waste space. Aside from side plots that I didn't really find that intriguing, most of the smallest elements carry weight, and everything else seems to have a purpose that gradually reveals itself over time.
If this is the direction the story continues to take, then I'm genuinely excited to see where it leads. And as for Xue Xian and Xuanmin... I already know it's going to get spicy!
A big part of that comes from how much Xue Xian and Xuanmin's relationship progresses in this volume. Xuanmin, who is usually so stoic and restrained, begins to show more emotion, especially when it comes to matters involving Xue Xian. Meanwhile, Xue Xian remains his bratty self, acting spoiled and childish at times, but there's also a clear sense of trust beneath that behavior. He relies on his bald donkey so much that he grows uneasy whenever something happens or when Xuanmin is out of his sight. And watching them slowly get drawn toward each other was genuinely compelling. Their dynamic feels more alive now, with a stronger emotional pull compared to the first volume, and it's clear that their connection is deepening in ways that go beyond what's immediately shown.
What I especially appreciated, though, is the significance of the recurring clues woven throughout the story like the copper coins, the threads, fragments of memories, and other subtle details. They all feel intentional and layered, hinting at something much larger beneath the surface. This is exactly what I like about Mu Su Li's writing: she doesn't really waste space. Aside from side plots that I didn't really find that intriguing, most of the smallest elements carry weight, and everything else seems to have a purpose that gradually reveals itself over time.
If this is the direction the story continues to take, then I'm genuinely excited to see where it leads. And as for Xue Xian and Xuanmin... I already know it's going to get spicy!
April 30, 2026
I continue to just have a wonderful time with this series. I'm so sad it's going to be over already in the next book. I wish I could follow this dumb dragon and his stoic monk on even more adventures. In this book we delved a bit more into who Xuanmin is exactly and we started to question his past and who exactly he is. Honestly that mystery alone has kept me highly interested in the story because the author is leaning hard into a bunch of hints but I think it is all a ruse to throw us off the trail. Xue Xian continued to be the most bratty brat on the planet in this book and I love him so dearly. I don't like to give people expectations but if you enjoy Wangxian's energy I think these two bring you some of that with like, overly powerful hyper one and strong silent stoic one that goes wherever the brat wants and helps him even when he's being bratty. Both of them were amazing and I'm also glad we got to get Jiang Shining to his destination at last. Overall a very fun story with a very funny crew as the main characters. I highly anticipate the third book's release this Tuesday.
June 15, 2026
Wow! Second book found me much better! All the world building paid off and now I have a good grip on the plot, I can better enjoy the humor and I'm close to all the side characters.
This all became very exciting, really quick! The adventure is well fleshed out, a little mystery regarding Xuanmin is kept and we get to see him and Xue Xian come closer organically. There's even a couple of steamy scenes that I enjoyed!
I cannot really talk about the action without giving everything away, but they close in on the culprit that had the dragon maimed and the ghost scholar has a funny and heart-warming reunion with his still living sister.
I look forward to continue and I'm a little sad that volume 3 is the final one! I was just getting used to it!
This all became very exciting, really quick! The adventure is well fleshed out, a little mystery regarding Xuanmin is kept and we get to see him and Xue Xian come closer organically. There's even a couple of steamy scenes that I enjoyed!
I cannot really talk about the action without giving everything away, but they close in on the culprit that had the dragon maimed and the ghost scholar has a funny and heart-warming reunion with his still living sister.
I look forward to continue and I'm a little sad that volume 3 is the final one! I was just getting used to it!
April 13, 2026
I enjoyed this one much more than the first one but it still hasn’t gripped my attention the way I wanted it to. There were a lot more funny moments in here and I did enjoy that we got some more background on Xuanmin and his origins. I also liked that we got more of Xue Xian as a dragon but it still wasn’t enough for me to give it more than a 3.75 ⭐️ rating
Idk if or when I’ll read the next volume but I’ll keep it on my tbr and get to it whenever I find the time.
Idk if or when I’ll read the next volume but I’ll keep it on my tbr and get to it whenever I find the time.
April 28, 2026
3.5 🌟
i wish i was more invested 😩 surprisingly, i preferred volume 1 to this one. i’ll finish the series since there’s literally only one more volume to go, and i’m definitely curious to see how this all wraps up, particularly re the romance. don’t know when i’ll get to it, but this year for sure (🫣)
i wish i was more invested 😩 surprisingly, i preferred volume 1 to this one. i’ll finish the series since there’s literally only one more volume to go, and i’m definitely curious to see how this all wraps up, particularly re the romance. don’t know when i’ll get to it, but this year for sure (🫣)
January 21, 2026
Loved Vol 1, though Vol 2 was a tad bit less loved than the 1st 1... Anyway, the monk is one of my fav characters now. Quite an entertaining story too, unlike someone I know who said that Mu Su Li's works take time to make sense, this one was quite easy to follow. Excited for the last Vol.
June 8, 2026
I’ve been trying to branch out to more danmei but I feel like my expectations and what I’m reading are two different things. I really wanted more romance in these books. I may try some different series out instead of reading book three.
December 31, 2025
i lost the plot like in the middle but i was still vibing
January 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I love my bald donkey 🤍
I love my bald donkey 🤍
July 20, 2026
xuanmin y xue xian KISS
February 13, 2026
This was fine. I really enjoyed the beginning and the end but the middle felt kinda slow and it feels like the beats of the relationship between Xue Xian and Xuanmin kept repeating and there wasn’t much forward momentum. I like the relationship between them, but I just want something… more. It just doesn’t have the same something that made me enjoy them so much in the first volume.
February 17, 2026
DNF. I don’t think this series is for me. I didn’t enjoy the first volume and I can’t get through the second.
The writing is good but the story feels very boring to me
The writing is good but the story feels very boring to me
January 3, 2026
4.5. I'm intrigued by what's happened so far and excited to see what happens next.
February 17, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️ honestly I was a bit bored at times but still had a good time reading it! I’m ready for book 3 to release to see how it all comes together in the end 🩷
August 5, 2026
"You're gone, but it's all right. I'll become you and carry you with me."
➽ The main character – Xue Xian - is a dragon 🐲 I adore him because he contains multitudes! He’s a dragon, which already shot my excitement into the stratosphere! If you also love dragons, this book is perfect for you! As a dragon, Xue Xian is proud and arrogant, since he’s literally a divine being. I love non-human characters, as they always have a different perspective on life and death. Xue Xian has been around humans but doesn’t fully understand their emotions. He’s not particularly compassionate, but I love how he always repays his debts and any kindness he receives in abundance! Xue Xian is a troublemaker to the core who lacks patience, but how he acts is so dependent on his mood. Despite his haughty personality and snarky comments, I love how he’s sometimes just so embarrassing and dumb 😂 It’s such a great contrast to his appearance as a divine being, and Xue Xian is mortified when he’s in yet another humiliating situation. He’s just SO funny and his commentary is golden! I like Xuanmin too, but Xue Xian is exactly my type of favorite character!
➽ The love interest Xuanmin is a monk, but don’t let the baldness turn you off! He’s a bit of a mystery for the majority of the series, as he’s lost his memory and doesn’t even remember who he is. Despite this frightening situation, Xuanmin is always calm and collected. I love how dependable he is, despite also being unapproachable and a bit intimidating. He’s very closed off, but I loved getting glimpses of a gentler side to him! Plus, he needs all his patience to deal with Xue Xian, who he initially views as an evil spirit.
"The tactless monk and troublemaking evil spirit stared at each other for a very long time. Finally, the former acceded; he returned to the wall. [...] Xuanmin scrutinised them for a bit, then reached out and grabbed Xue Xian's ankle. Xue Xian jumped startled. Had he any feeling left in his legs, he would have instantly sent Xuanmin flying with a kick. You dare touch them? Think you can just grab a dragon's claws, huh?! You must have a death wish. "
➽ There’s a delicious slowburn romance that kept me invested! Xuanmin is very closed off and Xue Xian is quite proud (and willfully obtuse at times), so the romance takes a while to get going, but the payoff is definitely worth it! I loved how Xue Xian felt safe with Xuanmin as he’s got this calm and determined nature and is simply so dependable for the entire party. It’s a nice contrast to impatient and temperamental Xue Xian, which is why they balance each other out so nicely. I love opposites attract couples for that exact reason! I also loved the banter (courtesy of Xue Xian) but also the deep care and devotion of Xuanmin, which isn’t apparent at first. Getting glimpses of Xuanmins true feelings was always felt so impactful, as he’s guarded person! Plus, there are many fun shenanigans, such as dragon saliva being an aphrodisiac and Xue Xian rubbing himself against Xuanmin in dragon form like a beloved pet 😂
"The only thing he remembered was that Xuanmin, someone he could trust, was by his side."
Meet Xue Xian's unexpected travel companions
➽ Jiang Shining – a shy ghost who is afraid of other ghosts (relatable)
➽ Lu Nianqi – a half-blind boy with a tragic inheritance
➽ Shitou Zhang – a stonemason who’s terrified of Xue Xian but still can’t stop accidentally offending him
➽ I really liked the secondary characters who slowly join Xue Xian on his quest! Seeing them interact was always so funny, especially as Shitou Zhang has a talent for saying the exact wrong thing to Xue Xian even though he’s terrified of him 😂 To be fair, Xue Xian gave him quite a scare, so I understand him … but he’s still cursed to always put his foot in his mouth and can’t stop talking. I also loved Jiang Shining, his shyness and anxious nature were so relatable. He’s a ghost who’s trying to reconnect with his sister who’s a doctor like his entire family used to be. Jiang Shining is just a sweetheart and a nice contrast to mischievous Xue Xian, though he does sometimes stand up to him! Their friendship was so dear to me, especially as Xue Xian is connected to his family by a debt he owed them years ago.
“Some connections in this world defied explanation. Sometimes, the connections didn’t even have a clear beginning, yet they tugged at the heartstrings, seeped into the bones, and endured from youth to old age—unbroken for a century, unchanged for three lifetimes.”
➽ The plot is a bit slower, but still intriguing! We mostly follow Xue Xian trying to reclaim his bones and fix his broken spine, while accidentally picking up strays who each have their own missions. He’s partially paralyzed until he can reclaim his bones, which applies to both his human and dragon forms. There’s also the mystery of how he’s connected to amnesiac Xuanmin and the identity of the perpetrator behind Xue Xian’s downfall. I liked that the story was focused on the concept of feng shui, as I hadn’t seen that in a book before! There are many emotional scenes, all about regrets, repaying debts and the boundaries of life and death. I simply couldn’t stop reading and was savoring the slow unraveling of the plot!
INFORMATION
➽ CW's: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Violence, Murder, Injury
➽ Representation 🌷 Chinese Queer MCs
May 4, 2026
My first question is...did Mu Su Li just forget that the stonemason had a wife? Or did...Shitou Zhang forget that he was married...?
They find him initially based on a woman from a clothing shop saying that she had learned a specific protective talisman from the stonemason's wife. Then when they go to his residence to talk to him, the neighbor says oh he and his wife haven't been around for a while. But once Xuanmin breaks through the protective array inside, he only finds a middle-aged man shivering with fear and more than happy to run off with some strangers rather than staying around to be hunted down by whoever he's been afraid of. (Which actually hasn't been identified either - who was trying to find him?)
But where did his wife go?? Did he send her off for her safety, or does she just not exist anymore since the plot moved on? It's a weird gap for a story that has such firm family ties with most of the other characters.
The party expands by two, a little unnecessarily, since it's not as though Shitou Zhang does anything to identify the man responsible for the massively destructive island array once they track him down. He's just around for comic relief, as the only regular human trapped with a bunch of incredibly strange characters who keep dragging him from one strange place to another.
Lu Nianqi is a little more important, since his newly inherited divination skills allow them to track down the man who has a few more answers about both Xue Xian's missing bones and Xuanmin's past. But folding two characters into one feels a little strange, too...his brother extended his life by sacrificing his own, but in the process, he kind of took Lu Nianqi's true self away from him. True, his little brother would've died if he'd done nothing, but now Lu Nianqi is taking on more and more of his older brother's personality and even his physical appearance, so who was the one saved in the end?
Despite head-scratching questions like those, I really do enjoy this series. Xue Xian is such a wonderfully written character; he feels so real and multifaceted, while also coming across as distinctly Not A Human. Which is excellent, because he's a divine being - a dragon who can take human form but is entirely different from even someone as overpowered and complex as Xuanmin.
I can see why readers might not be sold on the romance in this series, since it's all a pretty subtle build, relying on the undercurrent of emotions rather than anything that's explicitly stated. Which I like. The chemistry building between the dragon and the icy monk is scorching the pages, with Xue Xian trying not to think about how emotionally tied he's become to this strange, irritating man, and all of Xuanmin's feelings so buried it would take a volcano to make them erupt. Which seems like a possible start for Book 3...
One of my guesses about Xuanmin's true identity seems to have been confirmed pretty early into this volume, although there are a number of mysteries left to unravel. Who the sorcerer is, most importantly, as well as what he would want with Xue Xian's bones and tendons, and how he's tied to Xuanmin.
I loved Xue Xian's quiet agony over whether Xuanmin had anything to do with that incident. He's so torn because even if Xuanmin had ripped the bones out of his dragon body, Xue Xian still believes in him so strongly that he'd try to find a reason to excuse it. Which makes it funnier when he keeps this constant inner monologue about how selfish and uncaring he is and how no human lives matter to him and yet he's spent something like 600 pages so far working overtime at being kind and generous to every human (dead or alive) that he's met.
The story is definitely as vibrant and engaging as it is because it's from the dragon's perspective, but I am so curious about what Xuanmin's view of all of these events would've been. It's clear that he's grown to care for his troublesome evil spirit more and more, but since we're getting everything filtered through Xue Xian, it's difficult to get a full read on him.
One more volume, I think? This could've been a much longer series if they kept trudging from place to place recovering one tendon and one bone at a time, but it seems like they're going to head off to another mountain to confront the sorcerer and resolve everything all at once.
After the dragon and the monk deal with...well, the more troublesome effects of dragon saliva.
They find him initially based on a woman from a clothing shop saying that she had learned a specific protective talisman from the stonemason's wife. Then when they go to his residence to talk to him, the neighbor says oh he and his wife haven't been around for a while. But once Xuanmin breaks through the protective array inside, he only finds a middle-aged man shivering with fear and more than happy to run off with some strangers rather than staying around to be hunted down by whoever he's been afraid of. (Which actually hasn't been identified either - who was trying to find him?)
But where did his wife go?? Did he send her off for her safety, or does she just not exist anymore since the plot moved on? It's a weird gap for a story that has such firm family ties with most of the other characters.
The party expands by two, a little unnecessarily, since it's not as though Shitou Zhang does anything to identify the man responsible for the massively destructive island array once they track him down. He's just around for comic relief, as the only regular human trapped with a bunch of incredibly strange characters who keep dragging him from one strange place to another.
Lu Nianqi is a little more important, since his newly inherited divination skills allow them to track down the man who has a few more answers about both Xue Xian's missing bones and Xuanmin's past. But folding two characters into one feels a little strange, too...his brother extended his life by sacrificing his own, but in the process, he kind of took Lu Nianqi's true self away from him. True, his little brother would've died if he'd done nothing, but now Lu Nianqi is taking on more and more of his older brother's personality and even his physical appearance, so who was the one saved in the end?
Despite head-scratching questions like those, I really do enjoy this series. Xue Xian is such a wonderfully written character; he feels so real and multifaceted, while also coming across as distinctly Not A Human. Which is excellent, because he's a divine being - a dragon who can take human form but is entirely different from even someone as overpowered and complex as Xuanmin.
I can see why readers might not be sold on the romance in this series, since it's all a pretty subtle build, relying on the undercurrent of emotions rather than anything that's explicitly stated. Which I like. The chemistry building between the dragon and the icy monk is scorching the pages, with Xue Xian trying not to think about how emotionally tied he's become to this strange, irritating man, and all of Xuanmin's feelings so buried it would take a volcano to make them erupt. Which seems like a possible start for Book 3...
One of my guesses about Xuanmin's true identity seems to have been confirmed pretty early into this volume, although there are a number of mysteries left to unravel. Who the sorcerer is, most importantly, as well as what he would want with Xue Xian's bones and tendons, and how he's tied to Xuanmin.
I loved Xue Xian's quiet agony over whether Xuanmin had anything to do with that incident. He's so torn because even if Xuanmin had ripped the bones out of his dragon body, Xue Xian still believes in him so strongly that he'd try to find a reason to excuse it. Which makes it funnier when he keeps this constant inner monologue about how selfish and uncaring he is and how no human lives matter to him and yet he's spent something like 600 pages so far working overtime at being kind and generous to every human (dead or alive) that he's met.
The story is definitely as vibrant and engaging as it is because it's from the dragon's perspective, but I am so curious about what Xuanmin's view of all of these events would've been. It's clear that he's grown to care for his troublesome evil spirit more and more, but since we're getting everything filtered through Xue Xian, it's difficult to get a full read on him.
One more volume, I think? This could've been a much longer series if they kept trudging from place to place recovering one tendon and one bone at a time, but it seems like they're going to head off to another mountain to confront the sorcerer and resolve everything all at once.
After the dragon and the monk deal with...well, the more troublesome effects of dragon saliva.
July 8, 2026
Review: 4.5 stars
This is probably one of the rare occasions that I am actually reading an officially translated edition, and this is broken down into 3 volumes. Since this is the case, I will try to summarize my thoughts in each volume and bring everything together into one review in vol 3.
Like all MSL’s works, this one is a slow start with the introduction of the characters. The meeting of Xue Xian, the paralyzed and sassy dragon (MC), and Xuanmin, the amnesiac monk (ML), is so funny considering Xue Xian’s spirit is in a paper doll, given that his real dragon body is “missing”. As we dive further into the novel, we find that Xue Xian is missing his dragon bones and tendons, and as he was too weak, his body turned into a golden marble and separated from the spirit.
Vol 1 comprises Arc 1 and part of Arc 2. Arc 1 begins with the meeting of the characters and indirectly leads to a series of events that the character resolves, during which the character stumbles upon Xue Xian’s golden marble. Xue Xian, being the person he is, decided to escape from Xuan Min to journey to another province, but indirectly stumbled on a sinister situation involving his dragon bones. The antics between two opposite characters are low-key funny. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion, somewhat wrapping up Arc 2.
Vol 2 comprises the wrap-up of Arc 2, the start of Arc 3, and the start of Arc 4. The novel progresses quickly with the discovery of more of Xue Xian’s bones and more mysteries surrounding it. The main characters’ relationship developed further, where they learned to rely heavily on each other and enjoyed each other’s company.
This is probably one of the rare occasions that I am actually reading an officially translated edition, and this is broken down into 3 volumes. Since this is the case, I will try to summarize my thoughts in each volume and bring everything together into one review in vol 3.
Like all MSL’s works, this one is a slow start with the introduction of the characters. The meeting of Xue Xian, the paralyzed and sassy dragon (MC), and Xuanmin, the amnesiac monk (ML), is so funny considering Xue Xian’s spirit is in a paper doll, given that his real dragon body is “missing”. As we dive further into the novel, we find that Xue Xian is missing his dragon bones and tendons, and as he was too weak, his body turned into a golden marble and separated from the spirit.
Vol 1 comprises Arc 1 and part of Arc 2. Arc 1 begins with the meeting of the characters and indirectly leads to a series of events that the character resolves, during which the character stumbles upon Xue Xian’s golden marble. Xue Xian, being the person he is, decided to escape from Xuan Min to journey to another province, but indirectly stumbled on a sinister situation involving his dragon bones. The antics between two opposite characters are low-key funny. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion, somewhat wrapping up Arc 2.
Vol 2 comprises the wrap-up of Arc 2, the start of Arc 3, and the start of Arc 4. The novel progresses quickly with the discovery of more of Xue Xian’s bones and more mysteries surrounding it. The main characters’ relationship developed further, where they learned to rely heavily on each other and enjoyed each other’s company.
January 4, 2026
Even mini dragons need hoards!
Xue Xian’s new role as a bracelet cracked me up at the beginning of this volume. It turns out even a bracelet-sized dragon can still get into trouble. He gets to work stuffing Xuamin’s pouch with a variety of objects he has collected. This is despite having the full ability to stow them away in his sleeve storage. After being restored to his full size, Xue Xian continues to cause mischief at every opportunity. I can’t get enough of this little rascal.
The characters encounter lots of spooky things in this volume, including a ghost performing troop and a yearly banquet for ghosts. Perhaps this is what inspires Xue Xian to do some acting of his own when they encounter some less-than-cooperative guards. Suffice it to say, “overacting” is a term he needs to learn.
The clues to Xuamin’s background felt rather pointed in this volume. There are a number of possible ways this could go, with one particular explanation that feels a bit too obvious. I am trusting the author to add more layers of twists and turns to the outcome of this mystery. Here’s to looking forward to more hijinks and plot twists in the next volume.
Xue Xian’s new role as a bracelet cracked me up at the beginning of this volume. It turns out even a bracelet-sized dragon can still get into trouble. He gets to work stuffing Xuamin’s pouch with a variety of objects he has collected. This is despite having the full ability to stow them away in his sleeve storage. After being restored to his full size, Xue Xian continues to cause mischief at every opportunity. I can’t get enough of this little rascal.
The characters encounter lots of spooky things in this volume, including a ghost performing troop and a yearly banquet for ghosts. Perhaps this is what inspires Xue Xian to do some acting of his own when they encounter some less-than-cooperative guards. Suffice it to say, “overacting” is a term he needs to learn.
The clues to Xuamin’s background felt rather pointed in this volume. There are a number of possible ways this could go, with one particular explanation that feels a bit too obvious. I am trusting the author to add more layers of twists and turns to the outcome of this mystery. Here’s to looking forward to more hijinks and plot twists in the next volume.
May 31, 2026
I just finished Volume 2 of Copper Coins, and I continue to really enjoy this series. While it took me a little longer to get through because of school and travel, I was never bored with the story. One thing that stands out to me is how emotional some of the ghost stories can be. Even though there is a lot of humor, there is also a sense of sadness and longing that makes many of the characters and their stories memorable.
I’m also very invested in the mystery surrounding Xue Xian, Xuanmin, the mark, and the missing dragon bone. Volume 2 left me eager to find out how everything connects. At the same time, the humor continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series. The banter between the characters had me laughing throughout the book.
Overall, this has been a fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional read. Mu Su Li really shows her range as a writer. I’m excited to jump into the final volume, get some answers, and see what’s going on with my bald donkey.
4.5 ⭐️ boosted up
I’m also very invested in the mystery surrounding Xue Xian, Xuanmin, the mark, and the missing dragon bone. Volume 2 left me eager to find out how everything connects. At the same time, the humor continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series. The banter between the characters had me laughing throughout the book.
Overall, this has been a fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional read. Mu Su Li really shows her range as a writer. I’m excited to jump into the final volume, get some answers, and see what’s going on with my bald donkey.
4.5 ⭐️ boosted up
July 19, 2026
The second book is definitely more enjoyable than the first one. Now that we’re somewhat acquainted with the characters, their journey is even more fascinating.
The group itself is made of interesting characters such as Jiang Shining, a ghost who’s scared of other ghosts, a bald monk, a crippled dragon, blind boy and a middle age man. Very unlikely people coming together to figure out the mystery of what happened to Xue Xian’s body and recovering his bones. At the same time, Xuanmin’s past is still riddled with many questions.
The book was easy to follow and the plot twists are genuinely interesting. The chemistry between Xue Xian & Xuanmin is definitely brewing in this volume. The contrast between the two characters is what makes it so interesting. Xue Xian is very hotheaded and reckless at times while Xuanmin is calm & nothing seems to get to him. I can’t wait to read more about their story in next book.
The group itself is made of interesting characters such as Jiang Shining, a ghost who’s scared of other ghosts, a bald monk, a crippled dragon, blind boy and a middle age man. Very unlikely people coming together to figure out the mystery of what happened to Xue Xian’s body and recovering his bones. At the same time, Xuanmin’s past is still riddled with many questions.
The book was easy to follow and the plot twists are genuinely interesting. The chemistry between Xue Xian & Xuanmin is definitely brewing in this volume. The contrast between the two characters is what makes it so interesting. Xue Xian is very hotheaded and reckless at times while Xuanmin is calm & nothing seems to get to him. I can’t wait to read more about their story in next book.
May 25, 2026
Okay this book is a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
Here we get to see more of the plot, and the chemistry between Xue Xian and Xuanmin. I loved the plot and how it progresses. I loved the opera singers and their arc. The dialogues were soo good it genuinely made me cry. Then we get to see the Fang Family and Jiang Shining meeting his sister and well i cried there as well.
Also Jiang Shijing( Jiang Shining sister) and her husband has a really beautiful love story i loved that small part.
The best part of this book is seeing how Xue Xian falls in love with Xuanmin. Our tsundere dragon baby is very much in love with our bald donkey monk. It was beautiful to see that. It was subtle and naturally growing love and it was beautifully written. You can actually see this two people fall for each other.
Also the dragon saliva effect⚠️⚠️ welll let’s just say i am very much excited for the next book
Here we get to see more of the plot, and the chemistry between Xue Xian and Xuanmin. I loved the plot and how it progresses. I loved the opera singers and their arc. The dialogues were soo good it genuinely made me cry. Then we get to see the Fang Family and Jiang Shining meeting his sister and well i cried there as well.
Also Jiang Shijing( Jiang Shining sister) and her husband has a really beautiful love story i loved that small part.
The best part of this book is seeing how Xue Xian falls in love with Xuanmin. Our tsundere dragon baby is very much in love with our bald donkey monk. It was beautiful to see that. It was subtle and naturally growing love and it was beautifully written. You can actually see this two people fall for each other.
Also the dragon saliva effect⚠️⚠️ welll let’s just say i am very much excited for the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews