Sounds of rustling came from the dense forest a kilometer away.
"Could it be... prey?"
In an instant, a glint of excitement flashed in Zhou Yan's eyes.
Demonic beasts were synonymous with ferocity, their meat succulent and rich in nutrients.
If he could kill a demonic beast, he would surely make a fortune.
"Let's go!"
Without delay, Zhou Yan stomped his foot and rushed towards the source of the sound.
"Roar!"
Soon, Zhou Yan stopped, his gaze fixed intently ahead.
In the dense forest, two creatures, a tiger and a leopard, were locked in combat.
They were powerful, and as they fought, their surging energies tore through the surrounding vegetation, scattering debris.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, one of the tigers lunged, leaping into the air and sinking its jaws into the other leopard's neck.
"Crack!"
Its sharp fangs pierced the leopard's throat, and blood spurted out. The leopard struggled for a moment before succumbing to death.
Immediately after, the tiger pounced, dragging the leopard's carcass into the forest, preparing to feast.
"Good beast!"
Zhou Yan's heart pounded with excitement, and he couldn't help but cheer.
Such a scene was truly a feast for the eyes.
An ordinary person would have found it disgusting, but in Zhou Yan's eyes, it was a vibrant tableau of delicious food.
"Roar!"
At this moment, a black dragon roared, its foul breath approaching.
It had clearly sensed someone's presence.
Swish!
The black dragon opened its cavernous maw and lunged with lightning speed.
"Vile creature, do not harm my master's life."
However, at the critical moment, a young, childlike voice echoed in Zhou Yan's mind.
The next instant, a fist-sized copper coin materialized on Zhou Yan's chest.
"Clang!"
The black dragon was too fast; it slammed into the copper coin and was sent flying back, crashing heavily to the ground.
"What's going on?"
Zhou Yan was startled.
"Master, do not panic. I am the Copper Coin Sword Spirit."
Just then, a childish voice rang out.
The next moment, space distorted, and a small copper coin sword appeared, hovering in mid-air.
"Copper Coin Sword Spirit?"
Zhou Yan blinked in surprise.
This copper coin sword looked no different from any ordinary copper coin.
Only, a phantom figure was present within it.
This phantom figure was that of a child, about five or six years old.
What's more, this phantom figure had a copper coin imprint on its forehead.
However, this copper coin imprint looked no different from a regular copper coin.
"You are the Copper Coin Sword Spirit?"
Zhou Yan asked somewhat skeptically.
"Indeed."
The Copper Coin Sword Spirit nodded, its expression serious. "Master, please rest assured, the spirit of the Copper Coin Sword is willing to follow you forever!"
As it spoke, the Copper Coin Sword Spirit flicked its finger, sending the copper coin towards Zhou Yan.
With a "ding dong," the copper coin fell, its clear sound pleasing to the ear.
Zhou Yan picked up the copper coin. It was cool to the touch and felt excellent.
"Ding! Ding!"
Moreover, this copper coin emitted a faint yellow glow, seemingly imbued with sentience.
"Are you truly the Copper Coin Sword Spirit?"
Zhou Yan eyed the copper coin with suspicion and asked.
Although this copper coin was full of spirit, it was old and worn, covered in rust. It didn't even exude the slightest aura of power.
"Master, this copper coin was left by my former master. It is a spirit weapon."
"Its rank is not high, only reaching the second-tier spirit weapon level. It can barely be used to perform some minor techniques," the Copper Coin Sword Spirit said with a hint of dejection.
"Second-tier spirit weapon? Barely able to perform minor techniques?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan's heart sank.
Such spirit weapons were not considered rare in Nanyang County.
Moreover, Zhou Yan was a body refiner.
He wasn't particularly interested in spirit weapons.
"Master, you do not know the full story."
"The master of this Copper Coin Sword was once a Martial Sovereign!"
The Copper Coin Sword Spirit continued its explanation. "When that Martial Sovereign was on his deathbed, he poured immense effort into forging this sword."
"He hoped that after his death, his future disciples could use the Copper Coin Sword to summon his residual soul."
"Summon a Martial Sovereign's residual soul?"
Zhou Yan's eyes lit up with surprise.
Martial Sovereigns were beings of immense power, capable of traversing the wilderness like celestial beings, capable of leveling mountains with a mere flick of their wrists.
If his residual soul were to return, it would be an invincible force.
"That Martial Sovereign did eventually achieve his wish."
"But he forgot that in the mortal world, there is an old saying: 'A common man is innocent, but possession of treasure is a crime.'"
The Copper Coin Sword Spirit shook its head, a trace of regret in its tone. "When that Martial Sovereign forged the Copper Coin Sword, he was ambushed by his enemies."
"As a result, an arm was severed, and he was severely injured!"
"To prevent the news from leaking, he sealed his residual consciousness within the copper coin."
"To reassemble his residual soul, one must find a 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Top' spirit herb."
"'Three Flowers Gathering at the Top' is a spirit herb that nourishes the soul."
"If it is refined into a pill, it can heal a residual soul and bring it back to life."
"However, the 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Top' is extremely rare, and even my master doesn't know where to find it."
The Copper Coin Sword Spirit recounted the tale.
"Mm."
Zhou Yan nodded, deep in thought.
However, he still felt that this Copper Coin Sword was rather ordinary.
"Master, please observe it more closely."
Suddenly, the Copper Coin Sword Spirit prompted.
Buzz!
At that instant, Zhou Yan looked up and gazed at the Copper Coin Sword.
Immediately, his pupils constricted, and he froze on the spot, his expression hardening.
He was horrified to discover that on the surface of the rusted copper coin, intricate patterns were emerging.
These patterns were incredibly profound, as if depicting a majestic figure standing between heaven and earth.
Rumble!
This sight was akin to a divine miracle!
"Hiss!"
Even with Zhou Yan's strong will, he couldn't help but gasp in disbelief.
He had never imagined that such an astonishing scene was hidden within this copper coin.
"Master, please do not misunderstand. Those scenes just now were merely the musings of my former master."
The Copper Coin Sword Spirit explained, "This is merely an imprint of his residual consciousness."
"If master can control this strand of residual consciousness, you will gain partial memories of that Martial Sovereign, and perhaps, you might find that 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Top' herb."
After speaking, the Copper Coin Sword Spirit fell silent again, faithfully guarding by Zhou Yan's side.
"Whoosh!"
A moment later, Zhou Yan let out a long sigh, his emotions gradually calming.
"The origin of this Copper Coin Sword is likely not simple..."
Zhou Yan murmured, carefully putting away the rusted copper coin.
Although Zhou Yan's trust in the Copper Coin Sword was very low, it had, after all, saved his life. He didn't mind offering a reward.
"Master, you should leave this place now."
At this moment, the Copper Coin Sword Spirit spoke.
"Let's go."
Zhou Yan nodded slightly and moved forward.
Soon, he left the blacksmith's shop.
During their time together, Zhou Yan had also learned some things from the Copper Coin Sword Spirit.