So, there was no response from Thomas for a long time—he didn’t say a word, just disappeared, leaving everyone quite disappointed. William Carter wrapped things up, gave himself a few more metaphorical slaps, and said, “I didn’t expect things to get so out of hand. It wasn’t intentional, and I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused everyone.”

Alice said coolly, “Oh, what a coincidence indeed.”

What a coincidence—it really was, William Carter thought. How could it be that he just happened to hit Alice, and then wrecked Thomas’s place? To outsiders, it looked exactly like he was taking deliberate revenge. But that’s just how things went for him—he was the kind of person who, out of a thousand cups of wine, would always pick the one with poison, no matter what. But there was nothing he could do about what others thought; all William Carter could say was, “I’ll do my best to make up for everyone’s golden halls and other losses. I just ask for a little time.”

Anyone could guess with the tip of a horsetail whisk that Alice definitely wanted to keep fanning the flames, but since his own golden hall wasn’t damaged, and the bell that hit him was split by his own hand, pushing further would just make him look petty and undignified. So, he too fell silent. Seeing that the mess had sorted itself out, William Carter quickly made his own exit.

He was still seriously pondering how to come up with those 8,880,000 merits when, the next day, Edward summoned him to the Edward Hall of Treasures.

Edward was the god in charge of personnel, overseeing smooth careers and meteoric rises. The entire hall, from floor to dome, was piled high with documents and scrolls—a truly overwhelming sight that struck terror into the heart. As William Carter walked in, every official coming out of Edward’s hall was carrying stacks of paperwork taller than themselves, their faces ashen, looking either utterly crushed or completely numb. Entering the main hall, Edward turned and got straight to the point: “Your Highness, the Emperor has a request. Would you be willing to lend him a hand?”

There were many true lords and prime lords in the heavens, but only one could be called Emperor. If this person wanted something done, he never needed to ask for help. So William Carter was taken aback before asking, “What is it?”

Edward handed him a scroll and said, “Recently, a group of major devotees in the north have been praying frequently. It seems things are quite unsettled there.”

So-called major devotees generally fell into three categories: first, the wealthy, who donated money for incense, rituals, and the construction of temples; second, preachers who could spread the faith to others; and third, those who fully embodied their beliefs in mind and body. The first group was the largest—after all, the richer people were, the more they revered gods and spirits, and there were as many rich people as fish in the river. The third group was the smallest, because if someone could truly reach that level, their spiritual attainment would be so high that ascension wouldn’t be far off. Clearly, this was about the first group.

Edward said, “The Emperor can’t spare the time for the north right now. If you’re willing to go in his place, whatever merits these major devotees offer during their prayers will all be credited to your altar. What do you think?”

William Carter accepted the scroll with both hands and said, “Thank you.”

It was obvious that Jun Wu was helping him out, yet he was turning it around as if asking William Carter for a favor. William Carter could see right through it, but couldn’t find better words to express his feelings than those two. Edward said, “I’m just here to handle the matter. If you want to thank someone, wait until the Emperor returns and thank him yourself. By the way, do you need me to lend you any magical artifacts?”

William Carter replied, “No need. Even if you gave me artifacts, I’d lose my powers as soon as I descend, so I wouldn’t be able to use them anyway.”

William Carter had been cast down twice and had lost all his powers. In the heavens, it wasn’t a problem—the celestial realm was full of immortal palaces and abundant spiritual energy, which could be drawn upon at will. But once he returned to the mortal world, he was out of luck. If he wanted to use magic, he’d have to borrow some from others, which was always inconvenient.

Edward thought for a moment and said, “Then it’s best to borrow a few martial officers to help you out.”

The current martial gods either didn’t know him or didn’t like him—William Carter was well aware of that. He said, “That’s not necessary. You won’t be able to borrow anyone.”

But Edward had her own ideas. “Let me give it a try.”

It didn’t matter either way, so William Carter neither agreed nor objected, letting her do as she pleased. So, Edward entered the communication array and called out loudly, “Everyone, the Emperor has urgent business in the north and needs people. Which martial god can spare two martial officers from their hall?”

As soon as she finished, Alice’s voice floated in lightly: “I heard the Emperor isn’t in the north right now. I suppose this is for the Crown Prince, isn’t it?”

William Carter thought, “Are you stationed in the communication array all day long or what…”

Edward was thinking the same thing, wanting nothing more than to slap Alice—who was getting in her way—right out of the array. But she just smiled and said, “Xuan Zhen, why do I keep seeing you in the array these days? Looks like you’ve managed to steal a bit of leisure time lately. Congratulations.”

Alice replied coolly, “Injured my hand. Recuperating.”

All the officials thought, “That hand of yours could split mountains and seas before—how could splitting a silly bell possibly hurt you?”

Edward had planned to trick a couple of people into helping before explaining, but not only did Alice see through it immediately, he even said it out loud. Now there was no way anyone would volunteer. Sure enough, after a long silence, no one responded. William Carter wasn’t bothered and said to her, “See, I told you you wouldn’t be able to borrow anyone.”

Edward said, “If Xuan Zhen hadn’t spoken up, I could have.”