The system nodded. “Mm. In this era, pure merfolk are priceless treasures—beautiful, delicate, their tears turn to pearls, and the powerful all take pride in keeping pure merfolk at home. Henry Foster’s mother was a stunning mermaid whom the King of Liang once traded ten cities for. But the offspring of merfolk and humans usually have mixed blood and are mostly human, so no one knows about Henry Foster’s pure merfolk identity.”

“He’s sixteen now and will soon grow his tail. In the original book, there’s another setting: pure merfolk naturally emit a unique fragrance, and their gaze can awaken the most primal desires in people. Henry Foster’s first transformation happened on William Clark’s bed. With all these setups, you can imagine how melodramatic things get afterward.”

Alice Carter: “……”

System: “William Clark found it interesting and imprisoned Henry Foster, tormenting him in every possible way. Then one day, the high priest of the Astrological Hall happened to see Henry Foster, who was being kept in a golden house, and fell in love at first sight, secretly plotting to take him out of the palace. Of course, William Clark wasn’t going to let that happen easily and tried every way to stop it. In the end, Henry Foster, in a panic, fell off a cliff and was saved by a young noble from the capital, who, because of his resemblance to his mother, treated him as a substitute and toyed with him.”

Alice Carter: “……Enough.”

System: “It’s all about melodrama. So later on, William Clark’s role is just to get increasingly jealous and possessive, imprisoning Henry Foster, tormenting his body and his own heart. It’s very simple. Wouldn’t you be tempted to trade for a chance at resurrection like this?”

Alice Carter leaned against the massive palace pillar, genuinely a bit sleepy. With his eyes closed, much of his combative edge faded, and he replied dryly, “Not tempted.”

The system’s hopeful flame instantly dimmed, and it said dejectedly, “Alright then.”

The flames on its body visibly weakened.

“Well, host, you’ll have to take care of yourself for a while. I’m going back to the main god space to rest and recharge.”

Alice Carter, barely awake: “Go ahead.”

Not even a word of reluctance! The system, feeling wronged, muttered, “Oh.”

The wind stirred the copper bells hanging from the eaves, making them jingle.

The moonlight was like gauze, cool as water. The ghostly blue flames slowly faded away, like an illusory dream.

Alice Carter, a lonely wandering soul, began a cohabitation life with William Clark where they left each other alone.

This palace was called the Star-Plucking Tower, named after the phrase “reaching out to pluck the stars.” The hundred-foot-tall tower overlooked the entire imperial city. It was early March, and at this time every year, William Clark had to stay on the top floor of the Star-Plucking Hall for half a month, not allowed to step outside.

The Empress Dowager, worried he’d be lonely, often sent people over.

But except for that first dancer, Alice Carter never saw William Clark kill anyone again.

He gradually realized that William Clark wasn’t addicted to killing; in fact, he was something of a clean freak and extremely averse to blood.

The Star-Plucking Hall was always lively at night, with demon children and beautiful women, music and dancing.

And the young new emperor on the high couch watched them with lowered eyes, always expressionless.

Alice Carter, however, floated on the beam, watching with great interest, cracking sunflower seeds and even applauding at the exciting parts.

Whenever this happened, William Clark would shoot him a cold glance.

Of course, Alice Carter ignored him.

Aside from the routine “care” from the Empress Dowager and the occasional madness, William Clark was quiet the rest of the time.

Quietly reading, quietly painting, quietly standing atop the Star-Plucking Hall, motionless, gazing at the pagoda across the way.

The Pagoda.

Beyond the endless Xiang bamboo forest, directly opposite stood a Buddhist pagoda, nine stories high, shrouded in purple mist from the east, with glazed tiles, mysterious and solemn.

One day, William Clark suddenly said, “Guess what that tower is for?”

Alice Carter looked around, making sure he was the only one in the hall, then slowly replied, “You’re asking me? I have no idea.”

William Clark smiled. “Aren’t you supposed to be able to foresee fate? You don’t know this?”

Alice Carter: “…Are you sick or something?”

William Clark’s slender fingers tapped the railing, the mole on his eyelid soft and lingering. “Yes, terminally ill. At least you guessed that right.”

After becoming a ghost, Alice Carter felt detached from the world, putting on the airs of a sage, ignoring the mockery. “If you acted less crazy and killed fewer people, maybe there’d still be hope for you.”

William Clark ignored that, lifted his chin, and nodded toward the pagoda. “There’s a great demon sealed inside.”

Alice Carter was startled. “Really?”

William Clark: “Why would I lie to you?”

Alice Carter thought, we’re not that close, are we? But he couldn’t help his curiosity and asked, “What kind of demon?”

William Clark’s lips curled. “One that would bring disaster to the nation and plunge the world into chaos the moment it’s released.”

That scary? Alice Carter muttered, “Then it’d better stay sealed.”

Suddenly, William Clark asked in a very calm tone, “What’s your name?”

The conversation had been going so well that Alice Carter instinctively replied, “Alice Carter.” As soon as he said it, he froze, turned his head, and glared fiercely. “You tricked me?”

William Clark’s eyes curved as he smiled. “Courtesy demands reciprocity. Should I tell you my name too?”

Alice Carter said disdainfully, “I already know it.”

William Clark chuckled softly at that and asked, “Where’s that ball of fire that was always with you?”

Alice Carter, with maximum malice: “It revealed the secrets of heaven and was erased by the Dao.”

William Clark: “Oh.”

Alice Carter was a bit suspicious. “Why are you so easy to talk to today?”