Ma Xiaorui muttered in annoyance, "His Majesty is too confused. Why does he trust Peng Hu again now that Zhao Qian has gone? It's like letting a tiger back into the mountains! All the stability Zhao Qian worked hard to establish has been destroyed."

Ma Xiaowei said gently, "Xiaorui, as emperor, His Majesty must have his own reasons. The entire court is unknowingly following Peng Hu's orders now - you can imagine what would happen if they turned against him. Alas, Zhao Qian was our kingdom's pillar. With his disappearance the world has fallen into chaos, even my father cannot keep order anymore."

Cheng Susu sighed, "When I first met His Majesty at Feiyu County Office he seemed quite wise. Why is he making foolish decisions now? Guqi's imperial guards were crucial in countering Peng Hu. Now that His Majesty has withdrawn them, isn't this cutting off our last escape route? Aisan and Asisi are also under house arrest. We cannot even leave the city - what should we do?"

Linglong said with a shrug, "Even the wisest people can make foolish decisions sometimes. Besides, I've never considered that emperor particularly capable - at best he's just a hypocrite pretending to be virtuous..."

"Not another word about my father!" Ma Xiaorui bristled, straightening her chest ready to confront Linglong.

Yun Yao caught Linglong by the sleeve, "At this moment of crisis you're still quarreling? Zhao Qian would skin us alive if he knew!"

Linglong rolled her eyes, "Do you think Peng Hu can really contain me? I'll slip out and send word for the Equestrian Bureau to come get us. Let's see what he does then."

Yun Yao shook her head, "Easy enough to escape but the Equestrian Bureau's Aisan/Asisi and Eastern Workshop's cats and dogs are all under house arrest now. What army can a little girl like you possibly mobilize? Will those soldiers even listen?"

Linglong folded her arms, "We won't know unless we try! Are we just going to sit here waiting to die?"

Hua Qingqing interjected calmly, "Let's not argue yet. The situation isn't fully settled. Let's attend court first and hear what Peng Hu says. Perhaps that servant girl earlier was simply misinformed. If we act rashly now, it'll only give Peng Hu more leverage."

The eight girls entered the Wen Cheng Wu De Hall with Ma Da's twin princesses in solemn procession. They were to receive imperial honors before attending a banquet. After bowing, Ma Da extolled their heroic deeds at length, calling on all subjects to learn from these brave women who sacrificed youth and blood for kingdom and people. Then followed the formal commendations - since none of the ladies held official titles they weren't given those grandiose noble designations, only some mysterious-sounding awards that supposedly carried great prestige.

But more significant was Peng Hu's proposal on Ma Da's behalf: "Your Majesty, I've considered this carefully. With unstable conditions outside it would be dangerous for these ladies to face threats from gangs like the Dog-Killing Society. I humbly request you allow all eight to reside in the inner palace until the bandit disruptions subside."

Ma Da frowned, "Aren't the city defenses already lifted? Are things really that unsettled?"

Immediately someone from Peng's faction stepped forward: "Indeed Your Majesty! The Judicial Office reported 78 cases this morning. Last night alone saw a series of murders in the central district. These precautions are most prudent."

Another added hurriedly, "Your Majesty is unaware - although those bandits have officially withdrawn, their remnants still hide in the outskirts. The Equestrian Bureau and Eastern Workshop are already hunting them down. When stability returns we'll be free to leave. We cannot allow any misfortune to befall Zhao's honorables while he's missing! Especially as his disappearance is highly suspicious - let's not mistreat any of his descendants."

Ma Da sighed, "You all have valid points..."

Cheng Susu was the eldest and spoke up: "Your Majesty, we need no concern from Peng Hu. We untrained women cannot adapt to palace life. Please allow us to return to Zhao Manor instead. After all, we only believe Zhao Qian is missing - his safety remains intact! He'll surely return soon so you don't need these elaborate memorials either. When he returns let's celebrate with a banquet!"

Ma Da looked pained, "Madam Cheng, I want to believe Zhao is safe too! But it's been two weeks since his disappearance and captives from the enemy have confirmed he was trampled by horses then struck at the back of his head. You must understand - as his father-in-law I wish him alive too. But we cannot deny reality now. The city isn't stable yet, please stay here so you won't be harmed."

Zhou Ni inquired carefully, "Your Majesty, we've heard four spacecraft have been taken over by Peng Hu's men... Is that true?"

Peng Hu nodded solemnly, "Indeed Madam Zhou. You may not know this, but it was an emergency measure required at the time - and His Majesty did understand. The Western Workshop just received reports of attempts to steal these imperial treasures! Naturally I've dispatched guards to secure them until stability returns."

Ma Da narrowed his eyes, "Madam Zhou, are you saying you don't trust me?"

Zhou Ni glanced at Peng Hu before replying carefully, "Of course Your Majesty is trustworthy. If you think this is appropriate we have no objections."

With that Ma Da declared court adjourned for the day. He would host a banquet honoring Zhao Qian's wives first then discuss his search. Only after verifying from the Grand March of Horse Country could any definite conclusions be drawn about his fate. "Peng Hu," he added, "this matter is entrusted to you."

The angry women returned to Ma Xiaowei's chambers. He Yuqing stamped her feet impatiently, "Forget it! This emperor is too confused!"

Ma Xiaowei sighed apologetically, "Yuqing sister, with Peng Hu controlling court affairs my father can't act freely either. Both prime ministers have lost influence and even if they wanted to help they're powerless now. The unrest outside was definitely fabricated by Peng himself - we lack the strength for direct confrontation."

Yun Yao reflected, "Zhao Qian never wanted to be a lone hero yet without him this place still collapses when he's absent. He originally planned to leave after finding all the missing ones. Now it seems things are too unstable here to allow his departure."

Ma Xiaorui blurted out bluntly, "We know! We're just a bunch of useless people in Shuangcheng while those villains run rampant. So what now? We tried escaping earlier but palace guards have been replaced by Peng's men!"

Suddenly Xu Chen spoke up softly, "Don't you think this is actually safe? Heavy security outside and Equestrian Bureau guards inside mean our movements are restricted but we're definitely secure. Zhao must want us here too - he'll return once his affairs are settled. If something happened to us while we were out..." The other girls shuddered at the thought.

Xu Chen continued, "Since no other options seem viable right now I think staying here is best. From what we know Zhao definitely isn't dead yet. That mysterious woman must be connected to him somehow - he suddenly saw her face then rushed in without hesitation before getting injured and being taken away."

Cai Jingjing perked up excitedly, "Maybe it's Qianqian! Otherwise why risk his life? Could they be together right now while we're worrying here?"

Hua Qingqing nodded thoughtfully, "Possible. Think about it - if Horse Country really captured Zhao wouldn't they make a big show of it? They would definitely use him to demonstrate their strength or at least spread rumors to disrupt our border defenses! After all, Zhao is Shuangcheng's soul and with him we're invincible. But since there's no response from them maybe that woman is indeed Ou Yang Qian. Perhaps they're even escaping back here now. The four energy stones chose Zhao as their inheritor - they wouldn't be so careless to let him die."

Cheng Susu added, "Zhao saving me earlier meant more than just physical strength. He was like an indestructible mule that got up every time he fell! Normal people would have died under San Sheng's attacks multiple times but Zhao kept coming back stronger until finally killing his opponent!"

Yun Yao smiled, "Exactly - Zhao is the cockroach type that can't be killed. We should focus on protecting ourselves while trying to find solutions too. If any of us are hurt when he returns how will we explain it? This palace complex makes a good hiding place. As for those spacecrafts, Peng's men can't even open their doors - what use are they really? When needed we could just fly out anytime. With Linglong's martial skills and my anti-gravity boots breaking through the guards would be easy!"

The women perked up at this. "Yes!" they agreed enthusiastically. "Peng Hu wants to imprison us? He can dream! Staying here is definitely a good idea - if Zhao returns he'll certainly check both our manor and palace first."

Ma Xiaowei blushed slightly, "Right, after half the year's hard work things are relatively peaceful at borders and internally stable. Let Peng Hu create chaos as long as possible. When Zhao returns with even one finger he could destroy them!"

Zhou Ni warned, "Have you heard of this saying? 'Don't be too happy now - beware of autumn reckoning!'"

Cheng Susu held out her hand decisively, "Sisters! Are we ready to fight back against Peng Hu together?"

One by one the women clasped hands. Ma Xiaorui stood alone at first unsure what she was - but Ma Xiaowei knew her sister's feelings for Zhao well and glanced meaningfully at Linglong who followed him closely. Noticing this, Linglong smiled gently: "Xiaorui, come on then! Don't you want to help us?"

"I'm in!" Ma Xiaorui ran over excitedly. "I was afraid you girls wouldn't let me join! If you don't kick me out I'll work extra hard - maybe even dress as a servant and sneak out to deliver messages!"

The others laughed, "No need! We can fly out anytime." Looking at the two sisters, they added, "You should go talk sense into the Crown Prince instead. He's been behaving like another useless heir lately - Zhao will be so disappointed when he returns."

Indeed Ma Daodi arrived at dusk with a determined look that evening despite obvious weight loss. Stepping in he barked immediately: "I knew Zhao would survive! Any news yet?"

Cheng Susu smiled, "No messages but we want you to stop being so depressed - otherwise how will Zhao feel seeing this?"

Ma Daodi scrutinized each face before declaring firmly, "If even his wives aren't worried I have no reason to be either! Just a head injury? He's not that weak. What should we do now sisters?"

Hua Qingqing advised seriously, "With Zhao gone you must rise up as the resistance leader against Peng Hu. Many officials who relied on your and Zhao's protection are now being framed by him. If you don't stand up to protect them, when Zhao returns there'll be no political strength left! Who will then dare support either of you?"

Ma Daodi frowned, "This is difficult though. Father has grown old and seems afraid of Peng Hu. I've checked - the Eastern Workshop, Equestrian Bureau and Imperial Guards have all been replaced by his men. Aisan/Asisi are missing so we have no forces available right now."

He Yuqing added grimly, "Those officials aren't just missing - they're under house arrest too! Without leaders Peng Hu can easily infiltrate these three departments completely!"

Cheng Susu said urgently, "Our first priority is to find where Aisan and others are being held then rescue them. Only they can reclaim control of Eastern Workshop and Equestrian Bureau since we women shouldn't be seen publicly."

Ma Daodi hesitated, "But forcibly taking back power would mean openly confronting Peng Hu. Do you think the time has come for that yet?"

Zhou Ni urged gently, "Perhaps not yet but let's at least rescue them first - otherwise they might be in danger!"

Slamming his fist on the table, Ma Daodi declared resolutely, "Fine! Let Peng Hu treat me like a sick cat then. I'll show him tiger's wrath this time. Since Father can't remove this traitor, I'll take responsibility for it."

Ma Xiaowei cheered warmly, "Now that's our emperor brother! Zhao would be so proud!"

Ma Daodi grinned broadly now, "My in-law must certainly be enjoying some beautiful ladies right now playing chess..."

Inside the battered boat, the wind was fierce and waves crashed violently. The slightest misstep could capsize the small vessel - even mermaids like Xiaoyu couldn't withstand this turbulence! With no secure handholds inside, eventually Ou Yang Qian first pressed against my chest, then Ximen Yan and Xiao Cui each took a leg, while later Xiaoyu squeezed into another embrace. I spread all limbs wide to brace myself against the boat's edges.

A massive wave splashed over everything in one go. Turning to Xiaoyu I asked, "Princess Mermaid, are you really seasick? You're an underwater intelligent being!"

Xiaoyu paled visibly. "But there are no waves undersea! This rocking is too intense - why don't we dive under for shelter?"

I shook my head, "You can breathe underwater but the others cannot! That won't work."

Xiaoyu fretted, "The wind keeps getting stronger though. I'm afraid this boat really will break!"

Another wave crashed with a splintering sound. The unstable Xiaoyu slammed against me suddenly - her soft round curves squeezed dangerously tight like ready-to-pop balloons as she gasped in pain.

I had no time to enjoy the unexpected intimacy, mentally praying for calm soon or we'd truly be doomed. Either swallowed by fish or crushed when the boat shattered!

With a thunderous boom, another mountain-sized wave lifted our tiny vessel before slamming it down. Xiaoyu's prediction came true as the hull cracked and we plunged into water.

Yelling at the top of my lungs I ordered: "Inhale deeply! I'll take you out!"

Acting quickly I gripped each girl by arm/leg and dove under. Honestly speaking, I preferred Xiaoyu's suggestion to hide underwater since it was much calmer compared to this chaotic surface - even more peaceful if we dived deeper while taking a leisurely walk after a hearty meal.

But soon Ximen Yan and Xiao Cui began gasping for air, clutching my thighs desperately. Ou Yang Qing also shook her head warningly. Only Xiaoyu remained calm - but I couldn't consider just one person! Grabbing the four we barely surfaced before another wave sent us spinning dizzily. At least now their chests felt better with fresh air.

Holding onto all four proved extremely challenging. Fortunately a floating board drifted miraculously close and I quickly handed it to Ou Yang Qian, "Grab this - Xiaoyu too!"

Using the board as anchor made things easier. However on the surface waves still battered us mercilessly. Ximen Yan and Xiao Cui were already weakening dangerously, constantly trying to let go with arms slipping. With no alternative but to dive underwater again for shelter, yet after prolonged submersion they needed surfacing for air - this endless cycle left them increasingly exhausted.

Now even Ou Yang Qing looked near collapse. Was this divine punishment?

Xiaoyu urged urgently: "Zhao! We must leave the surface now or those three will die from exhaustion! Ximen and Xiao Cui haven't recovered fully yet. These waves might pull away their hands before we can reach them - go underwater! That's our only refuge!"

I gasped, "But they can't breathe underwater and will suffocate!"

Xiaoyu shook her head forcefully: "But why not you? I noticed you don't need to surface for air either. Think of a way! Otherwise they'll truly die!"

Right - my underwater breathing ability had returned! Why not transfer air to them? This was the only option to survive this storm!

Diving down again with our floating board, this time we weren't just skimming near surface level but heading towards deepest calmer waters. Ou Yang Qing grabbed me in alarm until I kissed her and transferred breath. She first thought it was lewd behavior then smiled understandingly before following me underwater.

While Ou Yang Qian quickly understood the situation, Ximen Yan and Xiao Cui were confused since their last air supply was nearly gone so they frantically tugged at the board upward. Nodding to Xiaoyu I gestured for her to help them too while demonstrating with Ou Yang Qian.

To my shock Xiaoyu shook her head! Why wouldn't she help when clearly capable of underwater breathing?

Before I could figure out, Ximen Yan gave up entirely and began rising. Rushing up I handed the board to Xiaoyu then grabbed her sinking form. Her face had turned purple from lack of air as she desperately pointed at her mouth.

No time for hesitation - I kissed her lips fiercely, almost biting my tongue on hers before forcing it between tightly clenched teeth to transfer breath!

Ximen Yan's emotions calmed. Her eyes closed briefly as she took several deep breaths in succession when the little girl Xiao Cui nearby finally collapsed from exhaustion, refusing my attempts to approach until Ximen indirectly passed her some air through our fingers. This girl was more conservative than double city nationals - and it wasn't exactly a cinematic moment.

Ouyang Qian rolled her eyes at this spectacle before I kissed her several times to calm the situation. The sea below had calmed significantly, so we abandoned the floating planks to hold hands as we descended deeper. With me providing the main propulsion, Xiaoyu and the other girls didn't need to expend energy - perhaps we could find Xiaoyu's home and have a fish-whale war chariot deliver us to Double City.

Ouyang Qian occupied my right side, instinctively puckering her lips whenever she needed air. My left held Ximen Yan's tiny frame; with my larger mouth matching her delicate breathing apparatus, I could sustain breaths longer than Ouyang Qing. When Ximen couldn't hold on, she mimicked Ouyang's technique but closed her eyes completely during each kiss - an unmistakable kissing posture that defied any sense of shyness. Even when passing air to Xiao Cui through these kisses, she blushed fiercely at memories of squeezing breasts with Xiao Cui to reduce her suddenly enlarged body.

To Ximen Yan's left swam Xiaoyu, forming a protective triangle around the two vulnerable girls. The water grew deeper and darker as we descended until the storm winds faded away. I felt my strength surge exponentially compared to sailing - if only we'd abandoned the ship earlier.

Xiaoyu's fish instincts suddenly reawakened; she stripped off her clothes mid-swim, forcing me to close both eyes whenever passing air to Ximen who also kept her eyelids shut. Several times our kisses landed in wrong places before Ximen's pinched my palm as punishment.

The tiny hand I was holding had subtly changed - fingers thickening from infant-like slenderness while the little mouth for breathing gradually expanded. When I finally opened my eyes, Ximen's flushed face revealed rapidly rising bust beneath her clinging clothes, growing until they threatened to burst at seams. My own eyes widened in disbelief as the water somehow fermented these changes into a bizarre technique.

I suddenly recalled Ximen's warning about the life-saving injection that saved her but caused unpredictable transformations. Her miniature dress would surely rupture now. Xiao Cui noticed this too - she shook Ximen's hand while gesturing toward my direction, then pointed at our chests. Understanding yet helpless, Ximen couldn't control her racing heart each time our mouths met in a first kiss with this strange man. The more her emotions churned, the hotter her body became until an unbearable swelling sensation overtook her.

Xiao Cui's warnings only intensified Ximen's desires. When my masculine mouth returned for another kiss, she eagerly parted her lips without waiting for my tongue to initiate contact. One time she bit down slightly before sucking my lower lip - a clear act of flirtatious provocation.

Each movement escaped no one's notice. Frankly speaking, I wasn't exactly either. Such an irresistible opportunity wouldn't go to waste. Gradually, what began as tentative tongue explorations evolved into stealing her sweet little tongue for licks. Ximen submitted somewhat, eventually initiating kisses when my mouth approached - though our tongues secretly entwined behind closed lips.

Ximen's cheeks deepened in crimson hue while her hands burned despite the cold water. Her frame had grown from waist height to knee level when I finally witnessed her clothes exploding under rapid expansion of those bouncing assets!

This was a first for me - breasts and derriere bursting through fabric inch by inch, including underwear that couldn't hold its final line of defense. A bright red nipple suddenly emerged before my eyes, causing immediate physical reactions below. Men are famously bottom-brain creatures; if this state became visible, I'd be more embarrassed than Ximen herself.

Yet Ximen seemed possessed, clinging to my head with hungry kisses whenever I turned for air exchanges. The other women watched in open astonishment as our breathing "exchanges" devolved into something far more... intimate. Ouyang Qian had heard of Ximen's transformation capability before but still observed curiously through the underwater fabric cracking sounds.

This was no longer her bedroom in the submerged city where restraints limited her growth while preserving clothes - now unrestricted and moving at high speed, seawater forces shredded those remnants completely, more revealing than Yun Yao's nakedness.

Ximen appeared directionless, possibly disoriented by rising temperature. When I next kissed for air exchange, she suddenly embraced my head with frantic kisses, thighs tightening around me like a squid. Her new height now matched Ouyang Qian but her body transformation far exceeded hers in intensity - my chest already confirmed this. However, struggling to escape proved futile beneath water pressure.

If only we were alone; I could promise myself I'd take her right then. Now fully naked like Xiaoyu except for a few fabric scraps, her swollen forms caused heart palpitations while smooth lower regions stirred primal instincts. Yet all I wanted was for her to regain consciousness before real problems erupted underwater.

Two tiny mouths rotated through kissing me as Ximen's lower body thrusted wildly against mine for two or three minutes. Then she convulsed violently like a seizure, releasing my hands only to sink downward with visible arousal traces dispersing in the sea.

I caught her just as her body rapidly shrank, focusing attention on this shrinking beauty reverting back into an infant form within seconds. The girls watched like magic as the pretty child blinked awake.

Possibly aware of what happened, Ximen refused eye contact and rejected my offered air while twisting her head forcefully away from me. My heart sank - she must have realized her humiliation now seeking death to restore dignity through suicide.

But it was just a public exhibition among women! Why act this way? Was it truly because I saw it that she wanted death? It wasn't my intention either!

Regardless of their silent warnings, Ximen stubbornly refused air exchanges until her face turned blue and eyes began closing. Panicking, I grabbed both Ouyang Qian and Xiao Cui while surging upward toward the surface where verbal persuasion would be possible.

Emerging to find the same endless ocean with intensified storms, Ximen coughed awake in the waves, voice muffled by surf: "Forget me, let me die... I never committed atrocities yet heaven treats me thus."

Tears flowed from Xiao Cui's eyes as she pleaded: "Princess please don't! We've weathered worse - you can't give up now!"

Ximen didn't respond but whispered toward heaven: "Is there still reason to live?"

Ouyang Qian snapped: "Enough of this! As Zhao Qian's wife I don't care - are you dissatisfied with him too?"

A wave knocked me back before I could reply, drinking seawater first. "Forget it for now!" I shouted through sputtering water. "Miss Ximen, are you self-blaming because of our earlier...? Truth be told, I've liked you for ages! Let me propose under this storm - marry me and we can pretend it never happened!"

These words felt eerily familiar as relationship tactics - had I used them before on countless women at the where I once proposed to Ma Xiaowei amidst ministers? Why didn't they work now when Ximen's tears mixed with rain and seawater, stubbornly wrenching free from me.

I slapped her for this recklessness. Such tantrums would kill us all! Yes I initiated some flirtation but she was being deliberately irrational - a complete lack of self-control!

Ximen gasped at the unexpected slap: "You... you dare strike me?"

"Idiot!" I roared. "As Earth Federation President, I demand your acceptance! If you must die, fine - when you save Emperor and Crown Prince, I'll personally strangle you to death for satisfaction!"

Tears streaming down Xiao Cui's face added: "Princess please think of the Emperor and Crown Prince who still need rescue!"

The slap had jolted Ximen back into focus as she recalled her mission. "Then after saving father and brother... but even then, it might be too late..."

Another wave crashed over us while I wiped seawater off my face: "Fine then! If you're determined to die, let me enjoy this tiny beauty first before drowning - don't worry, I'll save your family in return for your body!"

Ximen smacked me back: "Rapist! But can you really rescue my father and brother?"

I leered at her chest suggestively. "Then will you let me enjoy you afterwards?"

Ximen sighed wryly: "Now that I've been reduced to this, you still joke around... Fine then."

"Good," I said. "From now on preserve your body for me - no self-harm! When we save father and brother I'll collect my prize."

Ximen agreed solemnly: "I'll wait for Zhao Qian - but if you turn out to be another Ximen Qing who lies, I won't forgive you!"

Holding Xiao Cui's hand, she whispered to Ouyang Qian: "Why did Zhao Qian become so bad lately? He wasn't like this before. Is amnesia affecting him too much?"

Ouyang Qian smirked knowingly: "You don't understand - Zhao Qian is just distracting Ximen from her death obsession. Her anger indicates regaining consciousness! My husband's female persuasion skills are legendary..."

The rising waves forced Xiao Cui to whisper directly into Ouyang Qian's ear: "Do you think Princess might actually end up in bed with Zhao Qian? I'm okay with it but don't you think his tiny size would repel him?"

Ouyang Qie laughed: "Child, our husband collects exotic beauties - just wait until that mermaid finally gets pulled onto the bed..."

CRASH! Something struck Ouyang Qian's head from the water, making her scream in pain. I was just trying to placate Ximen when she grabbed me for protection.

"Breathing apparatus!" Ximen suddenly announced after deciphering Chinese characters on a silicone-like device resembling an oversized nipple - definitely not real anatomy but some model.

Lightning illuminated my hand as she dove underwater with me still holding her hand, reemerging: "It's authentic! This can extract oxygen from seawater for divers. We're close to the submerged city where dwarves might have left it."

This was great news along with an extra breathing device - now we could easily avoid surface storms by descending deeper.

Suddenly Xiaoyu screamed as something landed on her back, revealing a floating dwarf corpse from earlier waves. I pushed it aside while Xiao Cui exclaimed: "Look! He also has one!"

"Perfect!" I said. "Grab this quickly before the storm worsens - two of you can use these."

Xiaoyu pointed ahead suddenly: "That's another body drifting toward us! We must be near the city where water broke through defenses drowning these soldiers either escaping or killed by our forces."

I warned: "We could still be over 100 miles away but with these devices we're safe. Descend - Ximen Yan, remember to fulfill your promise once I save your father and brother!"

Ximen's face was a storm of emotions as she agreed: "My heart is already dead. If anyone can rescue them... I'll accept anything."

Xiaoyu remained terrified from the corpse on her back, tracking that body when another wave crashed directly onto its head with an ear-piercing scream.

I handed Ouyang Qian and Ximen over to one hand while kicking toward Xiaoyu who was now holding a dwarf corpse facing Ximen. Lightning illuminated his face as Ximen gasped: "It's Ximen Ding! He... he's dead!"

This was the city's ruler, drowned not by water but through multiple stab wounds - typical punishment for bandits invading mermaid territory.

Xiao Cui snarled: "Best if all these bastards die. Better if Ximen Qing and his henchmen join them too!"

I yanked off Ximen Ding's breathing apparatus before tossing the corpse away: "Down we go then! Descend quickly - Ximen Yan, remember your promise."

Ximen clung to my hand awkwardly as we swam downward in silence. Now with three breathing devices, no more air exchanges required those uncomfortable moments. I wanted only safe delivery ashore for now; future matters could wait.

Actually, there was no light at all beneath the sea now. My eyes were uniquely adapted to close-range vision, and Xiao Yu Er, having grown up in water, wasn't affected by the darkness either. I suspected she used continuous sound waves to determine if her path was clear—a capability likely evolved from prolonged underwater habitation.

Ouyang Qian suddenly pointed at her own eyes before gesturing toward our surroundings. That's when I noticed the seawater glowing brighter around us. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be bioluminescent plankton drifting through the water. We no longer felt even a hint of surface turbulence overhead. The depth we'd descended to was staggering yet completely unnoticed as all five of us were entranced by this oceanic serenity.

The darkness ahead gradually brightened into a blinding white. I kicked harder until that radiance came fully into view—a vast expanse of seafloor sand reflecting the plankton's glow like sunlight piercing through water at noon. It was an extraordinary sight, but I regretted not having my phone to capture it for my other wives.

We couldn't be sure if we were near shore now, though the presence of sand confirmed something. There were no towering waves, no violent storms, and only minimal current flow. As visibility improved, our interlocked hands gradually separated.

Xiao Yu Er dove headlong toward the gleaming sands with joyful abandon. Her body rolled through the substrate without disturbing any sediment—only tiny grains lifted briefly before settling again. She came to a stop on her back, eyes slightly closed in pure contentment.

Ouyang Qian released my hand and swam toward the sandbank while biting down on an air tube. Typical of her playful nature, she soon joined Xiao Yu Er's antics. Ximen Yan had no such mood for frivolity. Though Xiaocui longed to join them, fear of Ximen's potential recklessness kept her tethered nearby. The two women selected a smooth patch of sand while I maintained distance—Ximen was still undressed and my earlier teasing might invite misinterpretation despite my numerous verbal advances.

Xiaocui suddenly beckoned me over. Was she trying to exploit the situation with Ximen still naked? To prove my innocence, I approached blindfolded but Xiaocui kicked my leg until I opened my eyes. Ximen had already moved to a sand dune facing away from us, silently staring into the distance.

I sat beside Xiaocui asking what she needed. She released bubbles that muffled her words so she scribbled in dual-language characters: "The princess wants to know if you can really save her family or if you're just boasting since your own situation is dire."

My reply: "Promises mean nothing until results are delivered. You'll see then whether I'm lying."

She wrote again: "How do you plan to rescue them?"

I shook my head: "No idea. I don't even know where this underground city is—I can only figure it out once we're back on land."

Her next question: "When will that be? The princess isn't waiting for your advances, she's worried about her family. We've wasted too much time in the underwater city already."

My response: "You shouldn't have approached Ximen Ding initially. He's dead now so any help is moot—we're right back where we started with no progress."

She wrote bitterly: "Exactly! Seeking his help was our biggest regret—the price we paid left us both violated. I'd kill that beast if given the chance, would you join me?"

I didn't understand her sudden fury: "What happened? Did Ximen assault you? What condition are you asking for?"

Her reply: "Forget it—we want vengeance against Ximen and his men. If he's still alive after the city's collapse, will you help us kill him?"

I wrote back: "Of course if that scoundrel is truly as despicable as described. But let me ask—what happened to make you so desperate? All I need from you is not threatening self-harm."

She scribbled angrily: "You think we're being immoral by wanting revenge? We accepted our fates—the world's men are all the same. Vengeance justifies any humiliation!"

Anger flared in my response: "Who was violating whom earlier? I'm not some lecherous man who demands payment for help! If it weren't for friendship, I wouldn't care about your problems at all."

She softened slightly: "Sorry—we misunderstood you. But both the princess and I are ready to accept whatever you men desire."

I wrote sharply: "If you won't tell me what really happened, forget our agreement. I don't kill blindly."

Her next message was a single word: "Fine."

And then her confession: "Ximen forced us to remain in the city with no escape and added some 'mermaid whip' substance to our food—something that increases female desire. The shot you once gave the princess caused her transformation, but after her first unexplained metamorphosis she kept changing whenever those artificial urges arose. Today when we tried escaping he... violated us both."

I wrote solemnly: "Forgive my earlier insensitivity and jokes about the princess's body. I'll apologize to her personally for that."

She replied: "No need—just help us kill Ximen after rescuing our family. We'd be eternally grateful."

Xiaocui turned away emotionally overwhelmed while I sat stunned on the sand. So this was why Ximen Yan had remained so despondent since emerging from the octopus's stomach. My heart ached for her—what cruel fate!

I should have known. When she attacked me during her transformation, it wasn't just my accidental stimulation—it must be that only after releasing those desires could her body stabilize again. And because of my healing attempt, I probably triggered that very reaction.

Ouyang Qian and Xiao Yu Er were still playing happily nearby while Xiaocui sat distant in silence. Ximen behind the dune looked utterly dejected. Her tiny stature made me reach for my robe to toss toward her.

"Here," I whispered, carefully casting it through the water until it landed on her shoulders. She turned slightly before retrieving it. Wearing clothes underwater was difficult but eventually she tied the sash at her waist turning my oversized top into a long skirt.

Sitting cross-legged with knees drawn in, Ximen wrote "Thank you" when I joined her side. I responded: "No need to thank me. It was my fault that happened to you. Rest assured—we'll rescue your family once we reach the surface. My martial skills might not match yours now but against those who took your loved ones? Consider them already defeated."

She wrote: "You didn't harm me—it's just bad luck for Ximen Yan. Did you promise Xiaocui that you'd kill Ximen?"

I answered: "Rest assured—he won't live long. And Princess, I wasn't joking when I mentioned marriage earlier."

Her final message was brief but cutting: "Don't joke. You're now defiled and no one would want to marry me anyway—even if you did, it's too late for us."