Can any man resist such a plea from Snow White? Even knowing she's somewhat unhinged and shouldn't be taking advantage of someone vulnerable, every tremulous note in her voice, every gaze she casts, radiates irresistible allure. Any man still capable of basic judgment would surely find it impossible to reject this invitation.

I pressed my body against Ximen Yan, who let out a pleasurable moan before tightening her legs around me and letting her eyes roam over my bare torso like water droplets. Even an ordinary girl would be captivated by the defined musculature, so much more for Ximen Yan in her current state of arousal. She tore off the shirt I'd lent her with a few swift movements and pressed her chest firmly against mine.

Looking closely at those full, plump breasts, I noticed a searing mark - undoubtedly Westmoreland's doing. Poor Snow White had endured ruin through war, then found no rescue but further humiliation. As someone who always claimed to value beauty, this was an outright desecration. I wouldn't allow her suffering any longer. Though we differed in genetics and species, she already surpassed my previous notions of alien women.

To help Ximen Yan meant keeping her close. To keep her close required making her dependent on me. To achieve dependence, marriage would be necessary. And for marriage to happen... you know where this leads.

I was merely thinking these things when Ximen Yan had already begun acting on them. Her breaths emitted indistinct sounds as she writhed against me with increasing fervor until she discovered the barrier between our pleasure zones - a pants fabric in the way. Under mutual consent, she worked to remove that obstacle entirely.

The prominent shape seemed to astonish her. Perhaps in matters of intimacy, she still had much to learn compared to Xiaocui. Out of habit before proceeding, I casually asked Ximen Yan: "Will you regret this? I'll make sure you're never mistreated again, and all you need is to be my beloved wife."

Rarely did Ximen Yan show any clarity these days. "Are you proposing again?" she managed.

"Yes," I answered honestly. "You see, I'm not one for fleeting encounters. Not because of that respect-for-women nonsense, but simply because any woman who makes me Zhao Qian's heart flutter enough to share my bed can't belong to anyone else. She must be exclusively mine in marriage."

Ximen Yan responded with an ambiguous smile: "If you can ease my pain, I'll remain bound to you for life... though first you must prove it. I'm no wanton girl, but what happened today has cost me the face to meet others again. Let me live and die by your will..."

Though her mind remained barely lucid at this moment, I'd accept these words as marital vows. Seeing several more scorched marks on her body, my protective instincts surged uncontrollably. Even if she refused now, I would claim guardianship regardless. Westmoreland? Even if he were the fabled Ximen Bao himself, I wouldn't flinch. My current abilities far exceeded what was possible back on Earth - especially this energy sphere technique that rendered ordinary bullets useless against me. No need to fear any intelligent lifeforms in this galaxy when I could finally be my true self.

With these thoughts, I turned and mounted Ximen Yan. Her once infantile frame now easily supported my weight as she closed her eyes in a mix of pain and pleasure. The natural lubrication below would only help the journey ahead...

No spring beneath the sea, yet this cramped chamber pulsed with warmth. The water filter was positioned at a bend - outsiders couldn't see or hear us. Even the deepest-dwelling dwarves couldn't glimpse our activities through those turns despite the ear-piercing moans we sent echoing around. They'd just have to endure it like watching a free adult movie.

Not too short, not too long - perhaps perfect for Ximen Yan's first experience. She lay motionless in my arms with closed eyes, either asleep or simply too shy. My shirt beneath her had already been stained crimson.

Gazing at the tiny beauty cradled in my embrace brought me immense satisfaction. I'd always considered collecting beauties as one of life's missions. Now that interstellar conquest included romantic pursuits, I'd need to adjust strategies. Obviously no interest in ugly space creatures like movie aliens. But if they were beautiful like Xiaowei or Linglong... even with some anatomical irregularities, just ensure intimacy remains unaffected. For daily companionship, surely Earth men would die of envy.

"You're smiling," Ximen Yan's voice came faintly through the silence. "Am I that ridiculous?"

I pulled her closer: "No, it's just... satisfying."

"Satisfying?"

"Of course! Finally being able to possess you. Let me nurture you from now on - those Earth men will go green with envy." My hand drifted over her small chest, which now seemed no larger than my fist yet still hardened under my touch. A playful flick made it bounce pleasantly. Then a single drop fell onto my arm - not water dripping from the cave walls but tears streaming down Ximen Yan's face.

"Zhao Qian," she murmured against my neck, "I'm such a vulgar woman. Don't bother with me anymore. I've been shamelessly indulging myself again when you know perfectly well what sort of unclean creature I am. I promised to let you do whatever you wished if you rescued father and brother, but I don't deserve your affection!"

The absurdity made me snort: "You're such a silly girl."

Ximen Yan pouted: "I knew you'd look down on me so I never really intended to stay by your side. But please understand, it's my responsibility for what happened. If you feel hurt, I'll find ways to compensate."

Hastily clarifying: "Misunderstanding! The silly thoughts of yours - you've been treating Westmoreland's 'defilement' as some grand violation, but in reality he just gave a little flirtation demonstration. Look at this mark here - on Earth standards you'd be considered an innocent maiden now. Besides, what happened wasn't your choice. From now on with me by your side, no one will ever dare harm you again!"

My words left Ximen Yan silent as she curled against my arm, shoulders trembling slightly. I gently caressed her back and shoulders before sliding a hand under to grasp those tiny mounds, tracing circles around the scorched area: "Still hurting?"

A slight shrug of her shoulders followed as she wiped away tears: "The sea water made it sting terribly... we shouldn't do this anymore. Let's quickly find Ou Yang Qian and Xiaocui."

I covered Ximen Yan with my shirt: "Wait a moment - can't have you leaving like that. Even if I don't mind germs, others might see your body!"

Watching me return to the cave, she heard muffled exclamations before I emerged carrying a pile of clothes: "Change into these. They're dirty but better than nothing."

Ximen Yan's eyes shimmered with gratitude and joy: "Thank you... you truly are good to me... I don't deserve such happiness... I'm really just a bad woman..."

I turned away instead of making declarations at this vulnerable moment. Though less hysterical now compared to the ocean scene, she still needed time to adjust to this new life.

Winning over a beautiful heart takes patience - only through gradual development could we progress naturally. We'd known each other mere days when these events happened as pure coincidence. Actually grateful for those two dwarves who sprinkled their powder, I even left their clothes untouched as repayment.

"Let me carry you," I offered after she dressed. "Searches will go faster this way."

Ximen Yan silently climbed onto my back while I activated the energy shield to protect both of us before exiting the water filter and resuming our exploration: "What if they've been moved? Maybe we should capture a fishman for questioning."

"I doubt they can talk like Xiaocui," I said. "Let's just walk out openly - Xiaocui will come forward when she sees us."

Ximen Yan worried: "But caution is needed. The fishmen are unlikely to be friendly with me as their enemy."

Agreeing, we emerged from our hiding place only for patrols to immediately detect us. Piercing sonic waves followed instantly but the energy shield absorbed them all - otherwise my ears would have been shredded.

Xiaocui's absence troubled Ximen Yan until she noticed swarms of fishmen and war machines converging. The first attacks came in the form of high-explosive rounds, which the shield easily neutralized though I could feel the energy depletion through my body. Each defense required massive output but felt like an instantaneous thought to me - our evolution likely advanced far beyond what we understood.

"Why hasn't Xiaocui appeared yet? Are they already gone?" Ximen Yan asked anxiously.

"Maybe we need more noise," I suggested, "let's destroy a few war machines first!"

The vehicles launched corrosive black mist at our energy bubble with each strike forcing greater energy expenditure. Enraged by this, I maneuvered through the water with Ximen Yan on my back, dismantling hundreds of war machines in short order as they either malfunctioned or were half-dissolved into nothing.

Suddenly a figure flew toward us and Xiaocui's arrival forced me to deactivate the shield momentarily - Ximen Yan coughing from sudden seawater exposure before I reactivated it to secure her. Supporting Xiaocui with one hand, I explained: "Misunderstandings earlier made things tense between your father and us."

Xiaocui sighed but admitted: "How did you know we'd be safe?"

"Tracking led here," Ximen Yan said. "Those were your father's rescue forces - remember the octopuses? He thought you were coerced by dwarves when he saw Xiao Cui and me present."

A cave passage opened beneath us as Xiaocui halted attacks. She guided our path forward while warning: "Father has grown ill-tempered lately, especially toward dwarves. If possible, Ximen Yan should morph into Earth form - things almost turned bad earlier with Xiao Cui's situation."

Ximen Yan panicked at the mention of transformation but found herself torn between affection for this powerful man and lingering guilt over her actions despite knowing she remained chaste with proof in hand. Westmoreland's persistent presence only worsened her turmoil.

Anticipating Ximen Yan's concerns, I told Xiaocui: "Forget it. Xiao Cui's exposure already happened - no need to transform another. If your father objects we'll just leave and not ask for help returning home. No sense putting Ximen Yan through pain again."

Ximen Yans' grateful kiss on my neck tightened her embrace as she clung more securely.

Xiaocui abandoned the issue but remained curious: "Zhao, how did you develop this bubble technique? Previously we had to submerge during storms yet your ability could have prevented that discovery by father."

"Emergencies activate it suddenly," I explained. "When monsters took you both earlier my anxiety triggered the power instinctively - probably why so many of his creatures were damaged. Not sure if he'll resent me for it."

Balancing Ximen Yan on one back and Xiaocui's shoulders with another hand, our proximity within the energy sphere became intimate indeed.

Xiaocui admitted her father was indeed angry but asked: "Don't argue directly with him when we meet? Your words before the storm moved me deeply - changing ancestral views takes time. Also don't mention your alien origin as my hero can't be allowed to harm you."

I nodded as Xiaocui now wore seaweed garments different from Ou Yang Qian's earlier attire but still maintained a unique charm.

"Fair enough," I said. "Earth took centuries of wars before achieving unity - your space technology remains rudimentary though some fields show promise. If you wish, perhaps in time I could help."

Xiaocui eagerly asked: "May I visit Earth for research? You'd let me?"

"Of course," I smiled. "Bring Ximen Yan and others too - we'll organize a proper tour of all the wonderful sights."

Ximen Yan whispered behind me: "Who said anything about going to Earth? I want to stay with father and brother!"

I turned to reason: "Even if you wanted, your family couldn't keep you forever. An unmarried young woman would draw gossip especially from high-status families like yours."

She huffed in my ear before muttering: "Wouldn't dream of marrying you anyway - have I lost all dignity in front of you?"

Xiaocui noticed our tension: "Why the strange silence? Something happened between you two?"

We both denied it: "No! Everything's normal!"

Skeptical, Xiaocui pressed: "Not possible. Ximen Yan, we're technically enemies but even so I still call you 'sister' despite having no fondness for dwarves. You seem different now - before you were all drama, I even looked down on you secretly... yet now you're comfortable on Zhao's back? Why can't you walk like me?"

Ximen Yan turned crimson: "Of course it's your fault! You think we care about the underwater war? Westmoreland is already captured and Ximen Ding dead - isn't that enough to prove our goodwill? Besides, what if I prefer being carried by such a strong man while you need my support just to stay balanced!"

Xiaocui flushed with anger: "You...! I fought with father over Xiao Cui yet you're ungrateful and now accuse me of deliberate imbalance. Zhao, release me - I'll swim on my own. You don't treat us like true kin anyway!"

I groaned at the rapid shift from camaraderie to conflict - women's moods indeed changed as suddenly as summer storms.

Ximen Yan retorted: "It's your people who refuse human treatment! Just because I'm short doesn't mean I can't live normally. Adapt or not, it's up to you!"

Xiaocui argued back: "Adapt? We've evolved for underwater life - our legs atrophied long ago. If we can walk on land why are we dominating here under water?"

Red-faced Ximen Yan snapped: "Dominating? How many war machines did Zhao destroy earlier?"

"Zhao," Xiaocui cried tearfully, "she's bullying me!"

I didn't dare release my hand from little fish's back, otherwise her tail would have trouble keeping balance. Worse still was that Ximen Yan seemed particularly sensitive about my arm around Xiaoyuer's waist and deliberately provoked the girl with words, which only made me wonder what had happened to her lately - apparently every time you become a princess you acquire a temper.

"Enough of this!" I shouted, "Can't we be quiet for once? Fishmen have their own environment, dwarves theirs, surface dwellers another. Each race has evolved differently according to its habitat. Traits that seem like flaws among dwarves might prove essential for fishmen survival, and what looks like weakness in a fishman could actually be critical for dwarven existence. We shouldn't only pride ourselves on our strengths or shrink from our weaknesses. We're friends now, so why don't we learn from each other's advantages?"

Ximen Yan countered, "She was the one who prejudged our race first. I wouldn't have mentioned it if she hadn't brought it up."

Little fish retorted with a flash of her tail, "It started when your kind launched an invasion against ours! You'll see for yourself all the crimes dwarves committed against my people!"

Ximen Yan protested, "Even if there were atrocities, they were committed by underwater city dwarves who have nothing to do with us underground dwellers!"

"Underwater or underground - you're still both dwarves!" Little fish snapped back. She turned to me tearfully, "You think underground dwarves are so noble? Then explain why someone stole your throne and captured your father and brother!"

Ximen Yan broke into sobs as the truth hit her hard. What little fish said was undeniably true - there were bad apples in every race. Instead of following behind my energy ball like before, she now clung to one of my legs weeping uncontrollably.

My brain felt like a tangled mess. Why had I let them out of the water? At least then they couldn't speak! Now that our strength was partially restored they were already quarreling endlessly.

"Stop it!" I shouted, "Can't you wait until this immediate issue is resolved before arguing?"

Ximen Yan didn't seem to hear me at all. Once she started crying there was no stopping her. So instead of trying to reason with her further, I used my free hand to lift her into an embrace. She knew better than to resist now that her body had been entrusted to me and clung to my neck like a child.

With one arm occupied by Ximen Yan's sobs, little fish was clearly in pain as the tail stance required immense effort. When she first leaned entirely on my support it hadn't felt so heavy with both arms free - now with only one hand available I could feel her trembling under the strain.

"Zhao," she whimpered through tears, "I can't stand like this anymore."

But Ximen Yan's grip remained deathly tight around my wrist. In desperation little fish spun away from our energy ball and plunged into the water below. The structure of these balls was unique - I had tested it when saving those dwarves earlier. Anything with lower energy trying to penetrate would simply dissolve, but exiting from inside posed no threat at all.

"Xiaoyuer!" I shouted as she swam forward without looking back.

Crying against my chest, Ximen Yan accused, "You're helping the one who bullied me? You promised to protect me!"

Women really were strange creatures. Was little fish's temper that small? Or was it just a case of everyone being too sensitive about everything said?

Back on Earth there had been myths about mermaids whose skin repelled water - I'd noticed Xiaoyuer indeed had this trait. There were also legends claiming their bodies contained low-melting-point oils capable of burning for millennia as lamps - something I dared not test myself. And then there was the old tale that mermaid tears turned into pearls when they hit water. Studying little fish's back as she swam ahead, I saw no such miracle occur.

"What are you staring at? Are you feeling guilty now? Don't think Ou Yang Qing will forgive this," Ximen Yan muttered as a child in my arms. Her bottom rested on the bend of my arm, and while her tears had stopped for now, her expression still looked troubled. Just moments ago she'd been an enemy to little fish - now suddenly wanting friendship seemed utterly impossible.

"I'm sure my wives understand," I said, "They wouldn't hold jealous grudges over these things. What amazed me was the old Earth legend about mermaid tears forming pearls. But it seems that's just a myth after all. Please stop fighting like this! We're friends now - even if there were past grievances they can be forgiven. For my sake at least?"

Ximen Yan sniffled, "She made me and Xiaocui meet our ends inside an octopus stomach. And she deliberately tried to win you over! I was just defending Ou Yang Qian's honor."

"Then why did we survive?" I countered, "If not for her actions leading to your captivity in the octopus's belly, I could never have rescued you both. Let's forget about old grudges now, OK?"

Ximen Yan hesitated with a tongue-twisting "OK," then added, "But please put me down. I just lost my composure again... sorry, lately I've been completely unable to control myself."

"It's fine," I said, "Actually, this is exactly what I want - don't lock everything away inside you anymore. Trust that I can protect you from now on!"

Ximen Yan blushed at the suggestion, "No way! You're going back to Earth, how would I even fit into your life there?"

"You already are my wife," I teased, "Don't you want to see Earth? Really plan to stay home forever like a spinster?"

She turned away sullenly, "Mind your own business. I've already told you we aren't meant for each other - whatever happened between us was entirely of my own choosing! You owe me nothing!"

I smiled and said nothing more as little fish kept glancing back at our ongoing argument. It really wasn't wise to play romantic when women were fighting - just ended up suffering either way.

Both girls being princesses, having tempers made perfect sense. Perhaps given time they'd eventually learn to get along... Though I had three companions to escort out soon enough, whether I'd ever see little fish again was still uncertain.

The straight underground passage finally reached its end after passing through several guarded gates. Unlike before when we had to force our way in, this time little fish led the way and the fishmen naturally opened their energy shields as guards stepped aside. Several high platforms held gun emplacements - the base seemed quite extensive, at least comparable in size to Wenchengwude Hall.

Flickering lights illuminated the tunnel walls as an elderly merman floated ahead in the sea, his age marked not by beard but deep facial lines. Around him hovered many other aged fishmen who likely formed the government council - structurally similar to surface human politics.

Ximen Yan scanned all around suspiciously, "Where are Qianqian and Xiaocui? Why aren't they here?"

"Can't question little fish right now," I replied, "Let's hear what they say first. If they dare refuse us, we'll make this place shake!"

Ximen Yan let out a suppressed laugh at the sight of little fish in front of her, "We'll see about that. Just wait until your mermaid princess stands before you - suddenly you won't be so angry anymore."

"See?" I said gently, "You're much more beautiful when smiling than brooding all the time!"

Ximen Yan touched her face thoughtfully, "I don't understand... shouldn't I feel sad? Why can't I help but laugh? Am I being too flippant? Have I become some sort of fickle-hearted woman?"

"Can you stop thinking about such things?" I sighed. As if on cue, Ou Yang Qing's name appeared in the conversation again as little fish's face darkened.

Ximen Yan studied the old merman above us, "Is that her father? He looks ancient and so cruel - do you think he might harm Xiaocui?"

I was also worried. It seemed little fish was arguing with her father while both displayed equally stubborn expressions. Even his seated ministers appeared similarly arrogant. Had something changed in their plans?

Need to bring little fish into the energy ball immediately for a private talk, but our communication relied on untranslatable sound waves. Sensing my urgency, she swam toward us before I could even signal her.

Hastily covering Ximen Yan's mouth and pulling her inside first, I steadied little fish just as water began seeping through again. The constant wetness was already becoming unbearable.

"Where are Ou Yang Qing and Xiaocui? You said they were safe," I asked urgently.

"They're alive if anything happened to them my life would answer for it!" she promised.

I raged, "Little fish! I completely trust you - but now this sounds like a warning. My women won't be touched by anyone! Make sure your father knows that or face the same fate as his destroyed kingdom!"

Both girls flinched at the anger in my voice. For once Ximen Yan looked genuinely envious of Ou Yang Qing, who would surely find my words touching.

Continuous sound wave vibrations reached us through the energy barrier as little fish listened carefully then responded with her own waves. Her face became increasingly furious - if she had legs right now I'm certain they'd be stomping in frustration. As it was, even holding still required my one free arm to prevent a dangerous fall.

"Tell me what's really happening!" I demanded, "Or we'll go looking for them ourselves."

Little fish spoke gravely, "Zhao, you must trust me now - despite how I've wronged you this is urgent. My father moved Ou Yang Qing and Xiaocui somewhere else while I was out getting you. I don't know their exact location yet but my life guarantees they're safe."

I believed her. Even an unreasonable old merman must have sensed the consequences of angering me through our earlier encounter. He probably wanted to negotiate - perhaps even exchange Xiaocui and Ximen Yan for just Ou Yang Qing and myself.

"Is he trying to take revenge on them?" I pressed, "The war with dwarves is over! Ximen Yan absolutely cannot be handed over!"

Ximen Yan tugged at my sleeve from behind without speaking but her glare directed at little fish was unmistakable. Little fish then said, "Zhao listen - my father probably means no real harm despite being blinded by hatred toward dwarves. I'll convince him to release them but you must trust me!"

I looked down at Ximen Yan who in turn stared back at the tearful little fish with a softened expression before finally nodding weakly, "Alright Zhaoqian, we'll give her this chance for now - but if Qianqian or Xiaocui even suffer minor injuries, there will be no more mercy toward fishmen! We never invaded them to begin with yet they're punishing us for old crimes between Ximen Ding and Ximen Qing? What illogical thinking!"

Nodding at little fish I said, "We'll trust you for now. But we can't delay long - first because I must return to Shuangcheng urgently, second because Ximen Yan's father and brother also need help. What plans do you have?"

Wiping her tears she replied, "Thank you Zhao. My father is furious right now, especially with these foolish ministers stoking his anger, so he won't listen to reason at all. Once they leave I'll explain how Ximen Yan and Xiaocui belong to a different dwarf clan - perhaps my father will see that not all dwarves are the same. But if he still refuses... I swear I'll die in protest!"

Her determination silenced even Ximen Yan's hostility, especially since the old mermen were now clearly focused on judging us like caged animals at an exhibition.

Little fish seemed uninterested in their discussions and said, "Zhao let's find a place to rest. We've battled the storm on the surface - one day of delay won't matter. I'll return you to Shuangcheng faster than scheduled once this is resolved. You agree with my plan?"

Nodding solemnly I asked again, "Is Ou Yang Qing and Xiaocui really not at this base? Please tell me truthfully."

"Yes," she confirmed, "This is just a remote secret base of the merfolk. My father and these ministers won't leave today either. I'm certain they've taken Qianqian and Xiaocui back to Meropolis under heavy guard. Chasing them now would be impossible since we don't know their route. You must rest here - you're unfamiliar with underwater paths and if you cause trouble now it will only make things harder for me!"

Ximen Yan was clearly exhausted, her body already weakened before this night's chaos added private emotional turmoil on top of everything. Her pale face showed how drained she'd become - not a good condition for chasing anyone through unfamiliar territory.

As we began moving toward the rest quarters little fish added, "The best I could manage right now is to prevent my father from jailing you immediately. Fishmen guards will still be stationed outside though - please bear with it for now."

Nodding again I requested, "Find a dry chamber if possible? Otherwise there's no way we can rest properly!"

"Easy enough," she smiled, leading us ahead.

The old merfolk weren't done discussing either. Some argued to kill our captives immediately while others cautioned against rash action after learning of the strength we'd demonstrated earlier.

An even older merman declared, "Don't you dare release those dwarves! Princess is too young - her words can't be trusted. Our ancestral hatred runs deep enough that we must destroy them completely! If even one survives, who knows if they'll breed another generation to attack us? Remember your wives and daughters, remember the sons lost to dwarven hands!"

A younger merman countered, "Of course not! But Zhaoqian certainly won't stand by. What can we do against him?"

"Energy cannons?" suggested an even younger voice, "But their explosive power is too extreme - better wait until Emperor leaves first."

"No," objected another, "If energy weapons fail we'll have no chance to recover. Better not give Zhaoqian the opportunity to destroy the entire ocean base through his anger. Remember Princess said he cares deeply about those two women! If they become time bombs..."

A more refined merman added, "Must we always resort to violence? What if we bribe this surface human with beautiful women and pearls? With his apathy ensured we can execute the dwarves as Emperor commands - even if Princess objects!"

An academic-looking elder interjected, "I propose studying this exceptional human's DNA. Perfecting genetic material has been our dream for centuries! If we incorporate elite human genes into our lineage..."

The refined merman scoffed, "Didn't your academy already achieve great breakthroughs? Are you saying previous results were exaggerated?"

"Of course not!" he protested, "Princess herself demonstrated vocal cords capable of emitting sound waves, lungs that allow air breathing while maintaining tail standing - these prove our progress! But Zhaoqian's genetic code remains unmatched. His resistance to corrosive whale toxins and ability to defeat giant beast armies proves his superiority. And look at his appearance - not a single merman could compare!"

The youngest voice suggested, "Then capture his DNA? We know the energy ball is impenetrable. Perhaps ask for voluntary participation through blood samples? But he seems quite intelligent..."

Emperor mused, "This would be beneath our dignity but genetic research is crucial to surviving future catastrophes! Our race must break free from ocean dependency!"

An elder minister objected, "My Lord we should not believe in prophecies so easily. The sea remains vast even beyond our exploration - how can it possibly dry up? State matters shouldn't be decided by mere 'wise men'!"

The Fish King said, "Even if a hundred years pass without drying up, what of the thousand or ten thousand years beyond? And remember, sunlight never reaches us underwater. I long to bask in the sun and feel sea breezes again. Our species' lifespan is already limited, and our reproduction rates are abysmally low! Haven't you all received the national census reports? Over the past decade, our population has been decreasing, not increasing! While war contributes to this decline, insufficient birthrates will significantly impact future population growth. If we don't resolve this soon, I'll become a historical criminal in Fish Kingdom history."

A quick-witted official responded, "Your Majesty intends to initiate genetic research on Zhao Qian? We fully support this national cause benefiting our people!"

The Fish King snapped, "Enough flattery! Propose concrete methods to make him submit to us."

Silence fell. Coercion was impossible given his combat uncertainty; threats might backfire by triggering chaos, as Zhao Qian could already live underwater unimpeded without breathing apparatuses. Should that barrier vanish, the entire kingdom would be exposed.

Surveying the floating fishmen heads nodding aimlessly, he growled, "Look at you all! When actual counsel is needed, where's your eloquence? Here are your tasks: first, eliminate those two dwarves discreetly without attracting attention; second, make Zhao Qian cooperate with our genetic research. You have five minutes to brainstorm - every official must speak."

The gathered ministers paled. Either task would earn great merit alone, yet the king demanded dual solutions. One fishman stammered, "Your Majesty, I suggest using beauties and wealth as bait. If he's compromised, we'll control his life and extract DNA with ease. However..."

"Approved," the Fish King nodded. "Send him beauties and pearls - give whatever he demands. Next!"

"Poison!" another official proposed. "Strike silently through his meals. Once dead, we freeze his body for study."

"Another viable option," the king mused. "Proceed with caution to avoid injury. For our people's future, I'll bear this stigma. After all..."

A third minister hesitated before suggesting, "Arrange a marriage with Princess Eulalia! As your son-in-law, he'd cooperate willingly. We could discreetly eliminate the dwarves by framing others..."

"Disgraceful!" The king roared. "You want me to marry my daughter into another species? Preposterous!"

The youngest official protested, "This would ruin the princess's future!"

"Do you have solutions for my initial questions?"

"No," he stammered.

"I'll grant you one last chance," the Fish King said coldly. "Use reason and emotion in persuasion."

The young minister agreed eagerly.

"Very well," the king sighed. "But if your methods fail, we'll resort to underhanded tactics - victory ensures survival."

Xiao Yu led us into a chamber with water-resistant barriers. My energy sphere allowed her movement without drowning risks. She collapsed onto stone bed despite my support.

"Rest here tonight," she said. "Tomorrow..." Her voice trailed as she vanished through the barrier.

The bed was barren when she left. As we sat, Xiao Yu faced me apologetically: "Zhao..."

"I understand."

Her eyes glistened with shame. "My father's betrayal... I'll find them myself even if he refuses."

I nodded grimly. She promised to return by dawn or take her own life as atonement.

The night dragged on. Ximen Yan sat silently, twisting seawater from her sleeves. My damp skin prickled in the chill air.

"Sleep," I offered. "Here..." But she turned away, and I let her be - too afraid of triggering old wounds to act on instinct.