I silently crept up, Ximen Yan's body trembling slightly. We'd spent nearly the entire night submerged in water; our soaked clothes clung to us like lead. It was no wonder we were shivering—it would be foolish not to freeze under these conditions. I needed to find some dry clothing to cover her.

The merfolk weren't an option—they wouldn't possess any garments, let alone dry ones. The only solution lay in returning to the chamber where those dwarves had been imprisoned. Though I'd spared them out of gratitude earlier, circumstances demanded their sacrifice now for Ximen Yan's sake.

Slipping toward the cave entrance, I spotted guards at the threshold—but they underestimated my speed. Even Xiao Yu Er hadn't grasped my true velocity in water, which amplified my abilities beyond terrestrial limits. The sentries only saw a flicker of seawater before their vision cleared to find nothing but empty ocean.

Reactivating the subterranean passage proved arduous and nearly triggered alarms. I remained concealed as they investigated, dismissing it as accidental contact from mundane marine life. Their subsequent door closure left me with clear knowledge of external switches' locations.

Returning to the chamber revealed alarming oxygen depletion. Either malfunctioning equipment or deliberate suffocation by merfolk threatened their lives—given the intense enmity between species, it was more likely the latter. I lingered outside for ten minutes, torn between conscience and practicality until resolve hardened into action.

Recalling Ximen Qing's cruelty and these dwarves' ingratitude, I spat bitterly before stripping their garments. Witnessing Ximen Qing cowering in the corner as I approached sent him into convulsive fear. His trembling form mirrored my own fury at what he'd done to Ximen Yan.

Back in our chamber, Ximen Yan lay exactly where I'd left her—perhaps she hadn't noticed my absence. I carefully draped both garments over her body. She shifted slightly toward me, eyes flickering open. "You weren't asleep? These clothes... Did you leave?"

Sitting beside her, I said gently, "Sleep now—the dampness is freezing. These will help keep you warm."

Her small hands clutched the fabric tightly, eyes shimmering with affection as she bit her lip. "You returned to the dwarf's chamber just for two sets of clothes? It was dangerous!"

I nodded, "I know—but you were shivering. Even if it meant risking my life, I had to do it. Also, oxygen levels in there are dangerously low—merfolk probably intend to suffocate them."

Ximen Yan shot up from the stone bed, eyes wide with alarm. "You didn't try saving them?!"

Shaking my head, I replied, "Not only did I not rescue anyone—I killed someone."

Her expression shifted to stunned horror. "Who?! The dwarves? But they're your kin! Even if they wronged you..."

"I only killed Ximen Qing," I said flatly, "because he deserved it. Any man who touches my woman deserves nothing less than death—and this time, no lingering doubts would ever haunt me again."

Ximen Yan's eyes searched mine, a softness blooming in her expression before she lowered her gaze to the garments. "You really care about me that much? Foolish man, it wasn't necessary—but I'll remember your kindness through lifetimes if need be."

"Why wait for another life?" I countered gently, lifting her chin. "You can repay me now."

She shook her head vehemently yet touched my shoulder with unspoken gratitude. "I'm not worthy of you—please don't pressure me further. While we can't rescue those dwarves now, if circumstances allow..."

Sighing, I relented. "Very well. They won't die immediately—I'll see about restoring oxygen flow soon."

"Thank you," she whispered before hugging the garments close and falling silent.

Gently taking her hand, I said, "The stone bed is cold—your weakened state makes infection likely."

Nodding solemnly, she suggested, "There are no blankets here. Perhaps we should just talk?"

"But you're exhausted. Would you mind if I...?" I hesitated before adding, "...if I held you? Nothing improper—I only want to keep you warm and continue our conversation."

Her silence was consent enough. With minimal effort, I pulled her into my embrace. She bit her lower lip tightly, eyes half-closed as she rested her head on my shoulder.

"Ximen Yan," I began tentatively, "how old are you?"

Still half-dozing, she murmured, "Seventeen... and you, Zhao Qian?"

"I'm significantly older—about ten years more. Scary to be mistaken for your father now, isn't it?"

A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Not at all—you look far younger than twenty-three by our standards. Some might even think eighteen! Considering your accomplishments, countless admirers must follow you."

I smiled wryly as she continued, "You're certain? I could tell you—my count exceeds two dozen already. Would that bother you? You deserve someone who worships you wholeheartedly rather than this fallen princess..."

Holding her tighter, I said firmly, "Ximen Yan, to me you will always be a queen among women. From the moment I rescued you last night by killing Ximen Qing—this is only the beginning. Nan Gong Quan must also pay for hurting your family."

Tears spilled over as she clung desperately to me. "Zhao Qian... why was I defiled first? If not for that, I could have been happy following you always—even if your other women outnumbered stars in night!"

Struggling against her self-flagellation, I gripped her wrists gently yet firmly. "You're being foolish—can't you see the bloodstains on my shirt proved everything? Ximen Qing is dead and gone. Clinging to this resentment will only poison our happiness together!"

Her sobs softened but didn't cease as she whispered pathetically, "Why be so kind to me when I'm just... a tainted woman? Could you truly not care?"

Switching into playful mode, I teased her small breasts with gentle squeezes. "I'm kind because you're my wife—and your happiness is mine. Calling yourself unworthy only proves your former flirtatiousness. Don't you know—my other wives are far more... shameless than you!"

She spluttered indignantly before blushing furiously, "You—you can't speak of your wives so disrespectfully! How ancient are you anyway to hold such outdated views about women's subservience?"

"In our old dragon kingdom," I continued unabated, "...some men treated their wives like livestock—insisting on dominance in every aspect. That's why they never truly experienced intimacy."

Ximen Yan groaned in mortified frustration. "Must we discuss such things?! I was trying to make polite conversation!"

"This is important!" I insisted. "Even with your underground civilization's advanced technology, you still cling to archaic ideals. I prefer my women to be passionate rather than prim and proper—like how these other wives behave."

Burrowing deeper into my chest in embarrassment, she mumbled, "You're a terrible flirt... but why such an ugly name? Zhao Qian is so common yet somehow endearing..."

Switching tactics as her mood brightened, I recited the Hundred Surnames list. "Surnamed Zhao like Zhao Qian Sun Li Zhou Wu Zheng Wang—the first two syllables of my family's ancestral poem."

She giggled in my arms, "My name is Ximen Yan—X for Ximen door and Yan for goose. My nickname is Yanyan... you're such a flirt!"

"Now tell me about your other wives," I teased further. "That sister who married someone else yet still chose me? And the one who was a kept woman?"

Slipping my hand under her shirt again, I began recounting tales of Yis Ruo and Cheng Susu while slowly undressing her—reason being that wet clothing could cause fever. With our previous intimacy as precedent, Ximen Yan offered only token resistance to this new level of physical contact.

"Are you some kind of pervert? Worse than Ximen Qing!" she moaned as I described the bizarre sexual practices I'd engaged in with my other wives—things beyond her comprehension or even imagination. "Men are all scum! Just escaped one tiger's mouth only to fall into a wolf's den!"

Grasping both hardened peaks under her shirt, I asked gently, "Are you still accepting my proposal? If these methods don't suit you..."

Her breath hitched as she admitted helplessly, "What else could there be? Now that I've already given myself to you... but promise never to mention Ximen Qing again or I'll die!"

Massaging her sensitive mounds, I asked, "Did he ever touch these?"

She shook her head fiercely. "Never! Otherwise I would have bitten my tongue out. He only used his pen..." Her voice trailed off with remembered pain before she added shyly, "...be gentle."

Kissing away her tears, I pressed closer to ask, "And this area? Did he kiss here?"

Absolutely not!" she whispered fiercely. "Otherwise I'd have torn out his tongue! He wanted me alive for prolonged torture—but the merfolk attacked just in time... though thinking back now..."

My fingers traced downward toward her untouched maidenhood while murmuring, "If he ever touched you here—just nod and I'll cut his corpse into pieces to feed the fish!"

Closing her eyes tightly as she breathed heavily, she begged, "Please don't assume things! Though I was somewhat disoriented at that time... my body remained bound in ropes. Nothing indecent occurred, nor did Ximen Qing see anything. You're the first man here, Zhao Qian—you're just using questions to tease me!"

She suddenly stiffened as a transformation began. My arms barely contained her expanding form—her once-diminutive breasts now rivaling Yun Yao's fullness while her core remained alarmingly tight from our previous encounter.

Covering her face in embarrassment, she gasped, "This is your fault! Let me go for a moment to recover."

Surprised at the transformation, I asked, "Why no mental confusion this time?"

She uncovered her face with equal surprise. "It does feel different. Perhaps because this was voluntary rather than forced..."

I grinned triumphantly, "Good news! As long as you're not under drug influence—your transformations should be completely self-controlled now. The previous incident must have been residual toxins causing mental instability underwater."

Her happiness matched mine as she clung to my neck. "Thank you Zhao Qian—you've restored both my confidence and dignity. I can't leave your side again! Will you torment me forever?"

"Of course—but only when it's just the two of us," I declared possessively. "You're my private property, no one else will ever see this form!"

Pinning me beneath her as she grew larger, she whispered breathlessly, "I can't control myself anymore... would you allow me to..."

Lying back on our stone bed, I said eagerly, "By all means! Try to last longer than before—let me finally experience it properly."

She nodded uncertainly. "I'll try my best—it's your turn to teach me!"

"Then learn from Jingjing," I suggested.

Her hips lowered gradually as she exhaled deeply, releasing all accumulated grief and shame regarding Ximen Qing's death. Her body now belonged to the man beneath her—a final atonement for his crimes while absolving herself of guilt over being touched by another man. Yet knowing Zhao Qian would never hold it against her, she could finally offer complete trust.

Time lost meaning in our entangled embrace until hours later when Ximen Yan lay exhausted atop me—her body still enlarged but fatigue evident. I too drifted toward sleep despite the impending battle tomorrow (whether Xiao Yu Er convinced his father or not, surrendering was non-negotiable).

Though I could ignore merfolk-dwarf conflicts, involving Ouyang Qing was unforgivable. Even if previously indifferent to Xiaocui due to her connection to Ximen Yan, she now represented an extension of my own family—no one would harm her!

"Thinking about something?" she mumbled drowsily.

"Just tomorrow's matters," I replied softly. "Rest now—the stone is cold and my body can be your bed."

Nodding against me, she whispered tearfully, "Sleeping with a human is so comfortable... when you left earlier I thought..." She paused before adding sleepily, "...thank you for being understanding and kind. I'm too tired to continue. Oh—please remove your... I need to shrink back now!"

Estimating time without clocks, I gently set her aside around seven o'clock—only to freeze at the sight of my stomach. Last night's internal ejaculation had left evidence all over our sleeping area—yet another consequence of my reckless abandon.

Hurrying toward the water filtration device for a quick clean-up when voices reached me. Xiao Yu Er appeared moments later, smirking as he saw my soiled state.

"Zhao," he teased, "rising this early just to take showers? Progress on our deal?"

Wringing seawater from my pants with reddened cheeks, I asked tersely, "How about your father's approval? Did you convince him finally?"

He stared at the strange stains in my wake. "Are those... what's wrong with your skin Zhao? Didn't the prolonged submersion melt it off yet?"

Cutting to the chase, I interrupted impatiently, "Forget my appearance! Tell me about Ouyang Qing and Xiaocui!"

His expression fell instantly. "I'm sorry Zhao—I did everything possible but Father has decided..." He trailed off as I cut him short, demanding instead, "Tell me where the merfolk are holding them!"

The little fish needed my support to stand upright. My excitement caused me to loosen my grip, and she stumbled forward into my arms. "Zhao, no!" She panted urgently. "I know you always keep your word, and your strength can destroy the most powerful weapon in our city. I beg you, don't be impulsive anymore—let me try one more time? Please. My father is being manipulated too. He loves me most of all. If you destroy Fish City, he'll certainly die."

I caught her waist as she wavered and accidentally felt the firm, elastic curve beneath her seaweed-like fabric at her chest. "Little Fish," I said firmly. "Last night was one time I held back. I know you're a good girl, but Ou Yang Qian is my girlfriend. I won't let her get hurt. If you make it hard for me, I won't force you—but there are plenty of people outside who already know where Fish City is. Goodbye."

Pushing her into the water, I turned back to Ximen Yan still half-asleep on her bed. "What's wrong Zhao Qian? Morning already?" she mumbled groggily.

"Yes," I said. "Hurry up and get dressed. Little Fish came in—we need to leave immediately."

Ximen Yan flung an armful of clothes toward herself. "Hey why didn't you tell me earlier? Go stop her first, let me change before letting her in!"

"Take your time," I shrugged. "She saw everything yesterday anyway. The fish people won't let us go, and they want to keep me here too. We have to head out to Fish City ourselves."

The sound of knocking against the floor resounded as Ximen Yan fastened a button. "Little Fish! Why did you come in like that? Let Zhao help you up!"

Little Fish used her tail to slap against the ground and crawled into the chamber with seaweed clinging to her back. "Ximen Yan sister, please stop Zhao for me. I feel awful about this, but on one side is my beloved father, and on the other are you fine friends. I truly don't want anyone getting hurt."

Jumping down from her stone bed, Ximen Yan tried to support Little Fish—but in her smaller form now, she lacked both strength and stability. "Little Fish," she sighed. "I'm sorry but I can't take your side. We must save Ou Yang Qian and Xiao Cui first. Sorry Zhao Qian—we're leaving."

Little Fish watched us leave with tearful eyes pressed against the ground. My heart ached, yet I knew priorities mattered now. Ximen Yan had rested enough—this time we would definitely retrieve Ou Yang Qian and Xiao Cui. Ou Yang Qian must be missing me terribly. I shouldn't waste precious time with another woman during her most vulnerable moment.

"Little Fish looks so pitiful," Ximen Yan said as we passed the water barrier, hearing Little Fish's sobs behind us. Typical female softness—she couldn't stand seeing Little Fish curled on the ground like that, her body writhing in sorrowful submission.

I scooped up my friend. "Forget about it. We aren't harming her family. What else could we do?"

Ximen Yan mused, "But if we destroy her home... I'm sure she'd suffer too. Same with me. If there's a peaceful solution..."

"Alright," I conceded after thinking. "Let Little Fish lead us to meet her father first. I'll show him the consequences of angering me and let him decide. If he insists on death, it won't be our fault."

Looping my arms around Ximen Yan's neck, she giggled, "You actually care about what I think? I was just kidding!"

"You're right," I admitted. "I heard her crying too loudly just now."

"Will you fall for her because of that pity?" she teased.

"This is like something Ou Yang Qing would say. Did you two plot together?"

Ximen Yan blinked, "No way! I... was just joking around. Don't think I'm jealous—I don't even qualify!"

Little Fish curled on the floor with her arm as a pillow, sobbing silently. Her heart must be torn between guilt and duty—she wasn't one without conscience, after all. This life-saving alien who understood astronomy deeply deserved gratitude, let alone friendship. Yet her father's madness in keeping us was causing this agony.

"Little Fish," I called out. She looked up tearfully, "You didn't leave?"

Ximen Yan nodded, "Of course not. Stop crying—lead us to your father. Let's resolve it face-to-face. If he refuses we'll think of another way."

Eagerly, Little Fish said, "Yes! No matter what outcome, don't see me as an enemy, okay? I actually enjoy being with you all and really want these friends!"

Ximen Yan shrugged, "If Zhao Qian agrees, fine by me. Let's go then."

With one arm carrying Ximen Yan and the other supporting Little Fish, it felt oddly like a double date—on one side was an underfoot Snow White, on the other a mermaid with a fish tail. Strange combination indeed.

As we exited through the water barrier, we bumped into a young male fishman who glared at Little Fish in my armrest. His mouth flapped soundlessly—I couldn't understand his language. Little Fish's expression darkened too; clearly she disliked this person. "Zhao," she explained urgently, "this is Qiu General from the Fish Kingdom's War Ministry—the youngest general ever! He claims to have found you on behalf of my father and wants me as interpreter."

"Let him speak quickly!" I impatiently ordered. Time was wasting here.

Little Fish translated reluctantly while Qiu General waxed poetic about our "value"—wealth, beauty, power... But Little Fish clearly loathed him, only doing minimal translation despite his souring tone from overuse of her as a translator. After all, only the top scientific achievement in inter-species communication—her—could bridge these languages.

"Zhao," she finally translated for me, "my father truly values you! But since I know your world is your own, I didn't ask this before. Now that Qiu General proposed it... Maybe staying even briefly would help us achieve scientific breakthroughs and maybe even reach outer space!"

Ximen Yan turned to me, "Zhao Qian, will you stay? My father wants to offer the same deal for our subterranean city's tech development."

"Wait," Little Fish interrupted anxiously. "Don't mention that yet! Focus on convincing my father first—maybe just please him temporarily before escaping!"

"No way," I said firmly. "Even if I'm not some nobleman, I always keep promises made. I won't fake interest right now. Besides, they won't release people based solely on our word. We need action."

Little Fish looked forlornly at me. "So you refuse everything? Nothing here moves your heart?"

I shook my head. "I'll help—but not under these circumstances. Sorry."

Ximen Yan asked softly, "Will you stay for me then?"

Another negative from me. "You must return to Earth with me. If homesick I can visit you back here—Earth is our home after all, where my family awaits."

"Ugh," Ximen Yan groaned. "But I don't want to leave! Yet I can't bear separation..."

Little Fish gasped in realization. "Wait—is that why your tones changed? Why did Ximen sister suggest returning with Zhao?"

Ximen Yan blushed, "This is between us, not your business!"

Stubbornly, Little Fish persisted. "But it *is* my business! Zhao, what happened last night? Did you two..."

My face burned as I decided to confess openly now: "You already know—back on the surface I once proposed marriage to Ximen Yan. So she's my girlfriend... and wife."

Ximen Yan clung tighter around my neck like a territorial declaration. In seconds, our brief truce dissolved back into last night's tension while Little Fish slumped in dejection.

"I see," she whispered sadly. "You two are family now. I'm just this outsider causing trouble between you. Let me go—I'll never meddle again even if you kill each other!"

As she struggled to flee, I let go of Ximen Yan and caught her arm. "Little Fish don't be hasty! We didn't say you're an outsider—we're all friends now. I know the imprisonment wasn't your idea..."

But she wrenched free with a glare. "You call this friendship? She's showing me who's boss! You let me go, I'll die to atone!"

Caught between Ximen Yan and Little Fish—neither could be scolded, neither could be abandoned—if the latter really killed herself now... Was there no peace possible between these two princesses? Who would save *me* from their war?!

Ximen Yan seemed annoyed by my embrace. "Little Fish if you truly want to help us lead the way to Fish City! Once Ou Yang and Xiao Cui are safe, I'll never oppose you again. You'll be our real friend—friends don't hurt friends—but your father hurts *our* friends first! Don't forget he saved your life!"

"Ugh what should I do?!" Little Fish wept. "He's my father! Even threatening suicide last night couldn't move him! Will you have me kill him?! I really want to help you both—I know Zhao and Ou Yang sister saved me... Please, just agree!"

"No," I shook my head. "Even if your father agreed, he'll still eliminate Ximen Yan and Xiao Cui. Last night the subterranean prison had oxygen cuts—not an accident. Though I don't care about those dwarves, it shows how deeply you hate them. So even with me staying here, their lives are doomed."

"Your people always accuse us of cruelty," Ximen Yan snapped. "But look at your own actions! Why not release Ou Yang and Xiao Cui then?!"

Both were spoiled princesses—far from the practical Xu Jing or Xu Chen types who'd restrain themselves despite knowing it annoyed me. My influence was still new, so reshaping their thinking would take time. And Little Fish had even more explosive temper...

As Ximen Yan provoked her about cruelty, Little Fish began slapping my chest to push away—unstable tail made her wobble wildly in my grasp. Her struggles intensified until I had no choice but to fully embrace her. *Crack!* Her seaweed fabric tore from my hand's strain, and suddenly I was gripping a firm hemisphere of flesh before me.

Both froze mid-motion. Though fish people usually preferred nudity, they weren't eager for men to touch their chests! Quickly releasing her as she toppled over...

"*You* let go!" She pouted from the floor like the chest-grabbing hadn't annoyed her at all.

"I'm sorry it wasn't intentional!" I insisted.

"You were being *intentional*!" Little Fish accused.

Ximen Yan added behind me, "Yes! He must be liking you!"

"Enough!" I roared exasperatedly. "Have you two no sense of urgency? Put your clothes back on immediately—someone's watching from outside!"

The distant Qiu General had seen everything too. As a fellow intelligent male species, his eyes weren't particularly friendly now. He'd probably gawked at most female fish bodies here (they rarely wore clothes), but I'm sure touching wasn't allowed even for him! Now that I'd grabbed Little Fish's chest...

Little Fish hastily covered herself again and whispered to Ximen Yan: "That guy had his eyes on me since last night—but my father refused him!"

"Then stop exposing yourself like this," Ximen Yan warned. "At least Zhao Qian has restraint, but what if that general..."

Thinking of her earlier concerns about clothing, Little Fish suddenly said excitedly, "I've been designing a new fabric—high breathability and extreme elasticity! In no time I can make clothes for everyone!"

"Count me in," Ximen Yan said instantly. "No more ruined dresses during shapeshifts!"

"If you still see me as friend," Little Fish smiled. But Ximen Yan added carefully, "Wait until Ou Yang and Xiao Cui are safe first—I'm not trusting your father yet."

While they chatted, I already drove the energy bubble forward. Qiu General tried to block but I deliberately scraped it against a stalactite—the rock shattered instantly like tofu! He realized this wasn't something to mess with now. Still his eyes never left Little Fish (though she'd retied her torn fabric with Ximen Yan's help—this made me happy).

With Little Fish leading, we quickly reached the fish king. However, no sooner than three sentences when tension erupted. "Forget my saving you," I said firmly to the fish monarch. "We just came down for storm shelter—not invasion! You shouldn't imprison two of my friends. Release them and we leave in peace—otherwise don't expect your safety!"

Little Fish nervously interjected, "Zhao you promised not to hurt my father!" Then turned to her king: "Father please release Ou Yang sister and Xiao Cui! The surface human has no grudge against us, while the dwarves are enemies of the underground kingdom—don't be stubborn anymore! And did those cells lose oxygen? Don't harm them—we'll let them live here forever if you must. But killing is just like our own kind!"

The king seemed displeased, offering me all sorts of riches and positions... All rejected by me. Compared to Ou Yang Qing, those were meaningless trash! My refusal angered the fish courtiers who began whispering schemes when suddenly—*blasts!* Several soldiers rushed to seize Little Fish while cannon barrels flashed along walls as the king vanished in a shimmer with his ministers.

Ximen Yan gasped, "How can they disappear like ghosts?!"

"No," I said grimly. "They were just 3D projections all along—we've been tricked!"

"*Cowardly*" Ximen Yan ranted at Little Fish, but I stopped her: "She might not know either—otherwise why leave us?"

"Quick! Climb onto my back and hold tight!" I ordered as cannons lit up. "These are all energy weapons—if we can't destroy them instantly..."

Just then a shimmer appeared—the real Little Fish sprinted in, yelling, "*Run!* My father set an ambush! If you don't surrender they'll kill you—"

The fish king materialized beside her and glared viciously at his daughter who covered her mouth in fear. After translating his demand to join the academy (where she was also a member), I snarled: "I've done enough for you, Little Fish! Give me Ou Yang and Xiao Cui now or I'll track you down across the seas!"

*Cannon fire!* But no translation came from her—my expression alone must have answered. Ximen Yan had already climbed onto my back as I whipped the energy bubble through walls in spirals, obliterating all weapons in under a second. Even *I* was surprised at that speed!

The initial energy projectiles didn't penetrate my protective orb. Xiaoyu's assessment proved accurate - they still couldn't ignite larger Type-T ore deposits, and this volume of fire I could withstand temporarily. But if the battle dragged on too long, my internal reserves would fail and leave me defenseless.

I was burning with fury now, striking without hesitation. After obliterating their energy cannons, I surged upward through the cave ceiling. My shield of condensed power shattered rock effortlessly, carrying us back to the cavern where last night's fight had transpired. The fish bladder war machines within immediately surrounded and attacked - hundreds more than before, likely reinforcements sent overnight.

I abandoned all restraint this time, unleashing my willpower fully to expand my energy barrier. Where I passed through everything crumbled. Hurriedly pursuing Emperor Fishman, I annihilated thousands of war vehicles with ruthless efficiency. Their organic hulls melted under intense heat waves, claiming many fishmen who failed to evade in time.

My fury fed the growing power within me. In mere seconds, my energy pierced hundreds of holes through their underwater base. A catastrophic explosion resonated from deep within the facility's core systems. Ximen Yan called out: "Zhao Qian! Check on those dwarves - we must seize them now!"

I had no reason to deny her request until returning found the chamber completely emptied. Emperor Fishman likely took them, but our priority was deciding which direction to pursue. That cunning despot wouldn't have used holographic deception without preparing escape routes. My speed exceeded their expectations by far; if I hadn't acted swiftly, those energy cannons might've actually finished me.

Suspended above the collapsing base with Ximen Yan, we watched destruction unfold below. "Which way should we chase?" she asked anxiously. "Shall we descend and question a fishman?"

"I doubt they understand our language," I said thoughtfully. My consciousness spread through the water at unfathomable speed, instantly mapping everything within thousands of miles - from coral polyps' subtle movements to leviathans hunting prey. Then it struck me: several sleek, massive submersibles were fleeing in one direction.

"Right there!" I pointed decisively. "We're following!"

The energy orb contained no water or wind, so our velocity wouldn't impair Ximen Yan's vision. Only swirling currents marked our passage until an abrupt stop nearly sent her tumbling from my head.

"Why the sudden halt? You scared me half to death!" she yelped.

"Were we supposed to keep chasing them past their ambush point? Don't they know what happens next?" I countered just as a formation of five large war vehicles lunged forward. Ximen Yan screamed and covered her eyes while I unleashed a devastating punch - the first craft splintered into the seabed, impaling itself in silt.

The next two collided mid-air after I casually shoulder-checked them sideways. The last pair turned to flee until I snatched one by the hull and hurled it like a javelin.

Suddenly a mermaid leapt from the lead vessel, frantically gesturing at me.

Ximen Yan sneered: "It's that damned Xiaoyu again! Her interference has ruined everything for us!"

I slammed my free fist into the seabed, burying another vehicle in silt. "Would you rather kill her father? We both know we're not capable of such cruelty. Besides, we need one intact vessel to reach Yu Du and find Ouyang Qian."

Xiaoyu glided toward us, but I kept my energy barrier intact around the area. Something unspoken had made us enemies now. She continued signing furiously while Ximen Yan interpreted: "She's begging you not to kill her father - that ship ahead is likely his command vessel!"

"We've already shown sufficient mercy," I said grimly. "If he still refuses cooperation, Emperor Fishman will learn exactly what happens when one underestimates us. Let's pay him a visit."

Ximen Yan fixed on Xiaoyu's mouth movements, then translated: "She says her father wishes you to board his ship - he'll personally escort you to Yu Du to find Ouyang Qing."