Xiaoru was naturally more adventurous. She dove into the sea with a loud splash, completely ignoring Linglong and me as she splashed about in the water. Regardless of whether she could actually swim or not, there was no risk here - the shallow waters were too clear for any real danger to her. Besides, my abilities had advanced significantly; I'd sense immediately if anything went wrong.

Linglong hesitated before removing her outer garment to reveal a simple undergarment set. She blushed and whispered, "Master, would you please turn around? This is so embarrassing..."

As I slipped into the water, I said, "I'll go first then. You can undress here - it's quite warm in this water."

"Hey, come over here brother-in-law! Teach me to swim!" Xiaoru suddenly called from afar when she realized her antics were losing their charm.

Seeing Linglong still dawdling with her clothing, I said, "I'll go teach Xiaoru first. I'll return shortly to dive with you."

Xiaoru was already up to her chest in water - though the sea here had never been polluted and remained crystal clear without a speck of impurity. Her emerald-green bikini top and matching bottoms swayed sensually against the currents, creating an alluring effect despite not being particularly revealing.

"Brother-in-law," she teased by thrusting out her chest, "am I cute?"

I lunged forward to pinch it playfully, "Who made this? Very cute indeed."

Xiaoru pouted, "Come on! I meant whether the whole me looks nice!"

I chuckled, "You're decent enough. Ready to learn swimming?"

After a few instructional strokes, I let her practice while I kept watch. Xiaoru flailed briefly before instinctively planting her feet again. "You need to trust yourself more," I advised, "I'm right here."

"Only if you put your hands underneath me," she insisted, "so when I lose strength you can catch me..."

"Alright then," I agreed, "but don't accuse me of taking advantage!"

Xiaoru glanced at Linglong still fumbling on shore and whispered, "Silly brother-in-law. Don't you see? She's letting you take advantage! You've been gone for so long... I worried about you every day. Now that you're back, let me enjoy your attention. Right here, right now!"

I understood her neediness - not just Xiaoru but all my wives must have driven themselves mad during my absence. But first things first; these two deserved particular care.

Xiaoru knew well my affection for her body and my appreciation of her naked form. Yet prudence prevented us from taking it further - she was still quite young, and I refused to prioritize her over her sister Xiaowei.

Though not exactly the perfect setting, our current situation offered solutions. As one hand supported her chest, the other began its subtle exploration. At first Xiaoru attempted kicks, but soon let herself be carried forward by my touch as we drifted further out - better away from Linglong's prying ears.

That emerald bikini top had long been displaced. Though I couldn't fully immerse to kiss those precious mounds, fingers provided sufficient satisfaction while the other hand found its way to her most sensitive areas.

Xiaoru whimpered increasingly, "Oh...um...ah! Brother-in-law, are we doing something inappropriate? We should announce our relationship openly - then at least mentally and socially it would be acceptable..."

"Announce it by all means," I replied, "are you afraid the Emperor will scold you? You're not exactly an adult yet."

Hugging my shoulders while guiding my hands downward, she insisted, "Just rub this spot! Don't explore deeper where Big Sister might notice. I can't lose my virginity before her - after all, she's the one I respect most. As for my father...well, you'll manage it like with my sister. You've already touched me - do you really intend to abandon me now? Age-wise, I'm only a few days older than Linglong! She was just teasing by saying her parents have approved your relationship."

"Of course not," I said, "let's let your younger brother handle that. Seems he's eager enough to push you toward marriage anyway..."

"Hmph!" she pouted while climaxing on my chest, "stupid Xiaoda...one day I'll show him who's boss! Oh...brother-in-law you're amazing! Take off all your clothes and let me play with you too!"

I wore a pair of loose swimming shorts. Removing them completely might provoke Linglong's objections, so I refused - though eventually gave in to her demands by positioning myself beneath her abdomen while she delightedly squeezed my swollen member.

Xiaoru was easily satisfied. Her bikini bottoms were pulled down to her knees before she tightened her thighs around me, signaling the imminent arrival of our shared climax. A luminous trail marked our passage through the water, attracting curious fish that mistakenly attempted to nibble it up.

Leaning on my shoulder while laughing, Xiaoru said, "Brother-in-law, those stupid fish think this is edible! It's so filthy...but doing this in open daylight feels so exciting. Let's come back again - especially when Big Sister joins us. Jealous yet?"

As we swam back, I said, "Once you and your sister complete our formal union, you two can play as you like. I'll never be jealous, just worry about your wild experiments..."

Adjusting her clothes briefly, Xiaoru smirked, "Don't worry, I won't damage that special 'layer' of yours. Men are so petty! How effective is it anyway? Brother-in-law, have you seen those movies where men kiss women down there? Would you do it?"

"I already did," I said, "after your sister kissed me - which counts as an indirect kiss from her to you."

"Haha!" she giggled mischievously. "Still holding grudges? Hey brother-in-law, don't delay with Big Sister anymore! Though I'm young and inexperienced, I've learned quite a bit lately by following my sister's example. You two have been 'dating' for so long now...if you still dawdle, I'll slip sleeping pills into your drinks tonight!"

"Unconventional as ever," I said, "let me discuss this with your sister first. But for now, no wedding ceremonies - mainly because my other wives haven't had theirs either. At most a few simple banquets followed by formalizing her status..."

Xiaoru protested, "But my sister's not so picky! Just declare it outright!"

"You've learned a lot lately," I noted.

"Of course!" she said eagerly, "want to test if your princess can satisfy you?"

"After handling your sister first," I replied.

Emerging from the water like nothing had happened, Xiaoru still bore flushed cheeks. She quickly covered with an excuse, "Oh my! Swimming is so tiring...I'm exhausted and sweaty. Let me rest on shore."

As Linglong pulled me aside after watching Xiaoru collapse on the beach, she whispered, "Master, why did you two go so far out? Did something happen?"

Pretending confusion, I said, "What else could happen in water?"

She pinched my arm playfully, "Last time underwater someone forced me into something indecent!"

"Miss," I countered with a smile, "you were the one who initiated it!"

She immediately bit my arm, "That was when I was angry! But you still pushed me under!"

Linglong's attire mirrored Xiaoru's except for her top - a simple bodice. As I pushed her shoulder underwater, she protested, "Not this time...Xiaoru is watching from shore."

I laughed, "No tricks this time, just count your dive timer."

Holding my waist tightly, she said, "Don't leave me! The water's getting shallower - let's move inward a bit..."

After taking a deep breath and slipping down to the water's edge, her movements revealed glimpses of budding breasts beneath the bodice. As Xiaoru had rekindled my desire earlier, my arousal returned without warning.

Linglong's hand brushed against my erection instinctively - or perhaps deliberately given she kept it there while slowly lowering my shorts. Understanding perfectly what I wanted, I even assisted in removing them further. How could she possibly misunderstand now? She eagerly took me into her mouth as I struggled to suppress a groan of pleasure.

But silence was necessary with Xiaoru still watching from shore - though not entirely due to fear of being seen. Primarily because Linglong would disapprove...Unfortunately, my restraint failed when Xiaoru suddenly spotted us mid-action.

"Brother-in-law!" she gasped as she approached, "what are you doing? Where's Linglong gone? Oh no! Are you trying to murder her?"

I signaled for silence but she mistook it as an invitation. Regaining some strength from earlier, she swam directly toward us, a decision I immediately regretted.

"Brother-in-law!" Xiaoru persisted as she neared, "what's going on here? Where is Linglong?"

Suppressing my own pleasure, I made the universal 'shush' gesture - only for her to finally notice the scene beneath the clear water. There was Linglong, gripping my hips while moving up and down...and there was my now very exposed member entering and exiting.

Xiaoru clamped both hands over her mouth in shock. To her credit, she quickly adjusted with a whisper, "Brother-in-law, so you two haven't done anything yet either? And hiding it from me! Linglong is even more shameless than I thought...I'll tell all my other sisters about our 'martial arts prodigy' Little Linglong!"

Ignoring her as I enjoyed the moment, she inched closer and whispered, "Brother-in-law, quite the skill! Unexpected live tuition. But that's probably only the third longest underwater time aside from you and your mermaid-like Linglong..."

I sighed dramatically, "Princess, this is serious adult business. Could you please just watch without comment? Or better yet - wait in the spaceship while I let you pilot it yourself?"

"Haha! No way," she countered, "how many times has this happened between you two? If you don't confess truthfully, I'll pull Linglong up myself and see how she explains to me!"

"Twice...please!" I begged, "this is not the time for interruptions..."

Xiaoru giggled mischievously, "What's in it for me? I only do things with benefits."

"Whatever you want," I conceded.

"I don't need anything," she said smugly, "I just want to witness. Unless you promise a future peek at your intimate moments with my 15th sister. Don't worry - I'll keep it within our harem circle! You know how distant we are from the others anyway..."

With the situation already exposed, I surrendered completely. As if on cue, Linglong surfaced suddenly after being pushed underwater again by me.

Though embarrassed at having been caught mid-act, she complied with my wishes for the same reason Xiaoru did - daily exposure had long normalized these shared experiences. And of course, water naturally provided a sense of security - like how some people still paste paper onto their shower doors!

Xiaoru gave up her feigned resistance quickly and simply let herself be used however I pleased. Having stripped off her shorts, I lifted her to the surface for a few kisses before noticing something was wrong...

Only to realize it wasn't injury at all but rather Xiaoru's menstrual blood running down her thighs into the sea. A cruel twist of fate!

When she noticed my hesitation and opened her eyes in confusion, I explained, "No fault of yours - look here..."

"Oh no!" she gasped, "how did this happen so early?"

I formed an energy shield around her body, "Best to return to shore immediately."

Though not physically driven by need now, Xiaoru refused stubbornly. Not just because she wanted to observe our interactions but also because the sudden appearance of a protective bubble fascinated her.

"You're crazy!" I accused.

She grinned back, "So are you! Blame yourself for teaching me!"

Since she seemed genuinely interested in learning, I relented by saying, "Then wait at the back while I apply sunscreen."

"But I almost forgot!" she exclaimed eagerly, "hurry up what is it?"

I grabbed Linglong from underwater and began removing her clothes as I said, "You'll see soon enough..."

Linglong looked frightened. "Master, what are you doing?"

"Linglong," I replied, "didn't you want to marry me? Let's formalize our union now - right in front of Xiaoru! Teach her a lesson!"

Originally reluctant for the first time being something special, she reconsidered upon seeing Xiaoru's smug expression. Securing an early position among the sisters was difficult enough - and today seemed like a perfect opportunity before I changed my mind citing her youth.

Water had an odd effect in semi-weightlessness, amplifying desires sometimes beyond control. Though young, Linglong had spent so long surrounded by beautiful women that these matters were no longer strange to her. Still, she maintained the shyness of a small girl, allowing no initiative while keeping her eyes closed until the inevitable pain forced out an involuntary cry.

Fresh blood bloomed in blue water alongside Xiaoru's earlier fluids - a disturbingly surreal sight that could almost attract sharks. Fortunately the shallows quickly dispersed it completely into the sea, leaving only Linglong's moans and even Xiaoru's usual chatter silent.

The sun gradually sank lower, painting the warm sand where we finally relaxed in golden light. Linglong rested her head on my arm without speaking while Xiaoru initially remained quiet before inevitably reaching out to touch her.

Linglong gently removed her hand with a giggle as Xiaoru said, "There you go little Linglong! Your turn to take the spotlight and push us both down!"

Still licking my chest, Linglong replied, "I never wanted this. It's all your doing...and besides, it wouldn't have worked if Xiaoru wasn't already unavailable..."

Xiaoru sighed dramatically, "The fates are cruel, sisters - we're both outmatched by the young and talented Linglong! Her martial arts, her diving skills...we just surrender!"

Hearing a teenager speak with such dramatic fatalism was almost laughable. Especially when she flushed red at the mention of "diving skills" that obviously carried double meanings, transforming her licks into gentle bites as retaliation.

When I suggested returning to check on the two Empresses, Xiaoru grumbled about sunscreen and called me a liar while Linglong remained silent from embarrassment.

As we rose from our beach blanket to dress again, Xiaoru teased Linglong with red face, "You're so brave little Lingling! What was it like?"

Linglong clung tightly to my chest, heat radiating dangerously. "No more left!" she insisted. "I already gargled...how did you think I'd let you touch? Go get your own!"

Xiaoru laughed, "Haha! If only I wasn't unavailable today, Lingling wouldn't have stolen the first position so easily!"

Linglontwisted her face stubbornly, "Well...I did steal it fair and square! Heaven blessed me - now you and Xiaowei will address me as elder sister!"

"Xiao Rui, there's no way you're going to get anything out of us for free," Ma Xiaorui giggled. "Don't think I don't know what that smell is - I've already tasted it!"

Linglong exclaimed anxiously, "When? What did the two of you do?"

Xiaorui ran off with a giggle, "I won't tell you! I knew about it long before you did. Just let me enjoy seeing your frustration." After running several steps she gave a delicate cry, "Oh no, my legs are hurting so much - wait for me!"

Xiaorui laughed, "Who made you pretend to be strong earlier? You held out quite impressively! I'll spread the news about it."

"Y-you..."

After dinner that evening, Ma Xiaoda arrived as promised. "Brother-in-law," he said, "why did you call me here?"

I replied, "Ximen Yan has captured both the kings of Jin and Wanmar, but since you're the Emperor of Shuangcheng..."

"This is amazing!" he exclaimed. "I was just worrying about how to resolve the border conflict when I wanted you to lead an expedition! Now if we just chop off their heads peace will be restored."

I shook my head, "It's not that simple. Killing people won't solve anything - for every emperor you execute there'll always be another one in his place. As long as they're willing to cooperate, we might as well release these two back to their countries."

Xiaoda expressed concern, "But once captured, shouldn't releasing them be like letting tigers loose? Doesn't that seem risky?"

I explained, "With the merfolk's war machines at our disposal, those horses and warriors can no longer pose a threat. The key is uniting surface dwellers for food production while leveraging dwarven and aquatic technology to defeat the Creator God."

Since Xiaoda knew little about the Creator God, Ma Xiaorui stepped in with her sister to provide detailed explanations. As he listened, Xiaoda nodded thoughtfully, "So things have reached such urgency? If surface civilizations continue warring among themselves they'll surely be eliminated by him. But will those kings listen to reason?"

I said, "Apply the carrot and stick approach - strike first then offer rewards. Cooperation benefits both parties; resistance only leads to destruction. I'm certain these men who sit on thrones must possess some intelligence."

Xiaoda chuckled, "Then that makes me smart too!"

Xiaorui added, "Of course! You became emperor at twelve years old - you're the first in Shuangcheng."

Since he didn't object, we set out to interrogate them. Xiaoyu hadn't returned yet so we decided to wait until she and Qingqing came back before sharing our plans with her.

Xiaoda stood up eagerly, "Let's go! I want to see these arrogant kings who've always tried to swallow Shuangcheng whole."

The Wanmar king was a broad-shouldered man with an equine face; the Jin monarch appeared as an aged black man. The dinner before them remained untouched while they sat rigidly in their chairs, adopting a defiant stance of territorial possession.

A royal guard barked, "His Majesty Emperor Xiaoda is here! Convicted prisoners - present yourselves!"

They merely glanced up without moving a muscle. Enraged, the guard reached to drag them out when Xiaoda waved him off. "I'll handle this with Lord Zhao."

The guard protested, "Sire, that Wanmar brute has considerable strength - perhaps you should let me interrogate him from outside? You might get injured!"

Xiaoda scoffed, "A prisoner who dares challenge his captors? Please don't interrupt us further."

As the guards withdrew, Xiaoda said to them, "These are your first moments as captive kings. I'd say you haven't yet learned how to properly conduct yourselves in this position."

"Spit it out then!" they both scoffed.

Xiaoda turned puzzled toward me - he didn't understand either Wanmar or Jin dialects but my multilingual expertise was well known (I could also decipher dwarven tongues if needed). I addressed the two monarchs directly, "Think you're so noble? That equine-faced one, do you believe your annual border raids and ambushes make you honorable?"

The Wanmar king responded in his native tongue, "Survival of the fittest - what methods we use are irrelevant."

I nodded, "Exactly. To the guards, cut off this fallen king's right hand!"

At my command, guards entered the chamber while I repeated instructions in Wanmar. The equine-faced emperor paled visibly but remained seated rigidly with defiant yells: "I am Emperor of Wanmar! You have no authority to do this!"

I motioned for the guards to proceed and told Xiaoda, "Let's go - you're fresh as today's newly crowned monarch. Don't let these petty matters cloud your royal mind."

As we left, Xiaoda asked in alarm when he heard agonized screams, "Brother-in-law, did you really sever his hand?"

I assured him, "Would I lie about such things? These arrogant men need their pride humbled before we can negotiate effectively. If they continue resisting tomorrow, let's cut off the other hand."

Xiaoda asked worriedly, "Won't this create lasting resentment?"

"Of course it will," I replied. "Do you expect warm friendships with these people? We'll first unite the three kingdoms and gradually assimilate them through culture. In a few centuries they won't even remember their national identities - only then can hatred truly dissipate."

Xiaoda nodded, "You're right as always. There's so much I need to learn from you! By the way, did my sixteenth sister go out with you this afternoon?"

I confirmed, "Yes. Did you look for her?"

He grinned, "What a clever man - not only have you courted both my sisters? She told me she wants to marry you. You decide what to do about it."

"Then what's your opinion?" I asked.

Xiaoda laughed heartily, "I'd love to give away all my married sisters! But since I'm emperor now and still need parental approval for these matters, don't forget your little brother-in-law when you're surrounded by beautiful women. However," he added with a smirk, "if she's truly impatient we could set an engagement first."

I awkwardly smiled, "Xiaorui is quite young yet - perhaps postpone it for several years?"

"From her eager attitude I don't think waiting will work," Xiaoda said pragmatically. "Better to get engaged now and hold the wedding later."

Since he was emperor after all, I handed him full authority.

Early next morning Hua Qingqing burst into my room startling Zhou Ni and Yun Yao who immediately covered themselves with blankets in alarm. Half-awake I was yanked out of bed by Qingqing's nose-pinch. "Wake up!" she said. "Morning's come - Xiaoyu is here too."

From under their blankets, the two cried out, "Qingqing, don't let her enter! We're still undressed!"

"She hasn't come in yet," Qingqing replied. "They're waiting in the parlor."

I dragged Qingqing onto my bed, "Did you miss me last night? I spent all evening visiting their bedrooms - now only you remain."

Suddenly Zhou Ni and Yun Yao sprang up, "Husband! Help us remove Qingqing's clothes!"

Qingqing pleaded desperately, "Stop teasing! I need Xiaoyu to perform a surgical split but lack some essential medical equipment. Xiaoyu and Longnü are gone so this task must be assigned to you."

Xiaoyu had returned just in time for discussions about mutual assistance - though reluctant, I needed to get up anyway since Xiaoda would soon arrive to find me waiting out the Emperor.

Xiaoyu wore a robe concealing her tail, needing to sit on chairs instead of standing. When she saw me enter she seemed delighted, "Zhao! Qingqing said they can perform leg surgery but need some missing equipment. Can you help fabricate them?"

I sat beside her and replied, "Of course - I already promised that. First get several computers for me though. I've seen your medical devices which are quite advanced so manufacturing tools shouldn't be difficult. Let me design blueprints on the computers while they follow instructions to build."

Xiaoyu was thrilled at my confirmation, "No problem! I'll fetch the computers from Fish City right away. Thank you Zhao - I don't know how to express my gratitude!"

I smiled, "Actually there's something else I need your help with..."

"Whatever it is," she said joyfully, "just tell me and I'll do whatever I can."

I proposed, "Let me request another military deployment from Fish City against Wanmar and Jin - originally their destruction wouldn't be difficult but that isn't our goal. Just let them feel fear so they follow our orders obediently."

Xiaoyu readily agreed, "No problem! I already promised you command of 500 war machines. Oh wait - forgot about the communication issue since we can't contact you directly. Since those medical devices take time to build anyway, I'll stay here personally for deployment. Won't this finally allow us to fully concentrate on defeating the Creator God?"

I nodded, "Yes but preparations must begin immediately. You'd better load all fishfolk technological achievements into computers so I can assess our production capabilities and determine how to develop our own strength against the Creator. Obviously I'll need you to teach me their language first."

Xiaoyu responded resolutely, "Of course! Shall we start now? However I smell food cooking - perhaps we should eat first?"

Before finishing breakfast Xiaoda arrived so we rushed to the palace's heavenly prison where everything remained unchanged except that Wanmar's equine-faced king looked quite disheveled with one arm dangling like his mother had died. The elderly black Jin emperor beside him stared at us with fear.

I ignored the elder and addressed Wanmar directly, "How do you feel? Had a nice breakfast?"

The equine-faced king sneered, "Even if you kill me I won't surrender! Don't dream of it - once our armies attack they'll revenge my death!"

I responded coldly, "You still haven't understood your current position. Guards! Sever his other hand and remove all food besides water."

Suddenly the Jin emperor cried out in alarm, "No no! I'm willing to cooperate if you release me! Do whatever you want!"

Xiaoda smiled knowingly after my translation - this older man clearly lacked resolve compared to Wanmar's stubbornness. Xiaoda declared, "As long as you abandon your royal arrogance and cooperate with us, we won't harm a single hair on your head. Our goal is simple: return to rule your nations but follow Shuangcheng's arrangements for major matters. It isn't about expansion - the entire Twin Star must unite against alien invaders!"

The Wanmar king scoffed at my translation while Jin emperor solemnly bowed, "Kingdom of Jin pledges cooperation! Your Majesty Emperor can issue any commands."

Xiaoda beamed upon hearing his new title, "Good good! You have discernment. This stubborn fellow however..." he gestured toward the equine-faced man, "...will follow Zhao's orders - cut off another hand and starve him to death!"

The guards immediately obeyed while Jin emperor urged Wanmar, "Stop being so proud! Why don't you just commit suicide? Stubborn fools are just fools."

Unfortunately since the two dialects were incomprehensible, Wanmar remained defiant with his teeth gritted. After all, now that both arms had been cut off he didn't even need to eat.

After leaving the prison Xiaoda asked, "Brother-in-law, now that Jin has surrendered should we release him and have their border forces return?"

I answered, "Let's visit again in afternoon. If Wanmar remains defiant let's fly directly to destroy their capital while showing them the process - this will ensure Jin doesn't second-guess our orders."

Xiaoda agreed, "Perfect! I'll come back after lunch."

Xiaoyu acted quickly, using Qingqing-1 with Hua Qingqing to complete my requests in half a morning. Ten computers lined up neatly on the study table alongside an energy generator - unlike Earth's reliance on electricity.

Sitting at her computer Xiaoyu said excitedly, "Zhao! I tested Qingqing-1 and it far surpasses our war machines in both speed and stability. If we use it against Creator God maybe we'll have greater chances of victory!"

I explained, "It's just an escape pod - performance is still subpar. Let me first assess their production capabilities before selecting appropriate warships from Earth technology."

Earlier I had been taken away by Xiaoda immediately after breakfast so hadn't begun learning the aquatic language yet but my learning ability was exceptional. Bringing Ximen Yan also helped since Xiaoyu's dwarven terminology understanding wasn't perfect - scientific jargon required precise translation.

By lunchtime I could already read through texts on my own, realizing I'd need to stay up all night reading the extensive data in those computers. Hua Qingqing would have to wait for medical tool designs while first mastering manufacturing qualifications. It would be so much better if I had access to Earth's resources or Longnü and Xiaoyu.

My head felt like splitting into two, keeping silent during meals terrified my companions who dared not speak. After eating they silently returned to their tasks until Xiaoda came again for another trip to the palace prison.

The equine-faced Wanmar emperor now appeared near collapse from blood loss - his once-mighty form reduced to a sickly wraith. I asked mockingly, "How about? Want me to continue cutting off your legs?"

His eyes showed terror as he realized my seriousness. Compared to our previous meeting he seemed much more defeated, "Y-you... what do you want exactly?"

"Didn't tell you this morning?" I said. "Cooperate with us and we'll release you immediately! You think the Iron Horses of Wanmar are invincible? Let's test some spacecraft then!"

Guards dragged both kings outside where Xiaoyu waited at her war machine. First time seeing flight these two were terrified, especially the equine-faced emperor who feared falling into a meat paste.

Traveling straight to destination with minimal gravitational resistance, we arrived in under an hour (Earth-based anti-gravity ships could do it in ten minutes). The Wanmar fleet of 300 war machines deployed for combat as Xiaoyu ordered attacks on border camps teeming with terrified horsemen.

"This transportation you're using..." I addressed the Wanmar emperor. "It's called a spacecraft - something your war horses can never match."

"What do you want?" he asked again.

"Nothing much," I said. "Our cities have been attacked and murdered by your forces for years so this time let's teach them a lesson!"

I pointed to thousands of marauders along the border, "Xiaoyu! Attack command!"

As war machines descended to optimal observation height, 300 vessels formed a line unleashing attacks. Smoke clouds obliterated entire camps while surviving horses dragged mangled hind legs forward with front hooves. Unkilled horsemen screamed in agony.

The once-quiet border now erupted into chaos - when marauders finally realized sky-falling objects had already begun attacks, they found no defense possible. Arrows were useless against war machines and even the most fearsome horses couldn't escape ground constraints. Hiding inside camps or castles was equally futile as hundreds of attacking vessels could destroy cities like Mardan in seconds.

"This - this is impossible! It's too powerful! We've already lost!"

The equine-faced emperor completely collapsed emotionally while Jin emperor knelt, "Magnificent Emperor of Heaven! Kingdom of Jin submits unconditionally! Provide iron coins and weapons whenever needed. From now on we'll never oppose Shuangcheng again."

I replied, "We don't need any of those things you offer. Do you think we'd lack basic supplies at our current technological level? Just obey our commands properly!"

Finally the Wanmar emperor conceded in defeat, "Please stop this massacre! They're my people - I can't watch them die!"

Addressing Xiaoyu I said, "Cease attacks and raise all war machines to standby. If negotiations succeed we'll return these kings home."

The Wanmar emperor asked suspiciously, "Will you really release us? Isn't this just a trick?"

I scoffed, "Do you think I need to attack from behind? Even if I attacked directly in front of you would you still have any resistance left?"

After negotiations succeeded I told him, "As long as you agree to our terms we'll safely return you home. If not however, remaining here is just wasting food. But let me warn both kingdoms: you've no chance against Shuangcheng. This was only a lesson - next time it won't be just hands and marauders that pay the price.

Regarding cooperation, Shuangcheng will gradually implement

After addressing both emperors and ensuring their opinions were aligned, I dispatched Xiao Yuer to oversee the sequential transfers. The fact that these two sovereigns had been taken captive remained unknown in their homelands - at most, citizens might assume they were undertaking disguised royal inspection tours, a narrative beneficial for maintaining their regnal authority. Now I no longer demanded much of them; preventing frontier disturbances would suffice.

No formal contracts were established through mere verbal agreements, though even written pacts would have been inconsequential in this context. True power was the sole guarantee. Resolving the tripartite conflict by dusk at Shuang Cheng brought a weighty relief to my spirit. Now I could focus entirely on confronting these extraterrestrial intelligences, beginning with studying merfolk and dwarven technological civilizations. I hoped their industrial capabilities would prove sufficient for producing the warship designs crafted by the Dragon Princess and Xiao Yudi.