After everything was ready, the next day arrived.

Sam Li, Keqing, Nicole, Billy, Zhu Yuan, and the others gathered once more. This time, they were joined by Ganyu and Shenhe, along with a full squad of Millelith soldiers, setting off again for New Eridu.

Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, personally came to see them off.

Watching the group before her, Ningguang maintained her calm smile. "Keqing, Ganyu — I'm entrusting the affairs of New Eridu to you. And… assist Mr. Sam Li in winning this battle."

Though she had never been to New Eridu herself, Ningguang had heard from Keqing how formidable their enemy was — even more troublesome than the ancient gods during the Archon War.

Still, she firmly believed that the Geo Emperor would prevail.

Keqing nodded seriously. "Don't worry. I'll have Ganyu keep you informed about the situation there."

Once everything was in place, Sam Li activated the teleportation function of the Statue of The Seven.

Golden light flashed — and in the next instant, Sam Li, Keqing, Nicole, Billy, Zhu Yuan, Shenhe, Ganyu, and the Millelith vanished from sight.

The once-bustling Tianheng Mountain was now left quiet, with only Ningguang standing beneath the wind.

...

When Sam Li and the others arrived back in New Eridu, at that same moment—

Beside a teleportation anchor in the streets of Liyue Harbor, a flash of light appeared. Two familiar figures emerged: the Traveler and Paimon, who hadn't been seen for many days.

They had spent all this time in Natlan.

Together, they helped the Pyro Archon Mavuika resolve the crisis in the Natlan Abyss, learned about Natlan's ancient history, visited countless tribes, and experienced new cultures and traditions — another chapter in their journey.

Now, as they returned once again to Liyue, Paimon stared at the lively streets, but her thoughts were still lingering on Natlan.

"Those tribe members were incredible musicians! That melody they played is still stuck in my head…"

Before leaving Natlan, they had passed through a small tribe known for its music and happened to hear that ancient tune.

No one knew who had composed it or why—it had simply been passed down from generation to generation, surviving to this day.

Paimon sighed. "I honestly think the one who wrote it must've been someone really obsessed with that story. Who else would pour that much feeling into a song?"

The Traveler chuckled. "Then just think of it as one of their own creations."

Paimon shrugged helplessly. "Who knew that guy was also a musical genius… Anyway, enough about that. We're already in Liyue, so let's go visit our friends — starting with… Shenhe! I can't wait to see her!"

As they talked, they bought two skewers of grilled beast meat from a street vendor. Snacking on Liyue's delicious food, they made their way toward Shenhe's residence.

But a few minutes later, they found themselves staring blankly at her locked door.

After that, they went looking for Hu Tao, then Xiangling, then Keqing, and even Ganyu — but none of them were around.

Finally, Ningguang herself told them that Hu Tao, Xiangling, Ganyu, Keqing, and the others had all gone to New Eridu with Sam Li.

Hearing that, Paimon sighed. "New Eridu again... I wonder if they've dealt with the Hollow Crisis yet. Traveler, since we've got nothing else to do, let's head there too!"

It had already been two months since their last visit to New Eridu.

The Traveler nodded immediately. Just as they stood beside the teleportation anchor, preparing to use the Statue of The Seven to warp to New Eridu, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

Paimon spun around. "Yanfei! We just stopped by your law office, but you weren't there — I didn't expect to run into you here!"

Yanfei smiled. "I was just at Tianheng Mountain. I heard Miss Keqing had returned and was planning to go with her to New Eridu, but they left faster than I expected. By the time I arrived, they were already gone."

Then she added, "I heard you're heading to New Eridu as well. Mind if I join you?"

Paimon's eyes lit up. "Of course! We've been there before and know the place pretty well. We can show you around!"

Without further delay, the trio activated the teleportation.

In the blink of an eye, the Traveler, Paimon, and Yanfei vanished from Liyue.

...

Darkness briefly engulfed their vision.

When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in a strange place — surrounded by half-collapsed buildings and a busy construction site.

Paimon blinked. "This is... the Outer Ring? It looks kind of familiar…"

Yanfei looked at her. "Didn't you just say you knew New Eridu well?"

Paimon coughed awkwardly. "Well… New Eridu's huge! There are still plenty of places we haven't been to. Oh—wait! I remember now. This is Calydon Town. It's changed so much since two months ago that I barely recognized it!"

Two months ago, when the Traveler and Paimon last visited Calydon Town, it had been a ruined wasteland — an abandoned shell of civilization.

But now, in just two short months, it had transformed dramatically. Massive construction machines had cleared most of the rubble, and new buildings were already being erected.

Yanfei couldn't help but observe in fascination. "This construction method... The efficiency and speed are impressive."

Paimon said proudly, "This is just the Outer Ring. Wait until you see the city center — that's where you'll really see the wonders of New Eridu."

As Paimon continued explaining the city to Yanfei, a familiar lazy voice called out nearby.

"Traveler? Paimon? You're back again. Welcome to Calydon Town…"

They turned to see Piper strolling over, looking as relaxed as ever.

Paimon gestured toward her. "This lazy one here is Piper."

Yanfei smiled politely. "Hello, Miss Piper. I'm Yanfei — Liyue's legal consultant."

Paimon said, "Piper, we're heading to the Hare's House. Can you take us to the city center?"

Since they were all friends of Sam Li, Piper naturally agreed. "Sure thing. Just give me a second to get the car."

Paimon wagged a finger. "This time, you have to drive slower."

Piper nodded lazily. "Got it..."

...

As the Traveler, Paimon, and Yanfei departed from Calydon Town and headed toward New Eridu City—

At that same moment, within the city itself, Sam Li stood alone, holding the Vortex Vanquisher as he stepped into Hollow Zero.

He intended to use this time to push his role progress to one hundred percent, raise his power to its peak, and master the ability to summon Planet Befall as soon as possible.