At this moment aboard the Astral Express, they ran into the same situation they had encountered in Inazuma a few days earlier.
They couldn't find a proper landing track.
Fortunately, this was no problem for the Astral Express or Pom-Pom. Before long, Pom-Pom identified a suitable landing site on the beach outside Liyue City.
Amid the startled shouts of Billy, Arataki Itto, and Nekomata—
With a thunderous roar, the Astral Express descended straight down, landing squarely on the sandy shore beyond Liyue Harbor.
The instant the train touched down—
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
Sharp sounds rang out from the sky as several figures sprinted through the air from afar, moving as if they were treading on empty space.
In the blink of an eye, they arrived before the Astral Express.
They were Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Madame Ping, Xiao, and several other Adepti.
The moment they detected the Astral Express's presence, they rushed over without hesitation.
As they landed, the Adepti all turned in unison toward the doors of the Astral Express, clearly waiting for someone to emerge.
The next moment—
As the train doors slid open, Sam Li, Venti, Billy, Hu Tao, Nicole, Arataki Itto, Anby, Nekomata, March 7th, Himeko, and the others stepped into the Adepti's view.
The moment Moon Carver saw Sam Li and the group, he immediately broke into a smile.
"Emper— ahem. Sam Li, Venti, Nicole. Weren't you heading to some kind of Star of Wishes? Why did you circle around outside and fly back instead—"
Before he could finish, Cloud Retainer shoved him aside.
"Liyue's anomalies have resurfaced. Mr. Sam Li's return could not be more timely."
At the side, Mountain Shaper let out a relieved breath.
"Indeed. His timing couldn't be better."
The Adepti had already learned of the strange phenomena occurring over the past few days—at Wuwang Hill, the Chasm, and even at sea—and were already at their wits' end.
They never expected the Geo Archon to return so suddenly.
What a relief.
After welcoming Sam Li, Venti, Nicole, Hu Tao, March 7th, and the others off the train, Moon Carver wasted no time. He immediately reported the recent anomalies at Wuwang Hill and the Chasm, along with his own speculation.
"I fear this is much the same as five hundred years ago—the Abyss has returned."
What one fears most often comes true.
No one expected the Abyss to choose this very moment to surge back.
After listening to the Adepti's account, Sam Li spoke calmly.
"I already know. Beyond the skies, I encountered that [Abyssal Army]… and was attacked by them."
Hearing this, Cloud Retainer asked urgently, "Were you injured?"
Sam Li shook his head.
"Nothing serious. However, this situation is even more severe than it was five hundred years ago."
Five centuries ago, the False Sky and the Heavenly Principles still stood firm, resisting the Antimatter Legion and the Annihilation-Class Devastator.
But five hundred years later—
The False Sky is weaker than ever. The Heavenly Principles have fallen into slumber. And the nations of today cannot compare to their former strength.
In Inazuma, the strongest yokai forces were already wiped out five hundred years ago…
In Liyue, the Adepti are still healing the wounds left behind by that calamity…
In Fontaine…
In Sumeru…
In Natlan…
The situation is much the same everywhere. The scars of the pitch-black calamity from five hundred years ago have yet to fade.
After hearing Sam Li's analysis, the Adepti all wore grave expressions.
However, Sam Li continued.
"But compared to five hundred years ago, we have more time to prepare."
Back then, the disaster erupted without warning. The nations were caught completely off guard and forced into a hasty confrontation with the Abyss.
Now, before the pitch-black calamity fully descends, the nations have at least half a year to make preparations.
As they discussed possible countermeasures—
Suddenly—
Keqing, Ningguang, Ganyu, Yanfei, Xiangling, and many citizens of Liyue Harbor hurried over from the city.
Seeing Sam Li again, Keqing, Ganyu, Xiangling, and the others unconsciously quickened their pace, rushing toward the group.
"Mr. Sam Li, about the celestial anomalies these past few days—"
"I'm already aware."
Facing the anxious group, Sam Li briefly explained the situation regarding the Antimatter Legion once more.
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.
None of them imagined the situation could be even more dire than they had thought.
As the crowd was about to speak again, Ningguang calmly interjected.
"Everyone, this area is crowded, and there are too many ears around. Why don't we continue this discussion at Yujing Terrace—or the Jade Chamber?"
As she spoke, Ningguang glanced around. Many Liyue citizens had already gathered nearby.
Fortunately, Ningguang and Keqing had brought a detachment of Millelith with them, who could be tasked with maintaining order.
After issuing instructions to the Millelith, under the guidance of Ningguang and Keqing, Sam Li, Venti, several Adepti, Nicole, Hu Tao, Billy, Arataki Itto, March 7th, the Trailblazer, Himeko, Dan Heng, and the others formally entered Liyue Harbor.
Looking at the bustling yet timeworn streets of Liyue Harbor, March 7th's eyes shone with curiosity.
"Trailblazer, look over there! They're selling kites! And over there—so many food stalls… it smells amazing! Boss, I'll take five skewers! …Huh? What's Mora?"
After buying the skewers, March 7th discovered that her currency was completely useless here.
Fortunately, Keqing arrived in time to smooth things over, finally convincing the vendor to let her go.
The Trailblazer sighed helplessly.
"Until we fully understand this place, don't act on your own."
March 7th replied while chewing on her skewers,
"Got it. These are so good… here, have one."
The Trailblazer fell silent.
"..."
She accepted it and took a bite.
It really was delicious.
Before long, led by Ningguang and Keqing, the group arrived at Yujing Terrace.
However—
Not long after they entered, a Millelith on duty hurried after them.
"Lady Keqing… Lady Keqing… the Traveler and Paimon are requesting an audience."
Hearing this, Keqing turned to Ningguang with a serious expression.
"I'll handle this. Leave things here to you."
With that, she quickly headed toward the gates of Yujing Terrace.
Moments later, she found the Traveler and Paimon waiting at the entrance.
Before Keqing could speak, Paimon blurted out anxiously.
"Keqing, Keqing, this is bad—really bad! Hurry and bring Sam Li over!"
Keqing replied firmly,
"Calm down. What happened?"
Paimon hurriedly explained,
"Natlan… Natlan's situation has worsened again. The Abyss is attacking—just like five hundred years ago…"
She then recounted everything they had seen in Natlan, along with their suspicions.
Keqing frowned deeply.
"As expected… it's not just Liyue. Other nations are also showing signs of the pitch-black calamity."
Paimon gasped.
"What? Liyue too?"
Keqing nodded slowly.
"Yes. Pitch-black anomalies have appeared at Wuwang Hill and the Chasm. You arrived at the right time—Mr. Sam Li has just returned aboard the Astral Express. Come with me."
At that moment—
Suddenly, a man and a woman from afar hurried toward Yujing Terrace.
They were Tighnari and Collei, newly arrived from Sumeru.