The moment they met up, Sam Li and the Traveler's group received grim news.
It turned out that after the Traveler and Paimon had left, Mavuika had gone alone into the pitch-black Abyssal domain in order to stop the Abyss from spreading further.
Two days had passed.
Not only had the dark Abyssal domain shown no signs of receding, but Mavuika herself had vanished without a trace and never returned.
Worried sick, Xilonen had been preparing to lead a rescue party when she saw the Astral Express tear across the sky and land on the nearby hillside, prompting her to rush over immediately.
After listening to Xilonen's account, Sam Li, Venti, the Traveler, and the others instantly realized how serious the situation was.
If Mavuika were lost at this point, Teyvat's strength in the coming war would be greatly diminished.
With that in mind, Sam Li said solemnly, "Mavuika is no weakling. She won't fall so easily in the Abyss. By general logic, it's not too late to rescue her."
Five hundred years ago, during the black calamity, the Pyro Archon who went to Khaenri'ah was none other than the present-day Mavuika.
Venti gave an easygoing laugh. "No need to panic. Mavuika's flames are the Abyss's natural enemy. She's definitely holding on and waiting for backup. Let's move."
March 7th said confidently, "Sounds like it's time to show off my swordplay."
Seeing everyone eager to act, Xilonen naturally wanted to take them straight to the Natlan—but doubt flickered in her eyes.
Could these people really be trusted?
Hesitating, she looked toward the Traveler. "Who are they?"
Paimon began introducing them seriously. "This is Sam Li, a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and an employee of Cunning Hares. This is the bard Venti. This is March 7th from the train, and this is—"
However, such identities clearly weren't enough to put Xilonen at ease.
The Traveler took a deep breath and said firmly, "Sam Li is the Geo Archon of Liyue. Venti is the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt. Xilonen, don't worry—we will definitely bring Mavuika back."
Hearing this, Xilonen's heart leapt with relief.
"Everyone, please follow me…"
Venti let out a sigh. "Ehe… so my identity's been exposed."
Paimon quickly explained, "We just wanted to reassure Xilonen. Besides, the black calamity is about to descend—everyone will know sooner or later anyway."
Upon learning that Venti, like Sam Li, was also a god who ruled a nation, March 7th, Nicole, Billy, Nekomata, Dan Heng, and the others all stared in shock.
This bard with twin braids who went around saying "ehe" all the time…
Was actually a god, just like Sam Li?
Nekomata jumped in fright. "Meow—! Venti, you're a god who governs a nation and has power on par with Sam Li?"
Venti laughed. "Do I look like someone who governs a nation? Do I look powerful?"
Hearing that, Nekomata, Nicole, and March 7th stared at him for a long moment.
He really didn't look the part at all—far more like a street performer than a mighty god.
Paimon said seriously, "No more wasting time. Let's go—Mavuika needs us."
Nekomata hurried after them. "Got it, meow—"
Billy followed in silence.
...
While Sam Li, Venti, the Traveler, and the others were arriving in Natlan to rescue Mavuika, events elsewhere in Teyvat were unfolding just as rapidly.
Arataki Itto, Kuki Shinobu, Klee, Kaeya, Tighnari, Collei, Furina, Clorinde, and the others had returned to their respective nations, reporting the pact signed in Liyue to those in power.
From that moment on, every nation across Teyvat sprang into action—mobilizing troops, stockpiling supplies, and preparing for the black calamity that could descend at any time.
At this moment, deep within Snezhnaya—
Inside the Tsaritsa's palace, shrouded in ice and snow, Tartaglia strode quickly through the halls. He entered the grand chamber with respectful composure and saw a young woman wearing a white crown.
"Tartaglia. I thought you would have returned yesterday."
"Ah… ahem… Your Majesty, some matters delayed me."
"How did the investigation go? Has Liyue also shown signs of the black calamity's descent?"
Hearing the Tsaritsa's voice, Tartaglia promptly reported the abnormalities he had observed in places like Wuwang Hill and The Chasm within Liyue's borders, finally letting out a breath of relief once he was done.
After hearing his report, the Tsaritsa frowned deeply.
"So it's come to this… The situation is worse than expected. The black calamity truly is about to return…"
Then, suddenly, she raised her head.
"Tartaglia. Why do you look so uneasy?"
Tartaglia felt a little awkward. "Ahem, Your Majesty… While I was in Liyue, I happened to run into the Geo Archon… and envoys from other nations as well. I learned quite a bit about the situation elsewhere."
He then relayed everything he had learned from Furina, Klee, Collei, and the Traveler.
The Tsaritsa's brow furrowed further.
Ever since the black calamity five hundred years ago, she had foreseen that it would erupt again after another five centuries—but she never imagined it would come with even greater force.
She looked back at Tartaglia. "And?"
Tartaglia hurriedly continued, "I also… signed a pact on behalf of Snezhnaya in Liyue, agreeing with the other nations to jointly resist the calamity. The other nations should already be preparing for war."
As he spoke, he carefully watched Tsaritsa's expression.
To his surprise, she did not become angry. Instead, she nodded slightly.
"I understand. You and Pulcinella will be responsible for this matter."
With that, the Tsaritsa turned her back to him, signaling that he could leave.
After Tartaglia departed, the Tsaritsa slowly walked toward the deepest part of the palace. In a chamber where all seven elements intertwined, she gazed upon a slumbering body.
"There isn't enough time… The time is far too short. This is all I could gather."
In preparation for the black calamity, the Tsaritsa had laid plans for many years—collecting the remains of the Third Descender and using immense power to piece together their body.
But time had run out.
She had not been able to collect all of it.
...
At the same time, on the other side of Teyvat—within Natlan.
Sam Li, Venti, the Traveler, and the others stood before the pitch-black domain ahead, all of them frowning.
Put simply, that dark expanse was the Abyss spoken of in legends—a place filled with monsters and saturated with destructive energy.
Venti wore a rare look of seriousness. "Old man, ready?"
Sam Li replied calmly, "Let's go."
As soon as the words fell, Sam Li stepped forward, heading straight into the Abyss, with Venti close behind.
The Traveler, March 7th, Nicole, Xilonen, and the others exchanged glances—then hurried after them without hesitation.