After listening to Sam Li's explanation, March 7th, the Trailblazer, Himeko, Dan Heng, Welt Yang, and the others exchanged glances.
If what Sam Li said was true, then the current Sam Li was certainly not an Aeon.
However…
Everyone had their own thoughts.
Himeko spoke thoughtfully, "That ancient imprint may be a form of inheritance, or perhaps a vessel for some kind of energy—one that temporarily grants you the power of an Aeon."
Hearing this, March 7th immediately asked, "If it's an inheritance, doesn't that mean Mr. Sam Li could become an Aeon in the future?"
Welt Yang nodded slowly. "From a certain perspective, that's essentially correct. But that ancient imprint is merely a path leading toward an Aeon. Whether Sam Li can truly reach the end of that path and obtain the ultimate power… remains to be seen."
With that explanation, everyone understood.
If Sam Li could one day become an Aeon, then Teyvat would no longer need to fear another invasion by the Antimatter Legion.
As the discussion continued, Paimon began to yawn.
"I'm so sleepy… We've been fighting for so long. Aren't you all tired?"
Of course they were exhausted.
But after listening to Venti's lyre, the weariness had eased considerably.
In the next moment, Sam Li turned his gaze toward the distance, his expression solemn.
"Everyone, the Abyss has not yet been pacified, and the Antimatter Legion has not been completely eradicated. We should return at once."
Though separated by vast distances, Sam Li could sense that Mondstadt, Liyue, Fontaine, and other nations had already come under attack from Abyss monsters and the Antimatter Legion.
"All right. Let's part ways here—for now."
"Thunder village girl, hurry back to your Inazuma. The enemy's already at your doorstep."
"Hmph. Once I've suppressed the monsters, I'll settle things with you."
As soon as those words fell, Raiden Ei did not linger. She immediately led the Inazuma group back to their homeland.
At the same time, Neuvillette, the Tsaritsa, Venti, Mavuika, and the others had no time to visit Lesser Lord Kusanali, instead returning swiftly to their respective nations.
…
That same afternoon, along the coast of Liyue.
Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and the other adepti led Keqing, Ningguang, and hundreds of Millelith soldiers in fierce combat against Abyss monsters and the Antimatter Legion, stopping them from landing.
At the same time, Xiao, Moon Carver, and the others commanded large Millelith forces to defend the Tianheng Mountains.
With their combined efforts, they successfully held the Abyss monsters and Antimatter Legion outside Liyue Harbor.
But that alone was not enough.
If these Abyss monsters and Antimatter Legion forces were not eliminated, they would eventually spread deeper into Liyue, endangering even more of its people.
Just as the Adepti, Vision bearers, and Millelith soldiers were locked in bitter battle—
Suddenly, a flash of golden light streaked across the sky, followed by a deep, resounding dragon's roar.
In the next instant, countless stone spears rained down like a storm, exploding along the coastline and across Tianheng Mountain, obliterating Abyss monsters and Antimatter Legion forces one after another.
A Doomsday Beast roared in defiance and tried to strike back at the sky.
But in the very next moment, a dragon's shadow descended from above, instantly killing it.
The battlefield fell into absolute silence.
After a brief pause, Cloud Retainer finally reacted.
"It's the Lord of Geo. He has finally returned."
Mountain Shaper was equally elated.
"The Geo Emperor has won. This battle… Teyvat has won."
As the two adepti cried out, cheers and shouts erupted across the battlefield.
Before long, Sam Li, Hu Tao, Nicole, Zhu Yuan, Caesar, Hoshimi Miyabi, March 7th, Himeko, and the others appeared along the Liyue coastline.
Returning to Liyue once more, they were greeted by thunderous cheers from Liyue's soldiers and people alike, all celebrating their victory.
The greatest threat facing Teyvat had finally been resolved.
The war was finally over.
…
Several days later, in the newly constructed districts of Liyue Harbor, lanterns and decorations filled the streets. The atmosphere was as festive as the New Year, with celebrations for victory still ongoing.
As Liyue Harbor's population continued to grow, Keqing studied a brand-new blueprint, planning the layout of the new district.
The Traveler, Nicole, Hu Tao, March 7th, Caesar, and the others wandered the streets together. Paimon held a grilled skewer in one hand and a candied hawthorn stick in the other, eating with unrestrained joy.
Suddenly, March 7th seemed to spot something and quickly pointed ahead.
"It's Sam Li and Venti! We finally found them!"
Nicole shouted loudly, "Sam Li! Over here! We've been looking for you forever!"
Caesar said confidently, "Tonight's kite competition—our Sons of Calydon are definitely going to win!"
They had been searching for Sam Li precisely to invite him to the evening's kite competition.
Time passed in the blink of an eye.
A few more days went by, and at last, it was time for the train crew to depart.
March 7th, the Trailblazer, Himeko, and the others had prepared everything in advance, waiting only for Sam Li and Venti to arrive before setting off.
A few minutes later, Sam Li and Venti arrived right on time and boarded the Astral Express, planning to travel the stars together with the crew.
Just as the train was about to depart—
Familiar voices shouted from outside.
"Sam Li, wait… wait for us…!"
"Billy, you're way too slow!"
"We almost missed it—!"
"March 7th! March 7th! Open the door! We want to go explore the stars too!"
…
Through the train window, Sam Li saw Hu Tao, Nicole, Billy, Nekomata, and Anby rushing over, with even more people hurrying after them.
…
(The End)
…
The story of New Eridu has come to a close.
Sam Li, Hu Tao, Nicole, the Traveler, the Trailblazer, the Proxy—their stories are far from over.