Speaking of the Star of Wishes, Sam Li didn't hide anything from Venti and shared his own conjecture. "If I'm not mistaken, the Star of Wishes they mentioned is very likely the world where Teyvat exists."
By this point, Venti had long known they were no longer on the continent of Teyvat.
Immediately after, Sam Li recounted everything March 7th had told him—about Belobog, the Xianzhou Luofu, the Interstellar Peace Corporation… and the general state of the cosmos.
Upon hearing this series of revelations, the smile that had always lingered on Venti's face instantly faded into a solemn expression.
He was astonished by how vast the world beyond truly was, yet at the same time deeply apprehensive. Throughout Teyvat's history, the greatest calamities had all been brought from beyond the world. Every time visitors from outside descended upon Teyvat, disasters followed.
This time as well—what would the arrival of the train crew bring?
After a moment of silence, Venti asked slowly, "What do you think about all this?"
Now that the Heavenly Principles slumbered, and with the "sky" beyond Teyvat entering its once-every-five-hundred-years period of weakness, any disturbance at this moment could spell immense trouble. A catastrophe like the one five hundred years ago—Teyvat could not withstand a second.
Sam Li fully understood Venti's worries.
However… the members of the train crew showed no malice.
Moreover, in Sam Li's view, the "sky" over Teyvat could not last much longer. Whether in a thousand years or the next five hundred, it would eventually fail.
When that happened, the entire world of Teyvat would inevitably be exposed to the eyes of cosmic powers. From what Sam Li heard from Himeko, the Trailblazer, and the others, none of those powers could be considered benevolent. Their appearance would certainly bring upheaval.
If that was the future, then it would be wiser to use this opportunity to form deep ties with the train crew and make early preparations for Teyvat's fate.
On Teyvat, the words Sam Li spoke now were practically heretical—directly opposing the long-standing doctrine of the Celestia and the Heavenly Principles.
Yet upon hearing him, Venti didn't refute anything. Instead, he lifted his gaze to the stars. "The sky here is truly beautiful. If the wind could drift out into the world beyond… that sounds rather nice…"
Then Venti let out an airy "Heh!" The concern on his face vanished instantly, replaced once more by the cheerful smile of the wandering bard.
Venti laughed. "Old man, I found another tavern. Want to grab a drink?"
Sam Li declined immediately, then told Venti about the celebratory ball hosted by New Eridu and Keqing. "Let's go together."
Venti grinned. "A grand ball like this? Of course a bard has to attend. I'll definitely be there."
The two sat side by side on a roadside bench. Not far away, people continued celebrating—singing, dancing, filling the streets with liveliness and joy.
Venti strummed a gentle melody again, humming softly. He was singing the very song the citizens of New Eridu had composed to thank Sam Li.
That evening, the celebratory ball was successfully held in the center of New Eridu.
Just as Nicole had said earlier, the scale of this open-air ball was unprecedented. Both the number of attendees and the size of the venue far surpassed any ball held even in the old era.
Those attending included New Eridu's officials—the Public Security Bureau, the Defense Force, the Hollow Investigation Association. Various civilian organizations—agencies like the Cunning Hares, Victoria Housekeeping, Belobog Heavy Industries, and shop owners from Sixth Street. Outer Ring factions—the Sons of Calydon, the Vanquishers.
In that moment, the land knew no distinction between Outer Ring and city center. All gathered together, united in celebration—never had such harmony been seen before.
At the ball, Billy put away his pistol and swayed his hips as he sang and danced. Nekomata sat on a chair, guarding an entire table of "All-Fish Feast." Anby sat quietly in a corner.
Nicole invited Sam Li to dance… Naturally, Sam Li didn't know anything about the dances of this world.
During a break in the festivities, Caesar, leader of the Sons of Calydon, approached once more—inviting the Cunning Hares, along with Miss Keqing, Miss Ganyu, and others, to visit Calydon Village.
Hearing Caesar's invitation, Nicole didn't hesitate for even a second and accepted immediately.
Ever since the declaration of war against Hollow Zero, Nicole had already mapped out the Cunning Hares' future. She planned to relocate the entire agency to Calydon Town. She imagined herself becoming the Deputy Mayor of Calydon City, with Billy, Anby, and Nekomata continuing to work under her.
Just imagining it, Nicole couldn't stop the smile creeping onto her lips. Feeling a surge of excitement, she quickly said, "Sam Li, you have to come to Calydon too. We'll make something big together."
Sam Li stayed silent. "…"
At his side, Nekomata and Billy were ecstatic.
Nekomata exclaimed, "Meow! I knew following Nicole was the right choice!"
Billy laughed. "I'll have two bosses—one Mayor of Calydon City, one Deputy Mayor. Won't that mean I can walk sideways all over Calydon?"
As he spoke, Billy twisted his hips and demonstrated how to walk sideways.
Laughter erupted immediately.
Everyone was filled with anticipation for the bright future ahead.
Time passed quickly.
In the days that followed, celebrations continued throughout New Eridu. Sam Li accompanied Nicole, Billy, Keqing, Hu Tao, the Trailblazer, Himeko, and the others on a trip to Calydon Village in the Outer Ring. Or, as Nicole insisted, it was time to rename it—it should be called Calydon City.
Returning once more to Calydon Village, Sam Li noticed how much had changed compared to two months earlier.
The ruins had been cleared by construction machinery. The once-desolate town had completed its first phase of reconstruction, now showing the beginnings of a district resembling Sixth Street. Stores were already operating—grocery shops, restaurants, repair stalls, cafés, all kinds of businesses.
According to Caesar's plan, this district would serve as the center, gradually expanding outward to build a vast city.
And at this moment, Himeko and the Trailblazer once again extended an invitation to Sam Li—hoping he would accompany them on a journey to the Star of Wishes.