In Mondstadt, massive billboards stood beneath the statue of the Anemo Archon. The text upon them was bold, exciting, and impossible to ignore:
[Can you and your partner determine your fate across three lifetimes? The Grand Narukami Shrine of Inazuma welcomes you...]
[The best gift for your companion: A Sangonomiya Pearl from Watatsumi Island. One pearl, a love that lasts forever!!!]
[Inazuma's Largest Annual Celebration: Culinary geniuses from three nations gather to create "Sugar Levels" of incredible desserts. Bring your partner now~~~]
[Free travel to Inazuma! A sacred sanctuary all couples must visit... Watatsumi Island~~~]
"Whoa... is this for real? We can go for free?"
"This is amazing!"
"Sangonomiya Pearls? I've heard those are Inazuma's national treasures. They're actually for sale now?!"
"Heavens... the Grand Narukami Shrine! I heard the one in charge is the famous master of the Yae Publishing House, Lady Yae Miko... if we go, can we get an autograph?!"
"I'm a huge fan of Lady Yae Miko!"
"I'm not just a fan of Lady Yae; I'm a super-fan of Miss Hina!"
At the mention of Miss Hina, countless people cheered. Miss Hina was their spiritual idol—the mysterious, elder-sister figure who solved their troubles through her advice column. Now that they could travel to Inazuma for free, these fans were desperate to get closer to the source!
Thus, train after train departed from Mondstadt toward Liyue. It wasn't just trains, either; ships were offering free passage for those who registered. However, since ships were slower than the Sea Train, most opted for the rails.
A bard stood beneath the Anemo Archon's statue, his eyes sparkling as he read the advertisement.
"Inazuma has finally opened its borders? It must be my brother's doing... Hehe, if that's the case, I've got to see it for myself! A Sweetheart Celebration... I wonder if that Raiden Shogun really agreed to this. Regardless, I'm going. Though, to prevent her from slicing me with her blade, I'd better bring a few bottles of top-tier wine! Oh, and maybe I should drag that Geo Archon along. If Su Han is there, he'll surely want to go too."
Venti chuckled to himself before vanishing on the spot. He wouldn't miss such a lively event for the world.
Liyue's Excitement and the Golden Tickets
Liyue was just as boisterous as Mondstadt. The streets were packed to the gills.
"Did you hear? Chef Mao and Xiangling have already left for Inazuma! The competition is going to be spectacular!"
"With a celebration this grand, who wouldn't want to go?"
"I have even bigger news! Aside from Lady Ningguang, three Adepti will appear as judges!"
"No way! The Adepti themselves?! That's incredible!"
"That's nothing! The Raiden Shogun herself personally approved this, and the one who proposed the whole thing was our very own National Treasure!"
The hype was unreal. Ningguang and Su Han's marketing went beyond just posters. Near Chihu Rock, merchants were handing out discount coupons: anyone holding one would get 10% off any dessert in Inazuma. There were even lottery events.
The grand prize? A weapon personally customized by the Raiden Shogun's forge! Between the couples seeking romance and the warriors seeking blades, everyone was scrambling for the station.
The Paradise of Watatsumi
As the Sea Train hummed along the Blackcliff tracks, passengers stared out the windows.
"So this is the route? I wondered how it could cross the ocean so quickly."
"The workers say Inazuma City after the thunderstorms is breathtaking. And Watatsumi Island is like an earthly paradise..."
Eventually, the train reached Watatsumi Island. As people looked out at the dreamlike scenery—the cascading waterfalls and the shimmering corals—they were stunned.
"Heavens... it's an island inside the sea! It's so beautiful... the seawater flows like a waterfall!"
At the station, soldiers greeted the crowds. "If you wish to tour Watatsumi Island, tickets are only 20 Mora. This includes free local snacks and guided tours!"
"Free snacks? Sign me up!"
Nearly five hundred people bought tickets immediately. The soldiers grinned; in just minutes, they had raked in 10,000 Mora. The "free snacks" were mostly roasted Lavender Melons and local grilled fish—things that cost nothing on the island—but the travelers loved it.
The dreamlike Coral Palace was the highlight. As couples walked by, a shrine maiden in white and red would approach.
"Would you two like a Couple's Blessing? For only 99 Mora, you can receive a special blessing from Watatsumi to ensure your love lasts forever..."
"We want it!"
The couples reached out without hesitation. Who would refuse a "forever" for less than a hundred Mora? A faint violet light would descend from the sky—a simple magical effect—and the maiden would hand over an exquisite peace knot.
"May you grow old together in happiness..."
The couples beamed with joy, unaware that they were being "scammed" by simple parlor tricks. By the end of the tour, most visitors had spent around 300 Mora, but they left happy.
The Arrival of the Two Gods
The train continued past Yashiori Island and Kujou Encampment, finally reaching the coast of Inazuma City. Stalls stretched from the city gates all the way to the shoreline.
"Try the best chocolate milkshake!"
"Cold cola here, cheap and refreshing!"
"Sparkling water! Only two Mora a cup!"
Among the flowing crowds, two figures stepped off the train.
"See? Isn't it lively? But Su Han is really something... why didn't he set this up in Liyue or Mondstadt? We had to travel so far," Venti complained.
Zhongli smiled calmly. "Inazuma has had many problems recently. Su Han likely thought of this as a temporary solution to help the local economy. Don't mind it... a celebration is the same anywhere, as long as one is happy."
Zhongli had been content listening to operas in Liyue, but an hour ago, Venti had appeared and dragged him along. Realizing he hadn't visited Inazuma in a long time, Zhongli decided it was time to stretch his legs.
The two wandered the stalls. As usual, Zhongli brought no money. Whatever he liked, Venti would pay for. However, as Zhongli's "purchases" began to stack up, Venti realized his wallet was screaming.
"Phew... this Morax is the same as always, never carrying a single coin. If I keep hanging out with him, I'll be broke in hours. I'll find him again in a few days!"
The celebration would last a week. Venti had no intention of being drained dry on the very first day. He slipped away into the crowd, leaving the Geo Archon to admire the scenery alone.