"Mr. Zhongli, is this also your friend?" a geologist at the same table asked.
"Yes, allow me to introduce you. This Mr. Feng Yi is knowledgeable and talented, a traveler dedicated to exploring Teyvat. I find myself quite at ease in his company..."
As he spoke, Zhongli turned to Feng Yi. "We were just discussing 'The Historical Rex Lapis.' Are you interested in hearing about it?"
"I'd be delighted," Feng Yi nodded. He sat beside Lumine, sipping tea and admiring the lake view. Listening to these 'experts' boast was quite entertaining.
"This gentleman seems to underestimate the divine power of the Geo Archon. As a professional archaeologist, I wish to correct some of his viewpoints." A well-dressed middle-aged man, his eyes gleaming with intelligence, expressed his disagreement with some of Zhongli's remarks.
"Oh? How so?" Feng Yi gestured with his teacup, inviting him to present his case.
"We are discussing the whereabouts of 'the first Mora.' It is widely known that under the guidance of the Geo Archon, the ancestors of Liyue smelted ore and traded with nations across the world using their initial goods. Today, Liyue holds the sole right to mint Mora on the continent. Therefore, the very first Mora should have been personally forged by the Geo Archon thousands of years ago..." The archaeologist spoke fluently, showcasing his extensive knowledge to those present. His deduction earned the unanimous approval of the other archaeologists.
"Based on my research... and a bit of speculation, I believe this historically significant Mora might have been passed down secretly as a 'token of trust.' For instance, do the Liyue Qixing, who govern Liyue, have some unknown ritual before each new generation takes office?"
"No, no, no. According to my research, the status of this first Mora is not that simple. As everyone knows, Mora is a catalyst. Even today, there are legends of using Mora for its mystical properties to enhance weapons. This first Mora in the world must contain the strongest power. Thus, my next historical work will boldly argue the latest findings of my ten years of dedicated research! That is—the Geo Archon used this Mora as a catalyst to enhance a saber and a sword. Hmph, hmph, hmph. You'll have to purchase my book to read the full account. For now, I'll reveal just a small part: possessing the saber grants the power to become Liyue's supreme ruler, and drawing the sword allows one to be crowned the King of Liyue..."
The archaeologists' imaginations were running wild, so much so that they were encroaching on the territory of novelists.
Feng Yi: I get it, I get it! The Dragon-Slaying Saber and the Heaven-Reliant Sword, right? Is there also a slogan: "Supreme among martial artists, the Dragon-Slaying Saber, commands the world; who dares disobey? If the Heaven-Reliant Sword does not appear, who can contend?"
"Alas... I cannot agree." Zhongli sighed from the side. How did such absurd stories come to be spread? And that these experts spent over ten years researching them so seriously?
"Eh?"
"Setting aside the veracity of the saber and sword speculations... Mora, or rather, money, was initially created simply as a means to facilitate the signing of 'contracts.' The Geo Archon's true intention was to guide humanity in using Mora for trade. I believe 'the first Mora in the world' was likely just spent by the Archon as ordinary currency, quite simply..." Zhongli earnestly educated the crowd, but the truth often fails to be accepted by the masses, who prefer to imagine or fabricate stories.
"Hmm... I think Mr. Hanxue's hypothesis is quite plausible. As for Mr. Zhongli, without any evidence, he belittles the Geo Archon's profound plans so easily?" The archaeologists' opinions were surprisingly unified. They all felt Zhongli was talking nonsense and being contrarian. The reason for this might stem from their worship of the Geo Archon; they couldn't accept that the 'first Mora' created by the Geo Archon was merely ordinary currency.
"No... my statement is not meant to be pejorative. I am merely stating a fact." Zhongli's tone remained exceptionally calm, as if discussing something widely known.
"Oh, come on. Do you understand the Geo Archon? Or do I?" The archaeologist named Hanxue sneered. He had dedicated over ten years to his research and felt he had the most authority.
Feng Yi, Lumine, and Paimon: Lol! The three who knew the truth sipped their tea and chuckled, secretly observing Zhongli's reaction.
"When it comes to historical matters, I only understand a little. How dare I claim otherwise? However, if there is no divergence of opinion, then our discussion loses its meaning..." Zhongli paused for a moment before continuing. His exceptional emotional intelligence allowed him to express his opinion while also saving face for the other party.
Feng Yi: "Understand a little"? Zhongli is a living fossil of history, an ancient deity who survived the Archon War. Who could possibly claim to understand more than him?
"Then tell me, centuries ago, when Liyue Harbor was undergoing extensive construction, and the Geo Archon taught the people architectural techniques, the demonstration models he used were all cast from Mora, right?"
Hanxue: There are always beings on this earth who dare to face the knowledge of the Geo Archon!
"That is indeed true." Zhongli did not deny it.
"Good. Then tell me, if he did not value Mora's divine properties, why would the Geo Archon engage in such a extravagant act?"
"That is easily explained. For the Archon, Mora was the most readily available and lowest-cost material."
Zhongli: Back then, I was so poor, all I had was Mora... And now, I don't even have Mora left. I can only freeload, work for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and occasionally borrow some kidneys from my Archon friends to exchange for money just to make a living.
"Hmm... uh..." Hanxue was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to refute. The other party's argument seemed to make a lot of sense.
"Mr. Zhongli, um... I have some questions about archaeology that I'd like to discuss with you in a quieter place. Would it disturb you?" The only female archaeologist present stood up and made a request to Zhongli.
"Oh, that wouldn't be a problem. However, would it be alright if my friends joined us? They might be able to offer more assistance."
"Since you've said so, of course, they are welcome! Let's go." The archaeologist named Wanyan stood up and led Zhongli and the others to a secluded pavilion. As they departed, the remaining archaeologists at the table began to sigh.
"Alas, the Geo Archon is truly remarkable! And yet, even in Liyue, some people are already slandering him..."
"Even though we have entered the era of 'mortals,' we should still maintain basic reverence for our former 'gods,' shouldn't we?"
Zhongli: Hmm, I wonder who is slandering me.