Do You Even Understand the Weight of the "God of War" Title?!
The Pearl Galley
Hanxue sat with a notebook in hand, fully prepared to take notes along with the light screen's commentary.
But the moment he heard those words—
His brain shut down.
"W–What?"
"Zhongli th— I mean, Mr. Zhongli is… the Geo Archon?!"
He immediately suspected his eyes were playing tricks on him and rubbed them hard.
The image on the light screen was unmistakably Zhongli.
He glanced around—
Everyone nearby wore the same stunned expression.
That was when it truly hit him.
Zhongli… really was Rex Lapis.
Hanxue's expression became indescribable.
As a professional archaeologist, he had spent years researching the deeds of the Geo Archon.
Because of that, he'd debated many times with Zhongli, the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli was knowledgeable—almost frighteningly so.
But he was also Liyue's most notorious "Rex Lapis hater."
He frequently spoke irreverently of the Geo Archon,
often dismissing Rex Lapis' grand plans as overthinking—without any evidence!
Their clashing interpretations had driven Hanxue away more than once.
He had even once snapped:
"Do you understand Rex Lapis better—or do I?"
Hanxue had planned to use this commentary to deepen his understanding,
then go back and educate that ignorant young man.
But instead—
He found out that man was Rex Lapis himself.
The light screen would never lie.
Which meant this had to be true.
And suddenly… everything made sense.
Why Zhongli knew so much.
Why his understanding went so deep.
But remembering those past arguments—
Hanxue felt numb.
Arguing in front of Rex Lapis that he understood Rex Lapis better?
Just imagining it made his scalp tingle with shame.
Thank the heavens the Geo Archon hadn't taken offense.
But the people around him?
They weren't so forgiving.
After snapping out of their shock, their gazes slowly turned toward Hanxue.
They all knew about his past "academic debates" with Zhongli.
Feeling those teasing looks, Hanxue's face burned.
Unable to sit still any longer, he stood up, covered his face, and fled.
Leaving behind waves of cheerful laughter.
Ordinary Chat Group
Iron Tongue Tian:
By the Archon… Zhong—no, Mr. Zhongli is actually Rex Lapis?! (shocked.jpg)
Uncle Tian:
We should've realized earlier! Who else in the world could have that presence and depth of knowledge?
Zhi Qiong:
The Anemo Archon is a bard, and our Geo Archon is a funeral parlor consultant—true masters hide in plain sight.
Chef Mao:
So Rex Lapis likes eating at Wanmin Restaurant?! Hahaha, what an honor!
Ying'er:
Huh? Where's Hanxue? Didn't he once say "Do you understand Rex Lapis better—or do I?" (evil grin.jpg)
Hanxue:
Miss Ying'er, please spare me! I was blind! I beg the Geo Archon's forgiveness! (crying.jpg)
Yi Xuan:
Rex Lapis above, we were arrogant and ignorant. We will study humbly from now on! (crying.jpg)
Uncle Tian:
The Geo Archon won't blame you. But watch yourselves in the future.
Hanxue:
Yes, yes! Thank you for the guidance!
Yi Xuan:
We'll change, we swear!
Wan Yan:
So Mr. Zhongli really is Rex Lapis… Whew, good thing I never asked him about those matters… (relieved.jpg)
Yujing Terrace
Seeing the message from "Wan Yan," Uncle Tian frowned deeply.
He never believed Rex Lapis would commit wrongdoing.
Even if something had happened—
It would undoubtedly be the other party's fault.
After a moment's thought, he turned and gestured to the Millelith behind him.
"That woman, Wan Yan, is attempting to smear the Geo Archon."
"Investigate her background and associates."
"If she has accomplices—monitor them as well."
"Yes, sir!"
The Millelith moved at once.
Anyone attempting to slander Rex Lapis would not be ignored.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Hu Tao had returned with snacks and drinks.
She was happily sipping tea, eyes glued to the light screen—
When suddenly—
Pfft!
She sprayed tea everywhere.
"WHAT?!"
"Zhongli… that guy… is the Geo Archon?!"
She didn't even bother wiping her face, staring at the image in disbelief.
No way.
She'd assumed her consultant was an adeptus at most.
But Rex Lapis himself?!
That joke was way too big!
Suddenly remembering something, Hu Tao whipped her head around.
Venti and Dvalin looked completely calm.
Clearly, they'd known all along.
Zhongli himself calmly sipped his tea.
Hu Tao's expression darkened.
She stormed over, hands on her hips.
"My dear consultant~"
"Care to explain yourself?"
She should've realized earlier!
What normal adeptus would disrespect Rex Lapis so casually?
What normal adeptus would be the Geo Archon's biggest hater?
What normal adeptus would have the Anemo Archon and his dragon visit personally?
Only Rex Lapis himself.
It was just too absurd for her to consider before.
But absurdity… turned out to be the truth.
Venti and Dvalin were practically vibrating with excitement.
Drama!
This was premium-grade melon!
Zhongli, having anticipated this, remained calm.
He gently set down his teacup.
"Apologies, Director."
"I am indeed Rex Lapis."
"Long ago, I took the role of consultant to wander Liyue as a mortal."
"…That's it?"
Hu Tao raised an eyebrow.
Zhongli blinked.
"…Director?"
"Hmph! After all the trust I placed in you!"
"You hid this from me for so long!"
"Do you know how much psychological damage this caused me?"
"I might lose sleep over this."
"That affects business!"
"No business means no income!"
"And then you can't buy things!"
"And then Wangsheng Funeral Parlor goes bankrupt!"
"Waaah~ I'm so miserable~"
She covered her face dramatically—
With fingers wide open, peeking at his reaction.
Watching this painfully obvious performance, Zhongli sighed.
"…Director. Please state your demands."
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled.
She immediately dropped the act, rubbing her hands together.
"Hehe~ nothing much."
"I just want you to endorse Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Inspired by the "Ganyu commentary incident."
She'd wanted Zhongli to introduce the Geo Archon before—
But he'd dodged the topic.
Now that his identity was exposed?
No more mercy.
Wind Archon.
Geo Archon.
Dual endorsements.
Who in all of Teyvat could compete?!
"An endorsement…"
Zhongli pondered briefly.
Considering his old friend had already been dragged into it—
And he was Wangsheng's consultant—
He nodded.
"Very well."
"I'll follow your arrangements."
"Yay!"
Hu Tao jumped in joy.
Mission accomplished!
What a wonderful day!
Then she patted Zhongli's shoulder with a grin.
"Oh, and remember—"
"At Wangsheng, there's no Geo Archon."
"Only a knowledgeable consultant who loves charging things to the company."
"Work hard, yeah~"
Before he could respond, she skipped away cheerfully.
Zhongli paused—
Then smiled softly.
He'd worried exposure might complicate things.
Turns out—
In Hu Tao's eyes,
he was always just Zhongli, not Rex Lapis.
Even Xiao and the Qixing couldn't compare to that.
Venti suddenly spoke.
"Old man… why did Director Hu accept your identity so easily?"
"But when my identity was exposed, my devout believer nearly collapsed?"
Zhongli and Dvalin fell silent.
…Barbara's reaction.
Did you seriously not understand why?
They exchanged a glance and quietly turned back to the light screen.
Ignoring him completely.
Liyue — Northland Bank
"Mr. Zhongli is Rex Lapis…"
Childe stared blankly.
He'd planned to extract information from Zhongli—
To steal the Geo Archon's Gnosis.
Turns out—
He'd been asking the Geo Archon himself.
"…This mission's doomed."
Childe rubbed his temples.
With Zhongli's identity exposed—
Aside from insiders and Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu muttering "as expected"—
All of Liyue erupted.
Transcendent Chat Group
Lumine:
Zhongli is the Geo Archon?! Didn't see that coming! (shocked.jpg)
Paimon:
After the bard, now the Geo Archon—so all Seven are here?!
Yanfei:
No wonder my dad was hiding something… Zhongli is Rex Lapis?! (mind blown.jpg)
Xingqiu:
Same here. Now I understand why my father and brother bowed so respectfully.
Madame Ping:
He enjoys mortal wandering. Perfectly normal.
Cloud Retainer:
At last, we needn't keep this secret anymore.
Xiangling:
If Zhongli likes my cooking, does that mean Rex Lapis does too?! I'm so honored! (excited.jpg)
Yun Jin:
To have Rex Lapis as an audience—what a blessing for the Yun-Han Opera Troupe.
Xinyan:
Even Rex Lapis appreciates my rock! I knew it! (excited.jpg)
Alice:
Nah, the real winner here is Director Hu! (shrug.jpg)
Yae Miko:
A Wind Archon living at home, and a Geo Archon working under her—impressive~
Everyone paused.
…Wait.
Zhongli was Wangsheng's consultant.
That meant—
Hu Tao technically employed a Geo Archon.
Plus a Wind Archon and his dragon lodging there.
Who else in Teyvat could pull that off?
Not simple at all.
Except Azhdaha thought differently.
Azhdaha:
Hahaha! Morax, to think you've fallen to working under a little girl!
Zhongli:
And what's wrong with that?
Zhongli:
Good food, good pay, reimbursed expenses, little work.
Paimon:
That actually sounds tempting…
Dvalin:
You shouldn't mock him. This beats your situation by far.
Neuvillette:
Perhaps worry about escaping your seal first.
Azhdaha froze.
…Wait.
That did sound good.
Compared to his current prison?
It was heaven.
And just like that—
His resentment intensified.
"MORAX—!!!"
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
The earth trembled once more.
Blue Planet — Villa
After giving Teyvat time to digest the reveal, Luo Chen spoke again.
"Background covered. Now for the real evaluation."
"Serious Review #1 — The God of War."
"This is one of Morax's most defining traits."
"You may know a little about it—"
"But not nearly enough."
"Before explaining, take a look at these five images."
Five images appeared:
Mondstadt — Anemo Statue
Liyue — Geo Statue
Inazuma — Electro Statue
Sumeru — Dendro Statue
Fontaine — Hydro Statue
Paimon:
Huh? Why are we looking at these? (confused.jpg)
Lumine:
Dummy—look at their poses.
Alice:
Notice it? All the gods stand—
Except Liyue's Geo Archon.
Alice:
He's sitting.
And… in a rather arrogant—no, dominant posture.
Everyone gasped.
Indeed.
Others stood.
But Rex Lapis sat—
Calm.
Immovable.
Commanding.
That posture wasn't for ordinary gods.
It radiated martial authority.
Luo Chen smiled.
"You've sensed it."
"Now let me explain."
"Over two thousand years ago—during the Archon War."
"Gods battled across the land for the seats of the Seven."
"Mondstadt had three."
"Sumeru had three."
"But Liyue—"
"Had over ten."
He began listing them.
"Morax."
"Osial."
"Orobashi."
"Marchosius."
"Havria."
"Guizhong."
"Azhdaha."
"The Chi."
"The Yaksha Lord—"
"…And more."
The weight of the God of War began to sink in.
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