Morax the Geo Archon: Billionaire in the Chat Group

The young proprietor of Xianglin Hall appeared to be in his early twenties.

Dressed in an ornate robe embroidered with gold-threaded Glaze Lilies, and wearing a tall, foreign-styled hat from Mondstadt, he exuded an air of wealth and eccentricity. His outfit, though luxurious, seemed mismatched—a spectacle that drew attention even from those accustomed to grandeur, like the staff of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

"Your father, Qing Hongsheng, was someone I knew personally," Zhongli said, his tone as steady as ever, unaffected by the young man's ostentatious appearance. "He had a deep appreciation for antiquities. I imagine the items he collected must be quite extraordinary. I look forward to seeing them."

Turning to his assistant, Zhongli's lips curled slightly into a faint smile.

"It seems today's task will finish earlier than expected. We may not even need to visit the other two stores."

His assistant nodded. "Understood."

The young proprietor chuckled and gestured with a casual wave. "Please, this way."

Without so much as a bow, he led Zhongli and his assistant through the store into an inner chamber.

The storage room wasn't large, but it was tidy.

After guiding them down a narrow hallway, the young man fumbled through his robe pockets to retrieve a slender key, then unlocked the dusty door.

Inside was a room brimming with ancient treasures, each neatly arranged on wooden shelves, though thick layers of dust covered every surface.

Scratching his head with an awkward laugh, the young man explained, "I haven't opened this room since my father passed, so it's a bit dusty. Please don't mind the mess."

Zhongli crossed his arms, shaking his head gently. "There's no need to explain. A little dust won't affect the quality of these items."

He scanned the room, his golden gaze sweeping over each shelf.

After a pause, he nodded in approval. "This room holds many finely crafted items. They deserve a careful examination."

"Glad to hear it!" The young man laughed, a trace of relief visible on his face. "Please, come in."

Zhongli entered and selected a clean table to sit at, while his assistant stood behind him, her notebook and ledgers at the ready.

The young proprietor wasted no time, eagerly bringing over three items to place before Zhongli.

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The First Item: A Book

The first item was a gilded book wrapped in golden foil. Zhongli donned gloves and opened the cover with delicate precision, revealing the title:

"Qingyun and the Rock Lord."

His gaze flickered briefly, though his movements remained steady as he turned each page.

An hour passed.

The young man, visibly restless, shifted awkwardly in his seat, alternating between sipping tea and nervously wiping sweat from his brow.

Finally, Zhongli closed the book and let out a rare, audible sigh.

"This is a treasure."

Placing the book carefully on the table, Zhongli spoke with measured reverence:

"Qingyun and the Rock Lord is a work penned by an unknown author over two thousand years ago. It recounts a tale wherein Morax—the Geo Archon—was not the one we know but a companion adepti, the 'True Lord of Heavenly Splendor and Jade Clouds,' Qingyun."

"According to this text, Qingyun was both Morax's consort and an adepti who persuaded him to take action. In the story, Morax initially refused to protect humanity. It was Qingyun's compassion that moved him, leading to the pivotal moment 3,700 years ago when Morax stepped forward to protect Liyue. Together with the adepti, he defeated demon gods and subdued great sea monsters, securing peace for humanity."

"However, when this book was published, Liyue's Seven Stars of the time deemed it blasphemous for diminishing Morax's divine image. Every known copy was confiscated and burned. I never expected to find a surviving copy here."

"This is a singular treasure, a priceless artifact."

The young proprietor grinned ear to ear. "I'm glad you approve."

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The Second Item: A Wooden Box

The next item was a plain wooden box.

Zhongli brushed his fingers lightly over its surface, his expression tinged with nostalgia.

"This box was carved from the wood of Qingyun's former dwelling. It was gifted to the first Tianquan Star among Liyue's Seven Stars, meant to hold a divine sword. Unfortunately, the sword itself is missing. Were it still here, its value would surpass anything Wangsheng Funeral Parlor could offer."

"Nonetheless, the box alone is a rare artifact. It is worth preserving."

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The Third Item: An Amber Stone

The final item was a translucent amber stone. Encased within was a piece of Noctilucous Jade, which in turn contained a tiny, silvery-white fragment glinting faintly.

"This…"

Zhongli held the amber up to the light, turning it slowly to observe the intricate layers within.

The young proprietor, growing impatient, finally asked, "What do you think, sir?"

"This is remarkable. Amber is rare enough, but for it to contain Noctilucous Jade is rarer still. The jade's internal inclusion—this silvery fragment—is extraordinary."

"Even if crafted by human hands, this piece would still be exceptional. But if this formation is natural, it is a true wonder of the earth. I would value it at no less than 1 million Mora."

Placing the amber back on the table, Zhongli's tone turned inquisitive.

"However, I am curious. Your father, Qing Hongsheng, was a prudent man. I was familiar with his shop's earnings. You don't strike me as someone who would frivolously part with treasures of this magnitude. Why are you selling them?"

The young man froze, his smile faltering. After a moment, he let out a bitter laugh.

"You've seen through me, Mr. Zhongli."

"This robe, for instance," Zhongli explained, gesturing toward the young man's attire. "It belonged to your father, didn't it? He rarely wore it himself. The fit is far too loose on you—clearly unaltered. If you truly cared for appearances, you would have had it tailored by now."

"Furthermore, this storage room is laden with dust. Someone obsessed with wealth wouldn't neglect treasures in such a way."

"I believe this is less about money and more about avoiding painful memories."

The young man smiled ruefully. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Zhongli. My father often spoke of your sharp eyes, saying no falsehood could deceive you."

"These items… my father entrusted them to you before he passed. He said they should be sent to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's underground archives for safekeeping. He wanted to ensure their history would never be lost."

"I see." Zhongli nodded, his expression serene and unmoved.

Turning to his assistant, he added, "This acquisition will exceed our monthly quota. Be prepared."

"Yes, I understand," she replied softly.

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T/N: yay more fleshing out!!!!