Hello everyone and welcome to the first part of the Zhongli story quest. I hope you all enjoy it and also looking for ideas of different version of Aether and the pairing of that universe( I won't be accepting any Yaoi pairings for Aether or the other guys sorry).

Just write your idea on the comment section and I will look into it if it gets my interest and don't forget to like/vote the chapter.

Soon everyone was getting ready as screen started to play.

Aether and Paimon arrived the ship and were wondering around and suddenly they spotted a familiar face. It was Zhongli. Zhongli was on the table with a group of people and was drinking a cup of tea.

"Oh Paimon remember that one. That's the time we went to visit Zhongli" Paimon said cheerfully.

"Yeah, it was kinda surprised that we ended going to a treasure hunt." Aether said before his expression turn grim as he remembers what he discovered during that time and it was a tragic tale he wouldn't forget.

"Is there something wrong Aether?" Ganyu asked as she looks at him with worried look. Aether snapped out his thoughts and smile at her.

"Don't worry about it. I just remembered something during my visit with Zhongli." Aether said. Ganyu still worried hold his hand and smile at her. The main girls notice this and glare at Ganyu. Ei decided to hold Aether hand as well. Ganyu and Ei started to glaring with each other.

Zhongli finally notice Aether presence and smile in seeing him. "Oh? I didn't think I would see you here." Zhongli said as he stands up.

Many of the women in theater blushed or look with lust in seeing Zhongli handsome face.

Aether couldn't help but a feel sorry for Zhongli that he knows he will be hounded by those women, completely unaware of his own women situation.

"Are these two your friends?" The woman with glasses asked. She is known as Wanyan, an archaeologist.

"Yes, we had the fortune of meeting Aether not too long ago. They are quite a knowledgeable and talented pair, and a pleasure to be around." Zhongli explained to his associates before turning to Aether.

"Aether we were just discussing the history of Rex Lapis. Would you like to listen?" Zhongli asked. Before he could reply a man with name Hanxue cuts him off.

"So they are talking Rex Lapis but what would they be discussing about?" Kequing asked.

"Maybe it was about his death." Hu Tao said. The people of Liyue had a sad look on their face as they remembering the death of Morax.

"I can't still believe he died because of a divine trial." One of men from Liyue comment.

"But remember Rex Lapis told us to not grieve on his death we continue forward." One of women from Liyue said. Many agreed to this.

Aether was silent as he knows the truth and something tells him that Zhongli true identity will be revealed sooner than expected.

"This good sir seems to not appreciate the almighty power of the Lord of Geo. As a professional archaeologist, I am to correct some of his erroneous views." Hanxue comments about Zhongli

"No one knows better than him..." Aether told Hanxue about Zhongli.

"Aiya,You seem to know Mr. Zhongli very well Aether." Hu Tao said.

"Well I did some errand for him when I met him besides he was a great guy." Aether comments.

"But he is very boring. Keep telling about facts and cultures in Liyue." Hu Tao whine. Aether just chuckle at hearing this.

"We are discussing the whereabouts of the first Mora." Hanxue explained the discussion about

"The "first Mora"?" Paimon asked curious about the discussion and was interested.

"So that was they were discussing. The first Mora that Rex Lapis ever made." Ningguang said nodding.

"Sounds boring" Hu Tao said with a bored look.

"As everyone knows, the Lord of Geo taught the ancient people of Liyue the craft of smelting, creating goods that allowed them to develop trade with the early nations of that time." A man named Yixuan explained before he pause for a bit to catch his breath as everyone listen. "Today Liyue holds the sole right to cast Mora in the entire continent of Teyvat. The world's very first Mora should have been cast by the hands of the Lord of Geo himself thousands of years ago."

"That is true without the creation of Mora we wouldn't able to craft weapons and tools. Later it became part of trading. Rex Lapis creating the Mora had done a great deal in Liyue and soon the entire Teyvat" Ganyu said. Everyone agreed on that as they saw the impact Mora around the continent.

"According to my research — as well as my own hypothesis — I believe that this coin of unique historical significance has been passed down secretly through the years as a kind of token." Wanyan said offering her own explanation about the first Mora. She soon gave an example. "For example, perhaps the Qixing who control Liyue use it in some kind of unknown ceremony they hold when they come to power..."

"That's an interesting hypothesis but that is not the reason why Rex Lapis created Mora." Mountain Shaper said. Wanyan, in the crowd was just silent as she already know what happened that event and something couldn't forget or accept.

"No, no, no... My research indicates that the first Mora coin is not such a simple thing." Hanxue disagreed with the archeologist before he offer his own explaination "Mora is a catalyst — this we all know. Even today, Mora is used in the mystic arts for its curious properties of weapon enhancement." He pause a bit before he continues.

"The world's first Mora would no doubt possess the strongest power. My next historical treatise will boldly expound on the newest findings from my intense, decade-long research!" Hanxue said dramatically as he continues "That is, that the Lord of Geo used this original Mora as a catalyst to enhance a dagger and a sword."

"You humans have a weird imagination but another good theory but that is not the reason why Rex Lapis made Mora." Moon Craver said. Hanxue snapped his finger in disappointment after hearing one of the adepti of Liyue comment.

"A dagger and a sword" Paimon asked as she confused along with Aether what Hanxue means.

"Well, buy the book when it comes out to read the full story. For now, I will only reveal this: the one who finds the dagger shall become supreme in Liyue, and the one who finds the sword may be crowned Liyue's sovereign—" Hanxue said which didn't offer any good explaination to Paimon and Aether.

"So, your planning to reveal on the book. But your explanation just left more questions than answers beside I never known the first Mora being used to enhance a weapon." Ningguang said. The adeptis agreed with her.

Zhongli finally speaks up. "I... can't say I agree." Hanxue gave a critical eye to Zhongli. "Let us not speak of the authenticity of the dagger and sword first... But Mora and money came about simply because they are a convenient measure of a contract's value." Zhongli said as he paused for a bit before he continues "Rex Lapis just meant for Mora to serve as a "catalyst" for people to exchange and trade." Zhongli said.

"The world's first Mora is probably just an ordinary coin created by Rex Lapis. As for its fate? The same as all Mora, I suspect — it was simply spent somewhere." Zhongli said and Aether silently agreed after all it made sense to him.

"This man is correct. That is the reason Rex Lapis created Mora in the first place." Cloud Retainer said which shock everyone.

"What! So that's the reason why Mora was created! I'm sure that Rex Lapis had more reason than such a simple reason " Yixuan said.

"You seems to forgot that Rex Lapis is god of contract. Rex Lapis is simply fulfilling the contract. Humans just later on discovered other uses of Mora after inspecting it the help of Rex Lapis." Xiao said with annoyed tone.

"Yes, Rex Lapis also see that's easier to use Mora than other things being used as a trade." Ganyu comments with a smile on her face.

"Hmm... I think that Mr. Hanxue's hypothesis seems reasonable. Mr. Zhongli's argument, on the other hand, lacks any evidence. How can you so easily dismiss the Lord of Geo's profound foresight?" Yixuan asked Zhongli. Zhongli shook his head.

"No — no, I am not debating right or wrong. I am simply stating a fact." Zhongli said

"Enough! Do you think you understand the Lord of Geo more than me?" Hanxue accused Zhongli.

"Such arrogance. Tell me human did you even speak to Rex Lapis even once?" Cloud Retainer asked. Hanxue shook his head and shaking a bit. "Then you don't have the right to act arrogant. Thinking that you understand Rex Lapis."

The people in Liyue just shook their head to Hanxue in disappointment.

"No one knows better than him..." Aether said and Hanxue glares at Aether in response.

"Why do you say that Aether. As if someone like him, funeral consultant spoke to Rex Lapis" Kequing asked. Aether just scratch the back of his head while mentally sweating at the gaze that everyone was giving him.

"Well...Mr.Zhongli actually is very knowledgeable that made me think that he might have an idea and a better understanding of Rex Lapis than those 3." Aether lied to them but the girls seems to buy it and let him off the hook.

But the other adeptis were narrowing their eyes they couldn't help but feel that Zhongli was someone very familiar that they couldn't just get grasp or figure it out.

"I know but little about history and I wouldn't dare to brag. But discussion is meaningless if everyone has the same opinions, no?" Zhongli said to Hanxue.

"Well then, answer me this: Long ago, when Liyue Harbor was being constructed, the Lord of Geo taught the people how to build houses. The model home he used to teach them was completely cast from Mora, correct?" Yixuan asked and Zhongli nods in response

"That is correct, indeed." Zhongli said.

 "Okay then, tell me: Why would the Lord of Geo do something so extravagant if not because of the mystical power that Mora contains?" Hanxue questions Zhongli. Zhongli gave neutral look

"There's a simple explanation, really. To the God of Wealth and Commerce, what material is easier to get than Mora?" Zhongli asked Hanxue which causes everyone to a bit speechless.

"This man is very knowledgeable. He is very mysterious indeed." Xiao comments with a critical eye on Zhongli. The other adeptis agreed to him.

"Oh... Huh..." Hanxue stuttered in response

"Looks like you lost. Can't answer anymore." Ningguang said. Hanxue and Yixuan embarrassed being called out by Ningguang herself.

"It's like you're telling someone else's tale." Aether said to Zhongli with a smile as he knows everything that Zhongli said was true.

"Indeed. The way he speak is as if he was telling it base on experience." Ningguang said which made the adeptis a lot more suspecious.

"What an interesting individual. Perhaps he might be someone be interested to talk to." Cloud Retainer said.

"Hehe, I mean... I am talking about Rex Lapis." Zhongli said with a bit of chuckle. Wanyan looks at Zhongli with silence before she finally spoke.

"Excuse me, sir! Uh... I have some questions about archaeology. Can we find somewhere quiet to chat? I mean, if it's okay with you." Wanyan asked Zhongli to talk in private which caught Zhongli interest

"Oh, it's no problem at all. But may my friend accompany us? Perhaps they could be of some help." Zhongli said as he pointed at Aether.

"I'm just here for a good story." Aether said with a shrugged with Paimon agreeing.

"Yeah me too. I love story." Klee said happily. Albedo just rufflle Klee hair.

"Yes you do Klee." Albedo said with a smile.

"Ah...Qiqi want to hear it as well." Qiqi said. Baizhu smile at this.

"Just be patient Qiqi." Baizhu said and Qiqi nodded at her boss/caretaker.

"Of course, They can come if that's what pleases you, sir. Let's go." Wanyan said as she stands up from her seat and lead Zhongli, Aether and Paimon to a more.privatr location of the ship

"What I'm about to say is a bit disrespectful of the Lord of Geo and would draw a lot of angry looks... so it's best to discuss this somewhere quiet." Wanyan said. Aether, Zhongli and Paimon look at each other but nods at the woman.

"Your argument just now exhibited acuteness of speech and thought. Most importantly, you don't fall for the boasting and acting of the others. You remain objective." Wanyan started before she pause for a bit.

"So I have a question for you, perhaps you will answer differently from other scholars... Do you think that all the gods that the Geo Archon killed were evil?" Wanyan asked which raised a brow a from Aether.

The adeptis didn't like what the girl was accusing. Xiao looks at Wanyan with a glare.

"You dare make false accusations about Rex Lapis!" Xiao growled at girl. Wanyan didn't respond

"Rex Lapis may have killed many gods in during the Archron War but Havria was never killed by Rex Lapis" Cloud Retainer said.

"That's a lie! You are followers of Morax! Don't you dare shake my belief!" Wanyan screams at the Adeptis. Adeptis narrowed their eyes at girl.

"...Let's not analyze it in terms of good versus evil. Rex Lapis placed great importance on the integrity of contracts, so any gods he killed certainly must have broken some kind of contract." Zhongli explain about Rex Lapis

 "Right, the lord of Geo wouldn't kill the innocent." Paimon said with Aether nodding in agreement.

"But when I was doing some research, I learned about the legend of the God of Salt." Wanyan said with a sigh before she continues "The God of Salt, Havria, was a very kind god, but she encountered Morax one day in battle..." Wanyan eyes narrowed. "Morax used a rather underhanded trick to... assassinate her." Aether and Paimon where shock in hearing this.

Gasps were heard in the people of Liyue and glare at Wanyan for making such accusation especially to their decease Archon.

Xiao summoned his spear and was about to attack Wanyan but Aether quickly jump out from his seat and hold him back.

"Xiao, don't!" Aether said as he struggled to hold back at the last Yakasha.

"No Traveler! This woman will pay! Making false accusations and slandering Rex Lapis name!" Xiao growled wanting to pierce his spear towards to Wanyan head, who was currently ignoring everyone glare.

"Look at the other Adeptis! They're angry as well but they are not attacking the girl. Do you think Rex Lapis wanted you to hurt innocent people." Aether reasoned with Conquer of Demons. Xiao stopped after hearing this and let out a sigh. Xiao just returned to his seat with angry look on his face.

Aether sighs and return to his seat and notice Ganyu angry look towards Wanyan. Aether touched Ganyu shoulder, which made the Adepti stop glaring and look at him.

"Just calm down Ganyu. Rex Lapis wouldn't want you like this." Aether said. Ganyu stare at Aether a few seconds before letting out a sigh and gave a smile to Aether.

Aether smile back which made Ganyu blush. The main girls wanted to glare at this but decided against it as Aether managed to defused the situation before it escalated.

"What!? No way!" Paimon protest not believing what Wanyan said.

"This... this bit of history is a long story. But you may not like the truth when you hear it." Zhongli warned Wanyan but Wanyan had a determine look.

"That man is shielding that ignorant girl from the truth that happened to Havria." Cloud Retainer said.

"Don't worry, please tell me what you know! This event... I have already searched for answers for a long time." Wanyan said . Aether notice Zhongli expression.

"Is the story that complicated?" Aether asked as he was curious about the story.

"Quite so. I don't know where to begin." Zhongli said with a small sigh but soon a man suddenly approach them and Aether was immediately ready to fight as he notice the man was wearing a Fatui clothing.

"Hey, over here! Mr. Zhongli, I've been looking for you! So you were over here all this time." The man known as Kliment said.

"The Fatui?" Aether said as he glare at Kliment.

"What are they doing there?!" Kequing asked with angry look on her face.

"So the idiot came huh. Up with his scheme again." Childe said as he knows Kliment and his greed in selling Artifacts in high prices.

"Put down your weapon and stay back! Otherwise... Paimon's reporting you to the Millelith!" Paimon said as she glare the man that approach them.

Kliment glare at the two and said. "First of all, I'm not holding a weapon. Ugh... There's no need to overreact, now. I'm simply an archaeological research from Snezhnaya, I'm not here for trouble."

Childe laughs at hearing." Right~research..." Childe said with sarcastic tone.

 "The Fatui say that every time." Paimon said with Aether glaring at Kliment. Kliment let out a sigh and talk again.

"But this time, I registered with the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs. I could show you official documentation if you want to see it."  Kliment explained before continuing to talk "I will be conducting an archaeological survey here, the results of which will all be shared with the Ministry."

Kliment turns to Zhongli "I heard that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had a consultant named Zhongli with immense knowledge of ancient history and archaeology. So I paid Wangsheng Funeral Parlor a handsome amount to hire Zhongli as my own consultant while I'm in town." Kliment said to Zhongli.

"So wait! The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor offer that kind of services?" Kequing asked in shock. Everyone besides Hu Tao, Aether and Childe were shock in hearing this.

"Well it's Mr Zhongli. He is very knowledgeable to be honest. But you would get bored at the end. But I allowed it as part of services but it's best you have Mr. Zhongli do it if you want history knowledge about Liyue. Afterall the our Funeral Parlor offered good services!" Hu Tao said while promoting her business. Many of the women in the theater started murmurs at this as they like the idea spending time with a handsome Consultant like Zhongli.

"So you mean to say that this is work for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, yes?" Zhongli asked and Kliment nods in at him.

"I think it's best to be cautious." Aether said to Zhongli as he doesn't like Fatui standing before him and was on guard just incase.

"Agreed afterall the Fatui doesn't have good reputation eversince the Osial incident. " Ganyu agreed with Aether.

"Well since it's work, I don't have a choice. A consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor must respect their duty." Zhongli explained and Kliment nodding in agreement.

 "Of course, you would be such a reasonable man! Well then, let's head out now, shall we?" Kliment said as he wanted to start immediately

"Wait, if you are studying archaeology, can I go too? I am also a scholar in this field so I can help." Wanyan said offering her help.

"A trip that didn't end well for her." Aether whispered but Ganyu managed to hear it and was confused her but decided to observe more.

"That will give us a chance to continue the topic we were just discussing. Oh, and you should tag along too, Aether." Zhongli said to Aether as he turns to him. Aether was surprised at Zhongli offer.

"Why?" Aether asked as he wonder why Zhongli wanted him to tag along.

"This experience may be of help to you on your future adventures." Zhongli said before he crossed his arms. "It is a story from before the rise of The Seven... Although the God of Salt has already perished, it will still be a meaningful experience for your journey." Zhongli explain and Aether was now interested in joining after hearing Zhongli explaination.

"Well this got a lot more interesting." Moon Caver said.

"Did you find your answer that you were looking for Aether." Ei asked Aether.

"Well not really but it did give me some lessons that I need to think over. But the trip was a gave me much more perspective on the world." Aether said to Ei with a smile on his face.

Kliment started to protest at hearing this. "This is— Wait, this is an archaeological expedition, not a tour group! That's too many people."

"But this friend of mine has a treasure-finding talent surpassed by no one. It will surely be of great help to us." Zhongli said as he told on how much a benefit if Aether joins them.

"Oh? What talent?" Kliment said as he was curious what Aether could do.

"If my friend espies a treasure chest, they will absolutely find a way to open it." Zhongli said and this caught Kliment interest.

"Yup Aether is really good at opening treasure chest!" Bennett said with a smile on his face as he remembers his adventures in the domain with Aether and Razor.

Razor nods in agreement.

"Yes, Aether does have a talent in finding things especially treasures." Kaeya said.

"Hey, Paimon's good at that, too!" Paimon whine not wanting to be left out. Aether just shook his head and facepalm.

"Well... That is quite enticing. Alright then." Kliment finally agreeing.

"Well, let's go. There's no time to waste. When the Overlord of the Vortex was crushed by the Jade Chamber recently, perhaps something of interest was washed ashore..." Kliment said before he smirks. "An ancient artifact would be good, traces of ancient activity would be great, but a piece of the god's limb would be even better... Who knows what surprises we many find...?" Kliment said. Aether just knew that he was pulled into an another adventure but he knew this one would benefit him since this will give him more history about this world.

"His greed is getting the best of him again." Childe said with bored tone but he is interested on what is going to happened next.

The screen turns black and the people in Theater started to discuss what is happening.

"Traveler" Aether saw Xiao approaching him. "Tell me, who is that man. I can't help but feel that he is someone who is very familiar. He can't be just any regular Funeral consultant."

"Ummm." Aether doesn't know how to answer that without revealing too much about Zhongli.

Suddenly a bright light appeared in the room that made everyone look away.

The light finally look to where the light was and saw a being stand before them.

Okay that's wrap up the first part of the story. The how did you like that part? I hope I did a good job and more characters are joining the next chapter. Stay tuned everyone and have a nice day.