Despite being so professional, he still maintains the heart of an apprentice—truly the mark of a genuine master.
What further solidified everyone's consensus was one of Zhongli's points: "With me here, you can rest assured."
Honestly, if the Geo Archon himself is accompanying them, how could they not feel at ease?
If even the Geo Archon's presence couldn't prevent an accident, then they might as well give up resistance altogether. No saving them—just wait for death.
Returning to the story, after Zhongli agreed, Paimon immediately took him to find Old Dai, eager to "show off."
However, Old Dai still insisted, ["Hah, if you put it that way, the person I've found is absolutely no less impressive than anyone else."]
This piqued the readers' interest. Even though Old Dai in the book didn't know Zhongli was the Geo Archon, Zhongli still held considerable prestige in Liyue. Long before this, everyone knew of Mr. Zhongli's vast knowledge and erudition.
If Old Dai still believed the person he'd invited could rival Mr. Zhongli, then this individual must truly be exceptional.
Who could it be? Surely not some unknown nobody, right?
Soon, their questions were answered, as the very next passage in the book introduced the person Old Dai had brought.
He came, he came, he walked forth on his own.
The man's name was Kun Jun, and he was the person Old Dai had referred to as "the most knowledgeable about stones in the world."
Old Dai introduced him to the group, not only presenting Kun Jun but also introducing Zhongli to Kun Jun.
[Old Dai: "Mr. Zhongli, consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor… I've heard of you. They say you're a man of immense learning and extraordinary talent. Never thought I'd meet you in person today."]
[Kun Jun: "Hm? You seem familiar… Hmm, have we met at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor before? But I've never been there…"]
The people of Liyue were quite pleased with Old Dai's words—"If you praise Zhongli, we're sworn brothers, even if we share neither father nor mother."
Kun Jun's remark, however, didn't draw much attention, as Zhongli was often seen wandering around. He might've spent more time at the "Three Bowls" tavern than at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
In Liyue, Zhongli could frequently be found at Three Bowls, the opera house, or the funeral parlor.
Meanwhile, in Mondstadt, their Anemo Archon also had fixed spawn points—taverns, the statue of the Seven, or under the great tree. Perhaps this was just how gods operated.
In contrast, the Electro Archon and Dendro Archon were far more "reserved," with their spawn points limited to Tenshukaku and Sanctuary of Surasthana, respectively.
In the book, Kun Jun also mentioned his background, revealing symptoms of memory loss.
He didn't even know why he had come to Liyue Harbor. Old Dai had spotted him tinkering with stones by the roadside and dragged him along.
The real Kun Jun, reading this segment, was baffled. When did I ever suffer from memory loss? And why would I go to Liyue Harbor?
He grew worried—Had something happened to him in the future that caused brain damage?
Other readers, however, now understood why he'd found Zhongli familiar yet couldn't recall. So he had amnesia.
Perhaps he had met Zhongli before but simply forgotten.
Still, the readers remained unfazed. So what if he forgot? They probably weren't close to begin with.
After all, Zhongli was the Geo Archon, and this Kun Jun didn't seem like an adeptus.
Returning to the story, spurred by Paimon's "provocation," Kun Jun and Zhongli decided to hold a contest to see who was more knowledgeable.
[Kun Jun held up a stone and asked, "Mr. Zhongli, what do you think of this stone?"]
[Zhongli examined it briefly. "This stone's surface is smooth, with cracks caused by volcanic eruptions. If I'm not mistaken, this is a foreign ore."]
[Kun Jun brightened. "Oh~ Oh! What a keen eye!"]
He was overjoyed to meet someone equally passionate about stones—the delight of finding a niche kindred spirit.
[Kun Jun then produced a crystal. "Beneath this layer of rock lies a crystal that, during its formation, encapsulated a pocket of water. The water rests within, like a full moon cradled in the mountains, reflecting the sky in motion—a truly rare specimen."]
The real Kun Jun was stunned. Sure, I know a thing or two about stones, and my appraisal skills aren't bad… but I'm not this good, am I?
Does brain damage somehow enhance one's appraisal abilities? Should I be seeking this injury out or not...?
[Zhongli: "Most crystals form in high-temperature environments, where water and heat are incompatible. Thus, water-embedded crystals are exceptionally rare. But the liquid inside this one is mountain lake water—even more extraordinary."]
They discussed an unopened stone as if they could see right through it.
If not for knowing Zhongli was the Geo Archon, readers might've suspected the two were hired by a shady gem merchant to hype up their wares.
Then again, it makes sense for the Geo Archon to know this… but for Kun Jun to match him? This guy's the real deal! How has someone like him remained unknown till now?
At Lucian's home, the adepti were also reading the book.
"A stone appraisal skill rivaling the Geo Archon's… Ping, does this remind you of anyone?" Cloud Retainer asked.
"Naturally…" Madame Ping sighed.
In this world, the only one who could match the Geo Archon in stone appraisal was likely the Dragon-Queller, Azhdaha.
But Azhdaha had forgotten too much—the him of now was no longer the him of the past.
In the story, the Traveler and the others headed to the mining area to search for the missing miners.
Upon arrival, Old Dai informed them that four miners had disappeared.
The Traveler and the group began their investigation and soon discovered that the four had taken their pickaxes when they left but hadn't brought any clothes or toiletries.
Since some time had passed, the possibility of a short-term departure (where such items wouldn't be needed) could be ruled out.
Thus, the remaining possibility was that they had left involuntarily—without the chance to take their belongings.
At the same time, Kun Jun provided new intel: through the ore, he had "seen" four adults following a child out of the mining area.
He could actually see the memories of stones—like some sort of innate security guard, perfect for monitoring "surveillance footage."
In reality, even Zhongli was briefly startled by this ability before realizing something and smiling faintly.
If Zhongli was surprised, the other readers were utterly floored.
First, his stone appraisal skills were insane enough—now he pulls out an even crazier trick?!
Kun Jun himself was dumbfounded. I have this ability? Since when? Nobody told me!
Is this another power gained from brain damage? Now I really have to wreck my brain.
Extracting memories from stones bore some resemblance to the Anemo Archon's ability to gather information from the wind.
In the story, Kun Jun also found this ability peculiar and thus reluctant to mention it to others. Telling the Traveler was an act of trust.
But now, thanks to Lucian's book, the whole world knew about it.
Kun Jun also clarified that not all ores could retain "memories."
Cor Lapis and crystals had clear, long-lasting memories, but common ores like iron and white iron lacked such capabilities.
After relaying Kun Jun's "vision" to Old Dai, the group prepared to continue their investigation when Paimon noticed Kun Jun was no longer with them.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Streetward Rambler: About Historia Antiqua Chapter, Act II
"The parting of old friends can change a person... Yet the Geo Archon seems utterly unchanged. I am far inferior to him in this regard."