As Hu Tao left, only the two who understood each other were left at the stone pavilion.
Not in a hurry to speak, Luo Chen first poured himself another cup of tea, took a sip, and contemplated their upcoming conversation.
He didn't speak, and Zhongli remained as steady as a mountain, adhering to the principle of "The enemy doesn't move, I don't move."
Being gods, both had ample patience and wouldn't readily reveal their thoughts. Acting rashly and impulsively probably only applied to Mondstadt's seemingly unreliable Anemo Archon.
The passing employees held no doubts about the two esteemed guests, whose positions were beyond question. After all, even slacking off seemed justified for those with exceptional abilities.
As some employees began their training and others went out to take on new tasks, the surroundings quickly grew quiet.
"Come to think of it, this seems to be the first time I've had a private conversation with Mr. Zhongli."
Luo Chen carefully recalled. Over the past six months, while he'd met Zhongli numerous times, it was always amidst a crowd. There were always third parties present.
He couldn't recall a time when they had chatted privately like this.
Most of the time, it was just a nod and a few polite greetings.
He knew the other's reputation was far-reaching, but he wasn't quite sure about his true nature.
Zhongli slowly nodded, "Indeed. You've been quite low-key, Friend. No wonder I overlooked your true identity."
With those words, he practically confirmed his identity.
To be honest, Zhongli couldn't believe that after finally retiring and finding a place to settle down, he would encounter someone of the same kind.
His luck was truly amazing.
Though the other's restrained divinity was faint, it was impossible to miss his eyes.
A tiny place like Wangsheng Funeral Parlor harboring two Archons. If Hu Tao knew, she would definitely exclaim, "How did we get so lucky!"
However, he was also a bit puzzled. Even if they weren't close, he shouldn't have ignored the existence of an Archon. Or perhaps the one before him couldn't conceal their identity due to certain reasons.
Luo Chen provided an answer to this doubt the next moment.
"It has nothing to do with being low-key. I just recently regained some of my past power and memories."
He found a relatively suitable excuse because otherwise, Luo Chen wouldn't be able to explain it.
This was the reason he carefully thought through. The simulated power came out of nowhere, and he couldn't explain its source.
An Archon wouldn't be obscure in any way. Moreover, to make amends for potential future simulations, it was clearly easier to gain acceptance by claiming that he'd scattered his power and memories across a long time to avoid erosion.
A flicker of understanding flashed in Zhongli's eyes, "So that's how it is. You've been using this method to circumvent erosion..."
He unconsciously made inferences based on his own experiences. The old man clearly understood this practice.
Archons were not eternal. The erosion imposed by Celestia was a sword hanging over their heads.
Since they weren't one of the Seven, and they didn't want to cause trouble and were simply hiding to survive, there was no need to dwell on it.
"It's not so much circumventing erosion, but... well, let's just say that's how it is."
Halfway through his explanation, Luo Chen accepted the other's speculation.
Explaining it would be troublesome. Since Zhongli had already conjured up an answer, why bother with further elaboration.
"So, what brings you here, fellow traveler?"
Zhongli didn't act anymore. It was simply impossible to hide his identity as the Geo Archon from someone of the same kind.
They should just be frank and open, no need to play riddles like when talking with the Traveler.
Luo Chen couldn't help but scoff at the rapid shifts in the way he was addressed, going from "Luo Chen Qing," to "Friend," and then "fellow traveler" in such a short time. It was too realistic.
He cleared his throat. Since Zhongli had taken the initiative to establish a persona, he wouldn't be polite.
He took a moment to gather his thoughts and said, "I know nothing about what happened after the end of the Archon Era. I wanted to slowly investigate and find clues to my past power. I wonder if the Geo Archon could answer some of my questions."
"Archon Era?"
Had he scattered his memories and power after the end of the Archon Era?
A conjecture flashed through Zhongli's mind, and he nodded, "Anything I know, I'll tell you without reservation."
"In that case, I would like to know if you have any knowledge of the past of Sumeru."
As he asked, Luo Chen stared intently at the other.
He remembered that, as fellow Archons, after Barbatos visited Liyue with his wine a thousand years ago, the Seven Archons would gather every so often until the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah five hundred years ago.
Therefore, Zhongli shouldn't be a stranger to the Dendro Archon. He should have some understanding.
"Sumeru?" Zhongli met Luo Chen's gaze and said with slight surprise, "Could you be the Archon of ancient Sumeru?"
“……”
He didn't answer. He wasn't concerned. The information revealed by the other's single sentence was enough.
"I apologize, but I don't know much about that land that nurtures wisdom. The former Hydro Archon is more knowledgeable about Sumeru than I am."
He seemed quite honest. Zhongli had no reason to conceal anything.
Luo Chen had already expected this. After all, he existed in the Archon Era. Back then, the Archons of different nations were embroiled in conflicts. Who had the time to care about the affairs of other nations?
Only Sumeru was slightly more peaceful. The more powerful major deities were willing to share their authority, and the time of peace was longer than other nations.
But even so, Morax still knew some secrets that ordinary people wouldn't know.
"If you're willing to listen, I can tell you what I know."
"Thank you for your help. I will remember this favor."
He didn't refuse the kindness offered by the Geo Archon. Then, Luo Chen immediately asked about everything he wanted to know.
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