Zhongli

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhongli (钟离)
Alias(es)	Rex Lapis; Morax; Geo Archon; Lord of Geo
Species/Race	God; one of The Seven
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Occupation/Role	Funeral Parlor consultant; former ruler of Liyue
Status	Active
First Appearance	9

Background / History

Zhongli is the mortal identity of Morax, the Geo Archon who ruled Liyue. He recalls fighting in the Archon War, becoming one of The Seven after standing above the other demon gods, and later participating in the campaign against Khaenri'ah. His long life has also been marked by losses, including Guizhong and all but one of the Five Yakshas. 9

Although he learns from Lin Yiyi that Teyvat may be regarded as a virtual world, Zhongli does not reject the reality of his own existence. He holds that memories, emotions, and a stable life remain real regardless of how a world was created. 9

He later accompanies Hu Tao across dimensions to observe and assist with funerary rites in Lin Yiyi's world. While there, he adapts to unfamiliar customs, helps investigate a ghost incident, and returns to Liyue after the Xu family funeral. 9 12 19 20

Appearance

Zhongli is a tall, refined man with an elegant, classical bearing and a notably mature presence. His gaze is gentle but profound enough to make Lin Yiyi feel as if he can see through a person. 9 12

• A head taller than Lin Yiyi. 12
• Wears a tailcoat-like outer garment over a brown shirt. 18
• His braid emits a faint glow when he uses his power. 12 13
• Carries himself with composed, scholarly elegance. 12 18

Personality

Zhongli is calm, measured, and considerate. Even after receiving destabilizing knowledge about Teyvat's nature, he regains his composure and responds philosophically rather than emotionally. 9

He is perceptive in both practical and emotional matters. He immediately understands why Lin Yiyi repeatedly separates him from Hu Tao in public, recognizes that Lin Yiyi's water is no ordinary water, and notices Hu Tao's longing for her grandfather without intruding on her grief. 10 14 15

Despite his status and overwhelming strength, Zhongli generally exercises restraint. He allows Lin Yiyi to handle the ghost confrontation until the group's safety requires his intervention. 12 13

Abilities & Skills

Geo Authority

As the Geo Archon, Zhongli commands powerful Geo energy and can protect others from supernatural attacks.

• Creates a golden protective shield around the group, stopping the ghost's black tentacles. 12 13
• Forms a small golden pillar that isolates allies from hostile attacks. 12
• His glowing braid signals the use of his concealed power. 12 13
• Can effortlessly handle minor evil spirits, though he initially holds back at Lin Yiyi's request. 12

Supernatural Perception

Zhongli can identify unusual spiritual phenomena and recognize the properties of Daoist tools.

• Detects that Lin Yiyi's “rootless water” is not ordinary water. 14
• Uses Lin Yiyi's aura-bearing talisman to locate Chen Yue and the others. 14
• Recognizes that different worlds may operate under different laws, including the possibility that ghosts exist in Lin Yiyi's world. 9

Historical and Cultural Knowledge

Having lived for over six thousand years, Zhongli possesses extensive knowledge of Liyue's history, customs, and social values.

• Discusses Liyue's prosperity through the importance of harmonious households. 15
• Explains a traditional account of the origin of the character for “family.” 15
• Teaches Xiao about birthday customs learned from Lin Yiyi's world. 23
• Carefully observes and praises the design of modern hotel interiors. 18

Equipment / Items

• Lin Yiyi's tracking talisman — Used to trace Lin Yiyi through his Daoist aura. 14
• Modern-world cash — Carefully accounts for and returns unused money after buying food. 12 18
• Hotel books — Reads the books provided in the hotel while adapting to Lin Yiyi's world. 18

Relationships

• Hu Tao — His director at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He accompanies her to Lin Yiyi's world and supports her during a difficult day involving funerary work and memories of her grandfather. 9 15 16
• Lin Yiyi — A cross-dimensional companion whom Zhongli guides with patience and respect. Lin Yiyi frequently relies on Zhongli's judgment, while Zhongli encourages him not to let rigid obligations prevent him from enjoying life. 9 18 20
• Xiao — An adeptus under Zhongli's care. Zhongli checks on Xiao's experience in the other world, warns him about potential adverse effects from Lin Yiyi's talisman, and explains birthday customs during Xiao's celebration. 23
• Xianyun — An old acquaintance. Zhongli introduces her to Lin Yiyi and clarifies that Lin Yiyi is a traveler from another world. 20
• Chen Yue and Zhang Xiaoyan — Zhongli supports Lin Yiyi's efforts to resolve their supernatural and familial problems, urging Zhang Xiaoyan to empathize with her daughter. 14 15

Story Role / Major Arcs

Visit to Lin Yiyi's World

Zhongli agrees to accompany Hu Tao through Lin Yiyi's dimensional rift after learning that Lin Yiyi seeks professional feedback on funeral rites. He accepts the revelation of Teyvat's virtual nature with unusual equanimity. 9

Ghost Incident

When Chen Yue collapses in an abandoned alley, Zhongli arrives carrying offerings and observes Lin Yiyi's attempt to resolve the matter peacefully. He ultimately protects the group with Geo constructs when the hostile ghost attacks. 12 13

Xu Family Funeral

Zhongli and Hu Tao accompany Lin Yiyi through preparations, clothing purchases, and the funeral ceremony for Xu Nian's mother. Zhongli compares customs across worlds and remains discreet despite being recognized by fans as Rex Lapis. 18 19

Return to Liyue

After the funeral rites, Zhongli asks to return to Liyue to check on Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He meets Xianyun with Lin Yiyi and Hu Tao before Lin Yiyi sends the pair home. 20

Xiao's Birthday

In an extra chapter, Zhongli speaks with Xiao about Lin Yiyi's world, advises him to discard the Purification Talisman if it causes harm, and participates in the adeptus's birthday celebration at Wangshu Inn. 23

Notable Quotes

“Even if we exist in a virtual world, we still possess stable, happy lives.” 9

“By universal principles, is this not still a form of reality?” 9

“If people live their lives constrained by all these rules and restrictions, how can they experience the countless flavors of the world?” 18