Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

As dusk fell, the Samurai lit bonfires, tidying up the remnants of the battlefield. The leaders of the fleet stood before the small Temple Pyramid, each with a different expression, awaiting the response from the Mayan merchant Tikalo.

"With a tattooed forehead and pierced nose and ears, filed teeth, and a tongue stud... refusing to close his eyes in death, what a head filled with Divinity!"

Tikalo smiled as he reached out to receive the shockingly wide-eyed head of Prince Xi Wu, meticulously examining it, overcome with emotion. Then, holding the front of the head, he turned to Priest Tomate and replied with a smile.

"He was the first heir of the Xi Wu family, the most outstanding son of Clan Leader Xiupan, the valiant Prince Xiutur! Clan Leader Xiupan is old, and he was counting on this remarkable son to inherit his position. Thus, he was the next Leader of the Xi Wu family..."

"What! The first heir of the Xi Wu family? The most powerful Xi Wu family on the Peninsula? The foremost heir next to the Clan Leader?"

Hearing this, the old Militia's eyes sharpened as he looked at Tikalo.

"Are you sure?!"

"Witnessed by the Chief Divine! It's indeed true!"

Tikalo nodded openly, returning the head to Huitu Puap. Beside him, Priest Tomate's face darkened as he fell into thought. In any case, this meant that the Kingdom and the southern Xi Wu family had thoroughly become arch-enemies.

"Puapu, you fool, starting a war at will!"

The old Militia's anger flared as he reversed his spear and struck Puapu's shoulder hard. Puapu cried out in pain, glaring back at the old Militia.

"Old man Chi, what are you doing! I fought bravely and took the enemy leader's head. How can that be wrong? Besides, get it right; they attacked us first!..."

"...what a stupid log! Cut and thrown into water, yet smug that it can float!"

Chi Waco gritted his teeth, ceasing further discussion with the blockhead. He turned his head, sternly gazing at the Mayan merchant, and asked,

"Tikalo, are these emerging Maya Tribes remnants of your Mayapan?"

"Captain Chiwaco, you truly have the wisdom of a tortoise."

Tikalo praised, smiling as he had done countless times before. Then, he reached out, grabbed his nephew Ti'aj Kin's arm, and solemnly introduced him to everyone.

"Witnessed by the Chief Divine! He is the Divine Descendant of Divine Capital Tikal, the last Sun of Mayapan, the current leader of the Kokom Family, Ti'aj Kin!"

"Ah? The Divine Descendant of Divine Capital Tikal!"

Hearing this, Puapu was taken aback, his right hand instinctively reaching for the Bronze Axe at his waist.

"Another Serpent Divine Descendant!"

"...Honorable Leader Puapu, your Divine Eagle Curse has been lifted! There's no need for the Divine Blood of the Serpent Divine Descendant anymore."

Tikalo respectfully bowed his head, explaining, fearing that the Huitu Samurai might let their passion lead them to some unthinkable actions.

"Oh, right! Haha! My curse is lifted!"

Puapu released his right hand, glanced once more at the head he held in his left hand, feeling inexplicably joyous. Then, his expression suddenly shifted as he looked at Tikalo.

"Tikalo, how do you know about my curse?"

"Oh! You've inquired about the Serpent Divine Descendant and the curse's resolution multiple times. When I thought it over a bit, I figured it out."

Tikalo responded with a gentle smile, unconcerned. Puapu rubbed his head, recalling the old Prophet in Hidden Serpent City, and felt a surge of gratitude.

"Truly a Divine old Prophet! Showing me the right path and lifting my curse. I feel much lighter now, and can finally sleep well!"

"The last Sun of Mayapan, the current leader of the Kokom Family..."

Priest Tomate rubbed his chin, deliberating. After a moment, he looked at Tikalo and asked.

"Tikalo, what is your relationship with him?"

"Hmm... he is the Divine Descendant Clan Leader of the Kokom Family, and I am his uncle."

Tikalo replied with a smile, leaving everyone visibly surprised. The old Militia raised his eyebrows, unable to hold back his comment.

"Of course! Tikalo, you cunning fox, daring to scheme against the fleet?!"

"Honorable Captain Chiwaco, why would you say such a thing?"

Tikalo shook his head, answering sincerely.

"The Xi Wu family dispatching a Divine Descendant northward wasn't something I could determine! Besides, you've watched me all along the journey; you know best what I have or haven't done... I haven't done anything!"

"Ha! Then why is this Maya Tribe here? Why did they suddenly ambush the Xi Wu family?"

"Oh, this Maya Tribe was indeed brought by me."

Tikalo nodded frankly, confirming.

"The remnants of Mayapan settled in the jungle not far from here under the Kapul Family's protection. This is the Tribe I hail from, and naturally, I wish for the Kingdom Fleet to trade with them, giving them some advantages. Moreover, they are familiar with the situation of the Lowland Maya and know the latest dynamics of the Kapul Family, which greatly benefits the fleet's exploration!"

"Ha! Beneficial to the fleet's exploration, is it?..."

The old Militia shook his head. No matter the Mayan merchant's clever arguments, his instincts had already targeted Tikalo. Even if unaware of his methods, everything that had happened was surely a result of Tikalo's schemes. Fate looks upon everyone fairly; there can't be so many coincidences!

Thinking this, the old Militia gritted his teeth, harboring silent resolve.

"Once we're back on the ship, I won't give you another chance to meddle!"

"Tikalo, why did you suddenly blow the Bone Whistle, sending your Tribe to attack the Xi Wu family's formation?"