Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

The long night stretches endlessly, unknowingly deep. The jungle is serene, with the faint calls of a flock of birds. The campfire slowly dims, people's expressions fluctuate, their thoughts ebbing and flowing, hearts tethered to the Eastern Sea.

Tikalo's eyes lowered, he bowed respectfully, and asked with a smile.

"Priest Tomate, the translator from Cuba, the sea chart to Cuba, and the location of the iron ore... are these three items satisfactory to you?"

At these words, Priest Tomate's eyes flickered, giving Tikalo a deep, thoughtful look.

"Tikalo, you must know how much His Highness values these three things. Why didn't you personally inform His Highness when you were in Water Valley City? His Highness would have certainly rewarded you generously. What you desire, you can ask from His Highness!"

Upon hearing this, Tikalo's eyes lifted slightly, he smiled and said nothing. Priest Tomate revered His Highness as a Divine Revelation Prophet, the supreme king. But in his heart, that was once a naive youngster, and thus he could not rely on him. Now that His Highness has become a cold ruler, he trusts him even less.

"The chips in my hand, I have only once!... Blood and deep vengeance, such a cunning opponent. How can I depend on the king's will, and hope for the rewards of those in power?"

Tikalo's thoughts churned silently. Priest Tomate, observing for a moment, seemed to also understand. He shook his head subtly, solemn in expression, and spoke again.

"Tikalo. The Mayapan Kingdom ruled the lowlands for over two hundred years, even if only in name as the Maya king, even if it has been defunct for many years... the foundation of that kingdom must still have remnants. You must have more in your hand that you can offer!"

"Hmm..."

Tikalo slightly lowered his head, avoiding the piercing gaze of Priest Tomate. But the priest did not relent, reaching out to grasp his arm.

"Hiss!"

Tikalo winced in pain, his eyelid twitching and the corner of his mouth cringing.

"Priest Tomate, you!..."

"Hand it over!"

Priest Tomate's gaze was stern, glaring into the eyes of the Mayan merchant, demanding sharply.

"Hand it over! As witnessed by the Chief Divine! What you offer to the divine will surely be returned in double! What you offer to the kingdom will surely return in double to the remnants of Mayapan!... At such a time, why do you hesitate? The gamble has already begun! If you dare not stake everything, how do you intend to sway the gigantic Xiu family?"

"I... this... Priest Tomate..."

Facing the pressing Priest Tomate, cold sweat broke on Tikalo's forehead. Now, it was his turn to feel the priest's fierce command, the majesty of the Chief Divine.

"You can only depend on the kingdom! Not through such laughable calculations but by investing wholeheartedly, serving the kingdom and His Highness! You do not know His Highness's ambition, you do not understand the greatness of the Divine Revelation! But you certainly know the strength and military might of the kingdom!"

"Within several years, Marshal Bertade of the Holy Eagle will lead thousands of elite warriors across the sea! And the Head Eagle Warrior is not only brave and skilled in battle, but also perceptive and wise. By then, even the mighty Xiu family will be utterly unable to resist the kingdom!..."

At this point, Priest Tomate's eyes sharpened, piercing directly into Tikalo's core.

"The kingdom is strong, it doesn't need the remnants of Mayapan to conquer the Xiu family! Tikalo, if you do not commit enough stakes now, by then, no matter who the land of Mayapan is given to, it will not concern you! If you want to reclaim the ancestral land, this price is insufficient, far from sufficient!"

"...The ancestral land, Mayapan... stakes..."

Tikalo closed his eyes, but Priest Tomate's words continued to echo in his heart. After a while, he let out a long sigh.

"Ah! Priest Tomate, you are indeed as sharp as an obsidian dagger, penetrating to the heart."

Tikalo wore a bitter smile. He opened his eyes, gazing into the priest's eyes, and sighed with emotion. After a moment, the Mayan merchant gathered himself, responding in a solemn tone.

"We will wager everything! Priest Tomate, this time when heading to Cuba, the fleet can carry the flag and war clothes of Mayapan, borrowing the kingdom's past reputation. Although fifty years have passed, there must still be people among the local tribes who remember the kingdom of old, especially among the tribes to the west. And the West Mountain Tribe, which once submitted to Mayapan, will also facilitate the kingdom's foothold in Cuba!"

"Oh? Borrow the prestige of the Mayapan Kingdom? Facilitate the initial trust and establishment?"

Upon hearing this, Priest Tomate's expression shifted. He glanced at the distinctive "big" family crest on Tikalo and Ti'aj Kin, nodding slowly.

"Very good! And what else?"

"..."

Tikalo lowered his gaze, contemplated for a bit, and responded again.

"The Mayapan Kingdom once organized fleets for long voyages. Besides heading east to Cuba, we also explored south along the coast. Starting from the Highland Maya, near Copán, further south stretches the winding southern coast..."

"First are the Ch'orti' people, famed for jade and pepper-like crops (Chʼortiʼ, present-day Honduras), followed by the Nic-anahuac people known for spices (nic-anahuac, the region of Nicaragua), then the Cueva people producing pottery in the jungle (Cueva, the region of Panama)... Finally, there are the Chibcha people, holding gold (Chibcha, northern Colombia)."

Pausing slightly after this, Tikalo continued. This route was from a century ago, and among the remnants of Mayapan, only some records and sea charts remain, long devoid of translators and sailors familiar with the routes. However, in front of Priest Tomate, he still presented himself as confident and assured.