Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

As April begins, the spring feeling arises. The sea breeze carries warmth as migratory birds fly north. The Kingdom's expedition fleet departs from Tail Village, heading east for one hundred and twenty miles, arriving at Crocodile Town near the coast, belonging to the Chel Divine Authority Tribe.

"The Chel Divine Authority Tribe is a small clan with tens of thousands of people. It is called a Divine Authority Tribe because its leader began as the Sun God Elder Priest of the Mayapan Kingdom. During the rebellion of the Xiu Family, he fled to the northern jungle and established the clan tribe, and every military and political leader of the Chel Clan has been the tribe's High Priest."

Tikalo sits in the dark lower deck of the cabin, hands and feet tied, yet he wears a friendly smile. He looks at Priest Tomate and the old militia Chiwaco before him and patiently explains.

"The Chel Clan's population is close to a hundred thousand. Although smaller than the four major powers, in the loose northern coast, it is considered powerful. The clan's ruling center, eighty miles south in Heaven Water City (Izamal), known as 'the place where divine dew falls from the sky,' is a religious ancient city inherited from the Golden Age."

"Since the clan's initial leader was a revered Elder Priest of the Kingdom, they naturally view the Xiu Family, which caused rebellion, disrupted order, and destroyed the power of the Elder Priest, as enemies and remain friendly with the Kapul Family. As for our Kekum Royal Family, we are close allies with them. This northern expedition of the tribes is from their territory, borrowing the route and obtaining supplies."

Hearing this, Priest Tomate and Chiwaco exchange a glance and slightly nod. Tikalo sweeps his gaze with a smile and suggests.

"Respected leaders, I am familiar with the local Divine Descendant Nobility, why not let me..."

"Dark Snake, Didi."

Upon hearing detailed information, Chiwaco does not hesitate and points to the seated Mayan merchants, speaking soberly.

"Seal his mouth!"

"Huh?"

The ears of the two young men are stuffed with cotton, rendering them unable to hear clearly. Dark Snake is momentarily confused, while Didi reacts immediately, pulling out a piece of yellow cotton cloth and stuffing it into Tikalo's mouth, who wears a bitter smile.

"Keep an eye on him!"

"Huh?"

Seeing the confused duo, the old militia shakes his head. He points at the Mayan merchants and then at the two young men. With enlightened expressions, Priest Tomate finally speaks with a smile.

"Captain Chi, let's go!"

"Hmm."

The two ascend to the deck, where the sea and sky suddenly open up, and the fresh sea breeze refreshes one's spirit.

"This time, let's leave Puap on the ship, and I will disembark with you."

The old militia gazes at the small town by the shore and speaks leisurely.

"There is no shortage of fresh water on the ship, just need to replenish some food. We will go early and return early, leaving on the same day."

"Good!"

Priest Tomate nods with satisfaction. After considering, he adds.

"Then, for this translation, use the captured Toltec survivor, Usto. He should be fine with daily conversation."

"Sure! That Usto is not bold, should be no problem."

The old militia thinks slightly and agrees. The two leaders simultaneously lower their heads in sincere prayer.

"Chief Divine blessing! May the fleet have a smooth journey!"

The sun rises and sets, everyone hurries. The old militia commands the sailors to complete the ship's supplies. Priest Tomate sees the town's Divine Descendant Nobility, tells the Divine Revelation Prophecy, leaves a gemstone gift, and swiftly departs.

Afterward, the expedition fleet sets sail once more. The further they go east, the denser the coastal jungle becomes, spreading large swamps between the trees. Without a guide, such terrain could be deadly. The fleet travels east for two hundred and fifty miles to arrive at the next large supply village, Fire Salt Village.

Fire Salt Village is the ruling center of the Qi Jin Tribe. Indeed, this tribe's largest settlement is a coastal village. As the name suggests, it's the most crucial salt production site on the northern coast. Along the coast of Fire Salt Village, many small lagoons connect with the sea, evaporated by the sun over the years into high-concentration salt lakes. By blocking small salt lake outlets, they become numerous natural salt-evaporating fields.

This coastal area is the Peninsula's largest salt-producing region. The emergence of the Qi Jin Tribe is the coastal tribes' alliance to guard the huge profits of the salt lakes, resist various southern clans. The coastal land is ultimately barren, the Qi Jin Tribe mainly relies on salt trade to supplement food. Similarly, the tribes here don't spend much time farming and constantly feud with others for salt-producing land. Their customs are both united and fierce.

"The Qi Jin Tribe is a coastal tribal alliance with tens of thousands of population and no single leader overseeing all tribes, more of mutual aid and watchful cooperation among tribes. They also believe in the War God, Guardian God of merchants, Ek Chuaj. The Qi Jin Tribe is most friendly towards trading caravans. As for 'fire' in Fire Salt, it refers to the hundreds of red firebirds on the shore!"

Having not seen the sun for days, Tikalo's face is somewhat pale. He maintains a calm demeanor, explaining the power dynamics among the tribes gently.

"The southern inland Kapoor Clan has long coveted the salt-producing Qi Jin Tribe on the coast. Yet, the Qi Jin Tribe is quite united, with robust customs. They prosper through trade, don't need to divert a large population into farming, and with just sixty to seventy thousand people, they can mobilize over ten thousand tribal warriors to guard salt lakes. They also control the salt supply for various tribes, with weapons and equipment not weak."