The Head Warrior bowed and complied. The young King then turned and descended from the castle tower. He was to meet Aweit in person, report the latest situation, and discuss subsequent arrangements.
Five days hurried by, and the winds of May blew from the East. In front of the remnants of the House of Wind Temple, under the majestic reflection of the pyramid, nearly seventy thousand city residents were driven to the surroundings of the square. Twenty thousand Mexica legionnaires held shields and staves, three thousand archers occupied strategic positions, and the Temple District was tightly controlled. The atmosphere was filled with solemnity.
High atop the Akatla, a great altar was set up, and a roaring Sacred Fire was lit beneath the pyramid. Xiulote, adorned in a Feather Crown Ceremonial Dress, stood at the peak over forty meters high, overlooking the sprawling masses below like a swarm of ants. A surge of heroic spirit echoed in the King’s heart, as if he held the world in his palm. Behind him, Aweit, dressed in the King’s Divine Garb, sat solemnly on a golden Throne of the Gods, his face breaking into a smile as he watched the young High Priest.
Incense was thrown into the Sacred Fire, and the divine smoke that spiraled upward spread a pleasant aroma. Hundreds of War Priests began to sing sacred hymns, and their solemn praises resonated throughout the Capital City, drowning out faint cries. Subsequently, Xiulote raised both hands, and twenty thousand samurai simultaneously knelt on one knee, shouting prayers toward the pyramid.
"Praise the highest Chief Divine! Praise the majestic King! Praise the brave Highness!"
In the midst of thunderous cheers, Aweit stood up, solemnly raising the Yellow Gemstone Scepter in his hand and bellowed loudly.
"The Chief Divine has decreed His will! He has conquered the three gods, His Throne of the Gods raised high once again! The Chief Divine says, the light of the Sun encompasses the lands amid the lake, the Tarasco Kingdom perishes today! Henceforth, the people of Prepetcha are now Citizens of the Alliance, devotees of the Chief Divine, partners of the Mexica! The glorious conquest to the west has been victorious, the warriors of the divine battle, shall be blessed by the Chief Divine!... God bless the Alliance, ruling over the whole world!"
"God bless the Alliance, ruling over the whole world!"
The boiling shouts shook heaven and earth, also shaking the people of Prepetcha in the square. Twenty thousand Mexica warriors banged their shields, chanting in unison with the Priests to pray to the Chief Divine, praising His divine light.
"Praise the Sun God Huitzilopochtli! His light falls upon the earth, and also upon the hearts of the believers! He is the deity that commands all, also determining the fate of the non-believers! Offer the Sacrifices, pray for the coming of the Chief Divine!"
"Bang! Boom! Boom!" The priests poured carbon powder into the Sacred Fire, causing the flames to suddenly flare up. Then, two wooden cannons fired simultaneously into the sky, the thunderous sounds echoing throughout the Capital City. The city’s residents trembled in terror, cowering on the ground in reverence of the divine power, finally praying to the Mexica’s Chief Divine.
The Sacred Fire burned fiercely, the sounds of the cannons roared, and five hundred eighty-four Temple Guards dragged an equal number of captives from the Royal Family and the Nobility in front of the priests. It was the cycle of Venus, heralding destruction and rebirth. The Divine Descendant captives were dressed splendidly, bound hand and foot, with cotton stuffed in their mouths. They were the ceremonial Sacrifices, large ceramic pots were ready with tequila already poured in them.
Moments later, the priests’ chanting suddenly intensified, and the warriors’ cheers erupted fiercely; the residents of the Capital City widened their eyes. The sharp Obsidian Dagger traced the ritualistic arc with exceptional precision. Following that, the sublime essence rose upwards and the vibrant life descended. The great pot of Blood Wine was mixed, provided for the devoted warriors and Militia.
"Praise the War God Huitzilopochtli! He uses the blood and souls of the Sacrificers to grant courage to those in battle, promises victory to warriors, also controlling their body and mind!... Drink the Blood Wine, shine the glory of the Chief Divine!"
Guided by the Mexica warriors, over ten thousand captive Tarasco warriors, Militia, and members of the Tekos Tribe were the first to convert. Soon, the first batch of a thousand warriors knelt before the Sacred Fire, had their hair cut off by a thousand War Priests, thrown into the fire, then drank the crimson Blood Wine, reiterating their oaths of loyalty to the Chief Divine. Then, they were led dazedly to kneel aside.
Ezpan, accompanied by the Militia of royal descent, guarded the perimeter. They shouted loudly in the Prepetcha language, recounting the might of the Chief Divine, praising the future of the believers, then threatening with the fate of the unfortunate. Hundreds of elite warriors looked somber, lowered their Bronze Axes, fresh red dripping down the blades, the consequences of non-conversion apparent.
Blue smoke rose, carrying the scent of burning hair. The Nobility and senior officers among the captives had already been led away; the remaining Soldiers could only go with the flow. Large groups of warriors poured in like a stream. They knelt, cut hair, saluted, drank, prayed, and finally withdrew. Occasional resistance and uproar were like insignificant waves, instantly turning red.
Xiulote looked solemnly from high atop the pyramid. Tens of thousands of Tarasco soldiers gathered like tiny specks of dust. Swept by an irresistible Force, they were transformed, their spirits impacted, silently scattering to the sides. In this moment, the King, high above, effortlessly controlled the life and death of everyone. This peculiar sensation was intoxicating, making one feel light and somewhat dazed.
Xiulote turned back to look at the seated Aweit. The true King appeared calm, overlooking the world, his gaze treating all people as insignificant. Only when his eyes met the young one did he nod slightly, smiling gently.
"Praise the Chief Divine Huitzilopochtli! He brings light to all who are lost, allows them to feel the warmth of the gods, and saves the souls of all!... Convert to the Chief Divine, remember His divine name!"