In the Nnobility district square, poets and musicians from various city-states were reciting poems and playing bamboo flutes. Hearing a familiar name, Xiuxoke paused and listened for a moment, looking bemused.
"My own son, whom I raised by hand, although a clever and valiant young man, certainly can’t bellow like thunder, have eyes that emit Divine Light, or shatter a great tree with one punch..."
"The Alliance venerates heroes and values military achievements! The Northern Army had been blessed by the Divine on their western campaign, shining along the way. It’s common for the citizens of the Capital City to deify your Highness."
The King’s guard turned to Xiuxoke and gave him a faint smile.
Upon hearing this, Xiuxoke shivered a bit. He, too, smiled back, his manner just as gentle.
"In the lands around the lake, they also sing of the King’s renown. The Supreme King, the true embodiment of the Sun God on earth..."
Both men laughed, then fell silent together. With hurried steps, the towering Great Temple came into view.
The Sacred Fire was burning eternally, the priest’s song resonated magnificently. Hundreds of Temple Warriors looked stern, stationed at the base of the Great Temple, guarding a plethora of noble Sacrifices, and also watching over the surrounding temples. Countless laborers bent at the waist, carrying sealed barrels, from which drips of blue liquid occasionally fell.
"Is this... the Maya blue dye used for anointing the Sacrifices during rituals...this much?"
Xiuxoke appeared surprised. He looked towards the King’s guard, who nodded faintly. Instantly, an intense smell of blood seemed to hit, making even the stalwart warrior tremble inside. As everyone knew, only nobles with Holy Blood flowing through their veins could ascend the sacrificial altar of the Great Temple...
Without a word, the two men continued southward. The expansion of the Great Temple was ongoing, and further south, an exceptionally broad building was under construction, currently at the foundation phase.
Xiuxoke, familiar with military logistics, estimated that at least three thousand laborers were working on the site. The King’s guard seemed to have anticipated this, and with a smile, he turned and said in a deep voice.
"This is the new King’s Palace. The first phase of construction will be half the height of the Great Temple, and also half its area..."
"Ah, what did the elders say..."
"The elders naturally agreed. During the foundation construction, not only will corn mortar and volcanic ash be used to strengthen it, but also the blood of Tarasco Divine Descendant... The Chief Divine will ascend the Throne of the Gods atop the bones of other divines!"
"Chief Divine is supreme, praise the Chief Divine!"
Xiuxoke nodded, praying devoutly. Since the elders had agreed, all else was a minor detail.
Soon, they arrived at the ornate administrative palace. The King’s guard showed the Jade Talisman to the guards of the Royal Family, and Xiuxoke set down his War Club and Long Dagger. Then, the two walked down the garden path toward the King’s Palace, a legacy of half a century.
Many nobles and officials were waiting in front of the palace, the area rather noisy. But as they drew closer to the palace, the noise level dropped, and finally, there was a solemn silence as if no one were present.
Xiuxoke took a deep breath and followed the King’s guard towards the grand entrance. The moment the doors opened, he quickly looked up, then lowered his head and stepped forward.
The Supreme King sat expressionless on an increasingly elevated throne. He wore a gemstone-studded royal gown, held the centuries-old Divine Staff in his hand, and his gaze was indifferent and calm, like the embodiment of a deity. In the shadow of the King, a silent Intelligence Officer cast a glance his way.
"Chief Divine is supreme! Xiuxoke of Teotihuacan, of the glorious nobility, pays respects to the embodiment of the Sun God, the Great Tlatoani of the Alliance, the Supreme King!"
Xiuxoke steeled himself, bowing deeply. His booming voice echoed in the vast Stone Hall, gradually fading into nothing. The hall returned to silence, and even the dozens of guards stationed there stood solemnly like statues.
It seemed like half a century passed before a cold voice floated down from above, carrying a chilling sternness.
"Xiuxoke, I hear you got along quite well with Tepeiter in Tlalocan?"