Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!
Chapter 415 - 207 Auspicious Day

The vast night was always busy, and the scattered daytime was hurried too. Amidst the interchange of night and day, the warriors of the Tarasco Kingdom moved quietly, startling the birds in the mountains and leaving nothing but the faint rustling of the wind. The auspicious day of the Sun God was approaching, and the reconnaissance of the Mexica Alliance noticeably withdrew. Legions prepared for a grand ceremony, bringing a brief peace to the frontline.

Late into the night the next day, the wooden doors of the High Mountain Fortress swung silently open. Under the protection of the Copper-axe Guards, the royal banner led the way. The Eagle Warrior, shaking its black wings, disappeared into the forests of the West. Ten thousand elite soldiers gradually gathered from several fortresses behind, forming a retreating flood. The warriors, holding sporadic torches, raced silently towards the Capital City of the West.

The morning star illuminated the eastern sky, heralding the arrival of dawn. In the flowing morning light, Su’angua climbed the small hill beside the creek, looking back at the High Mountain Fortress.

The mountain path was winding and long; the Eagle Banner at the top of the fortress turned into a tiny dot, with only the bright gold sparkling under the morning light. Beside the dot, a figure slender as a pine needle stood quietly. Across the great distance, the two most venerated Divine Descendants of Tarasco gazed at each other. Before the sunrise, they exchanged their final looks and then silently bid farewell, heading towards an unknown yet unchangeable path.

The morning light gradually brightened, and the sun slowly rose. In the same mountain range, King Aweit, clad in red royal attire, his head adorned with a slender Feather Crown and draped in Jade belts, gleamed like the embodiment of a deity. He stood solemnly atop the fortress, looking towards the bright East. The clouds on either side unfurled and dispersed, like waves rolling out, revealing the gates of the Divine Kingdom. A huge red sun was slowly rising from the horizon. It shone upon the lush green Apachigan forests and also illuminated thousands of Mexica warriors below the great fortress.

Aweit raised his head, lifted the Yellow Gemstone Divine Staff, and paid homage to the rising Sun God. As the King made his gesture, the War Priests began to sing ancient songs, ignited fervent flames, and prayed for the arrival of the Chief Divine.

This was a grand funeral on the auspicious day of the Sun God. A huge Sacred Fire burned in the center surrounded by the warriors. All the damaged Cotton Armor, worn War Clubs, and broken shields were piled into clearly layered small hills around the fire, harboring the souls of departed warriors.

Under the Priest’s ritual, the Sun God cast down His radiant gaze. His eyes watched over the earth; the valley’s stream scattered like a Jade belt, and the undulating mountains concealed the extension toward the distance. The malefic moon persisted in the western horizon, chased away by the Chief Divine’s mighty power, fleeing toward the lair of the Royal City of Tarasco. As cloud lights ascended and the sky blazed with color, the glorious Chief Divine finally descended upon the human world, transforming into a dazzling golden yellow, showering the entire world!

"...The Divine has arrived! He guides the souls of the deceased, towards the red Kingdom! He promises to the world: warriors who die for the divine will reopen their eyes. They will welcome the red dawn under the red sky!"

King Aweit spread his arms and called out with all his might. His loud voice echoed throughout the fortress, like a divine promise. Then, the Priests shouted in unison, praising the highest Chief Divine.

"Praise the Chief Divine Huitzilopochtli! He saves the devoutly praying believers and guides the sacrificed souls for the divine!"

Fierce drums beat, melodious flute music played. Amidst the Priests’ chant, hundreds of nobles and thousands of warriors faced the rising sun in the East, devoutly praising the deity. The initial rise of the sun hit their eyes, the brilliance momentarily dazzling everyone. The warriors then prostrated, clutching the Chief Divine’s Amulet. Following the Priests’ guidance, they closed their eyes, envisioned the splendor of the Divine Kingdom, and together shouted the Divine’s name thrice.

"Trust in Chief Divine Huitzilopochtli! Praise the Sun God Huitzilopochtli! Devote to the War God Huitzilopochtli!"

By the time everyone opened their eyes again, the sun was too bright to look at directly. The Priests once more leapt into their celebratory dance and sang praises. The warriors murmured quietly, making wishes to the Chief Divine, and sent messages to the deceased. The nobles took turns coming forward, throwing the garments of the fallen into the fire, sending them to the red Kingdom.

Moments later, King Aweit once again waved the Divine Staff, reverently sending off the Chief Divine. Outside the fortress, the Eagle Warriors also sheathed their vibrant Obsidian Daggers and cleared the traces of the sacrifices. When the grand ceremony concluded, Aweit descended from the highest point of the fortress amid the cheers of thousands, his gaze briefly lingering outside the fortress before calmly departing. There, a new undulating mound of earth had appeared. All the Tarasco wounded who could no longer work had been sacrificed and buried here.

The close confidants and guards immediately stepped forward, following the supreme King back to the main hall of the fortress. Aweit washed the sweat from his face, removed his heavy royal attire, and changed into a light cotton robe. Then, with a smile and in a relaxed tone, he asked.

"Gillim, did all the high and hereditary nobles of the Legion come today?"

"Your Majesty, today is the auspicious day of the Sun God. Except for the chiefs stationed at various fortresses, all the honored and hereditary nobles have arrived. The Jaguar and the Eagle Warrior Battalion have also gathered here at this fortress, taking charge of the surrounding vigilance."

Gillim solemnly paid his respects, replying without a hint of humor.

"Excellent! Let them all stay. Prepare wine and meat; tonight we shall hold a feast and everyone will drink merrily!"