Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

Quetzal's complexion dramatically changed, and he was about to rise immediately. Gillim steadied Quetzal and asked with solemn curiosity, "Noble Chief Priest, was my joke not funny?"

A flash of anger crossed Quetzal's face as he smiled through gritted teeth, "Funny, funny, extremely funny indeed!"

He covered his left chest with his right hand, seemingly angry and distressed, yet he had already grasped the hidden dagger. Although it had been a long time since he last used it, he had still poisoned it before leaving this time.

Behind him, the ascetic priest also reached into his bosom, ready for an imminent confrontation.

"Now that we are one family, pleasing you is my duty. I have heard that ascetic priests have a tradition of cutting themselves and sacrificing their blood. I wonder if I could be instructed by you."

Gillim took out the Obsidian Dagger from his chest, his wrist as quick as lightning, swiftly making several cuts over his chest, displaying extraordinary martial arts. His technique was exceptionally precise; these wounds were merely frightening to look at but would leave no aftereffects.

His expression unchanged, he let the blood flow, slightly tilting his wrist, now pointing the dagger towards Quetzal.

"Noble Chief Priest, are you satisfied? Was my sacrificial act standard?" Gillim bowed slightly, his posture like a spring-loaded mountain cat, his eyes clear and bright.

Aweit had quietly stepped back two paces. Xiulote, armed with a short blade, stood beside him. Soon, guards also arrived, carrying the Yellow Gemstone Divine Staff.

Only then did Aweit chide with a smile, "Gillim, how could you discuss sacrificial knowledge in front of the Chief Priest? Apologize and step back now!"

Upon hearing this, Gillim quickly withdrew his dagger. Then he solemnly prostrated himself and apologized to Quetzal.

Afterward, Aweit took the Divine Staff of Tizoc from the guard's hand, smiling at Quetzal.

"Chief Priest, this is the Divine Staff of the Great Temple. I return it to you here, and then I will wait for you to be bestowed by the Heavenly Divine at the coronation ceremony!"

Seeing the familiar Divine Staff, Quetzal's eyes shifted. Finally, he burst into a smile, blooming like a spring breeze.

He took a deep breath, "Thank you, Your Highness. I am indeed old; my chest hurt terribly just now. Lord Gillim's sacrifice was very standard, feel free to visit the Great Temple sometime. I would warmly welcome you and teach more advanced sacrifices."

More advanced sacrifices? That would be a human sacrifice next. Xiulote was already able to understand everyone's conversation, but was not quite sure why things had progressed to this stage.

A servant hurried over, nodding slightly. Gillim then stood up from the ground, and Quetzal paused again. Soon, the banquet resumed its normal course. Everyone was laughing and joking as if nothing had happened.

After another half an hour, Kapana returned, arm in arm with Acap. Her eyes swirling, she radiated a bright charm and a joy that seemed to come from within. Seeing her grandfather, she slightly ducked her head, hiding herself in Acap's embrace.

Acap looked tenderly at Kapana. Since drinking the Holy Water, he had been feeling an inexplicable joy and bliss. After having drinks with her earlier, this joy and bliss had become even more uncontrollable, everything falling into place naturally. Was this lively, beautiful girl now to be his wife?

Seeing Quetzal, he respectfully nodded, then drew Kapana closer.

Xiulote watched the change in the two and then understood everything. Then he turned to Gillim, surprisingly at a loss for words.

Quetzal's face still held a spring-like smile. He looked at Acap, genuinely praising to everyone around.

"My eyes deceived me earlier. Only now do I realize, the priest Acap whom His Highness values is indeed as handsome as a jade, dignified and handsome, truly a perfect match for Kapana!"

"Before His Highness's coronation, let's have their wedding in the next two days! From then on, the Great Temple will be His Highness's most loyal servant. I will also send an envoy to the High Priest of Teotihuacan to brazenly request to keep a talented priest like Acap in the Great Temple."

Soon, Quetzal formally bowed to take his leave from Aweit. Gillim again bowed solemnly to Quetzal, and Quetzal also smiled back in response.

He then took the Yellow Gemstone Divine Staff, deeply gazed at Xiulote, and finally, his gaze lingered on Kapana and Acap.

"Kapana, let's go," the Chief Priest said with a smile, nodding to Acap, then gesturing for his granddaughter to come over.

Kapana, reluctantly glancing at Acap, obediently followed Quetzal.

"Grandfather still loves me so much! He's getting old, and once I'm married, I should visit him often," Kapana thought happily.

Aweit laughed and patted Acap's shoulder, as did Xiulote. Gillim bowed deeply, apologizing. Acap responded with a perplexed smile.

The next morning, as dawn broke on the horizon, Xiulote arose. He dressed in the distinctive attire of Teotihuacan, arranged all the gifts, and then waited quietly.

Today was the day to meet the elder.