Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

Hearing this unapologetic query, Tepopolo's expression stiffened, and anger flared in his heart. As a seasoned Commander-in-Chief who was also a valiant Samurai in his youth, he was confident that he was second to none. Later, inheriting the honored position amongst the Nobility, waited upon with great care, he had always been revered. No one had dared to speak to him with that tone for a long time, apart from the King.

Tepopolo was discontent for only a moment before he remembered the purpose of his trip. Then he puffed out his chest and laughed boldly and heartily. Following traditional customs, he thumped his strapping right arm against his solid chest, showing off his robust body.

"'Source of Water' Annatri, I hear that you have not yet married, and my wife has passed away some years ago. Now, the mighty mountains have no rivers, the spacious house lacks a mistress. The tall corn has no beans to intertwine with, the strong body needs soothing! In the presence of the god of love, Sochiketzal, I declare my pursuit of you, to make you part of my palace!"

Annatri's almond eyes widened, and her willow eyebrows arched.

"You must first prove your Martial Arts before I allow your pursuit! Whether the mountains are mighty, that is not said with words. Whether the corn is strong, that is not apparent merely by looks. Whether you are indeed the ferocious roaring Jaguar, or just a barking cackling dog, let's see the truth with our own hands!"

Tepopolo's face darkened. A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind—the control of the Naval Forces was hereditary and relatively independent. Gaining Annatri would indirectly secure the support of the Naval Forces, and with that support came dominance over the river. As the conversation had reached this point, and as a renowned Samurai, he certainly had no reason to retreat. After pondering for a moment, he took out his War Club confidently and smirked fiercely.

"Fine! Annatri, in the presence of the gods, let's have a duel right here! According to traditional custom, the victor shall take from the loser the most valuable treasure they possess!"

Without hesitation, Annatri stamped her Long Spear aboard ship, resounding with a thunderous bang. She laughed out loud, her voice ringing like a clear silver bell.

"Good, that's how a Samurai should act. In the sight of the gods, let us begin now!"

Having said that, Annatri lifted her head and gave Tepopolo a sidelong glance. Then, she made a hand gesture, signaling for him to strike first.

Seeing this action, Tepopolo's anger rekindled, his desire for combat burning in his chest. His years of battle experience had taught him to keep his movements cautious and steady. He raised his left hand's shield to protect his vital areas, and his War Club pointed diagonally, ready to strike with ease, as he quickly pressed forward.

Annatri's gaze was eagle-like, both hands gripped the long spear, held horizontally in front of her. Her knees bent slightly, the spear shaft retracted behind, its point aimed at the opponent, ready to burst forth at any moment.

On the slightly swaying boat, Tepopolo took small steps, advancing toward the female warrior. Suddenly, he lunged forward, his left hand's shield raised to strike her head and simultaneously block the route of the spear. Then, he bent low, his right hand swinging the War Club down at her waist. It was an extremely skilled combination of shield and club, the strikes of both hands powerful and flawless!

The dual attacks arrived simultaneously; Annatri's eyes lit up as she let out a clear battle cry, and nimbly took a small step back. She was like a fish in water, sensing the flow of the assault, deftly avoiding the Shield Strike. Next, she swiftly stepped aside, moving to the right like a swift in the wind, avoiding the club blow with keen agility.

One advance, one retreat, one turn, one shift—all in the blink of an eye. Tepopolo's swing hit air, startling him; he quickly pulled back and used his shield to cover his core.

The female warrior didn't pause; her movements were smooth like flowing water. She let out a fierce shout, surged forward, first with a long-prepared thrust, piercing precisely at Tepopolo's helmet, penetrating it just enough. Then, pushing down on the spear shaft, she gave a powerful flick, and the helmet spun off, landing in the lake.

Tepopolo's forehead ached, followed by a sudden chill on his head. Had it been the battlefield, he would have been dead by now. His eyes reddened, and as he was about to raise his shield and swing his club again, a heavy blow landed on top of his head, dizzying him.

With one move to flick the helmet away, Annatri pressed down on her spear again and smashed the butt of it onto her opponent's head. Then she quickly advanced, navigating the shaking boat with ease, and closed in to about a meter. Lastly, the female warrior shouted angrily, seizing the moment of Tepopolo's daze with a side kick from the back leg, fiercely kicking his shield.

The boat shook violently; Tepopolo stifled, losing his balance in his daze. In a split second, a furiously shouted command and an irresistible Force from the shield sent him flying two meters backward. The illustrious noble suddenly floundered in the air, splashing into the water with a thud. The slightly salty water of the rainy season lake continuously poured through his nose and mouth, thoroughly drenching his hair and armor.

The noble finally came to his senses. He screamed aloud while wildly treading water. The circle of small boats around him quickly came to his aid. But the Commander-in-Chief's large boat had already sailed away, disappearing into the distance in moments.

Annatri stood alone at the prow of her boat, proudly slinging her Long Spear across her back. The lake wind blew through her long hair as she looked heavenward with a resounding laugh, leaving behind an echoing statement.

"Tepopolo, you possess no treasure that catches my eye! Only a man who can defeat me is the mountain worthy of the flowing water's reliance!"

Afterward, with a sweep of her Long Spear, she sharply commanded her awestruck trusted aides and sailors.

"Raise the flag, hasten the march! Next, we head to Lake Haltocan to meet the Samurai armies from Teotihuacan!"