Under Retsu's intimidation, these people honestly lined up to wait for Kikyo to treat them.
In this era, it was a stroke of great fortune for people at the bottom like them to encounter a doctor or a miko like Kikyo who knew medical arts after being injured.
Most of the time, they could only choose to endure it; if they could pull through, they lived, and if not, they could only accept their fate and wait for death.
Therefore, even with Retsu standing by with his hand on his sword hilt, watching them like a hawk, not a single person chose to leave for the sake of survival, all waiting expectantly for treatment.
At this time, the old Monk of the temple was also alerted by the commotion outside. He came out wearing his cassock and took the initiative to assist, helping to pass medicine and apply bandages.
In this world, there were not many people who mastered medical arts. Aside from professional doctors, the others were temple Monks and shrine mikos.
"I thought I was going to lose my life, but now I'll be able to return to the Village alive."
"Thank you, Lady Miko!"
Soon, Kikyo finished treating the wounded soldiers. They gathered in groups to chat, and seeing Kikyo busy in their midst, they all bowed respectfully to thank her, their voices full of gratitude.
They gathered in the open space in front of the temple, setting up simple stoves and tents, preparing to return to their respective Villages after their wounds healed here.
Meanwhile, through casual conversation during the treatment, Kikyo also learned the reason they had participated in the war.
It turned out that recently, large patches of crops in their fields had suddenly and mysteriously withered and died.
The lord first arranged for his Samurai to investigate, and later invited Priests and mikos, who ultimately determined that the land had been polluted by a large amount of evil energy.
Upon learning of this situation, the lord knew he would definitely not be able to collect enough annual tribute this year. Therefore, he conscripted the peasants of his territory to launch a war against other lords' lands, attempting to plunder resources to make up for the loss.
Watching the busy Kikyo and the wounded Ashigaru discussing the pollution of the land, Retsu's heart stirred.
Recalling the plot, he instantly understood. This should be the part where Naraku was hit by Kagome's Demon-Slaying Arrow, and his entire body, except for his head, was destroyed by Spiritual Power.
Therefore, he needed to use a large number of Demons to reconstruct his body. Due to the massive infighting among the Demons, evil energy leaked out, polluting the surrounding land.
Thinking of this, his heart stirred. If the plot hadn't deviated, Kikyo would next be taken away by Hitomi Kagewaki's Vassals and Samurai disguised by Naraku to go to the castle to treat his body.
It was also at this time that Naraku discovered Kikyo was still alive.
However, at this point, Naraku's body was heavily damaged by Kagome. Wary of Kikyo's strength, he didn't make a move but merely had his Vassals lock her up.
Only after Naraku reconstructed his body did he choose to act against Kikyo, attempting to use the shikon jewel to control her.
In the end, he was counter-killed by Kikyo, but Kikyo still gave the shikon jewel to Naraku, wanting to kill him after he obtained it, just as Naraku had killed her fifty years ago.
Retsu looked at Kikyo, who was checking wounds nearby, wondering if she would still choose to give the shikon jewel to Naraku.
But in the next second, he smiled indifferently. Why think so much? It didn't matter even if Naraku got the shikon jewel. The moment Naraku craved its power, he was destined to be a weakling.
Moreover, anyone who got involved with the shikon jewel would not come to a good end.
Two days passed quickly, and the injuries of the Ashigaru Kikyo had treated outside had stabilized.
Just as Kikyo was busy changing their dressings, Retsu noticed a group of people approaching.
He came to Kikyo's side and whispered a reminder, "Kikyo, someone is coming. They're likely looking for you."
Hearing this, Kikyo looked up, glanced at him, then stood up and looked in the direction he indicated.
On the distant path, a group of Samurai and Ashigaru carrying weapons indeed appeared. Their attire was orderly, clearly the private soldiers of some lord.
"Is the miko named Kikyo staying in this temple?" Before even reaching the temple, the leading man shouted loudly, his tone carrying a hint of condescending arrogance.
This man was dressed exquisitely, obviously a Vassal under some Castle Lord. The Ashigaru resting outside the temple instinctively looked toward Kikyo, who stood in the center of the crowd.
The leading Vassal clearly noticed Kikyo in her red and white miko outfit as well. His gaze fell upon her, and he asked directly, "Are you the miko Kikyo?"
"Yes," Kikyo nodded calmly as she saw the man's gaze turn toward her.
"I heard you treated many people injured in the war and even saved many lives on the brink of death with miraculous techniques." The other party sized her up, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"It wasn't any miraculous technique; I just have some experience in treating wounds," Kikyo explained calmly.
The other party interrupted her impatiently and said dismissively, "Save your words for the castle. Come with us."
Hearing his forceful words, Kikyo frowned and instinctively turned to look at Retsu. Seeing him nod, Kikyo confirmed the suspicion in her heart and said to the lord's Vassal, "I understand."
From the moment this group arrived, Retsu noticed they were tainted with a thick evil energy. Even without knowing the plot, one could tell this group was not normal.
He knew Kikyo had obviously discovered their abnormality as well, which was why she agreed to their request without hesitation after he nodded in affirmation.
Seeing Kikyo agree, the Vassal nodded and pointed toward the center of the group; they had actually brought a Palanquin.
Without hesitation, Kikyo stepped forward, bent over, and sat inside the Palanquin.
Meanwhile, Retsu also followed by Kikyo's side, intending to go along. At this, the Vassal saw Retsu's movement, frowned, and reached out to stop him, "You—"
Just as he spoke, he saw the crimson three-tomoe Sharingan in Retsu's eyes. His body stiffened, and he suddenly said with a dazed expression, "...Follow then!"
The surrounding Samurai and soldiers had intended to act upon seeing the Vassal's move, but he suddenly agreed to the other's following. Although these Samurai and soldiers didn't understand, they stopped their movements and made way.
Already sitting in the Palanquin, Kikyo had been worried that Retsu would clash with them and was about to ask for him to follow. To her surprise, the Castle Lord's Vassal suddenly changed his tune after just one look from him.
Watching Retsu walk to the side of the Palanquin with a calm face, Kikyo couldn't help but ask curiously in a low voice, "How did you do it?"
Retsu leaned close to the Palanquin curtain and uttered two words in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Genjutsu."
Hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in Kikyo's eyes. No wonder the other's attitude changed so quickly. She had thought he bribed them with money, but he had actually used Genjutsu.
The group soon set off. On the way, that Vassal acted as if he didn't see Retsu at all, ignoring him completely as he walked straight to Kikyo's Palanquin.
He explained to Kikyo, "The master of our Hitomi family, Lord Kagewaki, has been frail and sickly since childhood.
Not long ago, the previous lord passed away, and he inherited the position of Castle Lord, but his health has been getting worse lately.
Despite this, let alone a doctor, he doesn't even allow his Vassals to come within half a step..."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"