Chapter 560: The Tranquil Facade

In the Warring States era, the scorching sun hung high, pouring its light unreservedly upon that ancient and mysterious land. A gentle breeze swept through, making the rice stalks in the fields rustle, yet beneath this tranquil facade, turbulent waves lurked in secret.

Naraku, the sinister villain who sought to rule the Warring States era, felt his fury burn like oil poured upon fire upon learning that the Wolf Clan's plot to seize Guo Yao to threaten Li An had failed. His narrow eyes gleamed with a cold light; seated in a dark cave, he curled his lips into a venomous smile as a new trap quietly took shape in his mind.

Soon, rumors spread like an invisible wind through the various villages. The villagers whispered among themselves, claiming Guo Yao carried a terrible curse, and that anyone who drew near her would be plagued by disaster. At first, only a few villagers pointed fingers behind her back, but as the rumors festered, more and more people began to believe this tale.

When Li An, Guo Yao, and Inuyasha's group arrived at a village, the villagers' reaction left them greatly astonished. The villagers, once warm and hospitable, now kept their distance as if they had spotted a plague god. Children were hurriedly pulled inside by my lord, and behind tightly shut doors and windows, pairs of terrified eyes peered through the cracks to secretly observe them.

"What is going on?" Kagome looked at the surrounding villagers with a puzzled expression, her clear eyes filled with incomprehension. As a girl who had traveled through time, she had grown accustomed to the various dangers of the Warring States era, yet this baseless rejection still left her bewildered.

Guo Yao's face turned very grim; she clutched Li An's hand tightly, her fingers turning slightly pale from tension. She could feel the villagers' hostile gazes, sharp as knives, piercing her heart. "Why... why do they speak of me this way?" Guo Yao's voice trembled slightly, tears of grievance glistening in her eyes.

Li An gently patted Guo Yao's hand and shielded her behind him, a hint of sternness in his gaze: "Yaoyao, do not worry; this must be Naraku's doing." His voice was steady and powerful, attempting to offer Guo Yao some comfort.

At that moment, Inuyasha crossed his arms, his brows knitted tightly, his pointed ears trembling slightly with anger: "Damn it! It must be that fellow Naraku scheming behind our backs; he only knows how to use such despicable tactics!" Inuyasha's temper was short and irritable, and he felt immense rage at Naraku's conspiracy.

Miroku stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face: "It seems Naraku is determined to deal with us this time; this move of his is indeed ruthless." Although Miroku was usually lecherous and flirtatious, when facing serious matters, he possessed his own capacity for thought.

Sango gripped the Hiraikotsu in her hands, her gaze resolute: "No matter what conspiracy he has, we will not fear him!" As a brave and decisive demon slayer, Sango never shrank from any challenge.

Li An looked at his companions around him, a warm current surging through his heart. He knew that no matter what difficulties they encountered, they would fight side by side. But at this moment, he was even more concerned about Guo Yao's feelings.

"Yaoyao, do not take these words to heart; together we will find Naraku and make him pay the price for his actions." Li An looked at Guo Yao tenderly, his eyes full of concern.

Guo Yao nodded slightly, forcing a faint smile: "Mm, I believe you." Although she still felt aggrieved in her heart, with Li An by her side, she felt much more at ease.