The scent of medicine spread beside the spring as the decoction bubbled in the earthenware pot, gradually reducing to half a bowl.
Lu Changfeng lifted the pot, strained the thick, black decoction into a bowl, and handed it to Bai Qianqian.
Bai Qianqian took the bowl without the slightest hesitation, tipped back her head, and drained it in one go.
As the medicine went down her throat, her brows knotted together, and her whole face crumpled like a sheet of paper crushed in a fist. She stuck out the tip of her tongue and sucked in several breaths. "So bitter."
"A little bitterness is good. It helps steady the mind."
Lu Changfeng took the empty bowl and set it aside, his expression turning solemn. "Let's begin."
Bai Qianqian nodded, rose, and walked into the cleared space in front of the house.
The suppression formation was already in place. Using the earth energy channeled by the Black Dragon Banner as its foundation, it formed a mountain marsh barrier. She stepped into its center, and her feet slowly sank into the formation. The earth and stone became as soft and clinging as a marsh, wrapping her firmly from her ankles to her waist, leaving only her chest and everything above it exposed.
Lu Changfeng followed her in and likewise sank halfway into it.
This formation was his fallback-if the backlash sent Bai Qianqian out of control during treatment, the Black Dragon Banner could instantly channel heavy earth to seal her in.
If necessary, it could seal him in as well.
He was no man who guarded his chastity like precious jade, but he could not accept taking advantage of someone in distress, especially a patient-that was a matter of medical ethics.
Looking at the two of them sunk into the mud, Bai