Chapter 342: Xu Jingming

Sacred Maiden!

The most sacred and pure goddess of Sakura Country, the object of fervent devotion for countless young men!

Yet now, she knelt before Xu Jingming in the most humiliating posture.

If the people of Sakura Country saw this scene, they would surely feel their worldview shattered, even refusing to believe it.

But the truth was exactly this.

"This..." Xu Jingming was also somewhat stunned.

He had already prepared himself mentally for this to be a trap.

Yet he never expected this to truly be a reverse contract that controlled Sakura Rin's life!

And the effect was beyond imagination!

With a mere thought, he could control Sakura Rin's life or death.

Through this reverse contract, he could even faintly sense Sakura Rin's emotional responses.

Tension and shame dominated her reactions, yet beneath them, a faint trace of longing?

Hm?

Xu Jingming understood the first few emotions, but what did this lingering longing mean?

Shaking his head, Xu Jingming didn't dwell on it and spoke to Sakura Rin:

"Having your life controlled is more painful than being killed on the spot.

I can tell you have some goal left unfulfilled, otherwise you wouldn't act this way.

But I don't care—I only want your loyalty."

Xu Jingming knew his charm wasn't great enough to make a rare S-rank ability awakener abandon her dignity and become a servant.

Especially not with his current appearance.

Having reached this point, he realized Sakura Rin was deeply obsessed with something.

Her attachment to this matter outweighed even her own life.

"No need to kneel. Stand up." Xu Jingming waved his hand.

To be honest, he found her behavior genuinely unsettling.

Especially since she was a woman who, in every way, was exceptionally beautiful.

"Thank you, Master."

Sakura Rin knew her life was no longer in immediate danger, and she relaxed slightly.

Rising from the ground, she bowed deeply: "Master, what task do you require of me? Give your command—I will fulfill it with all my strength."

The reverse contract was complete; even if she wished to retract, it was impossible.

Sakura Rin quickly adapted to her role and asked softly:

After the fierce battle, sweat had soaked through her battle suit.

It clung tightly to her body, outlining every taut, beautiful curve.

Added to her words promising to fulfill any demand, it was hard not to let one's imagination wander.

Yet after a moment of silence, Xu Jingming only said gravely:

"Your task is simple: train hard and seize control of the Tianyu Daochang, then the entire Sakura Country."

Since his transmigration, his ambitions had always been only two.

One: reach the pinnacle of Blue Star and ensure maximum safety for himself, his family, and friends.

The other: eliminate all ferocious beasts on Blue Star.

Both goals were undeniably difficult—even with the Deep Blue in his hands, he wasn't certain he could achieve them.

Sakura Rin was an accidental attempt, meant to gain a powerful, trustworthy ally for his future.

He could even use Sakura Rin to control Sakura Country and harness its entire national resources.

Of course,

If he grew strong enough to eliminate all ferocious beasts by his own power, he wouldn't need this backup plan.

Conversely, if he perished midway, everything would be lost.

"This..." Sakura Rin was astonished.

She had prepared herself for Xu Jingming to make countless excessive demands, yet she never expected his request to be so simple.

In truth, controlling the Tianyu Daochang and dominating Sakura Country had always been her ultimate goal.

After her surprise, Sakura Rin quickly regained her composure and bowed respectfully:

"Understood."

Pausing, she noticed Xu Jingming's aura and asked curiously:

"Master, you're a fourth-rank lower-tier ability awakener, right? Is your fourth-rank upper-tier aura an illusion?"

A month and a half ago, Xu Jingming had just ascended to fourth rank.

Aside from an aura-disguising combat technique, she couldn't imagine any other way to create such an impression.

Yet Xu Jingming's next reply stunned her:

"No. My rank is truly fourth-rank upper-tier."

"What?!"

Sakura Rin's eyes widened, her lips slightly parted, her heart surging with shock.

Fourth-rank upper-tier?

That meant Xu Jingming had advanced two ranks in just over fifty days??

What an astonishing advancement speed?!

She herself had taken a full year and a half to ascend from fourth-rank lower-tier to fourth-rank upper-tier.

"No wonder you're my Master—your talent is extraordinary!"

Amid her shock, a quiet joy stirred in her heart.

Having such a powerful Master, with relatively light constraints, wasn't entirely unacceptable.

At the same time, Sakura Rin finally understood why America was so desperate to kill Xu Jingming.

His talent was truly terrifying.

Once he matured, he could lead Great Xia to become the strongest nation on Blue Star!

After taking a deep breath, Sakura Rin continued:

"Master, may I return to the Tianyu Daochang team now?"

The Tianyu Daochang was her foundation—only by returning could she gain sufficient resources to grow stronger.

"No. You will remain in this cave until the end of this relic expedition, then rejoin the Tianyu Daochang group."

Xu Jingming shook his head and lifted the black Flowing Cloud Golden Blade Spear again:

"Also, to prevent you from escaping or calling for help, I will break your legs and arms, and seal your mouth."

Though Sakura Rin's life was under his control and she called him Master with clear submission,

no one knew what she truly thought inside.

If she chose to sacrifice her life to send a message to the Tianyu Daochang, it would be troublesome.

He didn't want to waste precious time dealing with the Tianyu Daochang team while trying to harvest ability points.

Besides, Sakura Rin had just swallowed a Grade Five Blood-Boosting Pill; after its effect faded,

she would be unable to use her ability for a long time.

Thus, imprisoning her in this hidden cave was the best solution.

With her fifth-rank ability awakener's physique, feeding her fresh water and food every three or four days would suffice.

"Huh?!!"

Sakura Rin's eyes widened—she immediately understood Xu Jingming's intent.

Such meticulous planning and ruthless methods—even as a prisoner—she couldn't help but admire inwardly.

Yet thinking of the horrific fate awaiting her—broken limbs, sealed mouth, imprisoned here—

she involuntarily shuddered and hurriedly said:

"My S-rank ability, the Spirit Summoning, upon forming a contract with a spirit, grants me a Spirit Space.

Even though the contract was reversed, I still possess a Spirit Space.

Master, simply place me inside it, and I will be completely isolated..."