Shen Mu Ning did not answer Cao Jin's question; he knew that his idea was wishful thinking.

So he finally voiced his thoughts, "You wouldn't control me to do anything bad, would you?"

What he feared most was death, especially the thought that Shen Mu Ning might silently force him to die.

This time, it was only when he went to the county town to find the Red-Letter Soldier that he discovered his abnormality.

If she wanted to die, then under control, neither he nor those around her would notice anything amiss.

He wanted to live, so he needed to understand her attitude towards him.

Shen Mu Ning had always thought that Cao Jin had guessed that she had killed Xu Yuan using strange methods, which was why she was so terrified.

She thought the reason Cao Jin's inner fear quickly overwhelmed his malice was because he was afraid that she would also die an unexplained death.

But after hearing his question, she realized that Cao Jin had misunderstood her.

In truth, the mental energy she left in his mind was only enough to make him forget the matter of her asking the Red-Letter Soldier.

There's also the issue of suppression; he wanted to find the Red Letter soldiers to help him take revenge on himself.

But in his mind, he seemed to think he could control him.

That's why when he had doubts about himself, he came directly back to the brigade to find him, instead of telling others about his doubts.

Although she didn't have this ability before reaching level seven, she wouldn't explain it, but instead played along.

"Actually, if you don't provoke me anymore, I won't care whether you live or die."

Although it didn't correct his cognitive error, this statement was indeed her thought.

What Cao Jin did had little impact on her, and she didn't need to kill him.

Upon hearing Shen Mu Ning's words, Cao Jin suddenly regretted asking her to come and discuss this matter today.

If I don't tell her, she won't know about this.

Now that she has something on him, would he still let himself live?

"And now? What will you do to me? Will you make me die?"

Actually, Cao Jin was overthinking it, regardless of whether Cao Jin would come looking for him today.

She wouldn't deal with him unless he harbored ill intentions towards her.

She was never a bloodthirsty person to begin with, and in this peaceful era, she would not easily use her abilities against innocent people.

However, since he has already misunderstood me, and it seems that there is already a plan.

She can also give him time to share his thoughts.

“Shen Zhiqing, look at me, I’m just a piece of mud that can’t be plastered on a wall. Dying at your hands would only dirty your hands.”

Now, to survive, he'll say anything that belittles himself.

"But I'm working with Xu Wenjie now, which might be of some use to you."

"I would gladly go through fire and water for you, just give the word."

He doesn't dare mention Xu Yuan anymore, fearing that if she finds out he knows too many of her secrets, she'll kill him to silence him.

Besides, Xu Yuan's matter was only his suspicion, and he dared not speak recklessly without verification.

However, if Xu Yuan was indeed killed by Shen Mu Ning, then he might actually have some value.

After all, he is now steadily working alongside Xu Wenjie and can interact with other group leaders every day.

As long as I can survive under Shen Mu Ning's control, I'll consider every extra day I live a bonus.

I'd be willing to be her lackey just to get her to let me go.

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Mu Ning realized that with her current abilities, she couldn't find anyone else to help her.

However, the things he wanted to investigate were all in the county town.

Although her little apprentice was there to keep watch, his constant comings and goings only increased suspicion.

If Cao Jin were truly brought under their command, at least the matter of relaying messages would not attract so much attention.

However, even if she had this idea, she would need to take another precaution.

Are you sure you're genuinely willing to do things for me?

As Shen Mu Ning's voice rang out, Cao Jin's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, calmed down slightly.

As long as she is still willing to talk to me, it proves that she is seriously considering my suggestions.

It's better than remaining silent and only pointing to the vitals.

"Of course I'd like to. You're so capable, it's my blessing to follow you."

Although that wasn't what he really thought.

He felt that even though Shen Mu Ning was very capable, she had no use for her skills in the countryside.

If she doesn't leave this place, she won't have better opportunities, and she won't achieve much in the future.

But her methods were enough to make him loyal, since his life was still in her hands.

Although Shen Mu Ning couldn't directly hear his thoughts at this moment, she could still detect a hint of reluctance in his voice.

But regardless of whether he's sincere or not, as long as I can make him sincere, that's enough.

"Alright, since you have this idea, I can certainly grant it to you, but I don't know if you're sincere or not."

Her deliberately lowered voice blended with the rustling of leaves in the woods as the wind blew through them.

From Cao Jin's perspective, it was still quite terrifying.

But he has no way out now; he must truly become Shen Mu Ning's subordinate in order to save his life.

Therefore, without even thinking, he blurted out, "Of course I'm sincere, and I'm willing to accept the test."

In his view, the test meant that if he passed tonight, they would see how he performed next.

Since he's already decided to help her, he definitely won't be perfunctory, so there's nothing to be afraid of.

But to his surprise, Shen Mu Ning did not play by the rules and immediately tried to implant a mental imprint on him.

"Alright, then let me plant a mental imprint in your mind."

Cao Jin didn't understand what a spiritual imprint was, and he didn't dare to agree casually; he still needed to understand it a little.

"What is a spiritual imprint? What are its effects? What happens if it fails?"

Even if he hadn't asked, Shen Mu Ning would have explained it to him anyway. She never expected him to be so good at grasping the key points now.

“A spiritual imprint is when I put my spiritual power into your mind and imprint a mark that is uniquely mine.”

"Its function is, firstly, to ensure your absolute loyalty to me, and secondly, to allow me to know your thoughts at any time."

Actually, there is a third function, which is to control his life and death.

However, since he already believed he had the ability to control him, why bother mentioning this function?

Keeping it a secret like this will also reassure him to do things for me.

Cao Jin didn't show much resistance when he heard the first point.

Anyway, he's a scoundrel; faith and loyalty are nothing compared to his life.

As for the second point, he found it somewhat difficult to accept.

Then Shen Mu Ning will know everything I'm thinking, and all my thoughts will be exposed to her.

So he asked, "So from now on, you'll know everything I'm thinking?"