On the path to immortality, I can see destiny.

The cool, tingling sensation from the wound under Zhao Fan's ribs continued, gradually easing the pain in his body.

He slowly exhaled a breath of foul air, tinged with the smell of blood, and shifted his gaze from Sun Yao's calm and unwavering eyes.

Why?

Zhao Fan's voice was still hoarse, but much clearer, each word carrying the weakness of someone severely injured.

"Miss Sun and I are complete strangers. I was the one who bumped into you when you fell off the cliff, so I'm the one who dragged you down with me. Instead of being angry, you used such a miraculous medicine to save me. Surely it's not because we share the same fate, or because you like me?"

He asked directly, his gaze fixed on Sun Yao. There's no such thing as a free lunch, especially in the cultivation world.

He was certainly grateful for being saved, but there must have been a price behind this kindness, especially after he had just survived a life-or-death ordeal caused by a mistaken identity, which he firmly believed.

Sun Yao seemed to have anticipated his question, and the faint hint of mockery on her face had vanished, replaced by a deep, calm expression.

She didn't answer immediately, but turned slightly to look in the direction from which the roaring sound of water came from outside the curtain of water.

"Saving you will surely be of use to me."

She turned her head, her words were very calm, devoid of any warmth.

"As you just guessed, that group of people, or rather, the person they're really looking for, is most likely me. What they want is related to my purpose for this trip."

She paused, seemingly considering her words, but her tone remained calm.

"I need to go to a place to retrieve something. That place is a bit troublesome; it's protected by a barrier that can't be broken by one person alone."

"And this place is not far from here."

Sun Yao's gaze refocused on Zhao Fan's face, with a scrutinizing look in her eyes.

"According to the fragmentary map I obtained, it was a temporary cave dwelling left behind by a Foundation Establishment cultivator who passed away several hundred years ago."

A Foundation Establishment cultivator's cave dwelling!

Zhao Fan's heart skipped a beat. Even though he was severely injured and weak, the impact of this word was still enormous.

Foundation Establishment cultivators are figures that one can only look up to when he is a Qi Refining stage cultivator.

Even if the cave dwelling it left behind was just a temporary residence, the pills, cultivation techniques, magic weapons, and spirit stones it might contain could drive any Qi Refining cultivator crazy!

It's no wonder that people would go to great lengths to hunt down and rob them!

"Tell me what you need me to do."

After calming himself down and thinking for a moment, Zhao Fan finally spoke again.

"As shown in the incomplete map, the outer restriction there is a simplified variant of the Yin-Yang Two Elements Spirit Locking Array. It requires at least two people, each standing at one of the Yin-Yang array eyes, to simultaneously inject spiritual power of different attributes in order to briefly open the passage. And the opening time is extremely short."

Sun Yao confirmed his guess.

"My cultivation method is more gentle, so I need someone to use their powerful and domineering spiritual energy to attack another key point of the formation."

She looked Zhao Fan up and down, her gaze lingering for a moment on the wound on his ribs where ointment had been applied and on his pale face.

"I think you won't reject me now, right?"

Sun Yao spoke casually, yet with an undeniable air of control.

Zhao Fan felt a chill creep up his spine. Yes, he was now critically injured and on the verge of death, his spiritual energy depleted, his magical artifacts destroyed, and his life and death completely in this woman's hands.

Since she frankly admitted that she needed him to break the restriction, she was at least safe until the restriction was broken.

But what happens after the danger is broken? If there is danger in the cave, I will be the best stepping stone. If I gain benefits, will she let me go? Or will she abandon me after using me, or even silence me?

As for refusing, he no longer had the right to refuse. Sun Yao could save him, and she could easily kill him as well.

Zhao Fan had never heard of the Jade Ointment before. Who knew if it was a holy medicine for healing or had some other effect?

In a short moment, countless thoughts swirled in Zhao Fan's mind. In such a desperate situation, this might be the only chance of survival, or even an incredible opportunity!

But along with the opportunity comes a deeper crisis and uncertainty.

He took a deep breath, which aggravated his wound, causing another dull pain in his chest.

But his gaze gradually calmed down, becoming sharp and firm. Since he had no other choice, he had to fight for the greatest protection and benefit for himself!

"Ms. Sun told me the truth, and Mr. Zhao admires her."

Zhao Fan spoke slowly, his voice still weak, but with a hint of negotiation in it.

"Young lady saved my life, a debt I will never forget. Assisting you in breaking the restrictions and exploring the cave is my duty, and it is my way of repaying you. However…"

He looked up and stared directly into Sun Yao's calm eyes.

"Since the cave dwelling was left by a Foundation Establishment senior, there may be unknown dangers within. My strength is now less than one-tenth of what it used to be. If you need my help, shouldn't you also give me some means to protect myself?"

"Why don't I wait until I've recovered some of my spiritual energy to treat my other external injuries?"

"Furthermore, if we are fortunate enough to break the seal and enter the cave, what are your plans for the spoils...?"

Sun Yao listened quietly, her face showing no surprise or anger, as if Zhao Fan's reaction was entirely within her expectations.

Sun Yao waited patiently for him to finish speaking before nodding slightly.

"That's natural. Your injuries are severe and won't heal quickly. My Jade Ointment will last for six hours, which is enough to stabilize your injuries and restore some of your mobility."

"As for the depletion of spiritual energy, if you don't have any spirit stones, I can lend you a few to restore your spiritual energy. However, this place is not safe, so we need to leave here first and then make further plans."

Zhao Fan's eyes flickered as he pondered for a moment, but he couldn't come up with a good solution. At this moment, he couldn't afford to offend either those tribulation cultivators or Sun Yao in front of him.

Sun Yao seemed to be someone who could be negotiated with a little, so going with her was the best option.

However, the cave dwellings of Foundation Establishment cultivators are extremely attractive to any Qi Refining cultivator, and Zhao Fan is no exception.

"If we successfully get in, how should the contents be divided?"

Zhao Fan looked at Sun Yao's fair neck and asked softly.

Sun Yao looked at him, and a hint of something unfathomable seemed to flash in her clear eyes, as if she appreciated his persistence, or as if she didn't care about his bargaining.

The corners of her lips seemed to curve almost imperceptibly, so quickly that one might mistake it for an illusion.

"If you successfully enter, you may choose one treasure from within, as long as it is not something I absolutely need."

"As for the rest, I'll take 70%, and you'll get 30%. If there are any cultivation techniques or manuals, we can share the cost of making copies. Are you willing to accept these terms?"

Choose one item first, reap 30% of the rewards, and share the techniques.

Each and every one of these things deeply moved Zhao Fan.

The cave dwelling of a Foundation Establishment cultivator is definitely dangerous, but if Sun Yao can keep her promise, she will surely gain something in return.

Moreover, and most importantly, he has no leverage to refuse.