The Art of the Single Knee

Qiu Yan’s expression turned thoughtful.

This woman rarely revealed her true intentions, perpetually calculating, always living behind a facade of performance.

In her presence, Xia Niansheng could only respond with an even more seasoned performance.

Seemingly delighted by her attention, Xia Niansheng eagerly seized the opportunity.

“Sect Leader… please, grant me this chance!”

Qiu Yan merely waved a hand gently, gazing with a hint of helplessness at the eager youth before her.

“I did indeed notice you quite early on…”

The youth’s eyes widened in delighted surprise, his unabashed admiration for her clear within their depths.

If this was merely a performance, then Xia Niansheng’s acting prowess and cunning were truly unfathomable.

Her suspicions, however, did not mean she was immune to the flattery.

Yet, maintaining a delicate balance had always been one of her methods for controlling people, so she allowed a hint of disdain to cross her face.

Xia Niansheng promptly lowered his head.

“Forgive me, Sect Leader… this disciple… was far too impatient.”

Seeing this expected reaction, Qiu Yan nodded.

“Cultivation demands patience, not impetuosity, but I can understand your feelings… I was indeed considering what you spoke of earlier, yet your current strength… is somewhat difficult to garner respect with.”

Xia Niansheng, having taken the bait, quickly shook his head and explained, “This disciple is well aware of my inherent flaws in talent, and over the past year, I have diligently worked without daring to slacken…”

He then fell silent for a few seconds, as if steeling his resolve.

“For Sect Leader, this disciple will seize first place in the Sect Grand Competition a few days from now!”

The greatest flaw in a youth of this age was their propensity to get carried away and act impulsively.

At this moment, Xia Niansheng appeared entirely swept up in the moment.

Yet, he harbored no concern that she would think less of him for it.

On the contrary.

To Qiu Yan, the more foolishly loyal an individual, the easier they were to control.

If he were flawless and without any openings, displaying a composure beyond his years, the deeply cunning Qiu Yan would only heighten her guard.

“For me?!”

Qiu Yan raised a delicate brow, her expression laced with doubt, and with one leg crossed over the other, her posture and expression exuded an aggressive allure.

Perhaps, to some, it was also highly seductive?

She had initially expected Xia Niansheng to sheepishly change his words, claiming it was to become a Saint Child.

After all, such intentions were not openly declared.

Nor did she believe this youth possessed such audacity.

However…

Xia Niansheng gritted his teeth and nodded, stating, “It is indeed for Sect Leader!”

Xia Niansheng’s declaration caused Qiu Yan to narrow her eyes once more; this time, she truly felt offended, and a genuine flicker of anger ignited within her.

If anyone else dared to speak to her in such a manner, she would have long since erupted in a temper, but perhaps it was due to the youth’s appealing appearance…

Naturally, it was also because he indeed held some leverage, so she did not truly erupt, but continued to await Xia Niansheng’s next words.

Seeing Qiu Yan offer no reaction, Xia Niansheng hastily explained, “This disciple said it was for Sect Leader, but it is merely my own one-sided desire, and I have never considered it a bargaining chip… Everything is because of this disciple; I wish to prove myself to the Sect Leader.”

Truth be told, Qiu Yan would not bear any burden from his words, but his statement carried a subtle sense of pressure.

This was an attitude she was unwilling to tolerate, and it was the true reason for her anger.

Xia Niansheng’s explanation, though brief, successfully avoided the pitfall.

A youth who, perhaps, understood her to some extent?

And a man, no less?

Qiu Yan inexplicably found herself amused, a smile gracing her lips, exuding charm in that very moment.

“To prove yourself? In what capacity?”

This question was highly aggressive, even verging on flirtatious.

An ordinary man might have lost his head because of Qiu Yan’s words.

Xia Niansheng remained calm, understanding precisely how far he needed to go at this moment.

“To prove I am worthy of standing beside the Sect Leader,” Xia Niansheng stated firmly, his tone imbued with unwavering resolve.

This was the answer Qiu Yan wanted to hear; truthfully, from the moment they met…

She had been thoroughly satisfied with Xia Niansheng’s performance.

“Then what about your master? Does Duan Xi Shen know you think this way?”

Xia Niansheng’s expression showed a flicker of panic, as if he had not expected Qiu Yan to bring up his master at such a moment.

In reality, this was also part of Xia Niansheng’s calculations.

He hesitated for a few seconds.

“…Master, Master does not know.”

“Then aren’t you being utterly disloyal?!” Qiu Yan suddenly reprimanded him sharply, the full weight of her Sect Leader’s authority bearing down on Xia Niansheng.

Xia Niansheng appeared startled, and the next second, he dropped to one knee.

“This disciple… this disciple is not being disloyal!”

“How can you say such a thing?!”

Fickle and unpredictable had always been Qiu Yan’s style.

She relished in anticipating others’ reactions before she changed her own expression.

Xia Niansheng’s reaction struck a chord within her.

“Because…” Xia Niansheng, who had been lowering his head, suddenly lifted it, as if gritting his teeth and making a firm decision, “Because this disciple’s admiration for my master is different from my admiration for the Sect Leader; it’s not that I haven’t considered respecting my master.”

Qiu Yan wore a playful, almost imperceptible smile.

“Oh? And what kind of admiration is that?”

“That kind of admiration… that kind of admiration is the reason this disciple is willing to kneel on one knee at this moment, but not both!”

At this moment, Xia Niansheng’s heart was calm, even sneering internally.

‘Two knees are for someone you don’t deserve; the single knee is because one day, you will kneel before me, and I will repay you in full.’

Of course, after Xia Niansheng’s careful groundwork, these words were profoundly meaningful.

It was the reason for kneeling on one knee, yet refusing to kneel on both.

Qiu Yan had to admit, this youth was far too audacious.

Such words, at this moment, were tantamount to a confession.

A confession to her?

Refusing to kneel on both knees meant he was unwilling for her to subconsciously look down on him, likely stemming from that ridiculous and pathetic male pride.

The pride a man holds when facing a woman he admires.

No one had ever dared to speak to Qiu Yan in such a way.

Although her appearance had always been stunning to behold, her temperament and talent virtually deterred every man lacking self-awareness.

It had to be said, this youth masterfully judged the boundaries.

He had cleverly played his hand with perfect timing.

This level of confession, while it might cause Qiu Yan to scoff, was entirely insufficient to provoke her into a shameful fury.

“Such matters… you may speak of them after the Grand Competition,” Qiu Yan’s expression abruptly settled into calmness.

A look of delighted surprise bloomed on Xia Niansheng’s face.

“This is…”

“This merely signifies that I’ve given you a chance.” To prevent him from getting carried away, Qiu Yan interrupted Xia Niansheng.

Xia Niansheng showed no disappointment; the expression on his face remained radiant, as if receiving this opportunity were a divine blessing.

Qiu Yan propped her chin on her hand, her posture languid yet devoid of idleness.

“Granting you this opportunity cannot be considered a reward; think of another reward.”

Xia Niansheng seemed poised to say something else, but Qiu Yan impatiently waved a hand.

“I do not wish to repeat myself on this matter.”

Only then did Xia Niansheng cease speaking.

Regarding the reward, he had never intended to forgo it; everything was merely a performance orchestrated based on his understanding of Qiu Yan.

“In that case… then…”

Xia Niansheng hesitated for a long moment.

“This disciple is just shy of a breakthrough and wishes to request two medicinal ingredients from the Sect Leader.”

****