Li Mei stepped forward confidently, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I am truly honored and overjoyed to see such a wonderful celebration for my dear daughter," she began, her voice warm and charismatic. The guests, many of them Sect Leaders and important representatives from affiliated sects, smiled in response. The atmosphere remained light, though a subtle undercurrent of tension began to ripple through certain corners of the room.
Sect Leader Liang Feng, seated prominently near the stage, maintained his usual stoic expression, but his mind raced. He had planned to make a significant announcement this evening—his retirement, a decision that would shift the power dynamics within the Blazing Dawn Sect and beyond. The timing had been carefully considered. He intended to speak right after the festivities had settled, when his words would leave a lasting impression on all in attendance. Yet now, Li Mei had unexpectedly taken the stage before him. What was she trying to accomplish by stepping into the spotlight so early? What could she possibly be planning?
Li Mei continued, her tone shifting slightly to one of nostalgia. "It's moments like this that I miss my brother, Jinwei, and my sister-in-law, Elara, the most." Her words tugged at the crowd's sympathy, and murmurs of agreement swept through the hall. The tragic loss of Jinwei and Elara still weighed heavily on many, and her mention of them stirred emotions. "Even now, I can't help but feel sorrow when I think about their untimely passing last year. But more than that, I worry deeply for my dear niece, Edina."
Her gaze fell on Junior Edina, who stood still, her fingers tightening around her cane. She kept her expression neutral, but inside, her heart sank. Why now? she wondered. She recalled the painful memories of her parents' death, but her dread had less to do with grief and more with Li Mei’s intentions. She knew her aunt all too well—there was always a deeper motive. Edina's mind raced, trying to anticipate what bombshell Li Mei might drop in front of this gathering.
"As Edina’s guardian," Li Mei continued, her smile sweet but her eyes sharp, "I have always felt a deep responsibility to ensure her future is bright and secure. It’s something that has weighed heavily on my mind." The crowd was hanging on her every word now, their curiosity piqued. What was Li Mei getting at? "And after much thought, I have come to a decision. One that I believe will ensure the prosperity of both Edina and our family."
Junior Edina’s pulse quickened. Here it comes. She mentally braced herself, knowing that whatever her aunt was about to say would undoubtedly shake the foundation of her carefully laid plans.
Li Mei’s smile grew wider, her voice taking on a warm, almost celebratory tone as she addressed the crowd. She turned slightly, as if offering a precious gift to the assembled guests. "I am delighted to announce that I have arranged for my beloved niece, Edina, to be betrothed to Young Master Gu Tianlong of the esteemed Tianlong Merchant Family!" Her words lingered in the air, drawing immediate murmurs and gasps of surprise from the audience.
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"It is unfortunate that the Tianlong family could not join us today, due to the reduced number of guests," she continued, her tone filled with regret yet satisfaction. "However, the Tianlong family was overjoyed when I shared the news of this arrangement. I have carefully considered Young Master Tianlong’s character, and I believe he will make a fine husband for my dear niece." Li Mei paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the room to gauge the reaction before delivering the final blow. "With this marriage, I can rest assured that Edina’s future is secure. As soon as she comes of age, she will have a devoted husband by her side."
Her words were met with nods of approval and scattered applause from the crowd, but not everyone shared in the joy.
Junior Edina stood frozen in place, her face betraying none of the storm raging inside her. She knew she couldn’t publicly object—it would make her appear ungrateful and disrespectful in front of such esteemed guests. Any protest would not only damage her reputation but also solidify her aunt’s control over the situation.
Her eyes flicked toward Sect Leader Liang Feng, silently pleading for intervention. But to her dismay, he sat with his usual stoic expression, giving no indication of support or disagreement. His face was unreadable, offering no comfort or hope. It seemed, at least for now, Edina was on her own.
Richard, standing nearby, was the first to break the silence between them. "Was this the announcement you had me attend for, Your Highness?" He sounded eager, ready to congratulate her if she confirmed it. Before Edina could respond, Chuang Chi, holding a glass of wine, chimed in with a sarcastic smirk. "Oh, surely, Mister Rin. Our lovely, cunning young mistress must be thrilled by this," she said, her tone dripping with irony.
Richard, catching the sarcasm in her voice, promptly silenced himself and looked back at Edina, unsure of what to say next. However, before anyone else could speak, a wave of guests swarmed toward Edina, eager to congratulate her on the sudden betrothal. Their words of well-wishing only added to the overwhelming pressure.
On the other side of the room, Sect Leader Liang Feng’s eyes were fixed on Li Mei. She met his gaze with a sly, knowing smile. "Aren’t you pleased, Father? I’ve taken such extreme care in securing my dear niece’s future," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Sect Leader Liang Feng’s inner qi surged, his anger threatening to burst forth. But he remained composed, maintaining his expressionless facade. "It seems like a logical decision," he replied, his voice as controlled as his outward appearance.
He understood exactly why Li Mei had made the announcement at this moment. If she had brought it up at any other time, he could have insisted that such a significant matter be discussed in the presence of all key members, and perhaps postponed it indefinitely. But by announcing it in front of hundreds of guests, she had effectively cornered him. Now, any objection would not only be unseemly but nearly impossible to justify without causing a scene.
Though he was the sect leader and Edina’s grandfather, Li Mei’s position as Edina’s legal guardian gave her the upper hand in this matter, leaving him with little recourse.
After allowing the crowd’s excitement to settle, Liang Feng took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. His expression remained calm, but his mind was racing. Since he couldn’t interfere with Edina’s betrothal directly, there was still one card left to play, a move that could potentially give her the power to break the engagement herself.
With a steady voice, he announced his long-awaited retirement and the official commencement of the race for ascension. The decision to pass on leadership of the sect was not made lightly, but now, more than ever, it was crucial. If Edina’s faction could win the race and secure her position as the next Sect Leader, she would have the authority to dissolve the engagement on her own terms. It was a way to protect her future from Li Mei’s machinations.