She unveiled the sword, its blade gleaming under the light of the lanterns. The hilt was intricately designed, bearing the crest of the Shining Blade Sect—a symbol of their enduring legacy and commitment to martial excellence.

Tian Lian accepted the sword with a solemn nod, his expression one of determination and pride. The hall erupted into applause as he held the weapon aloft, signifying his readiness to embrace his role within the sect.

Throughout the ceremony, Junior Edina remained mostly silent, her eyes occasionally meeting those of Princess Huangshu.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the guests began to disperse. Junior Edina, along with Princess Huangshu, exchanged polite farewells with those around them. It wasn't long before Edina found herself with her aunt Li Mei, her uncle, and their children.

Together, they made their way out of the Shining Blade Sect and began their journey back to the Blazing Dawn Sect.

After a few days in Blazing Dawn Sect on a Tuesday,

As Senior Edina woke up, she looked around the room and smiled. She was finally back. As she started reading Junior Edina’s letter, a routine she had grown accustomed to, she sighed.

The invitation to the coming-of-age ceremony at the Shining Blade Sect had cost them an entire month. Yet, on second thought, it had been a blessing in disguise. Junior Edina had managed to get close to Princess Huangshu and secure the purchase of a sect in the Dongu region. These achievements would not have been possible without the chain of events set in motion by that ceremony.

Once she finished reading the letter, Senior Edina took her cane. As she was about to get up, Lian Hua, as usual, opened the sliding door to help her get ready for the day.

“Young Mistress Edina,” Lian Hua began, “the Sect Leader has asked all the children to come to his office for a one-on-one lesson on accounting since you and Young Mistress Lin are now responsible for your own finances.”

Senior Edina nodded, understanding the underlying intentions. Grandfather Liang Feng must want to talk to her privately. Simply calling her in would draw the attention of Aunt Li Mei and her spies, but under the guise of an accounting lesson, they could converse without raising suspicion.

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“Shall we, Young Mistress?” Lian Hua asked, her tone gentle yet professional.

Senior Edina smiled at her maid, appreciating her loyalty and support. “Yes, let’s go,” she replied, taking Lian Hua’s offered hand for support.

As they walked through the sect’s corridors, Senior Edina noticed the bustling activity around her. Disciples were training rigorously in the courtyards, their shouts of effort and the clang of weapons creating a lively atmosphere. The scent of blooming flowers from the well-tended gardens mingled with the crisp morning air, adding a touch of serenity to the scene.

Arriving at Grandfather Liang Feng’s office, Lian Hua gave a respectful bow before stepping aside to let Senior Edina enter. The office was filled with shelves of ancient texts and scrolls, a testament to the sect leader’s vast knowledge and wisdom. Liang Feng sat behind a large wooden desk, his piercing eyes softening as he saw Edina.

“Come in, Edina,” he said, his voice a blend of authority and warmth. “We have much to discuss.”

Senior Edina nodded and entered, taking a seat opposite him. She knew that Grandfather Liang Feng was well aware of her recent activities—buying the Blazing Days Sect and joining forces with Princess Huangshu to form a new faction in the imperial succession race. After all, Lian Hua, who had been with her the whole time, must have reported everything to him. This was clearly why he wanted to meet her privately today.

“Edina, I heard you made a new friend during your stay at the Shining Blade Sect?” he said with a smile.

Senior Edina, as she looked him in the eye, had an emotional moment that she quickly hid. Ever since her reincarnation, she hadn’t had the chance to see Grandfather Liang Feng up close, as Junior Edina had dealt with most of the interactions. Today, seeing him so alive and well, she could barely control her emotions and was on the verge of tears. This feeling was even more profound than when she met Aunt Qin or Brother Shun.

“I did, Grandfather. Princess Huangshu!” Senior Edina tried her best to remain calm and act like Junior Edina. Grandfather Liang Feng smiled, pleased that she had made a friend.

“I can’t believe how much you have grown,” he said, laughing lightly. “I know you bought the Blazing Days Sect and are trying to form a faction with Her Highness. This makes me wonder—do you have ambitions? To compete for the sect leader position?”

Senior Edina’s guess had been correct; he had called her here for the reasons she had anticipated. She nodded in response.

Grandfather Liang Feng sighed deeply before continuing, “I see. I don’t understand why you’re going through all this trouble. You could have just supported your Uncle Mingfe if you disliked the idea of your Aunt Li Mei becoming the head.”

“I want to become the sect leader,” Senior Edina said firmly, offering no further explanation.

Grandfather Liang Feng leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. The room was silent, save for the faint rustling of the scrolls and texts lining the shelves. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting intricate patterns on the wooden floor.

“Very well, Edina,” Grandfather Liang Feng said, then paused, Grandfather Liang Feng’s gaze softened, a hint of pride in his eyes. “You have grown into a strong and determined young woman, Edina. Remember, you have my support.”

With sigh choosing his next words carefully. “I suppose you must know this.”

The weight of his next words hung in the air, leaving Senior Edina stunned. The gravity of the impending power shift and the sudden urgency of her ambitions washed over her, creating a palpable tension in the room.

“I am going to step down as the sect leader next month, on Lin’s birthday.”