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

The weight of Grandfather Liang Feng's 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.

“Ah.. wh..” Senior Edina was about to ask something when Grandfather Liang Feng continued, “I don’t want to end up like our esteemed Emperor. He refuses to give up his position even though his children are of age to easily succeed him. His children have started forming unofficial factions, and his court has already taken sides. It's only a matter of time before someone decides to start a rebellion.”

Senior Edina went silent as Grandfather Liang Feng continued, “It has already started happening in our sect. The Mu Family is in the first prince’s faction, even though our sect’s official stance is neutral. Lu Mingfe has the backing of Mount Hua.” He paused, his expression growing more serious. “My situation is already the same. I will not go down being stabbed in the back. I prefer to step down on my own terms, in a peaceful manner.”

Senior Edina fully understood his reasoning and nodded. “I was thinking of becoming the figurehead of your faction once I stepped down, but after some thought, it would be unfair to the other candidates since the affiliated sects would be forced to vote for your faction if the former sect leader joins you.” He paused and continued, “But since everyone else had a head start, it would be unfair to you. So, I decided to let you know now. Find a figurehead who can take the position until you come of age, Edina.”

The Blazing Dawn Sect was one of the first sects to implement the fairest method of succession in the central plains, a standard now adopted by most, if not all, other sects. Rather than a civil war or battles, a vote is taken among all the affiliated sects and branch sects to determine which faction they support after a year of the sect leader’s stepping down or death. This process allows for a fair succession and has been the way for thousands of years, ever since the central plains empire was founded and the sect became one of the nine great sects.

It would be a stain on its legacy if Liang Feng joined Edina’s faction as soon as he retired. It would appear unfair, so this solution seemed better. It gave Edina a head start since other candidates had been plotting far longer than she had.

In the Blazing Dawn Sect, one cannot become the sect leader if they aren’t of age, but a competent member of the candidate’s faction can serve as a regent until they come of age. This person is known as the figurehead of the faction. Since Edina is third in line for succession after her parents’ unfortunate death last year, she is qualified to have her own faction. Only the first five in line for succession are allowed to form their own factions, with additional exceptions made in special cases where the sect leader grants permission.

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The figurehead must be qualified enough to not be in a position subordinate to the other candidates, ensuring that they can’t be ordered around if the other candidates’ figureheads become regents. Therefore, Edina needs to find someone within the sect who is on equal standing with her aunt and uncle, someone respected and influential.

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.

Sect Leader Liang Feng smiled warmly at Edina. Though he had never considered her a likely successor, her recent efforts to change her situation had impressed him. Her determination and initiative had sparked a sense of pride in him.

“Well then, Edina,” he said with a chuckle, “let’s begin our accounting lesson—the real reason you’re here.”

After fifteen minutes of detailed explanations and practical exercises, Senior Edina exited Sect Leader Liang Feng’s office. The lesson, though framed as a practical necessity, had been an opportunity for her grandfather to gauge her understanding and commitment. She appreciated the subtleties of his approach, knowing he was giving her a chance to prove herself.

As she stepped out, she noticed Wei waiting nearby, looking nervous yet determined. Senior Edina remembered that Grandfather Liang Feng had summoned all the children for the accounting lesson to avoid raising suspicion from Aunt Li Mei. She gave Wei a simple nod before heading down the corridor.

Lian Hua, who had been patiently waiting for her outside, immediately stepped forward to offer support. With Lian Hua’s help and her cane, Edina walked through the halls of the sect. The corridors were bustling with activity, filled with disciples preparing for the day’s training and duties. The scent of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the fresh aroma of blooming flowers from the courtyard.

As they moved, Senior Edina couldn’t help but reflect on her conversation with her grandfather. The revelation of his impending retirement and the task of finding a suitable figurehead weighed heavily on her mind, like a storm cloud threatening to burst.

Once inside her room and after Lian Hua had left, Senior Edina placed her hand on her forehead and muttered, “Fuck.” The frustration coursing through her was palpable. Until now, she had been relying on her knowledge of the future to guide Junior Edina forward, even as some events unfolded differently from what she remembered.

But now, that option was slipping away. She had tried to keep her interventions minimal, aiming to preserve the future she knew. However, everything was changing. Grandfather Liang Feng's decision to step down would have far-reaching consequences throughout the central plains, as he was the head of one of the nine great sects. Senior Edina sighed heavily; her knowledge of future events was becoming increasingly useless.

The room was brightly lit, with shadows dancing across the walls as the sunlight filtered through the wooden lattice windows. Edina's mind raced, considering her next moves. She knew things that others did not, secrets and insights that could still be leveraged. She understood people in ways they couldn’t even fathom, and this might work in her favor.

One thing was certain: she no longer needed to be overly cautious. The future was already changing, and there was no point in holding back anymore. The knowledge of all 19 years into the future, not just the relevant parts, would now be her arsenal. No more careful steps; she needed to go all out if she wanted to change the future and prevent the impending threat from the demons of the underworld.

She stood up, feeling the weight of her cane in her hand, and looked around the room. The intricate designs on the walls, the carefully placed furniture, all seemed to blur as her focus sharpened on her new resolve. Her mind was a whirlwind of strategies and possibilities.