What are some surprising / unusual successions of sect leaders and what were the circumstances under which they transpired?
For example, the Persia Ming Cult actually had a female leader who was chosen due to the good deeds they performed. I'm not sure there was any real benefit to the sect by choosing their leader in this way. Perhaps it helped halt leadership usurptions by ambitious members since only females subject to strict requirements were allowed.
Another is the Linghu Chong as leader of the Hengshan nun sect. This was quite an astounding appointment and due to Ding Yut being able to put the survival of her disciples and her sect above convention.