Clue

Nie Gan soon found Uncle Xing at his home, as usual. It was a modest, one room house in the outer district of Gray Road City. While it wasn't as luxurious as the inner district, nor as safe, the particular neighborhood where Uncle Xing lived was one of the nicest ones in the outer district. The streets were not irregular, and the stench of waste and feces did not cover the area, unlike most outer district neighborhoods.

He pushed the door open and entered, something he was used to doing. Strangely, he found Uncle Xing was in the company of a handsome, middle aged man with a full, graying beard. There were some wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, but overall he looked well preserved.

Upon seeing him, Nie Gan was on guard. He recognized the Foundation Establishment aura coming off him. Clearly, he was making no attempt to conceal it. Otherwise, he would have looked just like a mortal. No Foundation Establishment cultivator was an ordinary individual. Even though the Nie Clan posed a deterrent to them, he did not doubt that some of the bolder ones would dare harm a Nie Clansman if there was enough reason.

Both men stopped their game of chess once they saw him, although it was very likely both had felt him approaching from hundreds of feet away.

"Ah Gan, what a surprise. Come, sit. This is my friend, Deputy Chief Constable Duan." Introduced Uncle Xing, causing Nie Gan's guard to lower by a bit. The Constabulary was under the jurisdiction of the clan. In fact, it was highly likely that this Deputy Chief Constable had known his father personally.

"You must be Old Xing's apprentice. He has spoken much about you." The middle aged man said, taking a sip of tea afterwards and pouring some for Nie Gan in a gesture of friendliness. His demeanor gave one the feeling that they were in the presence of a long lost friend.

"Junior Nie Gan greets Deputy Chief Constable Duan." He bowed to the man, curious to know the reason behind his presence. Uncle Xing had never mentioned him, so their friendship seemed a bit out of the blue for Nie Gan.

The older man nodded before proceeding to make his move on the board. From Uncle Xing's facial expression, Nie Gan knew he was in a tough spot. Oddly, the black pieces Constable Duan was playing with were fewer. He supposed that he had sacrificed them to obtain a favorable position.

"I wonder what brings you here. Also, feel free to sit down with us" Said Uncle Xing, trying to buy himself some time to come up with the most optimal move.

"I need some help to decipher the meaning of a poem." Confessed Nie Gan, sitting down per Uncle Xing's instruction.

"A poem? I don't dare say that I am a master poet, but I have somewhat dabbled in poetry. Perhaps I can help." Interjected Constable Duan, a slightly joyous grin on his face.

"I didn't know Brother Duan enjoyed poetry too. Now, what's the poem?"

"In the realm where stars hold their sway,

A fierce spirit emerges, come what may,

With fiery eyes that pierce the night,

A presence bold, a majestic sight.

With each passing breathe anew,

Life's symphony finds its debut,

Whispers of change upon the breeze,

A harmonious interplay with ease." He recited, hesitating after every line. His memory as a cultivator was pretty good, yet a slight change in wording could alter the meaning of the poem. It was true he could have taken the jade slip out, but he did not want Constable Duan to suspect anything.

Upon listening to the poem, pensive expressions appeared on the faces of both men. Constable Duan even started repeating the first verse under his breath. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Uncle Xing finally spoke.

"I have never come across this poem. Was it you who wrote it?"

"Me, a poet? You surely are growing senile Uncle Xing." Nie Gan chuckled. He had never held much interest in scholarly disciplines. In his eyes, only what could be turned into tangible things was worth learning. However, he did recognize that there was a need for such fields and forms of art to exist. It was just that he did not consider it necessary for him to learn them. Naturally, he did know how to read, write, and even had quite a bit of knowledge when it came to history, art and other subjects. This was a result of his upbringing as a clansman of a noble clan.

"I think I have a vague idea of what it's talking about. The first verse talks about the realm of stars. It must be referring to the sky and the changes in it. Although it does not mention the moon, one can infer it indirectly links to it. Twelve lunar months make one year." Interpreted Constable Duan.

"How do you know exactly that it's talking about time?" Questioned Nie Gan, dubious about the validity of the older man's interpretation.

"From the second line, which talks about a fierce spirit emerging. This can be interpreted as a tiger or a dragon. In short, the first verse is most likely talking about the coming of the year of the tiger. The second verse supports this by also hinting to a date, which is more than likely referring to a solar term. My best guess is the beginning of spring." Constable Duan's insightfulness had left both Nie Gan and Uncle Xing stunned. It seemed he was being modest when he said he had dabbled in poetry.

"I must admit this is beyond my old self's knowledge, but I must say that a fierce spirit could also be referring to a dragon." Added Uncle Xing, who had been silent for a while.

His comment caused Constable Duan to nod in agreement before shrugging his shoulders. For about three breaths, he formulated his answer to this comment.

"Brother Xing is right. I am afraid that you will have to contemplate both interpretations as true. However, I must still say that my original one feels like the likeliest to be true. I would not necessarily describe the dragon as a fierce spirit in a poem, although that might just be my style." Confidently reaffirmed Constable Duan.

"I must thank both seniors." He bowed, expressing his gratitude. Constable Duan's help had been invaluable. He thought back to the map that came along with the poem. If the poem was referring to a date, the year of the tiger's beginning of spring, more specifically, then it must mean that he had to be at the place at the correct time to presence what Nie Sang wanted him to see.

"No need, no need. But I must say, I am quite curious to know who the poem was written by, and why you need to decipher the meaning."

Faced with Constable Duan's question, Nie Sang did not want to not give him face by not answering, but he also wasn't keen on sharing the poem's origins. Thus, he came up with white lie.

"My father wrote the poem. It's nothing important, really. It's just that I promised him to take care of his Osmanthus tree. As you are probably aware, he had a hobby of using aromatherapy to calm the mind and aid in cultivation. This must be the best date to harvest the Osmanthus flowers and start the process of extracting the oil." Answered Nie Gan, putting off a nonchalant, secure facade in hopes that the older man would buy it.

His answer surprised Constable Duan, but he looked convinced enough, much to Nie Gan's relief. It was true that Nie Sang had indeed had such a hobby. It also wasn't that strange. Cultivation was highly impacted by psychological factors, and hence, highly personal. Some incredibly gifted individuals throughout history had failed to achieve anything noteworthy just because their minds had been afflicted by trauma or loss.

There were also some particular flavors, sights, or in this case fragrances that brought back certain memories. These varied from individual to individual. Constable Duan's only guess was that the osmanthus fragrance brought Nie Sang back to a period of his life when he had been much more carefree, allowing him to cultivate efficiently even in stressful situations.

"I see."

"Ah Gan, truthfully Brother Duan and I have been discussing. He is willing to support your claim to the status of Scion in the Clan Assembly, if you are willing to listen to him." Revealed Uncle Xing. While he was not in on Nie Lan's scheme, he knew that Nie Gan was not restoring the puppet out of mere love for art.

His words caught the younger man off guard. He had not expected this, but it was also good. Having his own supporters would lessen his dependence on Nie Lan and her faction. Nie Dong already figured among them.

"You see, I am in quite a tough spot. Nie Yan's fianceé turns out to be the daughter of the Clan Guard's Captain. That old hag will surely squeeze him for benefits. Unfortunately, the budget allocated to security is much harder to raise than it is for its distribution to be changed. Basically, my Constabulary will be butchered in benefit of the Clan Guard. Both factions are important, but my Constabulary is responsible for guaranteeing the security of the common citizens of Gray Road City and its surroundings, regardless of status or affiliation. Imagine the tremendous repercussions this will have in law enforcement. Crime will run rampant; we are already operating on a tight budget!" Complained Constable Duan, trying to get Nie Gan's sympathy. He achieved it effectively.

"This sounds like a massive conflict of interest. Wouldn't the Clan Assembly object to it?" Added Nie Gan, feeling that Constable Duan's worries were unfounded, at least from what he knew regarding the Clan Assembly. In spite of this, he was still aware that he lacked any sort of experience regarding such matters.

"They aren't really affected directly. Few of those cowards will stand up for anything concerning the common folk, especially if it means offending the Clan Head, which Nie Yan is likely to win."

"What about Nie Shan? You surely could have reached out to him." This was the part that raised Nie Gan's alertness. As he saw it, Constable Duan probably saw a chance to manipulate him at will to benefit his Constabulary. That should be his main motive.

"Brother Duan's appointment back then was heavily objected to by Nie Shan on the basis that he was just an external clansman. Naturally, Lord Nie Sang did not heed his complaints." Uncle Xing's words once again revealed the rift between statuses that existed between external and blood related clansmen. Even someone at the Foundation Establishment realm was not exempt.

"He probably wanted one of his supporters appointed in my stead, but it ended up backfiring." Speculated Constable Duan, a ruthless look in his eyes. His stance was very clear. He would rather risk his position by supporting a nobody like Nie Gan than concede to those who had previously held bad intentions towards him.

"Thank you Senior for trusting me. I hereby swear that I will fight for the Clan Head position to the very best of my ability. Were I to earn it, I will repay the kindness and animosity shown to me in kind." Swore Nie Gan, unable to conceal his smile. It seemed like he finally had his own cards to play. He just had to make the most of the ones he had been dealt. He needn't say that he wished to keep this in secret until the Clan Assembly, both Uncle Xing and Constable Duan understood that was a given.

After a moment of silence, Constable Duan clasped his hands at Nie Gan, acknowledging his promise. He said nothing as he checkmated Uncle Xing with one move, proving that all along, he could have done so, but refrained so as to not make it too boring. Standing up, he gave one last look at the old man and young man, before stepping out and soaring to the sky.

Nie Gan's gaze contained great respect and longing for the strength of the Foundation Establishment realm. Upon reaching the Foundation Establishment realm, every clansman was given an important position, and could participate in the Clan Assembly.

"You did not tell the truth." Observed Uncle Xing after some time, his gaze containing a barely concealed hint of curiosity.

"No, but here it is. I hope Uncle Xing can help me identify which place the map depicts." He confessed, tossing him the jade slip he had received from his father. Between them, there were few secrets.

"Huh? This seems to be the map of one of the Prefectures of the State of Qiangnan!" Exclaimed Uncle Xing, his eyes lighting up.

"State of Qiangnan? I wasn't aware Uncle had traveled there."

"I haven't, but take a look at this. It's a map left behind by an old friend who was an information broker." Uncle Xing said as he tossed out a similar jade slip. Nie Gan caught it and sent his spiritual sense inside. A massive map appeared in his mind. It did not contain much detail, but the scale was clearly enormous. Twenty one territories were contained within, each with a marker indicating their capital. It just so happened that the shape of one of those territories matched the map left behind by Nie Sang almost perfectly, with the exception that it was much less detailed.

"What could it be leading to?"

"I do not know. As I said, I have never gone there."

"We could ask that friend of yours." As soon as he proposed this he regretted it. Uncle Xing's expression turned a bit somber as he shook his head.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. The State of Qiangnan did not become the superpower it is by sheer luck. He was executed by sleeper agents of the military police some years ago in Golden Lamp City. Such is the fate of all deserters." His words carried a great implication. Golden Lamp City was the capital of the Golden Wreath Dynasty, and the Empress' seat of power. Killing was strictly forbidden. The fact that the forces of a foreign power dared to do so meant that they completely disregarded her authority.

Such was the strength of the State of Qiangnan. This piqued Nie Gan's curiosity toward this odd superpower, of which he had only known the name and rough position in the map before.

"In order to venture out of the Golden Wreath Dynasty, I need to reach the Foundation Establishment realm." He thought, feeling quite mortified. It was no easy feat. People like Uncle Xing who had failed to step into foundation Establishment were not uncommon, it was just that most died as a result. With his low talent, he could not help but worry.

"You shouldn't worry too much about this. Currently, you should focus on your puppeteering skills. Garnering support is of no use if you don't have the strength to keep it." Uncle Xing's words brought him back to earth, as always.