The sixth day of the Twelfth Month.
Chen Shu was on a video call with the Vice Sect Master.
The Vice Sect Master was an old man, after all. Though learned, young at heart, and familiar with modern culture and technology, video-calling him still felt a little strange. For one thing, he always sat so close to the camera that his face filled the entire Screen.
"Don't worry. This is normal. Nothing's gone wrong. Manifesting the Spirit Sea in reality depends heavily on getting a feel for it. Practice more and keep looking for that feeling.
"It isn't in the books, either, and it's hard for anyone else to teach you.
"The point is, the boundary between the Spirit Sea and reality lies along a single line. Once you find it and grasp it, you'll never forget it.
"You're progressing quickly already. There's no need to force it. If it really isn't working, take a day off and clear your head. The feeling might surface on its own, or you might find it easily next time by approaching it from another angle."
It gave Chen Shu a sense of déjà vu from learning to drive in his previous life and trying to find the clutch's biting point. This instructor, though, was refined and polite. He never yelled.
"Okay."
"Break's coming up, isn't it?"
"My last test is today. Once it's done, I'm off."
"Which subject?"
"Just a Spirit Sea test." Chen Shu paused. "I'll return to the sect tomorrow, then go home for New Year."
"Mm. Coming to the sect will be better. Some things are much easier to discuss face-to-face than over the internet." The Vice Sect Master nodded repeatedly. "At your pace, you might reach the beginner stage with your Spirit Form in the first half of next