Smooth Sailing

In the dead of night on a large sailing vessel, a lone figure was seated on the roof of the observation deck. 

After an unknown amount of time was spent in meditation, Taira finally opened his eyes and let out a disappointed exhale.

He knew that cultivating once he reached the sovereign realm would be more difficult, but he had underestimated just how painstakingly slow it would be.

As of now, trying to advance through normal means was like trying to fill an Olympic swimming pool with only one drop of water at a time.

Unbeknownst to him, he was finally understanding what it felt like to be a regular cultivator for the first time in his life.

"Seeing someone like you upset about your progress is a bit of a slap in the face to the rest of us."

Looking back over his shoulder from an impossible angle, Taira stared at his mother in law with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"What? Surprised that I could sneak up on you?"