A Mu follows Master Li to learn traditional woodworking, starting with the most basic hand-planing techniques. Master Li sets a strict rule: if A Mu cannot plane the first surface flat, he will never be allowed to learn the next step. A Mu undergoes a long process of practice, progressing from crooked planing marks and uneven thickness to mastering perpendicular angles, square edges, and straight alignment, before tackling extremely thin pieces of wood. Under Master Li's strict instructions to 'keep the force low and steady, and follow the centerline,' A Mu gradually steadies his hands and learns to leave extra material, find the right rhythm, and plane in the direction of the wood grain.