Luoyang.
Cao Mao practiced his swordsmanship as usual.
His longsword swept through the air with the force of a prowling tiger, sending out repeated whistles as it sliced through the air.
The Imperial Guards stood nearby, watching Cao Mao practice, but none dared step forward to disturb him.
After practicing for a while, Cao Mao took out a book and began leafing through it.
The book Cao Mao had taken out was a work on swordsmanship left behind by Cao Pi.
Swordsmanship had continued developing throughout antiquity. By the Wei-Jin period, it had evolved to include more moves, and even some extraordinary techniques had emerged, such as Catching a Blade Barehanded.
Deng Zhan, who had sparred with Cao Pi, had been particularly skilled at this extraordinary technique.
Cao Mao wanted to summon a master swordsman to instruct him, but none of the men the ministers recommended met with his approval.
These men had reputations but mediocre swordsmanship. Calling them swordsmanship enthusiasts would have been more fitting.
Zhang Hua, however, believed they should find someone from the military to serve as his teacher.
Cao Mao wholeheartedly agreed.
Wen Yang volunteered, expressing his willingness to teach him, but Cao Mao did not agree to that either.
With Wen Yang's build and strength, his swordsmanship was not something an ordinary person could learn. Even learning it might not prove useful; their physiques were different.
For the time being, Cao Mao practiced from the book Cao Pi had left behind, and spent the rest of his time continuing to exercise, making himself as healthy and strong as possible.
By the time Cao Mao finished his training for the day, sweat streamed down his back and had soaked his clothes. The palace officials hurried forward to wipe him down.
Cao Mao put away his sword