Chapter 7: An Eagle Cannot Be Raised in a Cage

Liu Zhan's wound was itchy, which was a sign of healing. The wound had already scabbed over. Liu Zhan knew this, of course; it was just an excuse.

Tong Yuan was treating the wound and could tell right away.

"Hmm, the wound is healing well. It's itching because it's almost healed. Just to be safe, let's apply more medicine."

"Thank you, Master. I was just worried about infection, which is why I thought of changing the dressing."

While Liu Zhan was tending to his wound indoors, things were lively outside. Zhao Yun, Gao Shun, and Zhang Liao were practicing on the training ground, swinging their weapons fiercely.

It turned out that the three young men of similar age got along well and often discussed martial arts. This led them to take up their weapons and spar.

First, Gao Shun and Zhao Yun practiced. Gao Shun's techniques couldn't match Zhao Yun's, but the fierce and brutal style he developed from real battlefields made Zhao Yun a bit flustered. After all, Zhao Yun lacked practical combat experience, whereas Gao Shun's moves exuded a palpable killing intent.

Of course, Gao Shun was still no match for Zhao Yun and eventually had to step down.

Zhang Liao, who had been eager to try, saw Gao Shun stepping down and quickly rode forward to challenge Zhao Yun. The two clashed intensely, exchanging blows without giving an inch.

This fight was so fierce that it felt like the sky was darkening. Zhao Yun's moves were extraordinarily refined, but Zhang Liao's practical experience and the strong killing intent in his thrusts made Zhao Yun feel significantly pressured.

After tending to his wound, Old Master Tong and Liu Zhan came out to watch. After observing for a while, Old Master Tong frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Zhao Yun's performance.

Liu Zhan noticed Old Master Tong's expression and wondered what he might be thinking.

In the midst of the intense battle between Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao, both were sweating profusely, their clothes soaked, and even in the cold weather, steam was rising from their bodies.

Liu Zhan, while watching, muttered to himself.

"An eagle cannot be raised in a cage. Zhao Yun's techniques are undoubtedly more refined than Zhang Liao's. But Zhang Liao's skills were honed on the battlefield, so it's not surprising that Zhao Yun is being constrained by him. It seems Zhao Yun needs more practical combat experience!"

The words woke Old Master Tong up. He suddenly realized the issue. He had been focused on Zhao Yun, feeling he shouldn't perform this way. Liu Zhan's words made him understand immediately; he had just not considered it from this angle before.

"Everyone stop."

When the old master spoke, the two combatants quickly ceased their fighting and stepped back. They dismounted their horses and approached.

"Yun'er, your techniques aren't bad, but why aren't you gaining the upper hand? Do you know where the problem lies?"

"Master, I felt somewhat restrained when sparring with Brother Zhang, as if I couldn't fully unleash my abilities."

"Liu Sima's reminder was correct. 'An eagle cannot be raised in a cage' is absolutely right. Zhang Liao has real battlefield experience, which gives him an advantage over you. It's not surprising that you're being constrained by him. It seems Yun'er also needs practical combat training!"

"Yes, Master, I feel the same way. I indeed lack battlefield experience."

"Hmm, Yun'er, come with me. I have something to ask you."

Watching the master and apprentice leave, Liu Zhan felt that there was something to this situation.