The Old Python Became a Flood Dragon (4k words; please vote)

In East District, who hadn't heard of the Tiger-Crane Martial Arts Hall? Who didn't know its name?

Master Ye had come from the Tiger-Crane Martial Arts Hall. He had once studied under Elder Wonderful Crane of its White Crane Style lineage.

Master Black Tiger stood on the same level as Elder Wonderful Crane. Together, they were known as East District's "Twin Elders of Tiger and Crane."

The two commanded respect throughout The Enclave, and even the brightest talents of the Learning Society treated them with courtesy.

For one thing, they were formidable. They had crossed the Three Gates long ago and entered a new realm.

For another, as two senior masters of the foremost among the Four Great Masters, they naturally had disciples everywhere.

Over their lifetimes, the two masters had taught far too many talents on the level of the Three Heroes.

Many disciples had long since surpassed their teachers. Some held high positions in the Learning Society, while others had even become Mr. Ming's trusted confidants.

All of them would show their old teachers a measure of respect.

That was why, in The Enclave, getting into the Tiger-Crane Martial Arts Hall brought prestige second only to joining the Learning Society.

It was ten times better than worming one's way into some so-called Hall or Club!

And even Master Black Tiger, who had seen countless talents, had taken an interest in Li Xiuwen...

Master Ye felt a knot in his chest.

Had I grown so blind with age that I let a talent worthy of the Learning Society slip away?

"Enough. Go train, all of you. There's no need to compare yourselves with anyone else. Surpass who you were yesterday—that's victory."

Master Ye went upstairs, his retreating figure rather forlorn.

Longlegs Seven stood with his fists clenched, regretting that