As Ancestor Gu Liang's last disciple, Shao Changping was also an outstanding talent among men. He had not long entered the True Person realm, and his sharp vigor had yet to fade. Yet he carried himself with refined elegance, his bearing radiant. Standing there, tall and jade-like, he cut an extraordinary figure that made one's eyes light up, as though vibrant life itself were bursting forth from him.
After greeting them, Shao Changping smiled. "The three elder brothers struck the first blow and won, buying us quite a bit of time. Those of us here were rather rushed off our feet. Fortunately, Senior Brother Xu and Senior Sister Luo helped out, so we barely managed not to drag everyone down."
As he spoke, he introduced Ma Mingchu and Zhu Wanxiang, who had only just arrived, to the arrangement of the formations. He appeared gentle and scholarly, yet his words were plain, smooth, and lucid, giving others an immediate sense of warmth.
Zhu Wanxiang could not help sighing. Ancestor Gu Liang's three disciples were each so different: Yu Nan was sparing of words but quick of thought, Song Gongyuan was honest, steadfast, and composed, while Shao Changping was refined and graceful. Their temperaments differed, as did their methods and divine abilities, yet all three had attained longevity. On that point alone, Ancestor Gu Liang deserved to be called a "fine teacher" on par with the Tai Xuan Demon Mother.
A few breaths later, the enormous layer of earth finally ceased its long displacement. Amid sizzling sounds, it separated from the ground and shifted into a deep pit that had long been excavated within the surrounding strata. According to Shao Changping, the pit measured forty li across. Forget the dimly lit underground—even on the surface, one could not see from one end