Li Xuanfeng led the group across Lake Xian, finally arriving at the coastal waters. The waves surged as the sea stretched in endless blue, and Ning Dingbo, the elder Ning brother, stepped forward to gather the disciples.0

Once the Azure Pond disciples had assembled, Ning Dingbo flashed a smile, revealing his white teeth as he explained, "This area is called the Shallow Sea… The water here is not very deep; it got submerged during the great battles of ancient times. Most of the islands you see now were once immortal mountains, while the remaining few were later transported here to fill the sea."1

Li Xuanfeng stood with his hands behind his back, listening silently. Understanding his nature, Ning Dingbo continued with the introduction on his behalf, "In those days, this area was home to the six most densely populated southern prefectures, all of which were swallowed by the sea… leaving ruins beneath...2