But did we have to go all the way down to the underground just to avoid combat?

There's that too... but more importantly, it's more accurate for us to walk on the predetermined path that run parallel with the Ether vein.

I see, so it's like the Uho ceremony in terms of Onmyoudou. 禹歩(Uho): ceremony performed by a sorcerer to protect a noble setting out on a trip.

Yes. We must go through these complex procedures in order to restore the Great Hakurei Barrier back to normal.

So it's like...

Seven Star Points Spirit! From Fist of the North Star

..Kinda thing, yea?

Although it's correct, it's wrong, Marisa.

In the past...

Gensoukyou wasn't a very safe place for humans.

The road will be narrow from here.

Follow me and try not to stray from the path.