The Taoist ancestor is Cthulhu

"Beichen Sect was once the premier sword sect of Xuanmen, its sword immortals' skills in killing and fighting were unrivaled among all the immortals," Fuling paused, glancing at Li Fan, "Qingyue, you began your cultivation by worshipping the moon as soon as you arrived here so you might not be aware of the difference, but after some time, you'll understand that the Acquired can ultimately never surpass the Innate."

"A high road, an even higher demon…" Li Fan stroked his chin.

Indeed, whether it's the formidable Path of Taishu or the amazing Immortal Path of Taiji, a fight would make it clear. The Beichen Sect had been exterminated for over five hundred years, and it's still a name that resonates like thunder, probably because it's constantly brought up as a quintessential case: Look at the Beichen Sect, so powerful, so and so... and yet it was still annihilated by Dark Spring, right?

The glory built by generations of ancestors ended up being used as a stepping stone by others, truly a cause for a sigh.

The Sword Intent remained silent, seemingly having been struck hard. It seemed to still have some feelings toward its former sect. But put another way, the Xuantian Sword Intent had been trapped by the void stars outside of this world for at least five hundred years, hadn't it?

Suddenly thinking of something, Fuling asked, "By the way, speaking of which, Qingyue, you've already performed the moon-worshipping ritual. Have you noticed anything on your body that's different from ordinary people?"

Besides the Mental Health Identity System and Xuantian Sword Intent, being able to open up an inner seascape of qi overnight and unblocking the meridian channels, with Bamboo Mountain's sword qi instantly mastered and freely controlled... what else could there be that is different from ordinary people? Probably nothing else, after all, the body is still developing. Need to grow some more before knowing if there's anything particularly abnormal…

"Oh, maybe my skin got a bit smoother?" Li Fan touched his face.

'Li Fan's mood increased a little'

"…" Fuling was exasperated, staring, as if she could barely resist pinching him, "What you're explaining is the harmonization of qì and body, natural breathing from within the skin and hair, akin to the state in the womb, and that's why your skin is as tender as a newborn's. It's a natural characteristic of the mid-stages of qi cultivation. Don't I look the same?"

That's true indeed, large and pale.

'Li Fan's mood increased a little'

With a spitting sound, Fuling said, "Stop joking around. Besides that, did you notice any transformations in your body? Like a lump growing somewhere, a hard knot forming, or extra limbs and eyeballs sprouting."

"I haven't had such things…" Li Fan thought of that old Daoist filled with arms and the clan master with multiple pupils, he understood her point, "Does all cultivation of Innate paths lead to such physical side effects, turning into a demonic form like Qin Jian, the clan master, and Lady Wangshu?"

"No? Maybe it's because you haven't cultivated for long. But cultivating the Innate Great Path, sooner or later some part will develop into a Dao body. If it's a 'thing,' one might still recognize it, but if it's a 'non-thing'... Anyway, don't panic when the time comes, or you'll suffer possession by evil spirits and it'll be hard to recover. However, you should wear this first."

Fuling took out a silk kerchief.

"This is…"

Li Fan felt a vague sense of recognition; he had seen something similar before. Those three cultivators who had led him to Bamboo Mountain had worn similar silk scarves to cover their faces.

Fuling beckoned and half pulled Li Fan into her arms to fix his hair and adorn his crown, using a jade hairpin to attach the scarf across his face, shrouding it in a hazy mist, as if a light fog had arisen. Yet, within a moment, the mist dispersed, and vision cleared again, unaffected.

"This is 'Unseen Face.' Some cultivators who worship the moon have inadequate foundations, inevitably revealing abnormal signs, sometimes even affecting each other, manifesting demonic forms. Not only does it pose the risk of devilry for oneself, but if seen by those of the ordinary world, it could inadvertently lead to harm.

Therefore, cultivators who venture down the mountain must wear this. If they encounter demonic forms outside, it can protect them to some extent. Normally, there's no need for it at the gate of the sect, but it's the first time I've seen someone so young worship the moon, so it's better to be cautious."

'Unseen Face, slightly lowers the chances of emotional fluctuations.'

Oh, with the system's official certification, it probably serves a purpose. No, it definitely does, Li Fan could feel a light touch on his back, but his mind was as still as water! Rub rub…

'Li Fan's mood slightly increased by 1 point'

See, from drastically reduced to just slightly.

"You're hopeless, so young and without a notion of manners," Fuling chided with a spit, but didn't push Li Fan away. She even took out a red cord with a gold pendant hanging from it and tied it around his neck.

The gold pendant was carved into the shape of an Auspicious Beast, round and plump, with a ring in its mouth, resembling a snail or clam. It fell right at the center of his chest.

Then Fuling dipped the fingers of her right hand in her mouth, and after wetting them with saliva, she touched them to a rouge box to get some red powder and drew a talisman on the back of Li Fan's neck.

"This is the 'Calming Heart Charm,' not exactly a forbidden technique, but it can ward off evil spirits and protect against calamities and misfortune. People out there are unpredictable, sometimes more terrifying than demonic forms. Qingyue, be always cautious, and don't act haughtily because you possess extraordinary methods."

She was truly treating him like a child and giving advice.

"Thank you for your guidance, Sister Fuling, Qingyue will remember," he said.

"Alright, it's not that dangerous just outside the gate, just be cautious. Stop clinging and go on your way," she said.

Reluctantly getting to his feet, Li Fan followed Fuling out of the light boat and stood at the bow to look out. Below was a turbulent stream, the identity of which eluded him—a wide river stretching four to five miles across at least.

The river flowed from the north to the south before almost making a right angle and heading east, creating a floodplain that a large town called home. Southwest of the river was verdant and lush with distant green mountains, while to the northeast bustled with comings and goings, a scene of hustle and bustle.