This was before the Ten Immortal Emperors acted, before the Sun, Spirit Realm, Dharma Realm, Spiritual Energy... had been commandeered, when everything throughout Kunxu was still normal.
At this moment, Zhang Yu was still studying the last volume of the Four Books, the new "Dao Integration Chapter" born after the "Ascension Book" of Feathering Ascension had been devoured.
As he studied its contents, he thought, This "Dao Integration Chapter" is different from the Book of Transformation's "Dao Inheritance Chapter" and the Flight Book's "False Dao Chapter." It pools everyone's strength, with a group of cultivators establishing a Dao Orthodoxy together. Once the Dao Orthodoxy is complete... its authority is also held jointly by multiple Dao Lords.
The advantage, naturally, is that each cultivator supplies part of the foundation the Dao Orthodoxy requires. That makes becoming immortals and establishing a Dao much faster. It could be called a shortcut to immortality, probably the most efficient method in these Four Books.
But the drawbacks are obvious too. By banding together to become immortals like this, the Dao Orthodoxy's authority is divided, greatly weakening their individual strength. Their upper limit is far below that of normal immortals too.
Zhang Yu thought, If I want to become an immortal and establish a Dao this way, I'll have to nurture some companions or subdue some cultivators, integrating their Law Articles... to form a Dao Orthodoxy.
As his thoughts raced, one candidate after another sprang into his mind.
But no sooner had this distracting thought emerged than he suppressed it, knowing this was not the time to consider such things.
Meanwhile, lines of writing had appeared on the "Dao Integration Chapter." Already prepared, Zhang Yu thought, More records of lost history?
And as his gaze swept rapidly over the contents, his expression grew increasingly grave.
*History