It was definitely not too early to consider this question.
He would very soon break through to the Spiritual Pedestal Tier, and after he constructed his spiritual pedestal, he would be able to step into the Flower Blossom Tier, whereupon he would then cast off his mortality. And at that time, cultivators would have really stepped onto the path to search for "Dao".
Therefore, there was a need for him to confirm which path he wanted to take before he reached the Flower Blossom Tier.
In his last life, in accordance with the nature of his Spirit Base, he chose the path of fire. He studied the might of fire and advanced on this path towards the Source. This kind of path that used one of the Five Elements or lightning, such basic elements, was also the choice that the majority of cultivators would make.