Zhenyuanzi accepted 49 disciples and several hundred listed disciples in his Teachings. Tongtian was perhaps the only one with more disciples than he did. In addition, millions of cultivators were gathered around Wuzhuang Taoist Temple, so they could listen to his Teachings often. They all addressed him as Immortal Zhenyuan.
What was more, Zhenyuanzi's Taoism lineage had already reached the Human Tribe's territory, where millions of humans gathered. If Zhenyuanzi set up his own religion, his reputation would rival any of the Sages. However, if a religion was created, the Way of Earth Immortal might be destroyed. After all, neither Heavenly Court nor the Nether World belonged to any religion.