Monk Huikong paused over the prayer beads in his hand. A blaze slowly rose in his eyes as he said,
"Your words are rather too grand. The Pudu Cult is merely an attempt and a means for me to spread the faith, amass belief, and try to pry into Humanity Power. How does that amount to rebellion?
"Besides, I am a man of the Jianghu. Jianghu matters are settled within the Jianghu. I have never wished to be restrained, so your proposal is rather superfluous."
The mysterious man shook his head and said,
"Humanity Power is, in essence, the power gathered from the masses. Since ancient times, the greatest manifestation of gathered mass power has been an imperial dynasty; next come religious sects, and below them, martial sects.
"Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, demon paths, military schools, yin-yang schools, and other sects all use this to pry into Humanity Power. Their might is extraordinary, but ultimately limited.
"The power of an imperial dynasty is different. All within its domain are part of that dynasty, bound beneath its laws, hierarchy, and customs.
"Sentient beings accumulate through this, gathering together and gaining supreme, majestic power comparable to the Heavenly Dao.
"But sects and martial schools have their limits. Once they near those limits yet remain unsatisfied, they will eventually embark upon the path of chaotic times, bringing calamity to nation and people.
"The Taiping Dao of old, the White Lotus Way of old, the Mani Cult of old—were they not all like this?
"Your Pudu Cult is not even equal to the Taiping Dao. In the future, there is every chance that it will follow in their footsteps.
"Therefore, today, you will either disband the Pudu Cult, or merge the entire cult into the Imperial Court and serve the imperial clan.
"Otherwise, you will