What choice did we have? [ hua cheng opens his eye again, then rolls onto his side and props his head in one hand so he can look down at rinne. ] You know that gege is a god, yes? He is the most powerful being in our world, living or dead. His strength makes mine seem pale in comparison.

[ hua cheng's free hand comes up to touch his own neck, indicating a circle around his throat. ]

When he awoke here, his powers had been sealed by whoever it was who took him. And they are not above using the shackles on his throat and ankle to control him, if they need to—I've seen them do it. A being that powerful is nothing to be trifled with, and so it seemed prudent to play the game for now, until we can find a way to prevail against the House.