Many 'rebels' still lurk on Elf Island, providing Bai Cang and his crew with intelligence and covert support.
The Elven Navy sent by Rorodoa this time was only defeated due to the infiltration of these 'rebels'. The brewery cheered for their professionalism.
From this perspective, Rorodoa himself seems more like a rebel. In his pursuit of strength, he is willing to sacrifice the majority of elves.
However, he is the Great Sage of the elves.
In terms of formal titles, he is akin to the king of a human kingdom. Hence, by that definition, Bai Cang and his companions are indeed rebels.
The elf incident arose because Bai Cang and the others called on elves from all over to return to their homeland.
Initially, they planned to only immobilize the Elven Navy on the island. Rorodoa, unable to leave the island, would then not find the Protector.
But a head-on confrontation would lead to unnecessary casualties.
Thus, the 'rebels' planned this operation.