Arnold then turned to Jared and asked, “Are you admitting defeat? If you are, you won’t be allowed to participate in the challenge for the next three years!”
“I won’t forfeit, not even in death. Burn me to ashes if you dare!” Jared stood up, his face brimming with arrogance as he taunted.
He was intent on provoking Thiago so that the latter could unleash the fire source without restraint, even if the flame engulfed him. He wasn’t afraid of Thiago’s fire source anyway.
“Axel, stop talking and forfeit quickly! Otherwise, you’ll die from the fire,” Carla shouted.
“Axel, stop being so stubborn!”
Judd wore a troubled expression. He couldn’t understand why Jared was so stubborn. Just admit defeat already! It’s not like he’ll die from it!
Jared tilted his head back and said conceitedly, “I don’t have many talents but stubbornness is my strong suit. I refuse to admit defeat, even if it kills me!”
“Fine, I’ll burn your mouth and make you eat your words. We’ll see how long you can last.” Thiago’s features contorted with anger. After a powerful leap, he crossed his arms before his chest.
Shortly after, a vast network of interlacing flames emerged.
The demonic black lotus quivered slightly, and after merging with the fire source, it erupted with a blistering heat.
Everyone else would’ve sustained burns if the array hadn’t been in place.
“Mr. Nielsen, as a judge, would you really just stand by and watch the inner court disciples harm each other? This matter wouldn’t end with only Axel’s death. You’d face harsh criticism too.” All Judd could do was coerce Arnold into intervening. Otherwise, Jared would truly meet his end in the arena.
Arnold’s brow furrowed slightly, his expression was decidedly displeased. He was an elder, after all, yet Judd dared to threaten him.
Moreover, Arnold knew his place. With his ability, he feared being unable to stop them if he decided to intervene.
After all, Thiago was an Eighth Level Tribulator and had even refined the violaceus flame of the Violet Flame Sect. Those fire sources were unlike anything ordinary elders like him had ever seen before.
After much consideration, Arnold finally pressed the switch, deactivating the array.
“Stop!” Following that, Arnold, in tandem with several other judges, acted together to intercept Thiago’s attack.
“Thiago, the outcome has already been decided, so there’s no need to finish him off,” Arnold advised.
Resignation filled Jared at the interception. He really wanted to curse at the juridical elder for being a busybody if he could.
Thiago frowned. He was determined to kill Jared, even if it meant using the violaceus flame and unleashing the demonic black lotus.
After that battle, Thiago might’ve needed to recuperate for a good while, perhaps even a year or more. Having paid such a high price, he simply couldn’t accept Jared losing without repercussions. Moreover, Jared hadn’t yet admitted defeat.
“Mr. Nielsen, the opponent hasn’t forfeited yet. Are you planning to intervene by force?” Thiago questioned with fury brimming in his eyes.
“Even though he didn’t admit defeat, the outcome was clear. Both of you are from the same sect, there’s no need to go all out, right?” Arnold advised slowly.
“What if I don’t stop?” Thiago’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“If you don’t cease now, then us old-timers will have no choice but to engage with you. Moreover, this matter will also be brought to Mr. Garrido’s attention. Even though you’re Mr. Garrido’s prided disciple, you’ve broken the rules of our sect. Let’s see if Mr. Garrido will spare you for that!” Arnold threatened.
Thiago felt somewhat deflated at the warning. Things might escalate if I attack.
Just as Thiago was about to let Jared off the hook, Jared became frantic. “Who asked you to meddle? I’m still here, waiting to take him down. Quit being a busybody! Even if I were to die in the arena, I would still not admit defeat.”
Jared unleashed a barrage of sharp remarks at Arnold, causing the latter to be absolutely livid.
