Just as Jared was about to strike, there was a sudden breeze. The spiritual fire in his hand was promptly extinguished. Then, a figure descended from above. “You are forbidden from killing another person in Jipsdale, my good fellow. Otherwise, you’ll be severely punished.”
When the figure landed on the floor, Jared realized the person was someone he had met at the arena in the south earlier. It was Hester. His presence instantly gave Jared a great deal of pressure.
Still, he argued calmly, “He struck first, Mr. Sparrow. Not only did he attempt to rob me, het tried to kill me! Am I wrong to protect myself? If I was the one who was defeated now, I would’ve lost my life.”
Looking at Jared, Hester smiled. “Even if you’re defeated by him, do you think he can kill you? Do you assume the laws established in Jipsdale are just for show? If someone can do whatever they please with a mere forbidden arcane array, Jipsdale would’ve been disgraced long ago.”
Immediately, Jared understood something. He was watching us the whole time! I see what he means now. Even If I were defeated, I would’ve survived because he would’ve stepped in. He likely didn’t interfere at first sight of trouble because he wished to observe my strength. He broke into a cold sweat.
Even though he was here the whole time, I didn’t detect him at all. I can’t imagine how much more powerful he is compared to me! In that case, there’s no doubt the count of Jipsdale is even more powerful than I previously assumed.
Wait, doesn’t that mean I’ll be in grave danger if the count of Jipsdale is also interested in my heavenly thunder fruits? If I’m attacked by the count, I doubt there’ll be anything I can do about it! In fact, I won’t be able to escape Jipsdale! D*mn it. Now I’m regretting humiliating Tyrone and allowing him to reveal to others that I possess the fruits! Upon spotting Hester, the man crawled toward him. “I was wrong, Mr. Sparrow. I was wrong…”
Hester glared at the man. “You’re blatantly violating the rules. Since you look down on Jipsdale, don’t join the Alchemist Fair. Bring your sect members out of Jipsdale right now and never return! If I find your men in Jipsdale, I won’t show any mercy!”
Hester’s words paralyzed the man, causing him to collapse on the ground. If the man couldn’t attend the Alchemist Fair, the strength of his sect would reduce greatly. When that happened, many other alchemical sects would surpass his sect.
His greed had spurred him to violate the law. Now, he had to reap what he sowed. Wordlessly, the man stood up and vanished into an alley.
“Your strength is quite impressive, good fellow. Not to worry. No one can rob you while you’re in Jipsdale. I can assure you that much.” Hester smiled.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Sparrow!” Jared said. “No need to thank me. I’m merely fulfilling my responsibility. I treat everyone who enters Jipsdale equally.” After finishing his sentence, Hester disappeared.
It was then Jared understood why Jipsdale was so prosperous and that everyone could gamble. After all, no matter how badly one lost, their life would be protected here. After Hester left, Jared stared at the dark street and walked out of the alley. There was an icy look in his eyes.