"I accept your duel, but I have some conditions that will make it fairer" stated Cole, who knew that it was inevitable that he would have to fight Mason if he truly wanted to be respected in the position that he was seeking.
However, he wasn't stupid enough to try and do so despite the gap in cultivation level and experience, so he needed to somehow gain an advantage over Mason that would seem fair, but would guarantee his victory.
Cole had to take risks and would overcome anything to get the revenge that his parents had left him to complete, but they had to be calculated and realistic.
If he was able to persuade them to make the battle a 3 against 3, then he could ask for 2 of the most powerful elders that were supporting him to assist him in the battle and he could act as a support.