The atmosphere on the scene was somewhat heavy and oppressive.
The guardian of this Third Palace seemed to deliberately want to make things difficult for Jiang Chen, making no move to break the oppressive silence.
Jiang Chen more or less understood that this Third Palace guardian was doing it on purpose. He cupped his fists and said, "Senior, this junior is Jiang Chen, currently in charge of My Radiant Celestial City. May I ask for the senior's honored name?"
According to the rules, the guardian of any of the Six Palaces of Inheritance had to be fair and impartial toward any inheritor who came to attempt the trial.
Of course, within that framework of fairness, some degree of personal taste and preference was naturally permitted.
But one thing could not be overlooked — none of the guardians of the Six Palaces of Inheritance could conceal basic information.
When Jiang Chen asked for his name, this Third Palace guardian had to answer.
"Young man, you may call this old man Hong Hou." The Third Palace guardian, Hong Hou, snorted.
"So it is Senior Hong Hou." Jiang Chen cupped his fists toward empty air once more. "Senior, this junior has traveled a long way and has picked up a thing or two about the Six Palaces of Inheritance along the way. Previously, I got along quite well with Senior Celestial Kun and Venerable Chongxiao. I trust that this junior and Senior Hong Hou will get along just as well. However, the last time I passed through this Third Palace, if I caused any offense, I humbly ask Senior Hong Hou to be understanding."
Jiang Chen knew that if Senior Hong Hou harbored any grudge, it was almost certainly because of the last time he had passed through this place.
As a junior, adopting a lower posture to apologize was not something he had trouble swallowing his pride over.
"Senior, that day it was an urgent emergency — completely unexpected. The ones attacking My Radiant Celestial City were descendants of Myriad Abyss Island. In ancient times, the people of Myriad Abyss Island fled like deserters, and now their descendants have returned to stir up trouble in the human territories, with every indication of once again bringing calamity upon the human domains. On top of that, in recent years the Boundary Stele realm has been constantly breached, and the foreign races in the surrounding regions are stirring restlessly. All of that aside, the most terrifying thing is that the ancient demon race already shows signs of reviving. The current human territories are like a pot of boiling water."
Jiang Chen sighed softly. "If not for all of that, this junior probably would not have been in such a hurry to enter the Third Palace of Inheritance. Out there, this junior truly felt powerless. That is why I thought of these Six Palaces of Inheritance — to seek advice from the ancient seniors on how to deal with these threats."
Jiang Chen didn't care whether the other party bought the flattery or not. He would butter him up regardless.
After hearing Jiang Chen's words, the Third Palace guardian Hong Hou's mood improved noticeably.
It wasn't really that he was angry about Jiang Chen passing through before — he simply wanted to use this opportunity to properly evaluate this young man.
He wanted to see what kind of response a young man like this would have in extraordinary circumstances.
From Jiang Chen's performance, he was neither servile nor arrogant, neither flustered nor hurried. He carried himself with the bearing of a great general.
So although Hong Hou had a somewhat particular personality, after this exchange, his immediate impression of Jiang Chen was considerably better than last time.
At the very least, this young man wasn't hard to look at. Unlike other geniuses who loved to boast and pontificate, or who dodged the difficult points.
"You said your name is Jiang Chen?" Hong Hou spoke.
"This junior is indeed called Jiang Chen." Jiang Chen bowed.
"Looking at your age, you don't appear to be more than thirty. At your age, you should still be in the ranks of young geniuses in the human territories. How is it that My Radiant Celestial City has fallen under your control? Has the city's talent pool truly declined to this extent?"
Being so young and already heading My Radiant Celestial City — this made Hong Hou question the city's current strength.
"Senior, this junior's assumption of control over My Radiant Celestial City came about through a combination of fate and circumstance..." Jiang Chen then briefly described the relationship between the Peacock Emperor and himself, as well as the agreement between them.
After hearing this, Hong Hou's tone softened a great deal. "Boy, if you're not lying, then you are indeed a young man who shoulders responsibility. To have reached the Third Palace of Inheritance — you're already quite impressive."
Hong Hou's mood had clearly improved considerably.
"Very well. This Third Palace is named after me — Hong Hou Palace. Remember, in Hong Hou Palace, only by passing my trial can you clear this palace and obtain its inheritance. Are you prepared?"
Jiang Chen knew that the trial of this Third Palace would absolutely not be simple.
But at this point, having already come this far, he had steeled himself for anything.
"Senior Hong Hou, I have no other path of retreat. My Radiant Celestial City stands at the brink of life and death, and the human territories are in a period of upheaval. If I do not succeed, I will die trying!"
Jiang Chen's tone was resolute.
"Good." For once, a hint of admiration crept into Hong Hou's voice.
"Also remember this — since Hong Hou Palace has a trial, it also has danger. In Celestial Kun Palace and Danxiao Palace, you may not have faced mortal peril. But in Hong Hou Palace, you could very well encounter life-threatening danger. I can tell you plainly — in the past, it is not as though geniuses who attempted this palace have never died here."
Jiang Chen's heart stirred faintly, but he quickly composed himself and smiled calmly. "Since I have come to this place, I am prepared for every eventuality. Senior, please present your challenge."
"Boy, the previous Celestial Kun and Venerable Chongxiao may not have mentioned me to you. But since you've reached this stage, you have the right to know."