Chu Feng arrived at Taikou's residence only to find that Taikou was not at home.
However, a note was pinned to the door of Taikou's place, which read: "If young friend Chu Feng pays a visit, please wait for a few hours."
Though he didn't know where Taikou had gone, it was clear that Taikou had expected him to come looking. Since the man had explicitly asked him to wait, and Chu Feng did have a favor to ask, he had no choice but to cross his legs and sit down outside Taikou's humble straw hut.
But what was supposed to be a few hours turned into far more than that. Chu Feng waited through the entire night, through dawn, into noon, and then into the afternoon — and Taikou still hadn't returned.
Even so, Chu Feng's resolve never wavered. He was determined to wait for Taikou no matter what.
After all, he planned to make his request of Taikou, then bid farewell and leave.
Although there was still some time before the duel with the three disciples of the Four Protectors, and there was no way to confirm whether the challenge was even real, arriving early to familiarize himself with the situation couldn't hurt.
So his plan was to meet Taikou, say goodbye to Su Rou and the others, and then depart from the Four Seas Academy.
"Haha, I'm sorry about that, young friend Chu Feng. This old man had some matters to deal with and kept you waiting far too long." Suddenly, a slightly apologetic voice sounded from behind Chu Feng. He turned around, and it was indeed Taikou.
This took Chu Feng by surprise. With his current strength, the fact that Taikou had been able to appear behind him without making the slightest sound spoke volumes about just how formidable this old man truly was.
"Senior Taikou is too kind. In truth, I haven't been waiting that long." Chu Feng quickly rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to Taikou. Ever since Taikou had helped him out of a difficult situation outside the Thousand-Year Ancient City, Chu Feng's favorable impression of the man had grown immensely.
"Oh? You mean you didn't come here right after leaving the Thousand-Year Ancient City?" Taikou said with a knowing smile, as if he had already seen through everything.
"I..." Chu Feng was momentarily at a loss for words. He had the feeling that Taikou already knew far more than he let on.
"Haha, young friend Chu Feng, you came here because you need something from this old man, didn't you?" Taikou laughed heartily. His attitude toward Chu Feng was a world apart from how he treated everyone else.
"Senior and I merely crossed paths by chance, yet the help you've given me is something I can never fully repay. I came here today primarily to express my gratitude. If the day ever comes when senior needs Chu Feng for anything, I will do everything in my power to help, in order to repay your kindness." As he spoke, Chu Feng bowed deeply once more, his gratitude genuine and from the heart.
"Haha, repaying me is simple — just take me as your master!" Taikou said with a grin.
"That's..." Hearing this, Chu Feng's face flushed red, because he genuinely didn't know how to respond.
In theory, Taikou certainly had the qualifications to be his master, and given that Taikou had done him a kindness, taking him on as a teacher wouldn't be out of the question.
After all, serving more than one master wasn't some unthinkable transgression — as long as the masters were willing, it was perfectly acceptable.
But the problem was, Chu Feng simply didn't like taking on a master casually. To him, the title of master carried extraordinary weight — it wasn't something to be bestowed lightly.
"Haha, alright, I won't push you into it, kid."
"Listen well. I helped you because I see potential in you. This old man did it willingly, so you shouldn't carry any burden over it."