Austin was consumed by a deep sense of frustration. As the prince of Finlay, his inherent superiority complex - the best education, the finest mentors, unlimited resources from an empire's wealth - were all privileges no commoner could comprehend. And now he had been defeated by some leaf-clad primitive emerging from the wilderness!

How could he accept this? The man must possess advanced concealment techniques to break free from so many encircling warriors. Without at least seventh tier martial prowess, it would be impossible! But how did that look like a teenager of just thirteen or fourteen?

A fourteenth-year-old eighth tier warrior? Good heavens, was this some cruel joke? Could such a person truly exist in the world? And what arrogance - if he hadn't revealed his identity, one could understand. But knowing full well he was Finlay's third prince yet still executed Steven without hesitation! Was this man a fool or had his power reached levels that defied imperial authority?

What's more, how did such an obviously young figure command the loyalty of an Ironback Silver Tiger? These questions churned endlessly in Austin's meticulous mind. As the third prince with no right to succession, it was maddening! His strategic brilliance far outshone his two spineless elder brothers - but what could he do as a mere third son?

Yet did being third mean one couldn't ascend that throne? Not necessarily! With sufficient strength and power demonstrated...

This resolve drove him to exhaust every resource, manipulate all possible alliances through sheer intellect. Steven himself was an idiot, but his father's influence was vast. If secured, the Emperor himself might yield... But now this fool had been killed!

The mission emerged from forbidden royal secrets - meant to claim that artifact and finally prove himself in the capital. Only on the second day into Longtushan they encountered two recluses of ninth tier martial prowess! Plus Steven, a son of a field marshal...

Good heavens! Who was this man's true origin?

"Ai..." Austin felt his heart sink as his face drained to ashen white.

The forbidden archives revealed truths about this continent unknown to commoners. Could it be... that he was truly from "There"? Only those from "There" would walk naked through the world, disregard Finlay's retaliation, and exhibit such chilling detachment! Only they could command an Ironback Silver Tiger at such a weak level...

The more Austin pondered, the colder sweat dripped down his neck. What if... his recent actions had provoked anger?

A paralyzing fear took hold of Austin - like winter winds piercing through his bones!

Just as panic threatened to consume him, the carriage curtain lifted revealing Grace's beautiful face.

Hearing her assurance everything was fine, Austin exhaled in relief and straightened his clothes. "Good," he said to Grace before turning to a subordinate, "Bring some clothing from my flying beast hide collection, and include plenty of supplies for both food and drink!"

The subordinate nodded before hurrying off toward another supply cart...

"Turn around!" Chen Feng stated coldly.

"Why?" Grace asked sweetly.

"Because I need to dress. And I'm not a exhibitionist," he replied.

Grace "..."

Of course not an exhibitionist, but why walk naked through Longtushan wearing just leaves...

She bit her tongue, though. The boy opposite appeared barely fourteen yet his piercing gaze and seasoned demeanor outclassed even eighty-year-old veterans. He was immune to all her carefully crafted charms - treating her like some ugly hag.

If she had made such a spectacle in the capital, every noble youth would have fallen at her feet! What an infuriating creature!

Yet this man remained endlessly enigmatic. How did he command an Ironback Silver Tiger as his beast companion while walking naked? A complete mystery...

Still... wasn't there something intriguing about him? Despite that cold demeanor, his cheeks had flushed when asking her to turn away...

Grace's lips curled into a small smile at the thought.

Chen Feng massaged his temples. The girl opposite seemed immune to intimidation entirely - showing no prisoner-like deference whatsoever. This made things difficult.

But if she dared entertain any foolish notions... he would not hesitate!

"Did you find my request amusing?" Chen Feng asked.

"Oh, no!" Grace blushed and turned away. After a moment came the rustling of fabric against skin...

He wasn't wearing anything...

Her face burned as heat rushed to her cheeks. Never before had she been alone with any man - now not only confined in a small carriage with him but inhaling his virile scent as he changed... Her mind spun dizzily.

At fourteen, this was precisely the age of awakening feelings. A girl raised in nobility suddenly trapped with a strong, coldly commanding yet normal man - it would be absurd to think no thoughts arose!

"What's your name?" she asked impulsively.

Chen Feng paused. Should he give his real name?

Killing Steven had been an outburst of anger. Learning the boy was actually the son of Finlay's second field marshal made him uneasy...

But even with time travel, he'd make the same choice! A man could die - but never live in humiliation!

Those who truly cared about him were few: Uncle Wenshu from the Kainet family, Elder Huo Long, and Xiao Hu. If he abandoned Xiao Hu to return alive... what meaning would there be?

He missed Wenshu now. As his childhood caretaker, had they also cast him out? The old man's frail body couldn't handle...

But with current strength returning to Longshan town meant instant death at the hands of Le Family magicians! At least until he reached tiered beast tamer status!

Rubbing his arm where two teeth were stored in his water skin - and the deep green leather jacket he now wore, Chen Feng took a steady breath. Some debts would be paid back manyfold.

"Hey!" Grace's voice snapped as no answer came after an eternity. "What is your name?"

"I'm Satsuki." He hesitated before naming himself, noticing how the newly worn deep green jacket fit perfectly - strangely similar to the one from those comics!

If he tore the sleeves, added a white undershirt with a flaming sun on his back and flame-patterned wrist wraps... it was literally Satsuki's afterlife version!

Grace quickly turned her head downward, cheeks burning. He actually looked... amazing! Though still slender, his weathered face bore determined features, eyes sharp as blades radiating wisdom. The lean physique paired with the deep green leather jacket created a stunning balance of boldness and restraint - an absolute woman-killer!

Chen Feng was quite pleased with this choice.

In past life, Street Fighter's Satsuki, Haohmaru, and Orochi were his favorites. Now actually possessing their fighting skills in this world... not having the proper attire would be absurdly disrespectful.

Though normally modest, thinking about one day becoming as legendary as those fighters made excitement surge through him! Who among Street Fighter fans hadn't dreamed of owning these powers?

No-style techniques, Shinku Hadouken, Hibiki Senpuukyaku, Hachihitoe, Yagyoubei, Kurotsuki... the thought alone was dizzying!

First he needed appropriate gear though - like Haohmaru's uniform or Orochi's...

"Trouble! Boss!"

A sudden voice shattered Chen Feng's reverie.

Then came chaotic noises. "Form defensive formations quickly! It's... the jungle assassins - Icestone Wolf!"

"Icestone Wolves?" Chen Feng asked Xiao Hu.

"They're third-tier beasts living in packs, exact opposite of the Azure Demon Wolves with ice attributes," Xiao Hu explained. "These savage creatures often hunt small life forms or travelers in groups. This is their territory on Longtushan's outskirts."

Azure Demon Wolves... Chen Feng paled. Remembering how nearly died fighting them for Tianlong Yangguo earlier, if not for discovering the Nine-tiered Tower passage...

Even one tier lower than those azure wolves but with opposing attributes still meant terrifying strength!

At least there was a first-tier magic user in their group - should handle third-tier beasts fine!

Just as Chen Feng prepared to mock Xiao Hu for overreacting...

A panicked voice echoed in his mind: "Hundreds of Icestone Wolves!"

"Hundreds?!" Chen Feng nearly fainted.

Hundreds of third-tier beasts... could they survive this?

P.S. I only just saw the comments last night and feel quite ashamed! I have no sadistic urge to torment protagonists. The group encounter was necessary for plot continuity. Please accept my apologies...

After this chapter comes Volume Two: "I Am Haohmaru". In that arc, Chen Feng will never again endure humiliation but march triumphantly forward!

Also explaining why he provoked the crown prince faction - because Austin becomes his second subordinate! In four or five chapters more, Austin will be begging at his feet to become a little brother. The most satisfying moment is coming soon... those who've stopped reading only witnessed suffering without seeing this grand revenge - quite an unfortunate loss isn't it?