Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 17

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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【Bloodline is a Thug Chapter 17】

Chapter 17: Bloodline Encounters (4)

The mana flowing through my body was transforming into something else entirely.
If the mana had once flowed like a quiet stream, it now raged like a tempestuous sea.
Rough, colossal power surged through my entire frame. And it wasn’t content to remain contained—it began radiating outward.
【You have acquired the ability ‘Dragon Demon Aura’】
‘Dragon Demon Aura?’
Questions flickered through my mind, but I shelved them for now. The immediate threat before me demanded my full attention.
“Your neck is wide open!”
In the moment I’d let my guard slip, Lee Pil-seung unleashed his twin blades. That instant, I released the Dragon Demon Aura.
Or should I call it a release?
Like opening a dam that had swelled to its breaking point, like water contained within suddenly bursting forth all at once.
The Dragon Demon Aura erupted outward.
The ground beneath my feet shattered, cracks spiderwebbing in all directions. Lee Pil-seung was swept backward by the sheer force.

* * *

Lee Pil-seung quickly regained his footing.
‘What was that?’
Watching the black aura radiating from Kwon Han-ul, Lee Pil-seung was seized by bewilderment.
‘Dragon Fighting Technique? No, something’s different about this…’
Though an outsider, his affiliation with Kwon Chan-seong’s Team meant he’d witnessed Dragon Fighting Technique countless times. His ability to mimic it stemmed from such relentless observation.
And so he could speak with certainty: this aura was fundamentally different from Dragon Fighting Technique.
The immense power emanating from it made Dragon Fighting Technique seem trivial by comparison.
What terrified him most was the sheer volume.
The quantity radiating outward defied imagination. It was as though Kwon Han-ul stood alone within a conflagration vast enough to incinerate mountains.
‘I’ve never seen anything like this… not even from the captain.’
He’d never felt such overwhelming pressure even from Kwon Chan-seong, a pure-blooded member. Lee Pil-seung swallowed hard without thinking.
Then he saw Kwon Han-ul’s knees bend slightly. The black aura responded, converging around his legs and feet.
He’s coming! The thought came too late—he was already upon me. A single leap had closed the distance.
Lee Pil-seung gasped at the speed that transcended his tracking ability, yet swiftly crossed his twin blades in defense.
Twin Sword
Point Bomb
Lee Pil-seung’s aura swelled like a balloon. He drove it upward against Kwon Han-ul’s descending leg.
‘This defense technique shattered even the fists of a Brute Ogre! I’ll claim that leg!’
The moment they collided, the swollen aura detonated….
“Hack!”
Kwon Han-ul’s foot punched a hole straight through the center of Lee Pil-seung’s aura. The aura dissipated like mist instantly, leaving no way to block the fist that came driving toward his solar plexus.
Lee Pil-seung’s body flew backward like a kicked soccer ball from the impact to his chest.
“Cough! Cough!”
Even as he spat out blood-tinged coughs, Lee Pil-seung’s mind flooded with questions.
‘What was that just now? Why did my aura get pierced?’
When auras collide, the weaker one always gets pushed back.
‘But! Still!’
Just now, his combat aura hadn’t merely been pushed aside—it had been torn through like tofu. It was proof that the opponent’s aura far surpassed his own.
‘I’ve never been this overwhelmed, not even when sparring with the Captain!’
He often trained with Kwon Chan-seong, a pure-blooded member of the family. Their auras had clashed countless times.
Lee Pil-seung had lost each time, but never to this degree. He’d never been crushed so thoroughly.
A clear gap in power.
Yet Lee Pil-seung’s fighting spirit didn’t waver. He drew upon all his accumulated combat experience, searching for a way to win.
‘With that much power, he can’t possibly control it perfectly yet.’
The stronger one’s power, the longer it takes to master it.
Having suddenly gained such overwhelming strength, there had to be openings.
‘I’ll exploit those gaps!’
The moment that thought crystallized, Kwon Han-ul moved again. Lee Pil-seung condensed his aura once more, forging it into a blade, then assumed an unusual stance.
He gripped the blade in reverse, one hand raised high, the other lowered.
Twin Sword
Swallow Strike
“This is the slash technique I used to cut through Eclipse’s tentacles. If you can block this, I’ll acknowledge your strength.”
He spoke toward Kwon Han-ul with a tone of provocation. But in truth, it was only half honest.
It was indeed the technique that had severed Eclipse’s tentacles. But it wasn’t a slash technique—it was a counter.
‘The moment an attack comes in, I sever the neck in one motion.’
Having cut through Eclipse’s tentacles with it, this technique ranked among the strongest in Lee Pil-seung’s arsenal.
Yet why was it…
That his hands, gripping the aura-forged blades, trembled slightly. He felt tension like the first time he’d ever entered a Dungeon.
‘Hah!’
Kwon Han-ul stamped the ground. His aura exploded, propelling his body forward. He closed the distance in a single breath.
The instant Kwon Han-ul reached him, Lee Pil-seung swung his aura blades.
That was when it happened.
Suddenly, Kwon Han-ul’s body shifted sideways. It was as if he were sliding across ice.
‘What? Aura Movement Technique?’
Those skilled in aura manipulation employ unique footwork using their aura.
This was one of the most representative techniques—using aura to eliminate friction with the ground and generate propulsive force for movement.
‘I haven’t even fully mastered Aura Movement Technique yet…?’
Not in a straight line. He moved laterally, tracing a semicircle to Lee Pil-seung’s rear. Lee Pil-seung spun around in alarm.
But before he could, Kwon Han-ul’s fist drove deep into his ribs.
Mystical Dragon Ascension Technique – Introductory Form
Forceful Strike Style – Iron Ringing Hammer
The moment the blow connected, my body resonated. It wasn’t an illusion. A sound like striking a bell echoed through the surroundings.
‘Ugh!’
Not even a scream escaped. My organs were crushed, my bones shattered, and the agony sealed my lips shut.
‘I… I need to counterattack…’
Another fist drove into my opposite flank. The searing pain of cracking ribs shot through every nerve.
‘Gack!’
Damn it, I had to get away—now.
All thoughts of counterattacking vanished. Only one instinct consumed Lee Pil-seung’s mind: escape.
Kwon Han-ul pursued the fleeing Lee Pil-seung. He raised one leg high.
Mystical Dragon Ascension Technique – Introductory Form
Forceful Strike Style – Splitting Bamboo
The leg that had soared skyward came crashing down. A thick fissure tore open the ground between Kwon Han-ul and Lee Pil-seung.
Boom!
An explosion followed.
Aura erupted from the chasm, engulfing Lee Pil-seung’s body.
Lee Pil-seung’s form was hurled high into the air. He crashed down onto the earth with a heavy thud.
He lay motionless—whether unconscious or simply broken, there was no telling. Kwon Han-ul walked toward him slowly.
Even as his opponent lost the will to fight, Kwon Han-ul did not relent.
He placed one foot over Lee Pil-seung’s head.
Mystical Dragon Ascension Technique – Introductory Form
Forceful Strike Style – Thousand-Jin Hammer
The aura-infused foot descended, ready to crush Lee Pil-seung’s skull.
“Brother, that’s enough.”
At that moment, someone swept his shin. The foot planted itself just beside Lee Pil-seung’s head. The surrounding earth shattered.
“It’s been a good sparring match, but we can’t have a murder, can we? Don’t you agree?”
Kwon Chan-seong spoke in a measured, admonishing tone.

* * *

“You’re absolutely right.”
Kwon Han-ul spoke as he pulled his feet from the ground.
“The battle grew so intense that I became overly excited.”
“I understand. I was the same when I first awakened my power. It felt like I wasn’t myself anymore. Like something had possessed me.”
Kwon Chan-seong seemed oddly elated.
“Brother, you’re truly remarkable. I never knew your bloodline had such potential! In all my years, I’ve never witnessed a dragon technique of such magnitude!”
It was a dragon horse technique, not a dragon technique.
Kwon Chan-seong spent a considerable time marveling at the dragon horse technique.
So he failed to notice that Kwon Han-ul’s gaze remained fixed on Lee Pil-seung.
“Ugh… ughhhh.”
Regaining consciousness, Lee Pil-seung pushed himself up. He looked back and forth between Kwon Han-ul and Kwon Chan-seong.
“The… the duel… how did it…?”
“Rookie, can’t you see? You lost. I told you so. Don’t underestimate my brother.”
The word “lost” struck Lee Pil-seung like a thunderbolt. Kwon Chan-seong patted his back reassuringly.
“Now then, apologize to my brother and let’s end this on good terms.”
“Brother, I have one question.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“What happens within the Hukcheon Estate if someone fails to show proper respect to a member of the Heukcheon bloodline?”
“It depends on who they are, but typically they face severe interrogation.”
“And what if someone lays hands on a member of the Heukcheon bloodline?”
“Regardless of who it is, that’s… execution.”
The answer I wanted to hear.
In that instant, Kwon Han-ul lunged at Lee Pil-seung, attempting to strike his temple with a shin kick.
“Brother!”
Kwon Chan-seong’s eyes turned fierce. He blocked Kwon Han-ul’s shin with his hand.
“I already told you the duel was over…”
Mystical Dragon Ascending Heaven Technique – Basic Form
Counter-Strike Spinning Heel
I folded the trapped shin and withdrew it. Simultaneously, I pivoted my body backward and swept my other leg around.
My heel drove into Lee Pil-seung’s jaw. With a sickening crunch, his head slammed into the ground.
Kwon Chan-seong stared blankly at Lee Pil-seung. Then, slowly, anger rose across his face.
“…What are you doing, brother?”
“Brother, you just said it yourself. Within the Hukcheon Estate, if an outsider lays hands on a member of the bloodline, it’s execution.”
Kwon Han-ul replied with perfect innocence.
“I’m not sure if he’s dead or alive, but… out of respect for your face, I’ll let it end here.”
“Brother, the rookie is my subordinate.”
“I am a member of the Heukcheon bloodline.”
“Couldn’t you have let it go, at least for my sake?”
“For your sake, I couldn’t possibly let it go.”
Kwon Chan-seong regarded Kwon Han-ul in silence. Then he understood.
“…So you weren’t cursed after all.”
Kwon Chan-seong’s face was filled with confusion. A moment later, his expression softened as he spoke.
“My younger brother was right. This failure is my own—I failed to properly manage my subordinates.”
Kwon Chan-seong apologized readily, then hoisted Lee Pil-seung onto his shoulder and left.
“Aren’t you curious how I broke the curse?”
“I’m not crude enough to ask such things. Though I must admit, losing that ring stings a bit.”
He didn’t even bother asking for the return of a Legendary item of that caliber.
Either his vessel was remarkably large, or he possessed so many Legendary items that one loss meant little.
Kwon Han-ul felt a twinge of admiration inwardly.
“I apologize for teasing you, but everything I promised you is true.”
“I have no intention of serving under anyone.”
At those words, Kwon Chan-seong laughed.
“Brother, you think well—that’s good. Otherwise, you might end up like our uncle.”
Kwon Han-ul’s pupils dilated. Kwon Chan-seong had only one uncle.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Take my hand, and I’ll explain everything in detail. Until then, I won’t say another word.”
Kwon Han-ul glared at him, but Kwon Chan-seong merely smiled.
“Come under me. Then I’ll reveal all the truth to you and promise you the highest position.”
Kwon Chan-seong waved his hand and left. Kwon Han-ul stared at his departing figure in silence for a long while.
“Kwon Han-ul, you’ve worked hard.”
Joo Ha-yeon handed a towel and water to Kwon Han-ul. He didn’t take them and instead asked her a question.
“What did he mean by that just now?”
“I….”
“You can’t speak because of the Chairman’s orders?”
Joo Ha-yeon nodded. Kwon Han-ul’s teeth clenched.
“Damn it.”
Spitting out a curse, Kwon Han-ul sank to the floor. He kept his head down, trying to suppress his anger.
After a long while, Kwon Han-ul spoke weakly.
“…Before joining the Heukcheon Group, I had to live watching everyone else’s faces.”
I suffered under the tedious rules the Hunter Association imposed. I had to evade the tyranny of large Guilds. I survived day by day on pittance wages.
“I thought joining the Heukcheon Group would free me from everything. I thought I could live as I wished. But the reality hasn’t changed at all.”
My body is comfortable now. I can enjoy wealth and luxury I never dared dream of before.
Yet I’m still looked down upon because of my origins. I’m forced to make choices. I can’t even get clear answers about my own father.
“What a miserable life this is.”
Just then, a towel touched his face. Joo Ha-yeon wiped the sweat from Kwon Han-ul’s face with the towel and spoke.
“I’m sorry.”
In truth, Joo Ha-yeon had done nothing wrong.
“As time passes, there will be far more of these situations. Many will desire you, and many will try to break you.”
“That sounds absolutely dreadful.”
Kwon Han-ul replied with bitter sarcasm.
“There is only one way for Kwon Han-ul to achieve your desires.”
“And what is that?”
“Reach the summit.”
Kwon Han-ul’s expression darkened. The summit?
“Face down all those who seek to bind you. Crush them, break them, bring them under your heel. And if you become the very sky of Heukcheon itself… then you will achieve your desires.”
Kwon Han-ul let out a hollow laugh.
The Heukcheon Group was a colossal beast, spoken of as the very ruler of East Asia.
Stand at the apex of such a place? That was absurd….
“….”
Joo Ha-yeon waited until Kwon Han-ul’s thoughts had settled.
“…Let’s head back for now.”
Kwon Han-ul rose from his seat as he spoke.

* * *

That night, Kwon Han-ul gazed quietly at the inner core of the water dragon resting upon his bed.
I had already completed all preparations to consume the inner core. Every stat had reached Grade B, and my detoxification and poison resistance had exceeded acceptable levels.
Whether I could consume the inner core or not was not the real question.
“The summit of Heukcheon…”
Joo Ha-yeon had said it. To obtain the life I desired, I must become the very sky of Heukcheon.
It was not impossible. Chairman Kwon Seon-woo had made a promise to me long ago.
If I demonstrated sufficient achievements and results, he would hand over the position of chairman itself.
It might have been said in jest, but a man of the Chairman’s stature would never speak such words carelessly.
“My abilities… well, they should be sufficient.”
I possessed multiple bloodlines, including the True Black Dragon Bloodline.
I would ponder later why my blood had become such a mixture.
“With these bloodlines, it is possible.”
I had experienced firsthand just how tremendous the power each bloodline possessed truly was.
“To challenge the summit of Heukcheon, I must demonstrate achievements worthy of such an attempt.”
The beginning would be my debut match in the Platinum Dungeon.
“But if I do that, I will become enemies with Kwon Chan-seong.”
Challenging the summit of Heukcheon meant walking a different path than Kwon Chan-seong.
There was no way he would tolerate that.
And not only him—all the purebloods would consider me their enemy.
“If I submitted to Kwon Chan-seong, life would certainly be easier.”
If Kwon Hyuk was the most likely heir to the most powerful group, then Kwon Chan-seong was the most likely heir to Kwon Hyuk.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Kwon Chan-seong would become the next chairman in due course.
By submitting to him, I could gain a reliable backer and wield considerable power.
“This is maddening.”
The truth was, my heart had already tilted toward one side. No matter how hard I tried, the scales would not swing the other way—they would not even waver.
“I must be insane.”
I had always believed myself to be rational and pragmatic, and I had lived accordingly.
So I chose stability over challenge. I chose the present over the future.
The pinnacle of Heukcheon? It sounds nice in theory. But the succession structure of the Heukcheon Group is already half-solidified.
The Chairman’s seat will be passed down to Vice Chairman Kwon Hyuk and his sons.
To reach the pinnacle, I would have to challenge them and surpass them.
In contrast, if I submit to Kwon Chan-seong, a rosy life awaits me without having to walk such a thorny path.
And yet, I was acutely aware of this fact.
“To hell with it. Let me give it a shot.”
Kwon Han-ul placed the inner core into his mouth. And bit down with all his strength.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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