Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 22

—————

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

—————

【Bloodline is a Thug Chapter 22】

Chapter 22: Bloodline Discovered (1)

Thirty minutes had already elapsed since Kwon Han-ul entered the Platinum Dungeon.
The Iron Fang Guild Master stared at the gate with an anxious heart.
‘He must be dead by now. He has to be dead. It’s the only way.’
The Guild Master desperately hoped that Kwon Han-ul would not return.
It wasn’t that he harbored any particular ill will toward him.
It was simply that if Kwon Han-ul returned alive, the Iron Fang Guild would be in danger.
‘Damn it, why did I have to get dragged into this mess….’
A few days ago, a Hunter from the Heukcheon Group had visited Iron Fang.
The Hunter had handed over a tentacle of Eclipse and demanded that the Guild place it inside the Platinum Dungeon if they wished to survive.
‘If there’s a family dispute, they should settle it among themselves. Why drag me into this?’
Iron Fang was the number one Guild in South Korea, but that was only true domestically.
Compared to the Heukcheon Group, which operated on a global scale, they were infinitely weak.
Getting caught up in internal conflicts within the Heukcheon Group would inevitably lead to the Guild’s complete dissolution.
But if he refused the Hunter’s demand, the Guild would be in immediate danger.
The Guild Master had no choice but to reluctantly accept the demand.
‘If only Kwon Han-ul dies… everything would be resolved.’
The Hunter from the Heukcheon Group had promised to bury this matter quietly if Kwon Han-ul died.
Whether that promise would actually be kept was a concern for later, but Kwon Han-ul must not return alive.
If Kwon Han-ul returned alive, everything Iron Fang had done would be exposed.
Then Iron Fang would be finished that very day.
‘Please, I’m begging you!’
They had placed a tentacle of Eclipse, which had a danger rating of SS-rank, into a Platinum-class Dungeon with a scale equivalent to an entire city.
By any reasonable standard, Kwon Han-ul could never return alive.
Yet the Iron Fang Guild Master could not find peace of mind.
“He’s taking longer than expected.”
The woman standing beside the Guild Master muttered to herself. The Guild Master glanced at her.
Every time he saw her, he was struck by how remarkably beautiful she was—so much so that even in this dire situation, his gaze was drawn to her.
The woman gazed at the gate with worry etched across her face.
What was their relationship?
The Guild Master stood lost in thought, then shook his head slowly.
With the fate of the Guild hanging in the balance, he could not afford to lose his focus over a woman.
Then it happened.
The gate suddenly began to expand.
In an instant, it transformed from a size barely large enough for one person to pass through into a massive opening through which an enormous ship could sail.
“Monsters are pouring out! Everyone, grab your weapons!”
“These aren’t ordinary creatures! We absolutely cannot let them reach the city!”
Judging by the Gate’s size, it was unmistakable—a creature of an entirely different caliber from the Karankula workers that had emerged in the early stages was attempting to escape.
Though the situation was perilous, the Guild Master nearly let out a cry of joy instead.
‘Perfect! He’s dead!’
If Kwon Han-ul were alive, there was no way the monster could escape the Dungeon. The fact that monsters were turning their attention outward meant Kwon Han-ul was dead.
‘Now my Guild is safe!’
But moments later, the Guild Master’s face went rigid.
‘What? What…?’
It wasn’t a monster emerging—it was Kwon Han-ul.
Once outside, Kwon Han-ul plunged his arm back into the Gate.
With a powerful pull, a massive monster corpse came flying out.
“Wh-what in the world is that…? Isn’t that a Karankula General!”
“Two Karankula Generals, not just one…?”
“Isn’t that the Karankula Mother?”
“If the Mother is dead… that means he annihilated the entire Karankula swarm…”
The Iron Fang Guild members’ jaws dropped.
Among them, the Iron Fang Guild Master’s shock was beyond words.
‘H-he’s alive? The Heukcheon bloodline members are all monsters, but… this is too much!’
While the Guild Master reeled in horror, Kwon Han-ul completely extracted the monster corpses from the Gate.
“Phew, that’s heavy.”
Joo Ha-yeon approached Kwon Han-ul as he wiped the sweat from his brow and bowed her head.
“I’m relieved you’ve returned safely.”
“There’s no need to make such a fuss over this.”
Kwon Han-ul tapped the monster corpses as he spoke.
“Though they’re damaged… these three should yield decent equipment, right?”
“If we entrust them to Master Park Tae-sik, they won’t just become decent items—they’ll become magnificent ones.”
Watching Kwon Han-ul chat with Joo Ha-yeon, the Guild Master wrestled with his thoughts.
This Guild was something he’d built over a lifetime. He couldn’t let it crumble away so pathetically.
‘Should I look for an opening to strike? If a blade pierces the heart, even a member of the Heukcheon bloodline would…’
The Iron Fang Guild Master had already lost the capacity for rational judgment.
Then he noticed that Kwon Han-ul was gazing directly at him.
“You seem to be entertaining some amusing thoughts.”
Kwon Han-ul released his aura. A pitch-black mana completely engulfed the surroundings.
The sound of insects gradually faded. The world fell silent in an instant.
Faced with not merely overwhelming but absolute superiority, the Iron Fang Guild Master completely lost his will to fight.
“Stop wasting time on foolish ideas, and let’s discuss what you’ve done.”
It was over.
The Iron Fang Guild Master felt his heart plummet.

* * *

“Let me see… First, you interfered with the Heukcheon Group’s event.”
Kwon Han-ul folded down his fingers one by one, enumerating Iron Fang’s transgressions.
“Second, you threw the tentacles of Eclipse—designated as a hazardous material—into the Dungeon, nearly causing a catastrophe.”
His third finger folded down.
“And finally, you attempted to kill me, a member of the Heukcheon bloodline.”
With each word Kwon Han-ul spoke, the Guild Master’s shoulders trembled.
“Joo Ha-yeon, what should we do in a situation like this?”
“They must all be eliminated.”
Joo Ha-yeon spoke with unwavering resolve.
“The crime of threatening a member of the Heukcheon bloodline is grave. If you give the order, I will personally extract their due punishment.”
The Guild Master fell to his knees, crying out.
“W-we merely followed orders! S-someone from Heukcheon came and… s-so we just…”
“What should we do when they speak like this?”
“They must still all be eliminated.”
Joo Ha-yeon’s stance remained unchanged.
“Regardless of circumstances, they have committed acts that cannot be forgiven.”
The faces of the Iron Fang Guild Master and his members drained of all color.
“Hmm.”
Kwon Han-ul stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Even before joining the Heukcheon Group, I had a troubled history with Iron Fang.”
The Iron Fang Guild had attempted to pin the successor’s mistakes onto Kwon Han-ul.
It was only thanks to Joo Ha-yeon’s timely arrival that he’d escaped unscathed—had she not been there, the consequences would have been dire.
“But this time, they’ve pushed me to the brink.”
Though they claimed coercion, the fact remained that Iron Fang had wronged Kwon Han-ul twice.
“W-we were coerced! We had no choice! They said if we didn’t help, they’d destroy the Iron Fang Guild…”
“So you didn’t think I was scary enough to worry about.”
The Guild Master’s expression went blank.
“N-no, that’s not… I mean…”
“You figured a bastard like me wasn’t worth losing sleep over. That’s what you decided, right?”
“N-no, that’s not it.”
“Then what? Am I wrong?”
In that instant, Kwon Han-ul’s voice turned razor-sharp. The Iron Fang Guild Master fell silent.
“Well, I’ll let you keep your lives. And I won’t touch the Guild either.”
The Iron Fang Guild Master couldn’t believe his ears.
“However, if a similar situation arises in the future, you must stand with me without fail.”
“Y-yes! Of course! That goes without saying!”
The Guild Master nodded frantically, though his true thoughts were entirely different.
From now on, I’ll never again involve myself with the Heukcheon Group—even if it means fleeing East Asia entirely!
“Understood. I’ll trust your word, Master.”
“Kwon Han-ul! Thank you so much!”
“You must have endured considerable hardship, being pulled in every direction like that.”
Kwon Han-ul comforted the Guild Master and produced something from his pocket.
It was a worn, unremarkable ring.
“A humble token of my apology. Think of it as proof of my oath, and carry it with you always.”
The Iron Fang Guild Master accepted the ring with both hands.
Curious whether it might be something extraordinary, he immediately checked its information.
【        】
But nothing appeared. The Guild Master was deeply disappointed.
“To receive such a gift as well… I’m at a loss for words! I swear I shall repay this kindness!”
Yet regardless of his true feelings, he poured forth the most flattering words he could muster.
Watching the Iron Fang Guild Master, Kwon Han-ul smiled meaningfully.

* * *

“Why did you forgive him?”
The moment we arrived at the lodging, Joo Ha-yeon asked. I wore an expression of confusion.
“I never forgave him.”
“You let Iron Fang go unscathed.”
“Ah, that.”
I removed my outer garment as I spoke.
“The one who orchestrated this was my older brother Chan-seong. Iron Fang is merely a chess piece.”
There’s no point in destroying a chess piece that’s already dead—it won’t affect the game.
“Wouldn’t it be better for me to seize it and put it to good use instead?”
Though inferior to the Heukcheon Group, the position of South Korea’s number one Guild is no trivial matter.
With proper leverage, I could deal Kwon Chan-seong a devastating blow. That was my assessment.
“The Iron Fang Guild Master is not a trustworthy man. He will betray you at the critical moment.”
“I know. That’s why I’ve already put a leash on him.”
The ring I gave the Iron Fang Guild Master was a Shackle Ring I’d seized from Kwon Chan-seong.
By now, the brainwashing curse would be continuously contaminating the Guild Master’s mind.
Once the brainwashing is complete, I can work him like a hunting dog or use him as a convenient tool.
The possibilities for exploitation are endless.
“A leash, you say?”
Joo Ha-yeon tilted her head in confusion.
Just then, my smartphone rang. When I checked the caller, it was surprisingly Kwon Seon-woo.
What does this old man want? I answered with bewilderment.
“What is it?”
-Still not a shred of warmth in your tone, I see.
“With all due respect, Chairman, you shouldn’t speak to me that way.”
If Kwon Han-ul’s manner was merely lacking in warmth, the Chairman’s way of speaking was so indifferent it bordered on contempt.
-Congratulations on completing your debut match without incident.
“Thank you.”
-I never expected you to single-handedly annihilate the Karankula swarm that had absorbed Eclipse’s tendrils.
Kwon Seon-woo knew everything all along. He simply chose to let it happen.
Such a troublesome old man. I clicked my tongue briefly.
-Since you’ve passed all the trials, I suppose I must honor my promise. I’ll permit you to use the Treasure Vault and authorize the creation of your team.
I clenched my fists tightly.
Obtaining permission to establish a team within the Heukcheon Group was extraordinarily difficult.
Not only did one need to prove their abilities over an extended period, but the Chairman’s approval was also essential.
It was no coincidence that Kwon Ji-seok, the second son of the Vice Chairman, had only recently received authorization to form his team.
-This alone might grow tedious for you. When you return to the Kwon Family, I’ll transfer the Subspace skill to you. It will prove quite useful.
My pupils dilated at those words.
By mastering the Subspace skill, one could distort dimensions and store various items within.
I’d heard that despite its utility, it was extraordinarily rare—fewer than three discovered in an entire year.
To casually bestow something so precious.
Truly befitting the wealth of the Heukcheon Chairman.
-And one more thing.
“Yes, please speak.”
-You were truly magnificent.
My mind went blank for a moment. Could this old man actually be offering praise?
I wanted to ask for clarification, but Kwon Seon-woo changed the subject first.
-Creating a team requires considerable capital and equipment.
“Surely the Heukcheon Group handles such matters as a matter of course?”
-How amusing. Do you think the Heukcheon Group survives by digging holes and selling dirt?
I was momentarily taken aback.
-The Heukcheon Group is not so generous as to support a team whose capabilities remain unproven.
“So if I want support, I need to demonstrate results first.”
-Now you understand my meaning quickly.
Tch.
I cursed inwardly.
-As it happens, I have a suitable task available. Would you care to hear of it?
“What is it?”
-Do you know of the Mei Family in Tianjiang?
There was only one Mei Family worthy of mention by someone of the Heukcheon Chairman’s stature.
“I’m aware of them. Aren’t they the prestigious family that dominates China?”

Throughout the world, there exist several other families wielding formidable power.
While Heukcheon currently reigns supreme, their meteoric rise cannot be ignored.
I’ve heard that constant reconnaissance and mutual surveillance occur among the families as a result.
One such family was the Mei Family of Tianjiang.
“I’ve heard that the Mei Family members, like those of Heukcheon, possess bloodlines.”
-Hmph, nonsense. No matter how you look at it, their bloodline is far inferior compared to the Black Dragon Bloodline.
Kwon Han-ul let out a bitter laugh.
While not quite on the level of the Kwon Family, known as the rulers of East Asia, the Mei Family wielded considerable influence throughout all of China—a formidable clan in their own right.
The bloodline they possessed was said to be equally powerful.
-Recently, a dispute arose with the Mei Family over a Dungeon. I was planning to crush those arrogant bastards in this opportunity, but they made an interesting proposal.
“What kind of proposal?”
-They suggested selecting three representatives from each family and holding a team battle, with the victorious side claiming ownership of the Dungeon.
Kwon Seon-woo spoke casually, yet this team battle was an extraordinarily significant affair.
Two families would select their representatives and compete. It was a matter where family honor and pride hung in the balance.
-They also stipulated that participants must be bloodline members who haven’t engaged in external activities. It seems they’ve produced a remarkable newcomer as well.
That makes sense.
Defeating Heukcheon would instantly make one’s name known throughout the world.
That’s why they brought this proposal to Kwon Han-ul.
He had only just completed his debut match and hadn’t yet made a name for himself.
-What do you say? Are you interested?
“Just make sure the sponsorship funds are generous.”
It was a question that required no deliberation.

* * *

Kwon Seon-woo ended the call. He set the phone back in place and opened his mouth.
“Well? Did things not unfold exactly as I predicted?”
At those words, Kwon Chan-seong lifted his head. His face had hardened like stone.
“I never expected a pure bloodline to land such a blow against a true bloodline so quickly. Is it a difference in bloodline? Or a difference in the person? Truly fascinating.”
Kwon Chan-seong bit his lip.
With this incident, his own value had diminished while Kwon Han-ul’s had risen.
Though he couldn’t predict what consequences this would bring later, it was clear it would become a major obstacle.
“Now get out of here.”
At the dismissal, Kwon Chan-seong left without protest.
He walked far from the Mansion. How long had he been walking?
“…Arrrgh!”
The suppressed fury erupted. Kwon Chan-seong kicked a nearby tree.
The tree’s base shattered into pieces. He trampled the remains one by one, crushing them to dust.
Only after rampaging for a long while could Kwon Chan-seong finally regain his composure.
“…Kwon Han-ul. This will cost you dearly.”
The sound of teeth grinding echoed eerily.
That was when it happened.
The smartphone in Kwon Chan-seong’s pocket rang.
He checked to find a text message from Kwon Han-ul.
I won the bet.
Don’t forget your promise.
-Kwon Han-ul-
His blood pressure spiked. Kwon Chan-seong forced himself to calm down.
Then a second message arrived.
You seem to have no talent for gambling.
-Kwon Han-ul-
“This damned…!”
In the end, Kwon Chan-seong grabbed the back of his neck.

—————

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

—————