Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 25

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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 25】

Chapter 25: Bloodline Assembles (2)

The moment I opened my eyes, I bolted upright. My gaze darted frantically around the room.
A familiar sight greeted me—my own mansion.
“You’re awake.”
Joo Ha-yeon’s voice came from beside me. She sat in a chair positioned next to the bed.
“What happened… Ugh!”
A sharp pain shot through the back of my neck.
In an instant, everything came flooding back. The selection of the team representative, the brutal exchange with Kwon Myung-woo, and my defeat.
“…So I lost.”
Truly, he possessed strength befitting the foremost of Heukcheon. I had been defeated before I could even draw out my true power.
“You were truly magnificent. Everyone was in awe watching you stand against Kwon Myung-woo directly.”
“That was only because he allowed it.”
“Even accounting for that, I speak the truth. Kwon Myung-woo’s technique and momentum are not easily withstood.”
Her words offered no comfort.
Overwhelmed by a hollow emptiness, I collapsed back onto the bed.
Then, suddenly remembering something more pressing, I sat up again and asked.
“What happened with the representative selection?”
“Thanks to Kwon Myung-woo’s strong support, you became the first to qualify as a representative.”
“He supported me?”
I was genuinely taken aback.
Since joining the Heukcheon Group, everyone had been my enemy. I never imagined anyone from my own bloodline would take my side.
Along with that came suspicion. Was it purely for Heukcheon’s victory, or did he have ulterior motives?
“He seems quite fond of you. He asked me several times which team you belonged to.”
“Why would he ask that?”
“It appears he intends to make you a recruitment offer.”
I had heard of the team Kwon Myung-woo commanded.
The Heukcheon Team.
The only team within the Heukcheon Group permitted to bear the name Heukcheon.
Its reputation stood as the highest and strongest. Every member of the Heukcheon bloodline—indeed, every hunter who knew of Heukcheon’s prestige—yearned to join it.
“I’ll have to respectfully decline his offer.”
Yet Kwon Myung-woo’s proposal held little appeal for me.
“I intend to build my own team.”
My objective was to reach the pinnacle of Heukcheon.
To achieve that, I needed to establish my own team and make its name known.
In other words, my goal was not to join the strongest team.
To create the strongest team.
“Who were the other two selected?”
“One of them is Kwon Ji-seok.”
“He must be busy assembling the team, yet he’s coming out as a representative?”
“It’s highly likely he volunteered because of that.”
I was briefly puzzled, but soon grasped what Joo Ha-yeon meant.
“So my loss in the bet caused problems with the team’s formation.”
Kwon Seon-woo judges people by their value.
Kwon Ji-seok’s value, having lost to Kwon Han-ul twice, would have plummeted immeasurably, and it was highly likely he wouldn’t receive the support that was originally promised to him.
“Who is the third person?”
“It’s Kwon Hu-don.”
It was a name I’d never heard before.
“He’s Kwon Mi’s youngest son.”
The commander-in-chief of the team battle recommends his own child?
“Is that even allowed?”
“There were complaints, but he was elected as representative with the consent of the majority.”
“If he received that much support from the majority… he must be quite skilled.”
“As the youngest son of Kwon Mi and his spouse, there’s no doubt about his abilities. However, it’s also quite possible that Kwon Mi pulled some strings.”
Joo Ha-yeon wore a subtle smile.
“Given his background, there’s no way he could have garnered that much support otherwise.”
“His background?”
“He was originally of the Inferior Black Dragon Bloodline, but was later confirmed to be of the Pure Black Dragon Bloodline.”
I couldn’t comprehend it. It was something I’d never heard of before.
“Can the Black Dragon Bloodline change like that?”
“No, throughout Heukcheon’s history, it has never happened. Kwon Hu-don is the only one. That’s why it became an enormous topic of discussion at one point.”
According to the explanation that followed, all the Branch Family bloodline members sought out Kwon Mi, and even the Chairman himself inquired about it.
“Kwon Mi said that her son’s qualities influenced the Black Dragon Bloodline itself. Though it seems few people believe that.”
It was certainly too suspicious a matter to accept with such an explanation.
“The team battle order has also been decided. I brought the roster here.”
Joo Ha-yeon handed me a sheet of paper. On it were the rules of this team battle and the names of each family’s representatives listed in order.
I focused on the match order among them.
Vanguard: Kwon Hu-don.
Mid-rank: Kwon Han-ul.
Commander: Kwon Ji-seok.
After thinking for a moment, I asked Joo Ha-yeon.
“The vanguard position is the most watched in a team battle, isn’t it?”
“That’s correct. It’s the position that signals the start of the match, and the team’s momentum is determined by the outcome.”
“And the commander position is the highest rank.”
“Yes, as the team captain, we send out the most skilled person.”
“Then the mid-rank position is…”
“It’s a position for those lacking in ability. Compared to the vanguard and commander, the impact on the match is minimal.”
Kwon Han-ul glanced at the roster once more.
“I don’t understand why I’m placed as a mid-tier fighter.”
“I agree with you.”
Kwon Han-ul rose from the bed.
He rotated his neck side to side. Pain still lingered, but thanks to the Healthy Bloodline, the recovery was remarkably swift.
“I’ll go lodge a formal objection.”
“By now, Kwon Mi should be in the Conference Hall drafting the team battle strategy with the other two representatives.”
“Perfect timing.”
Kwon Han-ul left without hesitation. The Conference Hall wasn’t far.
He burst through the door. Kwon Mi, Kwon Ji-seok, and an unfamiliar young man turned in surprise.
“You! How dare you barge in like that!”
“I came to ask a question.”
Kwon Han-ul thrust the paper in front of Kwon Mi. Her eyebrows shot up.
“Why am I listed as mid-tier?”
“Obviously because you’re weaker than the other two!”
“I don’t see it that way.”
At those words, Kwon Ji-seok’s face flushed with anger.
“What are you saying! Are you implying I’m not your match?”
Kwon Ji-seok shot to his feet, his voice rising.
“Do I look that pathetic to you? Just because you won two bets doesn’t mean you’ve lost your mind. If we fought properly, you wouldn’t stand a chance against me!”
“If you don’t believe me, shall we make another wager?”
“What?”
“I’m confident I’ll win.”
Kwon Ji-seok’s expression grew increasingly menacing.
“Hey! You there! Say something! You’re a representative too!”
Kwon Ji-seok shouted at the young man beside him. The youth flinched.
Kwon Han-ul turned to observe the young man as well.
He had a small frame and a face like a sculpture. He was handsome enough to make even Kwon Ji-seok and Kwon Chan-seong seem plain by comparison.
“Uh… um…”
The young man, Kwon Hu-don, glanced nervously between Kwon Han-ul and Kwon Ji-seok.
“Um, m-mom said I absolutely have to take the vanguard position. So I’m going to take the vanguard.”
Kwon Hu-don stammered continuously. His words were strange too—a demeanor utterly at odds with his handsome appearance.
“Forget it. What can I expect from you anyway? So you’re saying you’re stronger than both of us? Come on, let’s settle this.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Then a completely different voice echoed through the room.
Everyone’s gaze lifted to the ceiling. Someone was lying atop the framework supporting the Conference Hall’s ceiling.
“Uncle Kwon Myung-woo?”
“Grandfather Kwon Myung-woo?”
Kwon Myung-woo leaped down from the ceiling with a silent, flawless landing.
Kwon Mi asked him in surprise.
“What on earth were you doing up there?”
“That brat took off running, so I decided to follow him secretly. How about that? Pretty stealthy, wouldn’t you say?”
Kwon Myung-woo burst into hearty laughter. Then he approached Kwon Han-ul and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
“You rascal! Thank goodness you’re in one piece! You have no idea how worried I was!”
“Worried about what? It wasn’t even that painful.”
“What did you just say? Hahahaha! Still as cheeky as ever!”
Kwon Myung-woo laughed even louder.
“By the way, I heard from up there that this cocky bastard is a mid-tier member. Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s right. It was decided based on individual ability and position within the group….”
“Ability, position within the group, blah blah blah. You’re driving me crazy with all this talk.”
Kwon Myung-woo waved his hand dismissively as if swatting away a fly. Then he suddenly asked Kwon Han-ul a question.
“Hey, what position would you like to take?”
Kwon Han-ul answered immediately without hesitation.
“I’d like to be the vanguard.”
It was the position that opened the group battle and received the most attention. Above all, it was the one that could secure the first victory.
Kwon Han-ul preferred the vanguard position over even the commander’s role.
“Kahahaha! That’s the spirit! A true member of the Heukcheon bloodline should never fear standing at the front! Since that’s settled, let the vanguard position go to this boy.”
Kwon Mi bit her lip. She clearly had no intention of accepting Kwon Myung-woo’s words easily.
“Uncle! Regardless of your status, this matter is under my authority!”
“Is that so?”
“The order will proceed as planned!”
“Mi, it seems you’ve misunderstood something. Your father didn’t place you as the overall director to do whatever you please.”
“I’ve never done such a thing.”
“Not only did you put your own son as the representative, but now the vanguard….”
The smile vanished from Kwon Myung-woo’s face. He looked down at Kwon Mi with cold eyes.
“Your father placed you in that position solely so you could benefit the group. You should think carefully about how much longer your father will tolerate your recklessness.”
Kwon Mi’s face turned pale.
“H-Hu-don becoming the representative was, was only with consent….”
“Do you think I brought this up for no reason? The Chairman knows everything.”
Kwon Mi closed her mouth. It was her way of accepting Kwon Myung-woo’s words.
Kwon Myung-woo patted Kwon Mi’s shoulder and spoke.
“Don’t worry. My judgment is always accurate. You won’t regret following my lead. Hahahaha.”
At that moment, Kwon Ji-seok, who had been quiet, stepped forward.
“Uncle, then what about the remaining positions?”
“Why are you asking me that? You should ask your aunt.”
Kwon Myung-woo tilted his head in confusion. But Kwon Ji-seok paid no attention to Kwon Mi whatsoever.
At this very moment, the person with the upper hand was not Kwon Mi, but Kwon Myung-woo.
“Well, someone like Ji-seok is more than capable of taking the commander position. As long as you don’t get nervous, that is.”
“Nervous? Not at all! This time, I absolutely won’t be!”
“Hmm… I’ve heard that story a few times before.”
Kwon Myung-woo’s expression turned skeptical. Kwon Ji-seok felt a surge of emotion but couldn’t muster a rebuttal.
“Well, it seems the conversation has wrapped up nicely. I’ll be on my way then.”
Kwon Myung-woo turned and exited the Conference Hall. Kwon Han-ul hurried after him.
“Kwon Myung-woo, sir!”
Kwon Myung-woo glanced back, his tone sharp with irritation.
“Hey! Watch your manners, you brat!”
Kwon Han-ul was momentarily flustered. He thought perhaps he’d made an error with the title and began to apologize.
But what came from Kwon Myung-woo’s mouth was entirely different from what he expected.
“Executive Director? That sounds so stiff and formal! Call me Grandfather instead!”
Kwon Han-ul couldn’t help but be taken aback once more. This casual, informal manner was something he’d never experienced before.
“Grandfather, sir. Thank you for helping me.”
“I thought you were just an arrogant brat, but you do know how to show respect!”
“I will never forget this favor.”
Kwon Myung-woo smiled warmly. Then, as if remembering something, he asked.
“Ahem, yes. This works out perfectly, Han-ul. How about joining my team?”
Kwon Myung-woo’s face brimmed with confidence. He didn’t seem to consider the possibility of rejection for even a moment.
Kwon Han-ul answered him immediately.
“No.”
“Good thinking. You won’t regret—wait, what? No?”
“I intend to form my own team.”
“What?”
“Then I’ll be taking my leave.”
Kwon Han-ul began to walk away. Kwon Myung-woo trailed after him.
“Hey, don’t be like that. Think about it once more, won’t you? Hmm? An opportunity like this doesn’t come around often.”
“I’ve made my decision.”
“Come on, think it over, will you? Hmm?”
His persistent pleas and my resolute refusals continued without end.

* * *

A few days later, a large aircraft departed from the Kwon Family.
Inside were numerous members of the Black Dragon Bloodline. Kwon Han-ul was among them.
‘This is my first time going abroad.’
I had been too busy scraping by to even dream of domestic travel, let alone international trips.
Yet here I was, embarking on my first journey overseas. Life truly held surprises.
‘Though strictly speaking, this isn’t really a vacation.’
I was currently traveling to face the Mei Family in a group battle.
Regardless of the outcome, the atmosphere would turn hostile once the group battle concluded, so sightseeing was out of the question.
‘Joo Ha-yeon isn’t here, and for once, I’m alone.’
A faint sense of loneliness washed over me.
Perhaps because I had always relied on Joo Ha-yeon’s help, her absence felt like a gaping void.
Yet I had no time to indulge in such sentiments.
“Come on, you’re really not going to join?”
Kwon Myung-woo was relentlessly pressing his recruitment pitch from the seat beside me.
“Listen, it’s embarrassing for me to say, but our Heukcheon Team is the greatest and strongest! If you just join, everyone will fear you. You’re really going to refuse?”
“As I’ve mentioned, I intend to form my own team.”
“You don’t realize what an incredible opportunity this is… Fine, I’ve been generous. The position of team leader just opened up. I’ll give it to you. What do you say?”
“I decline.”
Kwon Han-ul and Kwon Myung-woo bickered throughout the entire flight.
Kwon Mi watched them with displeasure. With Kwon Myung-woo present, she couldn’t issue orders freely.
“Uncle, may I ask for your advice on something?”
Then Kwon Ji-seok interjected. Kwon Myung-woo tilted his head curiously.
“What is it?”
“I’d like to hear your counsel regarding this group battle.”
At those words, Kwon Myung-woo clicked his tongue.
“Counsel? What counsel do we need against those bastards? There’s nothing to worry about! Just beat them to a pulp!”
In that moment, the Mei Family—rulers of China—became mere “bastards.”
“Though I’ll admit… their skill with weapons is rather formidable.”
At Kwon Myung-woo’s words, everyone’s attention sharpened.
Kwon Ji-seok, Kwon Hu-don, and I all listened intently to what he had to say.
All three of us knew what the Mei Family was. But we only knew it in theory—we had never experienced them firsthand.
“The entire Mei Family bloodline can wield every weapon with mastery. They can switch from swords to spears, from spears to bows, seamlessly.”
In combat, distance is paramount.
You must clearly understand the range at which your enemy can attack and the range at which you can attack to gain the upper hand.
But what if your enemy could change weapons at will?
Your sense of distance becomes utterly useless.
“That’s the power of the Asura Bloodline that the Mei Family possesses. Master one weapon, and you can wield a thousand. But the truly troublesome ability is something else entirely.”
Kwon Myung-woo’s eyes grew serious.
“When Asura Bloodline is applied directly to a weapon, it undergoes transformation. Its performance is enhanced, and it gains special abilities. The Mei Family calls it ‘weapons imbued with Asura.'”
“Can’t we just destroy those with Dragon Force Technique?”
Kwon Ji-seok shouted boldly. At his words, Kwon Myung-woo spoke with a grave expression.
“A weapon imbued with Asura pierces through even Dragon Technique.”
At those words, Kwon Ji-seok’s mouth slowly closed.
“A weapon imbued with Asura is no mere weapon. You could say it’s a demon in its own right. You mustn’t take it lightly.”
Kwon Han-ul nodded, etching those words into his heart.
Now I understood why Joo Ha-yeon had emphasized footwork in the battle against the Mei Family.
Careless handling could lead to unforeseen consequences.
“Well, a weapon imbued with Asura isn’t a card the Mei Family can easily pull out either, so there’s no need to worry. Besides, we have a second power, don’t we?”
“That’s right! No matter how formidable they are, how could they possibly break through Black Scale Armor!”
Kwon Ji-seok chimed in enthusiastically.
Did he understand yet still act that way?
Just then, an announcement from the captain’s broadcast echoed through the cabin.
-We have entered Mei Family Territory. We will arrive at our destination shortly.
Simultaneously, a message appeared.
【Asura dwells within your body.】
【’True Asura Bloodline’ has been generated.】

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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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