Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 30
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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 30】
Chapter 30: Bloodline Catches On (2)
The Asura King transformed into crimson smoke and was absorbed into Kwon Han-ul’s body.
【You have absorbed the Asura King!】
【The Asura King takes root within your body!】
【Asura Energy is elevated to Asura Soul!】
【Weapons imbued with Asura Soul gain special abilities.】
For absorbing an entity as formidable as the Asura King, the notification seemed disappointingly mundane.
Yet Kwon Han-ul could sense just how terrifying the Asura King dwelling within him truly was.
To verify the Asura King’s true power, I had to channel it through a weapon. Without that, it remained sealed—dormant and useless.
“But what exactly is this Asura Soul?”
I decided to test it directly.
I retrieved a short blade from my spatial pocket and imbued it with Asura Soul.
The blade infused with Asura Soul levitated into the air, then darted wildly around me.
When I opened my palm, the blade returned to it.
“…This is actually useful.”
As a martial artist, I rarely needed weapons. So I conceived of a different application.
“If I imbue debris with Asura Soul during combat instead of a weapon…”
I could suddenly control rubble mid-fight to strike at an opponent’s blind spots.
Beyond that, imbuing my clothing with Asura Soul for free manipulation, and countless other possibilities flooded my mind.
Satisfied, I stowed the blade away.
“Time to head out.”
I turned toward the Ancestral Shrine’s entrance when a scent reached my nostrils.
It was so faint that without the heightened sense of smell from my Dragon Physique, I would have missed it entirely.
‘What is this?’
A sweetly cloying yet sour odor.
I was sniffing more carefully when it happened.
【’Vitality Blood’ detects extreme toxin!】
【Detoxification increases by 0.5!】
【Poison resistance increases by 0.8!】
【’Genius Blood’ detects supreme curse!】
【Preparing mana pattern to break the curse!】
【Mental corruption is purified!】
Kwon Han-ul quickly retrieved the Seven-Hued Poison-Avoidance Pearl and placed it in his mouth.
【Seven-Hued Poison-Avoidance Pearl blocks the intrusion of harmful substances.】
【Seven-Hued Poison-Avoidance Pearl purifies toxins and curses within your body.】
This is why the Seven-Hued Blood Poison Wine ranks among the highest-tier legendary artifacts.
Unlike ordinary poison wines that only neutralize toxins, the Seven-Hued Blood Poison Wine blocks and purifies all harmful substances.
‘So the Mei Family resorted to treachery.’
I never imagined such an attack would unfold the moment Kwon Myung-woo issued his warning.
‘They truly wanted me dead that badly?’
To the Mei Family, who harbored inferiority toward Heukcheon, my existence as Kwon Han-ul must have posed a considerable threat.
‘But why? If they kill me so brazenly, it would spark war with Heukcheon.’
Risking war with Heukcheon just to eliminate one person? That made no sense.
What could they possibly be scheming? I was lost in contemplation when it happened.
【Genius Blood has completed the analysis of the poison and curse.】
【This is a compound poison with multiple toxins and curses intricately woven together.】
【If the infection rate and contamination rate each exceed 80%, cardiac activity will cease within 168 hours.】
‘Genius Blood possesses such an ability?’
I marveled at the message and read it more carefully.
If infected by the poison and curse, death would come within 168 hours—one week.
Suddenly, Mei Rong’s words echoed in my mind.
‘He mentioned that some artifacts can kill people without a trace, didn’t he?’
That warning back then wasn’t advice at all—it was a premeditated threat.
Had it not been for Robust Blood and Genius Blood, along with the Seven-Hued Blood Poison Wine, I would have been helpless.
‘What do I do about this?’
The Mei Family had attempted to assassinate me.
The moment that realization struck, something surged up from my chest.
Remarkably, it was fury born from wounded pride.
‘The Mei Family dared attempt my life?’
And using nothing but poison at that.
Rage boiled within me. My blood burned. My teeth ground together. This was unforgivable. I had to hold the Mei Family accountable by any means necessary.
But this matter was too grave for me to decide alone.
‘Still, I cannot act without counsel.’
This incident occurred during the Kwon Family’s visit to the Mei Family Compound—the circumstances were delicate.
One misstep could ignite war.
‘I must inform Grandfather at once.’
I opened the Ancestral Shrine’s doors and stepped outside. Mei Rong greeted me as if he had been waiting.
“Did you find it to be a worthwhile experience?”
Despite orchestrating such treachery, Mei Rong’s expression remained unmoved.
My lips twisted involuntarily.
Despicable wretch.
Shameless and repugnant.
“Indeed, I became curious about what manner of person the Mei Family’s founder must have been.”
“Perhaps you shall meet him before long.”
“How does one meet the dead?”
At Kwon Han-ul’s question, Mei Rong offered an enigmatic smile.
“Just something I felt like saying.”
Mei Rong resumed walking. At that moment, someone approached him.
It was Mei Hong, one of the Mei Family’s representatives.
“Mei Rong, the Family Head is calling for you.”
“The Family Head? What for?”
“How would I know?”
Despite addressing one of the family’s most senior members, Mei Hong’s tone remained curt.
Displeased by this, Mei Rong clicked his tongue and turned his head toward Kwon Han-ul.
“My apologies. I must take my leave.”
“No trouble at all. I’ve already seen everything there is to see anyway.”
“Thank you for understanding. Mei Hong, please escort Heukcheon’s representative to meet the Heukcheon bloodline members.”
Mei Rong departed with quick strides. Mei Hong spoke in a courteous tone.
“Then I shall escort you.”
Mei Hong brushed past Kwon Han-ul. In that fleeting instant, she pressed something into his palm.
Just as I instinctively reached to examine the object, Mei Hong whispered.
“Don’t lower your head.”
I stopped immediately.
“There are many watchers. Any suspicious behavior will expose us at once.”
Mei Hong kept her gaze forward as she walked. I followed her in silence.
“I know this is difficult to believe, but your body is currently….”
“Poisoned, you mean to say.”
Mei Hong’s expression stiffened slightly.
“How did you….”
“I also know its effects. It’s a poison that stops the heart within a week of infection, isn’t it?”
I spoke quietly, ensuring only Mei Hong could hear. Her expression grew even more rigid.
“It seems designed to kill me without causing friction with the Heukcheon Family… Is this the antidote?”
“…Yes.”
“What poison is it exactly?”
“A synthetic toxin called Illusory Dream Poison. It’s crafted from a combination of extreme toxins obtainable only from relics. Once infected, you simply fall asleep and die one day.”
“A toxin obtainable only from relics… It must be extraordinarily expensive.”
“You couldn’t afford the materials even if you sold an entire mid-sized city.”
“To use something so remarkable on me. How flattering.”
A bitter laugh escaped me—this was both pathetic and absurd.
How desperate must they have been to resort to such a poison.
“Why tell me this? You’re a bloodline member of the Mei Family, after all.”
The sound of grinding teeth echoed.
Mei Hong still gazed straight ahead. Yet hatred burned vividly in her eyes.
“I wish to take revenge on the Mei Family.”
A chill ran through my body. The hatred Mei Hong harbored was palpable and visceral.
“I want to annihilate the Mei Family, sever the Mei Family Head’s neck, and devour Mei Rong’s heart—the greatest swordsman of the Mei.”
“What does revenge have to do with helping me?”
“Please accept me into the Kwon Family.”
Kwon Han-ul’s eyes widened.
“I want to stand with the Kwon Family and fight against the Mei Family.”
What could have happened to make someone hate their own family so deeply?
Though I wanted to ask for details, I chose not to press further.
We weren’t close enough for that, and I couldn’t determine how far I should trust this woman.
She sought revenge and wanted to join the Kwon Family’s side. That’s why she helped me.
The story sounds plausible. But what if it isn’t? What if this is all a scheme orchestrated by the Mei Family Head?
“I’m sorry, but I cannot trust you.”
Kwon Han-ul returned the antidote to Mei Hong’s hands.
“This matter concerns only me and the Mei Family. Do not interfere.”
Mei Hong bit her lip firmly. Meanwhile, I arrived at the place where Heukcheon’s bloodline awaited.
“Here he comes!”
Kwon Myung-woo greeted me first.
“So, how did it feel to see the Mei Family with your own eyes?”
“They’re not as impressive as the Kwon Family.”
“Hahaha! Of course they aren’t!”
Kwon Myung-woo burst into hearty laughter. I stepped closer and whispered.
“Uncle, the Mei Family attempted to poison me.”
In that instant, the smile vanished from Kwon Myung-woo’s face.
“…What did you just say?”
I held out the Seven-Hued Poison Wine. The rainbow-colored liquid had turned black.
It meant the poison and curse had been purified.
“…Do you know what poison it was?”
“They called it Phantom Reverie Poison. It’s a poison that spreads through scent. Inhaling it causes death like sleep after a week.”
“How did you obtain that information?”
“From Mei Hong, the Mei Family’s representative. She said she wants to join our side for revenge.”
“Is she trustworthy?”
“I’m uncertain.”
Kwon Myung-woo fell into thought with a grim expression.
Then, I sensed a presence approaching.
“It seems it’s time we parted ways.”
The Mei Family Head, drawing near, spoke to Kwon Myung-woo.
“Parting like this feels a bit unsatisfying. How about we share a modest drink?”
“A drink, you say. The Mei Family’s plum wine is truly exceptional.”
“You certainly know fine spirits. We have some well-aged plum wine ready, so let’s step inside for a glass.”
As the Mei Family Head offered the drink, a broad smile bloomed across Kwon Myung-woo’s face.
And with that smile still in place, he brought his fist down upon the Mei Family Head’s skull.
* * *
My fist was mere inches from the Mei Family Head’s skull when Mei Rong rushed forward to intercept.
He drew his blade and blocked my punch. The moment fist collided with steel, the heavens themselves seemed to cry out.
Kwon Myung-woo and Mei Rong stood locked together, fist against blade, their eyes burning with lethal intent.
“The First Fist of Heukcheon! Have you lost your mind?”
“Spare me the nonsense. My faculties are perfectly intact.”
“Then what in blazes is this? Daring to strike the Family Head! This transgression cannot be overlooked!”
Mei Rong’s warning drew a contemptuous sneer from me.
“You attempted to murder a member of Heukcheon’s bloodline, yet you dare speak with such shamelessness.”
“Do not slander the Mei Family!”
“Slander? We shall see whose words ring true once I’ve shattered that skull of yours!”
The killing intent between us thickened with each passing moment. Before the situation spiraled beyond control, the Mei Family Head cried out.
“Mei Rong! Stand down!”
Mei Rong tightened his grip on his blade, then sprang backward as if repelled by an invisible force.
“First Fist of Heukcheon, I confess I do not comprehend your actions.”
“So you intend to maintain this shameless facade to the bitter end.”
I produced the Seven-Colored Crimson Poison Wine from my other hand.
“This was given to my grandson over there. Do you see how the color has turned murky?”
There exists an immutable law: poison cannot be purified without first being poisoned.
Confronted with irrefutable evidence that Kwon Han-ul had been poisoned, the Mei Family Head’s expression crumbled into panic.
“Seven-Colored Crimson Poison Wine? You gave my late wife’s heirloom to that child?”
“That is irrelevant now. A member of Heukcheon’s bloodline nearly fell to assassination within the Mei Family Compound. Do you truly believe this acceptable?”
“We knew nothing of this!”
“Enough of your pathetic performance. I’ll flay the skin from your face if you continue.”
I spoke with a voice dripping with murderous intent.
“I already know the poison’s name is Illusory Oblivion Toxin. I already know that those poisoned fall into a death-like sleep after one week. Everything.”
The Mei Family Head’s face hardened. He clearly had not anticipated that I would know both the poison’s name and its effects.
“This is unjust! We truly knew nothing! Or perhaps from the start, the Heukcheon Family sought to frame us…”
“Mei Family Head.”
I spoke with a voice laden with killing intent.
“Enough of this performance. Whether you are truly innocent or not, I have no intention of letting this matter rest.”
I unleashed the Dragon Fist technique. Black aura surged skyward.
That overwhelming force drained the color from the faces of every Mei Family member present.
“So blood must be spilled after all?”
“Why ask the obvious?”
The Mei Family Head squeezed his eyes shut. After releasing a heavy sigh of genuine distress, he finally spoke.
“How did you discover the truth?”
* * *
“How unfortunate this has become.”
Despite standing in a position of guilt, the Mei Family Head’s demeanor remained audacious.
“Had matters proceeded as planned, I would have eliminated that young dragon’s potential and maintained favorable relations with Heukcheon.”
The Mei Family Head turned his gaze toward Kwon Han-ul.
“Young dragon of Heukcheon. There is one matter I cannot comprehend. The Phantasmal Venom possesses the disadvantage of being difficult to detoxify, yet it compensates with its discretion. Thus I retrieved it specifically for this occasion—how did you possibly discern it?”
“It was thanks to the Seven-Hued Blood Venom Liquor that my grandfather provided.”
“I failed to anticipate even that? While I acknowledge the efficacy of Seven-Hued Blood Venom Liquor, it remains merely a venom detector. And venom detectors possess the flaw of readily identifying liquid toxins while proving helpless against vaporizing poisons.”
Kwon Han-ul realized anew just how thoroughly the Mei Family had prepared.
“Then tell me—how did you discover it?”
“In truth, my intuition is rather sharp.”
Kwon Han-ul replied with perfect nonchalance. The Mei Family Head’s expression twisted involuntarily.
The Mei Family Head’s brow furrowed at Kwon Han-ul’s answer.
“Do not jest with me.”
“I am being sincere.”
This exchange felt oddly familiar. Had I not received similar questioning from Mei Rong?
“…Could it be you sensed it instinctively? Terrifyingly acute. My judgment was indeed correct. Unless I eliminate you, the Mei Family cannot triumph over Heukcheon.”
Murderous intent poured from the Mei Family Head toward Kwon Han-ul.
Though not quite Mei Rong’s equal, the Mei Family Head was nonetheless a formidable master.
Tremendous pressure constricted Kwon Han-ul’s entire body.
“Oppressing a child? Where has your age gone?”
At Kwon Myung-woo’s sharp rebuke, the Mei Family Head’s momentum vanished instantly.
It was clear evidence of the vast disparity between them.
“You admit so readily—it is refreshing to witness. Shall we then resolve the remaining matter?”
Kwon Myung-woo’s aura intensified, as though he might burst forth at any moment.
The Mei Family Head asked with an expression of disbelief.
“Surely you do not intend to fight us here?”
“And if I do?”
“Ha! For all Heukcheon’s arrogance, I never expected such blindness to reality!”
The Mei Family Head cried out in exasperation.
“This is the heart of the Mei Family Compound! Our soldiers! Our weapons! Our masters are all assembled here! And you would challenge us with merely five men?”
The Heukcheon bloodline present numbered only five, including Kwon Myung-woo.
In contrast, the Mei Family’s bloodline had gathered in the hundreds.
The disparity was so overwhelming that even the word “disadvantage” fell short—yet Kwon Myung-woo showed not the slightest intimidation.
“There is nothing we cannot do.”
“…What did you just say?”
“I shall face you and the Foremost Sword together, while my children handle the rest. Is that not sufficient?”
The Mei Family Head’s mouth fell open. He could not fathom how to receive such arrogant words.
“Heukcheon’s Foremost Fist. Forgive me, but have you lost your mind?”
“What if I’m unscathed?”
“I’m well aware that you’re counted among the world’s finest masters, but you cannot stand alone against the entire Mei Family. Do you truly intend to wage war knowing this?”
Kwon Myung-woo drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. His killing intent blazed like wildfire.
“Of course!”
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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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