Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 7
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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 7】
Chapter 7: Bloodline is Unremarkable (1)
【You have achieved victory against the gatekeeper of Yong Hyun Moo Go.】
【You have acquired access rights to Yong Hyun Moo Go.】
A message materialized before Kwon Han-ul, filling him with awe.
【You have proven yourself to possess the True Black Dragon Bloodline.】
【You have transferred ownership of Yong Hyun Moo Go from the previous owner, Kwon Hyun-moon.】
【Congratulations, owner Kwon Han-ul, on becoming the master of Yong Hyun Moo Go.】
Kwon Han-ul’s eyes widened.
Occasionally, artifacts exist that can grant separate ownership rights. And such artifacts invariably bestow special power upon their masters.
【You have acquired the title “Master of Yong Hyun Moo Go”.】
【While holding this title, the growth rate of all skill proficiency increases by 30%.】
【When using skills within Yong Hyun Moo Go, skill proficiency growth rate increases by an additional 20%.】
It was truly an extraordinary reward.
The higher a skill’s grade, the more difficult it becomes to raise its proficiency.
The problem was that unlike stats, there was no artificial method to increase skills.
One could only raise them through direct use.
Achieving an “enlightenment” could raise them instantly, but such phenomena were far from common.
“What can I do now that I’m the master?”
【You can impose sanctions on users registered with Yong Hyun Moo Go.】
“Impressive. You could actually respond?”
【I can respond to pre-recorded questions.】
Truly, an artifact worthy of the name.
Kwon Han-ul marveled quietly to himself.
“Being able to sanction other users… that’s actually quite useful.”
Yong Hyun Moo Go was the sole place where one could acquire the secret techniques of the Kwon Family.
The ability to restrict access to it represented tremendous authority.
“Is it possible that I could receive ownership of other artifacts here as well if I prove I possess the True Black Dragon Bloodline?”
【That is not a pre-recorded question.】
Though I didn’t receive a definitive answer, the likelihood seemed quite high.
Most of the important artifacts within the Kwon Family had been discovered by Kwon Hyun-moon, after all.
“I should make time to visit them all.”
Perhaps I could obtain not just ownership, but also the arrangements Kwon Hyun-moon left behind, like the Ascending Dragon Ascension Technique.
Kwon Han-ul was about to leave Yong Hyun Moo Go when a thought suddenly occurred to him.
“Say, could you tell me what the Black Dragon Twelve Martial Forms are?”
【That is a pre-recorded question. Would you like an explanation?】
“Hey, explain this to me.”
Yong Hyun Moo Go immediately began explaining the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Techniques.
After a long explanation, Kwon Han-ul organized what he had heard.
“So it’s a degraded version of the True Dragon Ascension Technique that Kwon Hyun-moon left for his descendants, right?”
The True Dragon Ascension Technique could only be used by those who possessed the genuine Black Dragon Bloodline.
That was why the first family head, Kwon Hyun-moon, had created the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Techniques.
And the original True Dragon Ascension Technique was hidden within Yong Hyun Moo Go, waiting for the day a true bloodline bearer would appear.
“The True Dragon Ascension Technique and the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Techniques have identical technical structures, so there’s no major difference in appearance?”
【Yes, both possess introductory, foundational, and advanced forms. However, the True Dragon Ascension Technique is far more powerful, and it contains many more detailed techniques.】
Once one masters the True Dragon Ascension Technique completely, they can acquire the Seasonal Techniques. The power of these techniques is formidable enough to be called a decisive weapon.
“Hmm.”
Kwon Han-ul fell into thought. One thing was certain—I was learning a far superior secret technique.
But how should I use this to my advantage?
‘I need to hide the fact that I’m learning the True Dragon Ascension Technique.’
I observed my situation with cold clarity.
Without proper abilities or a solid foundation yet, standing out too much would only invite trouble.
‘But I can’t hide everything either.’
Kwon Seon-woo had said that if I showed results, he would reward me accordingly.
In a situation where the bloodline members might target me, that statement was somewhat contradictory.
I interpreted it this way.
‘I mustn’t stand out. But I must excel.’
Fortunately, the True Dragon Ascension Technique appeared identical to the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Techniques on the surface.
“The bloodline members who enter Yong Hyun Moo Go learn different secret techniques based on their aptitude, right?”
【That’s correct. That was also an instruction from the previous owner, Kwon Hyun-moon.】
“Then how many people have learned all of the Black Dragon Twelve Techniques?”
【A total of twelve. In the past decade, only one person has mastered all of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Techniques.】
Perfect.
After finalizing my plan, I left Yong Hyun Moo Go.
* * *
By the time I left Yong Hyun Moo Go, the lunch hour had long since passed.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Joo Ha-yeon handed a water bottle to Kwon Han-ul. He accepted it gratefully.
“Did you achieve good results?”
“Well…”
I answered deliberately vaguely.
“Kwon Han-ul, there’s no need to be so discouraged just because your aptitude wasn’t recognized at Yong Hyun Moo Go.”
Perhaps interpreting my response in her own way, Joo Ha-yeon offered words of consolation.
“The Heukcheon Group possesses many excellent skills. While they may not be as secret as the forbidden techniques, you can acquire those instead. Above all, you possess the True Black Dragon Bloodline, so…”
“I’ve obtained everything.”
“…What did you just say?”
“I’ve mastered all the forms of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Martial Arts.”
It seemed to take her a moment to comprehend. Joo Ha-yeon fell silent for a while.
“…You’re saying you’ve mastered all three forms of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Martial Arts—the introductory, basic, and advanced forms?”
“Yes.”
Astonishment flickered across Joo Ha-yeon’s face. It was only natural.
Mastering even the advanced form was something only a genius could accomplish.
“Wait a moment, please. This is far too significant a matter. I must inform the Chairman immediately.”
With that, Joo Ha-yeon made a phone call.
“Yes, Chairman. This is extremely important… that is to say…”
For a while, only the sound of the call came through. Soon after, Joo Ha-yeon extended her smartphone to me.
“The Chairman wishes to speak with you.”
An unexpected situation had unfolded. I took the phone.
-You’ve mastered all of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Martial Arts?
“Yes.”
-Tell me the first technique of the first form in the advanced stage of the Black Dragon Twelve Ascension Martial Arts.
Indeed, he was thorough. I answered without hesitation.
“It’s the Striking Form Dragon Rising Descent.”
-…
A brief silence followed.
-…So you’ve truly acquired all the secret techniques.
Even the Chairman couldn’t help but be astonished. His voice trembled faintly at the end.
-Though they say base blood runs through your veins, you are indeed the son of Cheon. That blood still remains within you.
Cheon?
I immediately recalled that my father’s name was Kwon Cheon.
-You’ve done well.
“Is that all?”
-What do you mean?
“You said it before. If I showed results, you’d provide appropriate compensation. Is there nothing at all?”
It might have sounded bold, but I judged this to be the right moment to press my advantage.
There was no other way to grow stronger as quickly as possible.
-Heh.
Laughter echoed through the smartphone speaker.
Ridiculous. Pathetic. Absurd.
Yet the laughter carried a note of genuine astonishment.
-You’re audacious, but you’re right. Since you’ve shown such impressive results, I’ll keep my word. Put Ha-yeon on.
Kwon Han-ul immediately handed the phone to Joo Ha-yeon, whose eyes widened the moment she heard the request.
“You want me to open the Kwon Family’s secret vault? Ah, understood.”
After hanging up, Joo Ha-yeon exhaled deeply.
“…Kwon Han-ul, congratulations.”
“What did he say he’d give me?”
“He told me to keep it a secret.”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that something suspicious was afoot.
Kwon Han-ul felt a vague sense of unease.
“You must be exhausted. Let me show you to a place where you can rest.”
“Actually, I’d like to visit one more artifact location within the Kwon Family estate.”
I needed to check whether Kwon Hyun-moon had made arrangements at other facilities, and whether I could claim ownership of them.
I wanted to verify those details first.
“If you don’t mind, I’d prefer an artifact discovered by the first patriarch.”
“Understood.”
Joo Ha-yeon nodded readily, though confusion flickered across her face.
* * *
“This place is the second most important artifact within the Kwon Family, after Yong Hyun Moo Go.”
Next, Joo Ha-yeon led Kwon Han-ul to the Physical Training Facility located within the Kwon Family estate.
The spacious gymnasium-like facility was filled with state-of-the-art exercise equipment—all high-end gear specifically designed for Hunters.
“This is an artifact?”
Kwon Han-ul found it strange. Unlike Yong Hyun Moo Go, this was simply a modern building.
“What you should focus on isn’t the exercise equipment. It’s that.”
Joo Ha-yeon pointed to a stone placed in the center of the training facility.
The purple-hued stone, resembling amethyst, emitted a faint luminescence.
“It’s an artifact called the ‘Wish Stone.’ It was discovered by the first Family Head, Kwon Hyun-moon.”
“What ability does it possess?”
“When you train your body within the Wish Stone’s range, your stats increase.”
Stats never increased through physical training alone—this was an established fact.
Hunter-exclusive exercise equipment existed, but it was merely a toy for Hunters to vent their strength.
No Hunter actually purchased such equipment for genuine training purposes.
“If you train here following a prescribed routine for just three months, you can elevate all your stats from E-rank to C-rank.”
“…Is that truly possible?”
There were countless Hunters who, despite years of work, had never achieved a single C-rank stat.
Experience came from slaying monsters, but those lacking talent couldn’t defeat higher-tier monsters, and even when they did, working as a team meant they gained almost no stat increases.
Kwon Han-ul was one of them.
“And after approximately one year, you can bring all your stats to B-rank.”
Kwon Han-ul forced his gaping mouth shut.
With all stats at B-rank, one was treated as first-class. A first-class Hunter was a skilled professional respected by any guild.
The fact that such a level could be cultivated in merely one year was nothing short of astonishing.
“Unfortunately, the Wish Stone’s effect caps at B-rank. Beyond that requires consuming elixirs.”
“What are the stats of the other bloodline members?”
“Mixed-bloods and hot-bloods are B-rank or higher, while pure-bloods are all A-rank or above.”
Stats exceeding B-rank—combined with the Black Dragon Bloodline, secret techniques, and various high-end equipment, would far surpass first-class standards.
There was indeed a reason the Heukcheon Group was so formidable.
“For the time being, you will focus solely on raising your stats here.
Suddenly, Joo Ha-yeon produced something. It was a document bearing the Hunter Association’s seal.
Awakened: Kwon Han-ul
Title: None
Strength (D) 15 / Agility (D) 17 / Stamina (D) 17
Mana (D) 15 / Perception (D) 16 / Mental Fortitude (D) 18
The document contained Kwon Han-ul’s stats.
“…Where did you obtain this?”
The status window could only be viewed by oneself. Therefore, stats remained absolutely unknowable unless someone revealed them.
“During the annual Hunter rank assessments conducted by the Hunter Association, Hunters record their stats, do they not? We acquired that information.”
“Is it permissible to do such a thing?”
“For Heukcheon, nothing is impossible.”
Joo Ha-yeon spoke with unmistakable pride. Kwon Han-ul, the subject of her praise, could only shake his head in bewilderment.
However, there was one fact that even Joo Ha-yeon did not know.
Kwon Han-ul’s actual ability stats were far beyond what she had stated.
Awakened One: Kwon Han-ul
Title: Owner of Yong Hyun Moo Go
Strength (D) 25.12 / Agility (D) 25.25 / Stamina (D) 28.32
Mana (D) 22.32 / Perception (D) 24.31 / Mental Fortitude (D) 26.12
Over the past two days, thanks to the effects of the Healthy Bloodline, my overall stats had already surpassed 20.
With just a bit more growth, I could break through to C-rank.
A thought suddenly occurred to me.
“You said my stats were obtained from the Hunter Association, correct?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Then other bloodline members could potentially learn my stats as well?”
“It’s difficult to say with certainty, but… that would likely be the case.”
I stroked my chin thoughtfully.
Normally, having one’s personal information exposed is hardly a pleasant matter.
But what if that information were false?
And what if this false information were to leak to someone?
What if someone were to devise a scheme based on this false information?
‘This could turn out to be quite an interesting situation.’
It was while I was entertaining such thoughts.
“Kwon Han-ul, would you mind looking around this place for a moment? In the meantime, I need to step out briefly.”
“Is something the matter?”
“I need to visit Yong Hyun Moo Go regarding your reward.”
I had no objections to that whatsoever.
“Take your time.”
Joo Ha-yeon bowed and left the room.
Left alone, I ventured into the Physical Training Facility.
【You have entered the range of the ‘Wishful Stone’.】
【You can acquire additional stats while training your body.】
I picked up a dumbbell and began swinging it earnestly as a test.
【Strength increases by 0.02.】
After about three minutes of swinging, a message appeared.
【The ‘Healthy Bloodline’ has detected your action!】
【Excellent exercise for upper body strength! Efficiency is maximized!】
【Strength increases by 0.02!】
【The ‘Healthy Bloodline’ absorbs the effects of the ‘Wishful Stone’!】
【Strength increases by an additional 0.01!】
That was quite substantial.
“So the Healthy Bloodline does apply here…”
Kwon Han-ul approached the Ruyi Stone. He placed his hand upon it.
【The ‘Ruyi Stone’ detects the True Black Dragon Bloodline.】
【You receive ownership of the ‘Ruyi Stone’ from its previous owner, ‘Kwon Hyun-moon’.】
【Congratulations, owner ‘Kwon Han-ul’, on becoming the master of the ‘Ruyi Stone’.】
“Is there no additional benefit?”
It was a shame. But the thought quickly vanished.
【You have acquired the title ‘Master of the Ruyi Stone’.】
【While holding this title, the amount of stat increases gained through the Ruyi Stone will be amplified.】
【While holding this title, your stats will increase by an additional 20%. This applies separately from your current stats.】
【Your stats permanently increase by 30.】
A strange power surged through my entire body. The sound of bones and muscles twisting echoed in succession.
Awakened One: Kwon Han-ul
Titles: Master of Yong Hyun Moo Go, Master of the Ruyi Stone
Strength (C) 5.12 / Agility (C) 5.25 / Stamina (C) 8.32
Mana (C) 2.32 / Perception (C) 4.31 / Mental Fortitude (C) 6.12
Three years and six months since becoming a Hunter.
I had finally reached the second-tier level that I couldn’t climb to before.
And in just two days at that.
“Finally C-rank…”
A rank increase made an enormous difference.
D 49 and C 0 differed by merely one stat point.
Yet in reality, there was a substantial gap. It was like comparing an average adult man to a professional fighter.
I was about to test my body’s movements when—
“Kwon Han-ul?”
An unfamiliar voice called out. I turned my head to see five or six young men entering the Physical Training Facility.
“It really is you! I never expected to see you in a place like this.”
The man at the front greeted me with a friendly expression.
The problem was that I had no idea who this man was.
“Who are you?”
“Ah, you don’t remember. Can’t help it. We saw each other at the coming-of-age ceremony yesterday.”
“Yesterday?”
“I had to go down to Seoul for my younger sibling’s coming-of-age ceremony. I never expected to witness something so spectacular.”
The man laughed loudly. I did not laugh.
“Are you a pure bloodline?”
“Me? I’m a mixed bloodline from a branch family.”
The man spoke with a smirk.
“I thought we were the same age, so I spoke casually. I hope that doesn’t bother you?”
Only then could I discern the man’s true intent.
Despite being from a mixed bloodline and a branch family, he spoke to me informally without even introducing himself?
This was behavior that could only come from openly looking down on the other person.
From his experience, most people with such intentions harbored ill will.
“The True Black Dragon Bloodline that only the first family head possessed! I’m curious to see just how remarkable it is. Would you be willing to spar with me?”
“No, thank you. I’m rather tired today.”
Kwon Han-ul refused without a moment’s hesitation.
There was no need to waste time on someone with such transparent motives.
Besides, even as a branch family member, my opponent was clearly stronger than I was at present.
I turned to leave the Physical Training Facility when the man shouted at my back.
“So the True Bloodline that finally emerged is just a coward.”
My footsteps halted.
“I mean, what pride could someone have when they’ve been working as a third-rate Hunter outside, doing everyone’s dirty work?”
I turned to face him. He shrugged his shoulders.
“Oh, I was just talking to myself. Did you hear all of that?”
Normally, I wouldn’t fall for such petty provocations.
I could simply ignore it and move on.
But.
【Synchronization Rate 1% → 3%】
Something surged up from deep within my chest.
“Very well.”
I approached the man and spoke.
“Let’s give it a try.”
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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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