Bloodline is Everything

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Episode 17 – Clash of Bloodlines (4)

The mana flowing through his body was changing—transforming into something else.

If his mana had once been like a quiet stream, now it was an ocean caught in a raging storm.

A wild, overwhelming force surged through his entire body, and it wasn’t stopping there. It was beginning to spill outward.

<Authority acquired: ‘Dragon Demon Aura’.>

Dragon Demon Aura?

The thought crossed his mind, but he pushed it aside. The immediate concern was the enemy in front of him.

"Your neck is wide open!"

While Kwon Hanul was briefly distracted, Lee Pilseung swung his twin swords. In that instant, Hanul unleashed his Dragon Demon Aura.

No—unleashed wasn’t quite the right word.

It was more like opening a barely contained dam, releasing all the built-up water in a single, explosive surge.

The Dragon Demon Aura erupted.

The ground beneath him shattered, cracks spiderwebbing in all directions. The force alone sent Pilseung flying backward.

---

Pilseung quickly regained his stance.

What the hell is that?

The black aura radiating from Hanul left him stunned.

Dragon Combat Aura? No… it’s something different…

He wasn’t a pureblood, but being part of Kwon Chan-seong’s team meant he had seen Dragon Combat Aura more times than he could count.

He had even learned to imitate it through sheer observation.

That’s why he could say with certainty—this was not Dragon Combat Aura.

The sheer intensity of it made Dragon Combat Aura seem like a cheap imitation in comparison.

But what was truly terrifying was the sheer volume.

The amount of energy spilling from Hanul’s body was beyond comprehension.

It was as if he were standing alone in the heart of a wildfire strong enough to consume a mountain.

Not even the Captain was like this…

Even Kwon Chan-seong, a pureblood, had never radiated such overwhelming pressure.

Unconsciously, Pilseung swallowed hard.

Then, he saw it—Hanul slightly bent his knees.

The black aura responded, concentrating around his legs and feet.

‘He’s coming!’

By the time the thought registered, Hanul was already upon him.

It was nothing but a simple leap.

Yet, he had crossed the distance in an instant.

Pilseung barely managed to react, crossing his twin swords.

Twin Sword—Point Bomb

His aura expanded like an inflated balloon.

Hanul kicked it.

"Even an Ogre’s punch couldn’t break through this technique! That leg is mine!"

The moment they clashed, the ballooning aura—

Exploded.

"Guh!"

Hanul’s foot punctured straight through the center of the aura.

The energy dispersed like mist, unable to stop the incoming attack.

Pilseung barely had time to register it before Hanul’s foot slammed into his solar plexus.

His body shot backward like a kicked soccer ball.

"Cough! Cough!"

Even as he spat up blood, Pilseung’s mind was racing.

What was that?

How did my aura get pierced?

Normally, when auras collided, the weaker one would be pushed back.

But! But!

His Dragon Combat Aura hadn’t even resisted. It had been sliced through like soft tofu.

That could only mean one thing—

Hanul’s power was in an entirely different league.

"E-even when sparring with the Captain, it wasn’t this bad!"

Pilseung had fought Kwon Chan-seong multiple times. Their auras had clashed more than once.

He had always lost, but never this decisively.

This wasn’t just a loss—it was a complete and utter defeat.

An overwhelming difference in class.

Yet, despite the gap, his fighting spirit remained unshaken.

There has to be a way to win.

Drawing on all his experience, he searched for an opening.

That kind of power… there’s no way he can control it perfectly yet.

The stronger the force, the harder it was to tame.

Hanul had just awakened this strength—there had to be gaps in his control.

‘I’ll find them and strike.’

As soon as the thought formed, Hanul moved again.

Pilseung immediately condensed his aura into blades.

Then, he shifted into a strange stance.

He gripped one sword in reverse, the other in a lowered position.

Twin Sword—Swallow Strike.

"This is the slash that severed an Eclipse Tendril. If you can block this, I’ll acknowledge you."

His words sounded like a taunt, but they weren’t entirely empty.

It was true that this technique had cut through an Eclipse Tendril.

But what he didn’t say—

Was that this wasn’t an attack.

It was a counter.

‘The moment he strikes—I’ll cut straight through his neck.’

Among all his techniques, this was one of his strongest.

And yet—

For some reason, his hands felt clammy.

His grip trembled slightly.

The last time he had felt this nervous was the first time he had entered a dungeon.

"Come!"

Hanul kicked off the ground.

His aura exploded, propelling him forward.

In an instant, he was upon Pilseung.

Pilseung swung his aura-infused blades.

And in that very moment—

Suddenly, Kwon Hanul’s body shifted to the side.

It was as if he were gliding across ice.

‘What? Aura Movement Technique?’

Those adept at using aura could employ it for unique footwork techniques.

And among them, this was one of the most advanced—an ability that eliminated friction with the ground and generated propulsion to move fluidly.

‘Even I haven’t fully mastered the Aura Movement Technique yet…!’

Hanul wasn’t moving in a straight line. He traced a curved arc, slipping behind Lee Pilseung.

Pilseung, startled, turned to react—

But Hanul’s fist had already driven into his side.

Black Dragon Ascending Art – Beginner Form

Iron Chime Hammer

The moment the punch landed, Pilseung’s entire body rang.

It wasn’t his imagination. A deep, resonant sound, like a bell being struck, echoed through the air.

"Guh—!"

He couldn’t even scream. The pain of his organs being crushed and his bones fracturing locked his voice inside.

"I-I need to counter—"

Before he could react, another fist slammed into his opposite side.

A sharp, agonizing pain shot through his ribs.

"Kuhhh—!"

Damn it—he had to run.

All thoughts of counterattacking vanished.

One instinct consumed him—escape.

As Pilseung turned to flee, Hanul was already closing in.

His leg lifted high into the air.

Black Dragon Ascending Art – Beginner Form

Bamboo Splitter

The raised leg came crashing down.

A deep fissure split the ground between them.

BOOM!

The impact triggered an explosion.

Aura surged through the cracks, engulfing Pilseung.

His body was launched skyward before plummeting back down, slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.

He didn’t move.

Whether he had lost consciousness or worse, it was unclear.

Hanul walked toward him, slow and deliberate.

Even though Pilseung had lost all will to fight, Hanul’s presence remained as fierce as ever.

He planted one foot on Pilseung’s head.

Black Dragon Ascending Art – Beginner Form

Thousand-Pound Hammer

His foot, brimming with aura, was about to crush Pilseung’s skull—

"That’s enough, little cousin."

A swift kick struck Hanul’s shin, knocking his foot aside.

Instead, his heel slammed into the ground right beside Pilseung’s head, leaving the earth shattered.

"It was a good sparring match. But we can’t have a murder on our hands, now can we?"

Kwon Chan-seong’s voice was calm, almost chiding.

"You're absolutely right."

Kwon Hanul pulled his foot from the ground and spoke.

"I must have gotten too excited as the fight escalated."

"I understand. I was the same when I obtained my first Authority. It felt like I wasn’t myself—like something had taken over me."

Kwon Chan-seong sounded oddly exhilarated.

"Little cousin, you’re truly incredible. I never imagined the True Bloodline’s potential could be this immense! I’ve never seen an aura that massive in my life!"

Of course, it wasn’t Dragon Combat Aura—it was Dragon Demon Aura.

But Chan-seong continued marveling at Hanul’s power, going on and on about it.

And because of that, he failed to notice—

Hanul’s gaze was still fixed on Lee Pilseung.

"Guh… ugh…!"

Pilseung stirred, regaining consciousness. He groggily pushed himself up, eyes flicking between Hanul and Chan-seong.

"H-how… did the duel… end…?"

"Rookie, can’t you tell? You lost. Didn’t I warn you? I told you not to underestimate my cousin."

The word lost struck Pilseung like a hammer.

Chan-seong patted him on the back.

"Come on, now. Apologize to my cousin and let’s end this on good terms."

"Hyung, I have a question."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"In the Hyukcheon Clan, what happens if an outsider disrespects a Hyukcheon Bloodline member?"

"It depends on the situation, but usually, they’d face severe punishment."

"And what happens if an outsider lays hands on a Bloodline member?"

"Well, no matter who it is… execution."

That was the answer Hanul had been waiting for.

Without hesitation, he lunged at Pilseung.

His shin aimed directly for Pilseung’s temple.

"Hanul!"

Chan-seong’s eyes sharpened.

He intercepted Hanul’s shin with his hand.

"The duel is already over—"

Black Dragon Ascending Art – Basic Form

Counter Kick

Hanul instantly retracted his caught leg and spun his body.

His opposite foot lashed out in a vicious arc—

His heel struck Pilseung’s chin.

CRACK!

With a sickening crunch, Pilseung’s head slammed into the ground.

Chan-seong stared blankly at Pilseung for a moment.

Then, his face twisted in anger.

"…What the hell was that, little cousin?"

"Hyung, you just said it yourself,” Hanul replied matter-of-factly. "In the Hyukcheon Clan, an outsider who lays hands on a Bloodline member is sentenced to death. I don’t know if he’s dead or not… but for your sake, I’ll leave it at this."

"Hanul, the rookie is my subordinate."

"And I am of the Hyukcheon Bloodline."

"Couldn’t you have let this slide, for my sake?"

"Because it’s you, I couldn’t let it slide even more."

Chan-seong silently studied Hanul, then finally came to a realization.

"…So you’re not cursed."

His face filled with confusion.

A moment later, his expression softened, and he spoke.

"You’re right, little cousin. This was my failure—I didn’t manage my subordinates properly."

Without further argument, Chan-seong admitted his mistake.

Then, he slung Pilseung’s limp body over his shoulder.

"Aren’t you going to ask how I broke the curse?"

"I wouldn’t do something so crude. But… losing that ring still stings a little."

For a Legendary artifact of that caliber, he didn’t even ask for it back.

Was it because he was that magnanimous?

Or did he simply own so many Legendary items that it didn’t even matter?

Hanul found himself slightly impressed.

"I may have teased you a little, but everything I promised still stands."

"I have no intention of serving under anyone."

At those words, Chan-seong chuckled.

"You should think carefully, little cousin. Otherwise, you might end up like our uncle."

Hanul’s eyes widened.

Chan-seong only had one uncle.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Take my hand, and I’ll tell you everything. Until then, I won’t say a word."

Hanul glared at Chan-seong, but Chan-seong just smirked.

"Join me. I’ll tell you the full truth—and I’ll promise you the highest seat of power."

With a casual wave, Chan-seong turned and walked away.

Hanul stood still, watching his retreating figure.

"Lord Hanul, well fought."

Joo Hayun approached, handing him a towel and a bottle of water.

But instead of taking them, Hanul looked straight at her and asked, "What did he mean just now?"

"I…"

"You can’t tell me because of the Chairman’s orders, can you?"

Hayun gave a small nod.

Hanul clenched his teeth.

"…Damn it."

Kwon Hanul collapsed onto the ground, cursing under his breath.

He lowered his head, trying to suppress his anger.

After a long silence, he finally spoke in a weary voice.

"…Before joining the Hyukcheon Group, I had to live my life constantly worrying about others' opinions."

He had been shackled by the annoying regulations imposed by the Hunter Association. He had to avoid the tyranny of the major guilds. He had to survive on meager earnings, scraping by day after day.

"I thought that once I joined Hyukcheon, I’d finally be free from everything. That I’d be able to live on my own terms. But in reality, nothing has changed."

Physically, life was much more comfortable. He now had access to luxuries he could never have even dreamed of before.

But he was still looked down upon because of his origins. He was still forced to make choices against his will. He couldn’t even get a straight answer about his own father.

"This life is a goddamn joke."

Just then, a towel touched his face.

Joo Hayun gently wiped the sweat trickling down Hanul’s face and spoke.

"I’m sorry."

But in truth, she hadn’t done anything wrong.

"As time passes, things like this will only happen more often. Many people will either want you… or try to break you."

"That sounds absolutely delightful," Hanul scoffed sarcastically.

"There is only one way for you to live the life you desire."

"And that is?"

"You must reach the summit."

Hanul frowned. The summit?

"Face those who seek to bind you. Crush them, break them, and make them kneel before you. If you become the sky above Hyukcheon itself… then you will be able to live as you wish."

Hanul let out a dry laugh.

The Hyukcheon Group was a behemoth—an entity so massive it was called the ruler of East Asia.

And she was telling him to rise to the very top of it? Was that even remotely realistic?

"……"

Joo Hayun patiently waited until Hanul finished processing his thoughts.

"…Let’s just go back for now," he finally said, getting to his feet.

* * *

That night, Hanul sat on his bed, staring at the Imoogi’s Core resting in front of him.

He was fully prepared to consume it.

All his stats had reached B-rank, and his detoxification and poison resistance were at an acceptable level.

Whether or not he could absorb the core wasn’t even a question.

"The summit of Hyukcheon, huh…"

Joo Hayun had told him—if he wanted to control his own fate, he had to become the sky above Hyukcheon.

It wasn’t impossible.

Hyukcheon’s Chairman, Kwon Seonwoo, had once promised him: "If you prove yourself with results, I’ll even give you my position."

It could have been a joke.

But someone like Kwon Seonwoo—the ruler of Hyukcheon—was not the type to make empty promises.

"And as for ability… I should have more than enough."

Hanul possessed True Black Dragon Blood —as well as several other bloodlines.

Why his lineage had turned into such a chaotic mix was something he would ponder later.

"If I have these bloodlines, then it’s possible."

He had experienced their overwhelming power firsthand.

"To challenge the peak of Hyukcheon, I need results."

And the first step—would be making his debut in a Platinum Dungeon.

"But if I go down this path, I’ll become Kwon Chan-seong’s enemy."

To challenge the peak of Hyukcheon meant taking a different road than Chan-seong.

And there was no way Chan-seong would tolerate that.

Not just him—every pureblood in Hyukcheon would see Hanul as a threat.

"If I follow Chan-seong, life will be easy."

If Kwon Hyuk was the strongest candidate for Hyukcheon’s next leader, then Kwon Chan-seong was the strongest candidate to be Hyuk’s successor.

Barring any major incidents, Chan-seong was destined to be the heir after next.

Following him would mean gaining an unshakable backing and immense power.

"This is insane."

In truth, his mind had already made its decision.

No matter how much he tried, the scales refused to tip in the other direction.

"I must be out of my mind."

He had always considered himself a rational, practical person. And he had lived accordingly.

Instead of chasing dreams, he chose stability. Instead of gambling on the future, he secured the present.

The peak of Hyukcheon?

It sounded nice in theory.

But in reality, the succession line was already half-determined.

Vice Chairman Kwon Hyuk and his sons were the ones set to inherit the throne.

To claim the peak for himself, Hanul would have to challenge them—defeat them.

On the other hand, if he submitted to Chan-seong, he could avoid such a treacherous path.

A life of luxury and security would await him instead.

He knew this all too well.

And yet—

"Screw it. Let’s see how far I can go."

Hanul picked up the Imoogi’s Core.

And without hesitation—

He bit down.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]