[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Chapter 29: The Bloodline’s Suspicion(1)
Kwon Myung-woo led Kwon Hanul to the area behind the waiting seats.
"This should be far enough."
Kwon Myung-woo released his aura, forming a sound barrier. Instantly, all surrounding noise was completely cut off.
Seeing such an advanced martial technique—one only those who had mastered aura manipulation could use—Kwon Hanul couldn’t help but be impressed.
"You brat. Of all things, you had to make that request?"
"Was it a dangerous request?"
"Of course, it was dangerous! You crushed the Mei Clan’s pride and then asked for a tour of their home. Do you really think they'd take that kindly?"
Kwon Myung-woo spoke loudly, but his tone didn’t sound reprimanding. If anything, he seemed rather pleased.
"But that’s exactly what makes you a true descendant of Hyukcheon. It was an excellent request. Opportunities to personally observe the Mei Clan’s homeland don’t come often."
Of course, Hanul’s real reason was to use his True Shura Bloodline to uncover hidden secrets.
Kwon Myung-woo handed him a necklace. A small, thumb-sized stone was attached to it, shimmering with rainbow colors.
"This is the Seven-Colored Poison Purging Jewel."
Hanul’s eyes widened.
A legendary artifact known to neutralize nearly all poisons in existence. While not as powerful as an absolute poison immunity physique, it was still among the highest-tier relics.
"This is incredibly valuable… Why are you giving it to me?"
"Just in case. Besides, I don’t need it anymore."
That statement alone revealed that Kwon Myung-woo had reached a level of mastery akin to an immune physique.
Hanul was once again reminded that this old man was the Strongest Fist, the strongest martial artist in their family.
"Well, nothing major should happen. If they dare lay a hand on you, it would mean war with the entire Hyukcheon Clan. No sane person would risk that."
Kwon Myung-woo's expression turned sharp.
"But it never hurts to be cautious. The Mei Clan is not to be trusted. You never know what they might pull."
"Our Hyukcheon Clan has clashed with the Mei Clan countless times. I led nearly all those battles, so I know their nature better than anyone."
Hanul listened intently.
"The Mei Clan will do anything to defeat us. Sometimes, they resort to extreme measures."
"Extreme measures, like…?"
"Using poisons and curses, pretending to negotiate peace only to launch surprise attacks—things like that."
Kwon Myung-woo’s expression twisted with disgust.
"Every time, we crushed them completely, yet instead of being scared, they only grew more desperate. That’s how much they hate being weaker than us."
Sometimes, people prioritize their pride over practicality.
The Mei Clan was exactly like that.
"Starting today, you are the warrior they will fear and keep a close watch on the most."
Being chosen as a representative of a clan meant you were expected to uphold its future.
Hanul had completely overwhelmed one such representative and bested another in swordsmanship.
There was no way the Mei Clan wouldn’t be wary of such talent and potential.
"Do you know the simplest way to prevent future threats?"
"Eliminate them early."
"Exactly. That’s why you need to be extra careful."
A question crossed Hanul’s mind.
"Then why didn’t you stop me?"
Despite the risks, Kwon Myung-woo hadn’t tried to dissuade him. In fact, he had even encouraged him.
It was a puzzling decision.
"You're still lacking awareness as a Hyukcheon descendant."
Kwon Myung-woo sighed as if disappointed.
"Tell me, boy, are you the kind of person who refuses to ferment soybean paste just because you’re afraid of maggots?"
Hanul was momentarily speechless.
Comparing the Mei Clan to maggots—now that was harsh.
"We are Hyukcheon. The world may call us the strongest in East Asia, but I see it differently. Hyukcheon is the strongest in the world."
It was an utterly arrogant declaration.
"What does it mean to be the strongest? It means standing at the top, always. No matter how fierce the storm, no matter how strong the winds, we remain unmoved. That is why we are the strongest."
Hanul listened carefully, recognizing this as a lesson from an elder of Hyukcheon.
"If you desire something, take it. If someone stands in your way, crush them. That is what it means to be the strongest. That is Hyukcheon. And you’re telling me you would avoid the Mei Clan’s schemes out of fear? If I saw someone like that, I’d beat them to death myself!"
Hanul immediately nodded in understanding.
Kwon Myung-woo grinned in satisfaction.
"Looks like you get it now."
With that, they returned to the dueling grounds, where the Mei Clan’s head greeted them with a smile.
"You’re back! Mei Rong, please see to it that our young guest is well taken care of."
Mei Rong silently bowed, then turned to Hanul.
It seemed he had been chosen as his guide.
At first, Hanul had high expectations for the tour.
When he arrived at the Hyukcheon Clan’s main house, he had unlocked an ancient inheritance left by his ancestor, thanks to his True Black Dragon Bloodline.
So naturally, he hoped for a similar discovery within the Mei Clan.
"This is where our bloodline trains."
Even when he entered their training grounds…
"That artifact calms the mind and enhances meditation efficiency."
Even when he examined their prized relics…
"This hall contains the complete history of the Mei Clan."
Even when he explored their most sacred archives…
He found nothing left behind by their ancestor.
‘It seems not every ancestor leaves behind hidden inheritances.’
It was truly disappointing.
‘Now that I think about it, the True Shura Bloodline doesn’t grant any special powers on its own.’
The Black Dragon Bloodline allowed its lesser descendants to wield Dragon Combat Aura, while its true descendants could use Dragon Demon Aura—completely different abilities.
The Shura Bloodline only allowed the use of Shura Techniques, regardless of purity.
‘It was slightly stronger… but nothing extraordinary.’
Disappointment began to creep in.
Still, it was a valuable experience. He had learned that a True Bloodline wasn’t always superior to a lesser lineage.
“What are you standing around for?”
A sharp voice called out from ahead. Mei Rong.
Kwon Hanul quickened his pace.
“I just don’t understand,” Mei Rong suddenly spoke. “You’re a formally invited guest, yet you asked for a tour of our estate. Are you bold, or just foolish?”
His demeanor began to change. A chilling air seemed to seep in from nowhere.
“This is the heart of our Mei Clan. No matter what happens here, Hyukcheon cannot protect you.”
He tapped the hilt of his sword.
“If I were to kill you right now, what would you do?”
“If you harm me, the Hyukcheon Family won’t stand idly by.”
No organization could overlook the murder of one of its members.
Especially not one as proud as Hyukcheon.
Yet Mei Rong scoffed.
“There are all sorts of relics in this world. Poisons that kill in one’s sleep, curses that seal a person’s intelligence.”
This wasn’t an empty threat.
The terrifying thing about relics was their sheer variety and limitless potential.
“With the right artifact, disposing of you without Hyukcheon knowing would be effortless.”
He neither radiated killing intent nor hostility, yet the pressure weighing down on Kwon Hanul was immense.
As expected of the Greatest Sword of the Central Plains.
Even his mere presence was enough to overwhelm.
A smile crept onto Kwon Hanul’s face.
‘Yes, someone of this caliber should feel .’
In the past, he had always avoided the strong. One wrong move, and survival wasn’t guaranteed.
But now, with the Black Dragon Bloodline coursing through him, the sight of a powerful opponent thrilled him.
He couldn’t wait for the day when he would finally challenge him.
"Why are you silent? Don’t tell me you think I’m joking?"
There was a hint of displeasure in Mei Rong’s voice.
"Of course not. How could I possibly take the words of the Greatest Sword of Mei Clan as a joke? Amusingly enough, I just had a similar conversation not too long ago."
This time, a flicker of curiosity crossed Mei Rong’s face.
"You already had this conversation?"
"Yes. That person said this to me—"
Hanul recited Kwon Myung-wu’s words exactly, not missing a single syllable.
"Would you stop making soy sauce just because you’re afraid of maggots?"
Silence lingered for a moment. Then, Mei Rong let out a short, incredulous laugh.
"This is why I despise the Hyukcheon clan. Whether young or old, you’re all unbearably arrogant."
"With all due respect, Greatest Sword, you were the one who spoke harshly first."
"Ah, forget it. Let’s continue the tour."
Mei Rong resumed walking. As they passed by a particular building, Kwon Hanul suddenly spoke up.
"Why are we skipping that one?"
"That’s the ancestral shrine of the Mei family. I figured an outsider like you would find it dull, so I didn’t bother."
"Would it be alright if I take a look?"
"There’s not much to see."
"Since I’m already here, I should at least pay my respects to the ancestors of the Mei family."
That was just an excuse.
In truth, something about that shrine had caught his attention.
Mei Rong opened the doors to the shrine. Kwon Hanul stepped inside.
Just as Mei Rong had said, there wasn’t anything particularly unusual.
The interior was modest, containing little more than the ancestral tablets.
But there was one thing that stood out.
Right behind the ancestral tablet—
A painting of a monstrous figure with six arms was hanging on the wall.
"That is our first ancestor," Mei Rong explained, staring at the painting. "The founder of our clan discovered the Shura King inside a dungeon and gained its power."
Indeed, the creature in the painting looked every bit like a being worthy of the title Shura King.
"When he passed away, he declared that anyone who could claim the Shura King should take it for themselves. But…"
"But no one has ever managed to obtain it."
"Not only that, we haven’t even been able to find where it is."
Mei Rong clicked his tongue in disappointment.
"Ah, I’ve spoken too much. Take your time looking around."
With that, Mei Rong stepped outside and shut the door behind him.
Now alone, Kwon Hanul could study the painting more carefully.
He reached out towards the image. The moment his fingers touched the canvas—
The creature in the painting opened its eyes.
[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]