In a perfect world, you start by relying on your own strength.

Shi Geng sat quietly, listening attentively as Mark slowly recounted everything that had happened after he fell into the vortex of blood.

It turned out that after he was swallowed by the vortex and disappeared, the Lighthouse's Kloto system resumed operation on its own, but the previous series of battles had already depleted the Lighthouse's reserves. With supplies becoming increasingly scarce, Mark had no choice but to personally lead the Hunter Squad back to the surface to collect supplies.

Unexpectedly, they were ambushed by a large number of Devouring Beasts on the way. In the critical moment, Mark volunteered to stay behind to cover the retreat and fight the beast tide alone. But he never expected that 4068 would secretly attack him from behind and slit his throat without warning.

It was that fatal blow that allowed the spinal worm to take advantage of his weakened state and parasitize his body, gradually reducing him to his current state, a half-human, half-beast hybrid that is difficult to distinguish from a human.

After hearing this story, Shi Geng sighed softly, "It seems like everything has come full circle."

He frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping indifferently toward Shandong University to the side.

When Shan Da was swept by his gaze, he immediately looked away and subconsciously turned his head away, his expression revealing a clear sense of guilt and unease.

Shi Gen saw this and instantly understood. It seemed that it was still the people of Dragon Bone Village who released the spinal worm. Even with his presence as a variable, Bai Yuekui's plan to attack the scorpion was still going on.

However, he had no interest in Bai Yuekui and the others' plan to attack the Blood Kingdom. When he was trapped in the Red Mist Divine Kingdom, he had already taken all the most valuable opportunities within. Now, that divine kingdom was just an empty shell, a desolate void.

Even if Bai Yuekui goes to great lengths to plan and scheme, hoping to use the momentum of the Blood Vortex to enter the Divine Kingdom, he will only be facing an empty space.

After Mark recounted the whole story, he looked up at Shi Geng, his tone full of emotion: "Back then, you disappeared into thin air at the edge of the Blood Whirlpool. Everyone at the Lighthouse thought you were dead. No one expected that you would come to Dragon Bone Village."

Shi Geng smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on the rising smoke from the distant village, his expression relaxed and serene.

"I also just escaped from the depths of the swirling vortex. By chance, I met the people of Dragon Bone Village on the way and came here to settle down."

Just as Shi Gen and Mark were chatting quietly, a series of light footsteps suddenly came from inside the room.

Xia Dou skipped and hopped out of the house. As soon as she stepped out the door, she noticed Mark in the yard.

"Brother-in-law, Mark, you're back! Where's my sister?"

Xia Dou's crisp voice rang out as she hopped and skipped around in the yard, tilting her head and looking left and right.

When Shan Da heard Xia Dou's voice, he felt a sense of relief and secretly rejoiced that someone had finally broken the oppressive atmosphere. He had a feeling that Shi Geng might know something, and that one glance just now seemed to have seen through all his secrets.

"Your sister's busy at the shop. I'll take this brat back inside to supervise his homework. You two can continue chatting, and call us when dinner is ready."

As Shan Da spoke, he grabbed Shan Shihui, who was still reluctant and kept looking back. His steps were hurried, as if he was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would be caught up in the conversation of the important people. He quickly pulled the little guy into the house and hid him away.

The spinal cord parasite that initially infested Mark was secretly released by them, which led to Mark's subsequent parasitism, mutation, and downfall.

With such a secret worry lurking in his heart, he naturally felt somewhat uneasy and restless in front of a powerful figure like Shi Geng.

If Bai Yuekui hadn't intervened and suppressed the village's criticisms and concerns, the villagers of Dragon Bone Village, with their cautious nature, would never have dared to take in Mark, a half-human, half-beast, time bomb who could go out of control at any moment.

It was precisely because Boss Bai was there to back them up that everyone dared to pretend nothing was wrong and let Mark settle down peacefully in the village.

"Why is my brother-in-law acting so strange today?"

Xia Dou wrinkled her small nose in confusion, muttered to herself, and didn't think too much about it. Then she walked briskly to Shi Geng's side, her eyes crinkling with a cheerful smile: "The room is all ready for you. Go and see if there's anything missing or needed. Just tell me and I'll get it for you."

She was secretly calculating in her mind that since all the expenses were on Boss Bai's tab, she wouldn't have to pay a single penny herself. She had recently taken a liking to a new game cartridge, and under the pretext of helping Shi Geng buy things, she could conveniently purchase it as well. Thinking of this, a small, secret joy flickered in her eyes.

Shi Geng looked at the cleverness that Xia Dou couldn't hide in her eyes, and he could easily see through her little thoughts. A faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness. The room can be simply tidied up; there's no need to add anything extra."

Xia Dou disagreed, shaking her head playfully, "That won't do. You're a guest, so you have to be provided with all the necessities. Just tell me if you need anything, don't be shy."

Shi Geng didn't expose her little scheme to use Boss Bai's bill to buy game cards, and casually replied, "If you really need anything, I'll trouble you then."

Xia Dou's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this, and she was secretly delighted. Now she had an excuse to get the game card she had been longing for.

Just then, a middle-aged woman with a large pregnant belly walked into the courtyard. Her face darkened slightly, and her cold gaze swept over Shi Geng, Mark, and Xia Dou in the courtyard. Her brows furrowed immediately, and her tone was filled with dissatisfaction: "Why is Boss Bai letting outsiders stay in his house again?"

The woman's eyes and brows held a hint of street-smart straightforwardness and energy. She gently supported her protruding belly with one hand, her eyes full of disapproval.

She was clearly somewhat dissatisfied with Bai Yuekui's tendency to arrange for outsiders to stay at his home, especially with Mark's strange half-human, half-beast appearance in front of her, which made her even more resistant.

Seeing this, Xia Dou quickly stepped forward, a fawning smile on her face: "Sister, don't be angry. This is Brother Shi Geng, a guest specially arranged by Boss Bai. He's a very kind person."

Mark, standing to the side, subconsciously suppressed his fierce aura and stood quietly without moving, afraid that his appearance would make the other party even more disgusted. After all, he had long known Xia Hua's personality; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her the shrew of the village.

"Hmph, I bet this time it was you who brought someone home without permission, wasn't it?"

Xia Hua, supporting her protruding belly, shook her head helplessly, too lazy to argue any further. Her tone was a mix of helplessness and pragmatism as she advised, "Forget it, one more person is just one more set of chopsticks. Remember to tell Boss Bai to settle Mark's food expenses for this week. It's been a whole week already; he can't just keep eating and staying for free."

Xia Dou stuck out her tongue and nodded obediently, "I know, sis, I'll go talk to Boss Bai later."

Mark stood to the side, his face calm, as if he wasn't the one Xia Hua was referring to as freeloading.