The resonant chimes of the system announcement echoed through the realms of Heaven's Arrival, leaving every spectating player momentarily stunned.

"This guy named Officer Guan...actually tagged the Heaven's Way System? And the system's autonomous function is just too amazing!"

Faces aglow with disbelief, some even imitated Guan Ren, calling upon the Heaven's Way System on the Heaven's Arrival forums, seeking game strategies and even hidden quests for secret classes, hoping to find a loophole.

But their attempts were met with a uniform response: "No comment."

The existence of Heaven's Arrival was but the tip of the iceberg exposing the powerful functions of the Heaven's Way System. There were many more unimaginable aspects of it, and Guan Ren, having lived another life, was all too aware of this.

The "Heaven's Way" in the system's name was not just for show.

"These people from Slaughterworld Syndicate are no good at all! They actually tried to play dirty, we were almost used by them!"

"Exactly, I had heard that this guild was nefarious and ruthless. Now it seems their reputation is well-earned!"

"Serves Slaughter Charge right! A seven-day ban will leave him lagging behind everyone else! Hahahaha!"

With the Heaven's Way System vouching for Guan Ren's innocence, the netizens who understood the truth quickly switched sides, casting blame upon Slaughterworld Syndicate.

Being used as a pawn irked everyone, so the outpouring of ridicule now aimed at Slaughterworld Syndicate was fiercer than any previous barbs directed at Guan Ren!

For a time, Slaughterworld Syndicate found themselves the subject of heated searches across the net, with everyone lambasting them, sending their upper echelons into utter disarray.

Indeed, they had lifted a rock only to drop it on their own feet.

"Bring Slaughter Charge here. Make him apologize across the entire network, and then permanently expel him from the guild!"

The guild president, Slaughter Nomad, logged off on the spot, his expression dark as thunder.

He couldn't contain the raging fury within him, for Slaughter Charge had gone behind his back to engage in such underhanded tactics, bungling the job, and even dragging him into it. He wished he could flay Slaughter Charge alive!

Before long, a battered and bruised Slaughter Charge appeared on the forums, issuing an apologetic video. He confessed that out of spite for some past frictions, he had plotted this clumsy revenge against Officer Guan.

In the conclusion of the video, Slaughter Nomad made an appearance, personally expelling Slaughter Charge from the guild and banning him permanently.

With a significant sum spent to hire an army of online commenters, they just managed to quell the storm.

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"Cousin..."

"Shut it! Are you a pig? You couldn't even handle this?"

"But..."

Slaughter Charge, flush with shame, was at a loss for words.

"Enough, this might be for the best," Slaughter Nomad stated. "Although you're expelled from the guild, don't worry. I will still provide you with resources to establish a new guild. Secretly cultivating some power could in fact be a boon to us."

"Alright."

"But remember one thing: don't provoke Officer Guan again! You hear me?" Slaughter Nomad said, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "With Heaven's Arrival just launched, growing our power is critical. As for anything else, once our guild becomes strong in the game, dealing with one player will be as simple as reaching out and grabbing him, won't it?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Good. Now go. Spend these days of your ban learning management techniques. I will send someone to deliver the material to you. Don't give me any more headaches, okay?"

"I got it, cousin."

Slaughter Charge left the room.

"Officer Guan?"

Slaughter Nomad's gaze deepened ever so slightly as he picked up his phone, dialed a number.

"Find out the real-life information on this Officer Guan."

"Understood."

…

[ Ding! Someone from the real-world is contacting you. Would you like to disconnect from the game? ]

Within the private room, a prompt sounded next to Guan Ren.

"Sorry, have to leave for a bit. Someone from reality is looking for me."

With a hasty farewell, Guan Ren logged out.

Upon disconnecting, the appetizing aroma of food wafted through the air, prompting Guan Ren to take a deep breath.

"Brother, Sister Lin Ruo Xue brought us a lot of delicious food. Let's eat quickly!"

Guan Xiao Yun awaited Guan Ren's awakening with impatient excitement.

"Lin Ruo Xue? What brings her here?"

"Am I not welcome?" Lin Ruo Xue asked with a smile, her eyes locked on Guan Ren.

She was dressed in a white floral short-sleeved shirt and tight shorts, exuding youthful vibrancy.

"Of course, you're welcome!" Guan Ren quickly explained, "I was just surprised you came by yourself."

"This morning, the doctor messaged me saying you've recovered from your injuries and could be discharged. So, I came over to take you both to my studio," Lin Ruo Xue explained with a beaming smile in her eyes, as bright as crescents.

"My injuries... have healed?" Guan Ren uttered, finger brushing his chest, only to find the piercing pain replaced with a tingly numbness.

Just over one night?!

Guan Ren was puzzled, especially since he recalled from his previous life that such an injury had confined him to the hospital for nearly a month!

What could this mean?

Ripping off the bandage across his chest, he looked down.

"This..."

The previously stabbed wound over his heart had completely healed, leaving behind a faint scar, strangely shaped like a lightning bolt.

The Heart of Heaven's Punishment!?

Guan Ren's face changed instantly.

He distinctly remembered that his character in the game bore an identical lightning scar over his chest, just like the one he now had in the real world!

What was happening?

Could it be... the virtual synchronization had already occurred to him?

With a surge of willpower, Guan Ren focused his mind.

"Open the attribute panel!"

Swish!

A holographic screen appeared before him, visible only to himself, listing his character's information from the game.

It was indeed so!

Guan Ren thought to himself. In his past life, the synchronization between Heaven's Arrival and the real world didn't occur until mid-game, yet in this life, he had achieved it from the start!

Could it be related to The Heart of Heaven's Punishment?

Or perhaps... it was due to the system?

"What's wrong?" inquired Lin Ruo Xue, a hint of concern in her gaze.

"Nothing, just feeling a bit sentimental. Who would have thought such a serious injury could heal overnight."

"I thought the same. The hospital director wanted you to stay a few more days for further testing, but I've refused," Lin Ruo Xue said with a gentle smile.

"Thank you for that. Otherwise, I might have become their lab rat," Guan Ren replied, smiling faintly.

"Compared to the way you bravely risked your life to save me that night, this is really nothing."