```
Yet, before the encirclement and slaughter by the Imperial City Guard, these peak-stage experts from the mortal world could muster only a tenth of their strength, turning the scene into a virtually one-sided massacre.
Just when the situation within the Imperial City had been decided, a rising chorus of battle cries suddenly broke out from the Imperial Capital's Inner City outside the Imperial City.
Above the Imperial City, the Mortal Path's favor began to fluctuate visibly to the naked eye.
Within the Taihe Hall, the shadowy figure of the Mortal Emperor became increasingly blurred, and an eerie, chilling sensation uncontrollably spread beyond the Taihe Hall.
"What is happening?"
From within the shadows in the Taihe Hall, the creatures emitted cries of alarm; in the next instant, their gaze fixed on Ji Zhaoyang's princely attire and crown.
Atop his head, set within the crown, a Treasure Bead the size of a baby's fist shimmered with a lustrous glow.
