Chapter 479: Snowfall and Storms Over Qitian City

Misty clouds and the dim moon fade together, while swirling winds kick up drifting dust.

High above the dome of heaven, heavy leaden clouds gathered so densely that occasional flashes of lightning broke the night, illuminating chunks of falling snow.

The world seemed swallowed by darkness and deathly silence, disturbed only by the soft sound of falling snow.

But that silence was shattered in an instant.

The snowy night over Qitian City erupted in chaos, as countless flakes seemed to burst into powder under an unseen force.

In the lavish residences scattered around Qitian City, cultivators abruptly awakened, compelled to sense and listen to the supreme will emanating from Qitian Inner City.

Qitian Inner City, an almost forbidden domain to the many cultivators of Qitian Outer City, had long been divided amongst the supreme powers of the Bizarre Temple’s Pantheon.

The three great pantheons—Guiyao Cave, Dark Heavenly Court, and Black Xumi—held unrivaled status in the Bizarre Temple, boasting the genuine presence of divine beings.

Before the gods, even a Supreme cultivator appeared insignificant.

For it is the gods who have transcended all, living eternally beyond death.

Now, the Supreme had spoken; a rumbling voice vibrated so fiercely that even the air seemed to twist in uneasy ripples as it poured forth from Qitian Inner City.

Yet the pronouncements of the three Supremes appeared encrypted, as many could not clearly decipher every word. Still, an inexplicable chill gripped countless souls, and they understood that the Supremes meant harm.

A sense of impending doom, as heavy as a mountain, bore down on everyone, making it nearly impossible to breathe.

And when the gates of Qitian Outer City slammed shut, panic surged in every heart.

Qitian Outer City was far more chaotic compared to its inner counterpart.

After all, Qitian Inner City was controlled by only three great forces, divided under the rule of the three Supremes.

But Qitian Outer City was different—it was a melting pot of the world’s mightiest forces. Besides those backed by the Pantheon, there were legions from the Great Jing Court, various Divine Sects, ancient clans, overseas families, the Dragon Clan from the Four Seas, and more…

It could only be said that Qitian City’s unique status attracted too many powers.

Moreover, the past year’s disorder and lax oversight had allowed a diverse array of cultivators to flood in: fugitives, criminals on the run, and those evading ruthless hunters.

Tonight, unease gripped all these strongmen.

Chaos in Qitian Outer City might finally come to an end tonight!

The forces backing the three great pantheons were poised to consolidate control and decide who would govern Qitian Outer City!

At the very least, order would be restored, and the city would no longer be a lawless wasteland overrun with all manner of cultivators.

But what was the source of this dreadful chill?

Why did it feel like an apocalyptic catastrophe was looming?

Many were utterly bewildered.

Yet, a number of cultivators had already roused themselves, their auras erupting as they surged skyward, piercing through the heavens and earth!

These were the Divine Calamity cultivators of the Fang Family from the Great Ancient Clan. They seemed to understand the Supreme’s words; enraged, they fled the city at breakneck speed.

Facing the sealed gates, they initiated a rampage, determined to break the city’s defenses!

However, the result was bloodshed—their bodies were sent flying as they were swiftly subdued.

Atop the city tower stood a monk clad in a flowing kasaya, his expression unnervingly cold, with cicada-like patterns spreading across his eyes like blazing wings.

“No one leaves tonight,” he declared in a low, calm voice.

His words resonated in the air.

“Jiayun Zunzhe! Our Fang Family never intended to seize control of Qitian Outer City—release our people at once!”

The Divine Calamity cultivator of the Fang Family wore an expression of intense displeasure.

Yet, the Jiayun Zunzhe from the Western Lands of Buddhism merely clasped his hands in a gesture of calm indifference.

“When the Supreme speaks, anyone not belonging to the Pantheon may be killed,” he pronounced.

Once his words fell,

the entire Outer City of Qitian was suddenly plunged into oppressive silence as an invisible killing intent surged through every cultivator’s heart, unraveling their spirits.

The cold decree cut through them like a divine spear, threatening to pierce every soul!

Anyone not belonging to the Pantheon… may be slain?

This was the Supreme’s decree!

In other words, anyone not from the Western Lands of Buddhism, the Great Jing Court, or the Witch God Mountain forces risked a gruesome slaughter!

How ruthless!

An atmosphere of dread instantly spread, as if terror itself soared skyward.

Countless divine auras began to boil.

Inside Qitian Inner City, three Supreme phantom figures appeared, their gazes scanning as they observed the surging divine aura with derisive chuckles.

They looked on as though watching a frantic game played by mere ants.

Boom!

Empowered by the Supreme order, the strongmen of the three great forces sprang into action, their killing intent slicing through the air like ice-cold blades!

Blood spurted, divine seeds burst, and agonized screams filled the inner city as some were executed on the spot!

Rumble, rumble, rumble—

A myriad of auras erupted as cultivators desperate to avoid a grisly death burst forth in their final stand!

Even the snow falling from the sky slowly began to taint with the color of blood.

Standing atop the Qitian City tower, a monk transformed into a colossal, fearsome Buddha, a deep crimson glowed like a ruby at his brow.

The cicada-like markings in his eyes seemed to come alive.

He raised his head, fixating his murderous gaze on the Three-Open Courtyard where the Underworld Ogre resided, a killing intent surging outrageously.

“Damn it…”

“Everyone’s doomed!”

…

…

Li Che clenched a Feilei Chess Piece in his five fingers as he vanished from the restaurant.

Reappearing in the Fang Family courtyard where Fang Han Shu was, the gentle breeze mingled with swirling snow.

Fang Han Shu stood from his chair, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Li Che.

“Ah Che.”

Fang Han Shu smiled. He deliberately did not call Li Che by his lordly title, knowing Li Che wanted him to live as Fang Han Shu, and he accepted it without objection.

“They’re about to make their move.”

Fang Han Shu could also sense the Supreme aura surging outwards from Qitian Inner City.

When the Supreme spoke, it spelled disaster for the cultivators of Qitian Outer City.

Qitian City’s strategic location was too critical. The three great pantheons did not want further trouble—Qitian City brimmed with too many non-Pantheon cultivators, breeding too many uncertainties.

Originally, the strongmen of the three great pantheons planned to wait for the Underworld Ghost Emperor to personally emerge, reclaim Qitian Outer City, and confront the major powers, throwing the world into chaos.

But now, after waiting so long, the Underworld Ghost Emperor showed no sign of action.

Even the Underworld Ogre, in deep seclusion within Qitian City, remained completely inert—as though bracing for a crushing end.

This, naturally, was unacceptable to the Supremes of the three great pantheons.

They planned to resolve the affairs in Qitian City as quickly as possible and then move on to Jin Guang Mansion and Daocheng to take part in the encirclement battle to annihilate the Third Prince Temple Spirit.

There was no choice—the three pantheons could not wait forever.

Thus, tonight they would unleash a bloody rampage to purge Qitian City of all uncertainties.

It was possible that many of the slain strongmen might include experts from Divine Sects or ancient clans, but so what?

The three great pantheons cared little; it only bolstered their own might!

A determined glint passed through Fang Han Shu’s eyes.

“I have fully absorbed the legacy of Master Xinyuan, though I can’t completely convert it into true cultivation yet. If I can entirely inherit his power, I should reach the Supreme realm.”

Fang Han Shu said this calmly.

At these words, Li Che’s expression stiffened as he asked, “But can one truly enter the Supreme realm?”

Fang Han Shu nodded.

“But to fully digest the legacy of our Master, there are limitations—I can only absorb so much power each day.”

“How long will it take to completely assimilate it?” Li Che inquired curiously.

Fang Han Shu raised his hand, calculating with his fingers, “About a year.”

“In roughly a year, I can complete the refinement and elevate my cultivation to the Supreme level.”

This was because Fang Han Shu, being a Spiritual Confinement cultivator, could enlarge his strength on his own. Ordinary cultivators might explode under the weight of too much inherited power.

And Spiritual Confinement does not fear explosive breakdowns.

“Impressive,” Li Che admired.

Indeed, it was remarkable. The fact that Spiritual Confinement could strengthen itself reassured Li Che—there was no need to crush other Spiritual Confinement cultivators to boost his own ranks.

In Qitian Inner City, three Supremes reigned. Their exact strengths were hard to gauge—for the Three Calamity Divine Calamities were Supreme, and the Supreme was also measured in three calamities.

Thus, Li Che did not plan to rashly attack Qitian Inner City without certainty…

After all, when fighting the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme—the Second Calamity Demon God Supreme—Li Che had schemed for so long. How could he recklessly charge at the Supremes?

Yet now in Qitian Outer City,

Li Che’s murderous intent was unabashed.

A subtle stirring of his mind.

Through the Cosmic Chessboard, he could clearly see that outside the Three-Open Courtyard where the Ogre resided, wave after wave of dreadful auras surged upward, sealing off the void entirely.

Not leaving the Ogre even a single chance to escape from the courtyard.

Likewise, Fang Han Shu’s courtyard was also surrounded.

Li Che glanced at Fang Han Shu; Fang Han Shu returned his look and stroked his fine beard with a gentle smile.

As Li Che’s Spiritual Confinement, Fang Han Shu immediately understood his lord’s intentions tonight.

A bloody rampage was about to begin!

Just as the three great pantheons were preparing to initiate their slaughter,

“Spare none,” Li Che whispered to Fang Han Shu.

In the next moment, he vanished again, reappearing in the Three-Open Courtyard where the Ogre resided.

The Cosmic Chessboard spiraled in the sky, masking the perceptions of the powerful cultivators encircling the courtyard.

They could not sense Li Che, yet he clearly perceived all of them.

Qitian City was uniquely poised between the Bizarre Temple and the mortal world, its eerie mists so thick that in the Inner City, even a Supreme could strike at will.

Meanwhile in Qitian Outer City, even a Second Calamity Supreme could act—just as the Black Bull Demon God Supreme Supreme had once seized control of the Outer City as a Second Calamity cultivator.

Boom, boom, boom—

The overwhelming pressure roared out, shaking all of Qitian Outer City until the very ground seemed about to crack!

Outside the courtyard where the Underworld Ogre resided,

one pillar of light after another shot skyward like beams, shattering the swirling dark clouds swollen with snow.

Within Qitian Outer City, cultivators who had rushed from all corners of the world and were now trapped within the city trembled, a bone-deep chill seizing them.

Three Second Calamity and one Divine Calamity cultivator!

This formidable formation surrounding the courtyard harboring the Underworld Ogre left no doubt about their intention:

Tonight’s massacre in Qitian City would begin with the extermination of the underworld beasts!

In Qitian Outer City, the three great pantheons had each dispatched three Second Calamity Supremes, with one among them even a Third Calamity Supreme—a hefty investment indeed.

They were determined to completely subjugate Qitian City, leaving no chance for the Yulian Camp.

The fate of Qitian City had become a battleground for power struggles among the Pantheon forces within the Bizarre Temple.

It appeared that the three great camps had reached an accord to jointly govern Qitian City.

Such a formidable lineup was terrifying, and many in the Outer City had already sunk into utter despair, seeing no hope.

…

…

Li Che returned to the courtyard of the Ogre, a faint smile crossing his face as the dark ink of his robe shifted instantly.

Above his head, a burst of purple flame flared up in an instant, engulfing his head while a golden skull emerged within.

He stretched lazily, his muscles and bones resonating as if in a deafening explosion.

“Ever since breaking into the Martial Immortal realm, I’ve never held back completely. Tonight… I’m just practicing.”

The Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame burned atop his head as Li Che’s eyes snapped open, murderous intent surging.

Taking a step, the ground trembled slightly.

In the very next moment, Li Che, transformed into the Underworld Ghost Emperor, ascended toward the heavens step by step!

Boom!

Even the void roiled like turbulent waves as countless eyes turned to behold the figure rising from the Three-Open Courtyard.

“Underworld Ghost Emperor!”

Boom!

The eerie mists over Qitian City seemed to be ripped apart as three figures materialized—they were the three Supremes originally set to encircle the Underworld Ogre.

Behind them, nine Divine Calamity cultivators at the First Calamity and Third Calamity levels erupted with aura like pillars soaring into the sky!

“Show me just how strong a mortal Martial Immortal truly is!”

A terrifying surge of demonic aura erupted. A demonic god from the Ten Thousand Great Rivers struck out, his monstrous aura transforming the heavens into a vast, churning sea of evil!

Fierce and overwhelming, amid the tumultuous demonic energy a gigantic crocodile emerged!

Its gaping bloodstained maw seemed ready to shear apart the very firmament.

Li Che smiled faintly. “Since you seek death, then I’ll grant you it.”

In an instant, his murderous intent surged forth like a dragon thrashing across the skies!

For those who dared target the Yulian and the enemies of his own daughter among the Pantheon’s powerful cultivators, Li Che showed no mercy—there was but one thought:

Kill them!

Roar——

Fiery bursts of golden vital energy erupted from within him, his spine rising as if like a majestic golden dragon roaring in fury!

Every organ trembled, and thousands of meridians whirled as torrents of golden blood gushed out, transforming him into a radiant orb amid the darkness!

Boom——!!!

With a swift twist of his foot, the space itself seemed to cave in abruptly, like a drumbeat crashing to the ground!

A massive void appeared, as if thunderously rupturing, the compressed clouds suddenly exploding into concentric rings!

The space, unable to bear the pressure, shattered like a mirror!

A terrifying and domineering surge of vital energy, like a mountain torrent, obliterated the surrounding air and space!

The enormous crocodile-headed demon that had emerged from the mists exploded in an instant!

With a resounding blast, countless demonic auras swirled furiously as a long blade—its surface covered in billions of pores—whirled out from the Underworld Ghost Emperor’s hand.

Wherever the blade struck, the demonic aura dissipated. The final, peerless blow landed on the body of the crocodile-headed demon god!

The formidable crocodile-headed demon god, akin to a cannonball, was expelled from the mists with a single strike, unable to withstand it.

It crashed into the ground of Qitian City, exploding like a cannonball and destroying countless houses, raising clouds of dust and debris.

The Underworld Ghost Emperor held his long blade askew; purple flames burned while the golden skull gazed silently in all directions.

Bathed in resplendent golden light, his Martial Immortal aura roiled powerfully!

Domineering!

Unyielding!

Is this truly the mortal Martial Immortal?!

Brighter than the noonday sun!

Li Che’s brow quivered as his indomitable Martial Immortal will swept through like a whirlwind, a tangible force rolling out like an encroaching tide!

Two other Second Calamity Supremes looked on in astonishment!

Is this the new Martial Immortal?!

How could he be so strong?!

He was entirely on par with a Second Calamity Supreme!

Recall that the Martial Immortal walked the Pure Martial path—a realm comparable to that of the Martial Gods. Yet he fought across levels with such ease!

No wonder the Martial Immortal suffered unrelenting heavenly tribulations!

“Join forces!”

“Charge!”

Confronted by an unparalleled Martial Immortal, the two Supremes grew grave—these were not mere mortals but cultivators from the sanctified lands of the Pantheon in the Bizarre Temple.

One hailed from the Thunder Sound Temple of Ling Mountain in Black Xumi, and the other from Lingxiao Hall in the Thirty-Third Heaven of Dark Heavenly Court.

Originally mortal cultivators, they had long since lost track of time after entering the Bizarre Temple, returning to find the mortal realm transformed beyond recognition. They now identified as cultivators of the Pantheon.

Boom——!!!

“Kill!”

Two Second Calamity and one Third Calamity cultivator surged forward simultaneously!

Behind them, nine Divine Calamity cultivators from the First Calamity and Third Calamity levels unleashed their divine auras, invoking secret techniques to form intricate divine arrays!

Li Che casually glanced at them.

With a swift flick of his sleeve, three chess pieces soared across the sky and then exploded in a thunderous display.

Terrifying demonic auras and fierce killing intent intertwined fiercely!

Fan Hai Jiuying and the monstrous Qihai emerged simultaneously!

Two Second Calamity-level fearsome beasts materialized, their savage visages and brutal power surging toward the two Second Calamity Supremes from Black Xumi and Dark Heavenly Court.

The impact of these supreme collisions between cultivators reverberated through the skies of Qitian Outer City, sending shock waves through the void.

…

…

Fang Han Shu’s scholarly garment billowed as he stroked his refined beard. One hand gripped the Sage Book, the other a Ruler.

He looked toward the direction of the Underworld Ghost Emperor’s strike, his eyes sparkling with unyielding determination.

“Qitian City… belongs to my Qitian Temple.”

“Tonight, the streets will run red!”

To reclaim lost lands, bloodshed was inevitable.

After all, the spilled blood would be our enemies’!

Step by step, he advanced.

The courtyard doors crashed open as torrents of wind surged out.

Fang Han Shu, clad in white robes that fluttered like drifting snowflakes, stepped out. Instantly, the cultivators guarding the courtyard outside were struck with alarm.

In truth, Fang Han Shu was not underestimated by the various factions—a quintet of Divine Calamity cultivators had been dispatched, including one at the First Calamity and Third Calamity level.

However…

At this moment, as Fang Han Shu stepped out, his aura soared as if calling down the very stars from the heavens.

The five Divine Calamity cultivators’ expressions turned ashen!

Because…

The overwhelming pressure emanating from Fang Han Shu was none other than Supreme authority!

The great elder of the Qianyuan Divine Sect, Fang Han Shu, was actually a Second Calamity Supreme?!

How had he hidden this so expertly?!

Smack!

The Ruler lashed out violently, whipping up a storm. A Divine Calamity cultivator burst, his body swelling and exploding as blood spattered everywhere.

Fang Han Shu’s white scholar’s robe flapped dramatically as he stood tall, his eyes deep and infinite like the cosmos, exuding a ruthless killing intent.

To seize Qitian Temple and wrest its command…

Do any of you even qualify?!

“Fang Han Shu, the current sect leader of Qitian Temple, will reclaim Qitian City tonight.”

His words were calm as the Ruler fell from his hand.

The leading First Calamity and Third Calamity cultivator, already battered as if struck by thunder, spat out a huge mouthful of blood, suspended in midair.

With the Ruler unleashing relentless strikes—a cacophony of smacks that echoed like the sound of death—

not a single First Calamity cultivator could withstand; they were utterly overwhelmed.

They had nowhere to run because the Haoran River sprawled across all directions, and breaking through it took an immense amount of time.

Fang Han Shu’s killing pace was simply too swift!

Thud!

With a muffled sound, one First Calamity cultivator finally buckled. In the presence of Fang Han Shu’s aura, now at Second Calamity Third Calamity level, he completely burst apart, dissolving into a pool of blood while his Heavenly Dao Soul was shattered—he was utterly finished.

But Second Calamity Third Calamity was the limit for Fang Han Shu at this moment.

He could go no further.

To break through the Supreme barrier, he would need at least a year to refine his power.

…

…

Boom——!!

A mighty battle erupted in an instant as fearsome power swept through the entire city. Within Qitian Inner City, the three Supremes observed everything with dark, penetrating eyes, assessing the emerging determination of the attackers.

Meanwhile, the cultivators in Qitian Outer City trembled, as if the abyss of the underworld had been unleashed to devour the whole city!

Many of the cultivators gathered from across the lands had come to witness the Underworld Ghost Emperor’s breakthrough into the Martial Immortal realm. Some lingered simply due to the chaos in Qitian City.

Most of these cultivators were Grandmasters; when faced with such supreme power and divine might, cold sweat broke out—they barely dared to move.

This was a battle of the Supremes!

Truly, a contest among the Supremes!

It was the Underworld Ghost Emperor’s first move following his breakthrough into the Martial Immortal realm!

Overwhelming!

With a single blow, one Second Calamity Supreme nearly fell—although the onlookers were terrified, they couldn’t help but watch this rare battle unfold.

In the restaurant,

XiXi raced onto the rooftop, tugging at Dog Master, Yun’e, Zhou Peng, Jin Taisui, and other small companions. They stood on tiptoe, eagerly watching.

Occasionally, she let out shrill, ecstatic squeals!

Her birthday had just ended, and already such an exhilarating spectacle was underway. XiXi was truly overjoyed.

Boom——

A massive burst of blood exploded in midair.

In the next moment, it transformed into a swirling, blood-soaked cloud—a scene marking the fall of a First Calamity Divine Calamity cultivator.

Li Che, as the Underworld Ghost Emperor, allowed the Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame to surge fiercely. In a devastating onslaught, he broke forth, trampling several First Calamity Divine Calamity cultivators who simply could not withstand his demonic charge.

In the process, even the Heavenly Dao Soul was annihilated by the overwhelming Primordial Dragon Elephant Flame, reduced to mere ashes!

The crocodile-headed demon god, driven into the ground by Li Che, roared furiously as he rose again. Yet, facing him was a single, decisive punch from the Martial Immortal!

Li Che’s five fingers clenched tightly, and from his back four Divine Seeds erupted in a burst. He only ignited his Divine Seeds, leaving his Immortal Seeds untouched.

Even so, his golden vital energy boiled instantly, his aura shooting up like golden beams piercing the sky.

His fingers clenched and from his back, four blazing orbs appeared, like a golden Qilin straddling his fist across the void.

A chorus of thunderclaps rang out as the sound of collapsing heavens spread through the skies!

Under the cold gaze of his golden skull, Li Che’s punch came crashing down. Flesh, tendons, bones, and vital energy collided violently, as though trampled by a fearsome Qilin’s hooves.

Qilin Sealing Inscription!

After a year of arduous training, the Immortal Seed·Qilin Sealing Inscription had finally been perfected!

The Qilin Great Seal rained down in an instant!

The crocodile-headed demon god, who had soared skyward, was horrifically shattered beneath the crushing force!

Infused with Martial Immortal energy and amplified by the miraculous Qimen Divine Seed,

his power surged to an overwhelming degree!

Countless mists of blood exploded from his body, the surrounding air and space rupturing as debris scattered in all directions!

A Second Calamity Demon God Supreme fell like lightning!

So fast!

Before the other Second Calamity Supremes in Qitian City could even react, the three poised to dominate as Second Calamity Third Calamity Supremes were left dumbfounded.

The three Second Calamity Third Calamity Supremes from the Pantheon in the Bizarre Temple roared in anger.

And the Underworld Ghost Emperor, with interlaced golden vital energy above Qitian Outer City, spread his five fingers, tearing open the void as he absorbed every shred of demonic flesh and soul from the Demon God of the Yao Clan!

“This Underworld Ghost Emperor, after breaking through as a Martial Immortal, has power rivalling that of a Third Calamity Supreme?!”

“Martial Immortal… is this truly a mortal Martial Immortal? So overwhelmingly domineering! Such power, unbound even by heaven’s will—indeed, he is invincible!”

The three Third Calamity Supremes’ faces grew grim.

Without further hesitation, they split into two groups!

One Third Calamity Supreme charged toward Fang Han Shu’s position—where blood already flowed like rivers; even a scholar could be ruthlessly lethal.

The remaining two Third Calamity Supremes advanced directly toward the Underworld Ghost Emperor, ready to confront a Martial Immortal head-on.

The Martial Immortal had only broken through to that realm for less than a year, yet they were confident they could subdue him!

Rumbling—

Two First Calamity Supremes, who were dueling with Fan Hai Jiuying and the mighty Qihai, looked on in horror!

Boom——

Nine First Calamity Divine Calamity cultivators, united in a divine formation, unleashed their power in one fell swoop.

However,

the Underworld Ghost Emperor stepped forward as if traversing space, appearing in the center of the vast divine array.

Facing the crushing surge of divine aura, his five fingers clenched, and a Thunder Demon Three-Pronged Twin-Edged Blade appeared in his hand, its ringing clash cutting through the silence.

A brilliant, terrifying blade gleamed—so radiant it seemed to cleave the void itself.

Then, the divine array painstakingly forged through the efforts of nine Divine Calamity cultivators shattered in a single stroke!

The divine array collapsed with a resounding crash.

The Underworld Ghost Emperor’s entire body shone with golden vital energy.

Wielding his twin blades, he swung them anew.

Blade after blade, like a storm, rained down with the force of a thousand mountains crashing together.

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud—

Overhead in Qitian City, nine clusters of blood mist exploded in an instant!

Rumbling—

A pitch-black city gate suddenly materialized from the sky. Etched upon it were the two characters “Fengdu”.

Then, from within the abyssal gate, a terrifying suction force erupted,

devouring the shredded flesh, blood, and Heavenly Dao Soul of the nine Divine Calamity cultivators like a vortex!

The sky above Qitian City echoed with the mournful, ghastly screams of the fallen.

Every cultivator witnessing this grim scene fell silent; even the top-tier experts from various Divine Sects and ancestral forces, usually invincible, seemed to perish like rain!

Such was the aura of the Underworld Ghost Emperor!

This was the mortal Martial Immortal—a power accumulated over five millennia of martial fate!

Could it be that in the mortal realm, he was truly invincible?!