Wubu

Who is Nangong Wubu?

In fact, the Immortal Palace has already made its final judgment. In short, the previous Celestial King, Nangong Wubu, was a damned bastard.

If we expand on Mikami's manifesto and translate it into plain language, this person is that kind of, very typical...

The world is in chaos, the crimes are notorious, too numerous to count. One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand. The common people are treated like livestock in the palm of one's hand. Exterminating tribes and destroying countries is commonplace. Draining rivers and massacring cities is a daily routine. After I die, I don't care about the floods. I have OCD and I have to color the entire map the same color. Anyone who objects will have their ancestors dug up and wiped out again. I can't feel the joy of breathing unless I personally kill someone every day. Growing mushrooms, lighting the sun, burning glass, and making soap are my lifelong pursuits. Let's purify this blue and clean world! - a BBS player.

Of course, no carbon-based life form was born such a bastard.

The Immortal Palace also acknowledges that Nangong Wubu to emerge after he transformed from Crown Prince into Celestial King, revealing his rebellious nature and leaving no one to restrain him from embarking on the bloody path to unifying the world, and after certain key plot points were unlocked, such as losing the hearts of the people.

Therefore, if we want to discuss what kind of person Nangong Wubu really is, we have to go back to the beginning and see what he was like before he lost his heart.

So who exactly is Nangong Wubu?

Nangong Wubu is the Crown Prince of the Nangong Immortal Clan. From birth, he was destined to guard the people of the Immortal Palace and govern the vast land. There are only twelve children in the world who share the same destiny as him.

Unlike the other eleven, Nangong Wubu a loving father. A father who deeply hated the uncivilized barbarians who had been called usurpers for generations, a father whose love for his son was as strong as a mountain, who not only hoped that he could escape the misfortune of his dozen or so older brothers dying young in the palace, but also hoped that he could really do something great.

Therefore, it is not hard to imagine that this is a Machiavellian who was secretly raised in the frontier from childhood and grew up receiving a rigorous Spartan-style elite education.

Therefore, compared to those Nangongs of later generations, Nangong Wubu's intelligence and political acumen were still on point. For example, he at least knew that before he could master his own divine skills and become a powerful immortal king who could intimidate the Southern Country, or be able to protect himself from the endless palace intrigues of the Three Realms, he still had to put on an act.

Of course, he didn't go so far as to help old ladies cross the street or suck pus from his soldiers' wounds. He was just the normal type, one way in public and another in private. By day, he was the courteous and respectful Crown Prince Crown Prince; by night, he was a cowardly rat lurking on the roof beam. He knew when to back down and when to be hypocritical. Whether it was his personal concubine or his trusted guards, he abandoned them when necessary. He wouldn't drink water or eat meat that wasn't prepared for him; he would do anything to survive, at least outlive his father.

He may not have met his father's expectations, but at least he didn't disappoint them too much.

Therefore, when his father was assassinated, Nangong Wubu, who had not yet reached the Nascent Soul Stage when he ascended the throne, could, barring any unforeseen circumstances, play the role of a qualified Immortal King who met the expectations of the Three Realms.

They were the kind of unremarkable, unknown, unrecorded in history, rarely appearing in the sight of the Three Kings, and who would never invite trouble upon themselves, but instead lay low and patiently endured.

But which vassal king wasn't like that? At this point, there was really no evidence to say that he had ulterior motives. So if Sanyuan Nangong Wubu, there would probably only be one.

Nangong Wubu really enjoys making friends.

Perhaps it was just to make up for the loneliness of not having brothers or peers to grow up with, or perhaps it was to win people over and recruit henchmen, but the truth is, that Nangong Wubu also has friends.

Of course, Nangong Wubu would never use such a weak and cowardly word as 'friend'; a more apt description would be 'lackey'.

In the records of the Three Enclosures, the key figures around Nangong Wubu were referred to as the 'Seven Friends'.

The names and identities of the 'Seven Friends' seem to have been erased for various reasons; all that is known is that they each had nicknames and masks such as hawks, hounds, tigers, and wolves.

Perhaps Nangong Wubu had already forgotten their names, or perhaps he simply didn't consider these people to be things like human hearts, things that could be easily discarded and abandoned?

In short, we're not discussing who the 'Seven Friends' are right now, so we'll leave Nangong Wubu aside for now. The saying goes, "Scholars choose their masters," or "Birds of a feather flock together." The fact that no one seems to have ever betrayed someone as ambitious and wicked as Nangong Wubu suggests that these 'Seven Friends' are naturally all wolves like Nangong Wubu —lawless scoundrels, utterly wicked scum of humanity.

However, at that time, Nangong Wubu was surrounded by quite a few young scumbags, far more than just the "Seven" friends. It's just that those few were the core members of the small group.

Although Mikami noticed these subtle actions, as long as the feudal lords did not associate with powerful families and mingled with a few lowly commoners, they would not care.

Besides, the Nangong Family was, after all, one of the Eight Feudatories. Although the powerful figures of the Three Realms could easily crush these bumpkins, if they were killed, who would come to defend the South Border?

So Nangong Wubu accepted the imperial decree and, with his 'seven friends,' or perhaps countless 'friends,' trekked on foot through the poisonous miasma-filled forests and treacherous mountains of the South Border to vanquish demons and defend the borders for the Immortal Palace.

It was during this period that Nangong Wubu, this country bumpkin who was famous Li Country, gradually grew into a country bumpkin whose name was known throughout the world.

People are always judged by comparison.

Imagine you are a learned scholar, a man of great talent and strategy, eager to find a place to showcase your abilities. But all the official positions in the Three Palaces have been sold, and the high officials and ministers prefer studying poetry, songs, and the tunes sung by the new women in the Imperial Music Bureau. They have no interest in your policy essays. Only a strategist in a general's office admires your writing and wants to befriend you, but what good is that? A mere clerk in a minor post! How could he possibly appreciate your literary talent? At least one of the Three Dukes would have to come and invite you!

However, if you can't even get through the gates of the three highest officials, you'll be beaten out by the servants.

So you secretly vowed to rise up, to take revenge, to make the Three Kingdoms know your hatred, and to make them regret missing out on a talent like you!

Then you decide to settle for second best and serve in a vassal state to realize your life's ideals and ambitions.

So, being as clever as you are, you figured it out at a glance.

Of the twelve men in the land at that time, eleven were indulging in palaces, wine pools, and polo fields, leaving only one in the south who was emulating the Grand Commandant, amassing an army and showing great ambition. Hmm... even if he was a country bumpkin, he might still be a worthy advisor!

And so, Nangong Wubu, this scoundrel, bastard, and bumpkin, began to attract and gather all the scoundrels in the world to become his henchmen, just like a magnet. Because of his unconventional personality as a soldier raised in the army and his reputation as a rogue and bumpkin from the Southern Country, although he was not favored by the immortal clans, he attracted a large number of poor scholars from humble backgrounds who were also not favored by the immortal clans to join him, and gradually made a name for himself.

Whether he was truly guarding the borders for the Human Race or simply indulging in the thrill of killing, it cannot be denied that Nangong Wubu was indeed a celestial being from the Immortal Palace who, as the leader of an Immortal King clan, personally fought on the front lines of the battle against demons in the Ten-thousand-mountains.

His practice of raising hawks and hounds was quite different from that of those rulers who stayed in their palaces, mingled with women in bed, and were raised by eunuchs!

He might not trust you! But he'll use you! That's why he has eyes for you! Ah! Don't you like this passionate and energetic Immortal King Nangong?

At least back then, those ambitious but unfulfilled young bastards all loved it!

Of course, the Sanyuan area wasn't really full of blind and brain-dead people. The fact that Nangong Wubu's power had expanded to such an extent had already been noticed by some intelligent people.

The young prince of the Nangong Family is putting on an act. On the surface, he appears extremely submissive, but in reality, he is recruiting criminals and thieves, gathering Demon Path, training private soldiers and assassins, and using the excuse of guarding against the Demon Race to expand his army on a large scale. He is suspected of plotting something sinister.

However, considering that the Nangong Family was guarding the border for the Immortal Palace and had indeed fought a bloody battle against the Demon Race, the elders of the Three Palaces turned a blind eye and let them do as they pleased.

Yes, let him be.

Under normal circumstances, if the imperial court were to impeach him, Ziwei Yuan were to send a North Star Guard to carry out the task, Nangong Wubu would be doomed.

But after all, it was a special era.

The Immortal Palace and the Mystic Sect are rapidly falling from their honeymoon period under the Grand Commandant's rule into a cold war.

The unrest among the Northern Expedition Revenge Armies in various regions has not yet been completely quelled by the Grand General. Meanwhile, the Sword Ancestor Xuantian has already emerged from the Ten Ultimate Formation, only to find that his old buddies are all dead. He is now wreaking havoc in the Jingji with his sword. The Three Elders and Four Ancestors of Emei are also restless, and they are all busy eliminating demons and monsters in the north, running rampant, cough cough, upholding justice.

So, what's so great about the young people of the Nangong Family —cough, cough, ambition? Compared to everyone else, it's nothing at all...

Yes, the Nangong Wubu's ambition could grow so wildly and without restraint was because he was born in a good era.

As a future great demon Nangong Wubu not only did not encounter any truly devastating threats or blows during his growth, but instead fully benefited from the era when the two tigers of Emei and Nine Yin Mountain were fighting fiercely and competing to eradicate the demonic forces of the world!

Indeed, at that time, all the Demon Path in the world were in dire straits! Because they were being hunted down by the most ruthless and insane group of madmen in the history of the Xuanmen!

Everyone knows Xuan Tian, so I won't go into details. If he doesn't kill someone or test his sword after three sentences, it's because he's in a good mood. I'm doing you a favor by killing you, and you actually dare to ask me why? Are you looking for a beating?!

At that time, the Three Elders and Four Ancestors of Emei had no intention of ascending to another world. They were still a righteous group acting on behalf of Heaven, constantly shouting, "We, Emei, will act on behalf of Heaven!", "I've mastered my divine skills, hehe!", "How can the mighty Emei lose to Xuan Tian Gou Dan!" In short, they were either on their way to subdue demons or to slay demons, leaving a trail of bloodshed and carnage wherever they went!

Thus, including the infamous ancient demonic sects like the Death Gate Dao, countless ancient demonic sects were wiped out in the wave of righteous forces' campaign against demons. No matter how powerful the demon lords and demon ancestors were in the past, they now tucked their tails between their legs and struggled to survive.

The horrific, terrifying scene is hard to imagine for anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand. Imagine you're a ruthless demon who has killed countless people and committed numerous atrocities. You're peacefully practicing your skills in your cave, killing people, and you've just finished burning nine skulls together when suddenly a golden light descends and swirls down, wiping out all your hundred or so disciples, concubines, and servants. Your skills are ruined, your head is cut off, your soul is bound, and you're suppressed in the Demon-Slaying Array and reduced to ashes!

Who the hell can stand this?! What the hell did they do to deserve this?!

The scene was so horrific that even today, the Beichen Sword Sect and the Emei Golden Token are considered terrifying forces in the underworld, capable of stopping children from crying at night.

Fortunately, both Nine Yin Mountain and Emei Mountain are generally active in the Western Regions, Western Regions, and Kunlun area in the Central Plains, eradicating heretical sects and demonic sects door to door. They rarely go overseas, and even less often venture into the remote mountains and valleys of the south to prey on the country bumpkins in the deep forests.

Thus, the group of 'hawks and hounds' that Nangong Wubu gathered under his command gradually began to gather down-on-their-luck scholars and generals, and began to assemble a bizarre lineup that, even in later years, could be described as luxurious, but at the time, they were all panting like stray dogs.

Not only were there various refugees and criminals who had been driven from the Central Plains to the South Border Frontier by the Immortal Palace after years of defeat in the struggles of past dynasties, but also various ancient demonic sects, Demon Path, bandit leaders, and all sorts of unparalleled villains and disciples of the Xuanmen who were being slaughtered and wiped out by the chaotic swords of the Northern Xuanmen and fled south for refuge, all gathered under Nangong Wubu's command!

Yes! Not only criminals like immortals, thieves, and demons, but even the true disciples of the Three Great Sects have infiltrated Nangong!

Moreover, there were quite a few people in this group. They included not only former subordinates of the Grand Commandant and rebels who were being hunted down by the imperial court, but also members of the Divine Cult who had their headquarters destroyed and were now wandering the Central Plains scavenging for a living.

A large number of Xuanmen disciples who had traveled the world in search of opportunities also joined the Nangong, dedicating their youthful passion to slaying demons and monsters!

Indeed, with the Sword Ancestor of Nine Yin Mountain and the leader of the Emei Heavenly Group, it was truly the best era for the Xuanmen (Daoist sect).

But this may not be the case for ordinary disciples.

Although the Sword Immortal Sect Masters were powerful and unrestrained, often destroying mountains and temples and severing Daoist Tradition, and even beating up the Immortal Palace and Divine Sect, the various sects of the Xuanmen naturally rose in power as well, and their number of disciples almost multiplied several times.

The elite education system of the Xuanmen emphasizes Winner- takes-all, thus multiplying the intensity of competition. While this has undoubtedly cultivated a large number of prodigies and righteous elites, it has also increased the number of losers hiding in the shadows tenfold or a hundredfold.

Since these people couldn't win the favor of the sect leader, the position of direct disciple, or the sect's recognition, they naturally couldn't survive within the sect. So they all left the Central Plains, traversed the martial world, and tried their luck in various places. If they couldn't compete with the Xuanmen (Daoist sects), surely they could compete with these rogue demon cultivators?

The era of the Grand Commandant had not been long over, and the glorious past of the Northern Expedition was still an inspiring legend familiar to everyone. The banner of the Nangong Family's campaign against demons and evil spirits also met the psychological expectations of the disciples of the righteous path of the Xuanmen to become famous throughout the world, while at the same time satisfying their cultivation needs for collecting demon cores and other breakthrough materials.

As more people come and stay together for longer, some will inevitably clash with the Demon Path forces, while others will voluntarily join the Nangong criminal gang, which can act with impunity and do whatever it wants.

Nangong Wubu Nangong Wubu all comers Nangong Wubu. He didn't care that most of them were disrespectful to their rulers and fathers, and were scoundrels who committed all sorts of evil deeds. On the contrary, he found them all to be his own kind, and he recruited them all under his command, beheaded them, burned yellow paper, and swore brotherhood with them. Nangong Wubu, a Celestial King, was so generous and magnanimous that he was favored by the old monsters of the Xuanmen and Demonic Path, and quite a few people became sworn brothers with him.

At that time, among this group, a barefoot bandit with only 100,000 strings of cash per head wasn't even worth mentioning...

Thus, in that era of chaos and turmoil, the warlord Nangong Wubu, a country bumpkin, also witnessed a gathering of heroes and talents, assembling a large number of elites who were fully qualified and had the potential to compete with the Three Great Sects!

Therefore, when things have developed to this point, anyone who isn't blind can see the destiny emanating from Nangong Wubu; he is undoubtedly the chosen one, born in accordance with the will of Heaven.

As the undisputed leader, Nangong Wubu had a large group of demonic lords and Daoists willingly serving as his lackeys! He had so many trusted henchmen who obeyed his orders and were under his protection! He also had so many wicked strategists around him who were plotting to wreak havoc on the world and urging him to take the throne!

In such a situation, even ordinary people would find it hard not to harbor fantasies of replacing the Ziwei Yuan that sits high in the heavens. How much more Nangong Wubu, a monster who wears human skin but whose desires are never truly satisfied?

Thus, Nangong Wubu naturally established a 'rebel alliance' with himself at its core and began preparations for rebellion.

Of course, Nangong Wubu was still very cautious. He understood very well that his strength, both overt and covert, was only enough to put him on par with the dilapidated Immortal Palace, and was not even worth mentioning in the eyes of the Nine Great Xuan Sects.

Even if he really led his troops into the Three Realms, fought his way to the top, and seized the Immortal King's throne, he would only be replacing the Xuanmen with a new watchdog. The Three Realms would still have to pay the same amount to the Xuanmen as before, and he would have to do the same thing. It would be much more enjoyable to hide in the mountains and rule as a king.

So naturally, when they slaughtered the last of the Demon Race in Ink Bamboo Mountain and began to reward their merits, Nangong Wubu suddenly asked his henchmen, confidants, and strategists a question.

How can we, among so many people, possibly seize control of the Three Great Sects?

This was a life-threatening topic, but back then, in the old forests of South Border, these people didn't care about losing their lives.

What's wrong with thinking about it? Does the Mystic Sword Ancestor think he can just fly over and kill them all?

And so, the remnants of various sects, a group of young bastards ignored, rejected, and expelled by the entire world, gathered in the dense forests of the south, teeming with demonic beasts and miasma, where sparks of flesh and mind collided. They began to seriously consider this highly disrespectful issue.

How to rebel? How to turn the world upside down? How to annihilate the Three Great Sects?

So, each faction expressed their opinions freely. Of course, none of these later demons and rebel kings had ever seriously rebelled before, and for a moment they couldn't think of how to subdue such a behemoth as the Three Great Sects. Thus, the first rebellion meeting presided over by Nangong Wubu was in chaos from the very beginning. The argument went on until late at night, and not only did they fail to reach a consensus, they even started fighting, killing several people.

After much Nangong Wubu managed to maintain order, but everyone was exhausted and disheartened, feeling that the future was bleak.

Then someone suggested, "Why don't we do a fortune telling?"

Ask the heavens on this day: will things succeed?

So on that night a thousand years ago, under the same starry sky, there were not only the abbot of Lou Guan and the leader of Moshan, but also the immortal king of the Immortal Palace, the Dharma King of the Divine Sect, and the Daoist disciple of the Xuanmen!

On this blue planet, driven by fate or burned by ambition, young bastards, eager to gain everything and eager to destroy everything, unafraid of bloodshed, indifferent to death, and uncaring about anyone, stand side by side!

Those burning ambitions, gathered together, were like the most intense fire in the deep sky, the most dazzling star in the universe, attracting its attention.

Yes, they witnessed firsthand the arrival of the messenger of chaos, the thousand-faced immortal.

"It says, 'Your sacrifices satisfy me.'"

The abbot repeated each word carefully, chewing over the details of that night between his teeth, and recounted it to his two disciples.

"So, as a reward, it promised to grant one wish to everyone present, everyone who was still alive."

The abbot paused, loosened his robe, revealing a black scar on his chest, as if someone had reached out and pierced his chest. Then he murmured, in a voice that seemed not to belong to him,

"For the first time in his life, or perhaps for the last time, Nangong Wubu was afraid."

He was terrified of this indescribable thing that emerged from the void and descended before him.

But he could not retreat, he could not run away, and he could not be afraid.

Because he is the Immortal King Nangong, the leader trusted by everyone, the chief of the uprising, the rebellious king who raised the flag, and the eldest brother who took the lead.

He was also the son who had promised his father that he would accomplish great things.

So he decided to abandon his cowardice and fear, and ask the thing in front of him, the Thousand-Faced Immortal, for a fearless heart.

"... The Thousand-Faced Immortal agreed."

Then the abbot gestured to his chest, suddenly grinned, and shook his head as he laughed.

"The Thousand-Faced Immortal gave him a stone, which he picked up from the roadside, crumpled it up casually, and then put it into his chest."

From then on, Nangong Wubu became that fearless, heartless, and undaunted demon king.

And what he gave up is now sealed within me."