Wu Guangsheng (simplified: 吴光胜, traditional: 吳光勝, pinyin: Wú Guāngshèng) was a disciple of the Wuliang Sword School’s East Sect. His name “Guangsheng” means “Bright Victory,” suggesting he was associated with successful or victorious martial arts techniques.
Biography
Service to Wuliang Sword School
Wu Guangsheng served as a loyal disciple of the Wuliang Sword School’s East Sect, participating in various duties assigned by the senior disciples. His role included escorting important visitors and maintaining security at the mountain compound.
Assignment to guard Duan Yu
Wu Guangsheng was assigned, alongside Yu Guangbiao, to escort Duan Yu and keep him under guard at Mount Wuliang. During this assignment, he discussed the sect’s subordination to Lingjiu Palace and the appointment of Xin Shuangqing, revealing internal discontent and gossip within the sect. He expressed particular dread of the “great crimson bull toad” (莽牯朱蛤), reflecting local taboos and the dangers surrounding Mount Wuliang.
Discussion of sect affairs
Wu Guangsheng engaged in lengthy discussions with Yu Guangbiao about the sect’s situation, expressing dissatisfaction with the fact that the West Sect, which was inferior to the East Sect, had been given leadership under Xin Shuangqing. He speculated about the reasons behind Fu Shengshi’s decisions and wondered about the relationship between Duan Yu and the Lingjiu Palace envoys.
Internal energy absorption incident
During Duan Yu’s escape attempt, Wu Guangsheng was caught in the internal energy absorption that began with Yu Guangbiao. When Yu Guangbiao called for help, Wu Guangsheng rushed to assist but found himself unable to pull his fellow disciple away from Duan Yu. Instead, he became caught in the same energy absorption process, with Yu Guangbiao’s body acting as a conduit for the power transfer. Wu Guangsheng felt his arms grow weak and his legs become unsteady as his internal energy was drained away, leaving him significantly weakened.
Personality and traits
Superstitious and fearful
Wu Guangsheng was deeply superstitious and fearful of omens, particularly the great crimson bull toad, which he believed was a harbinger of death and disaster. He would become nervous and anxious whenever the creature’s calls were heard, reflecting the local superstitions surrounding Mount Wuliang.
Loyal but credulous
Wu Guangsheng was dutiful and loyal to his sect, carrying out his assigned duties faithfully. However, he was also credulous and prone to believing gossip and speculation, particularly about the affairs of Lingjiu Palace and the reasons behind various sect decisions.
Ordinary disciple characteristics
Wu Guangsheng embodied the characteristics of an ordinary sect disciple who found himself swept up in larger power struggles beyond his understanding. Despite his fears and limitations, he remained committed to his duties and loyal to his sect.
Martial arts abilities
Wu Guangsheng practiced the martial arts of the Wuliang Sword School, though his abilities appeared to be at the level of an ordinary disciple rather than a master practitioner. His skills were sufficient for basic sect duties but insufficient to handle extraordinary situations like the internal energy absorption incident.