NI now runs 1.158!

[Nici]

There's actually a much easier way to play NI without the Crpg launcher, all you have to do is open mb_warband_old instead of mb_warband. mb_warband_old doesn't require steam to be running for it to open, you can find it here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MountBlade Warband, I suggest making a shortcut for it on your desktop for easier access.

I tried but when I run mb_warband_old its still version 1.157