The Untamed Episode 17 Recap
> The Untamed Recap
The night at Lotus Cove hung heavy like congealed blood after the recent catastrophe. Hidden anxiously on a small boat by the lake, Wei Wuxian awaited Wen Ning, who was bringing Jiang Cheng to safety. A few Wen clan soldiers stumbled onto a nearby boat, loudly complaining about the quality of Yunmeng's liquor, claiming it tasted strange compared to the Qishan Wen clan's.
Wei Wuxian's heart tightened, recognizing it as the unique Hefeng Liquor, recalling a pleasant memory of naming it with Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng amidst the lotus flowers, a stark contrast to the grim present. Just as Wei Wuxian was lost in thought, Wen Ning appeared, carrying a comatose Jiang Cheng. Wen Ning assured Wei Wuxian that Jiang Cheng was only unconscious, having suffered broken ribs and wounds from a discipline whip, but his life was not in danger.
He also handed over Jiang Cheng's Zidian to Wei Wuxian and mentioned he had arranged for Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan's bodies to be moved for a proper burial. Urgent that they leave, Wen Ning offered to take them to a safe place in Yiling where his elder sister, Wen Qing, could treat Jiang Cheng. Seeing no other option, Wei Wuxian accepted Wen Ning’s help.
The next morning, Wen Chao awoke with a splitting headache and muscle weakness from the "Hundred Days Ebriety" that had been slipped into his wine. Furious to learn Jiang Cheng had been rescued, he interrogated his subordinates. One admitted that Wen Ning's higher rank had prevented him from stopping Wen Ning from checking the kitchen. Wen Chao sarcastically took the blame, then exploded with rage, railing about the overwhelming traps he had set.
He correctly speculated that Wen Ning would seek Wen Qing's help in Yiling. Deciding to turn the situation to his advantage, Wen Chao ordered Wen Zhuliu, the Core-Melter, to accompany him to Yiling the next day, intent on ambushing and killing them all. Wei Wuxian, Wen Ning, and the still-unconscious Jiang Cheng eventually rendezvoused with Jiang Yanli. Together, the four arrived at the Supervisory Office in Yiling.
Inside, a wary Wei Wuxian seized Wen Ning by the collar, demanding to know if this was another trap. Wen Ning earnestly explained that the office was also Wen Qing's residence and that he meant them no harm, clarifying that the inner chambers were safe from the Wen clan's searches. At that moment, guards demanded entry from outside. Wen Qing appeared, swiftly instructing them to stand down by claiming her brother had returned ill, creating a cover for the group.
Seeing Jiang Cheng's state, Jiang Yanli cried out for her parents in anguish. Wen Qing then addressed Wei Wuxian, asking about Lotus Cove. Clenching his fists, Wei Wuxian declared his resolve to make the responsible parties pay with their lives. When Wen Qing asked if he intended to kill her, he deflected, stating he would check on Jiang Cheng. Wen Qing examined Jiang Cheng and delivered a devastating diagnosis: his golden core had been dissolved by Wen Zhuliu.
This meant Jiang Cheng's spiritual power was gone, and he could never form another core, condemning him to the life of an ordinary person. After several days, Jiang Cheng awoke with a vacant gaze. Wei Wuxian tried to get a reaction, even using his full spiritual power in a test blow and letting Jiang Cheng hit him. After a second, weak strike, Jiang Cheng despondently declared it was useless, confirming his realization.
Hysterically, he revealed that his parents had also had their cores crushed by Wen Zhuliu before being murdered. He raged about revenge but despaired over his powerlessness. When Wen Qing tried to help, Jiang Cheng violently rejected her, screaming for all members of the Wen clan to leave. Later, a concerned Wen Ning asked his sister about Jiang Cheng's prognosis, and she bluntly stated he wouldn't get better from this.
Wen Ning appealed to her to save him, prompting Wen Qing to reaffirm their family's oath to heal, not kill, insisting that their clan's actions did not define them. She concluded they would send Jiang Cheng away once he had physically recovered, knowing Wen Chao would soon trace them to Yiling. Desperate, Wei Wuxian requested all available medical and ancient texts from Wen Qing, immersing himself in them day and night.
Wen Qing brought him food prepared by Jiang Yanli, reminding him to rest and urging him to see his sister, who was worried. Jiang Yanli sat by Jiang Cheng's bedside, imploring him not to give up. When Wei Wuxian, haggard and exhausted, came to see her, he suggested seeking Lan Wangji's help. Jiang Yanli stopped him, concerned for his own well-being. Overwhelmed, Wei Wuxian confessed he felt like a jinx responsible for the tragedy.
Through her tears, Jiang Yanli countered that blame was pointless. With their parents gone and Jiang Cheng so ill, she tearfully confided that Wei Wuxian was her only remaining family, and she couldn't bear to lose him too. She reminded him of their promise to return to Lotus Cove together. After countless sleepless nights, Wei Wuxian finally discovered a method to restore a golden core.
He eagerly informed Wen Qing, but she vehemently rejected the idea, calling it impossible due to the immense cost involved. As they argued, Wen Ning overheard. Seemingly only aware of Jiang Cheng's physical wounds, he urged his sister to save him, reminding her of the debt of gratitude he owed the Jiang clan. Torn by the request, Wen Qing was swayed by her brother's plea.
Wei Wuxian then explained the severity of Jiang Cheng's mental state, emphasizing that cultivation was his life and living as a mediocre person would ruin him. When Wen Qing asked about the consequences for Wei Wuxian himself, his resolve was firm. Despite her grave reservations, Wen Qing reluctantly agreed, stating she only had a fifty percent chance of success. Wei Wuxian, however, was overjoyed, seeing even a fifty percent chance as a beacon of hope.
