The Untamed Episode 21 Recap
> The Untamed Recap
Jiang Yanli joyfully embraced Wei Wuxian, her heart aching as she observed his gaunt face. She asked where he had been, but Wei Wuxian, holding her tightly, promised he would never leave her or Jiang Cheng again, vowing they would stay together forever. A tearful Jiang Yanli made him promise never to disappear suddenly again, to which he affirmed. Jiang Cheng, standing nearby, smiled warmly. Suddenly, Nie Huaisang rushed in, excitedly calling out for Wei Wuxian.
He exclaimed that everyone, especially Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng, had been frantically searching for him for months. Jiang Cheng quickly cut him off and pulled him away, announcing he was hosting a banquet that evening to welcome Wei Wuxian back. As the others departed, Wei Wuxian, now alone, quietly caressed his black flute. Unbeknownst to him, Lan Wangji watched from outside, his gaze filled with apprehension about the dark path Wei Wuxian appeared to be on.
Meanwhile, Wen Ruohan, upon learning of Wen Chao's death, was consumed by rage. He defiantly swore that the other clans would never defeat the mighty Wen clan. At the banquet hosted by the Nie clan, a cultivator named Yao questioned why Wei Wuxian was not carrying a sword, calling his behavior arrogant for a disciple. Others chimed in, expressing disappointment that they couldn't spar with him.
When asked how he killed Wen Chao, Wei Wuxian cryptically stated that an evil person meets a deserving end. Whispers spread among the guests, speculating that Wei Wuxian had learned strange sorcery and was using "low-class tricks," noting that his talismans exuded a vicious aura. When Jiang Yanli asked about Lan Wangji's absence, Wei Wuxian claimed not to know where he was, dismissively questioning if they were ever truly friends.
As the cultivators toasted to eradicating the Wen clan, Wei Wuxian silently rose and left the banquet with a pot of wine. Outside, he saw Lan Wangji's silhouette through a window and recalled his warnings against demonic cultivation. Lan Wangji, for his part, was lost in somber thought, believing that such a path inevitably harms both body and mind.
Jiang Cheng followed Wei Wuxian, concerned by his gloomy demeanor, and urged him to carry his sword, "Suibian," in public to avoid gossip. Wei Wuxian stubbornly refused, declaring that his sword, once drawn, must taste blood, and he didn't want to be bothered by strangers seeking duels. When Jiang Cheng reminded him of how he used to love showing off his sword skills, Wei Wuxian wistfully replied that he was a child then and couldn't remain one forever.
Later, Jiang Yanli visited Wei Wuxian and noticed the unfamiliar black flute. When she curiously touched it, she felt a sharp, burning sensation. Wei Wuxian rushed to her side, but she was unharmed, realizing the spiritual tool had already recognized him as its master. She urged him to name it, and after a moment of contemplation, Wei Wuxian called it "Chenqing."
Sensing the profound change in him, Jiang Yanli gently asked what had happened to him over the past three months. Wei Wuxian deflected, but she lovingly reassured him that she knew he was hiding something and would wait patiently until he was ready to share his story, as his safe return was all that mattered. Meanwhile, Lan Wangji reflected on Wei Wuxian's transformation. The witty, carefree youth from their academy days was gone, replaced by a grim, hardened individual.
Jiang Cheng, unable to find Wei Wuxian, had to attend the clan meeting alone. In Wei Wuxian's absence, other clan leaders criticized his arrogance and undisciplined behavior. Jiang Cheng defended him, stating it was a Jiang clan matter. Nie Mingjue, the Red Blade Master, refocused the discussion on attacking Qishan, cautioning them not to underestimate Wen Ruohan's Yin Iron and his puppets.
At that moment, on a mountain peak, Wei Wuxian witnessed Wen Qing and other Wen clan members being brutally herded as captives. As they were beaten, he heard Wen Qing trying to reassure an elder, her voice filled with worry for Wen Ning's safety. The dark energy emanating from his flute, Chenqing, surged, almost overwhelming him. Struggling for control, he played a sorrowful tune.
The powerful, melancholic notes caused rocks to roll down the mountainside, creating a diversion that momentarily confused the guards and gave the Wen captives a brief respite. Soon after, Jiang Yanli found Wei Wuxian on the mountain and brought him back to the meeting. There, Wei Wuxian confidently told Nie Mingjue that Wen Ruohan's Yin Iron was not invincible and that a counter to it would be revealed within a month.
His continued refusal to carry a sword drew scornful glances, which he ignored. Separately, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji discussed their philosophies. Lan Xichen questioned how to judge a person without clear lines of right and wrong. Lan Wangji responded that a person's essence lies in their heart's true intention, not a simple black-and-white binary. As they spoke, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng approached. Lan Xichen noted Lan Wangji's obvious concern for Wei Wuxian, though his brother denied it.
Jiang Cheng, stepping into his role as clan leader, again urged Wei Wuxian not to abandon the sword path. Wei Wuxian feigned nonchalance, hiding the painful truth that without his golden core, he could never practice sword arts again. Later, Lan Wangji hesitated outside Wei Wuxian's room. Jiang Yanli approached him, seeking his counsel about her brother.
Lan Wangji gravely warned her that Wei Wuxian's chosen path would damage his mind and spirit, stressing that sword cultivation was the righteous foundation. Wei Wuxian overheard and emerged, coldly telling Lan Wangji not to meddle in Jiang clan affairs. Realizing his misunderstanding after Jiang Yanli explained she had sought Lan Wangji out of worry, Wei Wuxian tried to follow the angered Lan Wangji. In a flash, Lan Wangji drew his sword and attacked. Wei Wuxian barely dodged.
Sheathing his blade, Lan Wangji stared intensely at him and demanded to know why he refused to carry his sword, "Suibian." Wei Wuxian could only offer a sorrowful smile, unable to reveal the truth.
