The Untamed Episode 22 Recap
> The Untamed Recap
Wei Wuxian asks Lan Wangji if their current situation, sitting together in the night, feels familiar, reminding them of a time in Cloud Recesses when Wei Wuxian broke curfew and Lan Wangji caught him. Wei Wuxian laments the absence of Emperor's Smile, acknowledging that things have changed. Lan Wangji warns him that his current cultivation path will harm his temperament and heart.
Wei Wuxian thanks Lan Wangji for not revealing this to Jiang Yanli and clarifies that he is not following Xue Chonghai's wicked path, but rather practicing what he calls the Unorthodox Path. Wei Wuxian explains that he developed this Unorthodox Path during the three sunless months he was missing, drawing inspiration from the Lan clan's musical cultivation techniques. He reveals that his method involves practicing music and studying talismans, allowing him to control all things with a bamboo flute.
Lan Wangji expresses deep concern, warning that cultivating through one's spirit is akin to "plucking a chestnut from a burning fire," and that any misstep could lead to degeneration with unthinkable consequences. Wei Wuxian understands Lan Wangji's worries and promises he will never fall into demonic cultivation, asking for his trust. Lan Wangji offers his help. The Sunshot Campaign officially begins.
Nie Mingjue of Qinghe delivers a powerful declaration, condemning Wen Ruohan's ambition to annex the gentry, his private forging of Yin Iron, his cruel killing of innocents, and the countless crimes committed by Wen Xu and Wen Chao. He rallies the allied forces to storm Nevernight and take Wen Ruohan's head to avenge the fallen. As the campaign progresses, the allied forces encounter Wen clan's puppets, which prove to be incredibly resilient, capable of fighting even with severed limbs.
The cultivators realize the Yin Iron's power seems inexhaustible, making a direct assault on Nevernight incredibly difficult. After suffering significant losses, the allied clans convene to strategize. Nie Mingjue admits his misjudgment of the Yin Iron's formidable power. Realizing a frontal assault is futile against the unkillable puppets, Nie Mingjue proposes infiltrating Nevernight alone to assassinate Wen Ruohan, believing his death would render the puppets uncontrollable.
Though others protest the extreme danger, Nie Mingjue insists it is his duty as commander and names Lan Xichen as overall commander should he fall. Lan Xichen then presents a detailed Qishan Formation Map, igniting new hope among the weary forces. While checking on the injured, Wei Wuxian is urgently informed about Jiang Yanli's distress. He rushes to find her in tears, with Jin Zixuan standing nearby. Wei Wuxian demands to know what happened.
A female disciple named Mianmian explains that Jiang Yanli had been preparing extra soup daily for Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and Jin Zixuan. Being shy, Jiang Yanli initially asked Mianmian, who then delegated to Jin Zixuan's attendant, A-Yuan, to secretly deliver Jin Zixuan's portion. Today, Jiang Yanli personally encountered Jin Zixuan while carrying the soup. Misunderstanding the situation, Jin Zixuan accused Jiang Yanli of "stealing and trampling on others' goodwill," implying she was imitating A-Yuan to gain his attention.
He told her to "be self-dignified," especially since their engagement had been annulled, and questioned why she had followed him to the battlefield. Enraged by Jin Zixuan's harsh words, Wei Wuxian punches him, knocking him to the ground. When Jin clan members attempt to intervene, Wei Wuxian's flute music causes them to fall back. Lan Wangji rushes in to stop Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Yanli also steps in to calm her furious brother. Wei Wuxian then leaves angrily.
Separately, Nie Mingjue presses Lan Xichen about the source of the highly confidential Qishan Formation Map. Lan Xichen states he cannot reveal the identity of the person who provided it without their permission, but assures Nie Mingjue that the map is accurate and from a trusted friend, hinting that this person is also the one who saved him after Cloud Recesses was burned. Nie Mingjue, trusting Lan Xichen, agrees to keep the matter confidential.
The allied forces resume their advance, only to find themselves encircled by Wen Ruohan's puppets. Realizing they are being deliberately herded, they deduce their only viable path is into Nevernight itself. Despite suspecting Wen Ruohan is luring them into a trap and with Nie Mingjue missing, they understand they have no other choice. Lan Wangji again questions Lan Xichen about the map's source.
Lan Xichen reiterates it was provided by an old friend who is an ally, not an enemy, and he believes there is a valid reason for their being led into Nevernight. Unbeknownst to the main forces, Nie Mingjue has been captured by Wen Ruohan inside Nevernight. There, Wen Ruohan confronts Nie Mingjue, accusing him of killing Wen Xu, and prepares to demonstrate the true power of his demonic cultivation. Meng Yao is also present, confirming his alliance with Wen Ruohan.
Despite a desperate struggle, Nie Mingjue is ultimately killed by Wen Ruohan. Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and their group finally reach the outskirts of Nevernight, only to be confronted by an overwhelming horde of puppets. Witnessing the increasingly dire situation, Wei Wuxian steps forward and begins to play his flute, Chenqing. Dark energy and black mist emanate from him and the flute. Under the influence of his music, the puppets cease their attacks on the allied forces.
Instead, they turn violently against the Wen clan soldiers, launching a chaotic assault. Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng watch in astonishment as even the power of Wen Ruohan's Yin Iron appears to be nullified by Wei Wuxian's music.
