The Untamed Episode 25 Recap
> The Untamed Recap
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli playfully returned to Lotus Cove after gathering lotus roots, with Jiang Yanli teasing Wei Wuxian about his seemingly weak arms. Their jovial mood shifted as Jin Zixuan arrived, stating his purpose was to personally deliver an invitation for the Phoenix Mountain Crowd Hunt. Wei Wuxian sarcastically noted the honor their clan received for Jin Zixuan to visit in person. Jin Zixuan clarified that his mother, Mrs. Jin, sincerely wished for Jiang Yanli to attend.
Jiang Yanli graciously accepted, which visibly delighted Jin Zixuan, though he quickly tried to cover his enthusiasm by claiming his mother would be pleased. As Wei Wuxian dismissed him, Jin Zixuan paused, asking Wei Wuxian if he knew the whereabouts of the last Yin Iron shard, claiming his father, Jin Guangshan, tasked him to inquire.
When Wei Wuxian refused to answer, Jin Zixuan demanded that Wei Wuxian present the Stygian Tiger Amulet at the upcoming Floral Banquet after the hunt, to account for the cultivators injured by its power during the Sunshot Campaign. At the Phoenix Mountain Crowd Hunt, Jin Guangyao, representing the Jin clan, reiterated the rules for entry: participants must hit a target from a specified distance, with closer hits to the bullseye granting more advantageous mountain paths.
He then revealed a cruel "special activity": captive Wen clan members were forced to stand directly in front of the targets, making the task significantly more challenging and using them as human shields for sport. Wei Wuxian was enraged by this inhumane spectacle and moved to intervene, but Jiang Cheng subtly stopped him. Jin Zixuan took the first shot, hitting the bullseye flawlessly and challenging anyone to surpass him.
Undeterred, Wei Wuxian borrowed Lan Wangji’s headband, blindfolded himself, and then swiftly fired an arrow that also struck the bullseye, drawing widespread applause. A Jin clan representative quickly downplayed Wei Wuxian’s feat, declaring it merely an "opening arrow" and that the true test of skill would be during the actual hunt. Later, in the dense forests of Phoenix Mountain, Wei Wuxian sat cross-legged, leisurely playing his flute, Chenqing.
His music magnetically drew spirits and prey, causing them to willingly ensnare themselves in the Jiang clan's hunting nets. Jiang Cheng, aware of Wei Wuxian's influence, was exasperated but acknowledged the effectiveness. Wei Wuxian then spotted Lan Wangji nearby. Lan Wangji admonished him for overdoing it, reminding him that there are established rules and that he shouldn't be so self-centered that he affects those who genuinely care for him.
Wei Wuxian deflected with a joke about Lan Wangji amending the Cloud Recesses' family instructions, but then seriously questioned Lan Wangji, "Who are you to me? Why can't you just leave my business alone?" Lan Wangji solemnly asked in return, "Who do you take me for?" Wei Wuxian admitted, "I had once taken you as my lifelong confidant," to which Lan Wangji replied, "I still do." Their conversation was cut short when they saw Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli approaching.
Realizing Mrs. Jin likely orchestrated this private rendezvous, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji quickly hid. Jin Zixuan excitedly pointed out a trail of mucus on the ground to Jiang Yanli, identifying it as belonging to a Stature Measuring Snake, a rare demon. He boasted that despite its potential danger, it posed no threat to the Jin clan disciples. Dismissing the current hunt's "common" prey, he invited Jiang Yanli to visit the Jin clan’s personal hunting grounds next month.
Jiang Yanli politely declined, which visibly upset Jin Zixuan. He pressed her, asking if she disliked watching hunts or disliked being with him, before huffily stating he hadn’t invited her anyway. Incensed by Jin Zixuan's rudeness toward his senior sister, Wei Wuxian burst from hiding, calling him a "shameless scoundrel" and declaring that Jiang Yanli had now seen his true character.
The commotion attracted Mrs. Jin, who immediately rushed to Jin Zixuan’s side and demanded to know why Wei Wuxian kept appearing and causing trouble. Jin Zixuan's cousin, Jin Zixun, also arrived and immediately confronted Wei Wuxian, mockingly criticizing him for dominating the hunt by capturing thirty percent of the prey. Jin Zixun accused Wei Wuxian of using "demonic tricks" rather than true skill.
He further lambasted Wei Wuxian for failing to carry his sword at significant events, labeling it a blatant disregard for etiquette. Before responding, Wei Wuxian paused to thank Lan Wangji for deflecting a blow for him earlier. Jin Zixun then escalated his insults, calling Wei Wuxian a "demonic cultivator" and disdainfully referring to him as "a son of a servant." Enraged, Wei Wuxian clenched Chenqing, his eyes burning with uncontrolled energy.
Sensing his distress, Lan Wangji urgently grabbed Wei Wuxian, telling him to "focus." Jiang Yanli also quickly intervened, pulling Wei Wuxian behind her. Jiang Yanli then stepped forward, calmly but coldly confronting Jin Zixun. She first offered a seemingly conciliatory apology on Wei Wuxian’s behalf for the trouble he caused, which made Jin Zixun smirk confidently. However, she quickly shifted her tone, asserting that no rule had ever forbidden a hunter from taking too many prey.
She argued that Wei Wuxian had not broken any rules and that his method, while different, was his own cultivated ability that others had no right to label "demonic tricks" simply because they were less successful. Furthermore, she challenged Jin Zixun for bringing up "family upbringing" in a hunting context.
Emphasizing that Wei Wuxian was a cherished disciple of the Jiang clan who grew up with her and Jiang Cheng like real siblings, she declared that his insult of "son of a servant" was an insult to the entire Jiang clan. Jiang Yanli then firmly demanded that Jin Zixun apologize to Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian was deeply moved by his senior sister's unwavering defense, fighting back tears.
Mrs. Jin immediately tried to defuse the situation, telling Jiang Yanli to not take such "small matters" seriously. But Jiang Yanli firmly reiterated that Wei Wuxian was her brother, and an insult to him was not a trivial matter for her. Mrs. Jin, seeing her resolve, finally admonished Jin Zixun. Just then, Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen arrived.
Mrs. Jin, already displeased with Jin Guangyao, seized the opportunity to vent her frustration, blaming him for the chaotic organization of the hunt. Seeing the spectacle, Jin Zixun angrily declared the hunt a farce and withdrew, despite Jin Guangyao's attempts to calm him. As he stormed off, Jiang Yanli gently took Wei Wuxian’s hand, offering quiet comfort. Jiang Yanli then decided to leave Phoenix Mountain. Mrs. Jin attempted to persuade her to stay, even suggesting Jin Zixuan escort her.
Jiang Yanli declined, stating Wei Wuxian would accompany her. Mrs. Jin warned Jiang Yanli that it was improper for them to constantly be alone together and cautioned her to distance herself from Wei Wuxian, claiming he carried "wicked energy." Jiang Yanli remained steadfast, declaring that Wei Wuxian was her brother and she would never leave him.
At this point, Jin Zixuan, who had been silent, suddenly blurted out that it wasn't his mother's idea, but his own, that he desperately wanted her to come. He quickly became embarrassed by his public admission and ran away. Mrs. Jin, seeing his genuine feelings, then urged Jiang Yanli to return to Jinlintai, promising Jin Zixuan would apologize at the Floral Banquet. Jiang Yanli, touched by Jin Zixuan's unexpected confession, agreed, and Wei Wuxian reluctantly followed suit.
Feeling unwelcome, Wei Wuxian decided to wander around Lanling City alone, leaving a confused Jiang Cheng behind. Jiang Cheng then overheard other cultivators gossiping. They claimed that Wei Wuxian’s Stygian Tiger Amulet was made from the long-lost Yin Iron shard and declared they would avoid night hunts attended by the Jiang clan due to Wei Wuxian’s methods. Jiang Cheng visibly trembled with anger. Meanwhile, in Lanling City, Wei Wuxian coincidentally encountered a disheveled Wen Qing.
Back at the Jin estate, Lan Wangji appeared deeply troubled. Lan Xichen approached his brother, asking about his worries. Lan Wangji confessed his deep desire: "I want to bring a person back to the Cloud Recesses… Bring him back, and hide him there." Lan Xichen, understanding immediately who Lan Wangji spoke of, sighed softly, expressing his doubt that the person in question would be willing to go.
