Playing dumb

The mess at the ruins was finally all cleaned up.

That fight had truly been exhausting. Even though they had secured the victory in the end, they were all injured and covered in dust, reeking of smoke and blood, looking utterly bedraggled.

On the ride back in Jujutsu High's car, Qingxiao and Shoko were both quiet, with little energy left to talk.

The moment their feet touched down on the Jujutsu High campus, the breeze that greeted them and the rustling leaves dispelled much of the oppressive atmosphere.

Jujutsu High really was more comfortable.

Qingxiao stretched and rolled his slightly sore shoulders, silently reflecting.

Outside, he was always on edge, his nerves taut. Only back here could he breathe a little easier and lead what barely qualified as a peaceful life.

Just as they were about to head to their dorms to rest, an Assistant Supervisor from Jujutsu High came rushing over with a summons from the higher-ups.

More interestingly, only Qingxiao and Suguru Geto had been called by name this time.

Satoru Gojo and Shoko were stopped right outside the Council Estate, denied even the chance to watch.

Satoru Gojo was displeased on the spot. Leaning against a tree trunk with one hand in his pocket, he spoke with open mockery and contempt, his eyes full of disdain for the higher-ups:

"What's this supposed to mean? Playing favorites? Only calling Geto and Qingxiao and deliberately leaving me out? This is all those old fossils are capable of-hiding behind the scenes and playing their petty power games."

He despised the Jujutsu Higher-Ups from the bottom of his heart. In his eyes, they held power but did nothing worthwhile. Rather than reforming Jujutsu Society, killing cursed spirits, and protecting ordinary people, they spent their days scheming against one another, checking and suppressing talented sorcerers, monopolizing power through outdated rules, and refusing to change. Their hypocrisy was nauseating.

Shoko Ieiri stood to one side, calmly raising a hand to brush the dust from her cuff.

She glanced toward the estate and said softly, "What else could it mean? You two stood out too much on this mission. It would be stranger if the higher-ups hadn't set their sights on you."

Qingxiao raised an eyebrow at that. He understood perfectly well.

Basically, the two of us were too strong, so those old geezers had their eyes on us.

He grumbled incessantly inwardly, but none of it showed on his face. He remained as composed and reserved as ever.

Suguru Geto was as calm and unruffled as always. He gave a slight nod, clearly having anticipated this outcome as well.

The estate's interior was dimly lit. A faint scent of aged wood lingered in the air, mingling with calming incense, making people feel inexplicably constrained.

A carved screen stood in the center of the main hall, letting light through but concealing those behind it. Several indistinct, elderly figures stood silently behind the screen, their presence oppressive. It took no thought to know they were the higher-ups who held great power in Jujutsu Society.

Without any pleasantries, the first voice sounded from behind the screen, aged and hoarse, carrying the unquestionable authority of a superior as it began reviewing the mission at the ruins.

"Your performance on this mission was outstanding. Your tactical planning was exquisite, among the very best in this year's incoming class."

The praise was pleasant to hear, but Qingxiao only grew more wary. Thanks to Satoru Gojo's repeated grumbling, he already knew how rotten these old bastards were.

Unsolicited favors always came with strings attached. The higher-ups definitely had an agenda.

Sure enough, after only a few exchanges, the conversation abruptly shifted.

"Jujutsu Society currently faces a shortage of successors, and Special Grade combatants are scarce. Satoru Gojo alone stands at the pinnacle. He is too powerful and beyond control. If this continues, the balance of power in Jujutsu Society could easily collapse. We need fresh, top-tier combatants to stabilize the existing order."

They could not have made it any more explicit.

They wanted to elevate newcomers to counterbalance Satoru Gojo.

Qingxiao laughed inwardly, understanding their purpose. Satoru Gojo was too strong, too rebellious, and refused to follow the higher-ups' orders. These old geezers could not keep him down, so they planned to cultivate rising talents they could use and easily control to keep Satoru Gojo in check.

And he and Suguru Geto were the best options they had chosen.

The next moment, those behind the screen offered some tangible bait, making a substantial show of sincerity.

"Following deliberation among the higher-ups, we have decided to grant an exceptional promotion. Qingxiao, you are hereby authorized to advance directly to Semi-Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer, with the benefits and mission clearance corresponding to that rank. You are also permitted to enter Jujutsu High's Cursed Tool Repository and freely select two cursed tools as a special reward for this mission."

Semi-Grade 1! And any two cursed tools from the Cursed Tool Repository!

Even Qingxiao could not help being startled. He had to admit that the higher-ups were truly sparing no expense this time.

No wonder so many sorcerers were willing to let the higher-ups keep them under their thumb. An offer like this really was hard for anyone to refuse.

Qingxiao did not let the benefits go to his head.

Accept the perks? Sure. Take sides, become a pawn, and keep Gojo in check? Not a chance.

He calculated rapidly inwardly, but outwardly put on an obedient, innocent look, as though an unexpected windfall had fallen into his lap. With a respectful, mild expression, he bowed slightly and spoke with sincerity and humility:

"Thank you, seniors, for your appreciation and support. I will devote myself to training, fulfill my duties, and do my utmost to serve Jujutsu Society."

His words were flawless-all formalities, without a single substantive promise.

I'll take my rank and my cursed tools. As for your balancing acts, schemes, and power struggles? I don't understand any of that, and I'm not getting involved.

Behind the screen, the higher-ups all nodded, outwardly appearing quite satisfied with Qingxiao's response.