The evening breeze swept across the open Training Ground, where rubble from their training lay scattered over the ground.
Only scattered lights remained in the Training Ground that had bustled during the day, yet it felt even livelier now.
Qingxiao glanced around and spotted three familiar figures.
Satoru Gojo leaned against the railing, his sunglasses slipping to the tip of his nose as he leaned close to Suguru Geto's ear to say something, wearing a grin that begged for a punch.
Shoko Ieiri stood beside them with her arms folded, smoking and quietly listening to the two bicker.
Qingxiao paused, straightened his back, and cleared his throat, the cough just loud enough to interrupt their chatter.
The next second, he simply raised both hands high over his head and announced loudly, "Everyone, eyes on me! Look here, look here! I have an announcement!"
His sudden shout made all three turn their heads at once.
Shoko Ieiri raised an eyebrow and tilted her head in bewilderment, three question marks practically written in her eyes.
Satoru Gojo straightened up and cocked his head, drawling, "Oh? Making such a big production out of it-want me to give you an award?"
Suguru Geto shook his head helplessly, rose from the stone steps, and obligingly took half a step forward to play along. "Let's hear it. What have you come up with this time?"
Qingxiao lowered his hands, looking inscrutable and exceptionally serious as he enunciated each word. "I mastered the core of Binding Vows."
Only after he had drawn all three of their attention did he explain unhurriedly:
"When I was fighting someone earlier, I placed a Binding Vow on myself-not to use Heavenly Motion's Cursed Technique Lapse, in exchange for a boost to my base physical strength."
The moment he finished, Satoru Gojo