Arc 2The Rainbow Dragon Mission

Qingxiao grew closer to Shoko while training, choosing cursed tools, and celebrating her birthday with their friends. When Qingxiao, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto left for a mission, they faced the Special Grade Rainbow Dragon, and Qingxiao and his companions trapped it for Satoru Gojo’s maximum-output Blue.

  • Qingxiao killed Kamo Xiansheng with a Black Flash, and Satoru Gojo arrived with the unconscious Wengu Che.
  • Qingxiao proposed killing Wengu Che so Suguru Geto could absorb the cursed spirit that emerged, and the group later defeated a powerful mole cursed spirit.
  • The higher-ups promoted Qingxiao to Semi-Grade 1 and let him choose cursed tools, including a Black Hole Ring and a silver lighter for Shoko.
  • Qingxiao comforted Shoko when she admitted she was tired and scared, then trained with the Black Hole Ring and sparred with Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo.
  • After failing to form a barrier, Qingxiao resolved to develop an Open Domain suited to his strengths.
  • Qingxiao gave Shoko the silver lighter for her birthday, and she joined Qingxiao, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto for an amusement-park outing and dinner.
  • Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Qingxiao left for a mission, while Shoko stayed behind and missed Qingxiao.
  • The three discovered that the dragon was Special Grade, and Qingxiao landed two Black Flashes while Suguru Geto trapped Rainbow Dragon so Satoru Gojo could unleash maximum-output Blue.
Chapters 26–50 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 26That's how the weak think!

Qingxiao and Kamo Xiansheng remained locked in a brutal close-quarters fight as Kamo Xiansheng spent his remaining blood to keep attacking. Shoko and Suguru Geto arrived, and Geto’s ambush created an opening that Qingxiao immediately noticed.

  • Kamo Xiansheng pushed Flowing Red Scale to its limit and launched a reckless assault, while Qingxiao met his attacks head-on.
  • As the fight continued, Qingxiao adapted to Kamo Xiansheng’s rhythm and sensed he was nearing the threshold for a Black Flash.
  • Kamo Xiansheng realized his blood was running out and that his desperate attacks had not turned the fight in his favor.
  • Shoko arrived supporting the weakened Suguru Geto, who summoned a small bird-shaped Cursed Spirit to attack Kamo Xiansheng.
  • Kamo Xiansheng blocked the ambush with a Thin Blood Layer, exposing a gap in his Blood Armor, and Qingxiao spotted the opening.

Ch. 27Escaped with Blood Escape?

Qingxiao killed Kamo Xiansheng with a Black Flash but mistook his disintegration for a Blood Escape. After Shoko Ieiri began treating Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo arrived with the defeated Wengu Che.

  • Qingxiao struck Kamo Xiansheng with a Black Flash, turning him into a mist of blood and leaving only bloodstains and Cursed Residue.
  • Qingxiao thought Kamo Xiansheng had escaped with a Blood Escape Technique, but Shoko Ieiri explained that the Kamo Clan had no such technique.
  • Qingxiao realized he had killed Kamo Xiansheng and tried to play off his mistake as a joke.
  • Shoko Ieiri explained that Suguru Geto had insisted on coming to the fight despite his injuries, then began treating him.
  • Satoru Gojo appeared carrying the unconscious Wengu Che, whom he had defeated after a difficult fight.

Ch. 28I hated wasting things most of all

Qingxiao proposed killing Wengu Che without cursed energy so his resentment might create a cursed spirit for Suguru Geto to absorb. After Qingxiao killed Wengu Che with rebar, no spirit appeared at first, but a strange buzzing began as the group waited among the ruins.

  • After Suguru Geto recovered enough to move, Satoru Gojo asked whether to kill the unconscious Wengu Che or hand him over to the higher-ups.
  • Qingxiao proposed killing Wengu Che physically, then exorcising the cursed spirit he expected to emerge and having Suguru Geto absorb it.
  • Suguru Geto called Patrol Officer Satō to arrange a Curtain around the ruins, while Shoko Ieiri left to meet Satō and brief him.
  • Qingxiao asked how many Grade 1 Cursed Spirits Suguru Geto had, then smashed Wengu Che's skull with a piece of rebar.
  • When no cursed spirit appeared after several minutes, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto wondered whether Qingxiao's plan had failed.
  • As the group remained on guard, a loud buzzing suddenly began.

Ch. 29Don't steal my kill!

After Wengu Che died, his resentment transformed him into a powerful mole cursed spirit, which Satoru Gojo badly wounded before Qingxiao finished it off. Suguru Geto absorbed the spirit and, despite the nausea, recovered beside his friends in the quiet ruins.

  • Wengu Che's corpse transformed into a powerful mole cursed spirit with Earth Manipulation.
  • Satoru Gojo attacked the mole cursed spirit with Blue, tearing it from the ground and critically wounding it.
  • Qingxiao rushed in and killed the weakened cursed spirit with a punch, prompting Satoru Gojo to complain that Qingxiao had stolen his kill.
  • Suguru Geto turned the cursed spirit into a Cursed Spirit Orb and swallowed it, then endured a wave of nausea.
  • Qingxiao and Satoru Gojo supported Suguru Geto as he rested and recovered.

Ch. 30Playing dumb

After the mission at the ruins, Qingxiao and Suguru Geto were summoned by the higher-ups, who wanted to use rising sorcerers to balance Satoru Gojo’s power. Qingxiao accepted a promotion and two cursed tools while concealing that he had no intention of becoming their pawn.

  • Qingxiao, Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo, and Shoko returned to Jujutsu High after the exhausting battle at the ruins.
  • An Assistant Supervisor summoned Qingxiao and Suguru Geto to the Council Estate, while Satoru Gojo and Shoko were left outside.
  • Satoru Gojo criticized the higher-ups for excluding him, and Shoko suggested they had summoned Qingxiao and Geto because they had stood out on the mission.
  • The higher-ups praised Qingxiao and Geto, then explained that they wanted more powerful sorcerers to stabilize Jujutsu Society and counterbalance Satoru Gojo.
  • The higher-ups promoted Qingxiao to Semi-Grade 1 and offered him two cursed tools from the Cursed Tool Repository.
  • Qingxiao thanked the higher-ups politely while privately deciding to accept the rewards without helping them control Satoru Gojo.

Ch. 31Something for nothing

Qingxiao left the council meeting with a Semi-Grade 1 promotion and permission to choose two cursed tools, while refusing to commit to the higher-ups’ plans. Suguru Geto went in to meet them next as Qingxiao headed for the ritual storehouse, leaving Gojo and Shoko waiting so they could go eat.

  • The higher-ups agreed to grant Qingxiao a promotion and access to the ritual storehouse, while privately deciding they would control him or prevent him from becoming another threat like Satoru Gojo.
  • Qingxiao told Satoru Gojo and Shoko that he had accepted the benefits but avoided taking the higher-ups’ side, and they approved of his choice.
  • Suguru Geto said they could accept the resources while quietly growing stronger, then went into the residence to meet the higher-ups.
  • An assistant supervisor escorted Qingxiao toward the ritual storehouse so he could select cursed tools, while Gojo and Shoko waited for him before heading to the cafeteria.

Ch. 32Holy shit! A god-tier item!

Qingxiao searched Jujutsu High’s Cursed Tool Repository for a tool suited to his immense physical strength and found a ring that could add imaginary mass to objects. He chose it to overcome the training bottleneck caused by Heavenly Motion.

  • Qingxiao followed the Assistant Supervisor into the Cursed Tool Repository and began browsing its cursed tools.
  • Qingxiao squeezed a Grade 2 short blade hard enough to crack it with his physical strength alone.
  • Qingxiao rejected conventional weapons because they were unsuitable for fighting with his strength.
  • Qingxiao learned that a ring made by Yuki Tsukumo and Tao Gang could add imaginary mass to objects without cursed energy.
  • Qingxiao chose the ring despite the Assistant Supervisor warning that it had limited use in combat.

Ch. 33Birthday gifts

Qingxiao chose two Cursed Tools from the repository, including a lighter he planned to give Shoko for her birthday, then reunited with his friends. After Suguru Geto finished choosing his own tools, the four headed toward the cafeteria together.

  • Qingxiao selected the Black Hole Ring, which could add limitless Imaginary Mass to objects without Cursed Energy.
  • Qingxiao chose a dark silver lighter that concealed Cursed Energy fluctuations as his second Cursed Tool, intending it as Shoko's birthday present.
  • Qingxiao met Suguru Geto outside the repository, and Suguru went inside to choose his own Cursed Tools.
  • Qingxiao showed Satoru Gojo and Shoko the Black Hole Ring, and Shoko recognized its similarity to Yuki Tsukumo's Star Rage technique.
  • Qingxiao kept the lighter's identity secret from Satoru Gojo and Shoko, then Suguru Geto returned with his selections.
  • Qingxiao, Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo, and Shoko walked together toward the cafeteria.

Ch. 34An orange glimmer

After declining Gojo and Geto’s invitation to play a game, Qingxiao trained late into the night with his new black hole ring and found a way to improve his physical strength. As he prepared to rest, he noticed an eerie orange glimmer outside his window.

  • Gojo invited Qingxiao and Geto to play a game, but Qingxiao chose to train with his new Cursed Tool.
  • Geto agreed to game with Gojo and arranged to practice hand-to-hand combat with Qingxiao the next morning.
  • Qingxiao spent several hours using the black hole ring to increase the weight of his training and push himself to exhaustion.
  • Qingxiao returned to his room, showered, and changed before noticing a flickering orange glimmer near the rooftop terrace.

Ch. 35Late-night talk (I)

Qingxiao followed a suspicious red glow to the rooftop and found Shoko Ieiri smoking alone. He reassured her that he did not judge her, and the two shared a quiet moment together.

  • Qingxiao noticed a red glow and cautiously climbed to the rooftop to investigate.
  • Qingxiao found Shoko Ieiri smoking by the railing and startled her.
  • Shoko asked whether Qingxiao was surprised that she smoked, and he told her he was not.
  • Qingxiao said he was surprised she had been hiding alone with her troubles, and Shoko asked whether he smoked too.
  • Qingxiao said he did not smoke, and Shoko remarked that endorphins relieved stress better than nicotine.

Ch. 36Late-night talk (II)

Shoko Ieiri confided to Qingxiao that she was exhausted and afraid because fighting cursed spirits and healing the injured never seemed to end the suffering. Qingxiao comforted her, and she felt less alone as the conversation ended.

  • Qingxiao asked Shoko why she was smoking alone, and she admitted she was tired and scared.
  • Shoko explained that missions saved people only temporarily, while cursed spirits and tragedies continued, and that her medical skills could not change Jujutsu Society.
  • Qingxiao shared that he had once felt powerless against the endless cursed spirits and disasters.
  • Qingxiao told Shoko that saving even one more person mattered and that she could lean on him instead of always acting like a dependable doctor.
  • Shoko's worries eased as she accepted Qingxiao's comfort, while he privately admitted his original reasons for fighting had been selfish.

Ch. 37Late-night talk (III)

Qingxiao and Shoko shared a relaxed late-night conversation on the Jujutsu High rooftop, setting aside their worries about the future. They ended the night enjoying each other’s company in a rare moment of peace.

  • Shoko asked Qingxiao how he stayed so clear-headed, and he said he focused on protecting the people around him rather than worrying about what he could not change.
  • Shoko said having Qingxiao and their companions by her side helped her endure difficult days.
  • Qingxiao showed Shoko the Black Hole Ring he had obtained at the Cursed Tool Repository and explained that he had trained late into the night.
  • Shoko revealed she had spent about an hour smoking on the rooftop, and Qingxiao expressed concern about how many cigarettes she had smoked.
  • Qingxiao and Shoko chatted about daily life at Jujutsu High, their friends, and the uncertain future until their worries eased.

Ch. 38Back to Full Health

After recovering fully overnight, Qingxiao invited Suguru Geto to train in hand-to-hand combat, and Satoru Gojo eagerly joined them. At the Training Ground, Qingxiao asked Geto to spar without Cursed Energy so he could assess his fundamentals, and Geto launched the first attack.

  • Qingxiao woke refreshed, realizing Heavenly Motion had restored his strength after the previous night's intense training.
  • Qingxiao ate breakfast, then went to Suguru Geto's room and invited him to practice hand-to-hand combat.
  • Satoru Gojo overheard them, woke up, and insisted on joining so he could spar with Qingxiao.
  • At the Outdoor Training Ground, Qingxiao asked Geto to fight without Cursed Energy so he could identify Geto's weaknesses and help him improve.
  • Suguru Geto took a combat stance and charged at Qingxiao.

Ch. 39Don't Challenge My Livelihood with Your Hobby

Qingxiao sparred with Suguru Geto and then defeated Satoru Gojo in a hand-to-hand match, while helping Gojo save face afterward. The three stayed at the Training Ground, where Qingxiao and Geto continued training and Gojo slacked off.

  • Qingxiao sparred with Suguru Geto, praised his technique, and offered to help him improve his explosive power.
  • Satoru Gojo challenged Qingxiao to a hand-to-hand fight without Cursed Energy, and Qingxiao agreed to go all out.
  • Qingxiao outmaneuvered Gojo throughout the spar and ended it after catching his wrist and stopping his final attack.
  • Qingxiao reassured Gojo by joking that he should not challenge someone who made a living from hand-to-hand combat, and Gojo quickly regained his confidence.
  • Qingxiao and Suguru Geto practiced seriously at the Training Ground while Gojo mostly lounged and interrupted them.

Ch. 40Out of options

During a lesson on Barrier Techniques, Qingxiao failed repeatedly to form even a basic Curtain, unlike Satoru Gojo, Shoko, and Suguru Geto. Worried that poor barrier skills would block his path to Domain Expansion, he decided to pursue an Open Domain instead and committed to studying a path suited to him.

  • Masamichi Yaga taught the students Barrier Technique theory and demonstrated a basic Curtain at the Outdoor Training Ground.
  • Satoru Gojo, Shoko, and Suguru Geto each formed a barrier successfully, while Qingxiao failed after several attempts.
  • Satoru Gojo teased Qingxiao, and Shoko and Suguru Geto tried to reassure him and offer help.
  • Qingxiao worried that his weakness with barriers would prevent him from using Domain Expansion, then recalled that Open Domains did not require a closed barrier.
  • Qingxiao resolved to study Open Domains, while Masamichi Yaga encouraged him to follow a path suited to his talents.
  • Qingxiao left with his companions, deciding to develop his body and brute strength while training to create an Open Domain of his own.

Ch. 41Winter's arrival

As winter arrived at Jujutsu High, Qingxiao reminded Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto that Shoko Ieiri's birthday was approaching and prepared a silver Cursed Tool lighter as her gift. November seventh arrived after the three quietly made their preparations, leaving Shoko's birthday celebration about to begin.

  • Qingxiao decided to make Shoko's birthday special and chose a silver Cursed Tool lighter from the Cursed Tool Repository as her gift.
  • Qingxiao told Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo that Shoko's birthday was in a couple of days; Geto had already bought practical presents, while Gojo realized he had forgotten to prepare one.
  • Qingxiao kept his gift secret, and Geto and Gojo agreed not to reveal their own birthday plans.
  • Over the next two days, Gojo secretly left Jujutsu High to gather supplies, Geto followed his usual routine, and Qingxiao polished the lighter and kept it in a black gift box.
  • November seventh arrived, marking Shoko's birthday.

Ch. 42Happy birthday, Shoko

On her birthday, Shoko woke late and wondered whether Qingxiao would visit her as usual. Instead, Qingxiao, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto surprised her outside her dorm with birthday wishes and gifts, leaving everyone waiting to see what Qingxiao had prepared.

  • Shoko woke late, got ready, and thought about her evening chats with Qingxiao at the infirmary.
  • Shoko opened her dormitory door and found Qingxiao waiting with a bouquet alongside Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto.
  • Qingxiao, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto wished Shoko a happy birthday together.
  • Satoru Gojo gave Shoko a box of sweets and figurines, and Suguru Geto gave her a cashmere scarf.
  • Everyone turned to Qingxiao, curious about the gift he had kept secret.

Ch. 43I really like it, thank you

Qingxiao gave Shoko a silver lighter that was actually a Grade 1 cursed tool capable of concealing her presence, and Shoko warmly accepted it. After the group decided to celebrate her birthday at an amusement park, the four left Jujutsu High together.

  • Qingxiao gave Shoko a silver lighter, and she revealed that she smoked and genuinely liked the gift.
  • Qingxiao explained that the lighter was a Grade 1 cursed tool that used cursed energy and concealed its user from cursed spirits of Grade 1 and below.
  • Suguru Geto recognized the tool from Qingxiao's earlier application, while Satoru Gojo reacted with surprise to Shoko's smoking and teased Qingxiao about his heartfelt words.
  • Qingxiao told Shoko he hoped the tool would help protect her when he could not be by her side, and Shoko thanked him sincerely.
  • Satoru Gojo suggested an amusement park, Shoko agreed, and the four left Jujutsu High together.

Ch. 44His first visit to an amusement park

Qingxiao joined Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Shoko for her birthday at an amusement park, where he slowly let go of his embarrassment and helped the others enjoy the day. After Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto left them alone, Qingxiao faced the unfamiliar amusement park with nervous uncertainty.

  • Qingxiao tried to hide his embarrassment after Satoru Gojo called attention to his protective words about Shoko.
  • Satoru Gojo led the group through thrill rides while Suguru Geto and Shoko joined him and Qingxiao quietly looked after everyone.
  • The four shared snacks and warm drinks on the carousel, and Qingxiao relaxed when he saw Shoko enjoying her birthday and appreciating her silver lighter.
  • Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto pretended to seek out a dessert stand and left Qingxiao and Shoko alone together.
  • Qingxiao realized that his first amusement park visit left him unsure how to act among the unfamiliar rides and lively crowds.

Ch. 45The Ferris wheel

Qingxiao spent his first visit to an amusement park with Shoko, who showed him around and rode the Ferris wheel with him. The quiet ride relaxed him and left him appreciating the peaceful time he shared with her.

  • Shoko noticed Qingxiao was unfamiliar with the amusement park, and he explained that he had never had the time or anyone to visit with before.
  • Shoko offered to show Qingxiao around, then took him to the Ferris wheel for a birthday ride.
  • As their cabin rose above the park, Shoko reassured Qingxiao, who gradually relaxed and enjoyed the view of the city.
  • At the Ferris wheel's highest point, Qingxiao and Shoko met each other's gaze, and both became flustered.
  • After the ride, Qingxiao reflected that spending peaceful time with Shoko and enjoying the world felt precious.

Ch. 46It Won't Come True If I Tell You

Shoko celebrated her birthday with Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Qingxiao after an afternoon at the amusement park. Her secret birthday wish seemed to concern Qingxiao, leaving him quietly stirred as their evening together drew to a close.

  • Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto reunited with Shoko and Qingxiao after they finished exploring the amusement park.
  • Satoru Gojo suggested dinner, and the four went to a nearby Japanese izakaya.
  • Satoru Gojo teased Qingxiao about his earlier promise to protect Shoko, and Qingxiao joined in the joking.
  • Satoru Gojo surprised Shoko with a birthday cake, and she made a wish before blowing out the candles.
  • Shoko refused to reveal her wish, saying it would not come true if she told them, and Qingxiao suspected it had something to do with him.

Ch. 47What Are You Yelling About This Early?

Qingxiao, Satoru Gojo, and Suguru Geto set out before dawn for an urgent Grade 1 mission while Shoko came to see them off. As their car left, Qingxiao felt a quiet concern despite expecting an ordinary mission.

  • Satoru Gojo woke Qingxiao at 6:30 and told him they had an urgent mission rated Grade 1 or higher.
  • Qingxiao quickly got dressed and readied his Cursed Tool, eager to test his training in a real fight.
  • Qingxiao and Satoru Gojo met Suguru Geto and Shoko outside, where Suguru explained that Shoko had come only to say goodbye.
  • Qingxiao urged Shoko to return inside and stay warm, but she wished them well and asked them to come back soon.
  • Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo, and Qingxiao boarded the designated transport car and left for the mission.

Ch. 48Shoko's boredom

Shoko spent the day alone at Jujutsu High while Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Qingxiao were away on a Grade 1 mission. She realized she missed Qingxiao most and ended the day hoping he would return soon.

  • Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, and Qingxiao left Shoko behind to go on a Grade 1 mission, leaving the campus unusually quiet.
  • Shoko returned to her dormitory but could not sleep, then went to the empty infirmary and sorted the medical supplies.
  • Shoko recognized that Qingxiao’s absence was the real source of her boredom and missed his daily visits and quiet care.
  • Shoko spent the day watching the empty Training Ground and the path Qingxiao usually took, then wished for the mission to go smoothly and for him to come back soon.

Ch. 49Those Laobusi Higher-ups

Qingxiao, Suguru Geto, and Satoru Gojo discovered that the reported Grade 1 Cursed Spirit was actually a Special Grade Rainbow Dragon with nearly impenetrable scales. The fight began badly for Qingxiao and Geto, while Gojo’s Blue failed to seriously injure the dragon.

  • Suguru Geto questioned the dragon’s reported Grade 1 classification, and Satoru Gojo identified it as Special Grade.
  • Qingxiao resolved to fight the dragon and finish the mission quickly so he could return to Jujutsu High.
  • Suguru Geto sent avian cursed spirits to attack, but their strikes failed to pierce the Rainbow Dragon’s scales.
  • Qingxiao rushed the dragon, was struck by its tail, and skidded across the ground with his arms numb.
  • Satoru Gojo drew the Rainbow Dragon’s attacks with Limitless, then fired Blue at its eyes, but the dragon evaded and suffered little damage.

Ch. 50Right fist, high damage; left fist, damage high

Qingxiao endured Rainbow Dragon’s assault and struck its head twice with Black Flash, leaving the special grade cursed spirit near death. With Suguru Geto’s earth and stone holding it in place, Qingxiao pinned it down so Satoru Gojo could hit it with a fully charged maximum-output Blue, which began disintegrating its body.

  • Qingxiao armored himself with cursed energy, took Rainbow Dragon’s impact head-on, and hammered the same spot on its body.
  • Rainbow Dragon went berserk and focused its attacks on Qingxiao, while Suguru Geto slowed it with earth and rocks and Satoru Gojo secretly charged Blue.
  • Qingxiao landed two consecutive Black Flash strikes on Rainbow Dragon’s head, shattering its scales and nearly destroying half its head.
  • Qingxiao held Rainbow Dragon against its broken wound as Suguru Geto’s earth and stone trapped its body, leaving it unable to escape.
  • Satoru Gojo released maximum-output Blue, which engulfed Rainbow Dragon and began tearing apart its scales and flesh.
Arc 2 of 12