To keep things simple (and avoid unnecessary confusion), I'm using the classic realm system that most cultivation readers are already familiar with:
1. Qi Condensation – The first step on the cultivation path; gathering and refining spiritual energy within the body.
2. Foundation Establishment – Strengthening the body and stabilizing the qi pathways; the stage where true cultivators are born.
3. Core Condensation – Forming a personal spiritual core; cultivation becomes far more stable and powerful.
4. Golden Core Formation – The core matures and begins to radiate power; cultivators at this level are respected figures in most cities.
5. Nascent Soul – The cultivator's soul gains form and independence; their spiritual sense expands dramatically.
6. Soul Formation – Strengthening and refining the nascent soul into something far more resilient and potent.
7. Spirit Severing – The stage where one severs worldly attachments to focus purely on their path and dao.
8. Void Refining – Learning to manipulate the void between existence and nothingness; cultivators here are often reclusive and terrifying.
9. Dao Integration – The cultivator begins merging with their personal dao, embodying its laws through their existence.
10. Mahayana Realm – The final great step before ascension; cultivators here are akin to walking natural disasters.
Anything beyond Mahayana will depend on how the story develops — I'll adjust as Tianrui inevitably breaks reality again.
Technique Grading System
Techniques in this story are ranked using a star system, with each star roughly corresponding to a cultivation realm.
• 1-Star techniques are suited for Qi Condensation cultivators.
• 10-Star techniques are at the Mahayana Realm level.
Each star rank is further divided into Low, Middle, and High Grade, representing the technique's quality, efficiency, and overall mastery potential.
So, for example:
• 2-Star Low Grade → A beginner-level technique for Foundation Establishment.
• 7-Star High Grade → A top-tier technique for Spirit Severing experts.
Simple, straightforward, and easy to keep track of — no overly complicated naming systems here.