In the world of Saint of the Heavenly Sword, power was measured on a universal scale of 100 levels, divided into five distinct Realms.
Body Refinement Realm (Level 0-25) marked the beginning, where children strengthened their physical bodies and sensed spiritual energy for the first time. This was the realm of beginners and freshmen at Heavenly Sword Academy.
Foundation Realm (Level 25-50) was where true cultivation began. Most academy students operated here, building their spiritual core and learning to channel energy through meridians. Foundation cultivators could destroy buildings, fly short distances, and outmatch dozens of normal humans.
Heavenly Realm (Level 50-75) transcended mortal limits. Flight became natural, lifespans extended dramatically, and power multiplied exponentially. Only the top 3-4% of academy students reached this realm—they were treated with reverence and caution.
Ascending Realm (Level 75-99) belonged to sect leaders and legends. Almost no academy students reached this level. Those who did became figures of history.
Immortal Realm (Level 100) was divine. True immortality. Godlike power. Known only through ancient texts and legends.
Every cultivator manifested a Martial Soul, the physical embodiment of their inner nature and potential. Martial Souls appeared when channeling energy and determined a cultivator's unique abilities.
Common Grade Martial Souls (70% of cultivators) provided basic enhancements—Iron Sword, Common Wolf, Stone Fist.
Rare Grade (25%) offered high power—Phoenix, Void Dragon, Holy Sword Saint. These marked academy elites.
Unique Grade (4%) held legendary potential—Abyssal Void Dragon (Kai Draven), Starlight Phoenix (Liora von Avalon).
Divine Grade (1%) was godlike—Heavenly Mandate Sword, Eternal Flame Sovereign.
Martial Souls evolved alongside their cultivators. A Common Wolf might become Shadow Wolf, then Void Shadow Wolf through major breakthroughs.
All cultivation methods, skills, and artifacts followed the same grading: Common → Rare → Unique → Divine.
Lian ranked at Level 52 with Holy Sword Saint soul.
Kai Draven entered at ~Level 35 with Abyssal Void Dragon soul.
Elara ranked 30 (true Level ~42) with Saintly Angel soul.
Liora ranked at Level 32 with Starlight Phoenix soul.