Grade Details
1. Mortal Grade
The standard weapon of common soldiers and non-cultivators. These blades have no spiritual properties. They are heavy, prone to rusting, and will break instantly if they clash with a weapon of a higher grade.
2. Refined Grade
These are "masterwork" weapons for ordinary humans but entry-level for practitioners. They are exceptionally sharp and balanced. While they cannot truly "channel" Qi, they are dense enough not to break immediately during a low-level spiritual skirmish.
3. Spirit Grade
The first true "cultivator" weapon. During the forging process, spirit-rich materials are melted into the metal, creating "meridians" within the blade. This allows the user to extend their energy into the edge, creating a sharp "Qi-blade" that can cut through stone.
4. Earth Grade
These blades often have a natural affinity for a specific element. A Fire-Affinity Earth Blade will naturally heat up when Qi is applied, potentially igniting the air around it. They are extremely durable and can survive battles between high-ranking masters.
5. Heaven Grade
A Heaven Grade sword is considered a treasure. It often contains the "Core" of a powerful spiritual creature, giving the sword a mind of its own. It can choose its master, and if an unworthy person tries to wield it, the sword may purposefully become heavy or drain the wielder's energy.
6. Divine Grade
The peak of weaponry. These are often unique items with their own names and legends. A Divine blade does not just cut flesh; it can cut through illusions, space, and even the "Fate" of an opponent. They are virtually indestructible and grow stronger alongside the wielder.
Note:
Although I defined six grades, there are also sub-grades within the weapon grading system. This is just the outline of how baldes are ranked.
Namming conversion
Mortal (Fán)
Composition: Ordinary iron or tempered steel
Qi Capacity: None — shatters if Qi is forced through it
Refined (Jīng)
Composition: High-quality steel, folded multiple times
Qi Capacity: Low — can withstand basic martial techniques
Spirit (Líng)
Composition: Forged with Spirit Stones or Spirit Iron
Qi Capacity: Medium — efficiently channels and amplifies Qi
Earth (Dì)
Composition: Contains rare ores such as Star-Iron or Cold-Jade
Qi Capacity: High — can store elemental properties like fire or ice
Heaven (Tiān)
Composition: Forged from mythical materials or Beast Cores
Qi Capacity: Vast — possesses its own "will" or semi-sentience
Divine (Shén)
Composition: Created by legendary masters, capable of cutting space itself
Qi Capacity: Infinite — can manifest its own domain or soul