The next day dawns with a sense of normalcy settling over the Combat Department.
Kai and his friends, having orchestrated a successful birthday celebration for Leon, are back to their routines.
As the sun stretches its rays over the training grounds, the friends gather for their daily regimen.
In the early morning light, Master Liang, their instructor, approaches the group with a knowing smile.
"Seems like someone had a memorable birthday yesterday," he remarks, glancing in Leon's direction.
Leon, though typically composed, can't hide a subtle grin. "Yeah, they got me good," he admits, appreciating the camaraderie shared among the group.
Master Liang, ever perceptive, nods. "It's crucial to have such bonds, especially in the challenging path of cultivation. Now, let's focus on today's training. We have much to cover."
The group disperses, each member entering their training routine with renewed vigor. Kai makes his way to Master Liang for their daily spar session, a routine that has become a cornerstone of his training.
As he arrives, he notices Akane already waiting there, her presence adding an air of anticipation to the session.
Master Liang greets them with his usual calm demeanor. "Now that Kai is here, let's begin our spar session. But before that, I believe it's time for both of you to delve a bit deeper into weapon cultivation."
Kai and Akane exchange curious glances, intrigued by the prospect of learning more about weapon cultivation.
As they focus their attention on Master Liang, he begins to explain the stages in sword cultivation.
"As with martial arts cultivation, weapons possess their own stages of advancement," Master Liang clarifies.
"For swords, these stages include: Blade Initiate, Sword Adept, Essence Weaver, Soulblade, Sword Saint, Sword Sovereign, and Transcendent Blade."
He pauses, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "There is said to be an eighth stage, known as Sword God, rumored to surpass even the Transcendent Blade. However, no one has achieved it yet, so its existence remains uncertain."
Both Kai and Akane are amazed by the existence of these stages.
Kai, driven by curiosity, asks about Principal Ryu, who holds the title of Sword Saint.
Master Liang smiles knowingly. "Indeed, Principal Ryu not only holds the title but has also attained the realm of Sword Saint. He is on the brink of reaching the next realm, Sword Sovereign."
This revelation leaves Kai and Akane even more impressed, their admiration for Principal Ryu deepening.
Akane, seizing the opportunity, poses her own question. "Sir, do other weapons have their own cultivation stages? Like my twin swords or Emily's Bow?"
Master Liang nods. "Yes, all weapons have their cultivation stages. They follow a similar progression: Initiate, Adept, Essence, and so on.
Each weapon's stages are tailored to its unique characteristics, but they all lead to the same path."
Satisfied with the explanation, Akane expresses her understanding, and Master Liang encourages any further inquiries.
Kai seizes the opportunity to ask why they hadn't been informed of this sooner.
Master Liang explains that they have been gradually introducing them to avoid overwhelming them and reveals that they are currently in the midst of completing the Blade Initiate stage.
This news brings a sense of accomplishment to Kai and Akane, knowing they are making progress.
"Alright, let's not dwell on this any longer. We've spent enough time discussing," Master Liang declares. "You can celebrate later if you wish, but for now, let's focus on our spar session."
With renewed determination, Kai and Akane engage in their spar session, eager to achieve the newfound knowledge they have acquired.