How does the level system work?
Levels in 9 Dragons are Currently split into 18 Major levels (Called Chengs). There are currently 18 major levels to advance through. Each major level has 12 minor levels (or Chengs) within it. At the start of every major level you must demonstrate new mastery of your Chi Breathing technique to advance. These are current 18 levels of Cheng you may attain on your road to The Dragon:
Level 0 None
Level 1 Losing Self
Level 2 Gathering Chi
Level 3 Opening Chi
Level 4 Revolving Chakra
Level 5 Raising Light
Level 6 Five Dragons
Level 7 Sun and Moon
Level 8 Golden Blossoms
Level 9 Elemental Crown
Level 10 Floral Crown
Level 11 Crimson Snake
Level 12 Golden Lotus
Level 13 Humble Master
Level 14 Little Master
Level 15 Hermit
Level 16 Projected Soul
Level 17 Dissolved Body
Level 18 Immortal
Hovering your mouse over you current level will reveal your true level this is an easier way to look at how many levels you have attained and is the level that acclaim currently displays on its ranking boards on the 9 Dragons site. To convert from Cheng levels to basic levels just remember that each Major Cheng is made up of 12 levels.
Eg. a Gathering Chi 3 character is Basic level 15
(12 levels from Losing self and then 3 in Gathering Chi)
A Five Dragons 5 character is Basic level 65
5 x 12 for the levels from Losing Self to Raising Light and then the 5 levels of Five Dragons.
Players Abbreviate the levels to 2 letter combinations Eg. Losing Self is L.S. and Gathering Chi to G.C.
Sourced from: acclaims official 9 Dragons forum


