Top 11 Chinese Martial arts Action Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Thousand Autumns

   4.5

   (1.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   Yan Wushi had walked a path full of blood and corpses. He did not believe in the good nature of humanity.

   First Impressions

   "Thousand Autumns" has been quite the ride! Diving into this wuxia world felt like stepping into a meticulously crafted tapestry of ancient China, martial arts, and complex characters. I found myself completely absorbed in Shen Qiao's journey, and even though the romance took a backseat for much of the story, I was invested in the overall narrative. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a kind-hearted MC, and Shen Qiao definitely delivered. He's not your typical overpowered protagonist; instead, he's a strong, principled character who faces betrayal and hardship with unwavering resolve. ...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Chronicles of Primordial Wars

   4.5

   (1.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, martial arts

   Shao Xuan joins a friend in his expedition to a recently discovered archaeological cave. After he picks up an ordinary looking stone he is teleported to a different world and wakes up in the body of a small orphan child.

   First Impressions

   "Chronicles of Primordial Wars" is a web novel that took me by surprise. With a solid 4.5/5 rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I had high expectations going in, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a unique blend of action, adventure, and xuanhuan set in a primordial world, and the story's originality is definitely one of its strongest points. Initially, the pacing is slow. The story eases you into this ancient, tribal setting. We follow our protagonist as he adapts to life in the body of a young orphan in this harsh, Stone Age world. It's a far cry from the typical cultivation novel, ...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Sha Po Lang

   4.6

   (743 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, martial arts

   “The first person to dig ziliujin fuel out of the ground could never have predicted that what they dug out was the beginning of a dog-eat-dog age. Our entire life was but an ugly confidence game of greed; this is something everyone knows, but that they could not bring to light.

   First Impressions

   "Sha Po Lang" is a novel that’s been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it garners so much praise, even if it didn't completely blow me away. It's definitely a unique read, blending elements of steampunk, political intrigue, and romance in a way that sets it apart from many web novels in the genre. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The concept of an ancient China powered by "ziliujin" (violetstream gold) is fascinating, and the mecha elements add a layer of excitement. The setup, with a mature-for-his-age young protagonist and his complex relationship wi...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Peerless

   4.7

   (584 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   On the Third-Year of Kaihuang, as the Great Sui unfolds its curtains to welcome the glorious Tang Dynasty in succession to the Northern Dynasty, Yang Jian established a secret agency, the Jiejian Bureau in preparation to unify the world. In a stormy night filled with snow, a convoy of tribute se...

   First Impressions

   "Peerless" is a web novel that truly lived up to its name. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into its intricate world of political intrigue, complex characters, and witty banter. It's one of those stories that sticks with you long after you've finished the last page. Honestly, the synopsis was a bit overwhelming at first glance, with all the genres and tags listed. However, once I dove in, I quickly realized the author, Meng Xi Shi, masterfully weaves together action, mystery, comedy, and romance into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The initial mystery surrounding the missing...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Faraway Wanderers

   4.4

   (677 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, drama

   A tale about the former leader of a special organization that served under royalty, now leaving his past life behind and unintentionally getting involved with the martial world.

   First Impressions

   "Faraway Wanderers" is a wuxia novel that certainly took me on a journey. With elements of action, comedy, drama, and romance (shounen ai), it's a blend of genres that aims to offer something for everyone. Having finally finished it, I have a few thoughts to share. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Zhou Zishu, a former leader of an imperial intelligence network, seeks to retire and wander the Jianghu only to stumble upon a conspiracy. The introduction of Wen Kexing, a flirtatious and mysterious martial artist, immediately piqued my interest. The story felt like it was setting up for a ...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   The Grandmaster Strategist

   4.6

   (472 ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, martial arts

   This is an alternate history. Decades after the fall of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the world is still in chaos, although there is hope for reunification.

   First Impressions

   "The Grandmaster Strategist" is a web novel that really surprised me. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly found myself drawn into its intricate world of political maneuvering and strategic brilliance. It's definitely not your typical power fantasy, and that's precisely what makes it stand out. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The story dives right into a complex setting reminiscent of ancient China, and there's a lot of information thrown at you early on. I can see why some readers might find the beginning slow or even boring; it requires patience and a willingness to abso...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   The Great Conqueror

   4.4

   (208 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Zou Liang, a man with a passionate interest in a fighting game came into a world governed by the beast tribes. There the ones with high martial ability were respected.

   First Impressions

   "The Great Conqueror" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of beastmen, cultivation, and a protagonist armed with modern knowledge. It's a wild ride that definitely has its high points, but also some quirks that might make you pause. Initially, I found the world-building a bit overwhelming. The first few chapters are heavy on exposition, and the unique names for races can be hard to keep straight. However, if you power through that initial info dump, the story starts to pick up speed. The premise of a gamer/engineer reincarnated as a "brainless" bearman is intriguing, and I wa...

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8. 

   8

   #8 PICK

   The Nine Godheads

   4.4

   (228 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, harem

   It’s a trend to take your grandfather along with you when passing through to another world, but we have kind of been cheated—have you ever experienced buy one get eight free? Hong Xiaobao: “This opponent is a bit formidable.

   First Impressions

   "The Nine Godheads" certainly grabbed my attention with its unique premise, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a buzz. It's a fun ride that blends action, comedy, and martial arts, a combination that, when done right, always gets me hooked. Initially, I was really impressed. The early chapters, where the MC is unable to cultivate, were a breath of fresh air. Instead of the usual downtrodden protagonist, we get someone clever, resourceful, and well-loved. It's a welcome change from the typical "treated like trash" xianxia trope. This MC uses his wits and knowledge, and that's...

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9. 

   9

   #9 PICK

   Golden Age Legitimate Fei

   4.4

   (320 ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, historical

   An edict bestowed marriage. A noble daughter with three strikes: no talent, no looks, no virtue.

   First Impressions

   "Golden Age Legitimate Fei" has been quite the ride, and I've come away with a lot to say about it. It's a historical romance with a strong female lead, court intrigue, and a dash of military action. While it might not reinvent the genre, it offers a solid story with characters that, for the most part, I found myself invested in. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a sensible female lead, a transmigrator who isn't hell-bent on revenge but simply wants a peaceful life. This premise, coupled with comparisons to novels like "To Be a Virtuous Wife" and "Eight Treasures Trousseau," definite...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Accidentally Having a Baby with the Enemy Prince

    4.4

    (391 ratings)

    Genre: action, drama, historical

    The Jiang and the Sui Empires are sworn enemies. Both sides have been fighting back and forth for decades, each trying to press the other to death by the Yellow River.

    First Impressions

    "Accidentally Having a Baby with the Enemy Prince" is quite the ride, a blend of political intrigue, martial arts, and fluffy romance that kept me hooked despite a few bumps along the way. This isn't your typical damsel-in-distress story; both princes are intelligent and capable, making their interactions all the more compelling. The title alone grabbed my attention, promising a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. I dove in expecting a straightforward romance, but I quickly discovered a rich world of ancient China, complete with warring factions and complex characters. Be warned, thou...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Jiang Hu’s Road is Curved

    4.4

    (468 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, drama

    Alone, Pang Wan entered the Jiang Hu[1]. Her dream was to become a pure lady [2], to find her destined other half.

    First Impressions

    "Jiang Hu's Road is Curved" promised a comedic wuxia adventure, and while it delivered on that front, it also surprised me with its depth and unexpected turns. It's a novel that plays with your expectations, and for the most part, it does so masterfully. Initially, I was a bit put off by the main character, Pang Wan. She's introduced as a naive and somewhat narcissistic girl, obsessed with the idea of being the heroine in her own romance story. It felt a bit cliché, but I persisted, and I'm glad I did. The early chapters are lighthearted, almost a parody of the typical Mary Sue trope, but the ...

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