Top 11 Chinese Xianxia Action Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Xianxia action prioritizes combat within the immortal cultivation framework. The philosophy and meditation aspects take a backseat to battles between cultivators wielding supernatural techniques. Stakes escalate as protagonists face increasingly powerful enemies across higher realms.

The action in xianxia can get spectacular. Authors describe techniques destroying mountains, battles spanning continents, and confrontations that reshape reality. The scale requires suspension of disbelief but delivers visual imagination that pure martial arts can't match.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
I Shall Seal the Heavens
4.3
(3.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
“What I want, the Heavens shall not lack! ” “What I don’t want, had better not exist under the Heavens!
First Impressions
"I Shall Seal the Heavens" (ISSTH) is a web novel that I found myself diving deep into, and it's been quite the journey. With its blend of action, adventure, and xianxia elements, it's easy to see why so many readers have been captivated. However, like any story of this length, it has its high points and its low points. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The protagonist, Meng Hao, starts as a regular scholar, far from the overpowered reincarnations or clan heirs that often populate the genre. This fresh start was a welcome change, and I appreciated the early focus on his cleverne...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
A Will Eternal
4.4
(2.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One will to create oceans. One will to summon the mulberry fields.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "A Will Eternal." I've spent some time digging through what readers are saying, and I've got a pretty good feel for this one. It seems to be a novel that evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative. The initial chapters seem to be a real hit. Many readers, myself included, found themselves laughing out loud. The main character, Bai Xiaochun, is definitely not your typical righteous hero. He's cunning, a bit shameless, and driven by a very relatable fear of death. This makes for some hilarious situations right from the start, and the author, Er Gen, seems to kno...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Reverend Insanity
4.3
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Human beings are the very spirit of all life, while Gu embody the essence of heaven and earth. When one’s worldview, values, and philosophy become twisted, they are no longer human but demon reborn.
First Impressions
"Reverend Insanity" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its reputation. It's a xianxia story, but not quite like any I've encountered before. The sheer volume of content available is impressive, but does the story live up to the hype? After spending a significant amount of time with it, here are my thoughts. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a truly ruthless protagonist. So many novels claim to have an 'evil' MC, but quickly fall into anti-hero tropes. "Reverend Insanity" seemed different. Fang Yuan, the main character, is dedicated to his ...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
My Disciple Died Yet Again
4.5
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.
First Impressions
"My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Holding Onto My Man
4.3
(887 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
After an accidental death, in order to continue to live, Gu Bai had to choose to go through various wonderful books to complete tasks. Every time he became a variety of small cannon fodder inside the story, Gu Bai’s code of conduct when completing task is – by all means, don’t be inferior, don’t...
First Impressions
"Holding Onto My Man" is a completed original web novel and ongoing translation that dives into action, adventure, drama, romance, xianxia, and yaoi genres. With a 4.3/5 rating from nearly 900 votes, it's clear this story has resonated with many readers. Let's dive into my thoughts. Going into this novel, I was intrigued by the sheer number of tags. Amnesia, ancient China, apocalypse, a charming protagonist, and a cold protagonist all in one story? It seemed like a wild ride, and I was eager to see how the author would weave these elements together. The premise of a quick transmigration story,...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect
4.5
(551 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A cultivation story about how a declining sect is restored by a narcissist, troublemaker, meanie, idiot, and wimpy kid.
First Impressions
"Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect" is a web novel that I found to be quite captivating, although it had some minor issues that kept it from being a perfect read for me. It's a story that explores the meaning of family, love, and the pursuit of immortality, all wrapped up in a xianxia package. At first, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The synopsis didn't quite prepare me for the depth and complexity of the story. I was quickly drawn into the lives of the five disciples of the Fuyao Sect, each with their own unique personalities and flaws. Their interactions felt genuine, like a ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Reborn As a System
4.5
(558 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Space, system, treasure, spirit tools … other protagonists all have golden fingers, Shi Qing: this young grandpa [Xiao Ye] is a golden finger. It’s just that …he is now a golden finger and even more importantly bound to a host?
First Impressions
"Reborn As a System" caught my eye with its unique premise: the protagonist becomes the system, rather than being hosted by one. I dove in hoping for something fresh, and I definitely got it. This novel is a rollercoaster of action, adventure, and romance, with a healthy dose of xianxia thrown in for good measure. I was immediately drawn in by the fast-paced plot. There's never a dull moment as the MC and his ML traverse various worlds, each with its own distinct flavor. The initial setup is intriguing, and I found myself quickly invested in the leads' journey. I was a little wary of the "yand...
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Conclusion

Xianxia action is a major category in Chinese web fiction with many options. These rankings represent reader favorites, but the genre is large enough that quality novels exist well beyond this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

I Shall Seal the Heavens

First Impressions

A Will Eternal

First Impressions

Reverend Insanity

First Impressions

My Disciple Died Yet Again

First Impressions

Holding Onto My Man

First Impressions