Top 13 Chinese Martial Arts Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

Reincarnation gives martial arts novels a built-in advantage: the protagonist already knows what's coming. Chinese authors lean into this harder than other origins, often making the MC a regressor who died at the peak of power and now returns with full knowledge of cultivation shortcuts, hidden treasures, and future enemies. The satisfaction comes from watching them outmaneuver rivals who don't know they're playing a rigged game.

The formula can get predictable. Many follow the same beats: return to youth, crush former bullies, collect resources before others realize their value. What elevates the better entries is either strong character writing or genuinely clever applications of future knowledge beyond simple power accumulation.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
4.6
(2.7K ratings)
Genre: fantasy, historical, josei
Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.
First Impressions
"The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Douluo Dalu
4.2
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Tang Sect, the most famous martial arts sect of all. By stealing its most secret teachings to fulfill his dreams, Tang San committed an unforgivable crime.
First Impressions
"Douluo Dalu" is quite the ride, a xuanhuan novel that plunges you into a world of spirit beasts, martial arts, and cultivation. After diving in, I can see why it's so popular, but also where it stumbles a bit. Initially, I was hooked. The concept of spirit rings and the unique power system definitely grabbed my attention. I found myself drawn into the world-building, eager to learn about spirit masters and their abilities. The early chapters, especially the tournament arcs, were genuinely exciting. I could see why so many readers found it to be a great introduction to Chinese web novels....
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Yandere Came During the Night
4.2
(705 ratings)
Genre: comedy, historical, josei
Two families’ children were switched at birth. One of the families is a household that does business, and the other is a household of a marquis.
First Impressions
"The Yandere Came During the Night" is a novel that certainly left an impression. With its blend of historical romance, martial arts, and a dash of the supernatural, it's a story that tries to offer a unique experience. I went in expecting a dark, twisted tale based on the title, but what I found was something a little different, and perhaps a bit divisive. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a "fake siblings romance" with yandere elements. The idea of exploring the complexities of such a relationship in an ancient Chinese setting was intriguing. The early chapters did a good job of es...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Nine Cauldrons
4.0
(605 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Emperor Zi Yu used 5 strikes of his axe to split mountains and unify everyone underneath the heavens. He partitioned the land into 9 areas, thus establishing the Nine Cauldrons which eventually became known as the 9 prefectures.
First Impressions
"The Nine Cauldrons" is quite the ride, a web novel that blends wuxia and xuanhuan elements in a way that's both intriguing and, at times, frustrating. It's a story with real potential, but one that doesn't always stick the landing. The initial hook is strong, especially the first book. I found it refreshing to see the protagonist's backstory explored in such depth before the reincarnation. It really allowed me to understand his motivations and appreciate his character development. It's a slower burn, but one that ultimately pays off by giving the MC a solid foundation....
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Nightfall
4.0
(326 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chang An, capital of Tang, the most powerful empire in the continent. A heaven wrecking massacre shook the city to its core.
First Impressions
"Nightfall" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. It's a blend of action, adventure, and martial arts, with a dash of romance and tragedy thrown in for good measure. It's definitely a story that tries to set itself apart from the usual cultivation fare, and for the most part, it succeeds. The initial chapters are strong, painting a vivid picture of a protagonist, Ning Que, shaped by a harsh past. He's a survivor, driven by a thirst for vengeance, and his relationship with Sang Sang, a constant companion ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Film Emperor’s Adorable Wife From Ancient Times
4.0
(415 ratings)
Genre: adult, martial arts, mature
Yang Anyu, he is the general’s personal bodyguard. In the end, his soul transmigrated into a second-generation young master from the modern world, and after that, he once again encountered his “General” Yi Chenyan.
First Impressions
"Film Emperor's Adorable Wife From Ancient Times" certainly took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! It's a transmigration story with a bodyguard from the past ending up in the body of a modern celebrity's husband, and the premise alone had me intrigued. Initially, I was hooked by the concept of a martial arts expert navigating the entertainment world. The early chapters introduce us to Yang Anyu, our MC, and Yi Chenyan, the film emperor who looks suspiciously like his former general. The mystery of their connection and the MC's attempts to get closer to the ML definitely kept me reading....
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
The Prime Minister’s Wife Is The Richest Woman
4.2
(188 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Ji Yunxi transmigrated into a book and accidentally became the richest person. In order to save her family, she decided to choose a thigh as her husband.
First Impressions
"The Prime Minister’s Wife Is The Richest Woman" certainly grabbed my attention with its quirky title, and after diving in, I can see why it has garnered such a dedicated fanbase. It's a blend of comedy, drama, and romance set in ancient China, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it definitely offers a refreshing take on the genre. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise of a wealthy female lead and a seemingly 'plain' male lead, a dynamic that's not often explored. The arranged marriage based on mutual benefit was also a hook. I was prepared for a slow-burn romance, and the ini...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
I and My Husband Sleep in a Coffin
4.1
(274 ratings)
Genre: action, horror, martial arts
My name is Wang Xiao Mie. I’m online asking for help.
First Impressions
"I and My Husband Sleep in a Coffin" is definitely a wild ride, and I came away with mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel blends horror, action, and romance with a healthy dose of dark humor, creating something that's both unique and a little bit bonkers. The premise alone grabbed my attention: a modern-day guy wakes up in a coffin next to a handsome, ancient corpse who's very much alive and very into him. It's a bizarre setup, and the initial chapters lean heavily into the comedy of the situation. I found myself laughing out loud at the protagonist's reactions to his new reali...
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Conclusion

If you're new to this subgenre, start with the higher-rated entries and see how much the "second chance" premise appeals to you. Some readers find it compelling forever. Others burn out after a few novels when the pattern becomes too obvious.

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

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Douluo Dalu

First Impressions

The Yandere Came During the Night

First Impressions

The Nine Cauldrons

First Impressions

Nightfall

First Impressions

Film Emperor’s Adorable Wife From Ancient Times

First Impressions