Top 15 Chinese Xianxia Novels with Cunning Protagonist in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Xianxia centers on immortal cultivation and Daoist philosophy. The Chinese entries here feature protagonists pursuing immortality through cultivation realms, comprehending dao, surviving tribulations, and navigating sect politics. It's a specific subgenre with established conventions.

The appeal is watching characters transform from mortal to divine through effort and enlightenment. If that premise excites you, xianxia delivers consistently. If Daoist cultivation doesn't interest you, the philosophical and spiritual elements will feel like obstacles rather than features.

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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2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
It’s Not Easy Being a Master
4.3
(672 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Shen Zhixian transmigrated into a book as a cannon fodder master who hatefully severed his disciple’s spirit root. This disciple fell into the devil’s path and returned to make mincemeat out of him.
First Impressions
It’s Not Easy Being a Master promised a blend of xianxia, romance, and mystery, and for the most part, it delivered an enjoyable reading experience. It wasn't perfect, but its strengths definitely outweighed its weaknesses for me. Initially, I was wary of the comparisons to Scum Villain's Self-Saving System. I'd heard mixed opinions on the similarities, with some claiming it was almost a copycat while others vehemently denied it. I went in expecting familiar tropes, but hoping for originality. The beginning definitely has that "villainous master trying to avoid a bad end" feel, but it quickly ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Nan Chan
4.5
(530 ratings)
Genre: adventure, mature, psychological
I have experienced all the eight sufferings of this world. I do not ask for nirvana, but for you.
First Impressions
"Nan Chan" is a xianxia novel that took me on quite a ride. It's a story that demands patience and rewards it with a complex plot, intriguing characters, and a romance that, while controversial, ultimately captivated me. The world-building is extensive, drawing you into a supernatural ancient China filled with demons, deities, and mysteries around every corner. I'll admit, the beginning was a bit rough. The initial chapters threw me into the deep end with a lot of unanswered questions. Jing Lin, our seemingly cold protagonist, is suffering from amnesia, and Cang Ji, a newly-formed human-demon,...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality
4.6
(218 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
A parody of Cultivation novels, similar to Konosuba but set in a Xianxia world. Absolutely a hidden gem for the English audience, this novel has been Top 10 on Qidian (the website where most Chinese novels are uploaded) for 11 months in a row, ever since the start of the year.
First Impressions
"Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality?" is a breath of fresh air in the often-stale xianxia genre. It's a wild ride that prioritizes comedy and character over the usual cultivation tropes, and for the most part, it pulls it off spectacularly. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The synopsis is vague, and the title suggests something silly. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the story's unconventional take on cultivation. The main character, Lu Yang, isn't your typical stoic, power-hungry cultivator. He's clever, a bit of a goofball, and his thought process is wonderfully bizarre, lea...
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7
#7 PICK
I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals
4.2
(182 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Lan Chang’an has gone through two lifetimes of reincarnations, and in the third life, he aimed for stability until reaching the Nascent Soul Realm in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the Nine Seal Stele. Consequently, he cultivated the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique, which wielded modest ...
First Impressions
This novel has been quite the journey, and I'm eager to share my thoughts after diving deep into the world of cultivation with Lan Chang'an. It's definitely a unique take on the xianxia genre, and while it's not without its quirks, it offers a refreshing perspective that kept me engaged. Right off the bat, I noticed that this story establishes a different kind of protagonist. Lan Chang'an isn't your typical hot-blooded, face-slapping hero. He's cautious, calculating, and, some might say, a bit apathetic. He's lived multiple lives, and that experience has definitely shaped his worldview. He's a...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Immortal
4.2
(258 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Once I’ve become Immortal, my attempt to conquer the world shall begin. I, Zhong Shan, in order establish a supreme heavenly dynasty, must marshal all the luck that I can gather to cleanse my own karma.
First Impressions
Immortal is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its unique premise and seems to have resonated with many readers, though not without a few caveats along the way. Overall, I found it to be a compelling read with a refreshing take on the xianxia genre. The beginning is definitely one of its strongest points. The protagonist starts as an elderly man, a former Earth transmigrator, who has spent decades building a business empire while yearning for a chance at cultivation. This unconventional start, focusing on a mature and cunning MC, immediately sets it apart from the typical power-fantasy...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
My Senior Is Always Salivating After Me!
4.5
(187 ratings)
Genre: comedy, slice of life, xianxia
Lin SuCi transmigrated into a book, and became a kitten who had just cultivated into becoming human. When he was still young, he was picked up by a good man to be become his apprentice, but he did not expect his master to let his senior — the number one villain in the book — raise him?
First Impressions
"My Senior Is Always Salivating After Me!" is a xianxia yaoi comedy that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and amusement, and I have to say, it's quite a ride. The story follows a protagonist who transmigrates into the body of a cat spirit beast. The premise alone had me intrigued! Initially, I was a little unsure. Some readers have pointed out that the title and synopsis can be a bit misleading, and I can see where they're coming from. It's not quite the 'naive MC gets preyed on' story I was expecting. However, that quickly became a non-issue as I got to know the characters....
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Conclusion

Xianxia works for readers who enjoy its specific cultivation philosophy. These are good examples of the form. Whether the form appeals to you is a separate question from whether these entries execute it well.

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

Reverend Insanity

First Impressions

Holding Onto My Man

First Impressions

It’s Not Easy Being a Master

First Impressions

Nan Chan

First Impressions

Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality

First Impressions

I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

First Impressions