Top 15 Chinese Xianxia Novels with Genius 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
Ascending, Do Not Disturb
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
You think too much, cultivation is not like this… When Kong Hou steps on the path to cultivation, she learns that all xianxia stories are full of lies. A relaxed cultivation story.
First Impressions
"Ascending, Do Not Disturb" is a breath of fresh air in the Xianxia genre, and I found myself utterly charmed by its unique blend of adventure, comedy, and heartwarming slice-of-life elements. It's a story that left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even if it wasn't perfect. Right from the start, I was drawn in by the protagonist, Kong Hou. She's a delightful character – a former princess with a sunny disposition and a love for cultivation novels. Her carefree attitude is infectious, and I immediately wanted to root for her as she embarked on her journey. The initial chapters are well-translated...
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2
RUNNER UP
Grasping Evil
4.3
(620 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, ecchi
Master said, the woman I held in my hands, I must protect for the rest of my life Master said, it’s hard to cultivate as a Demon, and once you enter the Demon Dao, you should never look back. Master said, Heaven is a Circle and the Earth is a Square; that Circle represents (is) consummate perfec...
First Impressions
"Grasping Evil" is quite the ride, and after diving deep into what others have experienced, I'm ready to share my take. This novel definitely has a unique flavor that sets it apart in the crowded xianxia genre. Okay, I'll be honest, the initial chapters can be a bit rough. It seems like the author was finding their footing, and some early plot points might feel a little cliché or even off-putting. Some have mentioned a slow start and a massive info dump of terms in the first 50 chapters. However, I've heard from many long-time readers that pushing past the first 200 chapters is crucial. Appare...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon
4.6
(383 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, romance
Xiao Mo accidentally travelled into a book and became the protagonist’s inner demon. The system actively introduced: “You need to accompany Chu Jinglan as he grows, and then be killed by him at the right time to prove his Dao.
First Impressions
"After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise. The idea of a transmigrator becoming the inner demon of the protagonist in a xianxia world? Intriguing! The early chapters promised a delightful slow-burn romance, filled with the classic enemies-to-lovers trope and plenty of cultivation shenanigans. I was ready for a fun ride. The dynamic between Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan is definitely the heart of this novel. I loved watching their relationship evolve from mutual distrust to a deep, unwavering bond. The author does a great job of portraying the...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire
4.5
(434 ratings)
Genre: comedy, mature, romance
After transmigrating, Chi Muyao was locked in a ‘small dark room’ aka a cave, with the main villain Xi Huai. The demonic cultivator’s body was chained up and his spiritual energy sealed.
First Impressions
"The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire" promised a blend of comedy, romance, and xianxia intrigue, and for the most part, it delivered a delightful experience. While some aspects tested my patience, the overall journey was enjoyable, filled with quirky characters and a sweet, albeit sometimes frustrating, love story. The premise immediately grabbed me: an older, transmigration MC with poor cultivation talent stuck with a young, powerful Demon Venerable. The initial "f*ck-or-die" situation, leading to an unconventional dual cultivation arrangement, was hilarious and set the stage for an interest...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Villain’s White Lotus Halo
4.4
(349 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, romance
Yin BiYue has made the worst purchase ever. After transmigrating countless times into the bodies of canon fodder villains, he buys a ‘Fiend Halo’ from the Rebirth Company, supposedly the best aid for an up and coming final BOSS!
First Impressions
"The Villain’s White Lotus Halo" promised a hilarious twist on the transmigration genre, and for a while, it delivered. The premise of a villain saddled with a "white lotus" halo, constantly sabotaging his evil intentions, had me hooked from the start. But did it maintain that initial charm throughout? Let's dive in. I was immediately drawn to the comedic potential of this story. The idea of a protagonist desperately trying to be bad, only to be thwarted by his own halo's "whitewashing effect," is pure gold. The early chapters were filled with laugh-out-loud moments and intriguing world-buildi...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Sick Beauty [Rebirth]
4.3
(316 ratings)
Genre: psychological, romance, xianxia
In his previous life, Ye Yunlan’s appearance was destroyed by a fire. For years, he was misunderstood by the world and his reputation was notorious.
First Impressions
"Sick Beauty [Rebirth]" is a wild ride, a xianxia romance that’s equal parts beautiful and brutal. I went in expecting a typical rebirth revenge story, but what I found was far more complex, a tale steeped in psychological depth with an MC who's as captivating as he is tragic. Right from the start, I was hooked by the premise: a sickly, beautiful MC reborn after a life filled with betrayal and suffering. The master-disciple relationship that quickly develops added another layer of intrigue. I was eager to see how the MC would navigate his second chance and whether he would find peace....
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7
#7 PICK
Humanity’s Great Sage
4.0
(113 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, harem
The weak scream till hoarse without anyone who cares. The strong soft whisper with words deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
First Impressions
"Humanity's Great Sage" is a web novel that I've been following with interest, and it seems to be a somewhat divisive title. While it has garnered a decent average rating, the comments suggest a range of experiences. I've tried to weigh the pros and cons to give you my honest take. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a cultivation novel with an intelligent protagonist. The early chapters set up a world with a unique cultivation system, and I appreciated the lack of info-dumping. The story unfolds gradually through the MC's perspective, which I found refreshing. However, I quickly reali...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
My Legend Still Exists in the Cultivation World
4.3
(156 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Centuries ago, Daoist Jing Yuan died from lightning. A millennium later, he comes back to life, but discovers that the stars have shifted and the world has transformed by leaps and bounds.
First Impressions
"My Legend Still Exists in the Cultivation World" is quite the ride! Diving into this web novel felt like stepping into a vast, sprawling xianxia universe, brimming with cultivation, reincarnation, and just a touch of the unexpected. It's a story that kept me engaged, even when I felt a little lost in its intricate web of plotlines. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a reborn protagonist, Jing Yue, who gets a second shot at cultivation after being a legendary figure in his past life. The early chapters set the stage nicely, hinting at a grand adventure filled with face-slapping moment...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master
4.2
(104 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
In the heart of a volcano lies a mystical Mechanized Palace, a relic left behind by ancient sages, patiently awaiting its successor. In a desperate bid for its treasure, a mother sacrificed her life to claim the palace’s sacred seal, entrusting it to her son, Ning Zhuo, in her final moments.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master. I've been following the discussions, and I'm ready to share my take on this Xianxia novel. My first impression is that this is a novel for readers who appreciate a slow burn. The world-building is intricate, and the initial chapters are dedicated to setting the stage. It might feel a bit dense at first, but trust me, it pays off as the story progresses. The protagonist, Ning Zhou, isn't your typical righteous hero, and that's what makes him so interesting....
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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

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

Grasping Evil

First Impressions

After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon

First Impressions

The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire

First Impressions

The Villain’s White Lotus Halo

First Impressions

Sick Beauty [Rebirth]

First Impressions

Humanity’s Great Sage

First Impressions