Top 15 Martial Arts Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

15 Novels

This mid-sized martial arts list balances coverage with quality filtering. Entries span wuxia, xianxia, and Korean martial arts traditions. The common element is protagonists who improve through training and combat.

Martial arts novels live or die on their power progression and combat writing. Some entries here maintain tight systems while others let power escalate. I've noted which approach each takes in individual descriptions when relevant.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5
(3.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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Completed
6
#6 PICK
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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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Dinghai Fusheng Records
4.5
(308 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Immortal arts, magic weapons, magical powers, and the boundless spiritual qi between heaven and earth vanished into obscurity overnight, and all exorcists turned to mere mortals. Three hundred years later, the Five Hus traversed the pass, it was a prelude to an era of great turmoil in China.
First Impressions
"Dinghai Fusheng Records" has been quite the journey! Blending historical fantasy, action, and a healthy dose of comedy, this novel had me hooked from the start. The world-building is intricate, drawing heavily on ancient Chinese history and mythology, which I found fascinating even if it meant a bit of Googling along the way. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Chen Xing, a young exorcist destined to die young, embarks on a quest to find his protector and save the world. The setup is intriguing, and the early chapters are filled with humor and lighthearted moments that quickly endeared ...
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8
#8 PICK
Absolute Regression
4.5
(248 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, martial arts
“Send me to the past. ” That’s how the first step toward revenge began.
First Impressions
After diving into "Absolute Regression," I can confidently say it's become a standout in the Murim genre for me. It's a story that's easy to get lost in, and one that I find myself recommending to anyone looking for a novel with depth and heart. The premise, a regression story centered around a member of the Demonic Sect seeking revenge, initially felt familiar. However, it quickly became clear that this novel goes beyond typical tropes. The cover might suggest a stoic protagonist, but the reality is far more nuanced. I found myself laughing out loud more often than I expected, a testament to ...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Doomsday Spiritual Artifact Master
4.5
(314 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
As the apocalypse arrives, Song Ke, who grew up in the abandoned area, unexpectedly awakens her special ability. Within her field of vision, all objects can be transformed into handy spiritual tools with just a thought.
First Impressions
"Doomsday Spiritual Artifact Master" promised a wild ride, and for the most part, it delivered. I dove in expecting a typical zombie apocalypse story, but what I found was a blend of cyberpunk, martial arts, and even a touch of cultivation, all wrapped up in a found-family narrative that really resonated with me. Initially, I was a bit hesitant. The sheer number of genres listed made me wonder if the novel would suffer from an identity crisis. The early chapters, focusing on high school drama, felt a little amateurish and made me question if I was in the right place. However, I decided to stic...
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Conclusion

These 15 martial arts novels represent solid options across the genre's variations. Higher-rated entries generally handle their martial systems more consistently. If you prefer grounded versus cosmic-scale martial arts, check individual descriptions for that context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best martial arts novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

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

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Sha Po Lang

First Impressions

Peerless

First Impressions

Dinghai Fusheng Records

First Impressions