Top 17 Chinese Academy OP MC Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Overpowered protagonists in academy settings create a specific dynamic. The school hierarchy exists to be disrupted. Rankings exist to be topped. Arrogant seniors and prodigies exist to be humiliated. This combination delivers reliable satisfaction for readers who enjoy watching dominance unfold.

I find the academy structure actually helps OP protagonist stories by providing organized opposition. Instead of random enemies appearing, you get systematic progression through class rankings and tournament brackets. The formula can feel repetitive, but the academy framing at least gives it shape. Chinese authors often use these arcs to establish protagonist reputation before moving to broader conflicts.

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TOP PICK
The Desolate Era
4.2
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Fate had never been kind to Ji Ning. Wracked by illnesses and infirm his entire life on Earth, Ji Ning knew early on that he would die as a teenager.
First Impressions
"The Desolate Era" is a xianxia novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, knowing IET's reputation. While it didn't completely blow me away, it definitely had its moments, and I can see why it's popular. The initial chapters grabbed me. Ji Ning's journey from a sickly Earthling to a cultivator in a mystical world is compelling. I appreciated the early focus on his family and clan, which gave the story a grounded feel. The world-building also felt richer than in some similar novels, drawing on Chinese mythology in a way that felt authentic....
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2
RUNNER UP
Coiling Dragon
4.5
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake.
First Impressions
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Coiling Dragon. It was like finding a hidden gem in the vast ocean of web novels. The title itself, "Coiling Dragon," had this mythical ring to it, and the summary promised a tale of growth, power, and the bonds of family. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Linley's journey from a young boy with dreams to a sovereign of the multiverse was a ride I couldn't put down. - The World-Building: The way the universe is structured, with its layers of realms and the intricate system of cultivation, is nothing short of impressive. It’s a testament to...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss
4.4
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
She was a peerless genius in the 24th Century – all she needed was a silver needle and she could practically bring anyone back from the dead. After an explosion, she crossed over into a strange world; everyone calls her “Miss.
First Impressions
"Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan adventure that I found myself both captivated and occasionally frustrated by. With a strong female lead, plenty of scheming, and a slow-burn romance, it definitely has its hooks. But it's also a commitment, and not without its flaws. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of satisfying revenge and a protagonist who isn't afraid to play dirty. The setup is familiar – a reincarnation story with a genius MC – but the execution felt fresh enough to keep me engaged. I was eager to see how Jun Wu Xie would navigate...
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EDITORS CHOICE
The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady
4.2
(749 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
She was the godly thief of the 24th century, yet she was reincarnated as a good-for-nothing idiot with no parents. Not only that, she had to bend her will according to her relatives’ mood.
First Impressions
"The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady" is quite a ride, a xuanhuan tale with a strong female lead that had me hooked despite a few bumps along the way. With action, adventure, comedy, and a dash of gender-bending, there's a lot to unpack in this completed original web novel. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. Some readers mentioned a slow start, with early chapters feeling repetitive and the main character's initial "foolish" persona being off-putting. I can see where they're coming from; the pacing does take a while to pick up. However, I found that sticking with it paid off, and the...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Bursting After He Transmigrated into the Cannon Fodder Omega
4.3
(748 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
Yun Xingze transmigrated into an ABO novel and became the cannon fodder omega. The family business is declining and his fiancé doesn’t like him.
First Impressions
Okay, buckle up, because "Bursting After He Transmigrated into the Cannon Fodder Omega" is quite the ride. This story throws you headfirst into a world of mechas, academy life, and omegaverse dynamics, and it definitely has its charms, even if it stumbles a bit along the way. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a transmigrated soul, a cannon fodder omega, and a chance to shake things up. The early chapters promised a fun blend of action, comedy, and a dash of rebellion against societal norms. The whole mecha competition angle felt fresh, and I was eager to see how the MC, Yun Xingze, wou...
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#6 PICK
Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business
4.2
(628 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
Yu Bai Zhou transmigrated into a book. The talented protagonist was the top student in school.
First Impressions
This novel is a sugary sweet treat, perfect if you're looking for something light and fluffy to binge-read. "Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business" definitely leans heavily into the romance genre, with a strong focus on the relationship between the main characters. However, it's not without its shortcomings. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a transmigration story where the MC, Yu Baizhou, aims to correct the original owner's villainous ways. The beginning promises a blend of humor and character development as Yu Baizhou navigates his new life and tries to avoid ...
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#7 PICK
Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady
4.4
(446 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
She is the twenty-fourth century’s strongest immortal cultivator, but transferred into a world of magic where demons roamed rampant; a punching bag tyrannized and ostracized by her clan on one side while the s*um of a man that is her fiancé humiliated, trampled her on the other side… Want to rava...
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady." I went in with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given the wide range of opinions I'd seen. Overall, I found it to be a fun, if imperfect, read. Initially, I was hooked by the promise of a strong female lead who doesn't dilly-dally. And, for the most part, the novel delivers on that front. The MC is powerful from the get-go, which is a refreshing change from the typical transmigration trope where the heroine spends ages building her strength. She's also quite shameless, which leads to some genuinely hilarious sit...
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#8 PICK
Why are the Protagonist Gong and Shou Fighting Because of Me?
4.5
(485 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, mecha
Tang Bai was born into a wealthy family. His body was soft and slender, and he loved to act spoiled.
First Impressions
This novel's title hooked me immediately. It promised a comedic romp, but I quickly discovered it's so much more than just a fluffy misunderstanding. While the humor is definitely present, the story delves into complex themes of gender discrimination, social inequality, and fighting for what you believe in. It's a surprisingly poignant read that left me thinking long after I finished. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of lighthearted romance and accidental green tea schemes. The premise of an omega MC accidentally captivating two alpha leads sounded hilarious. While those elements are t...
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9
#9 PICK
The Great Conqueror
4.4
(208 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Zou Liang, a man with a passionate interest in a fighting game came into a world governed by the beast tribes. There the ones with high martial ability were respected.
First Impressions
"The Great Conqueror" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of beastmen, cultivation, and a protagonist armed with modern knowledge. It's a wild ride that definitely has its high points, but also some quirks that might make you pause. Initially, I found the world-building a bit overwhelming. The first few chapters are heavy on exposition, and the unique names for races can be hard to keep straight. However, if you power through that initial info dump, the story starts to pick up speed. The premise of a gamer/engineer reincarnated as a "brainless" bearman is intriguing, and I wa...
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10
#10 PICK
My Daoist Life
4.5
(295 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, harem, martial arts
My Name is Huang Jing Yang, Born in the 90s. Accidentally, I sowed within myself a Dao Seed.
First Impressions
My Daoist Life presents a unique spin on the Xianxia genre, and I found myself surprisingly invested in its blend of modern slice-of-life and Daoist cultivation. The novel follows a young boy's accidental entry into the world of cultivation, and his subsequent journey navigating both the mundane and the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the protagonist's innocence and the story's slow-paced, character-driven narrative. The early chapters focus on his life in the countryside with his grandfather, and his gradual discovery of his abilities. It felt refreshing to read a cultivation story...
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Conclusion

This ranking collects OP protagonist academy novels where the combination works reasonably well. Reader ratings favor novels that find ways to maintain interest despite reduced tension. Useful if you want the specific satisfaction of watching someone dominate structured competition.

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 Desolate Era

First Impressions

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

First Impressions

The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady

First Impressions

Bursting After He Transmigrated into the Cannon Fodder Omega

First Impressions

Transmigrated into a School Idol and Forced to Do Business

First Impressions

Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady

First Impressions

Why are the Protagonist Gong and Shou Fighting Because of Me?

First Impressions