Top 17 Chinese Martial Arts Novels with Weak To Strong in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Chinese martial arts novels practically invented the weak-to-strong formula that dominates web fiction today. The protagonist starts powerless, often humiliated, and claws their way up through training montages, lucky encounters, and cultivation breakthroughs. It's fundamentally satisfying when done well.

The martial arts focus means more attention to actual combat technique rather than just power levels. You get descriptions of sword stances, movement arts, body tempering methods, that kind of thing. The downside is these novels can run extremely long, and quality control varies. I've tried to include entries here that maintain momentum rather than padding endlessly.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Stellar Transformation
4.2
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
In a galaxy far away, there is a kid without the innate ability to practice internal techniques. So, in order to gain the respect of his father, he resolutely chooses to follow the more difficult and painful path of practicing external techniques.
First Impressions
"Stellar Transformation" is a xianxia novel that I found to be a mixed bag, although overall, the experience was worthwhile. It’s one of those stories that really benefits from going in with the right expectations. Initially, I was a little put off by the pacing. It definitely starts slow, focusing on Qin Yu's early life and struggles. Some readers might find this tedious, but I appreciated the character building. It allowed me to connect with Qin Yu and understand his motivations, which are initially driven by a desire to earn his father's approval and help his family. This is a refreshing ch...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
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
Picked up by the Protagonist of a Tormented! MC Novel
4.2
(656 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A suffering MC novel—the main character must be forced to suffer, be oppressed until they’re hovering between life and death, dying and living here and there. They can have a golden finger, but before getting it they must pay the price.
First Impressions
"Picked up by the Protagonist of a Tormented! MC Novel" is a story that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I've got some thoughts. It's a unique blend of genres, and while it might not be perfect, it definitely offers a worthwhile reading experience. The initial premise is definitely intriguing. Our MC transmigrates into a novel as a baby, adopted by the tormented protagonist. The setting is a gritty, pseudo-Western fantasy world, and the early chapters focus on the bond between these two as they struggle to survive. This beginning really hooked me, drawing me into their worl...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Female General And Eldest Princess
4.2
(470 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, martial arts
In order to survive in troubled times; in order to get revenge for loved ones; in order to claim justice for all 118 people who died undeservedly in the village. Lin WanYue took the residence registration of her younger brother Lin FeiXing to join the army, and was determined to kill the Huns al...
First Impressions
"Female General And Eldest Princess" promised a blend of action, political intrigue, and yuri romance set in ancient China, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a compelling story, though not without its flaws. The initial chapters hooked me immediately. The premise of a woman disguising herself as her twin brother to join the army and seek revenge is classic Mulan territory, but the addition of a cold, scheming princess throws a fascinating wrench into the works. I was eager to see how their relationship would unfold amidst the backdrop of war ...
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6
#6 PICK
The Nine Godheads
4.4
(228 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, harem
It’s a trend to take your grandfather along with you when passing through to another world, but we have kind of been cheated—have you ever experienced buy one get eight free? Hong Xiaobao: “This opponent is a bit formidable.
First Impressions
"The Nine Godheads" certainly grabbed my attention with its unique premise, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a buzz. It's a fun ride that blends action, comedy, and martial arts, a combination that, when done right, always gets me hooked. Initially, I was really impressed. The early chapters, where the MC is unable to cultivate, were a breath of fresh air. Instead of the usual downtrodden protagonist, we get someone clever, resourceful, and well-loved. It's a welcome change from the typical "treated like trash" xianxia trope. This MC uses his wits and knowledge, and that's...
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Completed
7
#7 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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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Industrial Cultivation
4.7
(251 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Due to a small accident, the young streamer, Zhu Changyang, traveled to the world of cultivation. Bad news: He had no money, no sect, no cultivation, and was very poor.
First Impressions
"Industrial Cultivation" is a novel that grabbed my attention with its unique premise: a blogger with a science background transmigrating to a cultivation world and using modern technology to solve ancient problems. I found the blend of xianxia, comedy, and romance to be a refreshing take on the genre. Initially, I was drawn in by the humor. The idea of a protagonist creating bicycles, flashlights, and even mass production lines for down jackets in a world of dignified martial artists is inherently funny. I was quickly invested in the main character, Zhu Changyang, and his journey. The chemist...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Unsheathed
4.6
(252 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The boundless universe was filled with all sorts of wonders. I, Chen Ping’an, only have one sword, to move mountains, turn the seas upside down, suppress demons, deal with gods, pluck stars, break rivers, destroy cities, and open the heavenly abode!
First Impressions
"Unsheathed" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a unique xianxia experience that prioritizes character development and world-building over rapid power-ups, which definitely sets it apart from the crowd. Initially, I was a bit taken aback by the pacing. It's definitely a slow burn, and the main character, Chen Ping'An, starts out as incredibly naive and seemingly taken advantage of. Some readers might find this frustrating, but I urge you to stick with it. It's a deliberate choice by the author, and it p...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
The Sick Beauty Marries a Fellow Townsman Who Transmigrated into a Book
4.4
(137 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, historical
Chu Zhao transmigrated to become an ancient prince. He originally just wanted to be lazy like a salted fish, but the emperor arranged a marriage for him.
First Impressions
"The Sick Beauty Marries a Fellow Townsman Who Transmigrated into a Book" is quite the mouthful, but I found the story itself to be a delightful blend of historical intrigue, comedic misunderstandings, and sweet romance. It's a danmei novel that manages to be both lighthearted and engaging, and I can see why it has garnered such positive attention. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the premise. Two transmigrators in ancient China, one armed with foreknowledge of the plot and the other with modern ingenuity? Sign me up! The initial chapters set a good pace, introducing us to the sickly but c...
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Conclusion

Weak-to-strong martial arts represents one of the largest categories in Chinese web novels. These 17 earned their spots through consistent reader ratings, but there's enormous variety in pacing and tone. Some are gritty and slow-burn while others move quickly through power-ups. Check the first few chapters to see which style suits you.

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

Stellar Transformation

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Picked up by the Protagonist of a Tormented! MC Novel

First Impressions

Female General And Eldest Princess

First Impressions

The Nine Godheads

First Impressions

My Daoist Life

First Impressions

Industrial Cultivation

First Impressions