Top 17 Fast Cultivation Novels in 2026
Fast cultivation novels accelerate the typical progression pace. Instead of hundreds of chapters per realm, protagonists advance quickly through multiple stages. The appeal is watching rapid growth without the padding that slower entries accumulate.
I've looked for entries where the fast pace doesn't sacrifice narrative substance. Quick should mean efficient, not shallow.
Ranked Novels
- 1TOP PICK
A Will Eternal
4.4(2.0K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One will to create oceans. One will to summon the mulberry fields.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "A Will Eternal." I've spent some time digging through what readers are saying, and I've got a pretty good feel for this one. It seems to be a novel that evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative. The initial chapters seem to be a real hit. Many readers, myself included, found themselves laughing out loud. The main character, Bai Xiaochun, is definitely not your typical righteous hero. He's cunning, a bit shameless, and driven by a very relatable fear of death. This makes for some hilarious situations right from the start, and the author, Er Gen, seems to kno...
- 2RUNNER 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...
- 3HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My Disciple Died Yet Again
4.5(1.6K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.
First Impressions
"My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...
- 4EDITORS CHOICE
Cultivation Chat Group
4.5(1.2K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One day, Song Shuhang was suddenly added to a chat group with many seniors that suffered from chuuni disease. The people inside the group would call each other ‘Fellow Daoist’ and had all different kinds of titles: Palace Master, Cave Lord, True Monarch, Immortal Master, etc.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "Cultivation Chat Group." When I first heard the premise – a regular college student accidentally gets added to a chat group full of cultivators – I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like a recipe for comedic gold, and honestly, it largely delivers. The initial chapters do a good job of easing you into the xianxia world, and Song Shuhang, the MC, is pretty relatable as he tries to wrap his head around the whole cultivation thing. The humor is definitely a standout. It's not just slapstick; it's clever, often poking fun at xianxia tropes themselves. The author has a...
- 5EDITORS CHOICE
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...
- 6#6 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....
- 7#7 PICK
Martial World
4.1(1.8K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
In the Realm of the Gods, countless legends fought over a mysterious cube. After the battle, it disappeared into the void.
First Impressions
Martial World is a completed web novel that I found myself diving into with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It's a sprawling xuanhuan tale, and with that comes certain expectations, both good and bad. After consuming a good chunk of this story, I can say it delivers on some fronts but stumbles in others. The initial chapters drew me in with the classic underdog story: a determined young man, Lin Ming, finds a mysterious object (the Magic Cube) and sets out on a path of cultivation. What stood out to me early on was Lin Ming himself. He's portrayed as level-headed and focused, a refreshing...
- 8#8 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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- 9#9 PICK
Douluo Dalu
4.2(1.1K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Tang Sect, the most famous martial arts sect of all. By stealing its most secret teachings to fulfill his dreams, Tang San committed an unforgivable crime.
First Impressions
"Douluo Dalu" is quite the ride, a xuanhuan novel that plunges you into a world of spirit beasts, martial arts, and cultivation. After diving in, I can see why it's so popular, but also where it stumbles a bit. Initially, I was hooked. The concept of spirit rings and the unique power system definitely grabbed my attention. I found myself drawn into the world-building, eager to learn about spirit masters and their abilities. The early chapters, especially the tournament arcs, were genuinely exciting. I could see why so many readers found it to be a great introduction to Chinese web novels....
- 10#10 PICK
Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man
4.5(976 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After dying from a strange terminal illness, Ling Lan was reborn into a world 10,000 years into the future. Although she dearly wished she could just live a peaceful and uneventful life in her new healthy body, fate had other plans… Forced to disguise herself as a boy just so she could inherit h...
First Impressions
"Crossing to the Future, it’s Not Easy to Be a Man" is quite the ride! With its blend of action, adventure, comedy, and a healthy dose of gender-bending mecha sci-fi, it's easy to see why this novel has garnered so much attention. It certainly grabbed mine. Initially, I was intrigued by the high ratings and the unique premise of a female protagonist navigating a futuristic, male-dominated society while disguised as a man. The early chapters hooked me with the introduction of Ling Lan, a girl reborn into a world of mechas and interstellar wars, and the circumstances that forced her to adopt a m...
- 11#11 PICK
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...
- 12#12 PICK
Reborn As a System
4.5(558 ratings)Genre: action, adult, adventure
Space, system, treasure, spirit tools … other protagonists all have golden fingers, Shi Qing: this young grandpa [Xiao Ye] is a golden finger. It’s just that …he is now a golden finger and even more importantly bound to a host?
First Impressions
"Reborn As a System" caught my eye with its unique premise: the protagonist becomes the system, rather than being hosted by one. I dove in hoping for something fresh, and I definitely got it. This novel is a rollercoaster of action, adventure, and romance, with a healthy dose of xianxia thrown in for good measure. I was immediately drawn in by the fast-paced plot. There's never a dull moment as the MC and his ML traverse various worlds, each with its own distinct flavor. The initial setup is intriguing, and I found myself quickly invested in the leads' journey. I was a little wary of the "yand...
- 13#13 PICK
I Have Medicine
4.2(430 ratings)Genre: action, adult, adventure
Gu Zuo: Are you sick? Gongyi Tianheng: You have medicine?
First Impressions
"I Have Medicine" is a web novel that I found myself completely engrossed in, despite its intimidating length. This xianxia story, with its generous helping of shounen ai, definitely earns its spot on my "favorites" shelf. I will say that you should be prepared for a slow burn, but I personally found it to be worth the wait. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The author has crafted a rich and detailed universe that unfolds gradually, keeping me invested chapter after chapter. The premise, a modern-day individual transmigrating into a cultivation world with a system, isn't entirel...
- 14#14 PICK
Into the World of Medicine
4.2(332 ratings)Genre: action, fantasy, romance
Rong Qingyan is a 21st century successor of a medicinal family, proficent in medical knowledge. But in the end, she has died in the hands of her relatives.
First Impressions
Into the World of Medicine promised a compelling blend of genres, and while it delivered on some fronts, it stumbled in others. As someone who enjoys a good transmigration story with a strong female lead, I went in with high hopes, but came out feeling somewhat conflicted. Initially, the novel hooked me with its familiar setup: a modern doctor reincarnated into a "trash" character in a cultivation world. The promise of revenge, face-slapping, and a doting love interest was definitely appealing. The early chapters moved quickly, introducing the core conflicts and hinting at the MC's potential. ...
- 15#15 PICK
C Language Cultivation
4.4(197 ratings)Genre: mystery, romance, sci-fi
Lin Xun is a programmer. After coding all night, he found a program input window in his body.
First Impressions
"C Language Cultivation" promised a unique blend of xuanhuan and modern tech, and for the most part, it delivered an intriguing experience. While it wasn't exactly what I expected going in, I found myself captivated by the mystery and the quirky characters. Initially, the premise of cultivation through programming was a huge draw. The idea of Lin Xun, our MC, seeing a blue screen over everyone's head and using C language to cultivate felt fresh and innovative. I was ready for a lighthearted romp through a world where coding was the key to power. However, I quickly realized this novel was much ...
- 16#16 PICK
I Married a Disabled Tyrant After Transmigrating
4.4(229 ratings)Genre: adult, drama, fantasy
Mu Wanwan transmigrated into a novel. And became a cannon fodder side character used to counteract the disabled tyrant’s ill fortune.
First Impressions
This novel was quite the ride! "I Married a Disabled Tyrant After Transmigrating" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise and engaging characters. It's a blend of fantasy, romance, and slice-of-life that really worked for me. I was immediately drawn in by the world-building, a cultivation setting where dragons, demons, beastmen, and other races coexist. The story kicks off with our FL transmigrating and finding herself married to a disabled and cursed dragon tyrant. It's a compelling setup, and I was eager to see how their relationship would develop....
- 17#17 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...
Conclusion
Fast cultivation appeals if you want progression without the grind. These picks deliver rapid advancement that still feels meaningful.
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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.
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Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.
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Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.
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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

















