Top 19 Chinese Action Novels with Male Protagonist in 2026
Chinese action with male protagonists is probably the largest category in web fiction, and for good reason. These cultivators and martial artists punch through obstacles, navigate sect politics, and ascend through power systems that span mortal to immortal realms. The genre delivers on power fantasy with satisfying progression and combat spectacle.
Quality varies enormously given the sheer volume of entries. The best distinguish themselves through coherent power scaling, memorable antagonists, and protagonists with actual personalities beyond "determined." Some lean into strategic elements, others focus on raw combat. All of them feature male leads working toward strength through xianxia or xuanhuan frameworks.
Ranked Novels
- 1TOP PICK
The Legend of Sun Knight
4.7(642 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I am a knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight.
First Impressions
"The Legend of Sun Knight" is a wild ride, a series I initially avoided but quickly fell in love with. It's a story that expertly blends humor and heart, and I found myself completely swept up in the adventures of Grisia Sun and his band of quirky knights. At first glance, I'll admit, the title and cover art didn't exactly scream "must-read." I braced myself for something generic, maybe even a bit cheesy. What I found was anything but. The initial chapters grabbed me with their unique brand of humor, and I was soon hooked. The premise, while seemingly unbelievable, quickly becomes endearing as...
- 2RUNNER UP
High Energy QR Code
4.7(240 ratings)Genre: action, drama, fantasy
Xing Ye couldn’t accept the sudden death of his younger brother, and as he searched for answers, he recalled the QR code he once saw on his brother’s phone. Having a photographic memory, he was able to quickly sketch out the QR code.
First Impressions
"High Energy QR Code" is a web novel that really grabbed my attention. I dove in expecting a typical survival game story, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique elements and clever protagonist. It's easy to see why this novel has such a high rating. The premise is intriguing: the MC enters a game world to investigate his brother's mysterious death, choosing to rebel against fate despite the odds. I was immediately hooked by the idea of a protagonist who actively defies the system, relying on his intelligence and strategic thinking rather than sheer luck. This setup definitely se...
- 3HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Female-Dominant World: The Fallen Saint Just Wants to Die
5.0(1 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Tien transmigrates into a female-dominant world, becomes the Saint, and faces the desperate situation of a fallen nation. Coincidentally, the cheat promised by the goddess requires dying once to activate.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "Female-Dominant World: The Fallen Saint Just Wants to Die." The title alone grabbed my attention; it's got that perfect blend of intrigue and dark humor. The premise is certainly unique: a male protagonist, burdened with a goddess's promise of a time reset and cheat abilities upon his death, is actively seeking a way to kick the bucket, with the catch being he can't do it himself or harm others. It's a fascinating setup, ripe with comedic and potentially tragic possibilities. The core concept is undeniably strong. The idea of a protagonist constantly failing in his at...
- 4EDITORS CHOICE
Release that Witch
4.5(3.0K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.
First Impressions
"Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...
- 5EDITORS CHOICE
The Earth is Online
4.6(2.1K ratings)Genre: action, adventure, mature
Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.
First Impressions
"The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...
- 6#6 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...
- 7#7 PICK
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...
- 8#8 PICK
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...
- 9#9 PICK
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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- 10#10 PICK
I’m Really Not The Demon God’s Lackey
4.4(736 ratings)Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Lin Jie is the owner of a bookstore in another world. He’s kind and warm-hearted, often recommending healing books to customers who are going through a tough time.
First Impressions
"I'm Really Not The Demon God's Lackey" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its unique blend of dark fantasy, comedy, and the ever-popular misunderstanding trope. I dove in expecting a lighthearted read, and while it largely delivered, there were definitely some elements that stood out more than others. The premise is immediately intriguing: a bookstore owner from our world is transported to a magical, somewhat grim world, unaware that his "normal" books are actually powerful artifacts in the eyes of his customers. The humor stems from the stark contrast between his mundane perspecti...
- 11#11 PICK
Superstars of Tomorrow
4.5(592 ratings)Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Well-known Composer Fang Zhao was in the most glorious stage of his career, when the Apocalypse arrived; After finally experiencing the bitter difficulties of a thousand dangers, when the Apocalypse was simmering down to an end, he collapsed; When he opened his eyes, he was reborn in a New World,...
First Impressions
"Superstars of Tomorrow" is a web novel that took me on a wild ride. It's a blend of genres – action, comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi all rolled into one. The premise is intriguing: a composer and hardened warrior from an apocalyptic past gets a second chance at life in a futuristic world, inhabiting the body of a young man named Fang Zhao. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique concept of a protagonist who is both musically gifted and combat-ready. The early chapters set the stage well, introducing us to Fang Zhao's new life and the challenges he faces. The idea of him navigating a world vastly ...
- 12#12 PICK
My House of Horrors
4.6(647 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, horror
After the disappearance of his parents, Chen Ge inherits the family-run haunted house attraction at an amusement park. Struggling to bring in customers, he discovers a black phone that grants him the chance to improve his haunted house with expanded scenarios, mastery of skills, the possibility ...
First Impressions
"My House of Horrors" is a wild ride, a blend of genres that somehow manages to be both terrifying and hilarious. It's a novel that grabbed me from the start with its unique premise and kept me hooked, even when it stumbled a bit along the way. The initial concept is undeniably genius: a young man inherits a haunted house attraction and a mysterious phone, leading him into a supernatural world. I was immediately drawn in by the protagonist, Chen Ge, a plucky and resourceful guy who has to navigate increasingly dangerous situations with nothing but his wits and a healthy dose of bravado. It's a...
- 13#13 PICK
Dominion’s End
4.5(730 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The red meteor shower rained across the sky, a black fog engulfed the world. After waking from a night of torture and agony, Humans discovered they no longer dominated the world.
First Impressions
"Dominion's End" has been quite the ride so far! Jumping into a post-apocalyptic world with a gender-bending protagonist wasn't exactly on my radar, but I'm definitely hooked. The story blends action, adventure, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural in a way that keeps me constantly entertained. Initially, the premise seemed a bit chaotic – age regression, amnesia, an alternate world, and an apocalypse all rolled into one? It felt like a lot to take in. But the writing quickly won me over. I was immediately drawn to the main character's internal struggles and the dynamic between the siblings...
- 14#14 PICK
The Grandmaster Strategist
4.6(472 ratings)Genre: action, drama, martial arts
This is an alternate history. Decades after the fall of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the world is still in chaos, although there is hope for reunification.
First Impressions
"The Grandmaster Strategist" is a web novel that really surprised me. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly found myself drawn into its intricate world of political maneuvering and strategic brilliance. It's definitely not your typical power fantasy, and that's precisely what makes it stand out. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The story dives right into a complex setting reminiscent of ancient China, and there's a lot of information thrown at you early on. I can see why some readers might find the beginning slow or even boring; it requires patience and a willingness to abso...
- 15#15 PICK
Nirvana In Fire
4.5(186 ratings)Genre: action, drama, historical
The East River Alliance is the world’s biggest clan. Its chief, Mei Changsu, arrived at the royal capital Jinling under the alias of Su Zhe.
First Impressions
"Nirvana In Fire" truly swept me away. I went in expecting a standard revenge tale, but I found a deeply moving story about loyalty, justice, and the cost of vengeance. It's one of those novels that sticks with you long after you finish the last page. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a man betrayed and left for dead returns under a new identity to exact revenge. Right away, the world-building of ancient China pulled me in, and the characters, especially the calm and intelligent protagonist Mei Changsu, intrigued me. I could immediately see why the drama adaptation is so popular!...
- 16#16 PICK
Salted Fish Zombie
4.5(193 ratings)Genre: action, horror, mystery
Ning Su’s hair is soft, his skin is pale, his expression is slightly sluggish, his body is thin, and he is out of place in the crowd of passers-by. He listened to the people around him discussing how to clear the level of this dungeon, and asked: “I survived the level, does it count as clearing ...
First Impressions
"Salted Fish Zombie" is quite the ride! I went into it expecting a typical infinite flow novel, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique blend of horror, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming relationships. The story follows Ning Su, a zombie who just wants to laze around, but of course, gets dragged into solving everyone's problems. Initially, I wasn't completely hooked. Ning Su's personality took a little getting used to, his blasé attitude felt frustrating, but as I progressed, his character really began to shine. His desire for a peaceful life, combined with his unexpected kind...
- 17#17 PICK
Joyful Reunion
4.5(251 ratings)Genre: action, adult, adventure
His name was Duan Ling. He used to be nothing more than an illegitimate child with humble beginnings.
First Impressions
"Joyful Reunion" is a web novel that truly swept me off my feet. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page. It's a serious novel, be prepared for some heart wrenching moments and anxiety despite the peaceful cover. I found myself completely engrossed in the world and the characters, experiencing a whole range of emotions from joy and warmth to utter devastation. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The cover art is beautiful, but the tags hinted at a complex story with mature themes. However, from the very first chapter, I was drawn in by the ...
- 18#18 PICK
The Passerby, He Turned out to Be the World-Ending Boss
4.5(344 ratings)Genre: action, adventure, romance
Shen Jie found himself in the body of a passerby in a post-apocalyptic novel. The passerby was an ordinary person without any superpowers, just a low-level employee at the research institute.
First Impressions
This novel, "The Passerby, He Turned out to Be the World-Ending Boss," definitely took me on a ride! With its blend of action, adventure, romance, and supernatural elements, it’s a story that offers a lot, though it might not click with everyone. Initially, I found the pacing a bit slow. The story dives right into the relationship between the MC and ML, who are already seven years in, which is a refreshing change from the usual build-up. However, it also meant I had to be patient as the backstory and world-building unfolded. Some might find the initial chapters a bit disorienting, but trust me...
- 19#19 PICK
Glory
4.6(441 ratings)Genre: action, comedy, romance
This novel is also known as [I was caught and brought back after using and tossing aside the Great Demon King of e-sports…]Wei Xiao––the former rookie king of the league, now an accompanying player and tr*sh talk king, had a stupefied look on his face! Someone bought 10,000 games with him!
First Impressions
"Glory" is an esports BL novel that completely sucked me in. With a solid 4.6/5 rating from readers, I went in with high expectations, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a blend of action, comedy, romance, and sports, and it manages to juggle these elements surprisingly well. From the start, I was struck by the vibrant characters and the energetic pace. The dynamic between the leads, Wei Xiao and Lu Feng, is immediately engaging. Wei Xiao's shamelessness and Lu Feng's cool exterior create a compelling contrast that had me hooked. The esports setting is also well-integrated, making it en...
Conclusion
Male protagonist Chinese action is vast enough that any top list only scratches the surface. These 19 represent well-regarded entries, but personal preferences in power systems and writing style matter a lot. Use ratings as starting points rather than definitive judgments.
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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We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.
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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.
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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.
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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



















