Top 19 Chinese Fantasy Novels with Ruthless Protagonist in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Ruthless protagonists fit naturally into Chinese cultivation worlds where the strong dominate and mercy is often a luxury. These MCs make hard choices without excessive hand-wringing, eliminate threats permanently, and generally operate by the brutal logic of their settings rather than importing modern moral frameworks.

Nineteen novels is a substantial selection for this archetype. You'll find variation in how ruthlessness manifests, from cold calculation to more emotional vengeance-driven violence. The better entries make the ruthlessness feel contextually appropriate rather than just edgy for its own sake.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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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2
RUNNER UP
Reverend Insanity
4.3
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Human beings are the very spirit of all life, while Gu embody the essence of heaven and earth. When one’s worldview, values, and philosophy become twisted, they are no longer human but demon reborn.
First Impressions
"Reverend Insanity" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its reputation. It's a xianxia story, but not quite like any I've encountered before. The sheer volume of content available is impressive, but does the story live up to the hype? After spending a significant amount of time with it, here are my thoughts. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a truly ruthless protagonist. So many novels claim to have an 'evil' MC, but quickly fall into anti-hero tropes. "Reverend Insanity" seemed different. Fang Yuan, the main character, is dedicated to his ...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Eight Treasures Trousseau
4.5
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, historical
Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure. Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the Di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.
First Impressions
"Eight Treasures Trousseau" has been quite the journey, and I've come away with some mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel, set in a fascinating ancient China-esque backdrop, weaves a tale of political intrigue, arranged marriage, and a touch of the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day actress reincarnated as a beautiful, but seemingly apathetic, noble wife. It's a familiar trope, but the promise of a lazy, yet secretly capable, protagonist was intriguing. I found myself curious to see how this character would navigate the complexities of court li...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
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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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Stunning Edge
4.4
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
When a cold and crafty girl travels into the body of a foolish, man-crazy, young female aristocrat, what will happen? A young girl, Claire, falls off a horse while chasing his Royal Highness, the second prince, and falls unconscious.
First Impressions
"Stunning Edge" is a web novel that I've been following with a keen interest, and I have some thoughts to share. It certainly seems to have garnered a dedicated following, but also some strong criticisms. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a female MC who isn't immediately overpowered or falling head-over-heels for every attractive character she meets. The blend of Western and Eastern elements in the world-building was also intriguing. However, I can see where some readers find the beginning a little too "Mary Sue-ish," with the MC seemingly succeeding effortlessly....
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6
#6 PICK
Married Thrice to Salted Fish
4.7
(882 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
At eighteen years old, Lin Qingyu was married as part of a Chong Xi into the Nan’an Hou Mansion, becoming the ill Lu Wancheng’s male wife. On the eve of their wedding, Young Master Hou lay lazily on the bed and said, “Beauty, to be honest, I really don’t want to engage in domestic struggles.
First Impressions
"Married Thrice to Salted Fish" had me hooked from the start with its intriguing premise: a transmigration story where the male lead (ML) is the one hopping bodies, and the male lead (MC) is the original resident. The novel promised a unique take on the genre, and for the most part, it delivered. The initial setup is compelling. We have Lin Qingyu, a cold and calculating doctor, forced into a marriage with the sickly Lu Wancheng, who is secretly the transmigrated Jiang Xing. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between these two vastly different personalities, and I couldn’t wait to see how ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Side Character Transmigrations: The Final Boss is No Joke
4.3
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
System: Host, what is that thing in the sky? Shi Sheng: An intergalactic spaceship.
First Impressions
This web novel promises a wild ride, and after diving into what other readers have experienced, I have mixed feelings. It definitely seems like a story that will leave an impression, for better or worse. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a badass female lead transmigrating into different worlds as a side character, rewriting tragic fates with a healthy dose of face-slapping. The idea of an MC who isn't afraid to be ruthless and doesn't bother pretending to be nice is definitely appealing. I went in expecting a unique take on the transmigration genre, and the initial arcs seem to deliver on...
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8
#8 PICK
The Princess Wei Yang
4.3
(704 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, historical
Life is unpredictable. Her husband loved her stepsister, deposed her as Empress and even forced her son to death.
First Impressions
"The Princess Wei Yang" is quite the rollercoaster! This historical revenge drama throws you headfirst into a world of scheming, court politics, and a protagonist determined to make her enemies pay. While it has its flaws, the sheer intensity of Wei Yang's quest kept me hooked. The opening chapters are definitely a grabber. Learning about Wei Yang's past life – the betrayal, the loss of her child, the torturous death – it's enough to make you want to grab a pitchfork and join her revenge squad. The initial setup is strong, promising a tale of epic retribution, and I was eager to see how she'd ...
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9
#9 PICK
The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich
4.3
(763 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
This is the story of a crazy lich who possesses an internal game system and brings catastrophe to the entire world. “Let’s look at the daily quests today… it’s the damned choose one-of-two-options-type again.
First Impressions
"The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich" is definitely a wild ride! From the title alone, I knew I was in for something different, but I wasn't quite prepared for the mix of genres and tones. It throws you right into the life of Roland, a reincarnated lich with a system, in a world heavily inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy media. The initial chapters set up a silly, almost parodic atmosphere, but there's a serious plot brewing beneath the surface. What really stands out is the world-building. It's deep, detailed, and doesn't offer easy solutions. Roland can't just brute-force hi...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
The Legendary Mechanic
4.3
(839 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
What do you do when you wake up and find yourself inside the very game that you love? What do you do when you realize you that you have not only become an NPC – you have even been thrown back in time to before the game even launched!
First Impressions
"The Legendary Mechanic" is quite the ride, a blend of sci-fi, mecha action, and RPG elements that kept me hooked for a good chunk of my reading time. It's a transmigration story, but with a twist: our protagonist finds himself not as a player, but as an NPC in the very game he used to play. This setup alone provides a unique angle, and the story largely delivers on its promise. Initially, I was drawn in by the sheer scope of the world-building. The author doesn't just create a planet; they craft entire galaxies, filled with diverse civilizations and power systems. The premise of a player beco...
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Conclusion

A larger list of ruthless protagonist Chinese fantasy. The specific degree and type of ruthlessness varies across entries. Some MCs are pragmatic calculators, others are more viscerally brutal. Check descriptions to find the tone that appeals to 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

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Reverend Insanity

First Impressions

Eight Treasures Trousseau

First Impressions

Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

First Impressions

Stunning Edge

First Impressions

Married Thrice to Salted Fish

First Impressions

Side Character Transmigrations: The Final Boss is No Joke

First Impressions

The Princess Wei Yang

First Impressions

The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich

First Impressions