Top 19 Chinese Xianxia Novels with Ruthless Protagonist in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Ruthless xianxia protagonists don't hesitate when obstacles appear. They eliminate threats permanently rather than leaving enemies alive to cause problems later. This pragmatic approach appeals to readers tired of protagonists who show mercy only to face consequences for it.

The best ruthless protagonist stories maintain some moral complexity. Pure sociopaths become boring quickly. I prefer entries where the protagonist's ruthlessness has clear limits or costs something meaningful. The cultivation context helps justify harsh actions since the stakes genuinely involve survival and immortality.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
I Shall Seal the Heavens
4.3
(3.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
“What I want, the Heavens shall not lack! ” “What I don’t want, had better not exist under the Heavens!
First Impressions
"I Shall Seal the Heavens" (ISSTH) is a web novel that I found myself diving deep into, and it's been quite the journey. With its blend of action, adventure, and xianxia elements, it's easy to see why so many readers have been captivated. However, like any story of this length, it has its high points and its low points. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. The protagonist, Meng Hao, starts as a regular scholar, far from the overpowered reincarnations or clan heirs that often populate the genre. This fresh start was a welcome change, and I appreciated the early focus on his cleverne...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Renegade Immortal
4.1
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Wang Lin was a bright and kindhearted boy raised by loving parents. Despite being shunned by their relatives, his parents always held hope that their son would rise above and achieve greatness.
First Impressions
"Renegade Immortal" (Xian Ni) is a web novel that I've been diving into, and it’s been quite the journey. It's a xianxia story with a darker edge, and while it has its flaws, it's also incredibly compelling. It's definitely a series that sticks with you, prompting a lot of thought. At first, I was a bit hesitant. Some readers have pointed out that the beginning can be slow, focusing more on Wang Lin's transformation from a naive child to a ruthless cultivator than immediate action. It took me a bit to get into it, but I soon realized that those early chapters are crucial for understanding the ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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
6
#6 PICK
Zhanxian
4.1
(793 ratings)
Genre: action, harem, mature
Gripes have their origins and debts have their debtors. We haven’t crossed each other in days past or present, nor formed any grudges.
First Impressions
"Zhanxian" is a xianxia web novel that I found to be a mixed bag, but ultimately enjoyable despite its flaws. It has an interesting premise and a clever protagonist, but it can also be repetitive and frustrating at times. The initial chapters hooked me with the unique concept of an executioner MC who had executed immortals in his past life. This created a sense of mystery and intrigue that I wanted to explore. The early stages of the story, where the MC is navigating sect politics, were also engaging. However, as I delved deeper, I noticed some recurring issues that detracted from my overall e...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Holding Onto My Man
4.3
(887 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
After an accidental death, in order to continue to live, Gu Bai had to choose to go through various wonderful books to complete tasks. Every time he became a variety of small cannon fodder inside the story, Gu Bai’s code of conduct when completing task is – by all means, don’t be inferior, don’t...
First Impressions
"Holding Onto My Man" is a completed original web novel and ongoing translation that dives into action, adventure, drama, romance, xianxia, and yaoi genres. With a 4.3/5 rating from nearly 900 votes, it's clear this story has resonated with many readers. Let's dive into my thoughts. Going into this novel, I was intrigued by the sheer number of tags. Amnesia, ancient China, apocalypse, a charming protagonist, and a cold protagonist all in one story? It seemed like a wild ride, and I was eager to see how the author would weave these elements together. The premise of a quick transmigration story,...
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8
#8 PICK
Legend of the Great Sage
4.3
(701 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, harem
The paramount existences among daemons are known as ‘Great Sages’. A young man leaves the mountain village and wanders the world, entering the legends step by step, becoming a part of mythology itself.
First Impressions
"Legend of the Great Sage" is a web novel that definitely grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a xianxia tale with a unique flavor, even if it stumbles in some familiar genre pitfalls along the way. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a reincarnation that actually feels like a reincarnation, where the protagonist isn't just conveniently handed power-ups, was refreshing. The early chapters paint a vivid picture of a down-trodden boy who slowly begins to find his strength, and I appreciated how the author took the time t...
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9
#9 PICK
Struggling to Survive with Regression Power in the Primordial Saint Sect
4.6
(26 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Lu Yang transmigrated into the world of immortal cultivation, only to become a disciple of the First Saint Demonic Sect. By sheer luck, he obtained the 【Book of a Hundred Lifetimes】, a wondrous treasure that let him start over with a new life every time he died—resetting everything to the beginn...
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride. "Struggling to Survive with Regression Power in the Primordial Saint Sect" isn't your typical cultivation story; it's a deep dive into a world of moral ambiguity, intricate plotting, and a protagonist who's far from a saint. Initially, I was a bit hesitant. Some of the early chapters felt a little derivative, like a lighter version of another regression story. However, I quickly realized that this novel takes a hard turn into unique territory. The pacing is rapid, and the author wastes no time throwing you into the thick of things. It's a story that grab...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Walking the Ten Thousand Daos
4.6
(14 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Li Qi thought that even after transmigrating, his life would be one of quiet obscurity. Yet in a twist of fate, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a path leading upward – an opportunity to rise.
First Impressions
After diving into the world of "Walking the Ten Thousand Daos," I've come away with a strong impression of a meticulously crafted xianxia story that dares to be different. While it may not be perfect, its strengths definitely outweigh its weaknesses, making it a novel I'd recommend to fans of the genre. Right off the bat, this novel sets itself apart. The synopsis might seem generic, but don't let that fool you. We're thrown into a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique, with a protagonist who's already weathered three years of hardship after being isekai'd. This isn't the typi...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Evil Emperor’s Wild Consort
3.9
(600 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
She has come a long way. Orphaned, born a weakling, and being the infamous good-for-nothing of Azure Dragon Country.
First Impressions
Evil Emperor’s Wild Consort is a web novel that I went into with mixed expectations, given the wide range of opinions I encountered. It’s a reincarnation story, and those can be hit or miss, even for someone like me who enjoys the genre. Overall, it was an interesting read, but it definitely had its ups and downs. The beginning was a bit rough, I have to admit. The initial chapters felt rushed, and the sheer number of tropes thrown at me was almost overwhelming. It's your classic betrayed-genius-reborn-as-trash setup, which can be fun, but it felt very generic at first. However, I decided to s...
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Conclusion

These rankings favor protagonists who commit to their ruthlessness consistently. Reader ratings reward decisive characters who solve problems efficiently. If you want xianxia where the protagonist doesn't pull punches, this list delivers that without excessive edginess.

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

I Shall Seal the Heavens

First Impressions

The Desolate Era

First Impressions

Reverend Insanity

First Impressions

Renegade Immortal

First Impressions

Stellar Transformation

First Impressions

Zhanxian

First Impressions

Holding Onto My Man

First Impressions

Legend of the Great Sage

First Impressions

Struggling to Survive with Regression Power in the Primordial Saint Sect

First Impressions