Top 19 Completed Chinese Martial arts Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Traditional martial arts novels (wuxia) emphasize skill and technique over raw power levels. Compared to cultivation stories, the power ceiling stays lower, which keeps conflicts more grounded. I find this makes fights feel more tactical rather than just comparing who has higher numbers. The completed entries here represent classic wuxia sensibilities brought to conclusion. Many are older works that established the genre conventions newer novels riff on. If you want to understand where cultivation fiction came from, martial arts provides that foundation.

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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Sha Po Lang
4.6
(743 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
“The first person to dig ziliujin fuel out of the ground could never have predicted that what they dug out was the beginning of a dog-eat-dog age. Our entire life was but an ugly confidence game of greed; this is something everyone knows, but that they could not bring to light.
First Impressions
"Sha Po Lang" is a novel that’s been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it garners so much praise, even if it didn't completely blow me away. It's definitely a unique read, blending elements of steampunk, political intrigue, and romance in a way that sets it apart from many web novels in the genre. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The concept of an ancient China powered by "ziliujin" (violetstream gold) is fascinating, and the mecha elements add a layer of excitement. The setup, with a mature-for-his-age young protagonist and his complex relationship wi...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Faraway Wanderers
4.4
(677 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
A tale about the former leader of a special organization that served under royalty, now leaving his past life behind and unintentionally getting involved with the martial world.
First Impressions
"Faraway Wanderers" is a wuxia novel that certainly took me on a journey. With elements of action, comedy, drama, and romance (shounen ai), it's a blend of genres that aims to offer something for everyone. Having finally finished it, I have a few thoughts to share. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Zhou Zishu, a former leader of an imperial intelligence network, seeks to retire and wander the Jianghu only to stumble upon a conspiracy. The introduction of Wen Kexing, a flirtatious and mysterious martial artist, immediately piqued my interest. The story felt like it was setting up for a ...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Peerless
4.7
(584 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
On the Third-Year of Kaihuang, as the Great Sui unfolds its curtains to welcome the glorious Tang Dynasty in succession to the Northern Dynasty, Yang Jian established a secret agency, the Jiejian Bureau in preparation to unify the world. In a stormy night filled with snow, a convoy of tribute se...
First Impressions
"Peerless" is a web novel that truly lived up to its name. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into its intricate world of political intrigue, complex characters, and witty banter. It's one of those stories that sticks with you long after you've finished the last page. Honestly, the synopsis was a bit overwhelming at first glance, with all the genres and tags listed. However, once I dove in, I quickly realized the author, Meng Xi Shi, masterfully weaves together action, mystery, comedy, and romance into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The initial mystery surrounding the missing...
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Completed
7
#7 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...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
The Captivating Crown Prince
4.5
(511 ratings)
Genre: drama, gender bender, harem
After getting betrayed and killed by the only person she’d loved, Miss Shang wakes up in the body of the cowardly crown prince Shang Wuxin, who, due to her own circumstances, was actually a girl cross-dressing as a boy. After inheriting the crown prince’s memories, Shang Wuxin has three things o...
First Impressions
"The Captivating Crown Prince" promised a thrilling blend of gender-bending intrigue, historical drama, and reverse harem romance. After diving in, I found a story with definite strengths, although not without a few potential pitfalls. The premise immediately grabbed my attention: a cold, ruthless modern woman reincarnated as a cross-dressing crown prince. The initial chapters set the stage well, introducing a protagonist who's far from the typical damsel in distress. I was intrigued by the power dynamics and the hints of a deeper plot brewing beneath the surface....
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Jiang Hu’s Road is Curved
4.4
(468 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
Alone, Pang Wan entered the Jiang Hu[1]. Her dream was to become a pure lady [2], to find her destined other half.
First Impressions
"Jiang Hu's Road is Curved" promised a comedic wuxia adventure, and while it delivered on that front, it also surprised me with its depth and unexpected turns. It's a novel that plays with your expectations, and for the most part, it does so masterfully. Initially, I was a bit put off by the main character, Pang Wan. She's introduced as a naive and somewhat narcissistic girl, obsessed with the idea of being the heroine in her own romance story. It felt a bit cliché, but I persisted, and I'm glad I did. The early chapters are lighthearted, almost a parody of the typical Mary Sue trope, but the ...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Dinghai Fusheng Records
4.5
(308 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Immortal arts, magic weapons, magical powers, and the boundless spiritual qi between heaven and earth vanished into obscurity overnight, and all exorcists turned to mere mortals. Three hundred years later, the Five Hus traversed the pass, it was a prelude to an era of great turmoil in China.
First Impressions
"Dinghai Fusheng Records" has been quite the journey! Blending historical fantasy, action, and a healthy dose of comedy, this novel had me hooked from the start. The world-building is intricate, drawing heavily on ancient Chinese history and mythology, which I found fascinating even if it meant a bit of Googling along the way. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: Chen Xing, a young exorcist destined to die young, embarks on a quest to find his protector and save the world. The setup is intriguing, and the early chapters are filled with humor and lighthearted moments that quickly endeared ...
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Conclusion

These 19 completed Chinese martial arts novels offer full story arcs without waiting for updates. Translation quality varies across entries, and some older works may feel dated compared to modern web novels. Checking reviews helps gauge whether specific titles match your expectations. The list updates when newly completed translations become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Sha Po Lang

First Impressions

Faraway Wanderers

First Impressions

Peerless

First Impressions

The Grandmaster Strategist

First Impressions

The Captivating Crown Prince

First Impressions

Jiang Hu’s Road is Curved

First Impressions