Top 19 Trending Chinese Action Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Trending lists capture what's generating buzz right now rather than what's proven over time. These Chinese action novels are currently active in terms of updates, discussions, and reader engagement. Some will become long-term favorites, others will fade. That uncertainty is part of the appeal if you like discovering things early.

The entries here represent recent releases or ongoing series with momentum. Chinese action at the trending level tends to follow established formulas with variations: cultivation combat, sect conflicts, progression through combat. The innovations are usually in execution details rather than fundamental structure. For readers who enjoy following active series and community discussions, these are worth watching.

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
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 ...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Legendary Master’s Wife
4.3
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
After a sudden and unfortunate explosion, You Xiaomo wakes up in a body and a world that isn’t his own. With his name being the only remaining thing familiar to him, he has to adapt quickly, a task as incredulous as it is dire.
First Impressions
"The Legendary Master’s Wife" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan novel with a healthy dose of yaoi that seems to have divided readers. It definitely kept me hooked, but not without some reservations along the way. Jumping in, I was immediately drawn to the world-building. The author clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a detailed and immersive cultivation world, and I appreciated the gradual unfolding of its intricacies. It felt like I was learning alongside the MC, You XiaoMo, as he navigated this new reality. The initial focus on alchemy and adventure was also a plus....
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6
#6 PICK
World of Cultivation
4.3
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
An unknown disciple from a small sect battling against the strongest in the cultivation world! The long journey working at cultivation, the realization of destiny, and the chance to reach the apex of the world.
First Impressions
"World of Cultivation" is definitely a web novel that sticks with you. With a solid 4.3 rating, it's clear a lot of people have found something to love here, and I can see why. It’s a unique xuanhuan story that deviates from some of the genre's more tired tropes. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a less overpowered main character. Zuo Mo, our protagonist, starts out as a humble farmer, and his journey is about so much more than just brute strength. I found myself chuckling at his money-grubbing tendencies and his interactions with the quirky cast of characters surrounding him. Howeve...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
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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#8 PICK
The King’s Avatar
4.3
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
In the online game Glory, Ye Xiu is regarded as a textbook and a top-tier pro-player. However, due to a myriad reasons, he is kicked from the team.
First Impressions
When I first dove into The King's Avatar, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. An esports novel centered around a keyboard and mouse MMO? It sounded a bit…unromantic. But I was quickly drawn in by the story of Ye Xiu, a fallen pro gamer trying to reclaim his former glory. The initial chapters hooked me with their melancholic tone and a glimpse into a world that felt both familiar and uniquely compelling. What immediately stood out to me was the level of detail in the game mechanics and the overall realism of the esports atmosphere. The author clearly knows their stuff, and it shows. Unlike s...
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Completed
9
#9 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...
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10
#10 PICK
Against the Gods
3.9
(3.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, ecchi
Mythical Abode Mountain, Cloud’s End Cliff, the most dangerous of Azure Cloud Continent’s four deadly areas. Cloud’s End Cliff’s base is known as the Grim Reaper’s Cemetery.
First Impressions
"Against the Gods" is a web novel that evokes strong reactions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a rollercoaster of power-ups, revenge, and a dash of romance that certainly kept me entertained, even if I occasionally rolled my eyes. Initially, I was hooked. The early chapters promised a compelling story of reincarnation and a protagonist with a hidden past. Yun Che, the MC, starts as an underdog, and I found myself rooting for him as he navigated his new life. The blend of martial arts and fantasy elements created an intriguing world that I was eager to explore....
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Conclusion

Trending status is temporary by definition. This list will change as new novels gain traction and current ones plateau. If you're looking for proven quality over emerging buzz, check our reader choice or all-time lists instead.

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

I Shall Seal the Heavens

First Impressions

Release that Witch

First Impressions

A Will Eternal

First Impressions

The Desolate Era

First Impressions

The Legendary Master’s Wife

First Impressions

World of Cultivation

First Impressions

Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

First Impressions

The King’s Avatar

First Impressions

Cultivation Chat Group

First Impressions