Top 21 Alchemy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

21 Novels

Alchemy as a focus means novels where pill refining, potion making, or material transformation drives significant plot and progression. In Chinese cultivation novels, alchemy provides economic value and personal power simultaneously. The protagonist who can refine pills others can't commands resources and allies.

The appeal is partly the crafting satisfaction of creating something valuable, partly the economic dynamics of a production-based advantage. Alchemy novels tend toward protagonists who succeed through knowledge and skill rather than pure combat power, though the two usually combine eventually. These entries feature alchemy as central rather than incidental.

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1
TOP PICK
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5
(3.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
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
Lord of the Mysteries
4.7
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: drama, horror, mature
With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?
First Impressions
"Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
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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Completed
7
#7 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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8
#8 PICK
The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady
4.2
(749 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
She was the godly thief of the 24th century, yet she was reincarnated as a good-for-nothing idiot with no parents. Not only that, she had to bend her will according to her relatives’ mood.
First Impressions
"The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady" is quite a ride, a xuanhuan tale with a strong female lead that had me hooked despite a few bumps along the way. With action, adventure, comedy, and a dash of gender-bending, there's a lot to unpack in this completed original web novel. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. Some readers mentioned a slow start, with early chapters feeling repetitive and the main character's initial "foolish" persona being off-putting. I can see where they're coming from; the pacing does take a while to pick up. However, I found that sticking with it paid off, and the...
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9
#9 PICK
Grasping Evil
4.3
(620 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, ecchi
Master said, the woman I held in my hands, I must protect for the rest of my life Master said, it’s hard to cultivate as a Demon, and once you enter the Demon Dao, you should never look back. Master said, Heaven is a Circle and the Earth is a Square; that Circle represents (is) consummate perfec...
First Impressions
"Grasping Evil" is quite the ride, and after diving deep into what others have experienced, I'm ready to share my take. This novel definitely has a unique flavor that sets it apart in the crowded xianxia genre. Okay, I'll be honest, the initial chapters can be a bit rough. It seems like the author was finding their footing, and some early plot points might feel a little cliché or even off-putting. Some have mentioned a slow start and a massive info dump of terms in the first 50 chapters. However, I've heard from many long-time readers that pushing past the first 200 chapters is crucial. Appare...
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#10 PICK
Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady
4.4
(446 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
She is the twenty-fourth century’s strongest immortal cultivator, but transferred into a world of magic where demons roamed rampant; a punching bag tyrannized and ostracized by her clan on one side while the s*um of a man that is her fiancé humiliated, trampled her on the other side… Want to rava...
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady." I went in with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given the wide range of opinions I'd seen. Overall, I found it to be a fun, if imperfect, read. Initially, I was hooked by the promise of a strong female lead who doesn't dilly-dally. And, for the most part, the novel delivers on that front. The MC is powerful from the get-go, which is a refreshing change from the typical transmigration trope where the heroine spends ages building her strength. She's also quite shameless, which leads to some genuinely hilarious sit...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Need to Propose to Seven Men What to Do!
4.5
(543 ratings)
Genre: adult, comedy, drama
Chu Mu Yun relied on his story of 《Demon Realm》 to become a one-hit-wonder in JJWXC, but he never expected that he, after writing out seven mental cases and abusing seven mental cases to death, would transmigrate into this shitty novel! What the hell was this system on the bracelet?
First Impressions
"Need to Propose to Seven Men What to Do!" is definitely a wild ride, and I can see why it's garnered such a dedicated fanbase. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately intrigued by the premise and the sheer audacity of the MC's task. It's a blend of genres that shouldn't work, but somehow, it really does. Honestly, the title almost scared me off. It screamed "harem," which isn't usually my cup of tea. But I'm glad I dug a little deeper. The initial chapters introduce a world brimming with potential and a protagonist who's far more than just a helpless damsel in distress. Instead, he's a cun...
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Conclusion

Alchemy-focused novels often appeal to readers who enjoy crafting systems and economic progression alongside combat. The tag overlaps with pill refining and crafting lists. If you want alchemy specifically rather than general crafting, this list prioritizes that focus.

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

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

I Shall Seal the Heavens

First Impressions

A Will Eternal

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

The Legendary Master’s Wife

First Impressions

World of Cultivation

First Impressions

The Good for Nothing Seventh Young Lady

First Impressions

Grasping Evil

First Impressions

Unprecedented Pill Refiner: Entitled Ninth Young Lady

First Impressions