Top 21 Martial arts Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

Martial arts and cultivation together represent the core of Chinese web novel tradition. The martial arts provide the physical techniques and fighting styles, the cultivation provides the energy system and power progression. Combined, they create the wuxia-xianxia hybrid that dominates the genre. Protagonists train both body and spirit, mastering techniques while advancing through cultivation realms.

This combination spans multiple origin traditions since Korean and even some Japanese novels have adopted the cultivation framework. Twenty-one entries provides variety across styles, from more grounded martial arts with light cultivation to cosmic-scale xianxia where the martial arts become almost secondary to spiritual advancement.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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
2
RUNNER UP
Douluo Dalu
4.2
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Tang Sect, the most famous martial arts sect of all. By stealing its most secret teachings to fulfill his dreams, Tang San committed an unforgivable crime.
First Impressions
"Douluo Dalu" is quite the ride, a xuanhuan novel that plunges you into a world of spirit beasts, martial arts, and cultivation. After diving in, I can see why it's so popular, but also where it stumbles a bit. Initially, I was hooked. The concept of spirit rings and the unique power system definitely grabbed my attention. I found myself drawn into the world-building, eager to learn about spirit masters and their abilities. The early chapters, especially the tournament arcs, were genuinely exciting. I could see why so many readers found it to be a great introduction to Chinese web novels....
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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
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Xian Wang Dotes On Wife
4.5
(370 ratings)
Genre: drama, josei, martial arts
She is an expert in medicine, the only daughter of Yun Tian, Yun Valley’s master. Her parents died, leaving her alone in this world.
First Impressions
"Xian Wang Dotes On Wife" promised a charming romance set against the backdrop of ancient China, and for the most part, it delivered. I found myself drawn into the world of a strong, transmigrated female lead and a doting male lead. While it has its flaws, I can see why so many readers have enjoyed this novel. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A capable female lead who isn't immediately bogged down in revenge plots is a breath of fresh air. The story starts three years after her transmigration, which allowed the author to build the world more naturally. I quickly became invested in se...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Unsheathed
4.6
(252 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The boundless universe was filled with all sorts of wonders. I, Chen Ping’an, only have one sword, to move mountains, turn the seas upside down, suppress demons, deal with gods, pluck stars, break rivers, destroy cities, and open the heavenly abode!
First Impressions
"Unsheathed" 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 xianxia experience that prioritizes character development and world-building over rapid power-ups, which definitely sets it apart from the crowd. Initially, I was a bit taken aback by the pacing. It's definitely a slow burn, and the main character, Chen Ping'An, starts out as incredibly naive and seemingly taken advantage of. Some readers might find this frustrating, but I urge you to stick with it. It's a deliberate choice by the author, and it p...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
BOSS Transmigrates as a Little Cutie
4.2
(441 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Qing Yun was probably the only villain who had suffered this much. For hundreds of years, a protagonist had always been barking at him and attempting to harm him, but just couldn’t kill him.
First Impressions
This web novel is quite the ride, and while it's not perfect, I found myself thoroughly entertained. It's a quick transmigration (QT) story with a strong, villainous MC and a devoted ML, but it definitely has its own unique flavor. Okay, I'll admit, the beginning was a little rough. A few readers mentioned struggling with the initial chapters, even suggesting skipping them altogether. The writing style can feel a bit disjointed, with plot points rushing forward without much build-up. It felt like the author had a great outline but missed some crucial connecting tissue....
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8
#8 PICK
I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch
4.2
(388 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I became a female character in a wuxia game I’ve played for the first time.
First Impressions
"I Am This Murim's Crazy Btch" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into a world of martial arts, gender-bending, and laugh-out-loud moments. While it's not without its flaws, I found myself surprisingly entertained by the MC's chaotic journey. The premise is definitely attention-grabbing. A modern-day salaryman transmigrates into a Murim game world as the busty, overpowered character he created? Sign me up! I was immediately intrigued by the blend of modern sensibilities colliding with ancient martial arts traditions. The initial chapters set a fast pace, introdu...
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9
#9 PICK
I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals
4.2
(182 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Lan Chang’an has gone through two lifetimes of reincarnations, and in the third life, he aimed for stability until reaching the Nascent Soul Realm in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the Nine Seal Stele. Consequently, he cultivated the Ancient Trees Evergreen Technique, which wielded modest ...
First Impressions
This novel has been quite the journey, and I'm eager to share my thoughts after diving deep into the world of cultivation with Lan Chang'an. It's definitely a unique take on the xianxia genre, and while it's not without its quirks, it offers a refreshing perspective that kept me engaged. Right off the bat, I noticed that this story establishes a different kind of protagonist. Lan Chang'an isn't your typical hot-blooded, face-slapping hero. He's cautious, calculating, and, some might say, a bit apathetic. He's lived multiple lives, and that experience has definitely shaped his worldview. He's a...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
The Great Conqueror
4.4
(208 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Zou Liang, a man with a passionate interest in a fighting game came into a world governed by the beast tribes. There the ones with high martial ability were respected.
First Impressions
"The Great Conqueror" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of beastmen, cultivation, and a protagonist armed with modern knowledge. It's a wild ride that definitely has its high points, but also some quirks that might make you pause. Initially, I found the world-building a bit overwhelming. The first few chapters are heavy on exposition, and the unique names for races can be hard to keep straight. However, if you power through that initial info dump, the story starts to pick up speed. The premise of a gamer/engineer reincarnated as a "brainless" bearman is intriguing, and I wa...
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11
#11 PICK
The Nine Godheads
4.4
(228 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, harem
It’s a trend to take your grandfather along with you when passing through to another world, but we have kind of been cheated—have you ever experienced buy one get eight free? Hong Xiaobao: “This opponent is a bit formidable.
First Impressions
"The Nine Godheads" certainly grabbed my attention with its unique premise, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered such a buzz. It's a fun ride that blends action, comedy, and martial arts, a combination that, when done right, always gets me hooked. Initially, I was really impressed. The early chapters, where the MC is unable to cultivate, were a breath of fresh air. Instead of the usual downtrodden protagonist, we get someone clever, resourceful, and well-loved. It's a welcome change from the typical "treated like trash" xianxia trope. This MC uses his wits and knowledge, and that's...
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
Living to Suffer
4.4
(258 ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, martial arts
Shen Liangsheng is lying in the dirt bleeding away when a doctor, Ch’in Ching, discovers the wounded man. From then on, these two are in a doomed relationship since Ch’in Ching is fated to become a sacrifice.
First Impressions
"Living to Suffer" is a whirlwind of lust, fate, and tragedy set against the backdrop of ancient China. I dove into this novel expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, and it certainly delivered, though not always in ways I anticipated. With only twenty chapters, it's a quick read, but the story definitely lingers. From the very beginning, the sense of impending doom is palpable. I knew going in that this was a tragedy, but the way the author established the characters' fates made it feel less like a story and more like watching a car crash in slow motion. The initial chapters are heavily focuse...
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Conclusion

Martial arts cultivation is foundational to web novel culture, so this list represents a curated selection rather than comprehensive coverage. These picks execute the combination well, balancing physical combat with spiritual progression. Good as entry points or for finding titles you might have missed.

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

Stellar Transformation

First Impressions

Douluo Dalu

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Xian Wang Dotes On Wife

First Impressions

Unsheathed

First Impressions

BOSS Transmigrates as a Little Cutie

First Impressions

I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

First Impressions

I Shall Be Everlasting In the World of Immortals

First Impressions

The Great Conqueror

First Impressions