Top 21 Xianxia Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

Xianxia with cultivation is the genre in its purest form. These stories follow the pursuit of immortality through spiritual practice, with clearly tiered power systems and the philosophical framework of comprehending the Dao. The genre draws from Taoist concepts and Chinese mythology to create settings where mortal limits can be transcended through dedicated practice.

I find xianxia appeals to readers who enjoy long-form progression with philosophical underpinning. The cultivation journey isn't just about getting numbers bigger; it involves understanding cosmic principles and refining one's nature. These stories often run very long, which suits the gradual nature of cultivation. The 21-entry list reflects how much content exists in this core genre.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Heaven Official’s Blessing
4.7
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: drama, mystery, romance
Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world.
First Impressions
"Heaven Official's Blessing" is quite a ride, a sprawling xianxia novel that's clearly captured the hearts of many, even inspiring an anime adaptation. Diving into this world of gods, demons, and intricate relationships, I can see why it’s become so popular, but I also noticed some recurring concerns that held it back from being a perfect read for me. The story immediately throws you into the chaotic world of Xie Lian, a god who's ascended (and descended) multiple times. His initial assignment and subsequent meeting with the mysterious Hua Cheng sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My Disciple Died Yet Again
4.5
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Game designer Zhu Yao accidentally gets transmigrated into a new xianxia VR game that is currently in development. There she becomes the disciple of the most beautiful male immortal Yu Yan who had to wait 16 thousand years before finally getting a disciple of his own.
First Impressions
"My Disciple Died Yet Again" is a wild ride, a xianxia story that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and the genre as a whole. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, josei, and romance, which might sound like a lot, but somehow the author manages to make it (mostly) work. Initially, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit slow, and the humor didn't always land for me. The premise is unique: a modern-day debugger gets transported into a xianxia world to fix "bugs," and when she fails, she dies and reincarnates, each time with a new perspective and challeng...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, romance
In a Mary-Sue novel, the readers all liked the Devil Venerable, the second male lead who devoted himself whole-heartedly to the female lead. However the female lead only loved the male lead who ab*sed her physically and mentally.
First Impressions
This novel was quite the ride! It's a xianxia with a strong comedic bent and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I found myself thoroughly entertained, and it's easy to see why it has such a high rating. Initially, the story felt a little slow as it set the stage, but that didn't last long. The premise is intriguing: our protagonist, the Devil Venerable Wenren E, discovers a book detailing a future where he's a supporting character in a trashy romance. His reaction? Utter confusion and a determination to understand why the characters are acting so…illogically. I was immediately hooked by his...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Mistakenly Saving the Villain
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!
First Impressions
"Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Ascending, Do Not Disturb
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
You think too much, cultivation is not like this… When Kong Hou steps on the path to cultivation, she learns that all xianxia stories are full of lies. A relaxed cultivation story.
First Impressions
"Ascending, Do Not Disturb" is a breath of fresh air in the Xianxia genre, and I found myself utterly charmed by its unique blend of adventure, comedy, and heartwarming slice-of-life elements. It's a story that left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even if it wasn't perfect. Right from the start, I was drawn in by the protagonist, Kong Hou. She's a delightful character – a former princess with a sunny disposition and a love for cultivation novels. Her carefree attitude is infectious, and I immediately wanted to root for her as she embarked on her journey. The initial chapters are well-translated...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
4.4
(718 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
On the way to a company workshop, we fell into a world of immortal cultivators while still in the car. Those with spiritual roots and unique abilities were all called to join cultivation sects, living prosperously.
First Impressions
"A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation" is quite the ride, a Korean take on the xianxia genre with a unique flavor. The premise is intriguing: a group of ordinary folks get isekai'd into a cultivation world, and our MC, unlike his colleagues, discovers his talent is regression upon his death. It's a blend of action, adventure, drama, and a whole lot more, making for a complex story. Initially, I found myself drawn to the story. The early focus on martial arts, before the cultivation aspects really kicked in, was a breath of fresh air. I appreciated the detailed explanations and the unique system t...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Reborn As a System
4.5
(558 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Space, system, treasure, spirit tools … other protagonists all have golden fingers, Shi Qing: this young grandpa [Xiao Ye] is a golden finger. It’s just that …he is now a golden finger and even more importantly bound to a host?
First Impressions
"Reborn As a System" caught my eye with its unique premise: the protagonist becomes the system, rather than being hosted by one. I dove in hoping for something fresh, and I definitely got it. This novel is a rollercoaster of action, adventure, and romance, with a healthy dose of xianxia thrown in for good measure. I was immediately drawn in by the fast-paced plot. There's never a dull moment as the MC and his ML traverse various worlds, each with its own distinct flavor. The initial setup is intriguing, and I found myself quickly invested in the leads' journey. I was a little wary of the "yand...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire
4.5
(434 ratings)
Genre: comedy, mature, romance
After transmigrating, Chi Muyao was locked in a ‘small dark room’ aka a cave, with the main villain Xi Huai. The demonic cultivator’s body was chained up and his spiritual energy sealed.
First Impressions
"The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire" promised a blend of comedy, romance, and xianxia intrigue, and for the most part, it delivered a delightful experience. While some aspects tested my patience, the overall journey was enjoyable, filled with quirky characters and a sweet, albeit sometimes frustrating, love story. The premise immediately grabbed me: an older, transmigration MC with poor cultivation talent stuck with a young, powerful Demon Venerable. The initial "f*ck-or-die" situation, leading to an unconventional dual cultivation arrangement, was hilarious and set the stage for an interest...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Nan Chan
4.5
(530 ratings)
Genre: adventure, mature, psychological
I have experienced all the eight sufferings of this world. I do not ask for nirvana, but for you.
First Impressions
"Nan Chan" is a xianxia novel that took me on quite a ride. It's a story that demands patience and rewards it with a complex plot, intriguing characters, and a romance that, while controversial, ultimately captivated me. The world-building is extensive, drawing you into a supernatural ancient China filled with demons, deities, and mysteries around every corner. I'll admit, the beginning was a bit rough. The initial chapters threw me into the deep end with a lot of unanswered questions. Jing Lin, our seemingly cold protagonist, is suffering from amnesia, and Cang Ji, a newly-formed human-demon,...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect
4.5
(551 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A cultivation story about how a declining sect is restored by a narcissist, troublemaker, meanie, idiot, and wimpy kid.
First Impressions
"Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect" is a web novel that I found to be quite captivating, although it had some minor issues that kept it from being a perfect read for me. It's a story that explores the meaning of family, love, and the pursuit of immortality, all wrapped up in a xianxia package. At first, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The synopsis didn't quite prepare me for the depth and complexity of the story. I was quickly drawn into the lives of the five disciples of the Fuyao Sect, each with their own unique personalities and flaws. Their interactions felt genuine, like a ...
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon
4.6
(383 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, romance
Xiao Mo accidentally travelled into a book and became the protagonist’s inner demon. The system actively introduced: “You need to accompany Chu Jinglan as he grows, and then be killed by him at the right time to prove his Dao.
First Impressions
"After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise. The idea of a transmigrator becoming the inner demon of the protagonist in a xianxia world? Intriguing! The early chapters promised a delightful slow-burn romance, filled with the classic enemies-to-lovers trope and plenty of cultivation shenanigans. I was ready for a fun ride. The dynamic between Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan is definitely the heart of this novel. I loved watching their relationship evolve from mutual distrust to a deep, unwavering bond. The author does a great job of portraying the...
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Conclusion

This larger list covers xianxia cultivation novels across different styles and approaches. The genre has significant depth, so these 21 entries represent variety rather than exhaustive coverage. New readers might start here to learn the conventions before exploring more niche combinations.

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

Heaven Official’s Blessing

First Impressions

A Will Eternal

First Impressions

My Disciple Died Yet Again

First Impressions

Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

First Impressions

Mistakenly Saving the Villain

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

Reborn As a System

First Impressions

The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire

First Impressions

Nan Chan

First Impressions