Top 21 Xianxia Novels with Weak To Strong in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

This is an expanded version of the top 17 xianxia weak-to-strong list, adding four more entries for readers who want additional options. Xianxia and weak-to-strong go together naturally since the genre is built around cultivation progression from mortal to immortal. The starting disadvantage varies, but the trajectory is always upward.

Twenty-one entries provides enough variety to find something that matches your specific preferences within the subgenre. Some emphasize the underdog struggle, others move faster through early realms to reach the cosmic-level conflicts. The Daoist philosophy underlying xianxia adds texture that pure power progression stories sometimes lack.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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
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
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
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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
6
#6 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
7
#7 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
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
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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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality
4.6
(218 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
A parody of Cultivation novels, similar to Konosuba but set in a Xianxia world. Absolutely a hidden gem for the English audience, this novel has been Top 10 on Qidian (the website where most Chinese novels are uploaded) for 11 months in a row, ever since the start of the year.
First Impressions
"Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality?" is a breath of fresh air in the often-stale xianxia genre. It's a wild ride that prioritizes comedy and character over the usual cultivation tropes, and for the most part, it pulls it off spectacularly. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The synopsis is vague, and the title suggests something silly. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the story's unconventional take on cultivation. The main character, Lu Yang, isn't your typical stoic, power-hungry cultivator. He's clever, a bit of a goofball, and his thought process is wonderfully bizarre, lea...
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
I Have Medicine
4.2
(430 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Gu Zuo: Are you sick? Gongyi Tianheng: You have medicine?
First Impressions
"I Have Medicine" is a web novel that I found myself completely engrossed in, despite its intimidating length. This xianxia story, with its generous helping of shounen ai, definitely earns its spot on my "favorites" shelf. I will say that you should be prepared for a slow burn, but I personally found it to be worth the wait. Initially, I was drawn in by the world-building. The author has crafted a rich and detailed universe that unfolds gradually, keeping me invested chapter after chapter. The premise, a modern-day individual transmigrating into a cultivation world with a system, isn't entirel...
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Conclusion

If you've already read the top-rated xianxia weak-to-strong novels, this extended list gives you more options to try. Quality remains solid throughout, though the very top entries have higher reader consensus. Good for binge-reading through the genre or finding your next long series.

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 Desolate Era

First Impressions

A Will Eternal

First Impressions

My Disciple Died Yet Again

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

Stellar Transformation

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect

First Impressions

Reborn As a System

First Impressions

The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire

First Impressions

After Becoming the Protagonist’s Inner Demon

First Impressions