Top 7 Xianxia Novels in 2026

Xianxia follows Daoist-inspired cultivation where characters progress through defined realms toward immortality or godhood. The structure provides clear milestones: break through to the next level, face stronger opponents, repeat. I find the predictability either comforting or tedious depending on execution and my mood.

The genre has produced genuine standouts alongside mountains of derivative work. What separates good xianxia from forgettable xianxia usually comes down to character writing and whether the author bothers making the cultivation journey feel meaningful beyond just numbers going up. These seven have built strong reader responses, suggesting they manage that balance.