Top 9 Chinese Martial Arts Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

9 Novels

Martial arts with cultivation blends physical technique focus with internal energy development. Pure wuxia emphasizes martial skill while pure cultivation often abstracts combat into power level comparisons. The hybrid approach gives you detailed fight choreography alongside progression systems.

I appreciate when novels balance these elements rather than letting cultivation overwhelm martial technique. The better entries describe actual combat decisions and movements while incorporating how cultivation affects physical capabilities. Chinese authors have deep traditions in both areas to draw from. The genre works best when neither element dominates completely.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
My Master Disconnected Yet Again
4.3
(225 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Everyone said that Yi Qing was the number one Sword Cultivator in the world, with a swordsmanship and cultivation that no one could surpass. Whether it was when he was cultivating in the Lower Realm, or when he was in the Ten Heavens of the Upper Realm, he has always been undefeated.
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride! With a solid 4.3/5 rating, it clearly has a dedicated fanbase. Jumping into it, I was ready for a mix of action, adventure, and comedy, all wrapped up in a xianxia package, and it mostly delivered. The initial chapters had me hooked. The premise is simple enough: an overpowered but incredibly lazy MC transmigrates into a cultivation world. The humor is definitely a highlight, and I found myself chuckling at Shen Ying's antics and general lack of motivation. Think Saitama from One Punch Man, but even less inclined to do anything heroic unless it interfere...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
What’s Wrong With a Snake That Just Wants to Cultivate and Transform?
4.3
(172 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, martial arts
Ji Yuebai, a genius in the cultivation world seen only once in a thousand years, was seriously injured during an outdoor training session when she encountered a little green snake. She had always considered it her duty to eliminate demons and protect the Dao.
First Impressions
This novel promised a fun twist on the xianxia genre, and for the most part, it delivered a heartwarming and engaging story. I found myself chuckling at the protagonist's antics and invested in the central romance, but there were a few stumbles along the way. The initial premise grabbed me immediately. A reincarnated human turned snake demon just trying to cultivate and live a peaceful life? Sign me up! Xu Nian's personality, a mix of serpentine cunning and lingering human compassion, was immediately endearing. The slow burn between her and the righteous cultivator Ji Yuebai was also quite com...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
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
6
#6 PICK
My Daoist Life
4.5
(295 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, harem, martial arts
My Name is Huang Jing Yang, Born in the 90s. Accidentally, I sowed within myself a Dao Seed.
First Impressions
My Daoist Life presents a unique spin on the Xianxia genre, and I found myself surprisingly invested in its blend of modern slice-of-life and Daoist cultivation. The novel follows a young boy's accidental entry into the world of cultivation, and his subsequent journey navigating both the mundane and the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the protagonist's innocence and the story's slow-paced, character-driven narrative. The early chapters focus on his life in the countryside with his grandfather, and his gradual discovery of his abilities. It felt refreshing to read a cultivation story...
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Conclusion

This smaller list collects martial arts cultivation hybrids where both elements get attention. Reader ratings favor novels with engaging combat that goes beyond power level comparisons. Good for readers who want technique detail alongside progression mechanics.

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

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

My Master Disconnected Yet Again

First Impressions

What’s Wrong With a Snake That Just Wants to Cultivate and Transform?

First Impressions