Top 9 Fantasy Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

9 Novels

Cultivation fantasy has a specific appeal that's hard to find elsewhere. The structured progression from mortal to something approaching godhood gives these stories a built-in sense of momentum. You know roughly where the protagonist is headed, but the journey through each realm or stage is where the interesting stuff happens.

I find the power systems in cultivation novels more engaging than typical fantasy magic because they demand investment from the characters. Training arcs, resource gathering, breakthrough tribulations. It can get formulaic, and some authors pad things out with repetitive tournament arcs, but the genre at its best delivers genuine tension around advancement and meaningful consequences for failure. These nine scored well with readers, though cultivation tastes vary widely.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Coiling Dragon
4.5
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Empires rise and fall on the Yulan Continent. Saints, immortal beings of unimaginable power, battle using spells and swords, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake.
First Impressions
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Coiling Dragon. It was like finding a hidden gem in the vast ocean of web novels. The title itself, "Coiling Dragon," had this mythical ring to it, and the summary promised a tale of growth, power, and the bonds of family. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Linley's journey from a young boy with dreams to a sovereign of the multiverse was a ride I couldn't put down. - The World-Building: The way the universe is structured, with its layers of realms and the intricate system of cultivation, is nothing short of impressive. It’s a testament to...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Cultivation Chat Group
4.5
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
One day, Song Shuhang was suddenly added to a chat group with many seniors that suffered from chuuni disease. The people inside the group would call each other ‘Fellow Daoist’ and had all different kinds of titles: Palace Master, Cave Lord, True Monarch, Immortal Master, etc.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "Cultivation Chat Group." When I first heard the premise – a regular college student accidentally gets added to a chat group full of cultivators – I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like a recipe for comedic gold, and honestly, it largely delivers. The initial chapters do a good job of easing you into the xianxia world, and Song Shuhang, the MC, is pretty relatable as he tries to wrap his head around the whole cultivation thing. The humor is definitely a standout. It's not just slapstick; it's clever, often poking fun at xianxia tropes themselves. The author has a...
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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
I Really Am a Slag Shou!
4.5
(772 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Chi Zhao binds with the slag shou system, and if he succeeds in his missions, he will be rewarded. But who said life is easy!
First Impressions
"I Really Am a Slag Shou!" is a completed quick transmigration novel that I finally got around to reading. It's a rollercoaster of comedy, drama, and romance, all wrapped up in a package that, while not perfect, proved to be quite enjoyable. The premise is certainly intriguing: an MC tasked with playing the role of a "slag shou" (a scummy love interest) in various worlds to torment the ML. The catch? He's too kind-hearted to actually pull it off. This immediately sets the stage for humorous situations and a system driven to the brink of madness. I found myself chuckling early on at the MC's at...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Stone Age Husband Raising Journal
4.5
(814 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, historical
What should you do when the person you like is no longer loyal? Find another one!
First Impressions
"Stone Age Husband Raising Journal" was quite the journey, and while it wasn't perfect, I found myself charmed by its unique blend of prehistoric setting and fluffy romance. It's definitely a novel that sticks with you, even after turning the final page. Initially, the transmigration tag gave me pause, but I quickly found myself drawn into the story. The premise is simple: a modern individual ends up in a prehistoric world filled with beastkin and dinosaurs (sort of). It’s a feel-good slice of life with a unique twist. I was immediately invested in how the protagonist would adapt and thrive....
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Conclusion

Cultivation fantasy rewards patience. The setup chapters can drag, but payoffs tend to compound over hundreds of chapters. If you're new to the genre, maybe start with something shorter to see if the pacing works for you before tackling the longer series on this list.

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

Coiling Dragon

First Impressions

My Disciple Died Yet Again

First Impressions

Cultivation Chat Group

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions