Top 9 Martial arts Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

9 Novels

Martial arts cultivation novels scratch an itch that pure action stories can't reach. There's something satisfying about watching a character spend chapters mastering breathing techniques before they can even throw a proper punch. The power progression feels earned when you've followed someone through hundreds of failed meditation sessions.

These novels lean heavily into qi circulation, meridian unlocking, and the whole sect hierarchy thing. Chinese entries tend to have more complex cultivation stages, while Korean takes often streamline the systems for faster pacing. I find the best ones balance the technical details with actual character moments rather than endless tournament arcs.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter
4.3
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I am dying to have a Class S Skill! ..
First Impressions
SSS-Class Suide Hunter… what a title! I dove into this web novel with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given the rather intense premise. It's a story that seems to polarize readers, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it deeply flawed. So, what did I think? Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The early chapters are a whirlwind of information, and the main character, Kim Gong-ja, isn't exactly the most likeable guy. He's envious, obsessive, and driven by a desire for revenge. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did because the initial chaos gives way to something fa...
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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
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Xian Wang Dotes On Wife
4.5
(370 ratings)
Genre: drama, josei, martial arts
She is an expert in medicine, the only daughter of Yun Tian, Yun Valley’s master. Her parents died, leaving her alone in this world.
First Impressions
"Xian Wang Dotes On Wife" promised a charming romance set against the backdrop of ancient China, and for the most part, it delivered. I found myself drawn into the world of a strong, transmigrated female lead and a doting male lead. While it has its flaws, I can see why so many readers have enjoyed this novel. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A capable female lead who isn't immediately bogged down in revenge plots is a breath of fresh air. The story starts three years after her transmigration, which allowed the author to build the world more naturally. I quickly became invested in se...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Living to Suffer
4.4
(258 ratings)
Genre: drama, historical, martial arts
Shen Liangsheng is lying in the dirt bleeding away when a doctor, Ch’in Ching, discovers the wounded man. From then on, these two are in a doomed relationship since Ch’in Ching is fated to become a sacrifice.
First Impressions
"Living to Suffer" is a whirlwind of lust, fate, and tragedy set against the backdrop of ancient China. I dove into this novel expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, and it certainly delivered, though not always in ways I anticipated. With only twenty chapters, it's a quick read, but the story definitely lingers. From the very beginning, the sense of impending doom is palpable. I knew going in that this was a tragedy, but the way the author established the characters' fates made it feel less like a story and more like watching a car crash in slow motion. The initial chapters are heavily focuse...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Today, The Villain Couple is Settling Scores Again
4.5
(162 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, martial arts
Jian Huan found herself transported into a xianxia novel as the fiancee of the main antagonist. Feeling her empty wallet, she recalled the pitiful fate of the original owner of the body who stubbornly refused to annul the marriage.
First Impressions
"Today, The Villain Couple is Settling Scores Again" promised a comedic xianxia romance, and for the most part, it delivered a fun and engaging experience. While some aspects could have been stronger, I found myself charmed by the broke protagonists and their journey to riches and love. The initial premise grabbed me immediately: two penniless leads in an arranged marriage, both more interested in making money than finding love. The description of their first meeting, as a poor transmigrator and a debtor, definitely piqued my interest. This setup felt unique, and I was eager to see how their r...
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Conclusion

Ratings here favor novels with well-explained power systems and protagonists who actually train rather than stumble into breakthroughs. Some of these are slower burns than typical web novels. If you want constant action, a few entries might test your patience during the foundation-building arcs.

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

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

Chronicles of Primordial Wars

First Impressions

Thousand Autumns

First Impressions

Xian Wang Dotes On Wife

First Impressions