Top 9 Martial arts Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

9 Novels

The reincarnation hook works particularly well with martial arts. A grandmaster who dies and wakes up in their younger body has obvious appeal: they already know which cultivation techniques actually work and which sect elders are secretly scheming against them. The tension comes from whether they'll follow the same path or try something different.

Korean entries in this niche tend toward regression mechanics with concrete time loops, while Chinese novels usually frame it as karmic rebirth. The quality varies wildly. Some authors use the past-life knowledge cleverly, others just make it an excuse for the protagonist to know everything without earning it.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
4.6
(2.7K ratings)
Genre: fantasy, historical, josei
Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.
First Impressions
"The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN)
4.2
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
A man is stabbed by a robber on the run after pushing his coworker and his coworker’s new fiance out of the way. As he lays dying, bleeding on the ground, he hears a voice.
First Impressions
Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken, or Slime Isekai as it's often called, is a web novel that I dove into with a good deal of anticipation, given its popularity and numerous adaptations. Overall, I found it to be a mixed bag, with some truly enjoyable elements weighed down by some frustrating shortcomings. The initial premise – a salaryman reincarnated as a slime – is undeniably intriguing. The early chapters are engaging, and I was quickly drawn into Rimuru's efforts to build a life and community in this new world. The idea of a slime, of all things, becoming a powerful leader and nation-builder ...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Douluo Dalu
4.2
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Tang Sect, the most famous martial arts sect of all. By stealing its most secret teachings to fulfill his dreams, Tang San committed an unforgivable crime.
First Impressions
"Douluo Dalu" is quite the ride, a xuanhuan novel that plunges you into a world of spirit beasts, martial arts, and cultivation. After diving in, I can see why it's so popular, but also where it stumbles a bit. Initially, I was hooked. The concept of spirit rings and the unique power system definitely grabbed my attention. I found myself drawn into the world-building, eager to learn about spirit masters and their abilities. The early chapters, especially the tournament arcs, were genuinely exciting. I could see why so many readers found it to be a great introduction to Chinese web novels....
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Yandere Came During the Night
4.2
(705 ratings)
Genre: comedy, historical, josei
Two families’ children were switched at birth. One of the families is a household that does business, and the other is a household of a marquis.
First Impressions
"The Yandere Came During the Night" is a novel that certainly left an impression. With its blend of historical romance, martial arts, and a dash of the supernatural, it's a story that tries to offer a unique experience. I went in expecting a dark, twisted tale based on the title, but what I found was something a little different, and perhaps a bit divisive. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a "fake siblings romance" with yandere elements. The idea of exploring the complexities of such a relationship in an ancient Chinese setting was intriguing. The early chapters did a good job of es...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Childhood Friend of the Zenith
4.2
(475 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Gu Yangcheon commited a lot of evil while serving the Heavenly Demon. But now Heavenly Demon was dead and Yangcheon became a prisoner of ‘Celestial Sword’ Wi Seol-Ah, the heroine who vanquished his master.
First Impressions
"Childhood Friend of the Zenith" promised a blend of martial arts, regression, and a touch of the demonic, so I dove in eager to see what it offered. After spending some time with it, here are my impressions. The initial premise is definitely intriguing. We have Gu Yangcheon, a former subordinate of the Heavenly Demon, reborn with a chance to rewrite his past. The regret and drama hinted at in the early chapters definitely grabbed my attention, and the idea of a protagonist grappling with past sins while navigating a new life is compelling. I was hooked immediately into the story....
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6
#6 PICK
Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)
4.5
(414 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
A girl Alicia lived as an orphan in a world of sword and magic Ciel. One day, she learned that she was an “otome game’s heroine”.
First Impressions
"Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival" certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise. We're thrown into a world that initially feels like a typical otome game setting, but quickly veers off the beaten path. Alicia, our heroine, isn't interested in romance; her primary focus is survival. I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a protagonist who prioritizes strength and skill over capturing the hearts of potential love interests. What I appreciated most was the subversion of otome game tropes. Instead of the usual focus on romance, we get a hardcore leveling-up story. Alic...
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Conclusion

I've ranked these based on how well they use the reincarnation premise rather than just treating it as a power fantasy shortcut. The better entries create genuine stakes despite the protagonist's foreknowledge. A few here stumble in later arcs when the advantage wears off, but the opening hundreds of chapters are solid.

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 Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN)

First Impressions

Douluo Dalu

First Impressions

The Yandere Came During the Night

First Impressions