Top 9 Xianxia Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Heaven Official’s Blessing

   4.7

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: drama, mystery, romance

   Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world.

   First Impressions

   "Heaven Official's Blessing" is quite a ride, a sprawling xianxia novel that's clearly captured the hearts of many, even inspiring an anime adaptation. Diving into this world of gods, demons, and intricate relationships, I can see why it’s become so popular, but I also noticed some recurring concerns that held it back from being a perfect read for me. The story immediately throws you into the chaotic world of Xie Lian, a god who's ascended (and descended) multiple times. His initial assignment and subsequent meeting with the mysterious Hua Cheng sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

   4.7

   (1.5K ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, romance

   In a Mary-Sue novel, the readers all liked the Devil Venerable, the second male lead who devoted himself whole-heartedly to the female lead. However the female lead only loved the male lead who ab*sed her physically and mentally.

   First Impressions

   This novel was quite the ride! It's a xianxia with a strong comedic bent and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I found myself thoroughly entertained, and it's easy to see why it has such a high rating. Initially, the story felt a little slow as it set the stage, but that didn't last long. The premise is intriguing: our protagonist, the Devil Venerable Wenren E, discovers a book detailing a future where he's a supporting character in a trashy romance. His reaction? Utter confusion and a determination to understand why the characters are acting so…illogically. I was immediately hooked by his...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Mistakenly Saving the Villain

   4.6

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: drama, mature, psychological

   Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!

   First Impressions

   "Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....

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4. 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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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

   4.7

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

   This is a story that follows the courtship between a stone from Hell and a god from Heaven that begins in the underworld and spans for three lifetimes in the mortal realm.

   First Impressions

   This novel promised a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also left me with mixed feelings. Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang certainly has its strengths, but some elements gave me pause. The premise, involving three lifetimes of romance between a stone spirit and a god undergoing mortal trials, immediately grabbed my attention. The overwhelmingly positive reviews further piqued my interest, suggesting a deeply touching and memorable story. I dove in expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, and in some ways, that's exactly what I got....

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse

   4.6

   (768 ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, drama

   Xiao Xiang Zi, a cloud spirit in heaven, and Chu Kong mess up the red strings of fate by accident during their brawl. As a consequence, they are sentenced to be a fated couple in the mortal realm for 7 lifetimes as a punishment for not getting along with each other.

   First Impressions

   "Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse" promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm happy to report that it delivered. This xianxia romance took me on a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, leaving me with a satisfied, if slightly bittersweet, feeling. The premise alone hooked me: a fated couple entangled in seven lifetimes, each with its own unique challenges. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring how their relationship would evolve across different circumstances and identities. The initial chapters were definitely a grab for my attention...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Don’t Discriminate Against Species

   4.6

   (412 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, mystery

   Fu Li was a yaoguai from the countryside who had never seen the world. After entering the city, his biggest dream was to become a civil servant and leave his name in historical records.

   First Impressions

   "Don't Discriminate Against Species" is a web novel that I initially overlooked, and I'm so glad I finally gave it a shot. It's a delightful blend of modern fantasy, cultivation, and a slow-burn romance that had me hooked. While it might not be for everyone, especially if you're seeking immediate action or intense romantic development, its unique charm and heartwarming characters make it a worthwhile read. The synopsis and title didn't immediately grab me, and I can see why some might hesitate. It hints at a slice-of-life story about a yao (demon) integrating into human society, but it’s so mu...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality

   4.6

   (218 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   A parody of Cultivation novels, similar to Konosuba but set in a Xianxia world. Absolutely a hidden gem for the English audience, this novel has been Top 10 on Qidian (the website where most Chinese novels are uploaded) for 11 months in a row, ever since the start of the year.

   First Impressions

   "Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality?" is a breath of fresh air in the often-stale xianxia genre. It's a wild ride that prioritizes comedy and character over the usual cultivation tropes, and for the most part, it pulls it off spectacularly. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The synopsis is vague, and the title suggests something silly. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the story's unconventional take on cultivation. The main character, Lu Yang, isn't your typical stoic, power-hungry cultivator. He's clever, a bit of a goofball, and his thought process is wonderfully bizarre, lea...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Heart Protection

   4.6

   (305 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, josei

   Banished from her cultivation sect, Yan Hui accepts a hunt to earn money. She encounters the snake demon she’s hunting but is wounded in the fight.

   First Impressions

   "Heart Protection" is a xianxia novel that really grabbed my attention, blending action, romance, and mystery into a compelling story. With so many cultivation novels out there, it's exciting to find one that feels fresh and engaging. I came into this story expecting a typical cultivation journey, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the characters and the intricate plot. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise: a betrayed dragon demon and an expelled cultivator bound together by fate. The early chapters set a great stage, and I found myself quickly invested in the characters...

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