Cultivation Novel Recommendations: Beyond Mortal Limits
Ever dreamed of defying gravity, wielding cosmic powers, or punching gods in the face? Well, grab a seat because these face-slapping tales are for you.
From humble mortals to universe-shaking immortals, this list has everything covered. Plus, I’ve read each title and guarantee that these stories pack enough power to make your typical superhero look like a rookie.
My Top 21 Cultivation Web Novels to Binge Read
- Ascending, Do Not Disturb
- Douluo Dalu
- World of Cultivation
- Night’s Nomenclature
- A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
- Longevity Simulation
- Coiling Dragon
- Stellar Transformation
- Emperor’s Domination
- Cultivation Chat Group
- Desolate Era
- Unsheathed
- My Disciple Died Yet Again
- A Will Eternal
- Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality
- Renegade Immortal
- Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality
- Martial World
- Reverend Insanity
- History’s Strongest Senior Brother
- I Shall Seal The Heavens
1. Ascending, Do Not Disturb
Kong Hou’s life has been one wild ride. From a once-beloved princess, she is now a mere remnant of the previous dynasty. Her family? Dead, exiled, or deposed.
But one fateful day, she encounters an enigmatic immortal who gives her a sugar painting. The hook? Well, you guess it, right? She begins her climb towards immortality and oh boy, she’s super lucky.
My Rating: I’ve read hundreds of cultivation novels, but Ascending, Do Not Disturb is just on another level. It’s one of the few tales that had me cackling like mad. So yeah, it’s a 10/10 for me.
It has a super well-written prose, lovable characters, and riveting pacing. If you enjoy good ol’ cultivation tropes mixed with slowburn romance, then you’re in for a treat.
2. Douluo Dalu
Tang San isn’t your usual lazy sect disciple. No, he is a single-minded lad, determined to learn the deepest secrets of his sect. Yes, even if it means stealing and dying for it.
Still, fate has more plans for this young man. Instead of the land of death, he reincarnates into a mysterious world called Doulou. The twist? It’s a mythical land where only the strong rules.
My Rating: Douluo Dalu is a well-written cultivation web novel worth a 9/10. It has crisp character arcs, striking world-building, and memorable characters.
It’s also one of the first classics to grace the web novel scene back in the days. Rereading it just hits me with warmth and nostalgia. I recommend this tale to all new readers who want to check out this genre.
3. World of Cultivation
Zou Mo Ge doesn’t care much about cultivation. What he cares about is money. He loves hard cash so much his entire sect calls him the Scalping Zombie. A truly worthy name.
The twist? Well, a twist of fate will soon make this greedy cultivator’s name ring across the nine realms. Both in good and bad ways.
My Rating: World of Cultivation is a top-tier cultivation web novel deserving 9/10. This tale is one of the most captivating story in its genre. It hooks readers with its hilarious zombie-like MC, gripping plot arcs, and amazing world-craft.
My only gripe about this cookie is its sudden ending. Aside from that, it’s a masterpiece worthy of a binge-read.
4. Night’s Nomenclature
Qing Chen’s life is a bullcrap of misery. He has a broken family. Support from his parents? Not when his father is a drunk gambler, and his mother has a new family. All he can depend on is himself.
Still, destiny has more plans for this lad and he suddenly earns a chance to get transported into another world. The problem? Well, it seems like his new body is a prisoner.
My Rating: I’ll rate Night’s Nomenclature an 8/10. This cultivation web novel is a gritty brew of sci-fi, cheat systems, and good ol’ cultivation themes. It also has gripping storyline, butter-smooth prose, and a badass MC.
If you like stories with a touch of drama, mystery, and good ol’ parallel world adventure, then this is for you. I recommend this goodie to all fans of the xuanhuan genre.
5. A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
Seo Eun-hyeon knows nothing about work-life balance. After all, his routine is an endless loop of presentations, driving, kissing ass, and reports. Sleep? Day-offs? If you’re working for a black corporation, that’s a luxury.
Fate, however, is about to change it all. I mean, what can go wrong transmigrating a dead tired office slave into a dog-eats-dog cultivation world?
My Rating: A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation is a master-tier cultivation web novel worthy of my 10/10. It has deep characters, sleek pacing, and solid character arcs that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re looking for a xianxia novel with a dark touch of hardcore regression, then don’t miss this out. I guarantee it’s going to give you all the thrill that you need.
6. Longevity Simulation
Li Fan isn’t your usual golden spoon protagonist. No, he is just a poor transmigrator destined to live a lifetime of mediocrity. Yes, he has ambition, but such a thing isn’t enough to become a cultivator.
But as he breathes his last, he suddenly finds himself back in the past. Thus, begins his thorn-filled climb towards immortality. Not once, but million times.
My Rating: Longevity Simulation is a well-crafted cultivation web novel worthy of a 9/10. It has a crisp narrative, heart-thumping plotline, and enjoyable world-building.
It’s also a pure xianxia with zero romance and flings. Something I welcome in a genre filled with harems and cheap love stories.
7. Coiling Dragon
Born as the descendant of the declining Baruch clan, Linley dreams of reviving his once glorious family. The problem? Well, his clan is deep in debt.
Call it fate, but amidst it all, he finds a mysterious ring in one of his clan’s unkempt storage. The twist? The odd ring has a secret that can make his dream come true.
My Rating: It’s not an exaggeration to say that Coiling Dragon is one of the few titles that jumpstarted the web novel trend. Rereading it just hits me with nostalgia.
It hooks readers with its immersive storytelling, riveting story arcs, and well-executed plot twists. Quality-wise, this deserves a 9/10 and recommendation.
8. Lord Xue Ying
Born from a commoner-turned-noble father and a blue-blooded mother, Xue Ying’s childhood is filled with warmth.
His life, however, takes a full-turn when a dark family secret unravels. Now, he has no choice but to face it head-on and begin his walk towards immortality. Not just for him, but also for his family.
My Rating: I Eat Tomatoes and his penchant for well-done cultivation web novels strikes again in Lord Xue Ying. This tale grips you with its crisp character arcs, emotional prose, and mesmerizing world-building.
Still, unlike most stories in its genre, its plot takes time to brew. Give it time and you’ll find a must-read 8/10 gem.
9. Emperor’s Domination
After a million years of being imprisoned inside a crow’s body, Li Qiye has finally regained his mortal body. Reborn within his disciple’s sect, he begins his journey to immortality.
His goal? Meet old friends, revenge, and reach the transcend immortality. How? To rule all the Nine Realms and become the most exalted Heaven itself.
My Rating: I’ll rate Emperor’s Domination a solid 7/10. This cultivation web novel is one of the longest running xianxia in the market. It has crisp world-building loaded with epic face-slapping and non-stop adventure.
As for its weakness, this tale has been dragged and milked too much. No, it’s not an exaggeration. Imagine. It took the author 7000+ chapters to end it.
10. Cultivation Chat Group
Song Shuhang is just like any other hot-blooded youth. He enjoys gaming, jokes around with his friends, and blushes in front of cute girls. You know, just like many of us.
But an unexpected invitation to join a chat group filled with chunnis will change it all. I mean, what can go wrong in a chat group filled with people claiming to be a 21st century immortals?
My Rating: No bull. Cultivation Chat Group is the funniest cultivation web novel I’ve read. It has hilarious characters, well-paced plot arcs, and solid world-building. Enjoyment-wise, this deserves my 10/10.
How good it is? It’s so damn good it gave me stomach cramps from too much laughter. If you’re looking for a solid brew of comedy, parody, action, and cultivation, then don’t miss this gem.
11. Desolate Era
Though Ji Ning suffers from disabilities and frequent illnesses, he never let suffering define his life. Rather, he has used his illnesses as a fuel to change the world for the better. To help others and live a life without regrets.
And as he breathes his last, his good karma has become so great that it earns him a chance to reincarnate into a cultivation world. What’s more? He now has a super healthy body and a heartwarming new family.
My Rating: I’ve read hundreds of cultivation web novels, but Desolate Era is one of the most iconic stories out there. It boasts high-tier plot arcs, epic pacing, and immersive characters.
It’s a satisfying masterpiece worthy of a 9/10. I recommend this xianxia novel to all new readers who enjoy gripping cultivation stories.
12. Unsheathed
In the cold ancient world, Chen Ping’an is just another ill-fated orphan. Worse, he is poor, gullible, and slow. Perhaps the only thing that he has going for him is his stubborn nature.
But destiny has more plans for this youth, and he soon stumbles upon an enigmatic secret—the world of immortals.
My Rating: Unsheathed is a hard-boiled cultivation web novel with classic xianxia roots. But unlike its peers, this goodie offers a slowburn plot. Yes, it has a slow introduction arc, but it also has stellar payoff.
The best of it all? The MC has little cheat and you can feel his efforts to overcome odds through sheer guts. Overall, I’ll rate this an 8/10.
13. My Disciple Died Yet Again
Yu Yan is the world’s number one immortal. His peerless, handsome, and has a heart of a paragon. But even someone like him has a flaw—Zhu Yao.
Who’s that? Well, his only peculiar disciple that keeps dying and resurrecting. Can Yu Yan fix his ever-so-reincarnating student? Or will he finally learn just to let things go?
My Rating: My Disciple Died Yet Again deserves a 10/10 and a full-stamp of recommendation. It’s one of the best cultivation web novel I’ve read. Plus, it’s a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and absurdity.
Rather than being plot-centric, this tale focuses on the main character’s crazy adventures and amusing antics. Want a good laugh? Then you won’t regret binge-reading this.
14. A Will Eternal
Even as a child, Bai Xiaochun is his village’s number one menace. Fate, however, has a greater mission for this troublemaker—to become the plague of the entire cultivation world.
His immortal titles include Little Turtle, Aphrodisiac Demon, Plague Devil, and even Chicken Thief. Trust me, this guy is nuts.
My Rating: Out of Er Gen’s works, A Will Eternal stands out with its lovable characters, hilarious undertone, and laughter-filled plotline. Overall, I’ll give it a 9/10.
If you’re looking for a top-tier cultivation web novel with a crazy genius MC, then don’t miss this out. I swear this masterpiece will tickle you to laughter.
15. Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality?
Lu Yang isn’t your usual cold-blooded orthodox cultivator. No, he is goofy and full of tricks. Worse, he has a knack for twisting cultivation techniques until it’s unrecognizably funny.
His talent? Sword arts and subduing evil sects. Not by force or techniques, but through endless chaotic schemes. No wonder the entire cultivation world loathes his existence.
My Rating: Are you tired of tiresome clichés and repetitive cultivation plots? Then Who Let Him Cultivate Immortality? is the cultivation web novel for you. Quality-wise, this tale deserves a solid 9/10.
It stands out with its hilarious parodies, witty cast, and sleek prose. Read it. I promise it’s going to make you roll in laughter.
16. Renegade Immortal
Raised in a warm and gentle family, Wang Lin walks on the road of virtue and kindness. So he does until he stumbles onto the path of the unwelcoming world of immortals.
In front of ultimate power and glory, can Wang Lin still stay true to himself? Or will he become a monster he himself will forever hate?
My Rating: I’ll give it a 8/10. Renegade Immortal stands tall as a mainstay of the xianxia genre. This cultivation web novel takes readers into a lad’s epic journey from boyhood to eternity.
Yes, it’s filled with familiar tropes, but its execution and story immersion are top-notch. I recommend this to new readers who want to read stories from this niche.
17. Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality
Su Yu is just your average lass dreaming of culinary success. After all, she’s a descendant of an imperial chef.
The hook? She soon finds herself transmigrated into a cultivation world. And much to her surprise, her dishes are now treated like heavenly elixirs capable of shaking the heavens.
My Rating: I’ll rate Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality 9/10. This cultivation web novel stands out with its witty dialogue, hilarious characters, and immersive cooking subplot.
If you’re looking for a web novel with enthralling comedic undertone, then don’t miss this cookie. I promise its parody-styled humor won’t disappoint.
18. Martial World
Lin Ming is just an ordinary mortal with no foundations. Despite all that, he has become a third-rate martial artist through sheer will and hard work.
Fate, however, has more plan for this lad. Out of nowhere, he encounters a mysterious cube. Little does he know that such a dull-looking rock will pave his way towards immortality.
My Rating: Martial World deserves a solid 8/10 and a must-read stamp. It has well-paced prose, crisp character arcs, and intriguing world-building. Though it’s filled with tropes and clichés, its plot is unexpectedly immersive.
It’s also one of the first few English-translated cultivation web novels to hit the fandom. So yeah, rereading this tale gives me so much nostalgia.
19. Reverend Insanity
Fang Yuan is a vile jackass. There are no lines or scheme too low he won’t cross as long he can reach his dreams—immortality.
With him on your team, backstabbing is just in another corner. Conscience? Is that edible?
My Rating: Reverend Insanity isn’t for the faint of heart. After all, this tale is dark, brutal, and keeps getting worse. There’s no salvation of its main character. He is a vile trickster to the bone.
What’s more? Well, it’s already completed and you can binge-read all of its chapters all you want. If you’re looking for a cultivation web novel with an edgy, evil MC, then this is for you. I’ll give it a 9/10.
20. History’s Strongest Senior Brother
Yan Zhaoge has struck the isekai jackpot. After all, he has transmigrated into a divine library of infinite knowledge. Then, the apocalypse arrives and kills him. Talk about bad luck!
But instead of dying, he’s flung forward in time with his head stuffed full of lost ancient secrets. What’s more? Well, he’s supposed to be the antagonist, the dreaded ‘Perfect Senior Brother’ destined to lose to the vengeful protagonist.
My Rating: History’s Strongest Senior Brother deserves a solid 8/10 and a stamp of recommendation. This cultivation novel boasts a sleek pacing, witty characters, and well-done narrative style.
But what makes it fun is its hilarious mocking of tired cultivation tropes. The best of it all? Unlike most stories in its genre, it’s not another brainless harem.
21. I Shall Seal The Heavens
Meng Hao’s dreams of becoming a glorious imperial official have fallen apart. With savings drying up, he has no choice but to return to his hometown in defeat.
Still, destiny has more plans for this struggling scholar—let him cultivate immortality. Forced to become a servant disciple of an odd sect, Meng Hao must adapt fast and overcome himself. The price of failure? A life of mediocrity.
My Rating: Er Gen’s I Shall Seal The Heavens is a classic among cultivation web novels. Though it’s filled with tropes, this tale is one of the first stories that spearheaded the rise of the web novel industry.
What’s more? Well, it has a crisp character arcs, epic world-building, and hilarious characters. If you like xianxia novels, then don’t miss this 9/10 cookie.
Final Thoughts About Cultivation Web Novels
The cultivation genre is one of the fastest rising web novel niche out there. After all, who doesn’t like a well-written cultivation adventure spiced further with Ancient China myths?
Just a heads up: this list isn’t a be-all list. I might have missed some goodies along the way. So do pardon me. Anyway, see you on my next recommendations.