Wuxia Web Novel Recommendations: Tales of the Legends
Wuxia novels are gritty tales of martial artists as they traversed the land. No, I’m not talking about immortals or any magical stuff, but epic humans and their heroic tales.
Anyway, I’ve been a fan of this genre for more than a decade now. In fact, I have read dozens of books under this niche, enough to create these thrilling recommendations. Without further ado, here’s the list.
My Top 15 Wuxia Web Novels For Fantasy Fans
- Doctor’s Rebirth
- Return of Mount Hua Sect
- King Shura
- Star Instructor, Master Baek
- The Legend of the Northern Blade
- A Step Into the Past
- The Nine Cauldrons
- Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon
- The Grandmaster Strategist
- I Am This Murim’s Crazy Bitch
- The Regressor of Mount Hua
- Reaper of the Drifting Moon
- Jiang Hu’s Road Is Curved
- Childhood Friend of the Zenith
- The Heaven-Slaying Sword
1. Doctor’s Rebirth
In the blood-soaked war zones, combat medic Jin Cheonhee was a beacon of hope until his final breath, shielding patients from a barrage of bullets. Fate, however, has a better plan for this saint-like man.
Reborn in a realm where martial arts meet magic, Jin trades his medical kit for mystical healing arts. But in this cutthroat world of ancient powers, being a healer can either bring fortune or disaster.
My Rating: Doctor’s Rebirth is a must-read wuxia web novel with a solid medical subplot. It’s also loaded with intriguing martial fights, satisfying face-slapping moments, and well-written characters.
As for its weakness, this goodie suffers from a slow pacing. But if you can push through its boring parts, you’ll find a gem worth a 8/10.
2. Return of Mount Hua Sect
In one final, earth-shattering clash, Chung Myung falls, but not before slaying the demon cult leader. A hero’s death. His last wish? A better fate for his beloved Mount Hua family.
Still, destiny has more plans for this swordmaster. After a hundred years of slumber, he awakens as a scrawny beggar. But that’s not the real problem. After all, his once-mighty sect is on the verge of crumbling and his return might be its last hope.
My Rating: Return of Mount Hua Sect isn’t your ordinary wuxia novel. No, this gem is a hilarious bombshell that’ll leave you gasping for air. It has well-crafted characters, immersive world-building, and playful prose.
The best of it all? It’s so good it even got a manhwa adaptation. If you like martial arts and murim stories, then don’t miss this masterpiece. I’ll rate this 9/10.
3. King Shura
Despite being born in a martial clan, Cho Ryu Hyang has a strange fascination with books and numbers. Instead of training his fist, he reads. Instead of practicing his sword, he wields a pen and writes poems.
But we all martial artists know that all dao paths lead to one. With formulas and abacus at hand, can Cho Ryu Hyang still become a master without peer?
My Rating: I’ll rate King Shura a 9/10 and stamp of recommendation. This wuxia web novel offers an original plot concept, crisp narrative style, and slower pacing.
This tale doesn’t rush into action, but slowly builds the world and the characters. There’s also no sudden power-up and everything is a gradual process. And like a snowball rolling from a mountain top, it keeps getting better and better.
4. Star Instructor, Master Baek
Baek Suryeong’s first life ended in Blood Cult’s crimson chains. Worse, his death is one like of a dog. Fate, however, has something more in store for him.
Now reborn in a frail body, this former prisoner has a wild plan: infiltrate an elite martial arts academy as a teacher. Time to turn privileged students into loyal minions! I mean, what can go wrong with that?
My Rating: Rather than trekking the classic dog-eats-dog archetype, this tale instead doubles down on being unique. It’s more like an academy-type tale with a badass teacher. You know, stuff like Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO).
It also has a crisp narrative style, hilarious characters, and well-written fight scenes. I’ll rate this wuxia novel a gritty 9/10.
5. The Legend of the Northern Blade
From the ashes of betrayal, Jin Moowon stands alone as the final ember of the Northern Sect. His father’s blood still stains the snow, betrayed by the same people he once trusted.
Now, destiny whispers a darker path: one carved by steel and blood. Can Moowon rebuild his sect’s legacy, or will he become the very shadow he’s sworn to destroy?
My Rating: The Legend of the Northern Blade deserves an 8/10 and a stamp of recommendation. It has an epic revenge plot, kickass MC, and a simple yet gripping prose.
Still, this wuxia web novel isn’t of a lighter tone like most of its counterparts. It’s dark, gritty, and emotion-laden. It also has a super popular manhwa adaptation if you’re into webcomics.
6. A Step Into the Past
Xiang Shaolong isn’t your ordinary man. Though lecherous, he is a special task force soldier working for a top-secret laboratory. He has the skills, the guts, and scars to prove it all.
The twist? An unexpected lab explosion soon sends him back in time. Specifically, 251 BC, a few years before the establishment of the infamous Qin Dynasty. With no way of going back, Shaolong has no choice but to thrive in this war-filled era.
My Rating: I’ll give A Step Into the Past an 8/10. A classic despite all its flaws. It’s an immersive historical fiction loaded with wars, political scheming, tragedy, and good ol’ martial fights.
As for its weakness, this goodie suffers from too much R-18 stuff. And yes, it’s a harem, so consider yourself warned. Still, if you want to read one of the earliest wuxia novels to grace the internet, then this is for you.
7. The Nine Cauldrons
Teng Qingshan’s life is full of bloodshed and lies. Well, it’s not like he can expect more after being raised as an assassin. Unfortunately, fate is cruel and the same organization that he served soon hunts him.
His ending? Death. So imagine his surprise when he suddenly finds himself reborn into another world. But unlike Earth, this world thrives on violence and martial arts.
My Rating: The Nine Cauldrons deserves an 8/10. This wuxia web novel draws in readers with its complex characters, emotional plot, and detailed setting. The main character isn’t just another sycophant, but stays true to himself.
Still, I have gripes about its lackluster ending and tiresome clichés. It’s not bad, but it lacks the X-factor to make it memorable.
8. Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon
Once a paragon of virtue, Woon-Seong’s righteousness shattered like jade under the blades of hypocrites. They carved their judgment into his flesh, leaving him and his master to die like criminals.
So imagine his surprise when he suddenly finds himself reborn. No, not in an orthodox sect, but under the shadows of the Demon Sect. His goal? Survive for revenge.
My Rating: Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon is a wuxia web novel with a gritty revenge twist. It boasts butter-smooth pacing, realistic overpowered main character, and kickass fight scenes.
If you enjoy cultivation stories with crunchy world-building and solid character arcs, then you’re in for a treat. I’ll give this action-packed tale an 8/10.
9. The Grandmaster Strategist
Born to poverty, Jiang Zhe conquers hardship to ascend the official ranks. Still, his sharp mind is a double-edged sword, so much his brilliance now paints a target on his back.
In the cutthroat world of the imperials, this humble scholar must outwit kings and warriors. The price of failure? Death, chaos, and slaughter.
My Rating: I’ve read hundreds of wuxia novels, but The Grandmaster Strategist is the best of them all. It boasts top-tier prose, stunning character arcs, and a high-stakes plot. And damn, the more I read, the better it gets.
My only gripe about this tale is its slow-burn introduction arc. But if you can pass through that slog, you’ll find a 10/10 masterpiece. Yes, that’s just how good it is.
10. I Am This Murim’s Crazy Bitch
Qing is in deep trouble. Not only did he lose his manhood, but he also becomes a harebrained lass with an odd taste for slaughter. In short, he, become a crazy she.
Trapped inside a wuxia game with no way out, Qing must learn to adapt fast or meet death. After all, this strange world has a simple rule: might make right!
My Rating: I Am This Murim’s Crazy Bitch is a high-tier wuxia web novel worth a 9/10. It’s one of the biggest surprises of this list. It has a good dose of comedy, drama, and craziness.
Its main character is a full-blown hell-raiser that’s going to make you laugh hard. Add a sleek prose into the mix, and you’ll get a must-read.
11. The Regressor of Mount Hua
Amidst his deathbed, Mount Hua’s great elder Joo Seo-Cheon carries the weight of a thousand regrets. Each night, ghosts of fallen friends whisper of paths not taken and promises left broken.
After all, unlike his peers, it seems like his death is but too peaceful. The twist? Well, instead of meeting King Yama, he earns a chance to rewrite the past as a regressor.
My Rating: I’ll give The Regressor of Mount Hua a 9/10. Yes, it’s filled with familiar tropes, but overcomes it with excellent plot execution. It grips you with its intense character arcs, likeable MC, and epic fights.
But what makes it stand out is its redemption theme. If you enjoy martial arts and second-chance stories, then don’t miss this cookie.
12. Reaper of the Drifting Moon
Pyo Wol has a dream that stretch over the horizons. He wishes to travel the world and discover its wonders once he becomes an adult.
Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go as planned. Instead, fate soon drags him into shadows, where masters of death forge children into weapons. A dreary world where he must kill to live.
My Rating: The Reaper of the Drifting Moon isn’t a story of another righteous and all-kind MC. No, this wuxia novel is about a young lad who suddenly finds himself thrown into the path of killing. It’s dark, broody, and morally gray.
Quality-wise, it has a straightforward prose, intriguing characters, and classic murim-based world-building. It deserves a solid 8/10.
13. Jiang Hu’s Road Is Curved
Pang Wan’s past life doesn’t have thorns, but has tons of roses. She’s a blue-blooded Mary Sue with street-long admirers. It’s a blissful life worthy of envy.
Unfortunately, the gods of narcissism can’t tolerate her and soon send her into the world of Jiang Hu. Worse, she’s now forced to become the mascot of an evil sect. What a terrible luck! Well, at least she’s still a drop-dead beauty.
My Rating: Jiang Hu’s Road Is Curved is your typical wuxia novel. It’s comedic, full of misunderstandings, and easy-to-read. But what makes it stand out is its trope-breaking MC. She’s a menace. Overall, I’ll give this tale an 8/10.
14. Childhood Friend of the Zenith
The Heavenly Demon’s death didn’t bode well for Gu Yangcheon. After all, he is his number one follower. His ending? What else but a gruesome death?
Still, fate is full of twists and he wakes up not in hell but as a regressor. With a new chance to redo his life, Yangcheon aims to live a more honest life. His goal? Survive with clear conscience.
My Rating: I’ll give Childhood Friend of the Zenith an 8/10. It has a striking regression plot, hilarious characters, and immersive character dynamics.
Still, it’s not all glitters. This wuxia novel suffers from the main character’s lack of agency. It’s not bad, but the latter arcs feel dull because of it.
15. The Heaven-Slaying Sword
Mok Riwon has the fate of the slaughter star. Destiny has already set his path to become one of bloodshed and endless killing.
The twist? He doesn’t want to become one. Rather, he desires to become a righteous sword who helps the weak. Can Riwon change his looming fate? Or will he become a mad murderer like he’s always as prophesied?
My Rating: The Heaven-Slaying Sword is a well-done wuxia novel worth an 8/10. Unlike most of its counterparts, this tale offers a touch of innocence and tragedy.
It also has easy-to-follow prose, intriguing characters, and good ol’ sword fights. If you’re looking for a murim story with a naïve protagonist, this is for you.
Final Thoughts About Wuxia Web Novels
I won’t deny that I’ve love this genre so much I’ve even watched old school movies of Jackie Chan and Jet Lee. How do I say this? These wuxia novels are so thrilling—a perfect escape from a life of mediocrity and endless grind.
Just a heads up. I’ll continue updating these lists, so don’t forget to check this list from time to time. Alright, see you on my next list!