Xianxia Web Novel Recommendations: Cultivating Lasting Legends
Xianxia web novels are captivating tales about immortals walking along with humans. It can also be stories of humans striving to become timeless beings as they searched for their Dao (the way).
I’ve been a fan of this genre for more than a decade now. So I’ve gathered only the time-tested stories that left their mark in the fan community. With further ado, here’s the list.
My Top 15 Xianxia Web Novels For Fantasy Fans
- I Shall Seal the Heavens
- Desolate Era
- My Disciple Died Yet Again
- Stellar Transformation
- A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
- A Will Eternal
- Douluo Dalu
- True Martial World
- A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
- Master of Gu
- Lord Xue Ying
- Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality
- Ascending, Do Not Disturb
- Swallowed Star
- Renegade Immortal
1. I Shall Seal the Heavens
Chapter Count: 1613 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Er Gen
After failing the imperial test, Meng Hao returns to his village in shame. His dream of becoming a virtuous official is now a mere fantasy.
But a fateful encounter with a group of immortals will change his destiny. Step by step, he will grow into one of the most infamous immortals—a heaven-sealing Paragon known for his hilarious greediness.
My Rating: I Shall Seal The Heavens is a solid 8/10. The plot is a straightforward hero’s journey to immortality. Its character arcs are one of the best I’ve read. It’s emotional, striking, and fun to read.
Still, it suffers from the common issues of thousand-chapter web novels—dragged out and too wordy narrative with little meat. Anyway, this is a must-read for fans of pure xianxia novels.
2. The Desolate Era
Chapter Count: 45 Volumes/1450 Chapters (Completed)
Author: I Eat Tomatoes
Ji Ning’s life on Earth has been full of suffering with diseases plaguing him throughout his life. But despite his frailty, he lived forth with no regrets or excuses.
At the end of his life, he even establishes a huge fund for children like him. Thus, karma follows, and he’s given a chance to reincarnate. But this time, in a healthy body and a super warm family.
My Rating: The Desolate Era is one of the best xianxia novels I’ve ever read. It’s a masterpiece worthy of a 9/10. It has gripping character arcs, outstanding pacing, and an enthralling style of storytelling.
Its world-building is also so damn good that I’ve reread it multiple times. If you’re into gritty progression cultivation fantasy, this immortal adventure is for you.
3. My Disciple Died Yet Again
Chapter Count: 393 (Completed)
Author: Mrs. Ago
Reverend Master Yu Yan has always dreamed of having a disciple. But because of unfortunate circumstances, it has taken him sixteen millennia to have one.
The twist? Well, his new disciple has a super odd quirk. She gets strong fast, dies fast, and enjoys reincarnating into mythical or sometimes funny beings. What a strange disciple he has!
My Rating: My Disciple Died Yet Again is a must-read xianxia novel worthy of my 9/10. I’ve read lots in this genre, but this goodie stands out with its hilarious cast of characters and witty pacing. It’s a goodie so good that it made me roll in laughter.
It has a smooth-sailing plotline, a well-executed comedic undertone, and a solid world-building. I recommend this to fans of romantic comedies.
4. Stellar Transformation
Chapter Count: 18 Volumes/680 Chapters (Completed)
Author: I Eat Tomatoes
Despite having a loving family, Qin Yu faces a struggle of his own. After all, unlike the rest of his clan, he cannot practice cultivation, inviting the mockery of his surroundings.
But destiny has more plans for this strong-willed lad. Yes folks, he soon gets a golden spoon—a meteoric tear that can heal and transform his body for good.
My Rating: I’ll give Stellar Transformation a solid 8/10. Unlike most xianxia web novels, this goodie offers a more subtle and slow-moving plot. But in exchange, it has a better solid world-building and character progression.
But like most long-form stories, it suffers from a bunch of plot holes. The author gives a promise to the readers but forgets it later on. It’s not bad, and I love it even, but for those critical of details, this goodie can be off-putting.
5. A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation
Chapter Count: 393+ Chapters (Ongoing)
Author: Tremendous
Seo Eun-hyeon’s office life has been a tiring hell. But not anymore. After all, a twist of fate has transported him and his office mates into a mysterious world of cultivation.
Unfortunately, unlike his heaven-defying colleagues, he lacks the talent to cultivate immortality. Alas, time passes and he soon meets his end. The twist? He returns to the past. Yes, his ability turns out to be endless regression.
My Rating: A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation is a rare Korean xianxia web novel worth a 10/10. It boasts immersive character arcs, stunning world-building, and a well-paced plot narrative.
This goodie is a unique charmer. How good is it? Well, I’ve read all of its current chapters in just 3 days. It’s that engaging and thrilling.
6. A Will Eternal
Chapter Count: 1314 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Er Gen
Bai Xiaochun is born to be a cultivator. He likes long life, enjoys cultivation, and he hates the idea of dying. Too bad his chaotic temperament and wild shenanigans make him a trouble magnet.
His deeds echo wide in the cultivation world. Just look at his cultivation titles; Plague Devil, Little Turtle, Aphrodisiac Demon, and Chicken Thief. What kind of respectable cultivator has such epithets?!
My Rating: Unlike Er Gen’s usual serious works, A Will Eternal is a comedy gold. It boasts a badass main character (MC), comedic undertone, and a striking storyline.
If you want to read a story that’ll make your sides hurt in laughter, then this masterpiece is for you. I’ll give this xianxia web novel a 9/10.
7. Douluo Dalu
Chapter Count: 48 Volumes/336 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Tang Jiao San
Knowing that he must pay the price, Tang San steals his school’s top-secret martial arts and trains it to the peak. Unfortunately, his crime comes to light, and he throws himself down a cliff to pay for his sins.
But instead of death, he reincarnates into a magical land called Douluo—a mysterious world where the law of survival of the fittest rules. What kind of future will this young genius bring into this world? Well, we are about to know soon.
My Rating: Douluo Dalu, also known as Soul Land, is one of the most popular works of the prolific writer Tang Jiao San. This xianxia web novel is so well-loved that it became a solid standard for future web novelists.
It also follows the classic hero’s journey plot style. It has a badass OP MC, a solid romance subplot, and a well-crafted world-building. Overall, I’ll rate this xuanhuan goodie an 8/10.
8. True Martial World
Chapter Count: 1710 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Cocooned Cow
Yi Yun never imagined that he’d transmigrated into a mysterious otherworld. Worse, it’s a brutal world where the strong rules and weak suffer.
But in a land where the strongest dictates the rules, can this city-grown young man thrive? Or will he stumble into the abyss and live a dog’s life like those who have come before him?
My Rating: True Martial World is among the first xianxia novels I’ve read. Though full of cliches and old-school tropes, this goodie is among the first stories I can recommend for new teenage readers.
It’s a read armed with a kickass MC, enthralling world-building, and a well-formulated plot. Unfortunately, it suffers from the good ol’ power creep and annoying plot armor. I’ll rate this a 7/10.
9. A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
Chapter Count: 2451 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Wang Yu
Han Li is a poor lad with mediocre looks but an extraordinary fate. After all, he soon enters the Jianghu, even becoming an immortal master’s unofficial disciple.
But little do they know that this kid is bound to become a legend. One step at a time, he sets out to achieve a humanly impossible task—becoming a true immortal.
My Rating: If it isn’t obvious, A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality is about a young man’s journey toward the realm of immortals. What I like about this goodie is its well-built story foundation and the MCs realistic growth.
Still, this story suffers from a template-like main character. How do I say this? The MC template-like personality prevents him from standing out in the ever-growing sea of cultivation web novels. Overall, this deserves a solid 7/10.
10. Master of Gu
Chapter Count: 2334 Chapters (Ongoing)
Author: Gu Zhen Ren
Fang Yuan is your model villain. He’s cold, calculative, decisive, and a devil in human skin. Morality? Is that edible?
Without remorse, he’d use who he can use and betray who he can betray. For him, the only thing eternal is benefits. His rule in life is simple: all for himself and his desires.
My Rating: Master of Gu is a must-read 8/10 gem. The plot isn’t something new. What makes it stand out is its brutal and conniving MC. It’s rare to read a genuine villain who’s true to his desires whilst also capable of doing things smartly.
If you’re looking for a xianxia web novel with an evil OP MC, then this tale is for you. I recommend this for new readers who like gritty dark fantasy.
11. Lord Xue Ying
Chapter Count: 40 Volumes/1388 Chapters (Completed)
Author: I Eat Tomatoes
Xue Ying comes from a loving family. his father is a commoner who has worked extra hard to become a noble. Meanwhile, his mother is a rebellious aristocrat who runs away from her family for true love.
Unfortunately, we all know peace is such a fickle thing. It’s brittle and easy to shatter. And Xue Ying must learn to face and overcome such a fact.
My Rating: Lord Xue Ying is one of the best favorite xianxia novels I’ve ever read. It stands out with its solid world-building, punchy story arcs, and characters that you can’t help but love. I also like how the author has showcased the growth of the MC from a child to a man.
Though it might begin a little slow, give it time and you’ll find a badass tale that can stand toe-to-toe with Desolate Era. I’ll give this goodie my 9/10 and a stamp of recommendation.
12. Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality
Chapter Count: 117 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Salted Lobster
Su Yu isn’t just a normal lady. No, she’s a descendant of a royal chef turned novel transmigrator—one that is filled with immortals.
The twists? Her dishes are like gifts from the heavens. Her cooking skills are unparalleled. How good is she? Well, her chicken soup has gained a reputation as an elixir that can help speed up cultivation.
My Rating: Using a Wok to Reorganize Life and Fly to Immortality is a fluffy xianxia web novel worth a 9/10. Aside from classic cultivation stuff, this hilarious tale’s cooking subplot is going to make you hungry.
It’s the type of story that just brightens your day and puts a smile on your face. If you’re into slice-of-life tales, then you’re going to like this.
13. Ascending, Do Not Disturb
Chapter Count: 156 Chapters +2 Side Story (Completed)
Author: Yue Xia Die Ying
Kong Hou is a young princess from the previous dynasty. Fortunately, she’s unlike her spendthrift and now-deposed father emperor. Instead, she has kept her title and grown as an obedient child.
She’s been so good an immortal came and gave her a sugar painting. And later on, the same immortal took her to become a cultivator herself. Twist? Little Kong Hou is a heaven-tier talent.
My Rating: Ascending, Do Not Disturb comes from the much-loved historical romance web novel writer Yue Xia Die Ying. This xianxia novel is a rare attempt of hers to expand her writing range. Thankfully, her efforts paid off, and this work is a stunner.
It boasts a smooth plot, hilarious slowburn romance, and a rare Mary Sue character that I like. It’s a riveting feel-good story perfect for readers who are tired of edgy plots. Enjoyment-wise, I’ll rate this story a solid 9/10.
14. Swallowed Star
Chapter Count: 32 Volumes/1486 Chapters
Author: I Eat Tomatoes
Lou Feng is a kid dreaming of becoming a monster slaying “fighter” for a better future for his family. Unfortunately, despite his studiousness and effort, he lacks the talent and support to grow further.
Still, the heavens always open a path for those who work hard. Of course, his path isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those who can bear hellish suffering.
My Rating: I’ll rate Swallowed Star 8/10. Rather than going through the good ol’ Ancient China route, this sci-fi xianxia novel depicts a post-apocalyptic theme. It’s set in a futuristic world where humans and monsters struggle for dominance.
Unfortunately, like most stories in this genre, this tale suffers from classic power creep and repetitive plot. It’s not bad, but if you’ve read hundreds of novels like me, then things like this can be boring.
15. Renegade Immortal
Chapter Count: 13 Books/2088 Chapters (Completed)
Author: Er Gen
Despite being ostracized by their clan, Wang Lin’s childhood has been full of loving memories from his parents. They instilled in him values of kindness, cleverness, and staying true to himself.
But fate will offer him a path to immortality—a blood-soaked path where evil lurks in every corner. Can he rise to the challenge and become an immortal? Or will he stumble and give up like many?
My Rating: Renegade Immortal is a must-read xianxia web novel perfect for new readers. Unlike most xianxias, this tale is more like an autobiography of an immortal. You can even feel the emotions of the MC as he walks uphill—from a kind child to a cold-blooded cultivator.
Anyway, my only gripe about this goodie is its dull romance. Anyway, if you’re into tragedy and revenge, then this action-packed goodie is for you. Quality-wise, I’ll give this a solid 8/10.
Final Thoughts About Xianxia Web Novels
Reading long-form xianxia stories has broadened my imagination. No joke. It’s not an understatement to say that these goodies pushed me to become an author myself.
Anyway, most of these tales are so gripping I’ve spent months reading it to the tee. So what else can I say? Let’s start binge-reading through this list.