Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best cultivation novels, each offering unique stories of character development, martial arts, and magical mastery. Here are my top 3:
- Cradle Series by Will Wight
- Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- A Thousand Li by Tao Wong
TOP 20: Best Cultivation Novels
- Cradle Series by Will Wight
- Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- A Thousand Li by Tao Wong
- The First Stop by Tao Wong
- Climbing the Ranks by Tao Wong
- War of Clans by A.P. Gore
- Inheritance by A.P. Gore
- Way of Sword by A.P. Gore
- The First Law of Cultivation by KrazeKode
- Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
- Deep In His Veins by Celestial Being
- Nameless Sovereign by Nameless Author
- The Blood Legacy by Daman
- The Desolate Mountains by Daman
- Immortal Drunkard by Morty Kay
- Twinned Destinies by Adastra339
- Immortal Trials by HW Immortal
- Starting With A Broken Engagement, I Became Unrivaled by Dong Xiao
- Beware of Chicken by CasualFarmer
- Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
1. Cradle Series
- Author: Will Wight
- About: Follows the journey of Lindon, a seemingly weak boy in a world where power is everything. He strives to become stronger in the sacred arts despite starting as “Unsouled.”
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, action-packed, and focused on character development.
- Length: Varies (around 100,000 to 150,000 words per book).
- Year written: 2016–present.
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional arc as the protagonist grows, faces setbacks, and builds relationships.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (appeals to a wide audience).
- Why read it: If you enjoy underdog stories with epic world-building and intense progression, this is a must-read.
2. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
- Author: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- About: Wei Wuxian is brought back to life in a new body and uncovers mysteries surrounding a powerful cultivation system, blending romance and fantasy.
- Style of writing: Rich in detail, emotional depth, with a mix of romance and fantasy.
- Length: Around 200,000 words.
- Year written: 2015.
- Emotional impact: Very strong, with deep character connections and emotionally complex moments.
- Difficulty level: Moderate (includes intricate plots and relationships).
- Why read it: For its blend of mystery, romance, and powerful character arcs in a lush fantasy setting.
3. A Thousand Li
- Author: Tao Wong
- About: A young man, Long Wu Ying, navigates a world where martial cultivation is the key to survival, going through trials to improve himself.
- Style of writing: Steady pacing with a focus on cultivation and character growth.
- Length: Around 90,000 words per book.
- Year written: 2018.
- Emotional impact: A steady, motivating build-up of the protagonist’s growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: For a strong cultivation journey with solid world-building and a clear, satisfying progression.
4. The First Stop
- Author: Tao Wong
- About: Long Wu Ying embarks on his first steps toward becoming a great cultivator, facing new challenges in the martial world.
- Style of writing: Straightforward with emphasis on martial arts and strategy.
- Length: Around 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Light, with a focus on early growth and overcoming challenges.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: Great for readers who enjoy a light introduction to cultivation and martial arts.
5. Climbing the Ranks
- Author: Tao Wong
- About: Follows a protagonist who rises through the ranks of a mysterious tower, dealing with challenges in the cultivation world.
- Style of writing: Action-heavy with a mix of strategic elements.
- Length: 90,000-100,000 words per book.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: The protagonist's steady progress creates a rewarding emotional experience.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: For fans of LitRPG and progression fantasy who enjoy tower-climbing tropes.
6. War of Clans
- Author: A.P. Gore
- About: Set in a world where clans control immense power, the story follows a young man as he navigates clan politics and martial conflicts.
- Style of writing: Tactical and action-oriented with a focus on political maneuvering.
- Length: 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Moderately emotional, especially with character relationships and struggles.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: If you love complex clan dynamics and strategic battles with martial arts.
7. Inheritance by A.P. Gore
- Author: A.P. Gore
- About: A cultivation story about the rise of a person from humble beginnings, blending martial arts and mystery.
- Style of writing: Character-driven with a slow build-up of power.
- Length: 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Light to moderate, with a focus on personal growth and mystery.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For a deep dive into cultivation and personal power, with rich character development.
8. Way of Sword
- Author: A.P. Gore
- About: A swordsman sets out on a journey of mastery, balancing cultivation and intense combat.
- Style of writing: Descriptive with a focus on sword techniques and martial philosophy.
- Length: 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Moderate, focusing on the protagonist's challenges and progress.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: If you enjoy sword-based combat and martial arts with a solid philosophical background.
9. The First Law of Cultivation
- Author: KrazeKode
- About: A unique take on cultivation with new rules and systems, the protagonist explores the laws of cultivation.
- Style of writing: Innovative, blending technical cultivation with philosophical musings.
- Length: 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with thought-provoking ideas about cultivation.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For readers interested in an unconventional approach to cultivation with intellectual depth.
10. Akata Witch
- Author: Nnedi Okorafor
- About: A young girl discovers her magical powers, entering a world of magic and mystery in West Africa.
- Style of writing: Richly cultural, blending African folklore with modern fantasy.
- Length: 80,000 words.
- Year written: 2011.
- Emotional impact: Strong, with themes of identity and belonging.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: For an engaging mix of magic, culture, and coming-of-age themes.
11. Deep In His Veins
- Author: Celestial Being
- About: A Xuanhuan fantasy where the protagonist’s bloodline holds great power, and his journey through martial arts and magic leads him to unexpected challenges.
- Style of writing: Descriptive with rich world-building and emphasis on power dynamics.
- Length: 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2019.
- Emotional impact: Moderate, as it focuses on character development and internal struggles.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy slow-burn cultivation stories with a focus on power and internal conflicts.
12. Nameless Sovereign
- Author: Nameless Author
- About: Follows an unnamed protagonist who navigates the perilous world of cultivation to rise above his lowly beginnings.
- Style of writing: Direct and immersive, with a focus on action and the cultivation process.
- Length: 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Mild to moderate, with a focus on overcoming adversity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: If you’re looking for a straightforward progression story about rising from nothing to greatness.
13. The Blood Legacy
- Author: Daman
- About: The story of a bloodline passed down through generations, and the protagonist’s quest to unlock its hidden potential in a world of cultivation.
- Style of writing: Complex, blending action with emotional depth and family dynamics.
- Length: 110,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Strong, with themes of legacy and personal sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to advanced.
- Why read it: For readers interested in deep family ties and how they shape a person’s cultivation journey.
14. The Desolate Mountains
- Author: Daman
- About: A follow-up to The Blood Legacy, focusing on the challenges in the desolate mountains where dangerous beasts and powerful cultivators test the protagonist’s abilities.
- Style of writing: Epic and adventurous, with detailed descriptions of landscapes and combat.
- Length: 120,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high, as the stakes and character development rise.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For its exploration of a dangerous world where the protagonist faces new trials and strengthens their resolve.
15. Immortal Drunkard
- Author: Morty Kay
- About: A humorous yet serious take on cultivation, where the protagonist’s obsession with alcohol gives him strange powers and a unique approach to cultivation.
- Style of writing: Light-hearted with comedic elements, but also has serious moments.
- Length: 80,000 words.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Moderate, as the protagonist’s struggles with both power and personal flaws are explored.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: For a refreshing and humorous twist on the typical cultivation story.
16. Twinned Destinies
- Author: Adastra339
- About: The intertwined fates of two cultivators whose destinies are linked, navigating love, betrayal, and their paths to power.
- Style of writing: Emotionally rich with character-driven narrative and an emphasis on relationships.
- Length: 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: High, focusing on the emotional and moral struggles of the protagonists.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For its unique exploration of relationships and the emotional complexity of cultivation.
17. Immortal Trials
- Author: HW Immortal
- About: The protagonist faces a series of trials meant to test their strength and worthiness in a world where immortality is the ultimate prize.
- Style of writing: Intense, with fast-paced action and trial-based challenges.
- Length: 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2019.
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high, as the protagonist’s struggles and victories hit hard.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: If you enjoy action-packed trials and stories about earning power through perseverance.
18. Starting With A Broken Engagement, I Became Unrivaled
- Author: Dong Xiao
- About: After a broken engagement, the protagonist uses this setback to become a powerful cultivator and seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
- Style of writing: Focused on action and the protagonist’s rise to power.
- Length: 100,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with a focus on revenge and self-discovery.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: For a thrilling revenge story with strong personal growth and cultivation.
19. Beware of Chicken
- Author: CasualFarmer
- About: A light-hearted yet action-packed cultivation story where the protagonist is tasked with raising a chicken, leading to absurd and hilarious adventures.
- Style of writing: Humorous, with a mix of comedy and light action.
- Length: 70,000 words.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Light-hearted and funny, with a few unexpected moments.
- Difficulty level: Easy.
- Why read it: If you’re looking for something fun, quirky, and different from typical cultivation stories.
20. Tales of the Celestial Kingdom
- Author: Sue Lynn Tan
- About: A blend of fantasy, myth, and cultivation, following characters in a celestial kingdom where magic and immortality are central to the plot.
- Style of writing: Lyrical and atmospheric, with rich world-building and poetic descriptions.
- Length: 90,000 words.
- Year written: 2021.
- Emotional impact: High, with a deep focus on culture, destiny, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: For a beautifully written, immersive story that blends culture and cultivation in a magical setting.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, if you're looking to dive into cultivation novels, I think Cradle Series, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, and A Thousand Li are top picks you won’t want to miss. Cradle Series has some of the most exciting action and a relatable underdog story that really kept me hooked as the protagonist grows stronger. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation blends mystery, romance, and fantasy in a beautifully detailed world, and it definitely left a lasting emotional impact on me. And A Thousand Li offers a steady-paced journey of growth and adventure, which I personally loved for its deep and satisfying progression. Each of these novels offers something unique, and I think they’re great choices for anyone who’s a fan of cultivation fiction.
