Ancient or Cultivation BL reads that will make you feel you didn't waste your time. This list is apart of a series classified by genre; other lists of this series include Thriller/Action, Fluff, and Modern/Transmigration novels. I tried to include both known and unknown novels to give more diversity to the reading list. Honest note--not a big fan of ancient settings. I've judged quality by reviews and seeming plot. ... more>>

So what is my subjective version of a quality BL of this list?

-No/little plot holes & well developed plot

Capable MC and ML  (not aggravatingly s*upid and knows when to respect each other but also put their foot down at the right moments). 

 -Lasting impression. I made this list by memory so if it's not on here...Chances are it's not worth remembering for the list.

-Makes me think--especially applies to this genre since I usually read this genre for the court schemes and palace intrigues. 

-Make me cry, laugh, yell or gasp. Perhaps all at the same  time. 

*****I have also included BL novels that have high expectations from me. The higher the expectations, the higher the stars. Hence, "***, **, *."

PS. Novels I've read are the only ones rated according to number. The rest (unread) are just listed randomly.

 PSS. There are always exceptions on this list that don't fit the requirements. But it's not bad to explore out of your comfort zone.  <<less

BL Cultivation... more>>

These heartless Shizuns! Oblivious to romantic feelings because they're too focused on cultivating! These evil and sinful disciples! Harboring unpure feelings towards their Shizuns!!! >A<

What the "smut" part means: If there is a "yes," that means there is at least one detailed/moderately described love scene.

Just a list because I need to get my sh*t together. Most importantly, I need to get my BL cultivation obsession sorted out.
Transmigration included, but no world hopping/quick transmigration. <<less

mermaid / nightinggales / guide / AO and the like; usually fixing mental riots, pheromone disorder and other mental and/or power problems. Not literal physical illness but may be connected. Mostly exclusive between the couples/partners but some can do it for  other people. there's no specific novel tag for this so I just created a list to collate titles the time I got addicted with these kinds. I've read a lot over the years but forgotten some LOL. ... more>>

This list will have sporadic update as I try to I recall old titles or read something new.

My little reviews might possible have spoilers bcos of me telling why it matched this list. Or just skip over them over.

❗Readers: if you reckon a story you've read is a good match for this list's theme, pls recommend and I'll review it! :) <<less

I would sell my soul to read these again the first time, they're all absolutely top tier. The first time readers should cherish their first read. The genres are mixed though, there's unlimited flow, xianxia, historical, etc. The novels I added here are 9-10/10 ... more>>

Orders of stories are random. <<less

let's discuss below about the novels !!! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ i just really want more people to at least know these stories BECAUSE i think they deserve more... more>> attention because some barely even reach 1000 reads  !?!?!,,, and also please suggest on the comments since i'll be adding on this list daily :D <<less

Bl novel with unique character designs, amazing romance and great plot.... more>>

My filters are,

1. Smart characters 

2. Unique or not boring relationship

3. Amazing plot

Even though one had downgrade but other two got hight points, I will still recommend them. But if the characters, specifically main characters are dump, 'high kick to the out of space.jpg'. <<less

haven't read this all BUT this is basically my ongoing list so this is also for me as well HAHA ヾ(*'▽'*) these are very well-recommended... more>> to me so I wanna share these to you guys!!! (⌒ω⌒)ﾉ ps: i'm not really sure if this is ACTUALLY underrated but i just haven't seen that much people talk about this so here you go!!! | 4.5 stars and above and in NO particular order <<less

Just a bunch of reccs :) please beware of the TW for some novels! The novels in this list are mainly on the angsty side and some fluff. Contains both historical and modern day novels. Some novels in this list are completed while some are close to being completed OR i MTL’d them and thought they were good. ... more>>

PS; i actively try to avoid things that portray characters as ‘small and innocent and childish’ (they usually describe the shou like this) so this list may not have novels like that! <<less

Note: All novels are rated above 4* and you can be rest assured to find some hidden gems here >o^... more>>

Okay, let's be realistic everyone~ ^v^ Human beings are not of the same mold, shape or size hence everyone's bound to have different preferences in some kind of form. Therefore, here I dutifully present to you my collection of novels that have had made the most impression on me and I can only hope that you may find THE ONE from this list.

PS. I personally love good quality reads that has a decent plot line and good character developments, as well as great translation work lest I have to destroy my brain cells haha Xd <<less

[Actively being updated.] All of these are, IMO, must-reads. Hands-down some of the best novels here. I've also included my own personal ratings and opinions of each of these novels. Well-written stories, great plots, characters, etc. I have relatively high standards for these to be my favorites, so these are all really high quality. I can't recommend them enough! coincidentally, all of them also have very high ratings (4.3-4.8)... more>>

I haven't finished writing reviews/ratings for all of them yet, but I will in time. Meant to be ordered by highest personal ratings -> lowest personal ratings, but haven't had time to fix it yet. These are also my own opinions and feelings regarding each novel, so they won't be particularly eloquent, and you can definitely disagree. It's just me rambling.

Also added some ones I haven't read but will read and I know i will love. Feel free to recommend any danmei too!

...somehow, this also turned into a list of danmei I also want to read, not just a review of the ones I've read. I really can't control myself from looking for good danmei. Though, I'm sure I'll get to reviewing all of these someday <<less

These novels are those that I deemed worthy of being called one of the High/Top Tier BL novels out here. ... more>>

There are also novels here that aren't BL but I still included them (in the list and in the comment box) to bring such masterpieces to your attention.

Also, those with a ⭐ are the ones that occupy a space in my heart! They are very special to me and I will read them over and over again!

10/08/2023. I will arrange my lists in the future! So excited!

01/29/2024. Making a second shelf! Link: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/85506/?ft=yes <<less

[NOT RANKED]... more>>

I'm tired of the double standards, third parties, unnecessary drama, scumbags etc. This list features extremely devoted couple! 1v1 HE. Totally safe to read. 

Gong (Seme) and Shou(Uke) are each others first & only s*xual partner; first & only love.  (Either it's explicitly mentioned, mentioned by the author, mentioned between the lines, or assumed in some cases if no other partners/ prior experience is mentioned). No exes, cinnabar moles, substitutes etc. 

No other partners in case of a seperation or breakup. 

No getting r*ped/ assaulted/ kissed/ mol*sted by passerbys or supporting leads. No love triangles or leading others on. If there's a harem it should be dismissed by the end. If either Gong or Shou are actors, then they should be the type that doesn't do intimate scenes. 

No kids involving other women (surrogacy). No marriage of convenience with other woman. 

P.S I only have requirements for the main cp. 

********************************
I'll try my best to eventually mark the details...

PART 2: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/80741/ <<less

Chinese BL novels/manhuas  + some Korean manhwas/novels getting adapted to live action (that I've read/heard of/know of) in 2022 (and some are later)... more>>

Let's read them all before the adaptations are here~~~ 

(01/22 edit: ahaha it might be hard now cuz of that situation with the translators, but at least here's a list for (potential) adaptations) <<less

I don't like abusive, dog-blood drama, and weak characterization. I don't like Imbalanced Couple where the Seme/Gong is too Overbearing. I don't like weak, femininized, Uninteresting/Lackluster Uke, or bratty/silly Shou whose IQ drop drastically when encountering the Gong.  ... more>>

So these are a few novels with good plots, and mainly consist of interesting MC and good ML I strongly recommend. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NOVELS IN THIS LIST IS RANDOMLY LISTED WITHOUT FIXED RANKING, and also these are only novels that I HAVE READ. 
This list will randomly be updated if I find another worth noting novel. <<less