Top Novels [Completed; Harem, Romance] w/ Desc
Top Novels [Completed; Harem, Romance] w/ Desc
CN novels make the mainstay.
These are my favourite works I’ve read over the years.
Focus is on good writing. I have a preference for a good romance (focus on harem/polygamy, but not strict about it) where relationship development is a focus or other standout features. There will also be novels noted for world building, character development, or other standout features which may or may not have romance.
I will try to order them in terms of best to worst. Though this order will be skewed due to sequels, because I subjectively prefer a novel over its objectively superior competitor, because a few novels have similar themes, or that various novels are all roughly equal imo.
See the comment section for several more novels not on NU. Read untranslated works using Google TL or a fine tuned LLM/AI like OpenNovel.
These are my favourite works I’ve read over the years.
Focus is on good writing. I have a preference for a good romance (focus on harem/polygamy, but not strict about it) where relationship development is a focus or other standout features. There will also be novels noted for world building, character development, or other standout features which may or may not have romance.
I will try to order them in terms of best to worst. Though this order will be skewed due to sequels, because I subjectively prefer a novel over its objectively superior competitor, because a few novels have similar themes, or that various novels are all roughly equal imo.
See the comment section for several more novels not on NU. Read untranslated works using Google TL or a fine tuned LLM/AI like OpenNovel.
64 Followers
Created: Mar 20th, 2024, Updated: Apr 14th, 2025
Created Mar 20th, 2024
Updated Apr 14th, 2025
#1Immortal
213 Chapters Every 31.4 Day(s) 4035 Readers 38 Reviews 06-02-2025
My favourite xianxia story to this day. Not an absolutely pure traditional xianxia like Martial Peak, as MC is an emperor who focuses heavily on kingdom building. Enjoyably executed traditional xianxia style romance. The integration of myths (Pangu, Hongjun, etc.) and his reincarnation is done really well, it being Guan Qi’s strong point in all his works. MC starts off as an old man and a retired merchant, so you get a calm level headed MC who thinks and plans his every move. Even in a humiliating setting, he’s willing to grit his teeth and vows to make a comeback (this situation happens halfway, so don’t quit). You can tell the author had a planning... more>>
6 Chapters Every 275.8 Day(s) 154 Readers 0 Reviews 12-18-2020
Completely undeserving of the #2 ranking as a standalone, so many better stories, but it’s the sequel to Immortal. MC is a familiar character from Immortal. The novel integrates really well into the universe of Immortal as they carry out their next action. If you found the ending to Immortal slightly lacklustre, it’s because this novel is a continuation.... more>>
647 Chapters Every 1 Day(s) 969 Readers 12 Reviews 06-21-2025
Masterpiece. ... more>>
3 Chapters Every 186.7 Day(s) 116 Readers 3 Reviews 12-13-2023
This made Qidian's top 20 master piece list.... more>>
63 Chapters Every 121.5 Day(s) 451 Readers 6 Reviews 06-25-2020
Extremely similar to the previous two on this list but on par with "I Really Don’t Want to be Reborn". Realistic polygamous relationship in a modern monogamous nation focusing primarily on business and romance. Extremely well done in the romance part. Primary differences are: (1) in #4, MC is basically a Long Laotian/Chad in terms of personality, whereas here MC is more a salted fish/beta (not in a bad way) and (2) the girls have more personality (e.g. elder sister is in charge of the relationship dynamic). This isn't a bad thing. (3) Romance here is better developed. Its a slow burn (veery slow paced) so its takes a while for any relationship to progress.... more>>
52 Chapters Every 134.1 Day(s) 248 Readers 3 Reviews 12-27-2019
This story has left me in shambles. It's a sequel to "my elder sister is a superstar" from above.... more>>
492 Chapters Every 1.9 Day(s) 507 Readers 2 Reviews 06-21-2025
This novel has stayed as one of the top Qidian novels for a reason. Even has a drama... more>>
634 Chapters Every 11.9 Day(s) 338 Readers 5 Reviews 01-08-2025
Same author, newspaper boy, as the previous 3. So you know it's gonna be good. ... more>>
276 Chapters Every 13.3 Day(s) 6065 Readers 91 Reviews 12-09-2024
A non-beta non-cuck heavy (including hardcore and BD*M) erotica KR villain novel where MC becomes an NTR villain from an ongoing novel. ... more>>
195 Chapters Every 22.7 Day(s) 544 Readers 4 Reviews 10-01-2024
God, I loved this one sooooo much.... more>>
0 Chapters Every 66.7 Day(s) 58 Readers 2 Reviews N/A
Entertainment Spring and Autumn takes a unique approach to xianxia in various levels: ... more>>
50 Chapters Every 27.3 Day(s) 132 Readers 3 Reviews 05-10-2024
Note: Tome of Troubled times is NOT Ji Cha's worst novel. It's just that the previous 3 are in the same universe and connected so I have ordered this list in order of how to read the 3 as a series. Otherwise, I would place tome of troubled time between Entertainment Spring and autumn & This is my Planet.... more>>
202 Chapters Every 0.6 Day(s) 3725 Readers 44 Reviews 06-20-2025
Some of the greatest plot and world building I have ever seen in a Xianxia in terms of immersion, not necessarily in detail. Very different from the mainstream. Harem but some die and others don’t join who by traditional xianxia plot lines should have. Immortality and reincarnation are 'technically' non existent and major themes. Takes itself very seriously. If you liked Tolkien and Xianxia, consider this a halfway point in terms of world building and journeying. Objectively speaking, this doesn’t actually have the level of detail and world building LOTR has, but yet it pulled me in with the same vibes and level of immersion. Not to be read and mindlessly scrolled through like MP... more>>
51 Chapters Every 234.5 Day(s) 8719 Readers 101 Reviews 11-27-2015
Sequel to the previous novel in publishing date but takes place prior in-universe. Similar vibes. A bit more relaxed in the beginning but begins to follow its prequel in terms of vibes. Romance is complicated with tragedy. If you liked STH, you'll like this. Has a third story in the series I haven't read yet.... more>>
39 Chapters Every 791.3 Day(s) 5093 Readers 107 Reviews 04-03-2017
Serious vibes ish Xianxia/Xuanhuan novel. Not pure wish fulfillment. I have forgotten many novels over the years, this is one that I will never forget. You are not here for straight fun like MP where you just shut your brain off. There is tragedy, heavy themes, war, deceit, children/pregnancy, lies, betrayal, racial discrimination (Not technically CN nationalism - rather within the in-universe context) etc. A novel that to this day has me reminisce. Admittedly, a portion of that may be because this was my first serious CN novel.... more>>
533 Chapters Every 149.1 Day(s) 2794 Readers 20 Reviews 06-29-2019
Not necessarily one of the best xianxia stories, but definitely one of the most memorable for a variety of reasons.... more>>
0 Chapters Every 161.5 Day(s) 563 Readers 6 Reviews N/A
Another kingdom building xianxia. But the kingdom building is a lot more interesting here. More plays, schemes, twists, and alliances. MC is already a prince here. His kingdom is part of an alliance of 9 kings with a mysterious goal. Very intruiging world building here as they play with the other kingdoms.... more>>
53 Chapters Every 341.3 Day(s) 13958 Readers 164 Reviews 10-22-2017
Read this preferably after you have read most mainstream Xianxia as it's a fresh break. Relaxed, no constant young masters, comedy. Most people aren't trying... more>>
39 Chapters Every 521.3 Day(s) 8791 Readers 113 Reviews 05-10-2016
Absolute perfect representation of a xianxia novel. The epitome, even. Has every single cliche expected of the genre, the good and the bad. Would definitely... more>>
0 Chapters Every 54.8 Day(s) 77 Readers 1 Reviews N/A
Genuinely don't know why this is rated so low. It has a comic but i am here to talk about the novel. It is a genuinely well thought out and constructed novel. Great writing, great foreshadowing and unraveling of the plot. Remind me of that quote by Tarantino , "A story is something that constantly unfolds. And I'm not talking about like this quick left turn or a quick right turn or a big surprise. I'm talking about it unfolding, all right."... more>>
71 Chapters Every 86.8 Day(s) 4207 Readers 50 Reviews 09-30-2017
Straight Xianxia but more focused in a single world. Not really focused on immortality, becoming the creator, etc. Not much to say. No endless realms... more>>
Comments (15)
Novels Not on NU That I Liked
You can read most CN novels using 69shuba if it was originally published by Qidian.
Eng Originals:
— Villain: The Play of Destiny
— Spirit Cultivation
— The Void Wolf
Mandarin Without a TL:
By 荣小荣 (Ruyi Xiaorong), author of Carefree Scholar
— 《妖女住手》 - Demoness, Stop!
— 《如意小郎君》 - The Charming Little Gentleman
— 《公子别秀》 - Young Master, Stop Showing Off
— 《大周仙吏》 - The Immortal Official of Great Zhou
By 海岸边的船只 (Ships on the Coast)
— 《谁教你这样子修仙的?》 - Who Taught You to Cultivate Like This?
— 《我娘子一个比一个诡异》 - My Wives Are Each More Bizarre Than the Last
Other Recommendations:
— 《太监能有什么坏心思》 - What Evil Thoughts Could a Eunuch Have?
—《逍遥小都督》- The Carefree Little Commander
—《 仙子很凶》- The Fairy is Very Fierce
Very thoughtful and heartfelt list you made, thank you!
However you need Reverend Insanity in this list- it hits different and changes the way anyone who has been saturated with generic xianxia views the genre.
Great list! I have some recommendations of my own.
Release that Witch
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/release-that-witch/
Its a sort of kingdom building/industrialization novel and pretty good at what it does, has a harem tag but I think MC only ends up with 2 girls. Romance isn't the focus though.
Shrouded Seascape
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/shrouded-seascape/
Great worldbuilding, sorta like a Cthulhu pirate novel with some kingdom building and lots of adventure, and some interesting heroines. Has some pretty crazy twists in the story as well.
The Experimental Log of the Crazy Lich
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-experimental-log-of-the-crazy-lich/
The tone is similar to Sorcerer’s Handbook with good worldbuilding and a quirky protagonist and friend group. More set in a DnD setting though.
Once Upon A Time, There Was A Spirit Sword Mountain
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/once-upon-a-time-there-was-a-spirit-sword-mountain/
A deconstruction of traditional Xianxia novels. MC is more balanced and the cast of characters stick around, sidesteps a lot of Xianxia tropes and has some really great fights. Has multiple heroines but in the end MC sticks with one. Pretty funny novel too.
Hi! I know what you’re talking about but usually I just ignore the notice as I’ve never noticed it cutting off chapters. Perhaps try clearing your cache and cookies so that the site forgets you were ever there?
Alternatively, you can try reading directly from a raw Chinese site using Google tl.
I read Sorcerers Handbook, after your recommendation. I’d highly recommend it too, but after reading 400+ chapters, I can’t say it’s masterpiece. It has a lot of filler, and a lot of the foreshadowing makes the story feel even slower. It’s fun if you like world building for the sake of it, but the filler is rough.
When you have future interference into the current story, and the future cast has their own drama you have to read to get a vague sense of why they are interfering, the main cast interacting with the event, seeing how the cast reacts to the event and then the story explaining the event, it bogs down the writing. Add on the fact that the event doesn’t really matter, like having a city wide virtual orgy, in which there is no s*x and the Main Character doesn’t event participate in because he’s playing video games of all things, and it feels mind-numbing.
Also some of the character arcs are really boring- namely the main female romance interest. Did you really pick up a fantasy story to read some trope power fantasy girl high school story? Cuz that’s like 30%+ of the story, and the further you read, the less relevant that side plot is. It’s even worse because it’s got a tournament arc.
You have good taste, but I think you have to admit, if you cut about half the chapters, it would be a better work. Do you really need to read about characters climbing multiple ranked lists when the only one mattered? Especially when the main character is just playing video games and doing chores?
This might be one of the most well thought out lists of harem/romance xianxia I have ever seen. I know that because I recognize most of the novels, there are even some I consider hidden gems, and rate them quite highly among the piles of CN mediocrity that exists out there. If I can recommend one novel to the list, it would be It "Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists". I may have a recency bias but I really think it's a fun read .
@loststudent999 Funny coincidence. Consider leaving a review on the NU, I think the translator is also doing great work. I'm interested in your Ji Cha novel ranking, do you really think Tome of Troubled Times is his worst novel? For me it's probably: 1. Seeking the Tao // 2. Tome of troubled times // 3. Entertainment Spring and Autumn // 4. This Is My Planet // 5. What To Do If The Heroine Escapes From The Book.
By the way, I'm a huge fan of ultra strong ruthless FMC like in Entertainment Spring and Autumn. [The Empress’s Gigol0] has a similar dynamic but I lost interest in the novel halfway through. The author of [My Girlfriend From Turquoise Pond Requests My Help After My Millennium Seclusion] also has another novel, [Cultivating in Secret Beside a Demoness] which follows the similar concept, maybe that one is worth checking out.
@Chayle So tome of troubled times was undoubtedly better than This is my planet. An overall better read by every account. But the latter is technically the last in-universe novel for the “series”. So to preserve the order I placed it last. I did enjoy Ji Cha’s other 2 mentioned works more than time of troubled times hence they are mentioned first. But all of Ji cha’s works are good so it’s difficult to rate them amongst themselves.
I haven’t read his “what to do if the heroine escapes from the book yet” so I’ll get to that eventually.
I don’t think im a fan of any specific type of mc (except the jap beta who I hate). As long as the mc is well written, imo it’s all good.
I did read Cultivating in Secret Beside a Demoness and I would not recommend it. It was a pretty stale read and needlessly lengthy. At the current pace, it’ll take till ch 2000 to leave the mortal realm let alone deal with higher realms. Ignoring the length, the romance is virtually non existent even though that was the initial premise. I can feel the author wants to play the long game for the romance but if your pair have been together for a 1000chs and haven’t even held hands, sths wrong. I’d say read the first hundred chapter and know that the rest of has the same mood with no sig changes.