Top Novels [Focus on Xianxia, Harem, Romance]

Top Novels [Focus on Xianxia, Harem, Romance]
This will be a list of my favourite novels after reading CN, JP, and some KR novels for the last ~8 years. 

I will generally focus on Xianxia, Harem, and Romance. However, there will also be novels noted for world building, character development, or other standout features which may or may not have romance. Remember that everything I say is within the context of the eastern LN community (e.g., 'Good Relationship Building' is relative to other LNs on this topic.)

The vast majority will be completed novels. TLs are in a few formats: (1) Human TL found usually via an aggregate site. (2) A decent MTL like Novelhi[dot]com. (3) Chrome or Safari's TL machine.

I hope to eventually manage to list and comment on the full list of 100. So, it’ll take a while to note all of them as I intend to give at least a brief comment on every single one. 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, or that various novels are all roughly equal imo.

I might copy and paste a comment/review I originally wrote for this list onto the novel's page, especially if the novel doesn't have many reviews.

My true No.1 novel by a very large margin would be “Villain: The Play of Destiny” by FateDevilAce. Unfortunately, it’s not on NovelUpdates (NU) as its author is a native English speaker. Really fun urban and then xianxia style story.
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loststudent999
Created: Mar 20th, 2024, Updated: Oct 19th, 2024
Created Mar 20th, 2024
Updated Oct 19th, 2024
CN (4.2)
201 Chapters Every 18.3 Day(s) 4005 Readers 38 Reviews 03-09-2024
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>>
CN (3.6)
6 Chapters Every 238.2 Day(s) 153 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>>
CN (4.2)
422 Chapters Every 0.9 Day(s) 725 Readers 12 Reviews 11-08-2024
Masterpiece. ... more>>
CN (3.9)
3 Chapters Every 111.3 Day(s) 97 Readers 3 Reviews 12-13-2023
One of the best executions of realistic polygamy in the modern day. This alone, in a world of mindless harem FLs that don’t seem to care about the other women, is what made me put this novel at the top. In a monogamous modern China, MC juggles multiples GFs. He is a scumbag who is cheating. He acknowledges that he is cheating. His GFs will not accept sharing him. Ensue a novel where he tries to make a harem work in the modern day and has a believable and realistic end. Coupled with good comedy, one of my fav reads. Some nationalism later on. While his girlfriends do react like normal people, admittedly they may... more>>
CN (3.6)
63 Chapters Every 106.5 Day(s) 434 Readers 6 Reviews 06-25-2020
Extremely similar to #4 on this list. 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. So you should read for the journey and savour it. Don't get agitated... more>>
CN (3.2)
52 Chapters Every 119.1 Day(s) 245 Readers 2 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>>
CN (3.7)
320 Chapters Every 1.5 Day(s) 305 Readers 2 Reviews 11-04-2024
CN (4)
493 Chapters Every 0.9 Day(s) 272 Readers 3 Reviews 11-08-2024
Same author, newspaper boy, as the previous 3. So you know it's gonna be good. ... more>>
KR (4)
256 Chapters Every 3.2 Day(s) 5778 Readers 85 Reviews 10-19-2024
A non-beta non-cuck heavy erotica KR villain novel where MC becomes a NTR villain from an ongoing novel. MC is grasping his new role and comes to wholeheartedly embrace his role as a villain with heavy OCD. Occasionally gets slightly philosophical. Heavy on the smut. KR text is written in a classical formal style which is very different from the norm and makes a very unique approach to reading but it’s sooo good..May be difficult on some readers due to MCs 'evil' actions. Makes for a very intriguing read with the awesome TL. Probably some of the best pure "writing" on this list. By "writing", I mean the way the author structures his words.
... more>>
CN (3.9)
27 Chapters Every 125.1 Day(s) 3667 Readers 42 Reviews 09-02-2015
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>>
CN (3.7)
51 Chapters Every 219.5 Day(s) 8685 Readers 100 Reviews 11-27-2015
Sequel to #5 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>>
CN (3.9)
195 Chapters Every 7.7 Day(s) 531 Readers 4 Reviews 10-01-2024
By one of my fav authors, Ji Cha. This guy is well known in China for writing harems and for a good reason. The women are not mindless vases and have their own thoughts, schemes, considerations, loyalties, priorities, etc. (e.g., One woman makes someone who loves her watch and listen as she sleeps with MC behind a curtain as revenge - Entertainment Spring and Autumn). ... more>>
CN (4.1)
0 Chapters Every 30.7 Day(s) 49 Readers 2 Reviews N/A
Entertainment Spring and Autumn takes a unique approach to xianxia in various levels: ... more>>
CN (3.7)
105 Chapters Every 3.3 Day(s) 228 Readers 1 Reviews 10-27-2024
This and the last two novels are all in the same universe. So the MCs all converge at the end of this novel.... more>>
CN (5)
50 Chapters Every 12.2 Day(s) 105 Readers 1 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>>
CN (3.8)
336 Chapters Every 0.6 Day(s) 731 Readers 10 Reviews 11-03-2024
My greatest regret is that the author's other works aren't completely uploaded onto a CN pirate website so I can read them. 
CN (3.4)
39 Chapters Every 776.3 Day(s) 5085 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>>
CN (3.3)
533 Chapters Every 134 Day(s) 2783 Readers 19 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>>
CN (3.7)
0 Chapters Every 2180 Day(s) 566 Readers 5 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>>
CN (3.8)
459 Chapters Every 1.4 Day(s) 2511 Readers 28 Reviews 11-05-2024
Objectively speaking, this novel has problems in writing, world building, character development, etc.... more>>
CN (4.5)
53 Chapters Every 326.2 Day(s) 13735 Readers 159 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>>
CN (3.5)
39 Chapters Every 506.3 Day(s) 8777 Readers 110 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>>
CN (3.4)
38 Chapters Every 113.1 Day(s) 1009 Readers 48 Reviews 03-27-2020
Sci-Fi/Cultivation. Some major plot holes (i.e., transmigration, siblings, etc). Simple cultivation novel with a space theme. Nothing complicated. Brings the human race on a cosmic scale. No racism/nationalism. ... more>>
CN (3.8)
100 Chapters Every 427.3 Day(s) 15592 Readers 303 Reviews 04-17-2016
Same vibes as AGM but smaller harem. Straight Xianxia. 'Prince in the mortal realm' ahh vibes. 
CN (3.5)
71 Chapters Every 86.8 Day(s) 4195 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>>
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Comments (10)
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  1. Mr.Mochi
    Mr.Mochi· Jun 14, 2024 07:23 AM

    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.

    Reply · 2 Likes · ·
    • broaria
      broaria· Jun 26, 2024 01:39 AM
      YMMV, as I've tried and dropped RI multiple times over the past couple of years. That may be because I don't like villainous protagonists very much.
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  2. Amma3010
    Amma3010· Sep 4, 2024 12:06 AM
    I would recommend Ave Xia Rem Y on RoyalRoad. Easily one of the best Xianxias I’ve ever read. The only downsides might be power system and slow updates(only once a week).
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • loststudent999
      loststudent999· Author · Oct 1, 2024 07:25 AM
      lol. I first heard of ave xia rem y years ago. I’m avoiding it entirely until the author completes it. I’m too tired of keeping track of ongoing novels. I almost exclusively read completed stories nowadays.
      Reply · ·
  3. Chayle
    Chayle· Sep 7, 2024 03:10 PM

    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 .

    Reply · ·
    • loststudent999
      loststudent999· Author · Sep 8, 2024 07:32 AM
      It’s crazy how I’m literally reading that right now. Currently at ch500 and genuinely loving it. Definitely top 20 material of all time so far. Will add to my list with a desc of my thoughts after completing it.
      Reply · ·
    • Chayle
      Chayle· Sep 8, 2024 12:48 PM

      @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. 

      Reply · ·
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    • loststudent999
      loststudent999· Author · Sep 11, 2024 04:57 PM

      @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.

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  4. lordmerlin
    lordmerlin· Aug 15, 2024 09:30 AM
    I definitely recommend "A Regressor's Tale of Cultivation," you'll probably very much enjoy the xianxia, relationship and "lower-higher realms" aspect of it
    Reply · ·
    • loststudent999
      loststudent999· Author · Aug 24, 2024 02:05 AM
      Thanks for the rec. I’ll give it a try after it’s completed.
      Reply · 1 Like · ·