You know that feeling when Lin Ming finally reaches the peak of the Sky Spill Continent or unravels the mysteries of the Magic Cube, and you realize there are no chapters left? It’s a literal mourning period. You’ve spent weeks, maybe months, following a spear-wielding underdog through millions of words, and now the "Finished" tag on the novel's page feels like a personal betrayal. Searching for books like Martial World isn't just about finding another story with fighting; it’s about chasing that specific high of meticulous cultivation, insane world-building, and a protagonist who isn't just lucky, but terrifyingly hardworking.
Most people get this genre wrong. They think any "Wuxia" or "Xianxia" story fits the bill. It doesn't. Martial World is a cornerstone of the "zero to hero" trope because Cocooned Cow (the author) understood the math of power. Every breakthrough felt earned. If you want something similar, you need that specific blend of alchemy, weapon intent, and a vast, tiered universe where the stakes keep escalating until people are literally swallowing stars.
Why Martial World Set the Bar So High
Before we dive into the list, let's be real about what made Lin Ming’s journey work. It wasn't just the Magic Cube. It was the spear. In a genre dominated by sword-wielders, the spear felt grounded and visceral. Plus, the romance wasn't a total dumpster fire—at least compared to some of its peers. You’re looking for that "one more chapter" addiction.
Honestly, the "Gold Standard" of this genre usually involves a few key ingredients: a unique cultivation system, a protagonist with a "cheat" that doesn't make them instantly invincible, and a scale that makes the starting village look like a speck of dust. If a book lacks these, it’s not going to scratch the itch.
The Heavy Hitters: True Successors to the Throne
True Martial World
It feels like cheating to start here, but surprisingly, many readers skip the "sequel." Set in the same universe but eons later, True Martial World follows Yi Yun. He finds a mysterious purple card that allows him to absorb energy from the heavens and earth.
Is it as good as the original? That’s debated. Some fans think Yi Yun’s journey is more creative, while others miss Lin Ming’s grit. The early chapters are classic: a weak boy in a desolate tribe finding a way to survive. The connection to the original series is subtle for a long time, but when the dots start connecting, it’s a massive payoff for long-time readers.
Desolate Era
If you haven't read I Eat Tomatoes (the author's pen name, seriously), you’re missing out on the person who basically defined modern Xianxia. Desolate Era follows Ning Ji, who is reborn into a world of monsters and immortals.
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It’s massive. It’s epic. It has a heavy focus on "Dao" comprehension. If you liked the laws of fire and thunder in Martial World, you’ll love how Ning Ji explores the Dao of the Sword. The scale eventually dwarfs Martial World, moving from planets to galaxies to entire "Chaosverses." It’s the ultimate progression fantasy.
I Shall Seal the Heavens (ISSTH)
Er Gen is a legend for a reason. I Shall Seal the Heavens is often cited as the "gateway drug" for Western readers into Chinese web novels. It follows Meng Hao, a failed scholar who gets kidnapped by an immortal sect.
The tone is different. It’s funnier. There’s a talking parrot that is arguably the most annoying/lovable character in fiction. But don't let the humor fool you. The cultivation is deep, and the "Ninth Peak" arc is some of the most emotional writing in the genre. It hits that same "face-slapping" satisfaction where the arrogant young master gets what's coming to him, but with way more philosophical depth.
The Gritty Underdogs You Might Have Missed
Sometimes you don't want a god-tier genius. You want someone who has to crawl through the mud.
A Will Eternal
Another Er Gen masterpiece, but this one focuses on Bai Xiaochun—a protagonist who is deathly afraid of dying. He cultivates solely to live forever. He’s a coward, a prankster, and an accidental genius. It’s a refreshing break from the "cold and brooding" MCs like Lin Ming. You’ll laugh, but the action scenes are still top-tier.
Renegade Immortal
This is the dark soul of the genre. If you think Lin Ming had it rough, Wang Lin has it worse. It’s a story of vengeance, solitude, and the absolute brutality of the cultivation world. There is no "power of friendship" here. It’s bleak, but the sense of accomplishment when Wang Lin finally breaks through a bottleneck is unmatched.
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Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality
This is the "anti-Martial World" in some ways. Han Li is just... a guy. He’s cautious. He runs away from fights he can't win. He doesn't have a flashy bloodline or a destiny. He has a small green bottle that helps him grow herbs.
It’s slow. Like, really slow. But it’s incredibly rewarding because every victory feels like a tactical masterpiece. If you enjoyed the strategic parts of Lin Ming’s fights, Han Li is your guy.
The Western Perspective: Progression Fantasy
Lately, Western authors have started writing their own versions of these stories, often called "Progression Fantasy." They strip away some of the repetitive Chinese tropes and focus on tighter pacing.
- Cradle by Will Wight: This is the big one. Lindon starts as "Unsouled," the weakest person in his valley. The series is 12 books of pure adrenaline. It’s heavily inspired by Xianxia but feels like a modern blockbuster.
- Dragon Heart by Kirill Klevanski: A Russian take on the genre. It’s brutal, long, and has a very unique "System" mixed with traditional cultivation. The protagonist, Hadjar, suffers a lot, which will feel familiar to any Martial World fan.
Addressing the "Young Master" Problem
We need to talk about why we like these books. It’s the cycle.
- Protagonist is underestimated.
- Arrogant rich kid shows up.
- Protagonist reveals he's actually a monster.
- Chaos ensues.
It sounds repetitive because it is. But books like Martial World succeed because they make that cycle feel meaningful. They build a world where power is the only currency. When you’re looking for your next read, don't just look for the tropes. Look for the "why." Why does the character want to be strong? If the answer is just "because," you’ll get bored by chapter 200.
Breaking Down the Cultivation Systems
One of the best parts of Martial World was the "Eight Inner Gates" and the "Nine Stars of the Forbidden God Land." It gave a physical, tangible goal.
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When picking a new book, check if the power system is clearly defined. In Coiling Dragon, for example, it’s all about elemental laws (Earth, Fire, Water, etc.). In Perfect World, it’s about bone inscriptions and ancient beast bloodlines. A vague power system usually leads to a messy story.
Avoid the "Clone" Trap
There are thousands of novels on sites like Webnovel or WuxiaWorld that are literal carbon copies of Martial World. They use the same names, the same moves, and the same "jade-like beauties."
Skip the ones with 2.5-star ratings. Life is too short for bad translation. Stick to the "Big Three" authors—Er Gen, I Eat Tomatoes, and Tang Jia San Shao—before venturing into the obscure stuff.
Practical Steps for Your Reading Journey
Finding your next 2,000-chapter obsession shouldn't be a chore. Here is how you should actually approach it to avoid burnout:
- Switch the Tone: If you just finished a heavy, serious book like Renegade Immortal, don't go straight into another dark one. Pick up A Will Eternal or Cradle for a change of pace.
- Check the Translation Quality: Before committing to a 3,000-chapter novel, read the first 20 chapters. If the grammar makes your brain hurt, drop it. There are plenty of professionally translated (or highly-rated fan-translated) options.
- Track Your Progress: Use a site like NovelUpdates. It’s a lifesaver. You can see which books are finished, which are on hiatus, and read reviews from people who have actually finished the 5-million-word marathon.
- Look for "Spear" MCs: If you specifically loved the weapon choice in Martial World, check out The Great Ruler. The protagonist, Mu Chen, uses a variety of powers but the martial arts feel very grand and "MW-esque."
The journey of cultivation is long, but honestly, that's the point. These books aren't meant to be read in a day. They are companions for months. Start with Desolate Era if you want that same sense of wonder, or Cradle if you want a polished, fast-paced ride. You've got plenty of worlds left to conquer.