Martial arts manhwa has exploded in popularity, with one of the major focus on ancient cultivation, and jaw-dropping visuals that keep readers coming back for more.
One of the major key manhwa behind this popularity is Solo Leveling it introduced us to Korean manhwa.
And one of the aspect of korean culture is focused on martial arts.
Whether you’re here for elegant swordplay, profound martial philosophy, or just watching overpowered MCs crush arrogant foes — this list has something for every fan.
So, grab your spiritual cores and qi pills — here are the best martial arts manhwa of 2024 you absolutely need to read!
Table of Contents
1. Legend of the Northern Blade
If we are talking about martial arts manhwa and this manhwa is not there than the list is flop.
Legend of the Northern Blade is the soul of the martial arts manhwa world.
Legend of the Northern Blade tells the tale of Jin Mu-Won — a lone survivor of the disbanded Northern Heavenly Sect — as he silently trains in isolation to rise against a corrupt martial world.
The story’s emotional weight, combined with its beautifully illustrated battles and internal monologue, makes this one of the most impactful martial arts manhwa to date.
The story is full of twists and turns. What was the reason for the downfall of the Northern Heavenly Sect, who was behind it and who was the mastermind behind all will be unveiled in it.
The manhwa has completed and came to an end in the year 2025.
📌 Why Read It?
Realistic growth, powerful emotional themes, and some of the best fight choreography in manhwa.
2. Nano Machine
Cultivation meets science fiction in this action-packed masterpiece.
Nano Machine follows Cheon Yeo-Woon, an outcast in the Demonic Cult, whose life changes when a descendant from the future implants a nanomachine into his body.
Think of it as Iron Man meets Wuxia.
With nanotech guiding him, he masters martial arts at lightning speed, crushing enemies and climbing the cult’s deadly hierarchy.
A manhwa where many times you will get confused yourself if the protagonist in here is a hero or a villain from how he treats his enemies.
📌 Why Read It?
OP protagonist, futuristic twist on cultivation, and non-stop fight scenes with tactical upgrades.
3. Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon
After being betrayed and falsely accused, Hyuk Woon Seong is executed by the very sect he served.
But death is only the beginning. Reincarnated into a rival cult, he trains to rise again — this time not for justice, but for vengeance.
This manhwa is a masterclass in righteous rage.
Every chapter builds Woon Seong’s transformation from victim to feared warrior, wrapped in a rich cultivation system.
📌 Why Read It?
Strong revenge plot, morally grey MC, and immersive martial worldbuilding.
4. Bowblade Spirit
Think swords are overrated? Meet a protagonist who masters the bow like it’s a divine extension of himself.
Bowblade Spirit follows a young martial artist on a journey of archery mastery, filled with vengeance, ancient secrets, and mystical beasts.
This one’s a gem for fans who crave uniqueness in weapon choice and a steady power climb.
📌 Why Read It?
Unconventional weapon focus, slick archery sequences, and a compelling rise-to-power story.
5. Martial Peak
One of the most enduring martial arts manhua (technically Chinese, but loved across manhwa fans), Martial Peak has thousands of chapters, chronicling the long, punishing journey of Yang Kai as he ascends to martial godhood.
With deep cultivation lore, countless realms, and thousands of enemies defeated along the way, this is for hardcore fans who love epic-length progression tales.
📌 Why Read It?
Massive world, constant power scaling, and limitless adventure.
6. Tales of Demons and Gods
Nie Li, once the strongest demon spiritualist, dies in battle, only to wake up in his 13-year-old body with memories intact because of the powers of the temporal demon spirit book.
Determined to protect his loved ones and rewrite fate, he dives back into the world of cultivation and martial arts.
What he was not able to save, he will save all of them, while also this team put an end to the reign of the demon emperor.
With a school setting, rivalries, humor, and deep lore, this series is a must-read classic in the genre.
📌 Why Read It?
Time travel + cultivation + clever MC = perfect blend of strategy and martial arts.
7. God of Martial Arts
Based on the popular Chinese novel, this story follows Lin Feng, a once-weak young man who gains access to ancient powers and begins to rise through a ruthless world of martial sects.
God of Martial Arts features brutal duels, arrogant nobles getting humbled, and a protagonist who never forgets to return the favor — tenfold.
📌 Why Read It?
Satisfying revenge arcs, classic cultivation vibes, and intense action panels.
8. Heaven Defying Sword
This manhwa is exactly what it sounds like — a sword-focused cultivation epic.
Our hero inherits a legendary sword and a chaotic past, then embarks on a journey where he’ll defy not just fate, but the heavens themselves.
While still underrated, the crisp art, sharp storytelling, and sense of mystery make this a worthy addition to your reading list.
📌 Why Read It?
Sword lovers rejoice — this one’s packed with heavenly blade action and dark secrets.
9. I Am the Great Immortal
A wildly overpowered cultivator is reborn in the modern world.
Armed with ancient wisdom and unmatched strength, he casually dismantles enemies who think they’re hot stuff — usually in a “You dare insult me, mortal?” fashion.
It’s pure power fantasy with a sprinkle of modern-day social commentary.
📌 Why Read It?
Funny, dramatic, and absurdly satisfying. Great for fans of face-slapping cultivators.
10. Martial Master
Another fan-favourite in the reincarnated martial artist genre, this manhua (with a manhwa-style vibe) follows Qin Chen, a top-tier alchemist and martial expert who’s betrayed and reborn.
Now he’s back—smarter, stronger, and with a mission to crush those who wronged him.
📌 Why Read It?
Revenge-fueled plot, mix of alchemy and martial arts, and epic duel moments.
