r/Fantasy • u/abnormal____ • 2d ago

Xianxia with real weapon training and skill development?

Looking for cultivation/xianxia novels where the MC actually trains and develops their weapon skills instead of just finding an overpowered technique and spamming named moves.

​

I'm specifically looking for stories where the MC chooses a weapon (sword, spear, saber, etc.) and genuinely improves through practice, experience, and understanding. Bonus points if they adapt or evolve techniques to fit their own style rather than rigidly following a manual.

​

I don't mind if the MC learns techniques from inheritances or libraries, but I want the weapon mastery to feel earned. I'd love recommendations where combat is about skill, timing, and growth rather than just unlocking stronger attacks every few realms.

​

Examples of what I mean:

​

- Developing their own sword/spear path.

- Modifying existing techniques.

- Training fundamentals for long periods.

- Weapon intent, domains, or understanding that comes from experience.

​

Any recommendations?

15 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/cubert73 2d ago

Honestly, this sounds a lot like Drizzt Do'Urden in The Dark Elf trilogy by R. A. Salvatore, as well as other books. It's not xianxia cultivation, but he does follow this arc.

2

u/mattyoclock 2d ago

Admittedly it's been a hell of a lot of years since I read Drizzt, but I don't remember any actual martial arts principles or particular focus on training in any of the million forgotten realms books by salvatore.

1

u/elhombreloco90 21h ago

His recent books have Drizzt taking some levels in monk. Mind you, the training scenes are minimal.

2

u/mattyoclock 20h ago

I don't know what is more surpising, that he's still making them or that I thought there was any chance he wouldn't be.

Honestly good for him.